Ascent

Spirituality – Mission – Friendship

It is meant for people in the “second half of life” – retired or preparing to retire.

Our meetings include the following:

Prayer / Reflection and period of quietA presentation and feedback or question timeTea and chatNotices and closing prayer

Ascent

A typical meeting takes place on a weekday in daylight and will last about 2 hours.

ASCENT is a lay led organisation and although priests and religious can be members, clergy cannot lead or hold office.

Ideally, you should encourage members to lead prayers and give presentations.

What We’ve Done

October 2005 An African Experience All Saints Pub Lunch November 2005 - The Benedictines in England December 2005 Prayer, Poems & Pies January 2006 Epiphany Carols & Cake February 2006 Debate - Deacons and Celibacy.

(Ensure enough time for discussions) March 2006 Ash Wednesday – £312.60

collected for Assist over 60 came. 5 April Tony "Eye On The Ball“

What We’ve Done

May - Bluebell Walk - Ecclesall Woods 7 June - Crime Prevention / Group Time Each July - Group Anniversary Retreat at

Bamford September – Last Year’s Review  4 October – Feast of Saint Francis  1 November - All Saints – Tales of some

Saints  6 December - Advent Surprise

Other things we’ve done

Jan Epiphany Carols & Cake Feb Preparing for Lent Mar Catholic History Apr No meeting (Chrism Mass) May 11.00 am Rivelin Valley, Mass, Talk

& Lunch Jun Age Concern July Anniversary Retreat Aug Teddy Bear's Picnic Sep St Marie's Tour

Other things we’ve done

Oct Euthanasia Nov Light Hearted Debate on a Dark

Afternoon Dec Advent - Preparing for Christmas

Each year we ask members what they’ve thought of our meetings and ask them for their ideas – then we go away and plan it.

Some Other Ideas

Volunteers to lead prayers and Tea Rota Botanical Gardens Short Walks More Pub Lunches Games Afternoons Kelham Island & Fat Cat Pub Tour of St Marie’s - Part 2 Retreat or something else?

More Ideas

Another debate / general discussion Themed series of talks “Year of the

Priest” (very successful!) and “Year of the Poor” – we’ll let you know!

Topics suggested in reviews that we haven't done

(Have you asked for something that we haven't yet covered, that you still want)

Theatre visits? Visits to churches of the Diocese

Some of our Ascent Group

On a trip to Hull

Refreshments are Important

Tea?

Carols & Cake – Epiphany 2007

So is more Tea…..

Or, if you’re lucky, coffee!

Bamford Retreat

Other Socials

Bluebell Walk

Special WeddingAnniversary

Vote of Thanks

Followed by tea!

So now it’s over to you

Do you like the idea of Ascent? Do you think you could form a group in

your parish? Or would a group covering two or three

parishes be better? Remember, it must be easy for people to

get to by bus, car, taxi or walking! Speak to John or Veronica for more

information or look at http://hallamascent.weebly.com

Presentation updated on 20 May 2010