St Stephen's Church, Skipton

Events - Farewell to the RSHM Sisters (14 August 2003)

The Rev. Deacon Malcolm King made yet another beautiful rich fruit cake for the occasion which summarised the purpose of the occasion: to thank God for the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and for their 33 years of service among us.

"Ut Vitam habeant" - That they might have Life (cf Jn 10:10)

Fr Peter Dawber celebrated the Vigil Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in honour of the Sisters and Mgr Patrick Hennessy concelebrated the Mass. Over a dozen RSHM Sisters were present at the Mass.

Sister Breda's folk group formed the core of the choir which sang traditional and contemporary music, Taizé chant and music from Lourdes.

Two scenes from the buffet after the Mass. The glorious weather was a perfect setting for yet another parish party on the Presbytery Lawn. It was an occasion to remember as people sipped Pimms and shared memories and exchanged news.

Sr Rosemary, Provincial of the RSHM receives a cheque from the parish and the Fattorini Trust which will go towards their retreat centre in Wales. Sr Rosemary also left a message to the parish:

"A very sincere thanks to everyone in St Stephen's for your wonderful generosity! We, the Sisters, have received so much from you during the past 33 years here in Skipton, where we have always been happy to serve. Last night's Mass and Buffet were beautiful. We will miss you all but you will always be in our hearts and prayers."

Some of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary sisters who have served in Skipton over the past 33 years.

Sister Breda with parishioners in the laundry room! There's as much warmth in there as in our hearts for the sisters!

Clearing-up is always a communal event and whilst some struggle to find space in the fridge for leftovers, others struggle to fit that foldable marquee back in the box - rather like experimental Quantum Physics!

As an era sets in St Stephen's we pray for the Sisters in their new homes and give thanks to God for the witness of religious life in the Church and pray for an increase of vocations to consecrated life.

To find out more about the RSHM sisters, visit their website.