Christmas passed, as Christmas should, with emphasis on the children. About forty youngsters enjoyed a party with a hot meal, entertainment and a disco. On Christmas Eve a nativity play was enacted in the church for families and friends. The traditional crib stood in the church until the three wise men arrived for the feast of the Epiphany.
The children of our adopted parish in Tanzania were not forgotten and a collection was taken for the children’s cancer hospital which Fr. Des had visited earlier this year. Having heard and read about the work undertaken there everyone was confident that any money raised would get there quickly and be put to best use. Our congregation and friends were amazingly generous and, by adding the special collection and donations to funds already available, the total reached £20,000 – a remarkable achievement.
2008 is our 30th anniversary year because Fr. Des celebrated his first Mass in Chipperfield (in St.Paul’s church) on 8th January 1978. The service was due to start at 9am but, not knowing the area, Fr. Des was delayed and Mass started a little late. The tradition continues to this day!
Sadly the year started badly for us as Fr. Des was taken ill and put into hospital. Although his sister tells us that he seems a little better every day, we are all concerned about him and a Mass was said for his speedy recovery. Please remember him in your prayers.
Janet Keates