In the days of punk rock, a band calling themselves 'The Creeps' spent their time around the empty marketplace in the mining-town of Maltby, South Yorkshire. They didn't go to church anymore, but their mums did. One evening the parish priest, Fr. May was visiting a household when a Creep called Joe walked in. "How would your band like to play the music for our prayer group Mass?" he asked. Joe muttered something, but took up Fr. May on the offer of a free hall to practice in.

One night, as the lads practiced in the hall, the parish prayer group was meeting at the other end of the corridor. Fr. May asked the group to pray for the punks and after the meeting he went along to the hall with some of the prayer group members. Almost as a dare, one of the lads asked for a blessing. Fr. May prayed with each of them and each lad experienced God's presence in a unique and powerful way. Charismatic Renewal would call the experience 'resting in the Spirit' but in their own vocabulary of the time - they'd been 'zapped!' From that point on they were fired up to spread the Gospel any way they could.

Almost immediately, the group ran some 'Life in the Spirit seminars', which led to a young people's prayer group. The prayer group met every Sunday afternoon in St. Mary Magdalene Catholic church. There was a strong initial religious instinct to follow St. Francis - hence the name 'Maltby - Franciscans' - and a number of the early members began wearing distinctive jackets embroidered with Christian symbols, secured by a cord with one knot - for the 'will of God.' The group then asked Fr. May to write them a Rule, so that they could be a community.

An early experience of the care of God through his mother led to the adoption of a special prayer which has become part of every Maltfriscan meeting: O dear White Rose, whose petals enfold our hearts, draw us into the centre of your sweetness, Jesus. The young people were invited into schools and prayer groups to talk, and the group grew larger.

Although the group always was and has remained a predominantly lay movement, a number of members tried their vocations in the secular priesthood and religious life. Within the community, houses for brothers and sisters were set up in Maltby and London and for an eventful six years they existed somewhat precariously on the providence of God.

As Maltby 'friscans married or found jobs around the country, little pockets of community gathered around them and a looser structure was put in place whereby community members were linked in smaller groups and networked nationally through area representatives. This group meets during the year to co-ordinate activities and plan the Chapter of Mats.

The Chapter of Mats, usually held at the end of July, remains the decision- making body of the community. It is a joyful and praise-filled gathering of the Maltfriscan family. During these five days and five nights community members of all ages pray, play, share, plan, learn, and are spiritually nourished for the year ahead. Community members renew their commitment to the Rule and those in positions of authority are elected.

Music remains a joy and a charism of the community. Work with young people has also remained a strong element of the community's charism and Friscans continue to work in diocesan youth and educational initiatives. A commitment to social justice has also grown, with the community supporting CAFOD and various members working or volunteering in this field.

We do not know what the future holds, but we trust that God who has blessed us throughout the years despite our many failings, will continue to do so.

Magnus es Domine, et laudabilis valde.