Sunday 6 September 2009

Anniversary.

On the 24th September, mirabile dictu, I will have been a priest for 20 years. The 20th Anniversary is not usually commemorated with any particular ceremony, so friends and family must not be surprised at not receiving a particular invitation. IN five years time, they may certainly expect something.

However, I feel that the occasion is not without significance, so there will be Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form in St Peter's, Shoreham (post code, for those with SatNav, BN43 5WF) at 7.30 on Thursday 24th September, Feast of our Lady of Ransom and Walsingham. All, and I mean all, are very welcome. Especially if you know me, please come, if you have nothing better to do, and forgive the lack of a particular invitation.

There will be a little celebration afterwards (emphasis on little, because I have no desire to steal the thunder of certain other priests celebrating much more significant anniversaries this year) in the hall. There won't be a meal, but there will be some nibbles and our little bar will be open. Bring a bottle to share, perhaps, and it will be gratefully received. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs in Shoreham where one might get a meal afterwards.

Those who feel that the Extraordinary Form is slightly strong meat are very welcome instead to gather with me (and concelebrate, if they wish) at 11.30am on the same day, at Christ the King, Steyning, where I will celebrate Mass in the Ordinary Form, and there will be also nibbles and something to drink in the parish room after.

13 comments:

gemoftheocean said...

Congrats on the impending Anniversary. I'll have to celebrate with you in spirit!

Anonymous said...

Bother - it's only 490 miles...

Happy Anniversary, Father, but I don't think I can make it. :(

Steven said...

Congratulations ~ only wish I could be with you, but sadly.....

Annie said...

Will try very hard to make it :) and congratulations in advance.

St Ann's Parish said...

Many congratulations Fr Sean, with my prayers.

joe mc said...

All the very best for it, Father.

AMDG said...

Yes, we WILL be there, Father - with the reinforcements you hinted at!
Congratulations.
AMDG

the owl of the remove said...

If married couples can celebrate their anniversary every year (rightly), we priests have nothing to apologize for celebrating - the milestones in a big way - but the smaller ones as well. Congratulations - this year I'm celebrating my 15th - with a "do" in the Parish - then a pilgrimage to Rome in November.

Steven said...

Just repeating my congratulations and thanking you for your labours. Ad multos annos!

Laura said...

Many congratulations Father.

joe mc said...

Happy Anniversary, Father, with my prayers for you.

Andrew said...

Hearty congrats Sean. I know time passes more quickly when you're having fun, but it nevertheless feels like a lifetime since we were Altar boys at St Anne's! Sorry I won't be able to celebrate with you, but will raise a glass in your general direction from Sydney.

Anonymous said...

Dear Father

Comgratulations on your first twenty year, and please accept my prayers for the next twenty.