Pilgrimages.

The Parish travels annually on pilgrimage to Walsingham (October) and Lourdes (July). Every other year we seek to go on pilgrimage to another Holy Place. 2001 saw us travel to the Holy Land; 2004 to Rome and 2006 to Knock in Ireland. We look forward to going to Oberammergau in Southern Germany for the Passion Play in May 2010 and though expensive, it really is a once in a decade opportunity.

Away-days and Retreats.

Since we are a Parish that covers three mass centres it is important to come together every now and then so that we might get to know one another better and strengthen our sense of community. We do this through Parish Away-days and Retreats.

The Parish away-day, usually occurs once a year to one of the retreat centres in Crosby or Formby. It allows us to discuss topical issues such as “what the church really teaches……” and the implications of “Leaving Safe Harbours” in a relaxed setting. It is also an opportunity for people to have time for themselves and each other, for a walk on the beach can be very rejuvenating! The next Parish away day will be in June or July, again at Crosby and though the topic has yet to be decided, it is to be hoped that we can link it to our recent Parish Census.

The Annual retreat is for four days during Whit week and has, for the last few years occurred at Ampleforth Abbey, the home of the Benedictine Monks. We stay in the guesthouse and Fr Matthew, one of the retreat Directors, leads the retreat. We are encouraged to join with the Monks in celebrating the sung Divine Office, with Compline beginning at 6.00am! This year's retreat between 1st-4th Jun 2010 will see our Parishioners once again entering into the Benedictine way of Spirituality.

Anyone wishing to join us for the retreat should contact the Parish via the home page.

Social activities.

Throughout the year both our Lourdes and Walsingham Pilgrimage groups engage in fundraising activities to help support the annual pilgrimage. Most of these activities occur in the Social club at St Stephen’s and range from coffee mornings, bingo sessions and car-boot sales to Christmas parties and Social evenings. The funds raised go towards paying for, or subsidising a place on the pilgrimage.

Last year saw the start of Parish Socials in the club. It is designed simply to bring people together and give them a chance to socialise outside of mass. Initially it was open to those who served in any capacity within the parish, though the last Parish Social was open to everyone. It is hoped that these will continue on a twice-yearly basis. The last Parish Social occurred on 15th May when we had a barn dance and a simple but tasty hot-pot supper. The entertainment seemed to go down well, allowing more people to get up and dance than before and even those who couldn't enjoyed watching the resulting entertainment!

Horse Racing.

Every year we take the opportunity to travel to race courses in the North and Midlands to have a bit of fun without losing our shirts! For the last five years we have travelled to Aintree for the National Meeting and, thereafter have visited courses in Doncaster, Pontefract, York, Cartmel, Haydock, Chester, Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton throughout the year. We try not to talk religion, tho’ occasionally a prayer is offered by those on a losing streak! The first meeting this year will be at Aintree on Thursday 8th April, followed by Cartmel for the Bank holiday Whit meeting.

Theatre Trips.

We offer a full calendar of theatre trips to venues in the North-West. From musicals and plays to classical music, ballet and opera it is another opportunity for us to spend time together outside of church and to take advantage of going to the theatre in the company of fellow Parishioners. For future events please refer to the weekly newsletter.

Golf.

2010 will see the Third Annual Golf day at Poulton Park Golf Club. It is a nine hole golf course that resides wholly within the Parish, not far from St Bridget’s church. On Thursday May 13^th we will host a friendly competition over 27 holes: 9 holes of Texas Scramble and 18 holes Stapleford, with meals in between. The cost of the day will be £37.50. The day is for golfers of all standards, with the majority of participants usually being high handicappers and occasional players. Though sometimes cold, windy and occasionally rainy it is always a fine days golf.  Sadly, last year the Parish Priest did not play to his handicap and was only in danger of winning the booby prize for lowest Stapleford score! The main competition was won by Liz Broome, who, playing off 34 won with a score of 38 points! If you wish to play in this year's competition please contact Len Pidgeon through the Parish e mail or put your name on the signing up lists in Church.

Please feel free to contact us about any of the Parish activities listed, through the contact numbers and addresses on the home page.