NEWS FROM NOTTINGHAM FRIARY

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THE PARISH MASS ON THE GRASS

On Sunday 12th July 2009 St Edward's Parish celebrated the 800th anniversary of St Francis's Rule with a Mass-on-the-Grass and picnic. Franciscan Minoress Sisters and Secular Franciscans joined friars and parish for the celebration. The Minoresses had founded the parish's first school, in the 19th Century. So they were guests of honour today. Children who had received their First Communion in June received certificates of the event, and were sent out on mission as the conclusion of their year-long preparation. The shared table proved abundant, exotic and lavish.

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MINISTRY TO PRISONERS

For many years the Nottingham friars have worked in the prisons of the city. For the past 12 years Fr Quentin has spent 15 hours every week in HMP Lowdham Grange. Much of the time is spent in prisoners' cells, listening to their stories and problems. He also provides weekly Mass and sacraments. He has fought to maintain the chapel which is pictured below. Both the ironwork of Francis and the Leper, and the painting of the Madonna are the work of inmates.