Weekly Newsletter

17 March 202322 March 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 19^th March 2023

FOURTH SUNDAY of LENT, YEAR A

Readings:1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7.10-13, Psalm 22, Ephesians 5: 8-14, Gospel: John 9:1-41

Sat 18^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 For the Parish

Sun 19^th Mar THIRD SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 Delia Willis RIP (Wilkes)

10.30 Michael Power RIP (Ellis)

Mon 20^th Mar 09.15 St Joseph Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Vernon Rogers RIP (Spicer/Connolly)

Tues 21^st Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Rex Wheatley RIP (Wheatley)

Wed 22^nd Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Deacon Michael Baldry RIP (Friends)

Thurs 23^rd Mar 08.00 Priest’s intention

Fri 24^th Mar 09.15 St Oscar Romero Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Peter & Sheila Sinclair (Kilcullen)

10.30 Stations of the Cross

Sat 25^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Marie Lenergan RIP (Staden)

Sun 26^th Mar FIFTH SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 For the Parish

10.30 Madeline Grainger (Choir)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

We hope the recent problems with the live stream have now been solved. Click on the link:

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week Incl. S.O.s £1030.00

Last week: AIC £484.39

This week: Poor Parishes of the Diocese

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

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

Card Payment Machine – located in the porch, is easy to use. Select a donation amount by pressing one of the amounts. The screen will read “Please Tap”, and you tap your card or phone on the card reader.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms are at the back of the Church. For every £1.00 donated the Parish will receive 25p from the Tax Office. Standing Orders are best for us. Thank you.

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time for enquiries and our hall secretary will get back to you.

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

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

We have been told by Archbishop John that we can resume receiving Holy Communion “under both kinds” if we wish to, starting at The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday. I propose therefore that we, in this parish, begin to offer the Precious Blood from the chalice at this time. It will depend of course on there being sufficient numbers of our Eucharistic Ministers being happy to administer the Chalice. Also, given post-pandemic sensibilities and concerns about the spreading of disease, let us be clear that no one is obliged to receive Holy Communion from the shared chalice and that Jesus Christ is received sacramentally, whole, and entire, under one kind.

Again, the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord is received in either or both species. It is a matter of your own disposition before the Sacrament.

If it feels more reverent to you, then take the opportunity to receive the Precious Blood from the Chalice. If it makes you feel less reverent, then don’t!

We have a few weeks to think things over.

God Bless, Fr Doug

DIOCESAN LENTEN RETREAT: “Renewed in Hope”

It isn’t too late to sign up to receive the weekly Reflection (video) each Monday. https://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/renewedbyhope

Alternatively, you can participate with other Christians in Bexley in 3 different church locations with the video projected onto a ‘large screen’ and with a time for shared reflection.

Please note that the lunchtime session here is using the readings for the Sunday following but the morning and evening sessions reflect on the previous Sunday’s readings.

Mondays, 1.30 – 3.00 St. John Fisher Hall.

Tuesdays 10.30 – 12.00 URC

Wednesdays 7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. St John’s Church

AIC SATURDAY FRIENDS: APPEAL FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

We are very grateful for last week’s wonderfully generous response.

You can be sure that every penny will be spent directly on our homeless Friends’ rehabilitation. On display in the porch, you will see how the resources you provide are spent – and some of the touching thank you cards received. May God richly bless your kindness. AIC “Saturday Friends”.

DAVID WATKINS RIP

Please pray for the soul of David Watkins. His funeral will be in church at 11.00 on April 4^th

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES

Boxes of Planned Giving Envelopes are now available in the foyer.

Please take your box for the year 2023/2024. Thank you. Edna Fernandes, Gift Aid Organiser

A QUIET DAY FOR HOLY WEEK

Saturday April 1st from 11am to 3pm at Sanctuary, Swanley Village. Come away for a time for space, prayer and reflection as Holy Week approaches. For more information or to book – please email tkilcullen@live.co.uk or call 07977978536

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We can be contacted by leaving a message with the Parish Office, a note through the Presbytery Door or using the Parish email address as above.

WORLD YOUTH DAY LISBON

31st July To 7th August 2023 The Archdiocese of Southwark is taking a group of pilgrims (aged 18-35) to World Youth Day. For info visit https://bit.kinsly/WYDSouthwark and www.lisboa2023.org/en/.

10 March 202314 March 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 12^th March 2023

THIRD SUNDAY of LENT, YEAR A

Readings: Exodus17:3-7, Psalm 94, Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8 Gospel: John 4:5-15, 19-26, 39-42

Sat 11^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Trish Kavanagh RIP (Fitzpatrick)

Sun 12^th Mar THIRD SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 Richard Sweetland RIP (Cannon)

10.30 Mary Malin RIP (Hollis)

Mon 13^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 For the Parish (Sullivan)

Tues 14^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sisters+Brothers Meade family (Sullivan)

Wed 15^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Lavender Costa Fernandes RIP (Almeida)

Thurs 16^th Mar 08.00 Priest’s intention

Fri 17^th Mar 09.15 St Patrick,Bishop Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Deceased Kilcullen + Slater families

10.30 Stations of the Cross

Sat 18^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 For the Parish

Sun 19^th Mar FOURTH SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 Delia Willis RIP (Wilkes)

10.30 Michael Power RIP (Ellis)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

Owing to a fault in one of the components in the system we are not able to stream anything at present. We hope to be back as soon as possible!

The Sunday sermon is also on the website in printed form.

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week Incl. S.O.s £992.89

Last week: CAFOD £259.07

This week: AIC

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

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time for enquiries and our hall secretary will get back to you.

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

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

Archbishop John is about to launch CARITAS Southwark. Caritas is the Latin word for love and CARITAS Southwark will be our Archdiocesan network to co-ordinate our practical loving service of others, putting faith into action. He writes to tell us that CARITAS will work with our parishes and schools to support us in serving those in need:

“The Church has always served the poorest and the weakest. This happens today through our parishes, schools and social and charitable projects and organisations. In such challenging times, it is important that we strengthen and enhance our charitable outreach, rooted in our faith in Christ. This will build on the excellent work already taking place and provide encouragement and support for new initiatives. CARITAS is about facilitation and collaboration, building up our common bond of charity through a more considered identity whereby our Archdiocese can promote and recognise faith in action. Many parishes already have projects in place. Others, as yet, do not have any specific or developed formal outreach. This is a time for all of us, clergy, religious, and lay faithful, to pray and reflect on the Scriptures, strengthened by the Eucharist, so as to discern how we live out the call to see and serve the Lord Jesus in our brothers and sisters in need. To all who already give their time and effort so generously in voluntary service to the Church’s social mission, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.” ✠ John Wilson

We need to consider how we as a parish will engage with CARITAS. – A major item for our next Parish AGM.

God Bless, Fr Doug

DIOCESAN LENTEN RETREAT: “Renewed in Hope”

It isn’t too late to sign up to receive the weekly Reflection (video) each Monday. https://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/renewedbyhope

Alternatively, you can participate with other Christians in Bexley in 3 different church locations with the video projected onto a ‘large screen’ and with a time for shared reflection.

Please note that the lunchtime session here is using the readings for the Sunday following but the morning and evening sessions reflect on the previous Sunday’s readings.

Mondays, 1.30 – 3.00 St. John Fisher Hall.

Tuesdays 10.30 – 12.00 URC

Wednesdays 7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. St John’s Church

AIC “SATURDAY FRIENDS”

We are making a short appeal for our rehabilitation work with Homeless Folk who use the Passage Resource Centre in London. (AIC is the Association International des Charites/International Association of Charities founded by Saint Vincent de Paul to be good news to poor people.) Please also see the display in the porch and on the right as you go into the hall.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES

Boxes of Planned Giving Envelopes are now available in the foyer.

Please take your box for the year 2023/2024. Thank you. Edna Fernandes, Gift Aid Organiser

A QUIET DAY FOR HOLY WEEK

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We can be contacted by leaving a message with the Parish Office, a note through the Presbytery Door or using the Parish email address as above.

WORLD YOUTH DAY LISBON –

31st July To 7th August 2023 The Archdiocese of Southwark is taking a group of pilgrims (aged 18-35) to World Youth Day. For info visit https://bit.ly/WYDSouthwark and http://www.lisboa2023.org/en/.

3 March 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 5^th March 2023,

SECOND SUNDAY of LENT, YEAR A

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

Sat 4^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 For the Parish

Sun 5^th Mar SECOND SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 Ed Jones RIP (Jones)

10.30 John Hughes RIP (Hughes)

Mon 6^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Private Intention (Sullivan)

Tues 7^th Mar 09.15 ss Perpetua + Felicity Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Private Intention (Connolly)

Wed 8^th Mar 09.15 St John of God Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sheehan Family RIP (Sheehan)

Thurs 9^th Mar 08.00 Priest’s intention

Fri 10^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Kevin McNamara (McCarthy)

10.30 Stations of the Cross

Sat 11^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Trish Kavanagh RIP (Fitzpatrick)

Sun 12^th Mar THIRD SUNDAY of LENT

08.30 Richard Sweetland RIP (Cannon)

10.30 Mary Malin RIP (Hollis)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed live and can be viewed on the website, via the link.

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

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week Incl. S.O.s £980.76

Last week: Clergy Support Fund £304.77

This week: CAFOD

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

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time for enquiries and our hall secretary will get back to you.

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

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

Fr Peter is celebrating the 6.00 Saturday evening mass. We are most grateful to him.

There is much at stake in Northern Ireland, with the conclusion of “The Windsor Framework”. We pray that there be a continuation of the peace in Northern Ireland, that was so hard to win.

God Bless, Fr Doug

DIOCESAN LENTEN RETREAT: “Renewed in Hope”

It isn’t too late to sign up to receive the weekly Reflection (video) each Monday. https://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/renewedbyhope

Alternatively, you can participate with other Christians in Bexley in 3 different church locations with the video projected onto a ‘large screen’ and with a time for shared reflection.

Please note that the lunchtime session here is using the readings for the Sunday following but the morning and evening sessions reflect on the previous Sunday’s readings.

Mondays, 1.30 – 3.00 St. John Fisher Hall.

Tuesdays 10.30 – 12.00 URC

Wednesdays 7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. St John’s Church

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES

Boxes of Planned Giving Envelopes are now available in the foyer.

Please take your box for the year 2023/2024 today!

Thank you. Edna Fernandes, Gift Aid Organiser

A QUIET DAY FOR HOLY WEEK

CLERGY SUPPORT FUND

Many thanks for your donations last week to the Clergy Support Fund.

CAFOD Family Fast Day – Lent Appeal – Friday, 3^rd March

This Lent, your donations to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day Appeal will help families fighting the climate crisis and ensure that our Church network can quickly respond to emergencies, like the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Give today using the envelope or at cafod.org.uk/give and please join us in praying for CAFOD’s development and emergency response work all over the world.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

We can be contacted by leaving a message with the Parish Office, a note through the Presbytery Door or using the Parish email address as above.

WORLD YOUTH DAY LISBON –

31st July To 7th August 2023 The Archdiocese of Southwark is taking a group of pilgrims (aged 18-35) to World Youth Day. For info visit https://bit.ly/WYDSouthwark and http://www.lisboa2023.org/en/.