Fond farewell to the team at St Cassian’s

From July 14th, the Volunteer Team at the centre experienced a busy final week as a community. The five volunteers who remained at the end of the year, Brandon, Camila, Martina, Olivya and Valeria had a busy week packing, cleaning, and enjoying the last few days together with a variety of activities.

The week started with ensuring the house was ready for our summer guests and trying to pack as much as we’d acquired into suitcases to go home – all whilst each member of the community led a prayer to start and end every day of exit week together. At the end of Monday, the volunteers got together and made Empanadas, an Argentinian dish.

Tuesday saw the community travel to Oxford to see the Brothers at HQ where Br. Laurence welcomed us. We made sure to see Br. John, Br. Michael, Br. Aidan and Kevin before heading out to venture around Oxford before enjoying a lovely Italian meal together.

Wednesday had us pack and clean the house even more before a community trip to Newbury Lido, which was very exciting for us. The morning also allowed us to welcome Heather Ruple back to the house to talk to the team about carrying on their Lasallian mission beyond our district. The retreat team wrapped up the day and showing off their cooking prowess with the most amazing Paella you’ve ever seen.

Thursday was an equally big day for the community, the last day of preparations, especially for the Mass we shared in the evening and the barbecue with the staff afterwards.

We were delighted to be joined by former team member Issy, as well as some of the Brothers from Oxford for the evening, and the moment where Fr. Zbigniev shared of the importance of friendship and how we should “hold on to our friends” was especially emotional for us all.

Friday began with us sharing our final affirmations for the team, and prayer led by Director Emma. The week was brought to a close by the “Last Supper” in which the team were treated to any meal they could think of, and our Kitchen team of Teresa and Cara were more than up to the challenge.

St. Cassian's can never thank this year’s team of volunteers enough, for the work they did, the thousands of young people they supported, and the community they shared.

From Emma, Br. Bernard, Sara, Beti and Owain, an endless “Thank You” and prayers go to Axel, Brandon, Camila, Martina, Nayo, Olivya, Valeria and Ryan for everything they've done here – Well done.