Cross Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady - Penzance - website - part of the Parish of The Holy Family

'ROSEVEAN REVIEW'
We hope you enjoy reading a selection of articles from the March 2001, (Volume 3, Issue 1) issue
of our parish magazine The editors take no responsibility for views expressed by contributors to this publication

The articles do not appear here in any particular order

Cormac's Comment

Cad a dheanfaimid feasta gan adhmad? Ta deirreadha na gcoillte ar lar
translation
:
What will we do in future without timber? The elimination of the woods is at hand
 

I have remembered this Irish lament learned while I was at school. The poet mourns the deforestation of his land. Loss like this becomes inconsolable. It compares to the loss experienced by fisherfolk when whole species of fish are at near extinction point. There are no longer look-outs on the headlands of Cornwall to call out when shoals of pilchards swam into view. The loss of many other kinds of fish and the imposition of quotas has meant a loss of livelihood for thousands of fishermen. 

The closure of the Cornish mines and all but a few of the nation's coal mines has also meant that whole communities have seen their livelihoods disappear. 

And now we watch, with horror in our hearts, as the nation's herds are under threat from Foot and Mouth. The suffering of those farmers who have lost whole herds can only be guessed at. The rest of the farming community continues to watch and wait in dread. This is a time for the Churches to offer prayers and practical support. It is a time for Government to be generous in compensating all who suffer in this crisis. 

There is another loss I want to comment on. Many of our parishioners do not actively take part in our parish life and worship. Perhaps some of these are members of your family or among the circle of your friends. Their absence is a real loss to the parish. We miss their presence, their prayer, their witness and the questions and challenges they may raise for the rest of us. A recent book by Emily A Vidal, called On Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics makes a few suggestions as to what our approach might be. I'll end my Comment by listing some of them: 

Reaching out to inactive Catholics

  • Pray daily for inactive Catholics to come back to the Lord and to the Church. Remember them at Mass.

  • Get in touch with your feelings toward inactive Catholics. Anger or resentment will be reflected in your response, in the tone of your voice, and in your body language. Pray for the words that will bring healing and peace in the inactive person.

  • Seek the help of your priest or any minister within the parish.

  • Share your concerns about loved ones who may be inactive with at least one other person in the parish. Ask for help in reaching out to the inactive. Request prayer.

  • Tell the inactive person that you love him/her. Sometimes he/she dies not know this. Affirm the inactive Catholic for the love and regard she/he has for you and for others.

  • Say that you are sorry that the inactive person is not with you and with the parish community on Sundays. Remember, your statements must be genuine.

  • Be available to listen. You can learn more by listening than by talking.

Thank you for all you already do in our parish. Thank you for the love and the prayer and the forgiveness you already manifest in your lives. I wish you a very happy Easter. 

God bless you all,
Cormac

A YOUTH CLUB IN PENZANCE

Did you know that there is a Christian Youth Club in Penzance that has been active among the youth of the town for over 130 years? It is called the YMCA and is located in Alverton, just past the top of Alexandra Road. There are a variety of in-house clubs and other groups organised and hosted by the YMCA. It offers a broad range of clubs catering for all age groups and provides people with a place to go and somewhere they can meet and interact. 

There are sports groups, such as Football (Alverton Athletica is the YMCA Team), Basketball, Karate and Old Boys (ie: Dads) Three-a-Side Football. There is even Thai Kick Boxing! The YMCA also hosts health and fitness groups covering aerobics, badminton and yoga and for younger members, a Kids Homework Club, The After School Dolphin Club, Girl's Club (8-10 years), Tweenagers Club (8 - 1 2 years) and the Youth Club (13 - 19 years). There are also regular Teen Disco evenings, Dancing Classes, Snooker, Pool, Darts and a Coffee Shop. A recently opened Cyber 'Y' Cafe offers access to the Internet and networked PC games alongside CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) Courses. Those who are 50 plus can enjoy the Luncheon Club with its varied social programme. Others enjoy 'International Evenings' and 'A Time for Reflection'. Plans are in hand to introduce Short Mat Bowls. 

The YMCA is part of a Christian Movement that gives opportunities for local Christians to fulfil their desire to provide service to others. Volunteers who wish to assist in any of the programmes will be welcomed. The organisation endeavours to build a more integrated and tolerant community of individuals who support each other and look to the future. It deserves your support and encouragement. Bishop Christopher Budd is a Vice President of YMCA Cornwall Ltd., and one of our parishioners is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. Encourage your youngsters to give it a try. Try it yourself!

(There will be more about the work of the YMCA in future issues)

Amnesty International

There was a very good response to the last Amnesty stall at church and our local group is very appreciative of the support we are able to give to the campaigns. 

We are hoping to get James Mawdsley to come and give a talk for us in Penzance. A probable date is early October, and this event will be well publicised when we are able to finalise the arrangements. This remarkable young Catholic made headline news in October last year when he was released from a Burmese prison after suffering 416 days of solitary confinement and beatings for distributing pro-democracy leaflets in Burma. He has vowed to continue his campaign against military dictatorship in Burma from England now, but does not rule out a return to Burma. 

Although there have been some recent releases of prisoners in Burma, I'm afraid we have had no news about our own Adopted Burmese Prisoner of Conscience: Thet Win Aung. 

This spring will see the launch of a new national Burma campaign when there will be many more voices raised on behalf of the suffering Burmese people and their committed leader: Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Stamp out Torture campaign will continue through the year and cards for sending to the Prime Minister(s)? are still available. 

If you can help in any way, or would like more information, please contact: 

Audrey Evans

WILL WE EVER LEARN?

Is it just the older members of our society who recall reading with horror of the eugenics experiments perpetrated in some Concentration Camps during World War II? The following article first appeared in the weekly newsletter of The Church of the Holy Ghost, Battersea, on Christmas Eve. It is perhaps food for thought about what our society has learnt regarding the sanctity of human life over the past 60 years. What do you think?

(Begins) Furry Animals - 1, Human Life - 0

Just before Christmas, Members of Parliament, led by the Prime Minister; voted in favour of allowing research on cloned human embryos. In the vote 366 members voted to permit the production of human beings by cloning in order to let them develop for a while before disembowelling them for the purposes of 'scientific research', Only 174 MPs voted against the proposal.

The Prime minister previously went on record saying those against this measure were 'anti-science'. It is tragic that so many MPs blindly followed this line of thinking despite the fact that many scientists oppose this abhorrent measure. We seem to have learnt little since the days in which MPs accepted a former Prime Minister's claims in support of embryo research ten years ago.

The decision has already been condemned by some of our Eumpean partners. German ministers, Th particular, remembering the honors of eugenics, have been quick to object to the principle that human life may be created for the sole purpose of allowing scientists to have sport with it.

The vote to allow human embryonic cloning becomes even more absurd when we consider a second vote taken during the same week: the proposed bill on hunting with dogs. The arguments given in favour of a ban on fox­hunting becom6' somehow obscene in the mouths of those who, only a few hours previously, had voted to farm human beings in order to experiment on them and destroy them.

Once again it needs to be restated that the laws and customs of any particular society do not create moral norms. In other words, things are not right and wrong because a padiament or a majority say they are right or wrong. No amount of legislating can make an evil act into a good one. If we don't have that principle very clear in our minds we will ourselves be tempted to take our lead from shallow propaganda and accept immoral legislation.

Morality does not depend on parliamentary whims. It requires moral absolutes, of which the most fundamental is that human life is an absolute value: to be respected for what it is, not for what it can produce; not for the purity of its race, nor for any other consideration. To treat innocent human life in any other way is to destroy the foundation for human rights, reducing them to the status of political concessions. (End)

  Recent revelations regarding the removal and storage of infant body parts could indicate that things are probably going to get worse before they get better.

Patrick French

Traidcraft and Fairtrade shopping

Here's a quote from a Traidcraft 'Snack Bar':

It's revolutionary! You're part of a revolution You might think you're just buying a great tasting snack bar; but you're changing the way the world works. Fair trade gives 'third world' farmers at the end of the supply chain a fair price for their products and new opportunities for their community By buying this product you’re saying "Yes"!  to a fair deal for some of the world's poorest workers. 

As well as in Oxfam, look out for Fairtrade tea (this includes some types of Clipper tea) and coffee in the major supermarkets, and Fairtrade bananas in the Co-op too. If you don't see them on the shelves - ask why!

FREE OFFER  - Do you pay Income tax? - Do you attend Mass regularly? - Would you like to add another 28% to your donation in the collection plate at no cost to you?

Its so easy - all you have to do is give your National Insurance Number and sign a Gift Aid Declaration Form. The rules have been simplified so that the Church can reclaim 28% from whatever amount you give. If, for instance, you choose to give £1 one week and then are able to give £10 the next, that is quite acceptable, or if your circumstances were to change and you have to stop contributing altogether, then you just 'stop'. Apart from the initial form - no further paperwork whatsoever is sent to you.

You can give money weekly by using a yellow personalised' numbered envelope, or a standing order can be arranged through your Bank Account 

The whole process is highly confidential and only numbers are used locally. The amounts in the yellow numbered envelopes are individually recorded each week. At each financial year end the totals are sent oft to the Plymouth Diocesan Finance Office who can reclaim the 28% (that's nearly 30p for every £1) from each National Insurance number and then send us the extra money!

A "one off' donation can be made by Gift Aid too. 

At the present time just over 40 people in our Parish are helping in this way.

Please will YOU consider this opportunity to give our Parish a subsidy? 

Mauve coloured Gift Aid Forms are available at the back of the Church. I will be very happy to advise anyone who is interested. 

Clare Wilson (Covenant Organiser) 

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

You probably agree that Education is a lifetime experience. knowledge that we did not gain at school or college is gained through experience. Experience leads to better understanding. Accumulate enough knowledge and experience and some might call it wisdom. 

What applies to our own education, and how we accumulate knowledge and experience through our careers, professions or our lives in general, also applies to Religious Education. As we continued to grow, to learn more about ourselves, about life and about the God who made us, we probably developed a deeper understanding of faith and maybe a better understanding of the real, more personal, meaning behind the texts of the prayers we were taught all those years ago. 

At least that was the argument put to a number of parishioners at a recent presentation in the Parish Hall on Adult Religious Education by David Wells of the Diocesan Religious Education Service.

The presentation lasted just over one hour, and many of those who attended left the hall feeling challenged to look at their faith and how it had been impacted by their life experiences. How had life experiences affected an understanding of the Catechism which many learnt by rote as youngsters?

A very thought-provoking evening. We may all say "I believe   but do we all mean exactly the same thing?

Patrick French

THE OLD SCHOOL

There has been a disappointing response to our plea in the November 2000 issue for suggestions regarding the future of the Old School. We want you to voice your opinion! Would you like to see it as a Parish Community Centre?, somewhere where social and fund-raising events could be held, or are you quite happy to see it fall down? Or perhaps for some other Organisation to take it over? - because that's what could easily happen if we take no interest. It is not difficult to find fault after something has been done. We want you to be aware of what is happening and for you to realise that any kind of democratic decision means that we all have to take part -so come on parishioners, let's hear what you think.

The cost of any kind of refurbishment to the old school is a major concern, but not an impossibility, although what we have learned is that it is just about impossible to get any kind of funding for 'religious' purposes! We would therefore have to look into schemes where funding is not so impossible, the sort of things that involve the local community. An idea was put forward to draw up an Agreement with Penzance Silver Band but they are now looking for alternative accommodation.

The old school would make an ideal venue for our present Mothers and Toddlers group, and perhaps an After School Club for children whose parents work full time. Another suggestion is that it could be used as a centre for Youth Activities for the local area and the possibility of extending the use of the building to the local Lescudjack Sure Start Project, who are eligible for funding, so that we would be working together to share the facilities for the benefit of all.

Yet another suggestion has been to demolish the school and tarmac the entire playground. The estimate for this work is in the region of £20,000. What are your views on this?

Apart from the obvious need to replace the roof of the old school, it seems a good idea that the refurbishment should basically consist of knocking the two main classroom areas into one large area to provide more space for any proposed activities. The third (smallest) classroom area might be established as a 'quiet area' for contemplation when the Centre is open and during periods when the Church is locked. This room could also be used for meetings or Parishioners' Coffee Mornings / Get-together sessions etc. The kitchen needs refurbishing and a 'Bar' area could be installed plus indoor toilets should be built. We can ensure that any building changes will incorporate an easy access for disabled and elderly visitors.

What will all this cost? "Ballpark" figures will have to be obtained before that question can be answered and a Business Plan will have to be developed. We also need to do a lot of research into where I how grants can be obtained, and plenty of actual fund-raising, although next on the list for fund-raising is to 're-establish' a modem central-heating system in the Church. So this question of what will happen to the old school is 'on­going' but we do need to set ourselves some goals now so that we can work together in the future for what we are trying to achieve as a parish.

Clare Wilson and Patrick French

LAMENT

The sheep have gone the sheep have gone
Where are they?
Oh don't you know they had to go.
There are no sheep today.
The lambs have gone the lambs have gone
Where are they?
Oh don't you know they had to go
All shot all moved away. 

Among the meadow flowers had watched the young lambs play
Preparing for the life to come
Of jump and skip and leap and run
But that was yesterday.
Teardrops of rain are falling now
There is no sun, the sky is grey.
The farmer with the broken heart
Stands motionless and tries to pray.
 

Mary Jackson

Recipe Corner - SULTANA BREAD 

8  oz Sultanas
6  fl oz Cold Tea
8 oz Self Raising flour
6 oz Demerara sugar

1 large egg
Pinch of Salt
 

1.       Soak sultanas overnight in the cold tea.

2.       Heat oven to 180 deg C, 350 deg F, or Gas Mark 4 and grease a 21b loaf tin.

3.       Place flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl; stir in sultanas and egg; beat smooth. If the mixture is a little dry at this stage just add a few tablespoons of milk.

4.       Spoon mixture into a 'loaf' tin and smooth over.

5.       Bake for about 1 hour.

B.      Leave to cool in the tin for about 10 to 15 minutes before turning out. 

Thanks again to Patrick French for the above - come on ladies! please help us out and send in one of your favourite recipes.

LATERALLY THINKING!!! 

A man died and went to Heaven. There were thousands of other people there. They were all naked and all looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if there was anyone he recognised. He saw a couple and he knew immediately that they were Adam and Eve. How did he know?

(Answer at end)  

Medjugorje

"Dear children, I invite you for your individual conversion. The time is for you! Without you God's plan cannot be realised. Dear children grow day by day closer to God through prayer."

Medugorje, a village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is where the apparitions of The Blessed Virgin Mary, began on Wednesday 24th June,1981. Her message to the world is that God exists, for us to be at peace, and to reconcile our differences. Since then Our Lady has been appearing every day. She tells us that God has sent her and these years she is spending with us are a time of Grace granted by God. "I have come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you must return to God". The visions were given to six young people who subsequently passed all tests and very determined attempts to discredit them.

Since the apparitions began, continuing throughout the darkness of the war years, millions of people of all faiths, from all over the world, have been inspired by the messages given to the visionaries. About twenty-two million pilgrims have left spiritually strengthened and renewed. Countless unbelievers and physically or mentally afflicted, have been converted and healed.

The apparitions do not yet have "official" Church approval because the investigative commission can only conclude its lengthy process after the visions have ceased, as with other apparition sites which have been found "worthy of belief". Medjugorje has however been given the unofficial approval of Pope John Paul II. He has always given his blessings to those bishops and priests who have asked him about visiting the shrine, and he asks them to pray for him there. Unfortunately some use this lack of Church approval as a means of avoiding or denigrating what is happening. Our Lady says, "You are invited" so please explore the facts with an open mind and heart and decide whether you will choose to believe in this messenger from God. Parishioners who have been to Medjugorje, some more than once, will be willing to help. Better still, join us on the Plymouth Diocesan Pilgrimage to Medjugorje between May 9th to16th May. (details below)

On the 25th of each month, Our Lady appears to the visionary Marija to give us her message to the world and this is the official English translation for the February 2001 message. "Dear children! This is a time of grace. That is why pray, pray, pray until you comprehend God's love for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (A full commentary is available)

Our Lady has spoken to the visionaries about some future events, ten of which are to be announced three days before they happen. The visionaries already know the dates, and Medugorje Centres around the world are ready to spread the news of the announcements when they are given. One of the purposes of these announcements, Mary says, is to verify the authenticity of the Medugorje apparitions, and to encourage more people to convert, i.e. to turn back to God. Gospa (the Croatian title for the Mother of Jesus) has promised to leave a permanent sign on the site of the apparitions. This sign will remain until the end of the world. We will be able to see the sign, but not touch it. "My Children", said Gospa, "Do not wait for the sign before you convert or it will be too late".

Fr. Ivan Landeka gave this commentary entitled "The significance of Our Lady for Christians" for the Medjugorje information centre:-

"We enter into the twentieth year of the phenomenon and the events of Medjugorje. After twenty years, we still cannot affirm that all that happened is completely clear. The nature of such a phenomenon, as it was the case in the past, will occupy the attention of theologians and specialists for a long time. One thing is more or less certain: Our Lady has led those who come to Medjugorje on the path of faith in Jesus Christ. People sensed this and began the journey. Everything else is in the shadow of this fact.

Why is the role of Our Lady so important in all these events? Karl Rahner, a German theologian, said, ‘Mary represents what a Christian is’ This is what is most significant for Mary in the history of the Church. In Medjugorje and in similar events, Our Lady presented Herself as what a Christian truly is. In this role, She calls to conversion, to prayer, to fasting and to peace."

There is only space available here for a brief description of these events but information is readily available for anyone wishing to know more. Our parish web-site also contains much more detail and links to comphrensive web-sites.

Adrian Mills from Helston Parish has painted a beautiful interpretation of the description of Our Lady given by the visionary, Ivan, who has approved it. So far, over 41,000 cards have been distributed world-wide. Fr. Slavko Barbaric asked that the 25th April 1999 message be included on it:

"Dear Children! Also today I call you to prayer: Little Children, be joyful carriers of peace and love in this peaceless world. By fasting and prayer; witness that you are mine and that you live my messages. Pray and seek! I am praying and interceding for you before God that you convert; that your life and behaviour always be Christian. Thank you for having responded to my call."

The card is available free from myself and other parishioners. I have left some in the church for collection.

************************

The Plymouth Diocesan pilgrimage to Medjugorje, 9th-l6th MAY 2001

THE MEANING OF ANY PILGRIMAGE

Who is a pilgrim? Anyone. Young, old, rich, poor, sick or healthy is a Pilgrim. The majority of Pilgrims believe in God, while some are searching for God, others pray for physical, emotional or spiritual healing, and some simply give thanks to God. Many pilgrims have shared with us the graces they have received.

They report that they pray more, especially at Mass which has become truly alive for them. They join prayer groups, the daily rosary is important to them. They now pray the rosary and not just say the rosary If they go on their pilgrimage expecting or praying for a miracle they all return home knowing the greatest miracle is conversion of the soul and acceptance of God's will.

Pilgrims forgive more easily and find freedom and refreshment in their forgiveness. In essence, a true pilgrim is not on vacation. Their spiritual nourishment is far more important to them. Pilgrims discover spiritual eyes which focus on the beauty of God rather than the beauty of the world.

The inconveniences of life become "stepping stones" for grace rather than something to complain about or tolerate. People use one word to encompass their experience as a pilgrim - PEACE.

GAUDETE! 2000

On behalf of the recently formed Choir Association, I would like to thank everyone who attended the launch on 17 December 2000 and helped to make it such a success. 

The evening began with a service of Advent carols and readings in the church followed by the launch ceremony in the Parish Hall. People enjoyed festive refreshments of mulled wine and mince 'pies' and cream whilst Mrs Pellow's Temperance Consort kindly provided background music. Father Cormac then had the honour of cutting the cake! The atmosphere was superb and everyone on the committee feels that the future looks very bright for the association with such positive support. 

The next event is on 16th June 2001. It will be a musical afternoon with refreshments and will take place in beautiful Georgian surroundings in Hayle. Look out for details nearer the event! 

If there is anyone interested in finding out more about the Choir Association, please ask any choir member, or pick up a pink leaflet which can be found at the back of the Church. 

Mary Haddy, Chairperson

PENWITH CREDIT UNION LTD
Telephone (01736) 366200

CREDIT UNIONS are the flavour of the month at the moment, you hear them mentioned on the radio, in the newspapers and someone has even written a television drama about one.

But what is a credit union7 It is a local organisation run by local people to enable their members to save and borrow money locally. I stress that word 'local' because through amounts of savings, however large or small, this circulation of money within the community helps to keep local jobs and local businesses alive.

Penwith Credit Union is run by well-trained volunteers, and members elect all the officers at the Annual Meeting. We are registered as a Friendly Society and membership is open to anyone who lives in Penwith or who works here though living outside the district. Members who save with us regularly for thirteen weeks can then apply for a low interest loan which can be two or three times the amount they have in their own savings~ Savings can be paid in cash at our Collection Points, by post or by standing order if you have a bank account. Our office at St John's Hall in Penzance is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and we have Collection Points there on Tuesday between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm and Saturday between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm. In St Ives Junior School we are open during term time between 8.45 am and 9.30 am and we plan to open on 20 March between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm at the Volunteer Bureau, Chapel Street, St Just.

We're friendly people. Come and see us.

CHURCHES TOGETHER 

January saw a number of parishioners taking part in a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The week started with a prayer service at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, followed by another service at the Salvation Army Citadel. The group then moved to our own church and ended with another service at Richmond Methodist Church. 

A week later the Week of Prayer was brought to an end at our own church with a joint Evensong service. The church was about 90% full for the service and the power of the singing by the congregation - led by our own choir, was quite outstanding. 

The Christian Unity action brings to mind a story of a devout parishioner who died and appeared at the gates of heaven. The angel on duty asked his name. The fellow said who he was. 

The angel then looked down on his list of people due for check-in that day and asked:

"Religion"? 

To which the parishioner replied: "Roman Catholic". 

"Sorry", said the angel, "I don't see your name under any of my headings, you will have to go through that door over there", pointing to a door marked 'Purgatory'. "You will have to stay there until you work out under which heading on my lists you are listed! When you have worked it out, ring the bell just inside the door and someone will come back for you". 

Passing through the door which had been indicated he found himself in a large hall with lots of people. He was quite disconsolate. Hadn't he done everything his church had asked of him. Regular Holy Communion, Confession (he was one of the older fellows!), Holy Days, Sundays, etc...? Surely as good a Catholic as he had been was qualified to go to heaven? 

In a little while, a lady came over and started exchanging information with him; "Who are you? Where did you live? Did you know old 'so-and-so? What is your religion"? He answered her questions and it turned out she was a Methodist from Penzance. In fact, he discovered that he knew a number of people there. 

The lady said: "I've been here a few days now and its very strange, there are no Muslims, or Buddhists, or Jews, or Hindus in Purgatory. Only lots of Catholics, Protestants, Methodists and Baptists, etc, I don't understand it. Why didn't we all go straight to heaven like they did"? 

The man also couldn't understand it, and he went away to find a quiet spot to think. 

After a few days he started smiling and laughing. He rushed to the door and rang the bell. The door opened and the same angel appeared. 

"Well, do you know which list you are on"? asked the angel. 

"Yes" the man replied. "I now realise that in heaven there is no difference between Catholics, or Methodists, or Protestants, or Baptists, etc - so you will find me listed under 'Christian"'! 

The angel stood aside and said wearily: "I do wish people would work this out before they got here. It would make my work so much easier"! 

Pat French

"THANKS GABRIEL"

  Many people keep diaries. I, (for what my wife aptly named), have kept a "Soulbox" now for over 60 years. Into this I have put numerous printed or written matter and memorabilia for whatever reason it related to my life; be it personal, sentimental, philosophical, comical etc. 

This is about one such deposit; a poem printed in the letters column of the Daily Express, circa early 1952. 

I was in the RAF on National Service, having qualified after 12 months training as a Radar Fitter, and now at RAF Lyneham being kitted out and inoculated for the tropics, awaiting transit to the jungle war zone in Malaya.

  Then I read the following verses composed by a reader, Mrs Kitty Robins, of Keston Park, Kent, upon the loss of her son and entitled:

One Woman's Son 

Oh Son! that you should die in vain,
And leave behind such anguished pain,
The agony that never again,
Shall I see you - My Son!
 

Oh Fate! that you could so define
So cruel a blow as this of thine,
To bereave me of my boy, so fine,
As you - My Son!
 

Twixt pain and joy you were born to me,
I thought - for all etemity;
But now my pain no one must see
But you - My Son!
 

You lie in Korean fields to rest,
God in His wisdom should know best;
But would to God you had died at my breast,
As an innocent babe - My Son!
 

Better that, with all its sorrows
That you should know no more tomorrows -
On manhood's brink - My Son!

My love remains in constancy,
Death cannot dim your memory.
You'll comfort me in my Gethsemane,
Won't you - My Son?

These words began to agonise me for days. How would my own mother react should the same fate befall me? I who had to become the man of the house to a family of six, since aged 10. Had she not suffered life's adversities enough? World War 1. 1930's Depression. Bereavement of a 5 year old child. The Blitz and upheaval of World War II 

Should I desert? Go AWOL? Refuse to wear the King's uniform and get dishonourably discharged? 

As usual I prayed for intercession to another Lady, who also had a son killed, and to the Holy Ghost for inspiration. 

Then Gabriel blew his trumpet, and called George VI up to heaven!!! 

All the sixfooters in my intake were posted to London for special duties at the King's funeral. The detachment was cancelled, and I spent the remaining year of National Service instructing new recruits in the technicalities of RAF Radar and Wireless equipment. 

Yes indeed, many thanks Gabriel.
Nat Dann

IF GOD WENT ON STRIKE

It's just a good thing God above
Has never gone on strike
Because He wasn't treated fair
For things He didn't like.
If He had ever once sat down
And said, "That's it -I'm through;
I've had enough of those on earth
So this is what I'll do.


I'll give my orders to the sun -"Cut off your heat supply
And to the moon - give no more light
And run the oceans dry.
Then just to make it really tough
And put the pressure on
I'll turn off air and oxygen
Till every breath is gone".

Do you know He'd be justified
If fairness was the game
For no one has been more abused
And treated with disdain
Than God - and yet He carries on
Supplying you and me
With all the favours of His grace
And everything - for free.

Men say they want a better deal
And so on strike they go
But what a deal we've given God
For everything we owe.
We don't care whom we hurt or harm
To gain the things we like
But what a mess we'd all be in
If God would go on strike.

Submitted by Sr Bernard (Author Unknown)

FUNDRAISING NEWS 

The next Fundraising Event will be held in St Mary's Haven on St George's Night, Monday 23 April.  We have planned a 'Curry Supper with Music', played on the organ; popular melodies and tunes you can sing along to. 

We are also arranging a SUMMER DANCE on Friday 22 June. This will be held in the Heamoor British Legion and the Group 'Sunset' have been booked. This Group are pleasurable listening even if you don't dance (and they are not loud). Their scope of music is broad so there will be something to suit all. 

More details will be announced later but please mark these dates in your diary. 

And now a plea! We raise a lot of money through Raffles at various events so if you are able to donate any raffle prizes we really would appreciate it. If you are able to support in this way, please contact either Christine Pearce or Grace Bailey. 

Many thanks indeed for your continued support.

ROSARY GROUP

On Tuesday at 9.30 am in the Church. ALL ARE WELCOME. Please come

Our Advertisers in the printed version of this issue.

Very many thanks indeed to all our advertisers. Please mention seeing their advertisements in this magazine and recommend them to your friends. Anyone wishing to place an advertisement please contact us for details.

Michelangelo's Deli., Coffee House and Licensed Restaurant. 27 Market Jew Street, Penzance 01736 351100Penwithian Wholesalers Ltd. Trade cash & carry. 01736 366422
Peasgood's Pharmacy. 1, Market Place, Penzance 01736 362110
Albert's Private Hire Taxis 01736 368886
The Living Word, Christian books, Bibles, Cards Music etc. Wharfside Centre, Penzance 01736 368020
Alfred Smith & Son. Funeral Directors. 01736 362592
Collins Electrical Services, Knights yard, Belgravia Street, Penzance 01736 331133
BJ Spiegelhalter & Son, Watchmaker & Jeweller. 64 Causewayhead, Penzance 01736 363413
M&J Florists, 26, Causewayhead, Penzance 01736 350727
David Wakfer. Funeral Director. 01736 362423
Penzance Heliport. Gateway to The Isles of Scilly. 01736 363871
R.D. Burroughs & M.J. Kearey, Funeral Directors, 01736 364062

Answer to "Laterally thinking" quiz
Adam and Eve were the only two people without a navel!

Page first created  29th April, 2001
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