‘We ought not to neglect to pray for the spirits of the dead. The Church undertakes this duty for all the dead of our Catholic Christian community.’ (St Augustine, On the Care of the Dead IV.6)
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November '08 News
Recent News
The main event of the month was the celebration of Sr Annette’s Silver Jubilee, which took place on 29th October. Bishop Michael, an old friend of Sr Annette’s from his time in Carlisle, presided and preached at the Mass, and chose this occasion to appear in his Augustinian habit for the first time as bishop. Afterwards, the refectory was full with community, family and friends for the continuation of the celebrations. It was a lovely event, much enjoyed by everyone. Many congratulations to Sr Annette.
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You will all be delighted to know that Sr Anne has recovered from her illness, and is now fully back in the community, after an interim period in Marymount and Bethany.
On 4th October we welcomed a group of Co-workers of Mother Theresa for a day of prayer and sharing. They brought their own speakers with them and joined us for Mass and Vespers.
On Monday 13th October a service of thanksgiving was held for the life of Mrs Dorothy Neill, who died recently in Marymount at the age of 104. It was attended by the community and other friends of Mrs Neill.
On 14th October Sr Elizabeth Mary and Sr Annette went to Cartmel Priory School annual prize-giving. The prize-winners included several young friends of Boarbank. Congratulations to them all!
On Monday 27th October, a group of ladies from the Methodist Church in Ulverston visited for a tour of Boarbank and for tea. They much appreciated discovering so beautiful and peaceful a place almost on their doorstep. This was a return visit after Sr Anne had given them a talk earlier in the year.
Eight of the community attended a Day of Recollection for Cumbrian women religious at Brettargh Holt on 30th October. Bishop Michael gave two talks on St Paul, and we enjoyed Mass, an excellent lunch, and time for a walk and to meet friends old and new.
Three of the sisters, along with Fr Hugh, were present for the final Mass of the Parish’s 125th anniversary celebrations, on the feast of its patron, St Charles Borromeo, on 4th November. Bishop Michael presided and preached, and there was a bring and share supper for everyone afterwards. Fr Parker told us that the congregation is now nearly four times its original size: prophecies of gloom for the Church are premature!
David Bushell organised our annual fireworks display on 6th November. Many thanks to him for another sparkling evening.
We welcomed the Meditation Group for their annual weekend retreat at Boarbank from 7th-9th November. They joined us for Sunday Mass, at which the celebration of the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica coincided with Remembrance Sunday.
We have said goodbye to two of our staff: Jutta returned to her studies in Germany after three months helping in the Guest House and improving her English. Sheley, a nurse in Marymount from India, has moved to a new job in Kettering. We wish them both well.
Sr Eileen went to a Prioresses’ Meeting in Morlaix in Brittany in the first week in November. At the same time, Sr Imelda left for a week in Rome. She was accompanying Fr Dixie, who was going there as a speaker and chaplain to a conference of Matercare International, a charity that provides perinatal care in poor countries.
Last but certainly not least .... Toni Lynch and Trish O’Connell ran the Dublin Marathon on October 27th in aid of Boarbank. We are very grateful indeed for their huge effort and for the money they have raised, more than £1,500 so far. We are equally impressed by their fitness and energy! Toni write as follows:
Running and finishing the Dublin City marathon on 27th October 2008 was one of the most exhilarating experiences of our lives and it was made even more rewarding by knowing that both Trish O'Connell and myself were raising money for Boarbank Hall Nursing Home. We would like to thank everybody for their generous support.
If anyone would still like to sponsor Toni and Trish, they are invited to send a cheque to Sr Imelda at Boarbank, mentioning the marathon. We look forward to a celebration of their achievement.
Future Events
The annual Advent Carol Service for Churches Together in Grange and District will be held in Boarbank Chapel on Sunday 30th November at 6.30 p.m. All are most welcome to this very popular event.
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