30 Hour Fast

"For millions of people all over the world going 30 hours between meals is the norm. Most of us wouldn't normally go for more than three hours without eating something. That's why I decided to take up the challenge of fasting for 30 hours to raise money for the pilgrimage to Lourdes. Starting at 12 noon on Friday 15th May I went without food until Saturday evening when I received holy communion at our 6pm vigil Mass at English Martyrs. So just before Midday on Friday I tried my best to fill my stomach with all manner of biscuits and chocolate as any student normally does. Knowing that I would not eat again until the following evening was indeed a sobering thought. But it wasn't so much about the fasting itself. It was the time I spent in prayer and reflection with God when I would normally have been preparing or eating meals that made this prayer fast such a worthwhile and strengthening experience. I felt strength through the Holy Spirit which guided me through each hour and gradually the hunger for food dissipated into a hunger for my Lord. My faith grew stronger as I reflected on how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have no worries about food being on our plate. My relationship with God grew stronger as I realised the great love He has for us and His sacrifice on the Cross for our sake. It was a wonderful feeling to be in the presence of God without the distractions which are constant in our demanding 24/7 society. The fast ended after Saturday evening Mass when I tucked into a delicious cake courtesy of the world's best baker, my Mum, Mary. Everyone gathered in the church hall for tea and cakes to celebrate. I would like the thank our parishioners at English Martyrs for their support through prayers and donations."Jonathan Lord.

Exclusive Dining Evening

On Thursday 1st May we held the first of two exclusive dining evening fund-raisers at St Kentigern’s Presbytery, Blackpool.
The first sitting was limited to 10 guests who dined on a four course meal which began with canapés and sherry served in the sitting room. The meal began with home-made butternut squash, red pepper and chilli soup served with French bread prepared by Lizzie’s mum. The main course was chicken cacciatore or salmon served with seasonal vegetables,

lovingly prepared by our Italian chef, Nino and whilst the diners tucked in to their main course, the “staff” took the advantage to sample the food themselves in the “back kitchen”.
The dessert was a “Death by Chocolate” cake made by Ralph’s mum which was served with a local Italian ice-cream, kindly donated. Cheese and biscuits followed with coffee and liqueurs whilst the guests were entertained by Regina de Silva, an exchange student from Brazil who had been persuaded to act as a waitress during the evening. Regina sang one of her own compositions and dedicated it to Mr and Mrs Frank Bateson who were celebrating their 52nd
wedding anniversary that evening.
We would like to thank Asuka, another exchange student from Japan, who acted as a waitress for the evening and to all the people who prepared and donated food for the meal, particularly Nino. Our special thanks go to Fr John Foulkes, our parish priest, who allowed us to use the Presbytery for the evening and to all the diners who cleared their plates and helped make the evening a great success.
Our next sitting is Thursday May 14th but unfortunately we are

fully booked!!!!

Ralph Garcia and Lizzie Cavanagh