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 quiet A presentation and feedback or question time Tea and chat Notices and closing prayer

 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.

 October 2005 An African Experience  All Saints Pub Lunch  November 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 – £ collected for Assist over 60 came.  5 April Tony "Eye On The Ball“

 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

Jan Epiphany Carols & Cake Feb Preparing for Lent Mar Catholic History Apr No meeting (Chrism Mass) May am Rivelin Valley, Mass, Talk & Lunch Jun Age Concern July Anniversary Retreat AugTeddy Bear's Picnic Sep St Marie's Tour

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.

 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?

 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

Tea? Carols & Cake – Epiphany 2007

Or, if you’re lucky, coffee!

Bluebell Walk Special Wedding Anniversary

Followed by tea!

 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 Presentation updated on 20 May 2010