Newsletter

6 February 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 8th February

Fifth Sunday Year A

Readings: Isaiah 58:7-10 Psalm 11, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16

Sat 7^th Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 The Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)

Sun 8^th Feb Fifth Sunday

08.30 Sonny Sheehan RIP & Colette Hunt RIP(Sheehan)

10.30 Catriona Keenan RIP (Brailsford)

Mon 9^thFeb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 The Harrington Family (Sheehan)

Tues 10^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Virginia Bolton (Foundation)

Wed 11^th Feb 09.15 Our Lady Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 of Lourdes Tony Creed (Howie)

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

Fri 13^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Eileen Barry RIP (Hagan)

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)

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 £1019.69

Retiring collection NEXT week 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,

I was able to visit Fr Peter Stodart (previously staying with us here St. J. F.) last week up in St. Peter’s Care Home in Vauxhall. He is quite happy and feels very safe there. There are a number of other retired priests there too. He asked to be remembered to you all. The Little Sisters of the Poor who run the Home, are scheduled to appeal for your help in May, this year.

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

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

THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD

An exhibition designed and created by Saint Carlo Acutis will take place at St John Vianney Church, Bexleyheath, till 15th February

ST CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

wishes to appoint Examination Invigilators to maintain the integrity and security of both internal and external examinations, and to support and guide students calmly during their examination period. For more information and to apply, visit St Catherine’s Catholic School – Support Staff Vacancies

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

We can offer 39 places from one of a number of options:

Tel 0208 850 4470, or email admin@ourlady.bexley.sch.uk

30 January 202630 January 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 1^st February,

Fourth Sunday, Year A

Readings:Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 Psalm 145, 1Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 5:1-12

Sat 31^st Jan 17.30 Confessions

18.00 The Harrington Family (Sheehan)

Sun 1^st Feb Fourth Sunday Racial Justice Sunday

08.30 Maureen Oram RIP (Oram)

10.30 Joan Aspeek 95th birthday (Choir)

Mon  2^nd Feb     09.15    Presentation            Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 of the Lord The Sheehan Family (Sheehan)

Tues 3rd Feb 10.00 Funeral Mass Donald Almeida RIP

Wed 4^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 John Hollis RIP & Eileen Hollis (Wheatley)

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

Fri 6^th Feb 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sylvie & Victor Jeyaseelan (Jeyaseelan)

Sat 7^th Feb 17.30 Confessions

18.00 The Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)

Sun 8^th Feb Fifth Sunday

08.30 Sonny Sheehan RIP & Colette Hunt RIP(Sheehan)

10.30 Catriona Keenan RIP (Brailsford)

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 £1058.09

Retiring collection for St George’s Cathedral £143.93

Retiring collection next 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,

We celebrate the ordination of a new bishop on Monday. Holy Orders is a sacrament. There are 3 Holy Orders: you can be ordained as a deacon, as a priest and as a bishop. Soon, we will see Bishop Moth being made Archbishop of Westminster, but that will be an appointment (elevation), not a celebration of the sacrament of ordination. – Just to be clear!

Lent is just around the corner, starting on 18^th February. We will be offering the opportunity each week to reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel, starting Mon/Tues, 16/17 Feb, evening/daytime.

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

God Bless, Fr Doug

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!

DONALD ALMEIDA AND PETER WHIFFIN RIP: Please pray for Donald and Peter who have died. Donald’s funeral will be on Tuesday and Peter’s will be on Wednesday 18^th February at 11.15

NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP FOR OUR ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK.

On Monday 2 February, Canon Gerard Bradley will be ordained in our Cathedral as an Auxiliary Bishop for Southwark.

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026: Archbishop John Wilson will celebrate Mass for Racial Justice Sunday at St George’s Cathedral on at 10am. It is a time for the Church to pray, reflect and act against racism, while celebrating the diversity of our Archdiocese. Watch the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/fdmGwmESSgI

THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD: An exhibition designed and created by Saint Carlo Acutis will take place at St John Vianney Church, Bexleyheath, from 30th January to 15th February

ST CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS wishes to appoint Examination Invigilators to maintain the integrity and security of both internal and external examinations, and to support and guide students calmly during their examination period. For more information and to apply, visit St Catherine’s Catholic School – Support Staff Vacancies

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 about the Catholic faith led by Fr Stephen Wang consists of four one hour-long sessions via Zoom. It offers a wonderful opportunity to enrich friendship and love. Programmes: 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

We can offer 39 places from one of the following options:

· 30 hours funded care plus lunch (8.30am – 2.30pm)

· 15 hours funded care plus the opportunity to ‘top up’ to 30 hours plus lunch (as above)

· 15 hours funded care (5 mornings per week – 8.30am – 11.30am)

§ Tel 0208 850 4470, or email admin@ourlady.bexley.sch.uk

24 January 202624 January 2026 Nuntius

SUNDAY 25^th January,Third Sunday, Year A

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 £ 938.91

Second collection for Pax Christi £187.82

Retiring collection next Sunday for St. George’s Cathedral

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

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!

ST. GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL – Next Week’s retiring collection St George’s Cathedral has been the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, home to 175 parishes and over 50,000 Roman Catholics. The Cathedral frequently hosts important Diocesan and national celebrations. There is a rich musical tradition, maintaining a choir of boys and men, as well as a girls’ choir, both of which sing at Sunday Masses and on major feasts. It is entirely reliant upon the generosity of its parishioners and the Archdiocese of Southwark to keep its doors open.

DONALD ALMEIDA RIP: Please pray for Donald who died on Tuesday.

NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP FOR OUR ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Canon Gerard Bradley as Auxiliary Bishop for our Archdiocese of Southwark. Bishop-Elect Gerard’s Episcopal Ordination will be on Monday 2 February in our Cathedral. The Holy Father has assigned him the Titular See of Beverley, the birthplace in Yorkshire of St John Fisher, loved by us all as a former Catholic Bishop of Rochester.

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026: Archbishop John Wilson will celebrate Mass for Racial Justice Sunday at St George’s Cathedral at 10am. It is a time for the Church to pray, reﬂect and act against racism, while celebrating the diversity of our Archdiocese. All are welcome and those who wish may wear national or cultural dress as a sign of unity and pride. Gather outside the cathedral at 9.45am to join the procession of national ﬂags. Refreshments to follow in Amigo Hall.

Watch the livestream: https://vwvw.youtube.com/live/fdmGwmESSq1

THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD: An exhibition designed and created by Saint Carlo Acutis will take place at St John Vianney Church, Bexleyheath, from 30th January to 15th February

ST CATHERlNE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS wishes to appoint Examination invigilators to maintain the integrity and security of both internal and external examinations, and to support and guide students calmly during their examination period.

For more information and to apply, visit St Catherine’s Catholic School – Support Staff Vacancies

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/docsNacancies/Advert exam inviqilator.pdf

ARCHDIOCESE EDUCATION SERVICE: We express our sincere thanks to Angela Cox, who has concluded her service as Director of Education. We now warmly welcome Colette Doran-Hannon, who has taken up this role.

CARITAS SOUTHWARK: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to John Coleby, who has now retired, for his outstanding support for Caritas Southwark and for the generosity and kindness he brought to his ministry.

We are pleased to welcome Mark Choonara as the new Director of Caritas.