St John Fisher parish hosts Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor Golf Tournament

THE PARISH OF St John Fisher in Shepperton, Middlesex, hosted the first Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor Golf Tournament on a sunny Saturday, April 17.
The event at Silvermere golf course in Surrey was used to raise over £2,500 for Cafod.
Fr Peter-Michael Scott, parish priest at St John Fisher, said Haiti was the primary reason for setting up the tournament and, as Shepperton is surrounded by golf courses, a golf contest seemed an obvious idea for a fund-raising event.
“We approached His Eminence and asked how he would feel having a golf tournament named after him in aid of Cafod and he said it was a fantastic idea.” He said St John Fisher was only a small parish and so £2,500 was a tidy sum.
Most of the money was raised through local businesses sponsoring the golf day. Businesses also generously provided free services, advertising, posters and equipment. The Cardinal is known for his love of games, and rugby espe cially. These days he enjoys a game of golf.
“The Cardinal’s such an easy character to deal with,” Fr Scott said. “He was a joy to work with.” Golfing enthusiasts were split into two teams competing for the Cardinal Cormac Cup. Although the Cardinal’s team made a good score, it was the host team of St John Fisher parish who won the tournament.
Fr Scott has announced that next year’s Cardinal Cormac Golf Tournament in aid of Cafod will take place on Saturday May 7 2011 at Silvermere golf club, Surrey.
To play or sponsor a hole, email Sadie at [email protected].
As a young man the Cardinal, who is 6ft 3in, played for Prior Park in Bath and had six years with the Vatican Lions before giving rugby up at the age of 28.
In retirement he is a keen amateur golfer. Speaking about the hobbies he pursues in his spare time, the Cardinal said in 2007: “I like reading very much, particularly biography and history. I listen to music.
“I used to play the piano a lot though not as much nowadays. I also like a bit of exercise and an occasional game of golf and a good walk. For the rest, it is always good to meet family and friends.” Fr Peter-Michael Scott works for the archdiocese of Westminster and advises Archbishop Nichols on healthcare chaplaincy.
John Fisher Catholic parish is a lively church which is 73 years old and seeks to witness the Gospel to the people of Shepperton. “Prayer, Partnership, Pilgrimage, and Panto” sums up what the parish is all about. Holy Mass is at the centre of parish life. But there is also a unique pantomime every year put on by the youth group.