Newsletter

SUNDAY 3^rd March 2024 

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR B 

Readings: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 18:8-11, Paul 1:22-25, John 2:13-25 

 

Sat   2^nd Mar          17.30  Confessions

18.00                                      Foundation: Juliet Benedict RIP

 

Sun  3^rd Mar           THIRD SUNDAY OF   LENT (B)   

                              08.30                                     Connie Barrett RIP (Cannon) 

10.30                                      David Watkins RIP (Aspeek)

 

Mon  4^th Mar          09.15                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                              10.00                                      For the Parish

 

Tues 5^th Mar          09.15                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                              10.00                                      Marian Watson (Watson) 

 

Wed  6^th Mar         10.45                                      Funeral Mass for Maureen Oram

 

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

                              10.00                                      Holy Souls 

                              10.30                                      Stations of the Cross 

 

Sat    9^th Mar          17.30                                      Confessions

18.00                                      Martin Gilligan RIP (C+K Fitzpatrick)

 

Sun   10^th Mar         FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (B)  

                               08.30                                      Bridie Haylett RIP (Almeida)

                               10.30                                      Sharon Anderson (Anderson)

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

 All masses are streamed live and can be viewed 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                     £1194.06

Retiring Collections:            Last week:     CAFOD from Family Fast Day                   £  233.85

 

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 from April 1^st: £35 per hour weekdays, £40 per hour weekends 

 

PARKING 2024

Please renew your car parking permit for 2024. Applications forms are in the foyer.

We are grateful for this support and hope you can use your parking rights during the week as well!

                                                                                                                                                            

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.  

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms available in the foyer. 

 

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

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

 

Dear Parishioners,

Cardinal Nicholl’s sponsored organisation, “Friends of the Holy Land” report with sad hearts the worsening situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Mr Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, has rejected a ceasefire deal and vowed to press on with military action until “total victory.” (amalek) For the 820 members of the Christian community trapped inside Gaza’s two churches, this means enduring more fear, hunger and grief as they struggle to survive. As the death toll rises above 30,000, we pray that Israel stops the killing. 

                                               God Bless,                                                Fr Doug 

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR ALL 

A Scripture Study Day led by Brian Purfield will be on Sat 9^th March 10am-3.30pm Brian’s topic will be: Bringing the New Testament to Life.   Packed lunch required. ALL are welcome.

 

PASSING ON THE FAITH 

4 online sessions for grandparents, starts Thurs 18^th Apr, 7:30 – 9pm. Email mflse@rcaos.org.uk 

 

QUIET MORNING 

A Lenten Quiet Morning will be held at St Mary’s Bexley, 10-12, on Sat 23rd March, journeying through Easter with St Peter. Information/registration, contact Kate at ma01kcm@hotmail.com 

 

CONGRATULATIONS to:

Brian and Edna Fernandes who receive the Diocesan Award, Fideliter Servienti for their hard work over many years guiding our parish financial affairs. They stepped down in January in favour of grandchild care!

 

MASS TO CELEBRATE MARRIAGE – July 13^th, 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, by May 31, providing:  your names, address and the anniversary. The Archbishop will invite you to the mass.  Email us at mflse@rcaos.org.uk Title your email with “Bexley Parish” 

 

CHURCH FLOWERS:  

Everybody enjoys the flower arrangements in church, but our talented and enthusiastic band of workers really need some extra help once a month or so – Fri or Sat mornings.  Please meet me after 10.30 Sunday Mass in the choir or ring for a chat on 01322 528224.   Sue Murphy

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Bob Morris on his birthday this weekend. Bob was MC for over half a century.

 

DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY  

For ages 10 to 14 will be at Richard Challoner School, New Malden on Saturday 9 March from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm. The day will include faith input from Fr Samuel Burke OP,  Eucharistic Adoration and praise, sports, games, and pizza. Please book, www.tinyurl.com/scysyouthday

  

YOUNG ADULT EVENTS 

St George’s Cathedral hosts a monthly Young Adult Mass at 6:00 pm on the first Sunday of every month, followed by a social gathering (for those aged 18+). There are also weekly events and socials on Thursday evenings. Details can be found on the RCAOS website, Facebook, and Instagram @stgeorgesya. 

 

FLAME 2025

Flame is the largest Catholic youth event in the UK, featuring guest speakers, award-winning musicians, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, and much more! The event is open to those from school year 9 to university age. The Archdiocese has purchased a block booking. Group Leaders can book at www.tinyurl.com/flame25  The early-bird price is £29, payable by 1 August.

 

CASTLERIGG MANOR (Diocese of Lancaster Youth Retreat Centre) seek a:

Programme Leader to join their youth ministry team. The post is residential with a salary package in the range of £26-28k, made up of salary, accommodation, food etc. jack@castleriggmanor.co.uk

 

HOMEHELP

Do you need help within the home? I can provide help with Cleaning, Companionship, Shopping.

I currently work as a Carer and hold a current DBS Certificate. 13 years experience working with elderly clients in Bexley. For more information please call Chris Truman. 07894 008707.

SUNDAY 25^th February 2024

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR B 

Readings: Genesis 22:1 ff, Psalm 115, Rom 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10 

Sat      24^th Feb        17.30  Confessions

 18.00          For the Parish

Sun    25^th Feb         SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (B)            

                                08.30         Annama Family RIP (Jeyaseelan) 

 10.30         Jackie Weedon RIP (Hollis)

Mon    26^th Feb       09.15         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                               10.00         Christine Tellus (Stanton)

Tues   27^th Feb        09.15  St Gregory of Narek      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                10.00         For the Parish 

Wed    28^th Feb        09.15         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Sacrament 

                                10.00          Nina Szredski RIP (Szredski)                                     

Fri       1^st Mar          09.15  St David Patron of Wales  Exposition of the Blessed 

  10.00          Thanksgiving (Bosser) 

                                10.30          Stations of the Cross 

Sat      2^nd Mar         17.30  Confessions

  18.00           Foundation: Juliet Benedict RIP

Sun     3^rd Mar           THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (B)  

                                 08.30          Connie Barrett RIP (Cannon)

                                 10.30          David Watkins RIP (Aspeek)

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

 All masses are streamed live and can be viewed 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                     £1014.69

Retiring Collections:            Last week:     Sick or Retired Priests Fund                        £526.21

This Week:    CAFOD from Family Fast Day

 

PARKING 2024:  Please renew your car parking permit for 2024. Applications forms are in the foyer.  We are grateful for this support and hope you can use your parking rights during the week as well!

                                                                                                                                                         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.  

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

 

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

 

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

Dear Parishioners,

Great to be back and to see the early signs of Spring – daffodils and so on. Other plants and ourselves too, keep heads a little low during these days of Lent as we ready ourselves to rise up with the Lord on Easter day, 31^st March. We should take a little time to pray for each other on our journeys through Lent. We need each other, just as we need the Lord.

If you haven’t got into the spirit of Lent yet, well then today is the day.

                                               God Bless,                                                Fr Doug 

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR ALL 

The next Scripture Study Day led by Brian Purfield will be on Sat 9^th March 10am-3.30pm Brian’s topic will be: Bringing the New Testament to Life.   Packed lunch required.

We will meet the characters mentioned in the Gospels and the life of the early Church.

Brian aims to deepen our knowledge of the Bible at a level that we can apply in our daily lives.

 

CATECHISTS – March 2^nd – details in our foyer.:  All catechists are invited to a Day of support and reflection with other catechists from our deanery of Bexley. You may be involved in Baptism, Holy Communion, Children’s Liturgy, or Confirmation. (This is not a follow-up to the Southeast Area event of last October for all ministers.)

Our day will be at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, on Sat March 2^nd, from 10.00 till 3.45. Canon Ed Perera and I will be leading the day. If you need a lift, just say! Bring a packed lunch.

 

PASSING ON THE FAITH :  How do we start?  How do we continue?  What works well for children at different stages?

Four online sessions for parents starting Weds 28^th February, 8pm – 9:30pm.  

Four online sessions for grandparents, starting Thurs 18^th April, 7:30 – 9pm.     

Email Lisette on mflse@rcaos.org.uk 

 

QUIET MORNING :  A Lenten Quiet Morning will be held at St Mary’s Bexley, 10am-12noon, on Saturday 23rd March, journeying through Easter with St Peter. For more information and/or to register interest, please contact Kate Little (Email: ma01kcm@hotmail.com). 

 

CONFIRMATION:  Our Confirmation programme is underway. Our candidates are David, Rose, Nikolay, Ovie, Sophie, Jesse and Lara. As usual the first part of the programme is to more actively share in the ministry and mission of the Church and then to reflect on this experience and how it relates to the Sacrament of Confirmation. You may therefore see them in active roles at Sunday masses. Please support them in this and keep them in your prayers during this grace-filled time of preparation.

 

MAUREEN ORAM RIP

Please pray for the repose of her soul. Her funeral will be on Wed March 6^th at 10.45

 

MASS TO CELEBRATE MARRIAGE – July 13^th, 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, no later than May 31, providing:  your names, your home address and the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass.  Email us at mflse@rcaos.org.uk Title your email with “Bexley Parish”  

 

PRAYING VATICAN II by ARCHBISHOP JOHN WILSON 

Book Launch Wed 6th March 6pm at Amigo Hall, adjacent to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark.

 

 

SUNDAY 18^th February 2024

 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Readings: Genesis 9:8-15, Psalm 24, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1 12-15 

Sat   17^th Feb    17.30         Confessions

                          18.00                       Marino Jose Echavarria RIP (Wood)

Sun 18^th Feb   FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (B) 

                         08.30                         Fr Pat Maloney RIP (Cannon) 

     10.30                         Ron Aspeek RIP (D+A Fernandes)

Mon  19^th Feb   09.15       Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                         10.00                         For the Parish

Tues  20^th Feb  09.15       Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                         10.00                        Sr Angela Wootton RIP (Jeyaseelan/Connolly) 

Wed 21^st Feb    09.15       Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                         10.00                        Foundation: Christine Hand RIP                           

Fri     23^rd Feb   09.15     St Polycarp    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  

                          10.00                         John & Alice Stanton RIP (Stanton) 

                                            Stations of the Cross 

Sat   24^th Feb    17.30      Confessions

      18.00                            For the Parish

Sun  25^th Feb    SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (B)  

                           08.30                            Annama Family RIP (Jeyaseelan))

                          10.30                            Jackie Weedon RIP (Hollis)

 

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed live and can be viewed 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                 £1063.82

This week:         Sick or Retired Priests Fund

Next Week:       CAFOD from Family Fast Day

 

PARKING 2024

Please renew your car parking permit for 2024. Applications forms are in the foyer.

We are grateful for this support and hope you can use your parking rights during the week as well!

                                                                                                                         

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.  

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

 

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

 

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

Dear Parishioners,

From my holiday may I wish you a happy season of Lent. Let me, on this first Sunday repeat some of the opportunities for renewal that are on offer through our parish:

·       The 2 Scripture Days offer not scholarship, but greater access to the Word spoken by God.

·       Try any or all of the 40 reflections in Rediscover Jesus – books available in the foyer. 

·       Word of Life leaflets there too. Any prayer time is good, of course.

·       Sunday Mass is the key to Catholicism but weekday masses offer a great deal too. After masses on Friday there will be an opportunity to journey the Stations of the Cross together.

·       There is so much good spiritual reading available in the bookshelf at the back of church.

·       Sign up for the Daily Reflections from the Diocese. Go to www.southwarkdsc.org.uk and click on Lenten Reflections. If you’ve used them in the past they’ll arrive automatically.

·       Churches Together offer a course exploring the Bible’s relevance. Starts Tues 20 Feb, 10:30am at URC, opposite the War Memorial and repeated Tues at 7pm at Baldwyns Park Baptist Church, Dartford Road.  All are welcome.  Kathy Fogarty – k.fogarty@ntlworld.com

·       Friday is CaFOD Family Fast Day – Collection next Sunday.

·       So, Give something up? Yes, or take something up! Whatever you do, do something!

                               God Bless,                               Fr Doug

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR ALL – led by Brian Purfield — Packed lunch required!!!

1)    Bringing the Old Testament to Life Sat 24^th Feb 10am-3.30pm

The main sections of the Old Testament are identified and outlined.

2)    Bringing the New Testament to Life Sat 9^th March 10am-3.30pm

We meet the characters mentioned in the Gospels and the life of the early Church.

Brian aims to deepen our knowledge of the Bible at a level that we can apply in our daily lives.

 

CATECHISTS – March 2^nd – details in our foyer.

All catechists are invited to a Day of support and reflection with other catechists from our deanery of Bexley. You may be involved in Baptism, Holy Communion, Children’s Liturgy, or Confirmation. (This is not a follow-up to the Southeast Area event of last October for all ministers.)

Our day will be at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, on Sat March 2^nd, from 10.00 till 3.45. Canon Ed Perera and I will be leading the day. If you need a lift, just say! Bring a packed lunch.

 

PASSING ON THE FAITH 

How do we start?  How do we continue?  What works well for children at different stages?

Four online sessions for parents starting Weds 28^th February, 8pm – 9:30pm.  

Four online sessions for grandparents, starting Thurs 18^th April, 7:30 – 9pm.     

Email Lisette on mflse@rcaos.org.uk 

 

BEXLEY JAZZ CLUB

Bexley Jazz Club runs once a month on a Monday evening in the room at the back of the Kings Head pub in the village. It hosts world class established jazz musicians and exciting emerging talent. For further information, including up and coming events or to join a mailing list, please email info@bexleyjazzclub.com

 

MAUREEN ORAM RIP

Please pray for the repose of her soul. Funeral on Wed March 6^th at 10.45

 

CLERGY SUPPORT FUND

Today’s collection supports our priests in retirement and old age, or in ill health. Your help ensures a dignified retirement for our priests.

 

MASS TO CELEBRATE MARRIAGE – July 13^th, 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, no later than May 31, providing:  your names, your home address and the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass.  Email us at mflse@rcaos.org.uk Title of your email with “Bexley”  

 

PRAYING VATICAN II by ARCHBISHOP JOHN WILSON 

Book Launch Wed 6th March 6pm at Amigo Hall, adjacent to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark.