Province 10's Mass for Vocations

The Province 10 Mass for Vocations was held at St Andrew & Blessed George Haydock church, in Cottam, on the 13th October celebrated by Canon Adrian Towers.

During the Mass, Canon Adrian commented on the tremendous support The Catenians give to the clergy and their support for those discerning a vocation. In his homily Canon Adrian reminded us of our own specific vocation and how we should respond to the calling.

The mass was live streamed on YouTube and is available to re-watch at https://youtu.be/4vp6sK4CxFU?t=94

Preston & District Circle Mass for Vocations

James Knight has been undertaking a period of discernment at St Clare’s parish with Fr Andrew Allman, the parish priest, since October last year.

He has lived in the parish house and worked alongside Fr. Andrew throughout the pandemic. He will be spending a pre-seminary year at the English College in Valladolid in Spain before entering full seminary. 

The Circle celebrated an annual Mass for Vocation recently and our President, Brother Steve Morgan presented James with a cheque for £300 on behalf of the Circle to help James with the expenses of his pre-seminary year. 

James has asked that we pray for him during his time away. 

Fr. Andrew, James, Steve and Angela Morgan

Some of the members of the Circle and their families who attended the celebration and presentation, - social distancing of course!?

LOPES STRIKE AGAIN

After 5 months of walking in couples, LOPES, more commonly known as Longridge Circle Walking Group, under the direction of Peter Russell, took the plunge at "normality" and had a Covid friendly 6 mile stroll from the Patten Arms, Winmarleigh around Cabus and Scorton.

 Crossing, curiously named, Gubberford Bridge and bye passing, even more curiously named, Shrogg's Wood 14 tired but happy walkers arrived at the Stepping Stones  Riverside Bar and Restaurant for a group photo:

With only a little further to go to the cars and refreshments at the Patten Arms the pace quickened and hungry walkers took their place at table, socially distanced, on the bowling green.

The writer, and Fr Tom, can recommend the Steak & Kidney Pudding with mushy peas and obligatory chips.

Thanks to Peter for organising the walk and Denise & Mary for directing him to the hostelry. A good day was had by all and we look forward to the September walk and lunch.

Those wondering about LOPES

It is the acronym for LOngridge PEregrination Society

LSA GO PICNICING

On a glorious sunny day in August members of Lytham St Annes Circle went to Lytham Hall for a lunchtime picnic.  There was ample room for people to form a large circle under the oak tree in front of the hall to be well socially distanced.  There were ten groups and plenty of room to wander about talking to others after dining.  This was the first time the Circle had met physically since lockdown and people were very pleased to be able to see others in the person.

 

Preston & District Circle's ZOOM meeting

Preston 144's June Circle Meeting was held online following the AGM.

The meeting was open to other Circles and nine 'Visiting Brothers' joined us.

Can you identify the participants?  You might need to 'Zoom' in!

A look back at some of the event in Burnley Circle during the past year...

Canal barge trip with fish & chips and a quiz;
Family bowls day;
President’s Sunday;
Meal in Southport;
Italian meal at Ballaro;
A visit to Burnley Mechanics to see the Blessed Trinity production of Annie;

Our Ladies' Night at Turf Moor;

Christmas Carols;

Lunch at Bistro 197;

Evening Meal at Palazzo with the Mayor of Burnley following a tour of the Town Hall (x 2);

Annual Mass for Deceased Brothers;

A talk from Burnley Talking Newspaper for the blind following a Circle meeting - a collection raised £80.

ACCRINGTON NEWS

In early February nearly 40 members, wives and friends met for lunch at the Brown Cow in Chatburn. Pres. Andrew Snape took the opportunity of the occasion to present a 25 year membership scroll and medallion to Bill Hargreaves. It was a nice gesture as Bill is now 94 and a resident in the Ribble Valley and therefore cannot attend many Circle meetings. 

 

 

The joint meeting with Chorley Circle in February attracted around 70 Brothers including many visitors. On 25 February Neil & Jean Goodall organised a Table Top Treasure Hunt at Rishton Cricket Club which was attended by around 40 members, wives and friends. It was an enjoyable and competitive event and finished with a superb buffet supper. Also in February the snooker team were defeated by Burnley Circle in the Provincial Snooker Competition on a re-spotted black ball in the deciding frame. April 13th was a momentous date in the history of the Circle as they held their first ever Virtual Council Meeting on Zoom. After some initial problems with both video and audio which caused great amusement to all partaking the meeting was deemed a success and will be repeated in the future.