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

Dear Friends

Various things and a severe lack of inspiration have conspired against me in publishing this Newsletter. Inspiration arrived in the form of the "Novena for Pentecost" which is reproduced as the "Marian Devotions" for this issue. I found that a number of ladies had simply worked together to produce this prayer sheet and I hope that it inspires everyone to join in and invoke the Holy Spirit in a special way to bless us this year. Pray that we are able to use all the talents and gifts given to the Church.

FRIDAY 15^TH JUNE Saw the first meeting of the Marist Way in Grimethorpe. It was an extremely wet day and yet 17 parishioners out of a mass attendance of about 120 attended the meeting with great enthusiasm accompanied by their parish priest and the two Marist Sisters. Do please pray for this new group and all those starting out on the Marist Way. Recently America has adopted "Marist Way" for all their groups of laity.

BARNSTAPLE Has suffered the death of Monica Sharp who was a founder member of their group. A tribute to her simply said "Monica contributed in a huge way to the church in whatever way she could. She will be missed." Remember Monica and all those who have died recently. May they rest in peace. Amen.

PAT O’CONNOR Is a great support for the Marist Way and requests prayers for her husband, Kevin, who is seriously ill and could well be in hospital for a number of weeks. Do pray for all those who are sick and housebound.

IN HULL At the end of March we celebrated two great events: the 100^th birthday of Mrs Goonan, mother of Fr Tom Goonan SM and the 90^th birthday of Fr Paul Sacco SM. These were quite remarkable events and prayers of thanksgiving were offered amid the celebrations.

MARIST DAY In Walsingham is Saturday 5^th July. This is always a wonderful occasion to gather together in the spirit of Mary and share with each other in the mass and prayerful atmosphere of the ‘Nazareth of England’. The principal celebrant will be Fr John Hannon SM, European Provincial. Do try to be present.

MARIST LOURDES PILGRIMAGE Will set off on Saturday 23^rd May and return Saturday 30^th May. Eighty people will travel on this, the 31^st annual pilgrimage during which we will remember the Marist Way in our prayers at the Grotto.

FINANCE The end of the financial year is never my happiest time of the year since it involves balancing a number of accounts. However it does give me the opportunity to report that: donations were £1,345.75. Expenditure: postage 792.40, stationery 120.09, internet 72.45, Council 1013.10, Reflection Times at Nympsfield and Walsingham – subsidy £2,521.39. The Marist Fathers contributed £3,500 to defray expenses during the year for which we are most grateful. Everything costs money and the postage has already risen in cost since the beginning of April

I would have inserted some pictures but my computer does not want to play!!

M Coleman SM Marist Way Region of England Animator