La Grande Rentree: Our last newsletter communication from Paris ended on a rather sad note with the report of the imminent departure of our dear friends, Venci and Amaydee Arcayan. Their loss was felt very much not just by ourselves, but by former residents here. We are glad to begin this latest contribution with the happy news that Venci and Amaydee returned to us in the Spring of this year and are well and truly re-established at St Joseph's. It is a long story, but that's for another time. For the moment, just share our joy.

But their return is not the only one. I refer to the Grande Rentree of our people from so many parts of the world. After the long, quiet balmy days of July and August when things seem to stand fairly still, relatively speaking, September begins with a mighty bang as new families arrive and others return from all over the world - expecting everything to be under starter's orders for another hectic year.

At the time of writing, those responsible are plunged into the annual headache of trying to fit 230 children into C.C.D. classes, with the equally unenviable task of trying to supply and organise a sufficient number of teachers. Tom is up to his eyes, but ably supported by very willing and wonderful people. As a result of increasing numbers, we are having to establish both the 9.45 am and 11 am Sunday masses as Family masses. It's hard trying to cater for so many but a healthy problem to have.

At the same time, all the other parish groups start again. Anthony is very busy with Marriage preparation (not his own, as far as we know!) and meetings of Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. Despite the fact that he's not getting any younger - and considering that he had a significant and well-celebrated birthday earlier this year - he does his share and enjoys life to the max.

Thomas is presently gathering together catechumens for the R.C.I.A. programme. His life seems to be one long meeting after another. And with his usual generosity, he takes on even more. In the last few months - with the help of some volunteers - he has been getting together a much needed and very appreciated men's group in the parish. They have already had a retreat. Now they meet periodically in the hall for reflection, sharing and prayer. He is also at the beck and call of many refugees, immigrant, "sans papier" people and beggars who come here looking for help.

In Lent, he initiated and coordinated an ecumenical dialogue in the Church which included a Christian, Muslim and Jewish speaker. In this he was aided and abetted by members of the American Catholic Women's Organisation. Some of them also helped him organise a short Pilgrimage to Rome which took place around Ascension Weekend. Michael acted as unofficial guide (and got no tips!). One of the highlights for the people was the celebration of mass at our Founder's Chapel in the Basilica. Pressurised to admit it, Michael confesses to doing an excellent job in the pre-Baptismal course for parents and godparents. He has two couples working alongside. Not enough can be said about the sterling work he does with the Ushers.

Miscellaneous events: St Patrick's Day was celebrated with customary panache. Anthony O'Leary celebrated the mass in English and Irish. The new Irish Ambassador was in attendance, as was one of the Ministers of the Irish Government. On the previous evening, we all attended the Soiree in the Irish Embassy to the commemorate the feast.

In May we celebrated Confirmation. The celebrant was the former Archbishop of Birmingham, England - Couve de Murville. He went down well with the people and made himself very much at home with ourselves. We were happy to invite Cormac, Marius and Theophane to celebrate their jubilees with a special meal chez nous. Our Summer Fair in June was blessed with much sunshine and many people. It was a bumper success and a great event for bonding people as they work cheerily together for a common purpose.

Our Outreach Committee - coordinated by parishioners - continues to help poor people by cooking and serving dinner for hundreds of them every week in Church of the Trinity. A new "Young Adults" group is presently forming and, hopefully, it will get good attendance. They hope to meet regularly for reflection, discussion, leisure and fun. Since we are all more than twenty, we may attend, too!

Earlier in the year, the Pastoral Council conducted a fairly thorough questionnaire among the parishioners about their concerns, needs etc. The results were interesting and will be implemented where possible. The French Passionist - Jean Claude - uses St Joseph's every couple of weeks for a group the he runs, called "Notre Dame - Porte du Ciel". They are all French people and see themselves as connected with the Passionist charism in some way. It is good to see this contact with our French brethren. Young Fr Patrick (French) calls in to see us whenever he visits Paris.

We still avail of the Passionist Nuns facilities at Croisy for reflection days for Pastoral Council et alia. During this past week we have a special memorial mass for the victims etc of 11th September. This gesture was very appreciated by our American parishioners especially. Next Sunday we have PICNIC day when people are invited to bring salads and desserts for the party in the garden. And the catch?… as they leave, they are invited to volunteer for some ministry! There can hardly be need to report that during the year we had a General Election. The world knows!

Finally, let me introduce you to three new members of our community. They are: Treacle, Fred and Pee-Wee, the Community Cats! Mum and two kittens, all black in colour. They could be described as our latest CATechumens! They have been "treated", if you know what I mean, but a certain TOM CAT (not of the Scanlon genre) has been seen around the place. We think he has naughty intentions, but he's in for a shock!

An afterthought for Kenneth Brady… the cats live in the garden, not the apartment… so come and visit any time. They won't touch you!