On 22nd January 2011, Bishop Kieran came to St. Wilfrid’s to celebrate the Vigil Mass of the Sunday specifically to enrol nine of our young Altar Servers into the Guild of St. Stephen (Patron Saint of Altar Servers).  Under the kind and watchful eye of Peter Robinson, their MC, they had practised for weeks to learn what was required of them; Annette and David, the youth leaders, had prepared the service and practised with the readers.  All had been measured to make sure they had the correct sizes for their albs.  The Youth Music Group had practised hard for the event and the music and singing made it a double celebration.
The Parish room had been redecorated and fitted with many noticeboards and new curtains and the kitchen had been refitted and redecorated.  For this wonderful improvement we are all indebted to the Knights of St. Columba (and wives) and other willing helpers.  Annette filled every notice board with examples of the work done in Children’s Liturgy, the exciting developments in the CAFOD Connect2 scheme where the children and the community have adopted the village of Puenticitos in El Salvador and many photos of the young people enjoying a good day out.

Following the Mass and the ‘photo shoot’ the children and their families, together with all the helpers, met in the Parish room where a splendid feast had been laid out.  We were sad that we had to limit the numbers attending but the room is just far too small for our needs.  (Watch this space!)  Emily had iced a large oblong sponge cake and decorated it with the medal of St Stephen’s Guild and a picture of altar servers, together with the names of all those enrolled – magnificent!  Well done, Emily.  We are all so proud of our young people and are very grateful to all who help them in their various activities.

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