Father Butters - Some of his memories
Parish trip to Rome
National altar servers Mass Westminster cathedral with Cardinal Nichols
Walsingham evening visit to the Grotto
Our altar servers at evening visit to Our Lady's statue. Left to right: Marc Besford, Olivia Allison, Callum Walker, Ben Sinclair, Fr Butters, Thomas Nimmo, Christopher Allison and Caitlin Allison.
Stations of the Cross and barbeque - Osmotherly
Over several years usually on a fine June evening quite a number of parishioners gathered outside the Golden Lion in Osmotherly and then proceeded out of the village eventually turning left up the trail to the Lady Chapel. Along the path we kept the Way of the Cross. At each of the 14 wooden crosses in the grass verge old and young took turns in the prayers at that Station.
Meanwhile Peter and Caroline were valiantly preparing a BBQ - lots of beef burgers, hot dogs, salad, onions etc.
An enjoyable evening every time.
Many years of Pilgrimages to Walsingham lead by Father Butters
The photo is the group pilgrimage in 2024 lead again by Father Butters. Even though he has now retired, Father Butters will be leading yet again the 2025 Pilgrimage to Walsingham.
Ushaw College
Following the usual diocesan practice, preparation for Confirmation was teaching in the last term of Year 8 in school and catechesis in the parish early September Year 9.
The last parish session before reception of the Sacrament usually was a visit to Ushaw College. The picture shows a group in the College St Cuthbert's chapel. On that occasion we were joined by Mr Ramsey, St Michael’s Headteacher.
Young Christian Workers
In November 2017 at the Prince Charles theatre in Leicester Square, Million Minutes held their annual award ceremony. Our YCW group received the prestigious Cardinal Cardign award from Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. They were praised for their concern for justice to workers, thus upholding each person’s dignity.
The pictures show members of the group about to receive the award and then showing it. Left to right Mgr John Marsland,national spiritual director, Louis Kelly, Thomas Nimmo, Callum Walker, and Marc Besford , then Deputy National President.
Confirmations between 2006 - 2014
Father Butters remembers that between 2006 and 2014 after receiving the sacrament of Confirmation and as a congratulations from the parish, about six catechists and Father Butters every other year accompanied the young parishioners on pilgrimage to Rome. It was an experience enjoyed and had a great influence on all. The usual tourist sites were visited, food and ice cream eaten.
One year the following was the highlight - having written to ask the Holy Father to mention the group in his weekly Sunday address from the window in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Benedict graciously said : "I greet also a confirmation group from Billingham in England". This was greeted with loud cheers from our group.
When we returned home Father Butters received an email from Bishop Lindsay saying “ I can infallibly state no other pope in history has ever mentioned Billingham"
Father Butters remembers the 40 hours of devotion at St. John's in 2018
This devotion is a prolonged exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during which we can give thanks and adore this wonderful gift Our Lord gave to us on Maundy Thursday evening, a permanent memorial of his passion and death, “the Church’s great treasure”, as described by St Paul VI.
The number 40 occurs often in the Scriptures e.g. the Israelites journeying 40 years on the desert, Our Lord 40 days in the wilderness.
The many candles and beautiful display of flowers demonstrate the solemnity of the devotion.
Father Butters wrote to the Queen
On her significant anniversaries, 50, 60 and 70, a letter of congratulations was sent to her Majesty The Queen from the catholic community in Billingham. As the date of her accession to the Throne, 6th February, was also the anniversary of her father’s death, the letter promised prayers not only for her but also his late majesty King George VI.
A similar letter of sympathy was sent to King Charles on the death of his mother and his accession.
Graciously a reply was sent to each of our letters. They are in the parish archives. One example is below.
