RETURN

mcoleman117@hotmail.co.uk  http://maristway.org

 Dear Friends

 Welcome to a new decade. Perhaps we look back on the past decade with a sense of regret since the world seems intent on becoming secular, even anti- religion. We must approach this new decade with purpose and remember that the year is 2010AD. – Anno Domini – the Year of the Lord and be filled with hope and love, for Christ, Immanuel, ‘God is with us’. The world needs the dedicated witness of the members of the Marist Way so that it may progress on its journey “To Jesus through Mary”. No doubt we will all see many changes in our lives and we pray that we can remain faithful to our calling.

 Blessed be Christ, Immanuel, whom the Virgin conceived and brought forth.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

 You gave the Virgin Mary the joys of motherhood – grant to all parents joy in their children.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

 You began life among men as a child – share with all children your own experience of growing in wisdom and grace.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

 You came to form the human race into a holy people - help the nations of our world to live in peace and friendship.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

Your birth gave strength to family life – let the members of each family be deeply united and live for one another.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

 You came to a life of weakness in our world – grant to the dead the life of glory in your kingdom.

Son of the Virgin Mary, hear us.

 SWANWICK CONFERENCE                       Please make a note in your diary – Friday 17^th / Sunday 19^th September 2010, Sr Monica SM, a Marist Sister, will be the keynote speaker for the conference “What is the Marist Message for Today?” Cost will be around £150.00 per person. Booking forms will be available later this month and it will be important that we have some idea of actual numbers by the middle of February 2010. This will be a very important occasion and we will need your support.

BIRMINGHAM MARIST WAY                   I was delighted to receive this report from Sr Elena: “Sr Mary Magdalene came to help me with the dedication of 5 new members to our group. We took the church and parish hall for the occasion on 8^th December. We had a really lovely talk from Magdalene followed by Exposition and Dedication. We began the day with Holy Mass and ended it with a buffet lunch in the hall. All enjoyed it. There are 3 more to join us at a later date.” This is all good news. Well done.

 MARIST PILGRIMAGES

 Next May seems a long time away but it is surprising how quickly time passes. The Marist Lourdes Pilgrimage will depart by coach on Saturday 29^th May and return Saturday 5^th June. The cost will be around £10 more than last year, which were – Hotel Padoue £510.00 and Hotel Esplanade £380.00. This includes coach travel, full board and travel insurance. Booking forms now available.

 Despite all the gloom and doom forecast for travel over Christmas I went to Lourdes with a group and we were ‘on-time’ on both the outward and return journeys. Over the years some very close friendships have developed and the love and care for all members of the group was a great witness to the babe of Bethlehem. Lourdes was exceptionally quiet and the few days proved to be a wonderful experience during which we remembered all those people we had promised to pray for. Since I got back to Hull the weather has continued to be very cold and icy conditions have made many areas most dangerous. I know that various people have fallen and broken bones and we wish them a speedy recovery and hope that you all remain safe in the weeks to come.

Marist Liturgical Calendar and Mass Intentions 2009

M. Coleman SM Marist Way Region of England Animator