Author: Nuntius

Newsletter

Nuntius

SUNDAY 15th March

FOURTH SUNDAY OF Lent Year A

Readings: Samuel 1 16:1-13 Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41

Sat  14th Mar        17.30   Confessions

                             18.00            Dave Woolsgrove RIP  (Staden)   

 

Sun        15th Mar         FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

                            08.30             Ian D’Silva RIP (Keenan)

                            10.30                    John Hughes RIP (Hughes)

 

Mon   16th Mar      09.15         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                            10:00              Hema Anton RIP (Jeyaseelan)  

 

Tues 17th Mar      09.15  St Patrick   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                   Sabrina Bosser, Susan & Wallace D’Monte        

 

Wed  18th Mar      09:15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00                     Rex Wheatley RIP (Wheatley)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.00 mass in the Meeting Place

 

Fri    20th Mar     09.15         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                          10.00                     Thanksgiving St Anthony (Fogarty)

                             Way of the Cross

 

Sat    21st Mar      17.30      Confessions

                            18.00                    Peter Weaver RIP  (Staden)          

 

Sun   22nd Mar        FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

                             08.30                 Jay Maskell (Cannon)

                            10.30                   John Hughes RIP (Hughes)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass.           

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed via the link:

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also in print on the website.

 

MASS INTENTIONS:  Do have masses said for your intentions. Use the envelopes in the foyer to name the intention and to enclose an offering. Give them to Fr Doug or post them through the presbytery door.

 

FINANCES   

Many thanks for your offertory collection                                                                       £963.57

Retiring collection for AIC                                                                                      £615.36

Retiring collection next Sunday for Poor Parishes

 

Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms available in the foyer. 

            

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time and our secretary will get back to you. Prices: £35 per hour on weekdays, £40 per hour at weekends

 

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

 

Dear Parishioners,

We reflected last year especially about life being a Pilgrimage from one place to somewhere better, somewhere holy, perhaps. Many of us follow The Way (or Stations) of the Cross as a devotion privately or as a family or in Church. We think of Lent as being a Journey in Faith. This dynamic often focuses our thoughts on where we are going or trying to get to. It is sometimes worth looking back though, and reminding ourselves that we have actually been moving! If we look back we will be able to see that we have developed or grown in some ways. Maybe this growth has followed a difficult situation or challenge, maybe it’s just down to some change in our lives. Whatever, look until you see and then give thanks to God.

God Bless,                                    Fr Doug 

 

LENT 2026:

At most masses we will greet the gospel by singing: 

Praise To You Lord Jesus Christ, King of Eternal Glory.

 

We are offering the opportunity each week to reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel:

Mondays, 6.00 Exposition, 6.30 Gospel Reflection and/or…

Tuesdays, 1.00 Refreshments, 1.30 Gospel Reflection.

ALSO, as ever, we recommend the Southwark Spirituality (daily) reflections, arriving as emails. All you have to do is ask! Go to www.southwarkdsc.org.uk and click on LENT REFLECTIONS.

ALSO, Churches Together “40 Days in the Desert”: Biblical reflection and prayer Tues 10 a.m., Bexley URC, Hurst Rd, Thurs, 7 p.m., Baldwyns Park Baptist Church, Dartford Rd.

 

SANCTUARY QUIET DAY:  A Day of Reflection for Lent on 28th March 11-3 at “Sanctuary”, 8 Hotham Close, Swanley Village.

All are welcome. Bring a packed lunch. Bookings at tkilcullen@live.co.uk

 

AIC PASSAGE FRIENDS: 

A big Thank you for your generous donation last week of £615.36 Your support will enable us to continue our monthly outings with homeless friends – to London locations in the winter; in the summer via SVP minibus to Kent and East Sussex. God richly bless your almsgiving this Lent.

 

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES

Please collect your envelopes from the foyer. 

ALSO, if you contribute by S.O., there are envelopes for special collections for you. 

 

RETIRING COLLECTION NEXT SUNDAY FOR POOR PARISHES

There are some parishes in the diocese that are thriving in many ways but just can’t make ends meet. Not here, thankfully, but we can help the Archbishop support such parish communities until they can get themselves afloat. 

 

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT JESUIT MISSIONS – ‘Campaigns & Outreach Officer’

Remote working, with travel across the UK. Can you engage and motivate others to act on campaigns involving those in the Global South? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about Jesuit Missions, the Job Description/Person Specification go to: https://jesuitmissions.org.uk/vacancies/ or scan the QR code Closing date: 9am, Friday 20th March

 

SOUTHWARK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: 21 to 28 August 2026
An opportunity to refresh our relationship with the Lord Jesus, with the help of Our Lady’s prayers.

Details for booking travel and accommodation can be found at 

https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/join2026 or edwardperera@rcaos.org.uk

Newsletter

Nuntius

SUNDAY 8th March

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Year A

Readings: Exodus 17:3-7 Psalm 94, Romans 5:1-8, John 4:5-42

 

Sat      7th Mar      17.30      Confessions

                            18.00            Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)     

 

Sun     8th Mar           THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

                             08.30           Thomas Kilvarry RIP (Deal family)

                             10.30            Angela Carroll   (Cowdell family)

 

Mon    9th Mar        10.30  FUNERAL MASS     Owen King RIP

                                                         

Tues  10th Mar      09.15     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             10.00             Helen & Brendan Rutledge (Kilcullen)      

 

Wed   11th Mar      09:15     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             10.00                  Michael & Kate Dunning RIP (Wheatley)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.00 mass in the Meeting Place

 

Fri      13th Mar      09.15     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament                                 

                             10.00                    Donald Almeida RIP (Almeida)

 

Sat     14th Mar      17.30     Confessions

                              18.00                  Dave Woolsgrove RIP  (Staden)   

 

Sun     15th Mar         FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

                              08.30           Ian D’Silva RIP (Keenan)

                              10.30                John Hughes RIP (Hughes)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass.

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed via the link:

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also in print on the website.

 

MASS INTENTIONS

Do have masses said for your intentions. Use the envelopes in the foyer to name the intention and to enclose an offering. Give them to Fr Doug or post them through the presbytery door.

 

FINANCES   

Many thanks for your offertory collection                                                                       £1047.40

Retiring collection last week                      CAFOD                                  £560.13

Retiring collection this week                      AIC

Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Card Payment: Machine located in the foyer.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms available in the foyer. 

            

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time and our secretary will get back to you. Prices: £35 per hour on weekdays, £40 per hour at weekends

 

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

 

Dear Parishioners,

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for March is “for disarmament and peace.”

He asks us to pray for peace: he begins his prayer by recalling that the Lord has shaped every human being in His image and likeness and that He created us “for communion, not for war, for fraternity, not for destruction. You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,” grant us the gift of your peace and the strength to make it a reality in history. Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world, asking that nations renounce weapons and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy. Lord help us disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference, so we may become instruments of reconciliation. Help us understand that true security does not come from control fuelled by fear, but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.”

God Bless,                                    Fr Doug 

 

LENT 2026:

At most masses we will greet the gospel by singing: 

Praise To You Lord Jesus Christ, King of Eternal Glory.

 

We are offering the opportunity each week to reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel:

Mondays, 6.00 Exposition, 6.30 Gospel Reflection and/or…

Tuesdays, 1.00 Refreshments, 1.30 Gospel Reflection.

 

ALSO, as ever, we recommend the Southwark Spirituality (daily) reflections, arriving as emails. All you have to do is ask! Go to www.southwarkdsc.org.uk and click on LENT REFLECTIONS.

For those who don’t use email, there are printed copies available in the foyer.

ALSO, The Way of the Cross: Devotional prayer after the 10.00 mass, (approx. 10.20) each Friday. If you like to lead one session, with help, please see Carol Anderson or Angela Gillespie.

ALSO, Churches Together “40 Days in the Desert”: a 5-week course of Biblical reflection and prayer exploring the Book of Exodus, drawing parallels between the Hebrews’ 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. Tues 10 a.m., Bexley URC, Hurst Rd, Thurs, 7 p.m., Baldwyns Park Baptist Church, Dartford Rd.

 

SANCTUARY QUIET DAY

A Day of Reflection for Lent on 28th March 11-3 at “Sanctuary”, 8 Hotham Close, Swanley Village.

All are welcome. Bring a packed lunch. Bookings at tkilcullen@live.co.uk

 

AIC PASSAGE (FORMERLY SATURDAY) FRIENDS: 

This weekend our AIC Passage Friends group will make their annual appeal on behalf of homeless people who are clients of The Passage Day Centre in central London and use our Passage Friends rehabilitation service. We hope to explain what, with your generous help, has been achieved and what, with continued help, can be done this year.   

 

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT JESUIT MISSIONS – ‘Campaigns & Outreach Officer’

Remote working, with travel across the UK. Can you engage and motivate others to act on campaigns involving those in the Global South? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about Jesuit Missions, the Job Description/Person Specification go to: https://jesuitmissions.org.uk/vacancies/ or scan the QR code Closing date: 9am, Friday 20th March

 

SOUTHWARK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: 21 to 28 August 2026
An opportunity to refresh our relationship with the Lord Jesus, with the help of Our Lady’s prayers.

Details for booking travel and accommodation can be found at 

https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/join2026 or edwardperera@rcaos.org.uk 

 

Newsletter

Nuntius

SUNDAY 1st March

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Year A

Readings: Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 32, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Matthew 17:1-9

 

Sat  28th Feb 17.30  Confessions

                      18.00                            Richard Fernandes (Fos)  

 

Sun        1st Mar      Second Sunday of Lent  

08.30                            Bernard Gillespie RIP (Connolly)

                            10.30                            Choir Intentions  (Choir)

 

Mon  2nd Mar       09.15   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                             Juliet Benedict (Foundation)  

 

Tues 3rd Mar         09.15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00                             Jim Roth RIP    (Connolly) 

 

Wed 4th Mar         09.15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                           10.00                             Gerry & Eamon Dunning (Wheatley)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.00 mass in the Meeting Place

 

Fri     6th Mar         09.15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                             10.00                            Sylvie & Victor Jeyaseelan (Jeyaseelan)

 

Sat    7th Mar      17.30            Confessions

                            18.00                             Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)   

 

Sun   8th Mar      Third Sunday of Lent                   

08.30                             Thomas Kilvarry RIP (Deal family)

                           10.30                              Angela Carroll   (Cowdell family)

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass.          

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed via the link:

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also in print on the website.

 

MASS INTENTIONS:  Do have masses said for your intentions. Use the envelopes in the foyer to name the intention and to enclose an offering. Give them to Fr Doug or post them through the presbytery door.

 

FINANCES       

Many thanks for your offertory collection                                                 £989.33

Retiring collection this Sunday CAFOD

Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Card Payment: Machine located in the foyer.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms available in the foyer. 

         

OUR PARISH HALL:  Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time and our secretary will get back to you. Prices: £35 per hour on weekdays, £40 per hour at weekends

 

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

 

Dear Parishioners,

Pope Leo issued an invitation for Lent: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.” 

How about it?

There is a time to feast, and there is a time to fast!

           God Bless,                     Fr Doug 

 

LENT 2026:

At most masses we will greet the gospel by singing: 

Praise To You Lord Jesus Christ, King of Eternal Glory.

 We are offering the opportunity each week to reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel:

Mondays, 6.00 Exposition, 6.30 Gospel Reflection and/or…

Tuesdays, 1.00 Refreshments, 1.30 Gospel Reflection.

 

ALSO, as ever, we recommend the Southwark Spirituality (daily) reflections, arriving as emails. All you have to do is ask! Go to www.southwarkdsc.org.uk and click on LENT REFLECTIONS.

For those who don’t use email, there are printed copies available in the foyer.

ALSO, The Way of the Cross: Devotional prayer after the 10.00 mass, (approx. 10.20) each Friday. If you like to lead one session, with help, please see Carol Anderson or Angela Gillespie.

ALSO, Churches Together “40 Days in the Desert”: a 5-week course of Biblical reflection and prayer exploring the Book of Exodus, drawing parallels between the Hebrews’ 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. Tues 10 a.m., Bexley URC, Hurst Rd, Thurs, 7 p.m., Baldwyns Park Baptist Church, Dartford Rd.

 

SANCTUARY QUIET DAY

A Day of Reflection for Lent on 28th March 11-3 at “Sanctuary”, 8 Hotham Close, Swanley Village.

All are welcome. Bring a packed lunch. Bookings at tkilcullen@live.co.uk

 

CAR PARK PERMITS

It is time to renew car park permits. Please take a form from the foyer.

The income is valued by the parish and at £10 p.a. the facility is great value for car owners!

 

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE 2026 

The Sycamore Growing in Faith together (GIFT):

An online course for married and engaged couples led by Fr Stephen Wang via Zoom.

Programmes: (four one-hour sessions) March 10,17,24,31.  May 5,12,19,26.  Sept 8,15,22,29       

Contact Carole on:  mflkent@rcaos.org.uk

 

TRUSTEES REQUIRED

Victoria Homes, Bexley are almshouses providing low cost housing for local people. We need trustees to help in the running of the almshouses via quarterly meetings. For more information contact Carol Anderson on 07913 698913 or carolmcanderson@hotmail.com.

 

MUSICAL PILGRIMAGE ON THE AUGUSTINE CAMINO JUNE 8TH-14TH 2026

Setting off from Rochester Cathedral, we will walk about 10 miles a day through the beautiful Kent countryside to Canterbury, then onto the shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. Each evening, Eddie Gilmore will perform a little concert in a pub en route. Contact Eddie to book up: gileag@gmail.com   www.eddiegilmore.org