2017 in Retrospect: "Pick of the Year"

St Pius InPrint has included articles on a broad range of subjects during 2017.  There are some 'gems' in here - if you missed one the first time here is another chance!

If you do not see an account of the event you were expecting to see, it may be that nobody thought to record it.  St Pius InPrint is meant to reflect the interests and concerns of the community, but it can only to so with contributions, whether informative, amusing or of general interest!  Let's make 2018 even better!

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January

A bond of connection, a privilege and a gift

Pat Jones wrote about her first-hand experience of the Depaul orphanage in the Ukrainian village of Zaluchya.  The orphanage was one of the beneficiaries of our 2016 Christmas 10% Collection.

Pat first visited Ukraine in 2014, and then every three months for the following 18 months.  She remains in contact with the Depaul organisation there. 

The Floral Ministry at St. Pius

Jan Morris wrote about the work of her floral team, on the occasion of the Feast of the Epiphany.

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February

Ladies' Lunch

On February 27th, thirty-four ladies met at Guildford Golf Club for lunch.  The organiser was Anne Hoye.

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March

A Quiz Night took place on 11th March, organised by Francine Mercer and quizmasters  Chris and Phil Mitchell.  There was a fish and chip supper and a raffle, and funds were raised to support a Lourdes pilgrimage.

"A Little Story"

The war-time recollections of parishioner Joe Raeyen were a fascinating snapshot of life towards the end of the second world war, in newly-liberated Antwerp, Belgium.

A Brief History of Lace Making

Anne Davie contributed this fascinating insight into the world of lace making, and its history.



"Forgive us our Trespasses"

Father Alan's illustrated homily on Reconciliation reflected the season of Lent and anticipated the Reconciliation Festival which was part of the First Holy Communion Programme.

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April

Blessing of Easter Basket on Holy Saturday

Kasia Bankowska brought an Easter Basket to the church to be blessed by Fr Alan.

12 Hours on Holy Saturday

We charted the preparation of the church for Easter in a series of photos.

Altar Servers prepare for Easter

Angela Sharpe  sent a photo of the altar server team enjoying a pizza lunch during preparations on 10th April for the Easter Triduum.

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May

First Holy Communion Day

Two First Holy Communion Masses took place on Saturday 20th May.

Also during May 'St Pius InPrint' marked the first anniversary of its launch as an online magazine.

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June

A group spent the weekend of 23rd - 25th June in the Cotswolds, staying at the Stratton House Hotel, near Cirencester.  The weekend including walking for some and relaxation for others and was organised by George Cranstone.

Churches Together in England:  a pastoral message in relation to the recent terrorist attack

Frances Allen brought this potent and timely document to our attention.

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July

An "Outsider's" View of the NJPN Conference 2017

There was an account of the National Justice and Peace Network Conference, which took place in Derbyshire on 20th - 22nd July.  Also listen to some of the talks here.

Organ Recital by Ellie Carter given at St Mary’s, Quarry Street at lunchtime on Wednesday 12th July

Neville Vincent contributed this.  Ellie is a previous organist at St. Pius X.

St Pius Craft Group Update

Jo Aldridge wrote about the Craft Group's recent activities and extended an invitation to join.

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August

Clergy Moves in the Arundel & Brighton Diocese

We said farewell to Canon Colin Wolkzac and Fr Alan Sharpe and welcomed Mgr. Tony Barry and Fr Roy Waters.  The full list of Diocesan moves was published.

Tools With A Mission

Helen Stewart brought the work of this Christian charity to our attention.

Message of Pope Francis for the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Frances Allen sent in this papal message.

Prayers for Cardinal Cormac Seriously Ill in Hospital

We published a letter from Bishop Richard Moth to the clergy, requesting prayers for the Cardinal.

September

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Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, RIP

Just before the death of Cardinal Cormac on Friday 1st September, Cardinal Vincent Nichols published a letter he had received from Cardinal Cormac; it is reproduced here.

The Lady on the Bike

This charming piece, contributed anonymously, recounts happy memories of a much-loved and dearly-missed parishioner. 

The Lady on the Bike - part 2

Our contributor listed 25 activities in which the 'Lady on the Bike' was involved, both in the church and in the local community.

OFS Southern Regional Franciscan Celebration

The OFS, or Secular Franciscan Order, consists of Catholic men and women inspired in their faith lives by St. Francis of Assisi.

Prayer Vigil for Peace held on 19th September

John Williams wrote this account of the Prayer Vigil, arranged for the Parish by the Justice & Peace group.

Prayer Vigil - Personal Thoughts on the Rohingya Crisis 

Further thoughts from the Prayer Vigil.

H.M.P. Send Catholic Chaplaincy

Elizabeth Lewis shared her insights into the lives, circumstances and concerns of the prisoners she meets in the course of her volunteer work for the Chaplaincy.

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October

Has the Catholic Church Reformed Enough? (Five Hundred Years On)

John Williams Reflected on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation
October 31st 1517 – October 31st 2017

A Farewell Message from Philip Kenny, RIP

Philip's inimitable smile, warmth, courtesy and charm are missed in the church.  In the last few days of Philip's life he decided to write this message; it was read at the end of the eulogy during his funeral Mass on 26th October 2017.

A Surprise for Sharmalene Fernando

Saturday 21st October proved to be the birthday surprise of a lifetime for parishioner Sharmalene Fernando.  Whilst she was expecting to have a quiet celebration with two of her three sons, the reality turned out to be quite different…

Refugees - A Letter From Anne Milton, M.P.

Mike Hornsby-Smith contacted our M.P. to express concern about the plight of refugees.  He was moved by the BBC documentary about the first anniversary of the destruction of the 'Calais Jungle'.  This is the reply he received. 

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November

Craft Group Christmas Sale and News

Jo Aldridge told us about the Craft Group Christmas Sale and the plans the Group has for 2018.

'Refugee Supper' Supports Bishop's Fund 

Another ‘Refugee Supper’ took place on Saturday 11th November, co-ordinated by Catherine and Alan Hughes and supported by a team of helpers.  The guest speaker was Aidan Cantwell and Steve Rowden was Master of Ceremonies.

Ladies' Lunch Enjoyed By All

The second Ladies' Lunch of the year took place on 20th November, and again was organised by Anne Hoye.

"Prayer for the Day" - A Christmas Gift

Mary Fox talked about a much-loved Christmas present from last year.

"Magnificat" Monthly Magazine

Monica Sutcliffe told us about this magazine, published by the Catholic Herald.

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December

St Pius 10% Christmas Collection 2017 

We published details of the shortlisted and successful charities in this year's 10% Collection.

CAFOD Lent Fast Day 2018 - inspiration in The Universe? 

There was a preview of an article in The Universe about the breath-taking achievements of Nick Combes and his business partner in raising some £17,000 for CAFOD and other charities.

Bishops call on UK Government to help Calais migrants 

A parishioner brought this press release to our attention; it is signed by Bishop William Nolan, President, Justice and Peace Scotland, Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, and Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Asylum and Migration, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Crib Offerings on 31st December to support new Crisis Fund

Right up to date now: Bishop Richard has requested that this year's Crib collection should support a new Crisis Fund.  This article taken from the January 2018 edition of A & B News explains the background.  The Crib Offerings will be taken up as a second collection on 30th/31st December, the Feast of the Holy Family.

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