Secretary's Report 2004/5

The chapter roll stands at 39, comprising 23 members, 3 priest associates, 13 life members.

We have been pleased to welcome to the roll Daniel Smith and Matthew Bemand who are ordinands studying at St Stephen’s House and benefiting from a COF grant; and Bro Dick Peters, from Wantage who joins us from another chapter. During the year we have noted with sadness the passing of Bro Ernald Prytherch, a past member of the chapter. Our best wishes to Fr George Coppen who is retiring to Scotland in April.

Of the 39 members of the roll, I note that that 20 have attended meetings during the year and 14 of those have attended regularly. We are also blessed with five non-members who regularly support us. It should be noted that most of our non-attending members are elderly and I know they support us with their prayers and like to be kept in touch with chapter events. There are 49 on the mailing list to whom I send the Chapter Newsletter including the other secretaries in Group 9.

I am pleased to report that Bro Clive Tilling has been re-elected as Group Councillor for Provincial Group 9. Congratulations to him; we very appreciate his help and support.

Since our last AGM, the Chapter has met 5 times.

In May for Guild Office and Benediction at SS Mary & John’s Church, Cowley; our thanks to Fr Adam Romanus for officiating and preaching.

In July we met at St Mary’s Church, Kidlington on the Eve of St Mary Magdalen’s day. Fr Dennis officiated and Fr Anthony Ellis gave the address.

In September we celebrated our Patronal Festival at St John’s Church Kidlington with Mass, Guild Office, Procession & Benediction. Our chaplain, Fr Dennis officiated assisted by Revd Deacon Jason Nicolle. We were joined on this occasion by members and friends from other chapters in Group 9.

In November we remembered the departed members of the chapter with a celebration of Guild Office and Benediction at St Andrew’s Church, Headington, when Fr Michael Brewin officiated and preached.

In January, we met at St Stephen’s House, when Dr Jeremy Sheehy officiated and preached. We were joined on this occasion by a very able altar party of ordinands from the house.

I am grateful to all the parish clergy who have opened their doors to us this last year and particularly to Fr Peter for welcoming us here tonight.

My thanks especially to Fr Dennis our Chaplain, Professor David Murray who has played the organ for us at a number of our meetings, Revd Deacon Jason St John Nicolle for his help and support and to Bro Trevor Langrish for his work as treasurer.