In early March it was announced that Sisters Antoinette and Kathleen would be withdrawing from their current ministries and returning to Ireland after serving Luton and the surrounding area for nearly 50 years.
Initially in 1976 their ministry was in Catholic education and in particular in St Margaret of Scotland’s Infant and Junior Schools. Their ministries then evolved into homeless and marginalized, divorced and separated, the sick, dying and bereaved. In 1996 their move to Abigail Close afforded the opportunity to develop a ministry of prayer and contemplation in inspirational surroundings.
On Monday 9th May 2022 local Catholics were able to mark the Sisters unstinting service to their community with a Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians followed by refreshments in the Parish hall presided over by Monsignor Kevin McGinnell with the Abbess General Sister Anne Kelly OSC in attendance. A packed Church and parish hall filled to overflowing reflected the gratitude of so many people touched by their service and kindness over so many years. Afterwards the Sisters referred to the Mass and Party as “a joy filled and memorable evening”.
The Sisters subsequently sent a message to all parishioners:
“THANKS : To all the people of Luton – and beyond – we, Sisters Kathleen and Antoinette, send our sincere and heartfelt thanks for walking with us in so many ways, and for so many years. As we all continue our life’s journey, please be assured of our thoughts and prayers, and we know that you will keep us in your hearts too. May God continue to bless you and your families until we all meet again in Heaven – so, let us be sure that we get there! “