We are a married couple of almost 48 years and have been committed Christians since our youth. We are also both retired registered nurses having worked for the NHS for over 20 years. At present we attend Saint Mark’s church in Swinton having attended Saint Charles’ church, Swinton prior to the recent amalgamation. Thus, we are active members of our newly created parish of St. Ambrose Barlow to which both churches belong.

Approximately 8 years ago, before moving to a new house, we attended Saint Joseph’s church in Ordsall. It was here that a lay associate of the FMSJ community invited us to attend an informal meeting with a view to the possibility of joining them. We accepted the invitation without much hesitation because, despite regular mass attendance, we had been aware for many years that our experience of ‘church’, in its true sense as a place of Christian fellowship and spiritual community, was very limited. This opportunity to be part of a deeply committed aspect of church seemed like a God given answer to the sense of ‘disconnect’ we experienced in between masses. The FMSJ community has provided us with a deeper experience of church without it impinging on our family commitments. It has been, and continues to be, an added source of spiritual food and encouragement, fostered within Christian companionship, which makes the walk of faith a less lonely affair. It has provided another channel in our lives through which the Lord can “be with us on our journey”.