Sunday May 2^nd, 2021

 

5th SUNDAY OF EASTER

Readings: Acts; 9:26-31 Psalm 21, 1 John 3:18:24, John 15:1-8

         

 

SERVICES FOR WEEK 1^st – 9^th May 2021

 

Sat      1 May            11.00                                      Confessions

                                    18.00                                      Colin Anderson (Keefe)

 

Sun     2 May            5^th SUNDAY OF EASTER

08.30                                      For the Parish           

                                    10.30                                      Maureen Fitzpatrick at 90 (Wheatley)

            Web – available anytime    

https://youtu.be/9cDSyKoII9s

Pat & David Latimer (Connolly)

 

Mon    3 May                         Ss Philip & James    PKM

 

Tues   4 May             09.30                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                    10.00  English Martyrs        Rita Maynard RIP (Sullivan)

 

Weds 5 May             09.30                                     Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                                      Dennis Newton RIP (Frake)

 

Fri       7 May             10.00                                      Funeral Mass for Annie Griffin

 

Sat      8 May             11.00                                      Confessions

                                    18.00                                      Sarah Ward RIP (Kevan Family)               

 

Sun    9 May             6^th SUNDAY OF EASTER             

            08.30                                      Iris Keefe (Frake)

                                    10.30                                      Joan Aspeek @ 90 (Wheatley)

            Web – available anytime    For the Parish

 

SUNDAY MASS ON THE WEBSITE

Go to our website www.stjohnfisherbexley.org  then click on ‘Sunday Mass’ 

 

FINANCES   .

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

            

            

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS

The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:

Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version

The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe

 

Dear Parishioners,

LET US DREAM:

The Pope has written ‘Let us Dream’, a marvellous book, to encourage us all to think about how we want to emerge from this Pandemic. He writes:

“Sometimes, when you think globally, you can be paralyzed: there are so many places of apparently ceaseless conflict, there’s so much suffering and need. I find it helps to focus on concrete situations. You see faces looking for life and love in the reality of each person, of each people. You see hope written in the story of every nation, glorious because it’s a story of sacrifice, of daily struggle, of lives broken in self-sacrifice. So rather than overwhelm you, it invites you to ponder and to respond with hope.” Our bishops have built it into a major resource. So… 

Is this crisis just about Covid or is it about what Covid has uncovered in our society, our world? Where is God inviting me to see need and respond with hope?

The full resource is here: https://www.ssg.org.uk/let-us-dream/

 

                                    God Bless             Fr Doug

 

FREE ITEMS FOR CARE OF THE HOUSEBOUND 

A parishioner is happy to donate a Stairlift Chair (330 cm run) and also a 4-wheeled rollator with 2 trays for indoor use. Please contact Fr Doug if you’d like one or other or both!

 

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS & SURVIVORS OF ABUSE ON TUES 4 MAY

We remember in prayer those affected by this awful crime:

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: 

You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross. 

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been harmed, and of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith.

Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Amen

 

Our parish, like every other, has a safeguarding Officer whom you should feel free to contact when you need to. There are details in the church porch.

 

THE PARISH HALL

As Covid restrictions ease we will be able to make more and more use of our marvellous parish hall. Different activities will be permitted but until June at the earliest, we cannot enjoy our usual social/hospitality functions. We can still hope that Sunday June 26^th will be the first day we can enjoy refreshments after mass, and if that is so then we will surely mark the occasion – a generous parishioner has offered to buy the first round!

 

Meanwhile, you will be pleased to hear that we have installed a new boiler and upgraded the whole heating system.

 

FATHER FRANCIS HARTLEY RIP

Fr Francis’ anniversary is on 28^th May, and so the mass that morning will be for the repose of his soul, and will have special prayers for the occasion. The web mass that weekend will also be for him so that friends and relations elsewhere can engage. Covid restrictions prevent us from doing much else at this time.

 

ANNIE GRIFFIN RIP

Annie died on 16^th April having received the church’s sacraments. She had suffered a long illness. Her funeral will be in church on Friday 7^th May

 

LES CONNOR  RIP

We are sorry to announce also the death of Rob (“Les”) Connor. Funeral details to be announced.

Please print off this newsletter, using the screenshots below, and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.

 

SUNDAY 25^th April, 2021, 

 

4^th  SUNDAY OF EASTER (B)

Readings: Acts; 8:4-12 Psalm 117, 1 John 3:1-2, John 10:11-18       

 

SERVICES FOR WEEK 24^th April ^– 2^nd May 2021 

Sat      24 Apr   11.00                                     Confessions

                         18.00                                     Chris White RIP (Gillis/Connolly)

Sun  25 Apr     4^th SUNDAY OF EASTER

                       08.30                                      For the Parish   

                            10.30                                     Sarah Ward RIP (Hughes)

    Web – available anytime   

https://youtu.be/5Uq1-hvPfXM

Tony Speed RIP (Keefe)

Mon     26 Apr                                                     PKM

Tues    27 Apr       09.30                                    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00                                    For the Parish

Weds  28 Apr       09.30                                    Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00                                     Iris Keefe (Truman Family)

Fri     30 Apr         09.30                              Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                            10.00                             Marie Sullivan (Sullivan Family)

Sat   1 May          11.00                           Confessions

                            18.00                                     Colin Anderson (Keefe)              

Sun 2 May       5^th SUNDAY OF EASTER                  

    08.30                                    For the Parish

                               10.30                                     Maureen Fitzpatrick at 90 (Wheatley)

    Web – available anytime   David & Pat Latimer (Connolly) 

 

FINANCES       .

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

 

This week there is a special collection for Training of Priests.     

       

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS

The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:

Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version

The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe

 

Please print off this newsletter and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.

Dear Parishioners,

Many will be looking forward to the May Bank Holiday on Monday 3^rd, the first Monday after May Day itself, May 1^st. In some countries May Day has very specific political overtones. I thought it was all about the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but I was mistaken! Google tells me:

 

“May Day has its roots in astronomy. We’re (about) halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! It’s one of the Celtic days, which celebrated the midway points between all solstices and equinoxes of the year. As with many early holidays, May Day was significant in agriculture. Springtime celebrations filled with dance and song hailed the sown fields starting to sprout. Cattle were driven to pasture, special bonfires were lit, and doors were decorated with yellow May flowers. Later, celebrations evolved to speak more to the “bringing in the May” with the gathering of wildflowers and green branches, the weaving of floral garlands, the crowning of a May king and queen, and the setting up of a decorated May tree, or Maypole, around which people danced.” 

Nevertheless Saturday is May Day, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and a day of prayer for God’s blessing on human work. Here is a Prayer to St Joseph:

 

O St Joseph Guardian of Jesus most pure spouse of Mary, who spent your life in the perfect fulfilment of your duties, providing with your own labour for the Holy Family of Nazareth, protect us with favour, who with trust turn to you.  You know our desires, our anxieties and our hopes: to you we have recourse, for we are confident in your protection.  You too have experienced trial, hard work and fatigue; but your soul, filled with the greatest peace, was full of joy for the Son of God entrusted to you, and with Mary His most sweet Mother.  Help us to understand that we are not working alone, to know how to discover Jesus near us, to welcome Him by grace and to keep Him faithfully as you have done.  And grant that in our family all may be sanctified in charity, in patience, in justice and through the seeking of what is good. Amen

 

                            God Bless             Fr Doug

 

PRIEST TRAINING FUND

Our special collection this week is to support the training of priests (and deacons) to serve our parishes in the future. Envelopes are available for those who don’t have regular planned giving envelopes. 

 

THE PARISH HALL

As Covid restrictions ease we will be able to make more and more use of our marvellous parish hall. Different activities will be permitted but until June at the earliest, we cannot enjoy any social/hospitality functions. We can still hope that Sunday June 26^th will be the first day we can enjoy refreshments after mass, and if that is so then we will surely mark the occasion!

 

Meanwhile, you will be pleased to hear that we have installed a new boiler and upgraded the whole heating system.

 

FATHER FRANCIS HARTLEY RIP

Fr Francis’ anniversary is on 28^th May, and so the mass that morning will be for the repose of his soul, and will have special prayers for the occasion. The web mass that weekend will also be for him so that friends and relations elsewhere can engage. Covid restrictions prevent us from doing much else at this time.

 

ANNIE GRIFFIN RIP

Annie died on 16^th April having received the church’s sacraments. She had suffered a long illness. Her funeral will be in church on Friday 7^th May

Please print off this newsletter, using the screenshots below, and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.

Sunday March 18th, 2021

3^rd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Readings: Acts; 3:13-15. 17-19  Psalm 4, 1 John 2:1-5, Luke 24:35-48   

 

SERVICES FOR WEEK 17^th – 25^th April 2021 

Sat      17 Apr           11.00                                      Confessions

                                 18.00                                      Sarah Ward RIP (Ward Family)

Sun     18 Apr          3^rd SUNDAY OF EASTER

08.30                                      Krystyna Witulska RIP (Jeyaseelan/Connolly)    

                                       10.30                                      Jamie Roth RIP (Morris)

            Web – available anytime:

https://youtu.be/OK4-308qH4g   

                     For the Parish

Mon    19 Apr                                                             PKM

Tues   20 Apr           09.30                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                10.00                                      Margaret McQuaid RIP (McQuaid Family)

Weds 21 Apr            09.30  St Anselm                   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                                      Tess Truman (Truman Family)

Fri       23 Apr           09.30  St George                   Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                                      Danny Lyons RIP + Kay (Frake)

Sat      24 Apr           11.00                                      Confessions

                                 18.00                                      Chris White RIP (Connolly)            

Sun    25 Apr           4^th SUNDAY OF EASTER             

            08.30                                      For the Parish

                                         10.30                                      Sarah Ward RIP (Hughes)

            Web – available anytime    Tony Speed RIP (Keefe) 

 

 

FINANCES 

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS St John Fisher – Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code

Thank you all so much for your Easter Offering which is your personal gift me.

This week there is a special collection to help pay for our flower displays at Easter 

            

CATHOLIC NEWSPAPERS

The weekly Catholic newspapers can be obtained directly (postage free) by subscription:

Catholic Universe and Catholic Times Go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com or ring 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. £99.00 per year or just £55 for the digital version

The Herald has a similar offer: Ring 0207 448 3607 or go to http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/subscribe

All papers are Covid safe and packed in a sterile component.

 

A little more from the Friends of the Holy Land Poem:

Then it happens. 

From nowhere, without a bolt loosened,

a handle turned or roofing removed, 

Jesus appears,

standing before them 

radiant, risen, real? 

Ecstasy and agony. Shock and awe. 

Fresh fragrant air

flooding the fetid fractious lair. 

Before any can speak,

he raises his hand in blessing and prayer 

and softly says the word they need to hear 

Shalom. Peace be with you. 

 

And again Shalom, 

the gift they most urgently desire:

Peace from guilt and shame, 

peace from never knowing hope again.

Once more his Shalom drenches 

and softens their broken, beaten hearts.

Moving closer, mercy-eyed,

he shows them his hands and his side. 

Healing miracle-making hands,

now punctured and torn by hammered iron nails

and his side gashed and gouged,

but now somehow glorious, victorious. 

God Bless           

 

OFFERTORY COLLECTION ENVELOPES

A huge thank you to Edna and Brian who organise the planned giving envelopes for us all. It is a huge task and with the Covid restrictions it has meant that most of the envelopes have had to be delivered. With the assistance of Patricia this has also been achieved. Again, thank you.

 

FLOWERS AT EASTER

I thanked on everyone’s behalf, those responsible for the outstanding flower displays that celebrated Easter in our church. Normally there is the opportunity to support this through the wall box in the weeks before. We didn’t have the same opportunity this year so we have the collection box available in the porch for those who might like to contribute to the costs. Many thanks.

 

SPREAD THE WORD.

The Catholic Press strive to provide readers with the information they need by speaking up for the poor, helping the young in faith grow closer to Christ and explaining how Catholics should navigate the politics, conflicts, temptations and other vagaries of daily life. Details of how to gain access to the Catholic newspapers is overleaf.

 

HEAD TEACHER VACANCY

Following the retirement of our Head Teacher, the Governing Body of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Old Road, Crayford, DA1 4DZ, wish to appoint an inspirational and dedicated new Head Teacher for this happy and Ofsted rated ’good’ school. Number of children on roll 213, salary range L13 to L21 (£60,073-£71,666), starting in September 2021. Application details and are on the school website www.st-josephs.bexley.sch.uk  Closing date Friday  23^rd April 2021 at noon.

Please print off this newsletter, using the screenshots below, and post it through the door of any parishioner you know without electronic access and make sure everyone feels okay and feels connected.