On Sunday, August 29, while Father Jon Bielawski was away attending the Youth 2000 Prayer Festival at Walsingham, St Mary’s welcomed Father David Mead from Bugle to say mass on Sunday.

There were congratulations for Matthew and his sister Gabrielle who had completed their probationary period as altar servers and now received the white cassock won by members of the Guild of St Stephen.

After the service there was a special collection for the Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth), which helps vulnerable children and offers advice to parents and teachers and to all who work with children.

The Catholic Women’s League offered thanks to all who helped at their stall at Penryn Fair on Saturday selling bric-a-brac and fancy goods, which raised £105.

On Monday morning there was no mass at St Mary’s while Fr Jon was away, but morning prayer was said in the church. From Tuesday, after Fr Jon’s return, daily mass was said at the usual times. Circuit training resumed on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning the rosary was recited and other regular parish activities are due to resume after September 5.

The Sunday reading from St Luke’s gospel quoted Jesus’ words emphasising that those who followed Him must be single minded in their devotion whatever it costs. The Magnificat booklets were given out to all parishioners containing full details of the visit of Pope Benedict, including the words of the services and the words and music of hymns to be sung, so that all who were watching on television would be able to take part alongside those who were present.

Prayers were asked for Brother William Akkala, who is sponsored by St Mary’s parish and has commenced his second year of theology at Hyderabad Seminary, South India.

Thanks and good wishes were expressed for Sister Rose who was leaving Falmouth after 30 years at Tremough Convent School and ten years at Bethany to join a small community of her order who serve the Cathedral in Plymouth.

Special congratulations were due to Ben Davis, who has been awarded the Ben Merente medal by Bishop Christopher Budd for his dedicated service to the church, especially in the realm of music for the past 50 years.