Newsletter

27 February 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 1^st March

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Year A

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

Sat 28^th Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Richard Fernandes (Fos)

Sun 1^st Mar Second Sunday of Lent

08.30 Bernard Gillespie RIP (Connolly)

10.30 Choir Intentions (Choir)

Mon 2^nd Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Juliet Benedict (Foundation)

Tues 3^rd Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Jim Roth RIP (Connolly)

Wed 4^th 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 6^th Mar 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sylvie & Victor Jeyaseelan (Jeyaseelan)

Sat 7^th Mar 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)

Sun 8^th 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 28^th 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 8^TH-14^TH 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

20 February 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 22^nd February

First Sunday of Lent Year A

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7 Psalm 50, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4: 1-11

Sat 21^st Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Christine Hand (Foundation)

Sun 22^nd Feb FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

08.30 Keith Brooks RIP (Brooks)

10.30 Marjory Whitaker RIP (Perfect)

Mon 23^rdFeb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Kathy Connolly (Wheatley)

Tues 24^th Feb NO MASS

Wed 25^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Michaela Wheatley (Wheatley)

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

Fri 27^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 John Hollis RIP (Connolly)

Sat 28^th Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Richard Fernandes (Fos)

Sun 1^st Mar SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

08.30 Bernard Gillespie RIP (Connolly)

10.30 Choir Intentions (Choir)

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.

FINANCES

Many thanks: for your Offertory Collection: £910.80

Retiring collection for Clergy Support Fund £235.95

Retiring collection next Sunday CAFOD

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

Card Payment: Machine in the foyer.

Gift Aid: 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,

And so, Lent begins. Every Sunday in the year we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus just as on every Friday we embrace his suffering and death on the cross but the season of Lent gives us an opportunity to focus our thoughts and reflections more sharply. Whatever you do, do something (see below) and try to get into the seasonal spirit of Lent.

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.

SANCTUARY QUIET DAY

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

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

CONGRATULATIONS

To Ray Sparks who was received (at last!) into the Church on Ash Wednesday.

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

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

13 February 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 15th February

Sixth Sunday Year A

Readings: Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20 Psalm 118,1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:20-37

Sat 14^th Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Rose Swank (Bowman)

Sun 15^th Feb Sixth Sunday

08.30 Ian Hook RIP (Fakily)

10.30 Matthew Bhalla (Bhalla)

Mon 16^thFeb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Ann Young & Family (Wheatley)

Tues 17^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Ken Crump RIP (Crump)

Wed 18^th Feb 09.15 Ash Wednesday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Vincent Jeyaseelan RIP (Jeyaseelan)

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

11.15 Funeral Mass Peter Whiffin RIP

19.30 Donald Almeida RIP (A&D)

Fri 20^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Camilo & Britar Leitao (Leitao)

Sat 21^st Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Christine Hand (Foundation)

Sun 22^nd Feb First Sunday of Lent – Year A

08.30 Keith Brooks RIP (Brooks)

10.30 Marjory Whitaker RIP (Perfect)

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.

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection : £914.04

Retiring collection this Sunday for Clergy Support Fund

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,

This week is all about the start of Lent. The seasons of the church’s year are meant to bring a balance to the way we try to live out our inner or spiritual journeys in the course of a year. In Lent we try to deepen our alignment with the deepest mystery of humanity which is the journey through death to new life, as revealed by Jesus. He showed us The Way and enabled us to see that sacrifice is the key to it all. During Lent we therefore try to deepen our own participation in his way of sacrifice. In focusing on the sacrificial elements of life we avoid or take away many of the celebratory elements that might distract us. Even in the liturgy there will be no flowers, no Gloria, and even no Alleluia which is replaced these or similar words: Praise To You Lord Jesus Christ, King of Eternal Glory.

Many of us will also seek to undertake some penitential or sacrificial task. We are reminded that the church encourages us in any case to undertake such tasks on Fridays. “Fish on Fridays” is no longer the penance that it was – fish is more like “treat of the week” for many of us, but there are other appropriate sacrifices that can be made in all of our lives! Whatever you do, do something and try to get into the seasonal spirit of Lent.

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

God Bless, Fr Doug

LENT: begins Ash Wednesday 18^th February.

We will be offering the opportunity each week to reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel, starting Mondays, starting 16 Feb, 6.00 Exposition, 6.30 Gospel Reflection and/or…Tuesdays starting 17 Feb, 1.00 Refreshments, 1.30 Gospel Reflection.

The Lenten Sunday Gospels all have a special significance in our preparation for Easter.

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 will be some printed copies available in the foyer, FROM TODAY

ALSO, you can join Churches Together in Tues (a.m.) or Thurs (p.m.) in Bexley for some scriptural reflections, comparing the Hebrews’ 40 years in the wilderness with Jesus’s 40 days.

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!

PETER WHIFFIN

Please pray for Peter who has died. His funeral will be on Wednesday 18^th February at 11.15

SANCTUARY QUIET DAY

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

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

ST COLUMBA’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS

are looking to appoint Examination Invigilators to oversee our examinations. You would need to have good availability during February into March and May into June.

visit https://www.st-columbas.co.uk/docs/Vacancies/Advert_exam_invigilator.pdf

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

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY

39 places from many options. Tel 0208 850 4470, or email admin@ourlady.bexley.sch.uk