A Tradition Continues Final Pdf

2008 – Look for Joe at the very centre of the photo

A Tradition Continues

the decision to join the army about two years ago. After which, it took him a little less than two years to apply, be On this day (as with the 1st passing assessed and complete training out parade) the attraction of why one phases I and II before receiving a would join the army was evident i.e. commission. the life of disciple, days of structure, purpose and service...........sounds like the priesthood!

Joe with the one of the commanding dignitaries

When pondering the current and past After achieving phase I of his training Congratulations to Joe on his altar servers of St Thomas’ it becomes Joe participated in his passing out accomplishments and also to his apparent that there are a number of parade which took place towards the proud mother and father, Carrie and them that have excelled in their lives. end of 2007 when the weather was Bob Hills who have been very One of the longest ,if not the longest, bitter with an extreme ice cold wind supportive and encouraging. To serving servers (Cecil Claydon) which cut through thick woollen conclude, please keep Joe, his army enlisted in the British Army (probably jumpers and jackets. Even so, the colleagues and all British soldiers in around 1940) and fought against an soldiers on parade without the your prayers that they may be a true evil regime (N.B. during World War II slightest movement, stood to attention force for good and kept safe from Cecil would continue his vocation and exhibiting a self-discipline which went harm. Pray also for the enemy serve at Mass with a ‘soap box’ at well-beyond endurance. The soldiers and for the peace that only times being used as an altar). There commanding dignitaries recognised Christ can give. were other servers from St Thomas’ and awarded the best newcomer that also enlisted with Cecil. Another which went to one of Joe’s friends; it server became a local councillor and was noted that Joe was one of the had a road and building named after newcomers that had this award within him while a another in his charge his grasp. became a bishop. In more recent Eight months later, years there have been two altar Joe, his family and servers who became British Karate friends gathered for champions and one of the two his 2nd passing out participated in the world parade which championship. Add to that a young marked his golfing champion, an under eighteen successful athletic champion, several swimming completion of champions and other numerous phase II. The servers who have done well weather was more academically and professionally. amenable and the The latest accomplishment achieved day naturally more by one of St Thomas’ servers and in enjoyable with an accord with the above tradition is the air of excitement as arrival of Joe Hills in the British Army. the training had Joe Hills being a regular server and ended and the recruits were being awarded the silver medal from the Archconfraternity of St Stephen made commissioned.

(N.B. The Rosary is always the favourite prayer – in addition there are a number of saints who are the patron of soldiers such as St George, St Martin of Tours, St Joan of Arc and especially St Michael the Archangel all awaiting to be invoked).

B y Ni c h ol a s C hi n n o n