REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF
THE
PARISH PASTORAL
COUNCIL
for 2000 - 2001
The writing of this year's report coincides with some major building works
on the parish hall viz the refurbishment of the toilets and the provision
of a lift. It is hoped that both of these projects will be completed towards
the end of summer thus 'opening-up' the hall to many who previously have
been excluded from many events that are hall based. Its completion will also
be the culmination of so many fund-raising projects that have taken place
during the past few years. To all these groups and individuals a huge and
sincere thank you for your tenacity and- vision frequently blunted by
disappointments and bureaucratic hurdles. God has been good so let us now
look forward and enjoy the fruits of an the hard work. Now onto the Ambo...
. The PPC has met on several occasions this year and'I am always amazed and
delighted to listen in on and share the reports from so many Parish Organisations
and Ministeries. It is obvious that so many people do so much good work,
often unnoticed, in an atmosphere of service and love. In 1998 my predecessor
and his committee decided to increase the size of the elected membership
to more directly represent the many different and diverse Organisations in
the Parish. Unfortunately the current PPC is becoming an unrepresentative
group with many organisations not having a representative on the PPC. If
this trend continues then it is likely that the PPC will have little knowledge
or information about the developments in some key areas of Parish fife.
This under representation follows the trend of several key Parish workers
retiring and moving on to different parts of the country thus leaving gaps
that are not being filled. The likelihood is that this will continue in the
months ahead with the impending departure of other key workers. With these
facts in mind we need to reverse the trend and encourage others to come forward
and 'serve'. As I mentioned last year if you have an interest in a particular
activity or organisation and you need some direction as to whom to contact
please speak to me, one of the clergy or contact the Parish Office. Between
us we should be able to point you in the right direction. A lack of new faces
and ultimately PPC representatives will result in the Parish Council becon-dng
narrow and isolated when what it should be is broad and forward looking.
Do please give this some real thought since the future of the
PPC lies in the hands of you the Parishioners. Don't let it slip away!
Finally, my thanks to the current Members of the PPC for their involvement
and hardwork. May it long continue! A special thank you to Joan Crosland
for picking up the ,secretarial' mantle at such short notice. Well done Joan!
My thanks also to the clergy for their continued support and encouragement
in all Parish matters with a special thanks and congratulations to Fr Richard
for moving from 'transitory deacon' to ordained Priest.
On a final personal note 1 would like to briefly mention Fr Daniel. I have
known him for several years since we performed on stage at South Ashford!
1 shall miss his presence and company and his unique ability to cheer you
up just with his smile and personality. My hope and prayer is that his future
will be full of hope and true happiness in whatever direction his faith journey
takes him.
(Hugh Sullivan - Chairman)
This year has, as always, been a very busy one, full of action. There have
been several highlights and one lowlights..
We all had the pleasure of attending Father Richard Bateman's priestly ordination
last October. Father Richard has settled in very well, as, indeed, has his
wife, Ann. His presence in the parish has been a great boon, and 1 am most
grateful for the invaluable support he gives me. 1 know that the care and
close attention he gives to his many duties is greatly appreciated.
Father George's presence, too, is greatly valued, not only by myself but
by many in the parish and beyond. Father George, as you know, had to have
a very tricky operation last autumn, and 1 am sure that his remarkable recovery
is in no small way due to the sea of prayer going up for him. It is good
that he is now almost fully operational (no pun intended).
We also had the pleasure last summer of welcoming Father Sylvester Onmoke
to St Thomas'. He fitted extremely well into parish and presbytery life.
It has been a very difficult year for him; his mother died recently, and
shortly afterwards his bishop. He was most appreciative of your prayers.
1 know that everyone will be delighted to learn that he has been invited
back for the summer months this year and will be arriving sometime in June.
The one real sadness, not only for me but for many at St Thomas', was Father
Daniel's sudden and unexpected departure. The full circumstances surrounding
the events of that departure are, naturally, personal to him. Suffice to
say that his going was a great blow to me personally - and to many others.
Do, please, keep him very much in your prayers. He will most certainly need
them.
The Archbishop is unable at the time of writing to send me a replacement.
It's a little too early for me to start stamping my feet in Archbishop's
House, but do, please, rest assured that Father Daniel will be replaced
-eventually! Again, we are reminded of the constant need to pray for vocations.
The longest serving member of the clergy team isn't me - I've only been here
a mere ten years, after all. It is Deacon David Avery. His quiet, faithful,
and influential presence is greatly valued by so many people, including me.
On the material level, the most important thing to report is the work currently
taking place on the new lift and the toilet renovation. 1 know that everyone
will be totally delighted with the result when they see it. The work has
met with a few snags - tell me when any building work doesn't - including
the discovery of the old coal cellar to the church prior to the new boiler
house being built in 1963. Another problem has been that the plans for the
original hall extension have been lost. Even St Anthony (and St Jude) didn't
help out with that one! Without plans, the architect and the contractor were,
at times, working blind, and several structural supports had to be incorporated
into the design. But we got there in the end. Everything should be up and
running by the summer. The whole project has been allowed to be completed
by the great generosity of a parishioner who gave us the balance on what
was needed. Thank you!
The same parishioner also very generously gave us the money to provide a
new stone ambo for the church. Once the lift and toilet project is up and
running I will be able to get my brain around that project. Never a dull
moment!
Finally, I need to thank everyone who gives me so much support - Brenda,
my secretary, Wendy, my housekeeper, and John, my caretaker - what would
fife be like without them? Neither must I forget to thank all those in the
parish who give extremely generously of their time and talents. Thank you,
everyone!
(Canon Michael Bunce ~ Parish Priest)
I know I've said it before, but hidden away in the parish is another parish
- the prison. It's a smaller one, admittedly, but just as important for all
that.
1 know, too, that many people (not evangelised, 1 hasten to add) believe
that going into the prison is a complete waste of time. They look upon the
men in there as beyond redemption - 1ock them up and throw away the keys~'
is a phrase one sometimes hears. If that were true, then 1 am, indeed, wasting
my time, as are my Catholic Chaplain's Assistants. But then we've got to
believe that no one is beyond redemption, even the hardened recidivist. We've
also got to believe that there is always the chance of reform. Most importantly,
we have to believe that God has to be the final judge. The courts can and
do judge the crime; only the Lord can judge the inner sin. We have to leave
that up to Him. So, with those thoughts in mind, my team and 1 plough on.
Often the work . is hard and unrewarding - but sometimes the fight shines
through, and all the toil suddenly becomes worthwhile. There are many men
in the prison who, despite their bravado, are frightened, dreadfully inadequate,
and terribly insecure. They haven't got much going for them - some can't
even read and write! As a consequence their self-esteem is, at times, almost
nonexistent. My Assistants spend a lot of time befriending the men: and trying
to bolster their egos. Not only that, they are in constant contact with the
prisoners' families, as well as agencies outside the prison itself in an
egort to put in place structures to help the men once they are released-
Many of the men in Canterbury prison are on remand and awaiting trial. Usually,
such men five at great distances from Canterbury, and often they are foreign
nationals. The loneliness and isolation of these men is something my Assistants
try to fill by just being there. I know that their very presence in a prisoner's
cell helps the men enormously.
So, please keep the men, their families, and my Chaplain's Assistants constantly
in your prayers. Of all the ministries in the parish, that of working in
the prison is the hardest, but, strangely, probably the most rewarding.
(Canon Michael Bunce Catholic Chaplain ~ Canterbury)
40 children are currently preparing for their First Holy Communion in May.
The preparation sessions for all the children continue to take place in our
parish school on Monday evenings. The parents' meeting with Canon Bunce take
place at the same time. The use of the school facilities provides a valuable
link with our school and we are able to draw all the parents and children
together, to help foster a sense of community.
One of the most valuable parts of the children's preparation are the liturgies.
We had a very successful celebration of the Passover Seder on Maundy Thursday
morning in St Thomas' Church Hall, as well as very powerful children's
celebrations on Good Friday and Easter Sunday mornings in the church. The
team of catechists - not forgetting, of course, Maurice Billingsley who does
a tremendous amount of work mounting the liturgies - are totally dedicated.
I must thank them all for their zeal, hard work and commitment. Thank you!
(Canon Michael Bunce)
In some respects the visiting of St Martin's Hospital by St Thomas' Parishioners
during the past year has continued much as before.
A resume of the work and where it is done:- St Martin's has nine wards for
admissions, medium-stay and long-stay clients, five of which care for the
18-60/65's and four for the over 60/65's. One of the five for younger people
also cares for day-clients.
The Chaplaincy team is ecumenical and consists of ordained men and women
and lay men and women. The Team's Ministry is to visit all the wards and
be available for all clients, relatives, ffiends, visitors and staff of all
faiths and none. We from St Thomas' are the only Catholic lay members of
the Team and in addition to these general objectives we try to see to the
Spiritual and Sacramental needs of any Catholic clients i.e. Holy Communion
is taken to those who wish to receive and any who wish to receive the Sacraments
of Reconciliation or the Annointing of the Sick are referred to our Priests
who then visit.
So far this is all much as in previous years. Keep reading ... the next bit
is different.
Towards the end of 2000, a lady appeared out of the blue saying she would
like to try visiting at St Martin's. She did so and is still visiting. The
lady is Sister Frances Slater of the Order of the 'Franciscan Missionaries
of St Joseph', who have a house in Canterbury. Sr Frances became interested
because she had met someone whose problems are so distressing that they are
causing illness. Realising that there are many people who suffer in this
way, Sister wanted very much to try to help.
Around the beginning of this year another lady came enquiring. She wasn't
sure if her Ministry was at St Martins but realised that if she didn't try
she would never find out. She tried and is still visiting. This lady is Judith
Roser and became interested via the RCIA. (Guess who she met there? Carolyn
Twohig who ministered at St Martin's until she and her family left Canterbury
just over a year ago), and also via taking a Chaplains' Assistants Training
Course at the Kent and Hospital. Neither Sr Frances nor Judith find St Martin's
an easy Ministry. Neither does anyone else. Sr Frances said that if she had
known what St Martin's Ministry was really like (not what she thought it
would be like), she would have said 'Oh no! I couldn't possibly do that'.
However God arranged otherwise.
So, the work is not easy. There can be negative emotions. But it's God's
Ministry, not ours. We try to accept people (as He does), unconditionally,
to just be there, to listen, to pray.
Our thanks are due to Fr Richard for his help to us and his Ministry at St
Martin's.
Also we thank the many people who have been praying during the past year
that more people will help our work. (Judith was, and is, one of the pray-ers).
Thanks too to Carolyn and the RCIA. Please, of your loving generosity keep
up those prayers.
If anyone would like to enquire about further information please contact
Fr Richard, Sr Frances, Judith or Jean.
Lastly but definitely not least, please pray a huge 'Thanks' to the God of
the Harvest who has called two new labourers into this particular field.
(Jean Johnson)
The Prayer Group is part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement and
meets every Wednesday afternoon in the Upper Room at 2.15pm.
Each meeting lasts one hour and includes spontaneous praise and thanksgiving,
a reflection on a passage of Scripture, a period of silent prayer, a decade
of the Rosary and
general intercessions. Individual prayer for healing is also available.
Each summer, the Prayer Group runs a course of seven weekly talks entitled
'Life in the Spirit'. The purpose of this course is to enable committed Catholics
to become more open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and enter into a deeper
personal relationship with Jesus.
The group also helps to organise a twice-yearly Day of Renewal at the Franciscan
International Study Centre.
(Deacon David A very)
There are at present 57 Special Ministers serving in St Thomas' parish. They
assist with the administering of Communion at 0 the Sunday and weekday Masses,
and conduct the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the church on Saturday
mornings. .
Perhaps the most important service rendered by the Special Ministers is taking
Communion to those who are sick at home or in~ hospital. In this way,
parishioners who cannot get to Mass are reminded that they are still valued
members of our worshipping community.
Each minister is formally commissioned by one of the bishops during a day
of recollection at St George's Cathedral or Aylesford Priory. They then renew
their commitment each year in St Thomas' Church at one of the Masses on the
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, (Corpus Christi).
(Deacon David A very)
This year, my last as UCM President, has been as busy as always. As you know,
we are about to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Inauguration in St
Thomas' parish, which would have been at the end of April. However, owing
to many varying circumstances and difficulties, we have had to postpone the
celebration, and it will now be on Saturday, 15'h September. At least it
gives us more time to raise the necessary cash!
We have had several events to get the large amount needed. These include
raffles, two afternoon teas, a bring and buy sale and several ongoing small
sales of goods. We haven't, however, forgotten our normal charities, as in
July Madorie Price invited us to
her home for a very pleasant afternoon, which raised money for these charities.
Our speakers have been varied, and included a talk on Reflexology, and a
very inspiring talk by Sister Marie Carrich on her life as a teaching nun.
Father Richard Bateman spoke to us of his time as a vicar, which we found
very interesting, and Mr Greville Harman showed us slides and talked about
'Canterbury City and Cathedral' one of the best talks we have ever had. In
April, Joan White told us all about the life and works of Thomas Hardy, and
in June Patty Baxter will speak on 'Hope Romania'.
We have had invitations to St Martin's and St Paul's churches, the Baptist
church, the Salvation Army and St Peter's Methodist church, and several of
our members took part in the Womens' World Day of Prayer service, also at
St Peter's Methodist church, which was very interesting and enjoyable.
Sheppey UCM invited us to Mass, with a party afterwards, as did Westgate,
Gillingham, Sittingbourne and Rainham. It is always very pleasant to go to
these events and meet other UCM members.
Many of our members attended the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Aylesford, a highlight
of the Diocesan year, also the Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham, a spiritual
and an enjoyable experience. We help at the St Thomas More Service in St
Dunstan's church every July, and we provided fight refreshments at the Rally
for the Guild of St Stephen in September. We also helped out at the newcomers'
tea party in the hall in October.
In June, we held our Annual Ecumenical Service, to which we invited ladies
from all the churches in Canterbury. They always enjoy the cream teas in
the hall afterwards! Unfortunately, due to difficult circumstances, we can't
hold it this year, but hope to be in business again next year!
Our summer outing in August was a 'Mystery Tour', ending up with teas at
Bybroom Barn, an afternoon enjoyed by everyone. One day, instead of a speaker,
we had a 'Fun Afternoon', when we played games and Bingo, and had recitations
by several members. Other members had brought along cakes for us, including
Celia, who always makes lovely cakes. It really was a 'Fun Afternoon'.
We do have our serious side, though. We lead the Stations of the Cross one
Sunday in Lent, and we attend the Kent Area Meeting, this year in Rainham.
Several of us went to the Diocesan AGM, with Mass in St George's Cathedral,
Southwark. At our own AGM on 9th April, 4 new members were enrolled, and
we heartily welcome them to our Foundation. Sadly, one of members, Mary Biesman,
died last April, and we attended her Requiem Mass as a group. In July we
had a stall at the Parish Barbecue in the Dominican Priory, and helped at
Adrian's presentation in the same month. In November, we had our usual cake
and grocery stall at the Parish Boot Fair, and the following month held our
own Christmas Party. We also had a Christmas Lunch in the Golf Club for over
60 people, which was a great success, as always.
So at last I come to the end of my report for the year. As you can tell,
we are a thriving group of members, with an average of 26 at meetings, and
a paid-up membership of about 40. We are always very glad to welcome ladies
to our meetings and talks, just come along and enjoy yourselves. As you know,
we meet in the Upper Room every 2nd and 4th Monday in the month at 14.30
hours, with Mass once a month. The past three years as President have been
hard work, but thoroughly enjoyable, and 1 have had wonderful support from
the other officers, my committee and all the members in so many ways. I am
truly grateful to all of them. 1 know I am leaving the UCM in the good hands
of our new President, and I know everyone will support her as they have me.
(Jean Walsh - President)
We have been leading our children in worship, both in the Upper Room and
in Church for perhaps 1,000 Masses over the years. Are we complacent? No,
not, even those who have been leaders for 15 or 16 years. Our newer leaders
help us to revisit the Gospels with their fresh approaches. One young parishioner
kindly shares her Duplo Lego to help her mother tell a story about Jesus,
and it helps to grab everyone's attention. Two or three young people working
together really help children open the Good News in their own hearts.
Some months ago we had a series of meetings with Anne Dixon, the new Diocesan
Catechist for Kent. New face, new ideas - we learned a lot from her and
colleagues from other parishes. We have tried to improve our communication
with our priests so that before Mass starts they know what the children will
be doing upstairs.
The experience of Masses with children has led to our Holy Week Services:
the Seder on Maundy Thursday, Passion Service on Good Friday, and the Children's
Gospel drama on Easter Day. These are important events for those preparing
for First Sacraments. At the Seder they re-enact with our parish priest the
Last Supper - Jesus' Passover with his friends. The Good Friday Service is
the Afternoon Service, pruned and adapted so that the children can 'watch
and pray' with Jesus. The Sacred Meal and the Sacrifice of Jesus are thus
taught in a very eflective way which includes parents and family as well.
And then the New Life is proclaimed (and three children are allowed to run
in church!)
After some very rude remarks I was surely meant to hear recently, 1 feel
constrained to say a word about the banners that appear in church from time
to time. They are intended to help prayer by linking a text (newly always
from Scripture) with a simple picture. Thought and prayer go into the choice
of text and picture.
Images have been adapted from Russian Icons, our own Saint Dunstan's manuscript,
children's drawings, photographs, and nature. An artist from the parish has
given her time and skills. Time is spent at the computer, simplifying and
enlarging pictures and texts to fit. The children transfer all onto cloth,
with pencil, paint, pens and potato prints. Of course we get splashes, unusual
colours; we also get a labour of love. Please, let the texts speak to you
- There is life in every word of God - and let the children come to the Lord
with their gifts.
Another group of children shared a day partly organised by Children's Liturgy
when Stelling Minnis Primary School took over the church for a morning -
and they left us a banner to remember them! They ended with prayers around
the font, now we are wondering about new ways to pray with our own children.
Could parents please write and say how you pray with your children at home,
and could, everyone feel free to suggest how we might pray with them in church
outside Mass.
(Maurice Billinglsey)
This year we have had a bumper crop of young people wishing to get married
-twenty in all! Couples come to see one of the priests at least six months
before their proposed wedding day. This time is important; not only does
it allow for all the essential documentation to be assembled, it also enables
the couples to attend one of our Parish Marriage Preparation Days. 1 am indebted
to John and Lysbeth Howell, the Kent Coordinators for Marriage and Family
Care, who give of their time and energy in running these
important days. It is true to say, I believe, that sometimes engaged couples
approach these days with a certain amount of trepidation. However, 1 have
yet to meet a couple who, having attended one the Preparation Days, doesn't
report back "It could have gone on much longer, or, "Thank you! What a help
it was."!
Canon Michael Bunce Parish Priest
The Lay Team, during this past year has continued to visit, to take the Sacrament
weekly to the sick and to work closely with the Ecumenical Chaplaincy both
at Kent and Canterbury Hospital and at St Martins.
Kent and Canterbury is in the process of change, for at the end of June,
Nunnery Fields is scheduled for closure. At the same time we thank the Anglican
Chaplain, the Rev Helen Connell for her support and encouragement to the
Catholic team which has been so appreciated.
1 During the past year Judith Roser, Tony Whitehurst, Brian Molloy and Sister
Frances have joined the team whilst Jeremy Rowe has resigned because of pressure
at work. Several team members are attached to Kent and Canterbury and few
members to St Martins. The team meets every two months to review its work.
(Father Richard Bateman)
Scripture Group meetings are held weekly in various areas of the parish so
that parishioners can meet in small local groups to share reflections on
the coming Sunday's Old and New Testament Readings.
Each meeting lasts about an hour and a half, each Group has a leader, and
notes are provided at each meeting for those attending. The notes which are
prepared in advance by the Scritpure Group Co-ordinators, suggest a Focus
for the meeting, and give some background on each of the three Readings.
Thus the meetings lead to a new understanding of the Scriptures with new
insights into the fink between Old and New Testaments, and the shared reflections
help in responding to the challenges encountered in today's world. Those
attending a Group have found it an enriching and supporting experience.
The Groups are always pleased to welcome new members. Times and places of
meetings are in each week's Newsletter, or a co-ordinator may be contacted,
Jean Pegg, 01227-453856 or Fran Connelibn, 01227760994.
The Society organised the following events during the year. Members of the
Parish who are interested in renewing devotion to Our Lady are always welcome
at our meetings, in the Upper Room at 7.30pm.
1. Friday 26 May - Talk by Mrs Joan Crostand, some glimpses into the Pope's
'Ut Unum. Sint'.
2. Friday 9 June - Talk by Mrs Pat Colan, 'appreciating some of the
characteristics of Mary the Mother of Jesus'.
3. Friday 29 September - Speaker, Mrs Ann Man-Cheung. 'Pilgrimages, part
of our journey to the Father'.
4. Friday 27 October - Speaker, Father Daniel French, 'religion & the
internet'.
5. Saturday 9 December - Speaker, Mrs Joan Blows, 'English Shrines of Our
Lady'..
6. Saturday 10 March - In Our Lady Undercroft of the Cathedral. A celebration
of the Feast of the Annunciation which included:
A musical mime and singing by the children of St Thomas' School.
7. Monday 30 April - Speaker, Mrs Joan Crosland, 'strands of Ecumenisrn'.
(Sister Margaret Mary O'Grady, L. S. U.)
Members of CCJ are constantly expressing their gratitude for the talks that
are organised which, they say, help to enrich their faith and assist in promoting
greater peace and understanding in the world. Talks that were given during
the past year, at 7.30pm include:
1 . Monday 18 September, in Longport Hall, Canterbury. Theme: An explanation
of attempts that are being made to transform people's hearts so that Jews
& Palestinians will end the blood shed, the injustice and the suffering
of both peoples. Speakers: Yehezkel Landau and Michail. Fanous.
2. Tuesday 17 October, in the Old Synagogue; Speaker: Mr Jonathan Lewis.
Theme 'Sir Moses Monteflore, a most unusual citizen of Ramsgate'.
3. Monday 13 November, in the Cramner Room, Cathedral House. Speaker: Rev
Father Lawrence, OSB, Abbot of Ramsgate. Theme: Jewish-Christian common
prophetical themes with some Christian examples.
3. Thursday 15 March,in Canterbury Cathedral new Education Centre;
Speaker: Rev Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. Theme:
Jewish - Christian understanding: our common ground; our common
differences.
4. Wednesday 16 May, in the Theodore Centre. Speaker: The Rev Jonathan
Gorsky. Theme: Jewish-Christian
common prophetical themes with some Jewish examples.
(Sister Mwgare t Mary O'Grady, L. S. U.)
In September 2000, with the support of Carrah Wright, Tansy Kelly and Father
Daniel, I became the leader of Noah's Ark Toddler Group.
The Thursday morning meetings have proved to be extremely popular. We offer
a balanced mix of activities plus 'toys and chat' within a relaxing atmosphere.
This is made possible by having a refreshment area manned ,by: our tea-ladies.
Mums and Grandmothers ,etc. can enjoy each others company.
Special events have been - September: A visit from Father Daniel, -which
we all looked forward to. October: Small fund raising events held every morning
session. November: Our inclusion into a Social Services Website for childcare.
St Thomas' School entered into discussions with us regarding a possible link-up
allowing more interaction between school and the group. December 7th Tea-ladies
day, enjoyed by all.
11th - We attended St Thomas' School Nativity play, a most welcome invitation.
14th - Christmas Party, Father Daniel very bravely chose to visit us.
23rd - Pantomime trip, quite an event!
January 6th , 2001 - After writing to Canon Bunce he has pledged his support
towards an additional event on Tuesday mornings. This will be a 'Music &
Movement' session, good news for the group and for future events with St
Thomas' School.
Update: We have made a decision not to meet until the work on the installation
of the lift is completed. This has led to us not officially meeting since
Christmas. However, 1 have had many new mothers contact me asking when the
group will be operational again. The mothers have kept in regular contact
with each other, as have the tea-ladies, we are all looking forward to a
successful year and to welcoming new friends.
(Pauline Harding)
With over 100 young people involved in scouting activities, our numbers have
changed very little over the past year. We are able to offer the opportunity
of Scouting from the age of six (Beavers) right through to the Venture Unit.
The Ventures provide considerable support to the other Sections and are a
very essential part of our organisation. Without thern, the Group would be
in difficulties with only a limited number of adult leaders. If you have
fond memories of scouting from your youth, why don't you consider helping
us in an adult role?
With the problem of adult leaders not being available until after normal
working hours, the Beavers and Cubs have been running at the same time in
the early evening. The Beavers have been meeting in the Hall foyer but the
recent activities associated with the construction of the lift have caused
us a few difficulties and both Sections have been operating up in the Hall
itself. In November, most of the Beavers, and a few older ,Cubs went for
a day out to Legoland at Windsor in the company, of about 6000 others! It
was an excellent day with the younger Beavers probably enjoying the water
squirting dinosaur as much as anything else. With a motto of 'Fun and Friends',
the Beavers have enjoyed both some serious work and a lot of games and
activities.
The whole Group should have been involved in the Millenium, Camp at Whitsun
but the weather was actrocious. The Cubs joined the Camp on Saturday but
the rain reduced the site to a quagmire and they had to go home on the Sunday
morning. The Beavers were unable to even come out to the camp at all. This
was a particular shame as the Scouts had been practising a circus performance
during most of the preceding weeks and were only able to show off their talents
to a limited number of leaders whilst sheltering in an old railway tunnel.
Father Daniel braved the elements to join us as well as coming to our Summer
camps. He will be sadly n-iissed by all the Group. The Scouts braved the
weather and stayed the whole time through to the Monday morning. It was a
camp that will be remembered by all for a very long time.
Both the Cubs and the Scouts went camping at the start of the Summer holidays
and enjoyed very full and active programmes including the Scouts visiting
the 'Grand Turk' in Dover marina. Even then, the weather was not perfect
but the quality of the camps made up for the Whitsun weekend. Earlier in
the year, we had three representatives in the County cross-country running
event and in the Autumn, both the Cubs and Scouts took part in the BMX
Competition and the Fun Swimming Gala. This latter event was our most successful
with our two teams achieving the top two places and enjoying the element
of competition between them both.
The lead up to Christmas saw us gathered for a well attended Church Parade
at the start of December followed by a visit to the Pantomine and concluding
with our own very special Group Carol Service. This told the story of the
Nativity but viewed from a somewhat different angle - that of a Grumpy Shepherd.
Father Daniel officiated for the service and we all gathered up in the Hall
afterwards for a little social. In the meantime for the whole of December,
the Scout Section was out delivering the Christmas post and offering an economic
service to the parishioners. In total about 5500 cards were delivered in
the few weeks up to Christmas.
The Scouting Organisation is going through a period of change and modernising
itself. In January, we introduced a different style casual uniform which
will complement the new formal wear when it becomes available later in the
year. The Ventures organised a very successful 'Beetle Drive' evening in
March which was much enjoyed by all who came. It seems that some people have
never even played the game!
In the approach to Easter, the Group went bag-packing at Sainsburys and the
following weekend were out in the town offering a shoe shining service. All
this was in aid of the Scout 'Job Week' (Bob-a-Job to those of us who are
a little older!)
We were lucky to hold our annual sponsored walk to Aylesford just before
the foot and mouth restrictions came into force. Over 40 members of the Group
(mostly Scouts and Ventures) completed the three day, 34 mile, event. A number
of other outdoor activities have had to be cancelled or postponed including
our forthcoming Whitsun Camp as a result of the countryside restrictions.
St George's Day Parade saw us out in strength parading through the city centre.
Our large turn-out emphasised the smartness and size of our Group and confirmed
the well being of St Thomas' Scouts. None of this would be possible without
the dedication of our adult leaders and a strong supporting core of parent
helpers. Our base at St Thomas' Church is equally as important to the success
of the Group.
Scouting exists to help our young people stand on their own two feet and
take a responsible part in our community. Hopefully, their participation
in the Scouting movement will produce the well balanced citizens of tomorrow.
(A lan Ross G. S. L.)
Currently, we have twenty-seven Altar Servers. 1 am indebted to Adrian
McKenna-Whyte and to Father French for laying the solid foundations of our
present enthusiastic and devoted band. However, like all bands, our Altar
Servers do need a conductor! Until I have a new Assistant Priest, I am afraid
the Altar Servers will be Chaplainless. 1 need to add, though, that some
of the older Servers provide invaluable support and guidance, especially
to the younger ones, and for this I am extremely grateful.
The Altar Servers come into their own, of course, on big occasions such as
Holy Week and Easter. This year they excelled themselves - well done!
(Canon Bunce Parish Priest)
The R.C.I.A_ Process began, as usual, last September. This year we were able
to introduce a few changes. Firstly, we were able to welcome several new
members to the Catechetical Team. Secondly, the programme has been slightly
re-arranged, and thirdly, we changed our venue from St Thomas' Hall to the
Upper Room.
During the course of the year, we have managed to cover a wide range of subjects
- from Baptism to the Four Last Things! All our meetings have proved invaluable,
not only for Mary, our Candidate, who was received into Full Communion with
the Catholic Church at this year's Easter Vigil, but also for the Catechists
themselves and for others who come along every Wednesday evening to journey
in faith.
Our hope is that many more will come to see the value of exploring our shared
faith together in an adult way. The R.C.I.A. 'table' is laden with rich fare
- 'come and cat' is the invitation addressed to everyone at St Thomas!
(Canon Bunce, Parish Priest)
The year has been a mixture of consolidation and change for our small group.
The membership has changed a little, and we have a new president. And a gentle
wind of change seems to be blowing in from outside. The Society has recently
reformed itself in three areas: its procedures, its training programmes and
its spirituality. As an example of each, we are now meant to keep more exact
records of the visits we make; one of us is trained in the art of giving
a presentation to other SVP members; and we are all encouraged to pray and
meditate on the lives of St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederick Ozanam,
our patron and founder respectively. The overall aim is to renew and strengthen
us for the challenges ahead, and efliciency, knowledge and grace are essential
for this. Another development is the renewed interest of Government in the
voluntary sector. The SVP is one of the few, maybe the only, organisation
in the country whose core activity is visiting people in their own homes.
Governments on both sides of the Atlantic may well be thinking of working
more closely with charitable organisations like the SVP. We live in interesting
times! But it will not change our basic work, which is to try to bring Christ's
love for the poor and needy into our modem world, as our founder, Blessed
Frederick Ozanam, first did in the slums of Paris in the 1840's.
1 should like to begin by thanking the outgoing president of this conference.
Mr Brian George, for all his dedicated hard work over the last three or so
years. He has been a rock of support, not least for myself., Brian continues,
thankfully, as a valued member of the conference.
The Christians Together in Canterbury Soup Run ceased to operate on 1 August
2000. The Night Shelter for the Homeless near Canterbury East Railway Station
now in effect provides the service. This conference provided financial support
to the teams from St Thomas's, and of course that support is now no longer
needed. But some of our members still help in a small way. Leftover sandwiches,
considerably saved and repackaged by city centre caterers, are daily taken
from the retail outlets to the Night Shelter.
While an SVP conference's main area of concern is the one within its parish's
boundaries, it stretches further afield in one modest way. The SVP's organisation
is worldwide, and though not ignoring genuine appeals for help from further
afield. We made a donation to the victims of the hurricane in Mozambique.
And we continue to support SVP Conferences in India, under the system known
as twinning. By this system, modest financial support is sent to each twin
(for whom it amounts to a small fortune) on a regular basis. The recipients
are people just like ourselves, SVP members committed to planning and bringing
relief and support to the disadvantaged. The only difference is they are
a lot poorer! Our twins are in the Indian cities of Bihar, Kerala and Anwar
Pradesh respectively. The other good thing about Twinning is that the SVP's
network guarantees the money gets to where it is supposed to. We receive
regular communications from eack thanking us very gratefiffly and telling
us how the funds have been distributed-
Our annual Christmas Party is an event that many people in the parish look
forward to, not least ourselves as it is one of the few times we are together
for a celebration. It was most disappointing, therefore, when we were forced
to abandon plans,to have one this year. Our normal venue was not available,
and no alternative. possibility presented itself. We resolved to make it
up. to all the regular guests. We made up Christmas parcels for the households
represented by the invitees. And then we arranged for the kids to go to the
panto at the Marlowe Threatre. Christmas was indeed a busy time. We also
helped in the distribution of other Christmas charities, including the Municipal
Charities food and clothes vouchers and the Lord Mayor's parcels.
One established fixture that did happen, thankfully, was the annual summer
outing. On 4 June a group of 35 travelled by coach to Aylesford Priory for
Mass and a picnic on the vast lawns. The kids made the most of the lawns
by playing football, and a great time was enjoyed by all.
Our normal work continues quietly on. We visit sick and household people
on a regular basis. And we frequently respond to requests for financial help
on behalf of needy families. Furniture for the recently housed, children's
clothing, school meals and uniforms, boots for the homeless, often feature
on our expenditure of the monies so generously contributed by the parishioners
of St Thomas'. 1 would just like to mention that this support is as a rule
not simply a question of firing ofF a cheque. We debate each request and
we usually try to adhere to our principle of visiting at the same time as
giving money, so that the charity is not 'cold'. The incoming funds 1 refer
to above amounted to the sum of £4,883. 00 for the year just gone.
I would Eke to thank everyone who has 'popped something into our little boxes'
over the past year. 1 hope this report has reassured them that we do our
best to make sure it is used in the right way, in helping the needy. 1 also
want to thank Brenda and John for all the work they do fielding enquiries
and helping communications. And last but by no means least, 1 am very grateful
to Canon Bunce for his continued support (which is far from taken for granted),
in acting as our spiritual advisor, contributing to meetings and promoting
our monthly door collections.
(Mark Bateson President of St lhomas' Canterbury, SVP Conference)
A Fly on the Wall
One or more governors visit the school each term. This is a reflection on
two recent visits by Maurice Billingsley. The first was with Aft & Mrs
Abbott to photograph 'An afternoon, at St Thomas' School'. Teachers were
not expecting us; we saw an ordinary afternoon, and very good it was. I hope
you agree that the photographs in church are a real celebration. The unusual
pictures will be on display in school - parents will be able to order copies.
Many thanks to the Abbotts for their efforts.
We found everyone working well, the children happy and at ease. Discipline
was good but not oppressive: there was quite a noise as we left one class,
who had been jumping up, hands in air, to show enthusiasm for the photographer.
But with a few words Mrs Meade soon had all quiet. This was just as impressive
as the purposeful activity seen everywhere.
Attention to individuals and small groups is a strength of the school. We
saw Mrs Arts, a visiting special English teacher, in action, as well as our
excellent Learning Support Assistants. Sterling work goes on in the corridor,
library and other odd corners.
The one unfavourable impression from this visit - no reflection on staff
or pupils - was the lack of space. Although 1 congratulate the school on
using every available square metre effectively, this crowding is a brake
on growth. Governors are drawing up plans to improve the budding and go some
way to tackling this problem.
Awayday
For my second visit 1 joined Class KD and Fr Richard on retreat at Minster
Abbey. Again discipline was excellent. Working in a small and unfamiliar
space can bring out the worst in children, but the class was listening,
co-operating, and getting on with work with a high degree of independence.
The children clearly paid attention to Sister's tak as many hands were raised
when Mrs Dean or Fr Richard asked questions. There was a good grasp of the
'Here I am' RE about Communion taught earlier in the term, and children were
able to relate this to the work in hand and the closing Mass. Thanks to Mr
& Mrs Johnson for their help on this day (and throughout the year).
And where do we go now?
1 saw, too, the magnitude of the task we face as a Catholic School. Yes,
children do grow in wisdom and faith. The 'death fairy' one boy spoke of
was the angel of death, the last plague of Egypt. Yet some children are not
familiar with the Mass or church, life. We cannot simply blame the school,
even if it has a responsibility to.face this. So do we all. One girl told
me she didn't go to church as her mum found it boring. I am sure she is not
alone in only crossing the threshold with school.
Our school in our parish
Integration of our school and parish is growing, but does not always touch
the individual child or family. We work together for First Sacraments, we
have termly Masses, Advent and Lent Celebrations, but what should be look
at next?
When the hall is available perhaps classes and parents could visit the church
together and take part in workshops. It would be good to plan such events
for children. The themes of the 'Here 1 am' RE programme lend themselves
to this. All children study one theme at the same time, in different ways
according to their ages, so any two classes could share a day together. Perhaps
older children might help guide the younger ones? Perhaps parents and other
parishioners could come and help?
Could social events be organised by School and Parish together? We hope to
invite you on a Centenary Walk from St Thomas' Church, via our school's previous
sites to our present address, with a shared meal to finish. And we will be
asking you to help our Centenary project - Street Child Africa. This Catholic
charity provides shelter and education for children living by their wits
or even prostitution on the streets of Accra and other Affican cities. An
appropriate cause when we recall the poverty in which our school began, and
a witness to the wider world about who are as a Catholic School - an important
part of RE.
My recent day at the school suggests
that RE at St Thomas' is on sound foundations. The task now is to continue
building the homeschool-parish partnership inside and outside the curriculum.
Congratulations
The Government has recognised the good work St Thomas' StafF have been doing
by making a special award of about £5,000. These awards have been made
this year to schools achieving improvements across a wide range of measures.
Well done everyone!
(Maurice Billingsley, School-Parish Link Governor).
Present: Hugh Sullivan (Chairman), Canon Bunce (Parish Priest), Fathers Daniel
French & George Marsden, Deacons David Avery & Richard Bateman, members
of the Parish Pastoral Council and parishioners.
1 . Apologies for Absence were received from Doreen Durnan, Althea Nesbitt,
Brian George, Aldwyth Clarside, Jean Walsh, Dan & Liz Rikh.
2. The Minutes of the previous AGM, having been proposed by Bernic Fisher
and seconded by Charles McGaughey, were approved.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes: It was pointed out that Mary McGillie
and not Bridget Avery was the representative for Christian formation.
Homeless Project: Father Daniel gave a report on the progress of the project
(called Becket Homes). It now had charity status, and there was to be a
fundraising weekend (7th - 0 July) to raise funds and awareness. A Lottery
application had been made and a property had been earmarked. £500,000
was sought from the Lottery.
4. The Chairman gave a brief report having been published in the Annual Report
of the Parish Pastoral Council.
5. The Finance Report was presented and
approved. There were no questions.
6. The Parish Priest then gave his report. He thanked the two Priests and
the two Deacons for their great work and co-operation. He then went on to
talk about the Lift Toilet
project and that work should commence in July 2000. Our National Lottery
bid had been unsuccessful, but that disappointment in no way would be an
obstacle, £35,000 had already been raised (thanks to an enthusiastic
team of fund-raisers and their supporters) and a private donation would enable
the entire project to be completed this September. Four tenders were being
sought for the work. The Parish Priest then spoke about the ambo project,
serious attention to which would be given after the Lift/Toilet project had
been completed. He added, in answer to a question from the floor, that the
Financial Advisory Committee would give consideration to the provision of
a toilet on the first floor. However, he thought that the practicalities
and the physical possibilities of this were difficult. He spoke briefly about
the ambo project, emphasising the importance of the ambo in the liturgy and
of its central importance after the Mass altar in any church. Canon Bunce
then went on to 'owning' the Church and being responsible members of it.
That omnipresent and overworked parishioner called .'Somebody' was always
being asked to do things! He thanked Celine Noronha for 19 years of devoted
service as an organist, Brenda Lippert, our Secretary, Wendy Miller, our
Housekeeper, John Spillett, our Caretaker and Ron Arcari, our Gift-Aid organiser,
and all those who contribute so much to the life and well-being of the parish.
7. Any Other Business
a. The Chairman pointed out that only those matters submitted in writing
beforehand and by the time stipulated would be considered.
b. Jean Johnson raised the matter of talking after Mass. The general feeling
was that this was a legitimate part of the faith family celebration; new
people were able to be welcomed and old acquaintances and friends greeted.
The distinction was made between talking in the church after Mass and talking
in the church at other times. People who chatted loudly in the church when
there was no Mass or other celebration either preceding or following that
tete-a-tete were a great distraction. There was need for consideration in
this area - and common sense!
c. Jean Johnson and others also raised the question of the urgent need for
more Hospital Chaplain's Assistants. Names should be given to Father Daniel
for consideration.
d. Microphones: Mary Jones raised the question of audibility, and referred
to one occasion when the sound system failed
completely. The Parish Priest pointed out that there were occasions in the
summer months when atmospheric conditions caused this phenomenon (ether).
The same phenomenon also caused police, ambulance and taxi-cab messages to
be transmitted throughout the church. There was, he had been advised by an
expert, nothing which could be done against the forces of nature.
8. Draw for the 100 Club: The 100 Club Draw took place. A cheque for £1,000
was presented to the parish. The £250 winners were:
a. The late Ted Caldin (his son Giles would be contacted). No 43
b. Frank Whinney No 76
c. Jean Pegg No 57
d. Mike Pocock No 19
The Chairman, who also runs the 100 Club, made an appeal for people to join
the 2000/1001 100 Club.
9. Marianne Wooley thanked Canon Bunce and Father Daniel for being leaders
of a jazz band and not the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan.
10. The Meeting finished at 9.15pm and was followed by refreshments.
1 . Opening Prayer (the Mass at 7.00 p.m.)
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the AGM held on 1 5th May 2000.
4. Matters Arising (not appearing on the Agenda)
5. Chairmans’s Report
6. Finance Committee's Report
7. Parish Priest's Report
8. Development projects
a) Lift & Toilets
b) Ambo
9. .AOB (considered & approved by the PP)
a) Communion to the Sick ( Tatiana Smith).
b) Gate to Church (Tatiana Smith).
10. Draw for 100 Club
11. Closing Prayer
12. Refreshments
.