Newsletter

SUNDAY 23rd March 2025

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Year C

Readings: Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 102, 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, Luke 13:1-9

 

Sat   22nd March         17.30   Confessions

18.00             Pat Liddiard RIP (Watson) 

 

Sun  23rd March        THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                                      08.30            TG St. Antony (Jeyaseelan)

                                     10.30             John Kilner RIP (Doswell)

 

Mon  24th March          09.15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                                    10.00              Sheehan & Harrington Families RIP (Sheehan)

 

Tues   25^th March         09.15 ANNUNCIATION   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                    10.00               Mary Connolly RIP (Eida/Connolly)

 

Wed   26^th March         09.15         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                                    10.00               Margaret Gillis (Choir) 

 

Fri     28th March         09.15          Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

        10.00                John Stanton (Choir)

                                   Followed by Stations of the Cross

 

Sat   29th March         17.30           Confessions

        18.00                Zoe Baker (Duff) 

 

Sun  30th March        FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                                    08.30               Alan Hyde (Hyde)

                                   10.30                Alice Howie RIP (Howie)

 

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      Last Week:                         £ 983.78 incl S.O

                                                                        CAFOD:                            £ 127.45

                  This Week: Poor Parishes

                  Next Week: AIC

                                                                                                      

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 foyer. Very easy to use!

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,

Our “Easter Tree” stands proudly on our sanctuary bearing our Lenten commitments to live more Simply, Sustainably and in Solidarity with others in our world. Please feel free to add more commitments via the basket in front of it.

One of my commitments is to recycle the metal from the devotional candles. This means extracting the remaining wax so that the metal can be put in the white-lid Bexley bin. If anyone would like to assist me by taking the odd bag home for “de-waxing”, please let me know. Also, if you know someone who could use the wax in candle-making or other craftwork, just tell me.

                                God Bless,          Fr Doug 

 

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

We invite you to take part in a prayerful reflection on next Sunday’s Gospel in the Parish Hall: Monday – 6.30-7.00 p.m. or Tuesday – 1.30-2.30 p.m. All are welcome.                           

 

MASS IN CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE July 12th, at St George’s Cathedral

If you are celebrating your 1^st/10^th/25^th/40^th/50^th/60^th + wedding anniversary this year, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than the middle of May, providing the following details:  your names, your home address, your parish, and the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop.  Spaces are limited.  Contact us at mflse@rcaos.org.uk    

 

LENTEN REFLECTION DAY @ SANCTUARY

5th April 2025 from 11am to 3pm, at Sanctuary, Hotham Close, Swanley Village 

Living hope: A Time for personal reflection, space and peace as we journey to the cross and beyond… For more information or to book: email tkilcullen@live.co.uk or text 07977 978536

 

AIC SATURDAY FRIENDS now known as ‘Passage Friends’  

The annual collection for our work with homeless people is next weekend. Our costs have risen dramatically but your generosity has always been outstanding. Sincere thanks in advance.

This weekend we will be in the foyer after Mass with a display and leaflets about our work. 

 

PARISH EVENT – Motown to Modern Disco –

12 April – Please join the events team for our Spring 2025 event where a DJ will be playing music from the 60s and beyond. £8 ticket. Doors and bar open at 7.  DJ from 8. Feel free to bring your own nibbles. Please purchase your tickets in advance as prior events have seen as many as 1/3 electing to pay on the door meaning we have come very close to having to turn people away



LONDON MARATHON 

Liam Morgan is running for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). If you would like to learn more and sponsor him, go to his just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/liam-morgan-lm25?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL or sign his sponsor form after mass.

 

JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGES

Diocesan Pilgrimages to Aylesford on Sat 7^th June and Walsingham on Sat 28^th June

Deanery Pilgrimage to St. John Vianney        Saturday 5^th July

Augustine Camino: Rochester Cathedral to Minster Abbey – for Mary’s Meals Mon 1 – Sun 8 Sep 

 

MEETING PLACE

Two jewellery items of were handed in for the Christmas raffle in 2024. Could whoever left them please contact someone at the Meeting Place on a Wednesday between 9:30 and 12:30pm.

 

SHROUD OF TURIN EXHIBITION. 

St George’s Cathedral in Southwark until 21 April. See a life-sized replica of the Shroud and learn more about it. Many believe it was used to wrap the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. Free entry. 

SUNDAY 16th March 2025

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Year C

Readings: Genesis 15:5-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 9:28-36

 

Sat    15^th March     17.30    Confessions

                                 18.00          Pat Liddiard RIP (Liddiard) 

 

Sun   16^th March     SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                                08.30                John Kilner RIP (Cannon)

                                10.30         Antony Moffat RIP (Moffat)

 

Mon  17th March    11.00  FUNERAL MASS    Maureen Fitzpatrick RIP 

 

Tues 18^th March     09.15    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                              10.00              Colette Hunt RIP (Sheehan)

 

Wed 19^th March    09.15 Joseph      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                             10.00                    Eugene O’Brien (Norton) 

 

Fri    21st March   09.15           Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00              Pat, Sue & Christine RIP (Mantle)

Followed by Stations of the Cross

 

Sat   22nd March  17.30       Confessions

                             18.00                     Pat Liddiard RIP (Watson) 

 

Sun  23rd March    THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                            08.30                   TG St. Antony (Jeyaseelan)

                            10.30                 John Kilner RIP (Doswell)

 

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           Last Week:           £ 872.06 incl S.O

                                                                            This Week: Cafod 

                                                                             Next Week: Poor Parishes

                                                                                                                                    

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 foyer. Very easy to use!

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,

Our Easter Tree has prompted much comment. It will all make sense this weekend when our Lenten commitments get made and then hung on the tree. We hope everyone will make at least one pledge – many, if possible. Several people have indicated their intentions to make pledges about re using plastics, about collecting the cold water that otherwise drains away before the hot water in the shower and using the water for other purposes – indeed, there are some very imaginative commitments being dreamed up! The children as ever, have some marvellous ideas.

God Bless,                                                Fr Doug 

 

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

We invite you to take part in a prayerful reflection on next Sunday’s Gospel in the Parish Hall: Monday – 6.30-7.30 or Tuesday – 1.30-2.30. All are welcome.                                   

 

“LIVE SIMPLY” … so that others simply, may live

This weekend, as part of our CAFOD Live Simply campaign, we are inviting you to sign (or initial) pledges to make small changes in everyday life that will help you to Live Simply, Live Sustainably and Live in Solidarity with those less fortunate. 

The pledge cards are in the foyer with the suggested pledges printed on them and some blank ones for you to capture your own ideas.  The pledge cards will be collected during mass, brought up to the altar at the offertory and then hung on our wonderful, recycled parish Easter tree, our parish symbol of sustainability.

 

MAUREEN FITZPATRICK

Maureen Fitzpatrick’s funeral will be on Monday (17^th March) at 11.00

 

LENTEN REFLECTION DAY @ SANCTUARY

5th April 2025 from 11am to 3pm, at Sanctuary, Hotham Close, Swanley Village 

Living hope: A Time for personal reflection, space and peace as we journey to the cross and beyond… For more information or to book: email tkilcullen@live.co.uk or text 07977 978536

Future dates for Reflection Days in 2025 are: 

May 24^th, June 14^th, July 26^th, August 23^rd, September 20^th, October 18^th 

 

JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGES

*Diocesan Pilgrimage to Aylesford           Saturday 7^th June

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham        Saturday 28^th June

Deanery Pilgrimage to St. John Vianney Saturday 5^th July

Augustine Camino: Rochester Cathedral to Minster Abbey – for Mary’s Meals Mon 1 – Sun 8 Sep 

*Diocesan Pilgrimage Walk: 50 miles. Stay in parishes en route. Arrive for the Jubilee Celebration on Sat 7 June at Aylesford. Register on aec.rcaos.org.uk/pilgrimage2025 

 

GRIEF IN LOSS, HOPE IN CHRIST 

We grieve, remember, hope and give thanks for our loved ones in the light of the Resurrection of Jesus. For anyone who has experienced bereavement, whether recently or some time ago. 

Guided By: Liz Taylor, Barbara Salamonczyk & Ged Walsh O.Carm 

Fri 21 Mar – Sun 23 Mar or Fri 10 Oct – Sun 12 Oct.  Cost: £260.00 Single; £230.00 Shared. 

For More Info and Bookings Contact: Tel: 01622 717272 Email: Reception@Thefriars.Org.Uk 

 

SHROUD OF TURIN EXHIBITION. 

St George’s Cathedral in Southwark is hosting a Shroud of Turin Exhibition from 12 March to 21 April. At the exhibition you can see a life-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin and learn more about the artefact, which many believe to have been used to wrap the body of the Lord Jesus after his crucifixion. The exhibition is free and you can find the Cathedral’s opening hours at stgeorgescathedral.org.uk. 

 

SUNDAY 9th March 2025

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Year C

Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Psalm 91, Romans 10:8-13, Luke 4:1-13

 

Sat   8^th March     17.30    Confessions

18.00      Vincent McElhone RIP (Cottle) 

 

Sun  9^th March FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                              08.30     Fr Paddy Cannon RIP (Cannon family)

                            10.30          John Hughes RIP (Hughes)

 

Mon 10th March  09.15   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00          Patrick Watts RIP (Dowswell)

 

Tues 11^th March  09.15    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                           10.00           Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

 

Wed 12^th March  11.00         FUNERAL MASS      John Kilner RIP 

 

 Fri   14^th March  09.15   Family Fast Day     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                           10.00       TG Sacred Heart (Jeyaseelan)

 

Sat  15^th March   17.30  Confessions

18.00         Pat Liddiard RIP (Liddiard) 

 

Sun  16^th March         SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Year C 

                           08.30         John Kilner RIP (Cannon)

                           10.30         Antony Moffat RIP (Moffat)

 

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 Last Week:  £ 1012.57 incl S.O

                                                                 Next Week: Cafod 

                                                                                                      

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 foyer. Very easy to use!

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,

Lots going on for Lent. Take a look and get involved!

God Bless,                                  Fr Doug 

 

LENTEN REFLECTIONS:  We invite you to take part in reflections each week during lent, focusing on the following Sunday Gospel.

Meetings will be on Monday evenings 6.30-7.30                March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7

And also Tuesday lunchtimes 1.30-2.30                    March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

Each reflection will be guided by members of our spirituality committee.

 

“LIVE SIMPLY” … so that others simply, may live

Next weekend, as part of the CAFOD Live Simply campaign, we will be inviting you to sign pledges at church which commit you to making small changes in everyday life that will help us to Live Simply, Live Sustainably and Live in Solidarity with those less fortunate. Please take some time to read through and choose from the following 7 pledges. You can also write your own pledge and help make a difference both individually and as a parish. They will all be attached to our Pledge Tree.

1. I will read the Live Simply Prayer x ……… per week as a reminder of our responsibility to the Earth
2. I will abstain from meat x ………… per week and choose to eat more plant based foods
3. I will travel to Church more sustainably using public transport or by walking x ……. per month
4. I will reduce energy usage at home by lowering my thermostat by 1 degree or turning off the heating for 1 hour per week
5. I will deliver extra non perishable food to the parish collection box x …………. per month to support local foodbanks
6. I will put old electrical devices in the parish collection box to help recycling

7.      I will give sustainable gifts on special occasions to help   communities fighting poverty.     worldgifts.cafod.org.uk  

 

JOHN KILNER, MAUREEN FITZPATRICK

John Kilner’s funeral will be on Wednesday 12^th March at 11.00

Maureen Fitzpatrick’s funeral will be on Monday 17^th March at 11.00

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Celebration:  There will be a parish celebration in our hall on Saturday 15^th March from 7.30.  All are welcome. Please feel free to bring any food with you.

 

JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGES

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Aylesford      Saturday 7^th June

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham          Saturday 28^th June

Deanery Pilgrimage to St. John Vianney    Saturday 5^th July

 

MARRIAGE HELP 

Retrouvaille is a program dedicated to healing and renewing marriages. Help is available. If you are both committed to making your marriage work, we invite you to give this programme a try. Places available now Go to www.Retrouvaille.org.uk for info & to book or tel. 07887 296983.

 

CALLED TO BEAR FRUIT

The hall has been booked for the next few weeks so that small groups can discuss the topics in the booklet. Please join us between every Wednesday between 13.00-14.00, following on from Meeting Place. Everyone is welcome