Newsletter

SUNDAY 21^st  December,

Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, Psalm 23, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24

Sat     20^th Dec     17.30      Confessions

                             18.00                     Kathleen Fitzpatrick RIP (Fitzpatrick)       

 

Sun        21^st Dec       FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A 

08.30                     Kathy Connolly (Gillespie)

                           10.30                   John Kilner RIP (Connolly)  

 

Mon  22^nd Dec    09.15        Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                  10.00                Kathleen Fitzpatrick RIP(Fitzpatrick)

                           19.00        RECONCILIATION SERVICE

 

Tues 23^rd Dec    09.15        Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                          10.00                      Catherine Fitzpatrick (Staden)

 

Wed 24^th Dec         No Morning Mass 

18.00 Vigil Mass    Kay & Bernard Gillespie RIP (Gillespie)

22.00 Christmas Night    John Robins RIP (Robins)

 

Thurs 25^thDec      08.30   Nativity                    Mrs O’Callaghan RIP (Lyons)

                    10.30   Nativity      Robert Lasrado RIP (Lasrado) & TG (Laviado & family)

 

Fri     26^th Dec      09.15       Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament                                 

                             10.00   St Stephen              Donal Dowal (Staden)

 

Sat   27^th Dec      17.30              Confessions

                             18.00                                      Zoe Baker (Duff)      

 

Sun     28^th Dec       HOLY FAMILY  YEAR A            

                            08.30                                     Margaret Northover (Cannon)

                            10.30                                     Tony Speed RIP (Speed)

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

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed, view 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                                                                       £ 887.83

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

To hire: email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time and our secretary will get back to you. 

 

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

 

Dear Parishioners,

  We have received the very generous gift of two brand new candle stands. They will be blessed and dedicated on Christmas eve. The one in front of our Sacred Heart statue is already in use this weekend. We hope to continue recycling the residual wax in the candles we use on the sanctuary.

The minimum donation remains at 40p per candle.

   The Jubilee Year of Hope will be coming to an end. All the churches in the deanery will be using the same concluding prayers on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6^th

    We are able once more to live stream our masses so on your behalf, I thank those involved in the work involved in making the repairs.

    To those who are travelling away over Christmas, I wish you safe journeys and a very happy Christmas.

God Bless,                                                Fr Doug 

 

ARCHBISHOP JOHN WILSON 

In his annual Christmas message, he says: “The beautiful truth of Christmas is that because of God in Christ we are never lost. God chose to be near us, to stay close to us always, to draw us to himself, always. In his endless mercy, the Lord Jesus chose to love us, so we could know and believe that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). In turn, all the Lord Jesus asks of us is to not be afraid and to say yes to him, to draw close to him, to love him”. You can watch and read the full message at rcaos.org.uk/christmasmessage2025. 

 

BISHOP RICHARD MOTH FOR ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER – note from AB John:

“I am delighted that Bishop Richard Moth will be the next Archbishop of Westminster and congratulate him most warmly on the appointment. Bishop Moth is a man who has a deep love of the Lord Jesus. Originally a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark, he has led the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton prayerfully, with a focus on formation and mission. I know he will bring that love of the Lord, along with his zeal for evangelisation, to Westminster, and I look forward to working further with him and my brother bishops as we strive to lead more people to Christ.

Above all, please join me in praying for Bishop Moth as he prepares for this new challenge, may the Lord continue to guide him and bless him.” (Archbishop John Wilson)

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:

Monday 22^nd December:                19.00 Reconciliation Service

Wednesday 24^th December           18.00  First mass of Christmas

                                                       22.00 Night time Mass of Christmas

Thursday 25^th December                08.30  Christmas Day Mass

                                                       10.30 Christmas Day Mass

Friday 26^th December                     10.00 St. Stephen’s Day Mass

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026

Application forms are available in the foyer. Baptised children in year 3 or above are eligible to apply. Feel free to discuss with Fr Doug or Angela Underwood after mass.  Completed forms must be returned by 31st December 2025.  The programme will commence in January 2026. 

 

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

A reminder that if you (or a family member) are admitted to hospital, you need to ask that your record indicate you are a Roman Catholic if you would like a visit from the Chaplaincy or to receive Holy Communion. The Chaplaincy cannot approach you unless your religion is recorded. 

ST COLUMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Wish to appoint CRiBS School Worker – 35 hours per week (job-share considered) – Term time only (41 weeks) – Annual Salary – £24,171 – Closing date – 9th January 2026 – Start Date – ASAP 

SUNDAY 14^th December

Third Sunday of Advent Year A

Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 145, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11

 

Sat  13^th Dec        17.30                                      Confessions

                             18.00                                      Tess & Les Truman (Truman)       

 

Sun        14^th Dec       THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A (Gaudete Sunday)

  08.30                                    Fr Liam Durrant (Cannon)

                             10.30                                    Antony Moffat RIP (Moffat) 

 

Mon       15^th Dec         11.00  Funeral Mass          Susan Stace RIP

 

Tues     16^th Dec  09.15                                  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             10.00                                   Julie Denis (Almeida) 

 

Wed      17^th Dec  09.15                                  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

 10.00                                      Patrick McQuaid RIP (McQuaid) 

MEETING PLACE RESUMES 7^th JANUARY 2026

 

Fri        19^th Dec   09.15                                   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                             10.00                                    Eithne Long (Kilcullen)

 

Sat       20^th Dec   17.30                                      Confessions

                             18.00                                      Kathleen Fitzpatrick RIP (Fitzpatrick)       

 

Sun      21^st Dec       FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A 

  08.30                                    Kathy Connolly (Gillespie)

                            10.30                                    John Kilner RIP (Connolly)

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

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed but sadly this week one component in the system failed.  As a result there is sound, but no picture.   Normal service will resume as soon as possible!    In the meantime  the link remains the same:

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                    £903.33 

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,

One of the great works of mercy is to support the families of the bereaved. The family of Peter Philips RIP (there were only three), whose funeral was here last Wednesday wish to thank members of the parish who came to the mass. They said that they drew great strength from them simply being there, as well as the enrichment they gave to the singing.

                 God Bless,                                                Fr Doug 

 

FAMILY CAROL SERVICE & CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Our service will be today, Sunday at 4.00 on and will be followed by a social event in the Hall with refreshments and Santa Sacks for the children. Come to the service and if you signed up, come to the social too. Santa is ready and prepared for you, along with our favourite vocalist!

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:

Monday 22^nd December:                19.00 Reconciliation Service

Wednesday 24^th December            18.00  First mass of Christmas

22.00 Night time Mass of Christmas

Thursday 25^th December                 08.30  Christmas Day Mass

10.30 Christmas Day Mass

Friday 26^th December                     10.00 St. Stephen’s Day Mass

 

SINGING CAROLS With Churches Together In Old Bexley 

Many thanks to those who joined us in festive cheer in the village. 

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026

Application forms are available in the foyer. Baptised children in year 3 or above are eligible to apply. Feel free to discuss with Fr Doug or Angela Underwood after mass.  Completed forms must be returned by 31st December 2025.  The programme will commence in January 2026. 

 

SVP

With regret the SVP Group is no longer functioning in the parish. We offer thanks to Fr Doug and his predecessors for many years of support. If anyone needs assistance, please ring SVP National Office on 0207 703 3030

 

CALLED TO BEAR FRUIT CONSULTATION RESPONSE PUBLISHED. 

Thank you to all who took part in the Called to Bear Fruit consultation. The response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit and hardcopies are available in our shop. The consultation revealed a burning desire within our parishes to be missionary and evangelising disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, who work together to help people encounter His love. So, as we move forward on the next steps together, let’s become ever more a community of missionary disciples filled with joy and hope for the future. As an Archdiocese, we will continue to discern the process of renewal, and further updates will be provided in due course.

 

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

A reminder that if you (or a family member) are admitted to hospital, you need to ask that your record indicate you are a Roman Catholic if you would like a visit from the Chaplaincy team or to receive Holy Communion. Hospital staff may forget to ask you about your religious background and due to data regulations, the Chaplaincy team cannot approach you – unless your religion is on your admission record. 

 

ST COLUMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Wish to appoint CRiBS School Worker – 35 hours per week (job-share considered) – Term time only (41 weeks) – Annual Salary – £24,171 – Closing date – 9th January 2026 – Start Date – ASAP 

 

SUNDAY 7^th December,

Second Sunday in Advent Year A

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 71, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12

Sat  6^th Dec          17.30                                    Confessions

18.00                                     Holy Souls (Jeyaseelan)   

 

Sun 7^th Dec         SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A

08.30                                    Vernon Rogers RIP (Rogers)

                            10.30                                    Mrs O’Callaghan RIP (Lyons)             

 

Mon  8^th Dec     09.15 Immaculate              Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

10.00 Conception                  Peggie Lawlor (Kilcullen)                 

 

Tues 9^th Dec          09.15                                  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             10.00                         Roy Murchie RIP (Bowman) 

 

Wed 10^th Dec     10.30         Funeral Mass  Peter Phillips RIP 

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

 

Fri     12^th Dec       09.15                     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                             10.00                           Margaret Paes (Almeida)

 

Sat  13^th Dec        17.30                               Confessions

                            18.00                                    Tess & Les Truman RIP (Truman)     

 

Sun  14^th Dec       THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT YEAR A (Gaudete Sunday)

 08.30                                   Fr Liam Durrant (Cannon)

                             10.30                                    Anthony Moffat RIP (Moffat)

                             16.00                                     Carol Service 

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                                                 £ 978.96

                                                                                                                                                                   

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,

The Diocesan Spirituality commission is reviewing its work and seeking to promote its best practice. I know many parishioners are signed up to the daily reflections during Advent and Lent. It would be most helpful if any of you who do use them could let me know how – if at all – they have been helpful to you. I should say that usable quotes may be published. Just have a word with me or send me an email. Many thanks

We are putting up the Christmas decorations in the hall this Sunday after the 10.30 mass. Any help would be much appreciated. 

God Bless,                                     Fr Doug 

 

FAMILY CAROL SERVICE & CHRISTMAS SOCIAL:  Our service will be at 4.00 on Sunday 14^th Dec and will be followed by a social event in the Hall with refreshments and Santa Sacks for the children. Sign up if you are coming, to help us plan.

 

SING CAROLS (TWICE!) With Churches Together In Old Bexley 

Bring Christmas joy to Bexley High Street – twice! CTiOB carol singing on Wednesday 10th December, 5:30-6:30pm, outside Flowers of Bexley.  Also on Saturday 13th December, 5:30pm-6:30pm, in The Railway Tavern.  Meet at Bexley URC (opp. War Memorial) from 5:00pm and afterwards for hot drinks.  Please do support us – everyone welcome – the more voices the merrier!  Kathy Fogarty, Parish Unity Contact, 07963 454480. 

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026:  Application forms are available in the foyer. Baptised children in year 3 or above are eligible to apply. Feel free to discuss with Fr Doug or Angela Underwood after mass.  Completed forms must be returned by 31st December 2025.  The programme will commence in January 2026. 

 

SVP:  With regret the SVP Group is no longer functioning in the parish. We offer thanks to Fr Doug and his predecessors for many years of support. If anyone needs assistance, please ring SVP National Office on 0207 703 3030

 

CALLED TO BEAR FRUIT CONSULTATION RESPONSE PUBLISHED. 

Thank you to all who took part in the Called to Bear Fruit consultation. The response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit and hardcopies are available in our shop. The consultation revealed a burning desire within our parishes to be missionary and evangelising disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, who work together to help people encounter His love. So, as we move forward on the next steps together, let’s become ever more a community of missionary disciples filled with joy and hope for the future. As an Archdiocese, we will continue to discern the process of renewal, and further updates will be provided in due course.

 

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS:  A reminder that if you (or a family member) are admitted to hospital, you need to ask that your record indicate you are a Roman Catholic if you would like a visit from the Chaplaincy team or to receive Holy Communion. Hospital staff may forget to ask you about your religious background and due to data regulations, the Chaplaincy team cannot approach you – unless your religion is on your admission record. 

 

ST CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS :  We are seeking to appoint inspirational leaders in teaching who can deliver high-quality lessons and secure outstanding outcomes for our amazing students. These include Head of Art; Teacher of Humanities (Geography, History and RE) Part Time for a fixed term post; Teacher of Geography for a fixed term post; Teacher of Science; Teacher of Science for a 0.6 Maternity Leave cover; Cover Supervisor (36 hours/week, term time only). Please visit https://www.stccg.co.uk/Teaching-Vacancies/ for more information on each role. Thank you.