Kelvedon Catholic Parish Mission 1998
In June 1998 the Parish held its first mission for over 25 years.
The endeavour was intended to help parishioners make a fresh start in celebrating their own faith, and be better able to demonstrate to others the good news of being a Christian.
Help was sought from the Catholic Missionary Society in preparing the plan for the week and after 5 months of intensive preparation there was a public launch on Sunday the 7th of June with a spectacular balloon drop after the main service.
Some 3000 leaflets were delivered to houses throughout the vicinity, and even commuters on their London bound journey on the Monday of the Mission Week were invited to come along to the services.
More than 2500 people attended the services throughout the week and the spirit of peace and enrichment abounded. The week ended with a joyous celebration attended by large numbers of parishioners. Great Fun!
Measuring the success is not easy, but by any objective standards the effort was well worthwhile - and still goes on. A number of action groups were set up after the mission, enabling the parishioners to apply their talents across a wide range of good works, including justice and peace, ecumenism and young people to name but a few.
All in all, a great experience, and good preparation for the next millennium.
Peter Kemp 25th Sept 1999