OUR
PARISH LIFE
NOVEMBER 2020
The Catholic Church in Weston-super-Mare.
Corpus Christi, Our Lady of Lourdes, St Josephs.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
· The Gospel calls the Catholic Churches in Weston to be a
living sign of Christ
· An open and vibrant community growing in Spirituality
· An active community where all are encouraged to
participate.
· To work with other Churches, to spread the Good News to all
and seek a greater understanding of other faiths.
Year of the Word
We are coming to the end of the Liturgical Year and with that we
come to the end of the Year of the Word. Perhaps you can be
forgiven for saying we never knew it was a special year. It has
been a very unusual year because of the Corona Virus but nobody
told us about the special liturgical significance of 2020. There
should have been special talks and seminars but they were all
cancelled like so many things this year. Can we do anything about
it now? I suggest we can make more of Bible Sunday this year. It
always falls on the Second Sunday of Advent. This year that will be
5/6 December. This is a week-end when we can pray for openness to
the Word of God. We meet God in the Scriptures. We listen and
respond. Scripture becomes our springboard into prayer and I pray
that reading the Bible will become more a part of our daily
lives.
Canon Tom
Welcome if you have picked up this small publication for the
first time. It is our aim to provide a link between parishioners,
to reflect our faith and our lives.
The weather seems to be getting worse, and with the virus
stirring again, more of us will be staying inside. If you know of
anyone who lives alone and has to stay at home, perhaps you could
manage a regular phone call to ease their isolation.
Do please continue to send in your stories and memories to us. I
am particularly looking for your Christmas memories as a child with
your family for our December issue. If you feel unable to write
things down yourself, please contact Angela and I will willingly
write it for you.
We all have photos or stories about our pets, past and present.
Please send them in.
The contact details are on the back page.
The Editorial team.
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MARIE’S RIDDLES:
1. I’m tall when I’m young and I’m short when I’m old. What am
I?
2. What has 13 hearts but no other organs?
3. If you drop me I am sure to crack, but give me a smile, I’ll
always smile back. What am I?
4. If you have me you want to share me, if you share me you
haven’t got me. What am I?
5. What goes up but never comes down?
FOR THE CHILDREN:
6. You’ll find me in Mars, Mercury, Earth and Jupiter, but not
in Venus or Neptune. What am I
7. What 2 things can you never eat for breakfast?
8. Who can shave 25 times a day, but still have a beard?
Answers to photo quiz (in October’s Edition)
1. Tracey Nelson
2. Margaret Rogers
3. Angela Clarke
Our Lady of Lourdes -The Friendship Circle
This group started in 2014 with the help of Father Martin. He
was concerned that there were some parishioners who had attended
Mass regularly in the past but now could not do so because of their
age, disability or illness, lived alone and had few or no regularly
visitors.
A small group was set up of parishioners who were able to commit
to regularly visiting those who Father Martin was aware of and who
would welcome visits. These arrangements continued when Father Alex
came to Our Lady of Lourdes. As Canon Tom has two parishes to care
for, it is more difficult for him to be aware of a parishioner who
can no longer come to Mass regularly but Maricris, the parish
administrator, is very helpful in passing on information to the
group.
Sadly, the arrival of the coronavirus has brought a temporary
end to these visits but, wherever possible, contact has been kept
up by telephone. We look forward to the time when we can again meet
up in person.
It is possible that there are other parishioners who cannot come
to Mass now and would welcome contact by telephone to keep in touch
with the church. The group members would be happy to do this and
ask for the details to be passed to Maricris.
Mary Studham, for the Friendship Circle
Time
Time is such a precious thing
It’s more than wealth untold!
It’s something we cannot store
and nobody can hold.
Life goes by so speedily,
Before we scarce can taste it,
And time can never be regained-
So why do people waste it.
Anon. Sent in by Liz.
MEMORIES.
I remember the sweep coming around about autumn time. He was
dressed in brown overalls and he covered the fireplace, front of
the fireplace and the surrounding area with dust sheets. He then
joined all his rods, with the brush first, and as he pushed it up
the chimney he told us children to let him know when we could see
it. Out we all rushed, and as soon as it came out of the
chimney-pot we all yelled out loud “it’s here”. We lived in a small
dead-end street (hadn’t heard of cul-de-sac then) and he would
visit a few houses in the street at the same time, so there were
quite a few children milling about and shouting.
I think our sweep arrived in a beat-up old van, although that is
a hazy memory.
Then the coalman would visit. Ours was a big man with a brown
coat on and the leather jerkin over the top. He had a flatbed lorry
with drop down sides, and put the sack of coal over his shoulder.
There was a passage down the side of the house, with a gate into
our garden; the bunker was just inside the gate. He just tipped the
coal in, and then went for another sack.
Jan also remembers the coalman coming, although their house had
a coal cellar, so the coal was tipped down a hole at the side of
the house.
Do please let me have your child hood memories; they can be
about anything you wish to share.
We all love a piece of nostalgia.
Angela
OUR GARDENS IN NOVEMBER
At this time of the year we really notice the shortening of days
and most chores have to be crammed into daylight hours. Fortunately
there are not many to do.
This month seems to be mostly a time of sweeping leaves and
generally tidying the beds and borders. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs
can still be planted.
Prune roses lightly to prevent root rock in strong winds. The
main pruning of roses is done in March.
It is important to protect tender plants before the coldest
weather arrives, also lag outdoor pipes and repair outdoor
structures for when autumn gales arrive. Also check the shed roof
and for leaks inside.
This is a good time to have the lawn mower overhauled so that it
is ready for next spring.
The pyrocantha in my front garden is loaded with berries, as is
the one at Gloria and Eddy’s and my friends Maureen and Colin’s.
The holly trees locally seem to be just getting their berries.
The old folk lore says that if the trees have a lot of berries
to feed the birds it will be a cold winter.
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit – wisdom is not
putting it in a fruit salad.
BEAUTIFUL SUMMER CONTAINERS
From Liz and John.
“Our troughs were panted with; - lobelia, cineraria, fuchsias
and bedding begonias.”
We have recently cleared them and planted with; - pansies,
violas, cyclamen and spring flowering bulbs”.
Thank you Liz and John. These are beautiful.
CATS AT REST
Here is Dorothy’s cat Wellington (known as welly to his friends)
settling into the teddy chair for his afternoon nap. He is thought
to be 16 or 17years old.
Relaxation feline style - Dorothy’s other boy Fluffy showing how
to make the best of the sunshine.
This lovely boy turned up at the bottom of the garden in a very
sorry state, bedraggled, hungry and scared. With a lot of patience,
putting food first where he appeared, and then moving it gradually
up the garden, then into the shed, Dorothy managed eventually,
after quite a few months to get him to come into the house.
It took a long time to get his confidence but he is now a
friendly lap cat and as you see well fed, sleek and oh so
comfortable.
HIBERNATION
Only three British animals truly hibernate, all our bat species,
hedgehogs and the dormouse hibernate from around October-November
until March-April the following year.
Once they’re ready to hibernate, they instinctively slow their
metabolism down to use as little energy as possible, their heart
rate drops as does their breathing and they enter a state of deep
hibernation.
Many reptiles go into a version of hibernation called
‘brumation’ which is similar to hibernation. This is because
reptiles are cold blooded and rely on the sun to regulate their
body temperature so hibernation is essential for their survival in
colder climates.
So cute, a sleeping dormouse.
Do please be careful if you have piled leaves and twigs in the
garden, left for a while, and are going to light them. Please
spread it flat, there could be a hibernating hedgehog in there.
They tend to crawl into dark places.
If you have space, pile leaves and twigs in a corner and leave
all winter. Just maybe you will provide sleeping quarters for a
hibernating animal.
Dorothy has a hedgehog in her front garden. We believe it is
living under a large shrub in a corner. It is being well fed (as
are all Dorothy’s visitors) a plate of meal worms being left out at
night and the plate is empty in the morning. The hope is that Henry
(or Henrietta) will hibernate under this shrub, as it is in an
undisturbed part of the garden.
ETHICAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS
If you feel someone you know seems to have everything and you
can’t think of a gift, perhaps these ideas will help.
CAFOD World Gifts
Teach someone to read. Reading opens up so many doors, your gift
funds literacy classes for vulnerable people. £10.00
Happy queen bee. Provide a queen bee to build a hive the queen
will attract bees to the hive. £4.00
Chirpy chickens. Provide chickens along with the training to
help them look after them £20.00
The goat that gives will provide a family with milk to use for
them or to sell. Will also provide fertilizer for the crops to grow
to feed themselves. £28.00
If you’re interested you can ring 0808 1400014 for a
catalogue.
TWAM – Tools with a mission
Many of you knew Bob Clarke was a fine woodworker/carpenter, who
made articles for our church. TWAM (Tools with a Mission) was a
charity dear to his heart as they help people in Africa gain a
trade. When he passed away he left a workshop full of wood working
tools which I donated to TWAM, knowing they would be put to good
use. These gifts provide kits for the vulnerable to help them lead
useful lives.
Hand Knitting kit - £8.00
Containing needles, wool, patterns and everything for hand
knitting and sewing together a jumper, to provide clothes for the
family.
Computer kit - £35.00
The world runs on computers and Africa is no different, Young
people dreaming of work in an office must be able to use a
computer.
Plumbers kit - £20.00
Plumbing is becoming ever more important across Africa as
toilets and bathrooms become more common place in the home. Not
only will this kit benefit the newly trained plumber but the health
of every family who benefits from their work.
Sewing Kit - £10.00
A sewing kit is supplied with every sewing machine and includes
everything the newly trained tailor needs to get their small
business off the ground.
To get a catalogue ring 01473 210220 or via their website.
NOVEMBER DAYS
1st. All Saints day – is a Christian solemnity celebrated in
honour of all the Saints known and unknown.
2nd. All Souls day – a day of remembrance and prayer for the
souls of those who have died.
8th. Remembrance Sunday – Remembering the fallen in all
conflicts. The British Legion are encouraging people to go outside
their doors today for the two minute silence. There will be no
march past at the cenotaph this year and the remembrance ceremony
at the cenotaph will go ahead behind closed doors.
11th Armistice day – The anniversary of the World War1
armistice.
30th. Feast day of St Andrew – Patron Saint of Scotland
The New Testament states that Andrew was the bother of Simon
Peter, both he and his brother were fishermen and both were called
by Jesus to become disciples. Andrew was said to have been
crucified on an x – shaped cross or “saltire” now commonly known as
St Andrews cross and used in the flag of Scotland.
Some relics of St Andrew are kept at St Mary’s Catholic
Cathedral in Edinburgh.
St Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for over a thousand
years; it wasn’t until 1320 that he officially became Scotland’s
patron saint.
THE POPPY
Poppies started to grow in the battle fields, prompting the poem
’In Flanders Fields’ by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon
who spotted the poppies growing while tending the wounded at
Ypres.
The poem published in 1915 was used in countless memorial
ceremonies, and the poppy was adopted as a symbol of the
fallen.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie.
In Flanders fields
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
WELLINGTON BOOT SOCKS
It is now the season for welly boots, how about a pair of hand
knitted socks to go inside.
These lovely socks are knitted by my sister in law Dorothy. They
are unisex and one size fits all as they are stretchy. There are
also smaller ones for children.
The patterns are a lucky dip; no two pairs are the same.
Bottom right of the picture are a pair of knitted slippers.
Again a lucky dip on patterns. Children’s and women’s sizes are
available. The socks are really warm, and I wear mine in the
evenings in winter to keep my feet warm. WARNING! Do not use socks
or slippers on polished wood floors, carpets only.
All Dorothy asks for is a donation to her charity, suggested
donation £4.00 for socks, £3.00 for slippers. Donations can be
dropped into the presbytery letter box marked, for the attention of
Angela, socks can be collected from the presbytery, during office
hours only, Tues to Fri 9-12. Please ring Angela to order.
The charity is AMAUDO, supporting mental health in South East
Nigeria.
It was founded in 1989 by Rosalind Cowell to help the growing
numbers of mentally ill people on the streets. The charity works to
deliver practical, emotional, educational, and psychiatric care in
communities as well as at their two residential centres.
At the centre of the residential centre is a chapel and all
residents are encouraged to attend for prayers and hymns. A strong
Christian ethic underpins the work of the charity. Residents are
taught a trade such as tailoring or becoming a barber, so they can
work on leaving the centre.
More about the work of the charity can be found at
www.amaudo.org
THE STARLING
The blackbird is the king of May,
the thrush the April’s rain,
but for me the starling
that sings the winter through.
The finches are a gay tribe
Along the hawthorn lane
But – oh – the sober starling
Whose note is always new!
The plover rings the March miles
with longing sweet and long,
June nightingales remember
the bosky woods of Greece’
but for me a starling’s whistle
prolonging into song,
sounds from the winters’ roof tops
a sunlit meadows peace.
Anon
I didn’t know starlings could sing but just made a racket. Their
flying formations at sunset are wonderful though.
Margaret.
Starlings sing in all seasons and not just to find a mate. These
birds also mimic the calls of other birds like eagles or raptors.
Some can even imitate the sounds of cats and engines.
PARISH PRAYERS
Happy are those who knock on Heaven’s gate by prayer,
God will hear and will open to them.
Lord I pray for my family and friends, my neighbours at home, at
work, the ones I like and the ones I dislike.
For those who are ill…………
Say the names of the people you know are ill
For those who are troubled and those who mourn. For the lonely
and unloved. For the oppressed. For those involved in disaster or
war.
Bless them Father, in their various troubles, and show me how I
may help.
Amen.
O Heavenly Father, your will for me (and for all men) is my
eternal happiness now and forever. I thank you for the blessings
you have given me and ask for strength to walk in the way where you
lead me. Help me to remember the love of Jesus shown on the cross
and to accept the new life and love and freedom which he offers to
me.
Amen
SILLY LITTLE THINGS
We all seem to have a soft spot for the little things in life
and now need them more than ever. Here are a few:
Finding money in an old coat pocket.
Waking up to sunshine.
Receiving an unexpected gift in the post.
Getting a compliment from a stranger.
Getting into bed with freshly clean sheets.
Watching the sunset.
And especially now – having an extra hour in bed.
What are your favourite little things. Please share them with
us.
Riddle answers.
1. A candle.
1. A pack of cards
1. A mirror
1. A secret.
1. Your age.
1. The letter R
1. Lunch and dinner.
1. A barber.
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor – in – chief Canon Tom
Editor and compiler – Angela Clarke- to contact me;
Phone 01934 647807 or email [email protected]
Or left in my pigeon hole, at the presbytery marked for my
attention, or if OLOL given to Canon Tom to bring back.
Publishing and distribution Tracey
December issue to Angela no later than Friday 20th November
please, otherwise I cannot guarantee it will be included.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
With kind permission of Joseph Meigh
