Dear Editor

How lovely to see Beverley’s section of the Archconfraternity of St Stephen mentioned in July’s Catholic Voice. I became a member in 1953 under the tutelage of Fr – later Canon – Joe O’Mahony. Alongside John Wilkinson and his brother there was a band of us, of course. I recall the boys of the Marsh, Malcolm, Earl families, as well as others, forming a brave, possibly bold, collection of altar servers. There is no doubt in my mind that it was the example of Fr Joe who moved me towards the priesthood, but whom I would never be able to emulate. He became an eminent and well-known Liturgist in his own right (Rite? Write?).

The most memorable occasion for me was the re-introduction of the Easter Vigil, when after a hugely detailed officiation the newly blessed baptismal water disappeared from the Font because someone had forgotten to put the plug in! ‘Oh heck, it’s gone!’ was the most unliturgical response of the evening.

Whilst I would confess to having great difficulty in forming a band of Altar Servers for the Archconfraternity in my own parish of Guisborough, may I just marvel with thanksgiving at Beverley parish’s achievement over the years. From little acorns mighty oaks do grow. Congratulations to the priests and people of my home parish, where I was the first Catholic priest ordained since the Reformation in 1970. Deo Gratias!

Yours sincerely

Michael Bayldon