New Vestment

 I was presented with a new vestment this from the altar servers and young people of the parish morning, which is lovely - all the way from Poland, I think. It is my Silver Jubilee of Ordination later this week, when we are celebrating in fine style with High Mass in the presence of Archbishop Malcolm but today was a surprise organised as an event for just the parish family to celebrate.

  My thanks to everyone and especially our musical director, Anthony, who arranged for a little Schola to come and sing at the 10am Mass. Unusually for us here, an English Mass setting today - the Festival Setting of the Eucharist in C by John Ireland, which was rather nice. We also rejoiced in  Arcadelt's Ave Maria and Elgar's Ave Verum, as well as a couple of Newman's great hymns in recognition of his feast day. Thanks to the singers - Emma, Dean, Lynn and Anthony and to David Scott-Thomas as visiting organist, making our organ (with new speakers) sound really terrific.

A blast from the past. Ordination 25 years ago by Archbishop Derek Worlock at English Martyrs parish in Litherland.

Some photos from the Mass this morning.  

Not taking a leaf out of Blessed John Henry's book, with his notoriously long sermons, a very short sermon today on Newman.

 

 Presentation of the vestment and picture after Mass.

 Blessing the new vestment.

And the splendid picture of St Catherine.