Valerie was one of the first members of the English community. “I remember going to the Laurentiuskerk in Rosmalen, when the announcement was made parochie Maria wanted to start an English mass. That was good news for me. Being Canadian, following along with the Dutch language is hard sometimes.”
When Valerie returned to English mass after not attending for a while due to circumstances, the community had significantly grown. “I was happy to see the community had grown so much. To me, it’s a reminder that God makes sure communities are formed and people look out for each other. Our English community is a nice example of a group of people that balances religion and provides a sense of belonging very nicely.”
An example Valerie gives is the community consisting of people from all around the world, from all walks of life talking, having coffee and eating together. “I like how people find a home here, when it can be hard to settle in a country where you don’t know anyone.”
Valerie eventually returned to mass “being welcomed back as warmly as I was welcomed when I first joined the community. It’s because we share the core fundamentals of our Christian faith, I’m confident that anyone who wishes to join our community will always feel welcome.”
Feel free to join us for English mass, every Saturday at 17.15h. St. Catharine's church is located at Kruisbroedershof 4 5211 GX 's-Hertogenbosch. And of course, you’re very welcome to stay for dinner, too!