Parish Past Events and Photos
2012
Archive Events:
2011
2010
MAY 2012
13th May
In speaking about love, the theme of both the Gospel and the Second Reading on 13th May (6th Sunday of Easter) Fr. Chris Spain emphasised the importance of being felt loved and valued as an individual. Without this essential foundation it is very hard to love others. Love, he said, is like a pebble being tossed into a pool. It ripples further and further out to others. The children’s liturgy group at St. Theresa’s produced this beautiful display of love hearts in which they had written prayers and made little drawings. The central text is from the gospel “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12)
Photo and text: Ann Lardeur
6th May - 17th Reigate Scout Group Plant Sale
Our Parish Scout Group held a fundraising plant sale after 10.30am Mass on Sunday 6th May at St. Joseph’s. Our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers have been busy growing vegetable plants, herbs, and flowers which were sold at a fraction of garden-centre prices.
Photo: Fr Tim Hunting
APRIL 2012
22nd April - London Marathon
Katy Nicolls, Merstham's Marathon Maid, made it to the finish of the London Marathon, without crisis and for Crisis! She completed the course in 5 hours 26 minutes, fortunately just missing the rain. She was at Mass at St. Teresa's the following day wearing her medal, and of course collecting in some of the sponsorship money. Crisis has an extra £2,200 plus any late donations. Her personal comment was "It was an amazing day with great support from family and friends". Congratulations, Katy.
Text: Ann Lardeur
Mothering Sunday
St. Teresa's, Merstham, brought some new features to the
traditional Mothering Sunday 11.00 Mass. In addition to the
bidding prayers being written by the childen, they were read by
3 of the youngsters. The small ones came into the Church from
their own liturgy early so they could hear their prayers being
used. The early date meant there were not sufficient flowers
in our church garden to give all the ladies their usual
flowers. This year everyone had a small prayer card with "This
is the Day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in
it" surrounded with pictures of animals and flowers.
Text and Photo: Ann Lardeur
Easter Gardens at St Teresa's
During the Children's Liturgy on Good Friday, the children created Easter gardens, which were offered on Easter Sunday.
For more photos of the Easter celebrations at St Teresa's
click here.
Photo: Janet Franklin
MARCH 2012
2nd March - Women's World Day of Prayer
This year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer (which took place on
Friday) reflected on praying for the needs and intentions of the
women and people of Malaysia, praying that justice will prevail.
The Malaysian greeting “Selamut Datang” means quite literally
“peace and welcome”. As we seek to enable justice to prevail in
all countries and cultural settings may we seek courage,
compassion and an active engagement.
In tribute to the Women of Malaysia, who had provided the
service for Women's World Day of Prayer this year, Fr. Chris
Spain wore beautiful silk vestments woven and made
in Malaysia. They were made to his special requirements
when he was visiting that country. It was a pleasure to welcome
him for the first time to the ancient church of St. Mary the
Virgin, Bletchingley, to celebrate the first Friday evening
Mass.
FEBRUARY 2012
C-Squad hit Hollywood Bowl
Twenty
young people from our parish youth group, The C-Squad led by
Debs Puttick, hit the Hollywood Bowl in February.
Unfortunately not the famous one in California - the C-Squaddies
went bowling in Crawley! Rebecca Marks got top score with 121,
sneaking ahead of Richard Stearn. Afterwards they ‘wined and
dined’ at a sophisticated restaurant which welcomes young people
- McDonald’s of course. Next event on the menu is pancakes
night.
JANUARY 2012
28th January - Quiz Night
100 participants x quiz x fish & chip supper = £1,000. A grand result! The Holy Family Church Hall in Reigate was packed with contestants being tested on their knowledge of a muliplicity of subjects including war, geography and music. The winning team was appropriately “The Winos”; the prize for each member being a bottle of wine. This was the first of the programme of events being planned to help finance new facilities at Reigate and Redhill.
Photos: John Barratt
Text: Ann Lardeur
20th January - Thanksgiving and Farewell Mass and Party for Fr Charles
Parishioners of The Nativity of the Lord filled St Teresa's Church in Merstham to say their goodbyes and thanks to Fr Charles for his six years' ministry in the area.
Deacon Tim, now the longest serving member of the Clergy team, on behalf of the Clergy and Parishioners, gave a speech and presented Fr Charles with a cheque and card.
.jpg)
Following the Mass, there was a party and the traditional cake cutting.
.jpg)
Photos: Janet Franklin
A Warm Welcome to Fr Tim Hunting
We
welcome Fr Tim to our Parish following his short sabbatical
break and recent visit to the Holy Land.