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Parish History Centenary Centenary Celebration—June 1992 Sacred Heart—This is Your Life by Theresa Short The newspaper headline was: “Leighton Buzzard’s 100 Years of Faith” and I certainly felt as though I was embarking upon an Act of Faith when we launched the idea of a Centenary Musical. What was going to happen after I stood at the front of the church and invited performers to come forward, I had no idea! We needed singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors—any offer of talent really from the young people. The response was amazing and the balance of talent was perfect. Fifty youngsters worked together for about six months to produce two wonderful performances of which we were all so proud.
The lively historical journey began in 1892, and spanned 100 years in the lives of a pilgrim people at Sacred Heart. We were transported back to when a small group of people invited Fr Parkes from Wolverton to come and say Mass in a small room above premises in North Street, through the building of the “Tin Church”, the welcoming of the Polish and Italian immigrants during the war time, the building of the new larger church in 1952 and the opening of the hall in 1968. We were taken through a year in the life of our church and every priest who had been at Sacred Heart had his own special mention. In a lively list of all the activities that occur nowadays, all the children took on the various numerous roles, culminating with - All of us work together beside our Father Steve. We look to him to lead us in the faith that we believe. He shares so much and gives so much and always shows he cares. Please know how much we love you and support you with our prayers. Finally, we came full circle from that small upper room to the present day when we invite our Priest to say Mass, not in a big church, but in small rooms in the houses of parishioners. The final song, for which the children made a circle all round the altar and danced all round the church, was the memorable “celebration of 100 Years”. This was performed again for our mission in 1997. The age range of the performers was from 6 to 18. We had a priest of a mere eight, and the Bishop was all of fourteen! We had a lively, smiling choir, accompanied most sensitively by a well balanced orchestra. Father Stephen said one day— To Theresa, sitting in the church, “ ‘Tis a hundred years since this all began, Don’t leave me in the lurch - Think of something you could do To celebrate this austere occasion. Make it happy, merry and bright, Some music, some song, some joyful oblation - To tell the people of Leighton Buzzard That here, somewhere about In the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and ninety –two Some people met, and despite their doubts, Invited a priest to offer up Mass. Don’t you think we could have a bit of a do?”
So we did it! I, with my composing partner Eileen Franks, set to work and this was the result. The whole event was a most wonderful and moving experience. I felt very privileged to take on such a venture and will always be so grateful to all the children who took part, our generous team of willing helpers, and especially to Father Steve for his constant support and encouragement.
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