Christmas lunch at Aylesford

The temperature has dropped in this part of the world over the past couple of days and the pond at Aylesford had chunks of ice floating on the surface.

Aylesford, the Carmelite Priory confiscated by King Henry VIII and re-acquired by the Carmelites in 1949, was the home of St Simon Stock who received the vision of Our Lady, granting him the brown scapular which is worn, in miniature form, by Catholics all over the world. I always love to visit the Priory which is a mixture of ancient and modern buildings, the home of a community living and working in the service of the gospel.

A forty minute drive in the coach took us there from Blackfen today for a "Christmas Lunch" organised by the Union of Catholic Mothers. I know it is still Advent but these occasions are a good way for people to get together, spend a day out safely, and enjoy a good lunch in good company. I'll admit that I did doze a little on the coach on the way back but I think I was not the only one.

Lunch at Aylesford

Each year, Hilda and the Union of Catholic Mothers organise a trip to Aylesford for the Christmas dinner served by the magnificent catering staff. Today after Mass, on a glorious December morning, Cedar Coaches took us along the A2 to the Friars. Here are a few photos from the day:



There were other photos taken as well as mine as you can see here:

Brother Lawrence O.Carm welcomed us and told us all about the 13th century Pilgrims Hall. It has a lovely fireplace in which a good blaze kept out the cold:

Many people bought books, medals and other Christmas presents from the Friary shop as well as having the opportunity to jon the Friars for Mass. We returned to the coach well nourished both physically and spiritually.

Garden Party

Our Blessed Lady smiled on us today as we had one of the sunniest days of the summer. The Garden Party was a very enjoyable afternoon, raising over £500 for the parish. The children had various activities to keep them occupied and Fr Finigan joined in trying to "Splat the Rat."

Parish Garden Party

There will be a Parish Garden Party on Saturday 13th September from 1-4pm, organised by the Union of Catholic Mothers. It will take place in the Presbytery Garden (entrance via the Small Hall). There will be Tea and scones, homemade cakes as well as games for the children. You can buy your ticket outside the Church after Mass this weekend.

UCM -newsletter correction

Unfortunately, there is a mistake in this week's newsletter. The Union of Catholic Mothers will not be meeting for Stations of the Cross this week but on Tuesday 4 March at 7.30pm, followed by the usual UCM meeting.

The coffee morning this week ahs been cancelled because of a clash with the Deanery meeting.

Union of Catholic Mothers events

Coffee Morning - Tuesday 15 May
Join us in the Small Hall for coffee and cake after 10am Mass.

Barbecue - Tuesday 22 May
An opportunity to meet other women of the parish and to find out how the UCM supports the parish. Not all members are married, or have children, or are retired. Come and join us for a chat and a burger or two!

Aylesford Pilgrimage - Tuesday 29 May
Coach places are still available, coach fare £7.00. Coach departs at 10.00 from the church car park returning at 4.30pm. Bring your own packed lunch. See Hilda ASAP for tickets.

UCM Lenten Lunch

The Union of Catholic Mothers are holding a Lenten lunch in the Large Hall on Saturday 24 March. Tickets will be on sale after all Masses this weekend and next weekend. (You may also pay at the door.)

Proceeds of the lunch will go towards the new stained glass window at Walsingham.

UCM Coffee morning

This wonderful array of home made cakes was prepared by the Union of Catholic Mothers for their fundraising coffee morning today. The UCM are currently raising money to make a contribution for the new stained glass window at the Shrine of Walsingham.