Newsletter Sunday February 21st, 2021

1st SUNDAY OF LENT (B)

Readings: Genesis; 9:8-15, Psalm 24, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15

SERVICES FOR WEEK 20th – 28th February 2021

Sat 20 Feb   11.00 Confessions
                        18.00 John Dyer RIP (Newton)

Sun 21st Feb   1st SUN OF LENT (B)
                        08.30 For the Parish
                        10.30 Norma Brooker RIP (Hughes)
                        Web – available anytime

                        Tony Moffat TG (Connolly)

Mon 22 Feb   Charlie Holland RIP (Sheehan)

Tues 23 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Delia Willis RIP (Wilkes)

Weds 24 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Houlihan Family (Sheehan)
                        10.30 Stations of the Cross

Fri 26 Feb   Funeral Mass for Danny Lyons RIP

Sat 27 Feb   11.00 Confessions
                        18.00 Angela Cox RIP (Wood)

Sun 28 Feb   FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
                        08.30 For The Parish
                        10.30 Dennis Newton (Newton)
                        Web – available anytime Maureen Fitzpatrick at 90 (Choir)

FINANCES –
Please note the slight change in our bank account name. .
Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763
Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code
Extra Collection This Week: Poorer Parishes of our Diocese
Next Week: CAFOD

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS
The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:
Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to http://www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version
The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe

 

We are getting more hopeful and positive, aren’t we? The days are getting longer and brighter and the combined effects of vaccination and Lockdown are being seen in the declining rates of infection with the dreadful Covid virus. We can dare to look forward to new life, both in Spring and in our celebration of Easter. We have been greatly blessed in that the government has recognised that our gatherings for mass have not only been safe but that they have also been worthwhile, positive experiences that bring great benefit to those able to participate. The experience of this last difficult year has at least demonstrated how important it is to pay attention to our spiritual and mental health and well-being. So it is a joy each week to see more parishioners returning from isolation. Having said that, the road ahead to full social reintegration is still very uncertain and we are still some way off being able to meet after mass in our hall for a coffee or a beer, or more importantly, seeing our children off to school each morning! But we do live in hope and we should share our hopes with anyone who is downhearted at this time.

God Bless

ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK RETREAT FOR LENT
– introduced by Archbishop John Wilson, and led by the Spirituality Commission.
This a retreat which you can follow in your own home. It has never been easier!!
Using the link below, you can watch a short video reflection each week and then download prayer materials and other resources which can help you make the best use of whatever time and opportunity you may have during your week.
If you are looking for a way to deepen your life of prayer this Lent, then click on http://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/followme where you can also sign up to receive materials directly to your email.

If anyone wants to join a ‘zoom’ meeting to share reflections please let me know.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
With hopeful signs about Lockdown restrictions being eased in times to come, and our church being open for mass, we are confident about offering a programme of preparation for those children wishing to join more fully in Communion with God and with the Church. We will be getting underway soon so please add your name and contact details to the list in the church porch if you want your child to enrol.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
To follow the Way of Jesus on his journey to Calvary – and to allow him to join us in our life journeys – is a popular and appropriate devotion to participate in during Lent, both in private and in public. In private, use a prayer book or follow the version Fr Doug has put on the parish website. Publicly, we will be ‘following’ the Way of the Cross after mass on Friday mornings –EXCEPT this week, when it will be on Wednesday because of the funeral on Friday.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME

CHURCH CLEANING.
A big thank you to the small group of parishioners who help keep our church clean. The rota for 2021 is now available for collection from the cupboard. We would be grateful for more volunteers to either join an existing group or make up a new one. At the moment, each group cleans once every six weeks. If we had another group of three or four people, that would change to once every eight weeks. If you think you might be able to help, please ring Carole Hughes on 07762 731303.

Please print off this newsletter, using the screen shots below,  and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.

Newsletter Sunday February 14th, 2021

6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

Readings: Leviticus; 13:1-2 .45-46, Psalm 31, 1 Corinthians 1:10:31-11,1 Mark 1:40-45

SERVICES FOR WEEK 13th February – 21st February 2021

Sat 13 Feb   11.00 Confessions
                        18.00 For The Parish

Sun 14th February   6th SUN (B)
                        08.30 Rose Swink RIP (Bowman)
                        10.30 Joan Gilby RIP (Gilby)
                        Web – available anytime

                        Fr Michael Eden TG (Cannon)

Mon 15 Feb   PKM

Tues 16 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Kit and Hugh O’Reilly RIP (Sheehan)

Weds 17 Feb     9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
ASH WEDNESDAY   10.00 John Bowman RIP (Bowman)
                            19.30 PKM
                            Stations of The Cross available here on the website:

Fri 19 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Sophia Circuitt (Bowman)

Sat 20 Feb   11.00 Confessions
                        18.00 John Dyer RIP (Newton)

Sun 21 Feb   FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
                        08.30 For The Parish
                        10.30 Norma Brooker RIP (Hughes)
                        Web – available anytime
                        Tony Moffat TG (Connolly)

FINANCES –
Please note the slight change in our bank account name. .
Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763
Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code
Extra Collection This Week: Catholic Education and Youth Services
Next Week: Poorer Parishes of our Diocese

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS
The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:
Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to http://www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version
The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe


  
Was this week “the winter of our discontent”? We have had gales, snow, ice as well as bad news about vaccine effectiveness and holidays abroad. But at least we were victorious in the first cricket test against India!!

I had been noticing several signs of new growth on trees and in plant life and also noting a spring in the steps of many of you who have received a shot of vaccine but the week past reminded me that we have much to endure before we can celebrate Spring which reveals new life in nature and this year perhaps, new life in society. That, I feel, is a theme we are familiar with, as each year we participate in Lent which is a time of facing difficulties and challenges as well as looking forward with hope to Easter and Resurrection. The time we live in is not unprecedented. We, as Christians, have rehearsed this every year. We are in a position to reassure any of our friends or neighbours who are frightened or depressed, that God will see us through to new life beyond. So, with that responsibility in my mind, in my view, we should really engage with Lent as well as we can, not just for own sake but for the sake of all those whom our Christian faith and hope can rub off on.

Lent begins on Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, so let me recommend once more:

ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK RETREAT FOR LENT
– introduced by Archbishop John Wilson, and led by the Spirituality Commission.
A Retreat for Lent, which you can follow in your own home.
Using the link below, you can watch a short video reflection each week, download prayer materials and other resources which can help you make the best use of whatever time and opportunity you may have during your week.
If you are looking for a way to deepen your life of prayer this Lent, click on http://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/followme where you can also sign up to receive materials directly to your email.

If anyone wants to join a ‘zoom’ meeting to share reflections please let me know.

Meanwhile, the office is effectively closed but I am not! So, please feel free to email me at douglasbull@rcaos.org.uk, or to ring me on the parish mobile number, 07394 920 694, or do drop things through the front door.
God Bless

FOUNDATION GOVERNORS FOR ST CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, BEXLEYHEATH
The Trustees of St Catherine’s wish to appoint committed Catholics to the Governing Body. A new Board of Governors is being appointed. Training and support will be offered. Applicants offering expertise in finance, building, HR, law, education and other relevant experience are warmly encouraged to apply. The Trustees are keen to welcome members from BAME communities, reflecting the ethnic diversity of students and staff. If interested, please contact:
Mr Nick Watkiss, Executive Headteacher
or email maureenwilliams70@gmail.com for an application form.

CHURCH CLEANING.
A big thank you to the small group of parishioners who help keep our church clean. The rota for 2021 is now available for collection from the cupboard. We would be grateful for more volunteers to either join an existing group or make up a new one. At the moment, each group cleans once every six weeks. If we had another group of three or four people, that would change to once every eight weeks. If you think you might be able to help, please ring Carole Hughes on 07762 731303.

Please print off this newsletter, using the screenshot below, and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.


Newsletter Sunday February 7th, 2021

5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

Readings: Job; 7:1-4 6-7, Psalm 146, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19 22-23, Mark 1:29-39

SERVICES FOR WEEK 6th February – 14th February 2021

Sat 6 Feb   11am Confessions
                        18.00 Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

Sun 7th February   4th SUN (B):
                        8.30 For The Parish
                        10.30 William Dawson-Asaam RIP (Asaam)
                        Web – available anytime

                        Charlie Back et al RIP (Back)

Mon 8 Feb   ad libitum Harrington Family (Sheehan)
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO MASS IN THE CHURCH ON MONDAYS.

Tues 9 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Sophia Circuitt (Bowman)

Weds 10 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 St Scholastica Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

Thurs 11 Feb   Our Lady of Lourdes

Fri 12 Feb   9.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 Lisa Innis RIP (Wood)

Sat 13 Feb   11am Confessions
                        18.00 For The Parish

Sun 14 Feb   6th SUN (B):
                        08.30 Rose Swink RIP (Bowman)
                        10.30 Joan Gilby RIP (Gilby)
                        Web – available anytime Fr Michael Eden TG (Cannon)

FINANCES –
Please note the slight change in our bank account name. .
Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763
Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code
Extra Collection This Week: Catholic Association for Racial Justice
Next Week: Catholic Education and Youth Services

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS
The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:
Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to http://www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version
The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe

  

Welcome back!
As the peak in the Covid infection rate peaked in Bexley, I felt a little like the People of God must have felt in Egypt, waiting for the Passover – the passing over their homes of God’s angel who left them safe but caused such havoc among the Egyptians. With the church doors closed we kept our heads down till the worst of the danger passed. The virus is still around of course but it is not so threatening as it was and it is a joy to reopen the church without fear of compromising borough-wide restrictions.

With Lent only a short time away, let me recommend once more:

ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK RETREAT FOR LENT
– introduced by Archbishop John Wilson, and led by the Spirituality Commission.
The Archdiocese is offering a retreat experience for the people and parishes of Southwark during Lent, beginning on the first Sunday of Lent and ending in Holy week. For each week of Lent, there will be a video exploring themes connected with the Sunday Gospel. The input will be available in advance rather than live streamed, so that it can be viewed at any time. The video will be accompanied by suggestions for prayer and reflection through the week.
The retreat is open both to individuals and to parish-based groups:
Individuals can make use of the weekly video and material for prayer and reflection.
For parish groups, resources will be provided for a weekly group meeting, where participants can share reflections and take part in a time of common prayer.
For those without an internet connection, parishes can download, print and distribute summaries of the talk and the prayer and reflection exercises for the week. For more information and to register: click on this link Lenten Retreat to go to the page on this website.
It is also available at: http://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/followme

I would also like to explore the possibility of engaging in ‘zoom’ meetings in which some of you will be able to take part in sharing reflections. Let me know if you would like to take part in a follow-up zoom meeting some time during each week, indicating when you might be able to do so, on a regular basis through Lent. Please plan ahead and think about how much time you might decide to “budget” for such a Lenten sacrifice and then you will be in a position to judge what parts you take on. It is designed to be very flexible. Take on as much or as little as you wish.

Meanwhile, the office is effectively closed but I am not! So, please feel free to email me at douglasbull@rcaos.org.uk, or to ring me on the parish mobile number, 07394 920 694, or do drop things through the front door.
God Bless

FOUNDATION GOVERNORS FOR ST CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, BEXLEYHEATH
The Trustees of St Catherine’s wish to appoint committed Catholics to the Governing Body. A new Board of Governors is being appointed. Training and support will be offered. Applicants offering expertise in finance, building, HR, law, education and other relevant experience are warmly encouraged to apply. The Trustees are keen to welcome members from BAME communities, reflecting the ethnic diversity of students and staff. If interested, please contact:
Mr Nick Watkiss, Executive Headteacher
or email maureenwilliams70@gmail.com for an application form.

CHURCH CLEANING.
A big thank you to the small group of parishioners who help keep our church clean. The rota for 2021 is now available for collection from the cupboard. We would be grateful for more volunteers to either join an existing group or make up a new one. At the moment, each group cleans once every six weeks. If we had another group of three or four people, that would change to once every eight weeks. If you think you might be able to help, please ring Carole Hughes on 07762 731303.

Please print off this newsletter, using the screenshots below, and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.