St Ninian's & St Clement's

St Ninian's & St Clement's, Catholic Churches Together

Author: mmacphail

Eco

September Garden

It’s hard to tell whether summer is on its way out or on its way back in! We must be grateful for this lovely sunshine at the beginning of September. The Mary Garden is definitely changing, less prolific flowering but nevertheless plenty to see. This week we saw the return of “Jim Ruddy’s Asters” which were one of the first perennials we planted – now blooming for the third year. 

The Cosmos (always a joy) are keeping the bees happy and the brambles (which give us such a job because their roots are so invasive in every spare space!) can definitely be forgiven as they are now providing food for the birds – and a few happy gardeners 😉

Cross and flowers

cafe / Eco / Garden / St Ninian’s

Garden Update

The Garden Gang have been working away every Thursday in rain, hail and sunshine, ensuring the Mary Garden is kept in good shape, the garden produce is fed and harvested and flowers picked for CC’s and the altar. They also have a rota for watering the gardens to ensure our lovely flowers and plants don’t dehydrate :). Thank you Garden Gang!

tomatoes, strawberries, beans, spinach
flowers for the altar
healthy looking peppers

cafe / cookery / Eco / Garden / St Ninian’s

From Garden to Jar

Last week we had a bumper crop of strawberries, thanks to the dedication of our fabulous Garden Gang and of course, Mother Nature who provided the sun and rain (a lot).  Brian was our official taster and with the help of his trusty ‘sidekick’ Jim, picked 3kg of strawberries which have now been made into jam.  This will be served very soon as an accompaniment to scones as part of the Afternoon Tea menu.  

Brian tasting the strawberries
Just picked
Washed and halved
Sugar added and now boiling
jarred and sealed
finished jam!

Eco

Fatima Pilgrimage

14 Pilgrims from St Ninians and St Clements recently spent 5 days in Fatima and Lisbon. Unfortunately Fr Johney could not join them since he could not obtain his visa . 

Bernadette Dailly was the organiser of this pilgrimage ( what a great organiser she is too!) and has written this account of their trip

In the sanctuary we visited the Holy Trinity Church, the Basilica, celebrated Masses in the Chapel of Apparitions, visited the museum where we saw the crown of Our Lady of Fatima which contained the bullet that hit Pope John Paul ii in 1981, walked the Way of the Cross, the Candle lit procession with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the next evening, in the Blessed Sacrament procession.

We also visited  Aljustrel where the three children lived.

Also Nazare  with its lovely beaches and ended the pilgrimage with an overnight stay in Lisbon visiting St Anthony’s Church and Lisbon cathedral .

We arrived home feeling very privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of such a special pilgrimage. 

Basilica in the Rain
The Way of the Cross
Margaret & Kathleen at the children’s house
Our Lady’s crown

cafe / St Ninian’s

Civil Rights Party

On Monday evening 19th June, the group who had attended Jim Ashwood’s very interesting and entertaining talks about the American Civil Rights, met for a fun evening of chat, quiz and refreshments. Jim had encouraged them to dress up or bring along something with an American theme, and as you can see from the photos, they certainly all rose to the occasion.

cafe / Eco / St Ninian’s

Afternoon Teas are back

Winter is over, we hope, so ‘stovies, no more!’ Thursday past, saw the return of our very popular monthly afternoon tea which is always fully subscribed. We are very fortunate that we have a wonderful group of volunteers, willing to give up their time, to prepare and serve our lovely customers.

Eco / Garden

Earth Day

UK nature is beautiful and precious – but it’s in crisis. That’s why from 28th April – 1st May it’s important that people come together to sow, grow, and create thriving habitats for the nature on our doorstep.

Whether it’s a garden, a balcony, or an unloved community space, any outdoor area can become a flourishing wildlife haven.  

The truth is, every one of us, no matter who we are, or where we live, can and must play a part in restoring nature” Sir David Attenborough

So, Louise, from our Parish Garden Gang has put together packs of compost with a few nasturtium seeds which are so easy to grow even on a windowsill if you’ve no garden. These are being offered to parishioners this weekend at the Vigil and Sunday morning Mass.

Judi has once again made up Sunflower Growing Kits for the children. We look forward to hearing about all the lovely flowers that are so good for wildlife!

For more information about Earth Day go here

St Clements / St Ninian’s

Almsgiving Update

Grow your fiver graphic

This weekend sees the end of our fundraising efforts for Lent. There’s still time to make a donation by taking a guess at the Gin/Whisky trails, buying cards and raffle tickets or placing a donation in the box for Rosily at the back of church.

For parishioners who have taken part in the “Grow your Fiver” challenge, Louise is asking if you could please return your profits to her or in an envelope marked Grow your Fiver which can be placed in the box for Rosily. It would be great if you could write what you did on a star and stick it on the board.

Thank you so much for everyone’s efforts, it is very much appreciated and has brought some lovely community spirit too 🙂