Notices
Events
October 2019 - Autumn Fair
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The Autumn Fair was a new initiative from St Luke's, and allowed local charities and craftspeople to share the space at La Piazza restaurant in Santa Barbara de Nexe with stalls from St Luke's itself. Many thanks to all who took part, we raised €1650!
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September 2019 - Garden Party
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IN THE LEAFY GREEN OF VILAMOURA . . .
. . . we sat down and ate an amazing spread. Thank you so much, John and Anita, for hosting us again as folks from Pereiras and St Luke's enjoyed perfect weather and good company. Also thanks to everyone else who helped, and donated. A day to feel blessed! 
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February 2019 - One Church, One Faith, One Lord
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St. Luke's Church was honoured this week to receive a visit from their Roman Catholic friends and colleagues, led by the Bishop of the Algarve, D. Manuel Neto Quintas. The Bishop and his colleagues were shown around St. Luke's and Monte da Palhagueira village, followed by a lunch at the Le Marquis restaurant. The picture shows (front row) the Bishop of the Algarve, (centre) together with Father Reid Hamilton of St. Luke's Church; Canon José Pedro de Jesus Martins (Padre for the parish of Sta.Barbara and Estoi); Father Oleg (Ukrainian Chaplain for the Algarve) and Deacon Antonio (Sta. B de Nexe). Back row: Alexandre Neves the Manager of Monte da Palhagueira and John Goodfellow, Chaplaincy Warden |
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December 2018 - Carols and Community and Giving
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In December both churches held a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which included musical contributions from Deborah and Father Reid, as well as our wonderful organists Mary Legg and Stuart Mayes. It's always lovely to have visitors and new faces at these services as we think about the birth of Christ.
St Luke's held their annual Sweets as Treats event, which saw the congregation donate enough sweets biscuits and goodies to fill six large supermarket bags to benefit local less well off children. They were distributed on 19th December to among others the Municipal Charity shop in Sao Bras de Alportel and the Porta Amigo Orphanage in Tavira.
The photos below show Elspeth Bob and Alan delivering the goodies. |
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Members from Pereiras joined in the Christmas lunch at the Vale Silves community centre (see photos on the right). Every year the congregation gives gifts to those in need through the community centre. Thank you to those who organised the gifts, and thank you, Vale Silves, for the opportunity to join your fun! |
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October 2018 - Harvest!
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This year's Harvest Festival at St Luke's took place on Sunday 7 October, when all these dry goods were collected for local families in need. Thank you, everyone who contributed or helped with the distribution. |
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Pereiras' Harvest Festival happened a week later, on the 14th. A bumper collection of goods were given to our hosts from the Catholic congregation, who distribute them to the needy. |
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September 2018 - Garden Party
This year's Garden Party was held on Saturday 15 September, in the afternoon - the cakes were amazing! Thank you to everyone who took part, especially those who brought food and helped on the day. Of course the big thanks go to John and Anita Elwell, for all their hard work and for welcoming us to their lawn! A fine sum was raised for funds, and a good social time was had. It was an extra pleasure to welcome our lovely locums Ron Curtis and Claire, this time off duty!
June 2018 - Welcome, Father Reid
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Father Reid Hamilton was installed as priest serving east and central Algarve on Monday 18 June at St Luke’s church near Santa Barbara de Nexe.
Father Reid is from the USA, originally from Missouri but lately chaplain at Canterbury House in Michigan, supporting students and providing a space for spiritual exploration, radical thought and music. He has decamped to the Algarve complete with two cats and a dog and is fast settling into his new surroundings. Speaking after the service, conducted by Archdeacon Geoffrey Johnston, Father Reid set out his vision for his ministry in the Algarve: “The keynotes for me are love, prayer and community, that we deepen our knowledge of God’s love for us through prayer and share that love with those around us.” Around 80 people attended the licensing service, celebrating the start of a new chapter for the Anglican chaplaincy. Father Reid stressed that St Vincent’s is there for the whole of the Algarve, ready to help in times of trouble or celebrate the good times and always welcoming open discussion. |
April 2018 - Pereiras Rocks!
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The congregation at Pereiras church has found an interesting way to publicise our church whilst drawing people together to decorate stones with a message.
The stones are painted or have pictures applied and the reverse gives details of our church contacts, with the message, ‘Come and Join Us!’ Anyone can join in or simply take a finished stone and place it in a public place where it can be claimed by anyone. The hope is that those visitors who would like to go to a church on Sundays will contact the Chaplaincy by phone to get further information. |
January 2018 - Sweets for Treats from St Luke's
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Elspeth Bob and Alan wish to thank everyone who contributed so very generously to the annual Sweets for Treats for local children in the locality of St Luke's and for children in the Tavira orphanage which were distributed immediately before Christmas, we had a fabulous response and we also had some very generous cash contributions which were donated direct to the orphanage. We would also like to thank Afpop for their support and the support of their members. |
December 2017 - St Luke's members support the Food Bank
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Father David and members of St. Luke's congregation presenting a cheque and food to the Director of the Faro food bank. The food bank is one of the main charities supported by by St. Luke's congregation and the cheque included cash gifts from the family of Gerald Prosser deceased and the Bertie Watson Trust. |
December 2017 - Christmas Lunch and Gifts at Vale Silves
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Members of Pereiras joined residents and friends of Vale Silves community centre near Boliqueime for a splendid Christmas lunch on 17 December. Local children performed and gift boxes for needy older people were presented, which had been donated by church members. Thank you to Margaret for all her hard work, and to all who helped her, prepared boxes and donated!
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November 2017 - Remembrance Sunday at St Luke's
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Under a cloudless sky at St. Luke's Church Palhagueira, 200 people gathered on Remembrance Sunday to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars and in many conflicts since. The pictures show Peter Abbot, the Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Lisbon laying a wreath for the British Community and Flight Lieutenant Dougal Gow, RAF laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion. The standard bearer is Michael Hunt and the Trumpet is Joao Mogo. |
October 2017 - Harvest at Pereiras
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Every month at Pereiras the congregation brings packaged food to church to be blessed before distribution to people in need. At Harvest Festival on Sunday 8 October there was a bumper collection of goods, as the after-church Piggy had been raided! Although festivals of thanksgiving for the harvest go a long way back in time, Harvest Festival is a late addition to the church calendar: the first service was held less than 200 years ago, as we heard from Father Rob Ellis, who led our service and also joined us afterwards for our Harvest Lunch at Oliveiras in Loulé.
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October 2017 - Harvest at St Luke's
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The Church was decorated for the Harvest Festival Service which was followed by a lunch at La Piazza under the vines. On Monday 60 large bags of food were distributed to needy families in the Parish area.
"The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us." Psalm 67.6 |
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August 2017 - Presentation of schoolbags to ACCA
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The congregation at Pereiras have been supporting the appeal for schoolbags for some years now, as have the other congregations. It was agreed that we would once again support the appeal from A.C.C.A ( Associação de solidariedade com as Crianças Carenciadas do Algarve) to provide schoolbags for the needy children in the Algarve.
On Tuesday 22 August 19 fully equipped school bags were presented by the congregation worshipping at Igreja das Pereiras. The photograph shows Father Mark presenting the bags on behalf of the congregation to Johnathon Goodkind and Susi Rogol of A.C.C.A at Lewis Andrews shop in Almancil. |
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August 2017 - Renewal of vows
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On Sunday 13 August Father Mark and the congregation had the great joy of being part of the renewal of vows of a very special couple. With a welcome breeze taking the edge off the summer heat, Sten and Margretha celebrated their 60th anniversary by reaffirming their commitment to each other - we weren't really in any doubt! Congratulations Sten and Margretha, may God continue to bless your long marriage. |
June 2017 - Garden Party in Vilamoura
On 10th June, John and Anita Elwell welcomed members of both East and Central congregations to the garden of their apartment complex, to share some lovely food, get to know each other and raise some money for funds. Thank you, John and Anita and everyone who contributed food and fellowship. Here are some photos.
Such a lovely venue for our party!
Angela and Father Rob Kean, our new Chaplain in Praia da Luz, took the opportunity to get to know people from East and Central.
Everyone loved the food!
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Anita manages to sit down and chat.
This foursome found a prime spot under the tree.
A fantastic spread.
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May 2017 - Baptism at St Luke's
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Many people come to the Algarve to retire, so baptisms don't happen every day! On Sunday 14 May, however, the congregation at St Luke's had the rare privilege of welcoming Matilde Elizabeth Guerra Pratt into the family of the church.
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March 2017 - Mothering Sunday Lunch
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At Pereiras Mothering Sunday was a homecoming celebration as we welcomed back Pamela, David and Alex and Nigel and Pam. Reader Maureen encouraged us to think about how we could all do more nurturing, and all the ladies received flowers prepared by Margaret, Anita and Sam. Both of our congregations have the tradition of holding a lunch after the service on Mothering Sunday. This year the Pereiras lunch was held at Restaurante Oliveiras in Loulé. |
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March 2017 - Women's World Day of Prayer
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This year the Women's World Day of Prayer followed a service prepared by the women of the Philippines, on the theme "Am I being unfair to you?". Our service took place at St Luke's. We thought about the parable of the generous employer, and about justice for poor and oppressed people.
We were challenged to think about unfairness in the world and how we should work and pray for justice for all. |
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December 2016 - Pereiras Carol Service at Boliqueime
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Our service of traditional lessons and carols was held on 15 December at the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião de Boliqueime and led by Father Mark and Padre Pedro. Another great turnout this year, thank you everyone for coming and particularly to Anita, Rosie and Victoria and James Padfield, without whom the fellowship afterwards wouldn't have happened! A collection was taken for Vale Silves Community Centre.
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December 2016 - Sweets for Treats
Elspeth sorting what goes where!
Sandy who volunteers at the Tavira Christian Centre.
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Members of St Luke's have made their annual collection of goodies for local children in need. These will be distributed to children living near St Luke's and also via the Associação Uma Porta Amiga in Tavira and the Tavira home for orphans. Thank you to everyone who contributed, organised and sorted, and also to our friends from the Tavira Christian Centre for their help
Lisilda who runs the village shop close to St Luke's who will issue to local children.
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December 2016 - Christmas Gifts for Vale Silves Community Centre
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The Vale Silves Community Centre, which works with needy people of all ages throughout the year, received some seasonal support from the congregation of St Vincent's Anglican Church. The congregation based at Pereiras (near Quatro Estradas) created 40 Christmas gift boxes filled with carefully chosen items for people of different ages. On Saturday 10th December the boxes were presented at a special lunch at the community centre, which is located 3km north of Boliqueime. A member of the centre’s staff outlined their work providing disabled, elderly and housebound people with food and practical support. The gifts were blessed by Padre Pedro from the church of São Sebastião in Boliqueime and Anglican chaplain Father Mark Wilson, who also congratulated the centre for its much needed work, and expressed the congregation’s continuing commitment and joy in being able to support local organisations like the centre.
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November 2016 - News from Madeira
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Following the collection made at St Luke's to help families in Madeira who had been left homeless by the destructive fire in August, we were delighted to receive letters of thanks from the first family helped (with half of the donated €500) and from the Association "Uma Porta Amiga" who facilitated the donation. These pictures show the family's house after the fire. Reconstruction will be a long job, but we hope that the knowledge that others are joining in solidarity by donating in this way, will be some encouragement.
Thank you to Elspeth Flood, who organised the collection, and to all who donated. 
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13 November 2016 - Remembrance Day at St Luke's
Then the wreaths were laid. For the British Community by Simona Demuro the British Consul (above); on behalf of the Royal British Legion, by the Chairman Portugal Branch, Mrs Jacquie Collins, and by Major Bill Bullock, British Army (retired).
The service continued in the Church and was followed by a lunch at Le Marquis Restaurant. |
The day was sunny and still as 175 people gathered outside St. Luke’s Church, Monte da Palhagueira to honour the pledge made over the decades, to those who laid down their lives in war for our freedom, that ‘we will remember them’.
Led in prayer by Father Mark Wilson, RBL Chaplain in the Algarve, the bugler sounded The Last Post and those attending kept the two minute silence, lost in their own memories, not only of family, friends and colleagues but of all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars and the too-numerous conflicts since. The thoughts of all reflected by the words of the Chaplain in his sermon “when will we learn to resolve the differences between nations without recourse to fighting”. 
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4 November 2016 - Presentation in Albufeira
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On Friday 4th November Fr. Mark presented a cheque to Patricia Seromenho, Director of Lars Sao Vincente, Albufeira. The money had been raised by Mr. Bob Shepherd and Mr. Alan Hodson who hosted a wonderful lunch at their home. We were given an extensive tour of the Lars and met Staff and Residents. |
9 October 2016 - Harvest at St Luke's
Father Mark, Pat and Maryse help to decorate the Church
Harvest gifts around the font
Members of the congregation
preparing the boxes for distribution
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Traditional wheat-sheaf made by Alan Hodson
The altar decoration prepared by Pat
As usual, St Luke's Harvest Thanksgiving was a wonderful occasion, with a beautifully decorated church, a goodly pile of gifts to be organised into 27 boxes for needy local families, and a splendid lunch at La Piazza in Santa Barbara da Nexe. |
22 September 2016 - Memorial Service for Alan Williamson
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A packed church gathered to remember Alan Williamson, husband of Pereiras Treasurer Carol, who died in the UK surrounded by his family in August 2016. The service was taken by Father Ron Curtis and attended by members of Alan's family, several Pereiras church members and many of the friends he had met over the years in the Algarve, including Rob Levitt, who delivered a moving tribute. There was a retiring collection for Help for Heroes reflecting Alan's RAF career. Our sympathies go to Carol and her family. Alan will be much missed. |
September 2016 - St Vincent's presents schoolbags to ACCA
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The congregation at Pereiras have been supporting the appeal for schoolbags for some years now.
it was agreed that we would once again support the appeal from A.C.C.A ( Associação de solidariedade com as Crianças Carenciadas do Algarve) to provide schoolbags for the needy children in the Algarve. On Tuesday the 6th September 36 school bags were presented by the congregation worshipping at Igreja das Pereiras. The photograph shows Father Mark presenting the bags on behalf of the congregation at Lewis Andrews shop in Almancil. |
August/September 2016 - Hatched and matched!
Well, sort of. Igreja das Pereiras saw two family celebrations in the late summer. On 21 August we were joined by Anabela May and her family for her baptism, and on 4 September David and Alex Quinlan, regular members at Pereiras, renewed their vows after 25 years of marriage. Thank you to both families for sharing these ceremonies with us. We welcome Anabela May into the family of the Church, and we wish David and Alex many more happy years together.
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July 2016 - Our sponsored nurse graduates!
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Patricia Noble graduated in July (attended by Father Mark and Pat Clifford) and is now applying for registered nurse positions in Portugal. She has promised to keep us updated as to her progress.
For many years the Chaplaincy has provided scholarships to selected nursing students at the University of the Algarve in Faro leading to a degree in nursing. The practical nursing is carried out at Faro and other hospitals as well as clinics and Centros de Saude. The scholarship provides full tuition fees for the 4 years of the degree course and students are chosen who have the ability to succeed but whose family circumstances are such that the money for this training cannot be found, thus leaving the child destined to never achieving their full potential and ambition. All our students have graduated - none have failed or dropped out of training - and all have found employment in nursing following graduation. |
11th June 2016 - Queen's Birthday
Members of Pereiras and St Luke's joined together to celebrate the Queen's birthday with a Garden Party which would have been much like its counterpart at Buckingham Palace, if it hadn't been for the wonderful weather! Hosts John and Anita Elwell had put in a lot of effort to produce an amazing spread, aided by many willing chefs and helpers.
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Suddenly all attention was drawn to the arrival of a rather splendid couple. Who could they be? It was the royal ears that were unmistakeable! With such distinguished guests of honour, we couldn't fail to have a good time!
After a pause in the chat for Grace and thanks for the life and work of the Queen, everyone tucked in! The opportunity to meet together in such lovely surroundings was enjoyed by all. Well done, John and Anita, for organising the party and to everyone for raising €860 to keep our self-funding chaplaincy going! |
4th March 2016 - Women's Worldwide Day of Prayer - Pereiras
Nineteen people met together to celebrate the Cuban womens service for the women's world day of prayer - thanks to all who helped with the service.
16th February 2016 - Licensing of Father Mark Wilson
The Anglican community throughout the Algarve gave a very warm welcome to Father Mark Wilson on the occasion of his Licensing as Chaplain to the Algarve for St. Vincent’s Anglican Chaplaincy on the 16th February 2016. The Archdeacon to Gibraltar The Venerable Geoffrey S. Johnston conducted the Service of Installation in St. Luke’s Church, Palhagueira, the only consecrated Anglican Church in the Algarve. Over 100 people from the three Chaplaincy congregations at Praia da Luz, Pereiras, St. Luke’s and elsewhere attended the extended Eucharist. The Roman Catholic Church was represented by Pe. Miguel Mário Lopes Neto and the UK Consulate was represented by the Vice Consul, Mr. Clive Jewell, who read the lesson.
Fr. Mark was born in 1956 and after becoming a Deacon in 1980, was ordained a priest in 1981. He has served in a wide variety of settings, including a spell as Chaplain to Her Majesty’s Forces, both in Germany and in Northern Ireland. In more recent times he has been the full time Chaplain to a large teaching hospital in Dublin.
During the service Fr. Mark was presented with nine “Offerings” that symbolize the work of the Anglican Church.
At the culmination of the Licensing Fr. Mark pledged:
“I pledge myself to care for the community that gathers here, to share with them the Word of God and the work of ministry. To celebrate, with them, the sacraments of the new covenant and to encourage them in their discipleship.
Together, may we make this a place where Christian people are equipped for their life and witness in God’s world.”
After the service the congregation retired to the Palhagueira Village Hall where many ‘goodies”, provided by the Palhagueira Nursing Home and members of the congregations, were greatly enjoyed. “Lubrication” in the form of coffee and wine were provided by a well-wisher from the congregation.
Fr. Mark was born in 1956 and after becoming a Deacon in 1980, was ordained a priest in 1981. He has served in a wide variety of settings, including a spell as Chaplain to Her Majesty’s Forces, both in Germany and in Northern Ireland. In more recent times he has been the full time Chaplain to a large teaching hospital in Dublin.
During the service Fr. Mark was presented with nine “Offerings” that symbolize the work of the Anglican Church.
At the culmination of the Licensing Fr. Mark pledged:
“I pledge myself to care for the community that gathers here, to share with them the Word of God and the work of ministry. To celebrate, with them, the sacraments of the new covenant and to encourage them in their discipleship.
Together, may we make this a place where Christian people are equipped for their life and witness in God’s world.”
After the service the congregation retired to the Palhagueira Village Hall where many ‘goodies”, provided by the Palhagueira Nursing Home and members of the congregations, were greatly enjoyed. “Lubrication” in the form of coffee and wine were provided by a well-wisher from the congregation.
23 January 2016 - Faro Cathedral - Ecumenical Service
A number of representatives from St. Luke's and Pereiras attended a wonderful Ecumenical Service at Faro Cathedral at the kind invitation of the Bishop of Faro, D. Manuel Neto Quintas. We had received the invitation to jointly preside at the service at short notice and this coincided with the very time that we had neither a Chaplain nor a Locum available.
To their great credit, Fiona Mayes and Maureen Kyle stepped into the breach and with virtually no advance notice, played an important part in the Order of Service.
We are most grateful to our Roman Catholic hosts for allowing us to participate in this expression of unity.
There is much of interest to us all on the RC Algarve Diocese website, here:
To their great credit, Fiona Mayes and Maureen Kyle stepped into the breach and with virtually no advance notice, played an important part in the Order of Service.
We are most grateful to our Roman Catholic hosts for allowing us to participate in this expression of unity.
There is much of interest to us all on the RC Algarve Diocese website, here:
Christmas Day, 2015 at St. Luke's
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Fr. Ron presided over a well attended, most enjoyable Christmas Eucharist and this commenced with the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City', beautifully sung by Aoife and Mia.
Fr. Ron was considerably assisted in his Sermon by the many children, who swiftly emptied the box, said to have been left by Father Christmas whilst, briefly , passing through the Algarve! The Children swiftly spotted that the €500 notes were "photocopies" but were more receptive to the chocolate coins! |
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Baby Sophia, at 11 weeks old was then expertly introduced to the congregation by Fr. Ron as an embodiment of innocence, to a chorus of "aah's from the ladies (and some of the men!) in the congregation.
Well done Fr. Ron, We give you our thanks for a most memorable service and we will miss you, when you return to the UK.
Well done Fr. Ron, We give you our thanks for a most memorable service and we will miss you, when you return to the UK.