My name is Sheila Roger/nee Thompson, born in Irlam, baptised at St. Teresa’s, Irlam. I moved with my older sister to Patricroft and attended All Saints Primary School. Moving on to Adelphi House, I finished after completing A levels and hoped to go Sedgeley Park Teacher Training College. However, by this time, I had two more siblings, both girls, and money was tight so I went to work. My job was in finance, and my boss funded attendance at the local college to train as a bookkeeper.

My interests revolved around the outdoors, fell walking etc. I managed to get on a course through Salford Education to train as a Youth Worker and gained qualifications in youth training and first aid. I started a Youth club, along with others in Holy Cross old hall, and with the support of Fr. Patrick McIntyre, our Parish priest, ran a very successful youth club for the youth of the parish. Our activities included taking groups to the Lake District, staying at Castlerigg Manor, entering groups for competitions in dance and many other things.

My journey to joining the Associates began when I spent Christmas in Assisi, and later whilst waiting for Mass in Holy Cross, Sister Jenny invited me to attend an Associates meeting. Since then I have attended as many meetings as I could and was placed in the Alice Ingham group. I have made lots of friends through attending these meetings and made my commitment last year. I have enjoyed going to Noddfa on 2 retreats and hope to go again. As a follower of St. Francis, I try to increase my spiritual life with prayer, managing to attend Mass each day, starting with morning prayer. I find the quietness in church helps me to increase my faith. I like doing charitable works and fund raising for local and world wide causes, sharing my good fortunes with others.