On Sunday 13th February 2022, the Stechford Sisters and Associates were delighted to meet for the second time since the restrictions of the pandemic, for our annual Renewal of Commitment, celebrated with prayer and a shared table.
Most of our Associates were able to attend and as always, we named and prayed for those who could not be with us and for our deceased members.
Following our reflective prayer with the February leaflet from Sr. Annette, we Associates renewed our commitment. Sisters Maura and Maureen then renewed their Vows and Sister Teresa Paschal O.Carm did so too using the formula of her own Congregation.
The Sisters and Associates were very pleased to welcome Angela Power as a new Associate on that day. As always the ceremony was very moving, with our lighted candles reminding us of the day of our first commitment and all was enhanced by the singing which we all delivered with gusto!
This was a very special occasion, for as well as welcoming Angela, we were also saying goodbye to one of our earliest Associates, Jim McEvilly, who is leaving Stechford for the lure of the sea at Burnham, Somerset. Jim was presented with a TV for his new home. We shall certainly miss his cheery nature and banter.
This year also marks 25 years since I, along with Marie Gray and three other ladies first made our commitment as Mercy Associates at Stechford on 28 January 1997.
Of the 5, one has moved away, one has died and another was not able to attend but Marie and I were delighted to be present for the renewal celebration and wondered where all the years had gone.
Indeed it was a lovely afternoon full of prayer and love for our Mercy Family.
Jan Keegan 19th February 2022
