Saturday 24 Ih . February was a special day for us here in Croydon. The Mercy Associates were joined by four Mercy Associates from Homchurch in a "Day of Recollection" led by Father Eager who had given up his Saturday to travel down to the "leafy suburbs" of London. There were seventeen of us in total. The day started with a welcome cup of coffee and biscuits --- a time for farniliarisation. The "travellers" from Homchurch did not seem to have suffered too much from "Rail Track Blues"---at least they did not tell too many horror stories!! The Parish Room at St.Mary's was the venue for our gathering where with the artistic efforts of Sr. Maura, Florence, and others, an atmosphere of prayerful relaxation was created. The day started with Morning Prayers followed by a very helpful and thought provoking talk by Fr. Eager. He urged us to read the Scriptures and especially St. Luke's Gospel during the coming days of LENT, reading it with a fresh eye as if for the first time, and to give time for prayerftil reflection on what we read each day. After a few minutes break we had a short Penitential Service which led us into a period of private reflection and silence with an opportunity for confession if we so wished. Lunch was a time of relaxation, sharing and friendship. Florence sustained us with delicious hot soup and bread rolls, to which we added our own packed lunches. We re-assembled for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and an Anointing ceremony. This was very moving and held its own significance for each individual praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit and their own special need for healing whilst Fr. Eager gave the "Laying on of Hands" and anointing with the "Oil of Gladness'7--the oil signifying the gifts of Peace and Joy, Healing and Strength. The day was to draw to a close with Holy Mass. Fr. Eager gave the homily with special emphasis on the role of a Mercy Associate someone who must convey to all, the presence of God, be of service (Mercy)to all they meet, especially since Catherine McAuley was to concentrate the work of her sisters on acts of Mercy - they were to be the walking nuns-going out to help, quite unheard of then-we must be walking Associates. After the Homily, Cathy Benbow was initiated as a new Associate , our congratulations and prayers go out to her. This was of relevance to all of us as it brought to the forefront of our minds our responsibilities as Associates as we renewed our own commitment. The day ended with a "Comfortable cup of Tea" and cakes. What were the highlights of the day? A time to be with our God , leaving aside daily anxieties, responsibilities and commitments . Having the opportunity to be guided in our reflections and prayers to a deeper spirituality and thoughtfulness Also,we appreciated the companionship, friendship, oneness, a renewal to serve, and a sense of belonging. Our thanks go out to Fr. Eager for sharing his thoughts, his experiences, his kindness, and his awareness of the needs of our Mercy Associates Groups. Everyone gave of their time effort, and all benefitted from the day.Notwithstanding, at the last, we thank two members of our Parish who so generously gave up their Saturday to minister to our 44 material" needs for tea, coffee, soup, and the washing up, thus leaving us time to enjoy a really Spiritual Day, collaboration at its best! We thank God for this opportunity to come together- a time of support and friendship- as we journey forward.

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