Blessings to all readers, from Lourdes

The Grotto, peaceful and prayerful at midnight - the best time to visit

Together with our daughter Aila, who has been written about elsewhere on this blog, I was privileged to be part of the Arundel & Brighton Pilgrimage to Lourdes this summer: where all Catenians, especially Crawley Circle, and blog readers were remembered in prayer.  It was a truly amazing experience and I would warmly encourage anyone and everyone to go, whether as a helper or able pilgrim (or, of course, a "VIP" as the sick or disabled are known).  The care, the consideration, the fellowship and the spirituality cannot really be described - if you can, do go and experience it for yourself.  I cannot thank enough the amazing helpers of all ages, who anticipated Aila's every need and who enabled her to have a week that was not only spiritual and healing but also great fun!

At the Lourdes Family Group
fancy dress party, Bishop
Kieran proves that a holy week
can also be a fun one!

Whilst Aila did not "pick up her mat and walk", the growth in her confidence and happiness after a very difficult year were nothing short of miraculous - thank you, Our Lady of Lourdes!  She is now in a much better place psychologically from which to tackle the autumn term, which swill see her not only back in education but at a new college, now as a wheelchair user.  We are thankful also that the building work on our disabled house adaptations is coming on apace and hopefully should be finished in about three weeks' time.  There are still expenses to be incurred with decorating and equipping the new spaces (and the newly modified old ones) but we are so very grateful to everyone who has supported us and Aila's Fund in any way and enabled this life-changing work to happen.  This includes the Crawley Catenian Circle both as an official Group and as individuals.  Thank you and God bless.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory, 

do not forget the sorrows of this earth. 

Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering,

struggling against difficulties,

with their lips constantly pressed against life's bitter cup.

Have pity on those who love each other and are separated.

Have pity on our rebellious hearts.

Have pity on our weak faith.

Have pity on those we love.

Have pity on those who weep,

on those who pray,

on those who fear.

Grant hope and peace to all.

AMEN

An idea to start off your Queen's Jubilee celebrations

A job well done

Good job,boys!

I'm sure everyone is dying to know how they did, so... I'm pleased to report that Bro President Mike and Bro Vice-President Edek did sterling work with the coffee and bacon this morning at our "cobs, cakes and cards" breakfast sale at St John's! 

Thank you very much, Brothers, for your hard work; particularly to Bro Mike for giving up a long, sunny Sunday morning to help us.  It is very much appreciated.  Thank you too to everyone who supported the event.  Nearly £300 was raised for Aila's Fund.

Let the Presidents take your order

Bro Mike has put in long years of
parish service in this capacity

This coming Sunday morning (22 April), why not save your appetite for a delicious bacon and egg breakfast at St John's RC Church, Horsham?  We will be serving bacon (and/or egg) rolls and coffee in the church hall after 9am Mass.  There will also be a cake sale and handcrafted greetings cards to purchase.  All proceeds will be going to "Aila's Fund".

Bro Edek's bacon is cooked...
don't worry, it tastes second to none

The catering will be headed up by Bro President Mike as Coffee Maker In Chief (thank you, Bro Mike) and Bro Vice-President Edek as Head Bacon Chef.  Both men have many years of experience and expertise in their roles, so if you're around, please do come along and let them serve you up a tasty treat!

Aila's Fund - little ways to help that make a big difference

As I have mentioned before, your VP (now soon to be President - gulp!) has a 16 year old daughter suffering from a disabling neurological condition, meaning that major house adaptations have to be made consisting of an extension to provide her with a downstairs bedroom and bathroom/WC.  Edek and I are looking at needing to raise £16,000+ towards this and have already been shown much kindness, generosity and support which is hugely appreciated.

There are a couple of ways in which anyone who would like to help can do so - small things but they are of enormous help.  Firstly, we have launched a "Buy A Brick" scheme.  For £5 you can buy one brick, for £12 three, for £20 five and then multiples thereof.  A very concrete way to be a part of Aila's future!

Secondly, we have silicone wristbands which are available for £1 each (plus 58p postage for up to five bands).  They come in red, blue, pink, teal and purple and in two sizes (the smaller size being most suitable for children and young teenagers).  Charity wristbands such as these are very popular and widely worn so do consider perhaps getting one or two for the cool young members of your family (or for the cool more mature ones come to that)!

Bricks and bracelets can both be purchased over at http://stjohnsprolife.blogspot.co.uk/p/ailas-fund.html where there is a "donate" button, or give me a ring on 01403 241859.

On Aila's behalf, thank you so very much.

If it's OK...

A chance to indulge yourself before Lent on Sunday 19 February

...I would just like to mention a fundraising drive that we are launching in Horsham for our 16 year old daughter Aila.  I think most Crawley Circle members know that Aila suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia, a degenerative neurological condition that is gradually robbing her of her balance, co-ordination and mobility, as well as affecting her speech and heart.  At the moment her bedroom and the only WC in our house are both upstairs and so we have obtained planning permission to build her a downstairs bedroom and bathroom, as negotiating the stairs is becoming increasingly difficult for her, not to say potentially dangerous.  Unfortunately we have a considerable shortfall in funding for this and - whilst other avenues such as charitable grants are being explored - we are going to have to raise at least some of the money for ourselves.

A fabulous group of friends including members of St John's Pro Life Group have got together and helped us launch "Aila's Fund" which will comprise a series of fundraising events. We are incredibly grateful for the time and energy they are expending to help Aila.  We're starting modestly with a cake and homemade cards sale to be held after 9am Mass at St John's RC church hall on Sunday 19 February so please do pop along!  There will also be a chance to have a professional standard photograph taken of yourself or your family at very reasonable price, upstairs in the church hall on Saturday 24 March.  This is by appointment and details will be available shortly.

You can read more over at St John's Pro Life.

Above all, Aila would be most grateful for your prayers.  Thank you.