Newsletter

SUNDAY 11^th February 2024

SIXTH SUNDAY, YEAR B

Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, Psalm 31 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 Mark 1 40-45: 

 

Sat   10^th Feb         17.30  Confessions

18.00                                      Foundation: Virginia Bolton RIP

Sun 11^th Feb         SIXTH SUNDAY (B)           

                              08.30                                     Petronella Family RIP (Jeyaseelan) 

                              10.30                                      Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

 

Mon  12^th Feb        09.15                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                              10.00                                      Eda Kilcullen (Kilcullen)

 

Tues 13^th Feb        09.15                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                              10.00                                      For the Parish 

 

Wed  14^th Feb       09.15  ss Cyril & Methodius         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Ash Wednesday  10.00                                      Rose Swink RIP (Bowman)

                              19.30                                      Desie Kennedy RIP (Kennedy)  

             

Fri     16^th Feb        09.15                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  

                              10.00                                      Mary & Lawrence Dowling RIP (Gillis)

 

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)

 

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                     £1028.93

Next week:    Sick or Retired Priests Fund

 

PARKING 2024

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

                                                                                                                                                            

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,

LENT begins on Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence. 

Archbishop John, in his letter today, invites us to renew our shared commitment to holiness, evangelisation and mission. It is so important for us to grasp the spirit of this annual season. So:

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

·      Good “places” of Prayer can be revisited. Try any or all of the 40 reflections in Rediscover Jesus – books available in the foyer. Word of Life leaflets there too. Any prayertime is good.

·      Sunday Mass is the key to Catholicism but weekday masses offer a great deal too.

·      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.

·      Give something up? Yes, or take something up!

·      Whatever you do, do something!

                                              God Bless,                        Fr Doug

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR LENT – for EVERYONE

A scripture course led by Brian Purfield over 2 Saturdays. 

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 various characters mentioned in the Gospels and the life of the early Church.

Brian’s mission is to deepen our knowledge and love of the Scriptures at a level that we can all understand and 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.  

And for grandparents, focusing specifically on the conversations which can help to anchor faith, four online sessions starting Thurs 18^th April, 7:30 – 9pm.      Email Lisette on mflse@rcaos.org.uk 

 

MAUREEN ORAM RIP

Please pray for the repose of her soul. Funeral details to follow.

 

CLERGY SUPPORT FUND

Next week we have this retiring collection to enable the diocese to care for priests in their retirement, old age, and at their time of ill health, after their years of service in the Church.

You are encouraged to use the envelopes in the foyer if you are able to gift aid. 

 

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”    

 

FIRST FRIDAYS AT SANCTUARY QUIET GARDEN, SWANLEY VILLAGE

Open ‘winter hours’ 12 – 4 on First Fridays. Just call in – The side gate is open. call 07977 978536

 

SUNDAY 4^th February 2024

FIFTH SUNDAY, YEAR B

Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7, Psalm 146, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 Mark 1 29-39: 

 

Sat    3^rd Feb         17.30  Confessions

18.00           Pet & Brendan Kilcullen (Long)

 

Sun  4^th Feb           FIFTH SUNDAY (B)            

                               08.30          Karl Baynham RIP (Gillespie) 

 10.30          Kenneth Crump RIP (Crump)

 

Mon  5^th Feb            09.15  St Agatha    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                10.00          For the Parish

 

Tues 6^th Feb            09.15  ss Paul Miki & Comp.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                10.00          Fr Gerry French RIP (Kilcullen) 

 

Wed  7^th Feb            09.15                   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                10.00           Eileen Wheatley (Hughes)  

            

 

Fri     9^th Feb            09.15                    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

                                10.00           Deceased Relatives & Friends (Mantle)

 

Sat   10^th Feb           17.30   Confessions

   18.00          Foundation: Virginia Bolton RIP

 

Sun  11^th Feb         SIXTH SUNDAY (B)  

                                  08.30         Petronella Family RIP (Jeyaseelan)

                                  10.30         Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

 

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                     £1033.02

 

                                                                                                                                                            

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,

LENT is only a few weeks away – Feb 14, Valentine’s Day! Think ahead about how you will use the season to grow closer to the Way to the Father that Jesus has shown us. I recommend the Scripture Days of course, but if that’s not possible, what about attending an extra mass or giving a little more time to prayer, or doing some spiritual reading? Word of Life leaflets are in the foyer along with Matthew Kelly’s easy to use Rediscover Jesus books of 40 reflections.  

                                           God Bless,                        Fr Doug

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR LENT – for EVERYONE

A scripture course led by Brian Purfield over 2 Saturdays. 

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 disciples, communicating with us, sharing their beliefs, their fears and their hopes. 

Brian Purfield wants to deepen a knowledge and love of the Scriptures for people, young and old, at a level that they can understand and seek to apply to their daily lives.

An opportunity not to be missed!

 

CATECHISTS – March 2nd

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, starting with mass at 10.00 and ending at 3.45. Canon Ed Perera and I will be leading the day. If you need a lift, just say!

A poster with more details is or will be in the foyer in the Catechist section.

 

PARKING 2024

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

 

GOOD COUNSELLING NETWORK

“On Saturday 10^th February, the Vigil of the Feast Our Lady of Lourdes, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”

 

FR PATRICK MOLONEY RIP

Fr Patrick’s funeral will be on 5th February at 10.30 at Little Sisters of the Poor, 2a Meadow Road. 

SR ANGELA WOOTTON RIP

Please pray for the repose of her soul.

 

VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR WOMEN (20S & 30S)

16-18 February in Liverpool, run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). If you would like to find out more why not come along?  You are welcome to stay for the weekend or just on Saturday.  

Contact Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or visit our website www.fcjsisters.org 

 

FIRST FRIDAYS AT SANCTUARY QUIET GARDEN, SWANLEY VILLAGE

Open for ‘winter hours’ 12 noon to 4pm on Friday 2^nd February. Just call in – The side gate is open. For more info call 07977 978536

 

PART TIME FOODBANK MANAGER REQUIRED FOR SWANLEY – Trussell Trust affiliated

Tuesdays 10:30 – 3:00, Fridays 10:30 – 12:30 and remainder of16 hrs per week is flexible. Min £12.15 per hour. To apply please forward your CV with a hand-written letter detailing your suitability for the role to:  John Kahan Chair of the Trustees, at 26 Wallis Close, Wilmington, Dartford. DA2 7BE. Email: john.kahan@hotmail.co.uk . Closing date: 20^th February 

 

SUNDAY 28thJanuary 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY, YEAR B

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 94, 1 Corinthians 7 32-35 Mark 1 21-28: 

 

Sat     27^th Jan       17.30  Confessions

18.00        Mary Connolly RIP (Eida/Connolly)

 

Sun   28^th Jan         FOURTH SUNDAY (B)       

                              08.30        Mabel Antony Family RIP (Jeyaseelan) 

10.30            Danny Lyons RIP (Lyons)

 

Mon   29^th Jan        09.15     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                              10.00        Ronnie Aspeek RIP (Speed)

 

Tues  30^th Jan        09.15      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                               10.00             For the Parish 

 

Wed   31^st Jan        09.15  St John Bosco   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                               10.00         Maureen Fitzpatrick (Hughes)  

            

Fri      2^nd Feb        09.15  Presentation of the Lord   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

          10.00        Harrington Family RIP (Sheehan)

 

Sat     3^rd Feb        17.30    Confessions

18.00         Pet & Brendan Kilcullen (Long)

 

Sun    4^th Feb            FOURTH SUNDAY (B)

                               08.30        Karl Baynham RIP (Gillespie)

                               10.30       Kenneth Crump RIP (Crump)

 

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                     £842.52

Retiring Collection this week:                              AIC                                                       £635.41                                                                                                                                                         

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,

LENT is always a special time for us wherein we are inclined to look deeper into our faith. For the last 3 years we have offered the opportunity to take part in a retreat with others in our diocese and last year, even with other churches in Bexley. Lent is only a few weeks away – Feb 14!

This year we are offering something different:

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY FOR LENT – for EVERYONE

We offer a straightforward scripture course over 2 Saturdays. Our Spirituality Committee will offer a follow-up to both days with an opportunity for reflection and prayer in the 2 subsequent weeks.

We have engaged a top-class lecturer, Brian Purfield to lead us in:

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 disciples, communicating with us, sharing their beliefs, their fears and their hopes. 

 

Brian Purfield has been a team member at the London Jesuit Centre since 2001. Prior to that he taught at the International Franciscan Study Centre in Canterbury. He studied theology at the Gregorian University, Rome and at St. Bonaventure’s University, New York. His interest is in deepening a knowledge and love of the Scriptures for people, young and old, at a level that they can understand and seek to apply to their daily lives.

 

I am so much looking forward to it myself. It’s a fantastic opportunity, not to be missed!

                                      God Bless,                        Fr Doug

 

CATECHISTS – March 2^nd:  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, starting with mass at 10.00 and ending at 3.45. Canon Ed Perera and I will be leading the day. If you need a lift, just say!

A poster with more details is or will be in the foyer in the Catechist section.

 

AIC SATURDAY FRIENDS 

Thanks so much for your contribution last weekend to our rehabilitation work with homeless people – over £600.  It will bring some enjoyment and encouragement to an otherwise hard-to-bear life. (to know more, please see passage.org.uk and/ or aic-international.org.)

 

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

 

SR ANGELA WOOTTON RIP:   Our former parish Sister died on Tues 16^th Jan. No word yet on her funeral. Please pray for the repose of her soul.

 

FR PATRICK MOLONEY RIP:  Fr Patrick died on 4^th January. His funeral will be on 5th February 2024 at 10.30 at Little Sisters of the Poor, 2a Meadow Road. SW8 1QH. Please pray for the repose of his soul.

 

FIRST FRIDAYS AT SANCTUARY QUIET GARDEN, SWANLEY VILLAGE

Open for ‘winter hours’ 12 noon to 4pm on Friday 2^nd February. All are welcome to call in, use the garden and prayer cabin for your own personal quiet and reflection. Just call in – The side gate is open. For more info call 07977 978536