The
weekend opened with Holy Mass for deceased members in the beautiful
Pugin Chapel at Oscott College, Birmingham. This was celebrated by
Father Harry Curtis our Spiritual Director.
After dinner we were welcomed by our Chairman Marie Francis. Following
her greeting Marie read a beautiful poem which reminded us that we are
all special in the eyes of God.
Father Harry then gave the first talk of the weekend which he said was a
“taster” on Creation and Evolution, in preparation for his theme for
Autumn Day. He spoke about the Big Bang and the Universe. Father Harry
will expand his talk at Autumn Day and will explore further the wonder
of God and the wonder of Creation. Father Harry also reiterated that
our faith tells us we are special. We look forward to Autumn Day, which
this year is held in Eccles on Saturday 26th September.
After Stations of the Cross and Morning Prayer on Saturday we welcomed
our Guest Speaker Dom Henry Wansborough who gave three splendid talks on
PAUL ~ The Letter Writer. Dom Henry divided his talks into three
section: Paul~ The Letter Writer, Salvation in Paul, and Did Paul think
Jesus was God?. The talks were illustrated through Power-Point with
beautiful photographs of the places that Paul had visited and the routes
that he had taken. Dom Henry’s method of teaching, peppered with
personal anecdotes made the learning experience all the more special. We
now need to study these letters and utilise the message of Paul in our
own lives. Dom Henry’s explanation of grace as being a relationship
with God was beautifully illustrated by using himself as a visual aid.
The morning finished with Holy Mass for all present, which was
concelebrated by Dom Henry and Father Harry.
In
the second part of the afternoon, after the departure of our Guest
Speaker, the various Course Meetings took place. These were attended by
Course Registrars, students and tutors and much healthy debate took
place. The Meeting of Diocesan Representatives and The Executive took
place later on Saturday evening followed by Night Prayer.
Sunday began with Morning Prayer, followed by the Annual General Meeting
. Marie Francis welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a special
welcome to Doreen Pooley, CWL National President, Margaret Valentine,
CWL National Treasurer and Bishop Peter Doyle, Ecclesiastical Advisor to
the CWL. Marie reported on the work that is being carried out by
Members of Our Lady’s Catechists in the various Dioceses and praised all
those concerned for their dedication. Marie also reported on the
excellent progress of students in South Africa. Reports were then given
by the Registrars on their respective courses and it was good to hear
that there is much interest in the courses with several new enrolments
and also students who are successfully completing their studies. Carol
Taylor was elected as Chairman, Marie Francis as Secretary and Margaret
Jones as Vice Chairman. Charmaine Jayasuriya agreed to remain as
Treasurer. John Crean has become a Co-opted Member on the Executive and
Gill Moodie will continue as Editor of Notes and News. A new venue was
voted upon as Oscott College is not available for Low Sunday weekend in
2010. The Conference and AGM for next year will therefore take place at
Kings Park Northampton.
Drawing the Business of the Meeting to a conclusion Doreen Pooley
thanked Our Lady’s Catechists for all their work in the past year.
In
his address Bishop Doyle spoke of his pleasure in being able to attend
the AGM and reminded us that we are witnesses to the Resurrection.
Father Harry reinforced the message that was given at the beginning of
the weekend that everyone is special.
A
general vote of thanks was given by Ann Bayley who praised all those
concerned in making the weekend such a memorable one.
Our
weekend of spiritual renewal concluded with Holy Mass concelebrated by
Bishop Peter Doyle and Father Harry Curtis. This was followed by Sunday
lunch after which fond farewells were made with resolutions to meet
again at Autumn Day or at the AGM and Conference weekend in 2010.
Jane
Barham
