On Friday November 11th Parishioners of St. Teresa's Church, Heaton joined Sr. Bernard & Mercy Associates to commemorate the 170th Anniversary of the death of Venerable Catherine McAuley.

Associates had invited parishioners to join them, after Morning Mass for a 'Good Cup of Tea' & refreshments so on the day it was pleasing to see so many had responded to that invitation.Mass was celebrated by Fr. Michael Hickey and offered for Sisters of Mercy & Associates living & dead. Mass concluded with all singing Catherine's Suscipe. We then went into the presbytery dining room for the 'Good Cup of Tea' and refreshments. What had started out, as a cup of tea & a scone ended up being quite a feast, including a lovely iced cake on which the Catherine Logo was imprinted; courtesy of clever people at Tesco!

Sister Bernard McPeake welcomed everyone and very soon there was lots of noise and laughter with people getting to know each other and meeting Associates. We paused at 11am for 2mins silence to remember & pray for those who have given their lives in the Wars past & present.

Eileen Malone gave a short talk on Catherine Mc Auley & explained the significance of the 'Good Cup of Tea'. She highlighted the many ways in which Sisters & Associates continue to meet the needs of the poor, sick & uneducated today in 46 countries of the world. In response to questions from those present Associates talked about who we are & what we do. Monica & Tommy Mills spoke about Youth Mercy Associates & their activities.

Before we dispersed each person was given a personal message from Catherine in the form of one of her Sayings. Some commented on how apt they found the saying!

The Morning was enjoyed by all and many said how moving & inspiring they had found the story of Catherine, 'The Woman for all Seasons'.

We were fortunate that a reporter from our Diocesan Newspaper 'The Northern Cross' was present so we are to have the event reported in the December Issue of the paper. All good publicity for Venerable Catherine, Sisters & Associates.

Eileen Malone