Last year I was given a ‘very special’ opportunity to help out a Grandparent of some of our St Mary’s School children, by creating a duplicate of an incredible piece of artwork painted by a Sister of St Josephs of Cluny, Sister Catherine.

Sister Catherine was well known by many, she had an enormous amount to do with our St Mary’s School during her years when she lived at the St Josephs Convent directly beside the school.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am around eight months behind schedule on the calendar I started last October. There are many elements in the Liturgical Calendar that Sister Catherine painted that are so beautiful and deserving of time and care to reproduce. There are little five centimetre high painted Saints that surround the calendar, and there are around fifty Saints alone. The calendar’s purpose is to explain in a simple way the different parts of our Catholic Church year. Inside each segment of the calendar are bible references to that part of the year, painted, again like the Saints, as tiny cartoons of scripture. I had no idea it would take such a long time to create a double, I really do need some help, or I wonder if it will ever be finished.

It will also be lovely for us to get together and enjoy a coffee or tea, and a chat. I would greatly appreciate any help.  The painting is mainly “fill in the spaces”, as I use graphite paper to transfer onto the canvas, all the information that needs to be on the calendar, it’s a simple paint by number’s system.
We have been given permission to use a spare room at the convent, and I will be there on Monday’s and Thursday’s, from 11am to 4pm.
Children are welcome also, if accompanied by a carer.  If you wish to call in and say hi, and are inspired to pick up a paint brush, I truly would love the help and the company.

With kindest regards to all parents, grandparents, carers and children, May God Bless you all.  Desiree Osterman (Mother of Ben Osterman Room 10 and Taylor Osterman Room 5).  Everyone is welcome!  You can find directions at the school office, I will supply paint and brushes, if you like you are welcome to bring your own brushes etc.