HISTORICAL EVENT –
I attended last Sunday evening’s Catholic Service at Saint Nicholas Anglican Church, Great Wakering, which was organised by C.A.M.E. (Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Evangelical Organisation) who work in the Wakering and Shoebury area for ecumenical collaboration.
In truth I thought there were only going to be a handful of people attending on a cold November Sunday evening, but how wrong could I be. The church was packed to capacity with at least 110 people wedged into the ancient pews. Father Brett Adams, the Catholic Parish Priest at Shoebury, led the service, with the assistance of Reverend Kim, Saint Nicholas’ Priest, and Pastor Norman from the local Methodists.
Saint Nicholas, a Norman Church, is 1000 years old and it was the first Catholic Service held there in 500 years, since the Reformation. A predominantly Catholic congregation enjoyed a simple service that included hymns, readings and prayers; Anglicans and Methodists also joined us. Although I couldn’t attend the celebration in the hall afterwards, Father Brett reported he thoroughly enjoyed the event and hoped that strides could continue to be made between the different Christian organisations in the area. I concur with Father Brett and recommend your attendance at future events.
Liam Rand
