Monastic Liturgy Welcome

Seven times a day our monastic community gathers together to sing the praises of God, to which we have always welcomed our guests and retreatants. Those who come to the monastery to join us in prayer often experience something of the mystery of the indwelling presence of God, through the silence and beauty of the monastic liturgy. As a result of the recent restructuring of the Thanet Deanery the Catholic Parish church of St. Mildred’s in the village of Minster was closed. Minster is now part of the parish of Ramsgate. Many more people from the local village now come to join us for our Sunday Eucharist and our monastic liturgy. This is a source of great joy for us. We have been privileged to welcome and support several people receiving the sacraments for the first time, in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. We had an Easter Day with a difference this year. A chapel overflowing (literally) with people, here to celebrate the Feast, but also to rejoice particularly with a 10 year old girl who was received into the Catholic Church. Alice Nimue Mildred Tichener had asked of her own accord to make this step. She was 9 at the time! Her parents Sarah and Rob fully supported her decision. An unusual initiative it led to her mother’s return to the sacraments and a few months later, to her father becoming a Catholic to complete the family commitment. There was great rejoicing with community and friends and made extra special with Fr. Tom Herbst celebrating the Liturgy with great sensitivity and warmth. Thanks be to God. During the coming year the Thanet Deanery are planning a Deanery Mission for the building up of the Roman Catholic Community of Thanet. The main event will take place over Pentecost. We are happy to be able to welcome the planning group who meet regularly at Parkminster, and we shall also be welcoming groups for the various Mission Celebrations. The Flowering Meadow should be at its most spectacular at that time!