THE COMMITMENT OF OUR REDEMPTORIST LAY MISSIONARIES:

I am regularly speaking of the special occasions which we have in our two parishes and this weekend we have a uniquely special occasion: the commitment of four of our Redemptorist Lay Associates who are dedicating themselves to be Redemptorist Lay Missionaries as well. This will take place at a ceremony during the 10am Mass this Sunday. As a member of the Provincial Council, I feel honoured to be able to receive their commitment. I do know each of them and indeed, their commitment is really just confirmation of what they have already been living.

Frances Sibert, a parishioner of Bishop Eton, has become more involved in the life of both parishes and as you know has not only supported our Zimbabwean Mission with fundraising, but has been to Zimbabwe and worked with our confrères there on a number of occasions.

Nicole Barber is from Kent and got to know the Redemptorists when our students gained pastoral experience in her parish of Orpington back in the 1990s. I had the joy of working with her on a Mission at St Bede’s College, Manchester, back in March 2001: also with me were Ralph Heskett, Paul Douthwaite and Linda Longstaff from Sunderland. Nicole has worked with many Redemptorists on all sorts of ventures and is now Assistant Director of Redemptorist Publications.

For years Marie Hogg has worked with Redemptorists, most notably alongside Fr Jim McManus. They have shared in the presentation of retreats and courses as well as co-operating in writing many books.

Elisabeth Neefs will be well known to many of you during her years living in Bishop Eton parish, where Greg, her husband became our Deacon. Although the family has now moved to Hungary, we are deeply moved by the way Elisabeth has been captivated by our Redemptorist spirituality and it is heartening to reflect that she will be seeking missionary opportunities to share this same spirit with others in Hungary.