A day of reminiscing!

A day of renewing old friendships!

A day to feel young again!

A day of joy and hope!

Most especially a day to celebrate, honour, and say ‘thanks’ for all that has been:

• for the Catholic population of Rayleigh, led by Fr. A. Dorricott PP, who birthed the vision of a Catholic Primary School for Rayleigh.
• for Srs. Paul Murphy and Josephine Burke with the backing of the Sisters of Mercy, Diocese of Cloyne, Ireland, and encouraged to keep going through thick and thin and much turmoil by the then Bishop of Cloyne, Dr. John Ahern. DD.
• for those who have given and continue to provide Catholic Education at its best.

Our Lady Of Ransom School, Essex

It was so pleasant to drive again down Little Wheatley Chase on a balmy summer’s morning and see that the school was as it always was, but with a grand new entrance.  Security is very tight now since the tragedy in the Primary School in Dunblane, Scotland, but once we stepped inside the security barriers, it felt as if we never left.  Paul Parascandolo, the headmaster, gave us a royal welcome.  In the space of a few minutes the reception area was buzzing with welcomes.

The original spirit of Catherine McAuley is alive and active and the Mercy Charism was clearly depicted in the pictures created by the staff and pupils in preparation for the celebration.  There is no doubt that every effort is being made in this school to keep Mercy values alive and to show appreciation of the traditions developed over the years.

The children in their smart summer uniforms were so courteous and welcoming.  We just wondered what was going through the pupils’ minds when they were introduced to the ‘Sisters’, now a rare spectacle.  The ‘nuns’ were a huge puzzle to the locals in the early days.   Thirty eight happy years living on Little Wheatley Chase changed all that.

A huge marquee had been erected in the playing field and a little bird told us that willing hands had spent most of the previous night getting everything ready for the celebration of the Eucharist. The tent was festooned in the school colours.  Apparently every pupil prepared a section of the bunting with their own prayer, picture or thought.  Not an easy task for teachers and assistants!  Overall it was a marathon effort and the school crest decorated with fresh flowers was a ‘wow’ factor.

The Eucharistic celebration was very special.  Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood Diocese, was the chief celebrant, his co-celebrants being the current PP Fr. Paul Fox, Fr. Kevin Hale, Dean of Southend, Fr. Martin Joyce, ex PP and now retired in Crosshaven, Co Cork and Fr. John Corbyn PP of Wickford.  Our Lady of Ransom School now serves the parishes of Our Lady of Ransom, Rayleigh and the neighbouring parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford.  It was such a joy to share the Eucharist with Francis O’Brien, first Head Teacher to take over from the sisters, Mr Paul Parascandolo, present Head Teacher, and so many past and present teachers, governors, parents, grandparents and ex pupils not to mention the 600 approx little people, all so beautifully behaved.  We were especially happy to be among so many members of the early Parents’ Association, who worked so hard to get the school established.  It is obvious that the present Parents’ Association  represented by Clare Mason, herself a past pupil, have imbibed that same spirit.

Bishop Alan delivering his homily

Bishop Alan, a former Mercy boy and former teacher at a Mercy School, delivered an excellent homily on Mercy in all its aspects and did not forget to pay tribute to Catherine McAuley and to the Mercy Sisters down through the years.  He spoke with great sincerity and simplicity and the pride of his Mercy education shone through.  Srs. Genevieve O’Keeffe, Agnes Daly and myself felt very proud of our Mercy heritage.  The school choir added so much to the celebration.

We were very pleased that the local MP Mark Francois and the chairperson of Rochford District Council were present as well as many other dignitaries, none of them Catholic, but very happy to support the school.  At the end of Mass, a new Mercy perpetual cup was presented to the group, who raised the most money for charity during the school year.

Sharing refreshments in the Convent garden was a great opportunity to meet everyone.  The garden has taken on a new look, a beautiful Grotto in the corner overlooks raised vegetable beds tended by the pupils under the direction of a past graduate of  the Mercy College, Carysfort, Dublin.

There was some exchanging of news, addresses and photos.  Many had not seen each other for years.  It was a joy to meet so many we taught and there was much laughter.  Meeting their little ones, now pupils at Our Lady of Ransom was very special.  All the families ‘picnicked’ in little groups on the school field.  The Bishop enjoyed going around meeting people.  It was a pastoral visitation with a difference.  The school albums displayed in the convent dining room, which opens on to the garden, gave the visitors a trip down memory lane.

Sisters Agnes Daly, Ursula O’Keeffe & Genevieve O’Keeffe

All the while, there was an ongoing slide show in the hall, highlighting many events of the past fifty years.  Most of the school pilgrimages to Lourdes were shown so some of the day’s guests saw themselves thirty years younger!  Sadly many of the pilgrims are no longer with us but enjoying a jubilee of a different kind with the Lord.  It was time to utter a little prayer for them all.

The day was not over yet, the school sports followed.  Before the sports were officially started, blue and yellow balloons were released to mark the occasion.  We watched them rise into the skies and then up, up and away.  Memories of all who were present at the silver and ruby jubilees crowded back.

After tea a most enjoyable barn dance was held in the marquee, bringing the celebrations to a grand finale.

Memories were made and who knows that perhaps present pupils may be governors or teachers organising the centenary celebration.  Bishop Alan asked if there was a possibility the Prime Minister in 2066 may be an ex ‘Ransomer’!.  Is it beyond us to imagine even remotely how things will be 2066/2067?  We left the campus convinced that the spirit of Mercy is part of the fabric of this little corner of Essex and is in very safe hands.  Deo Gratias!

Ursula Sheehan rsm
Southern Province