SUNDAY 9^th May, 2021

 

6th SUNDAY OF EASTER

Readings: Acts; 10;25-26, 34-35. 44-48 Psalm 97, 1 John 4:7-10 John 15:9-17

         

SERVICES FOR WEEK 8^th – 16^th May 2021 

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 at 90 (Wheatley)

            Web – available anytime        For the Parish

Mon    10 May                                                           PKM

Tues   11 May           09.30                                      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                 10.00                                      Tony Sullivan RIP (Sullivan)

Weds 12 May           09.30  St Pancras                 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                                      Norma Brooker RIP (Frake)

Thurs 13 May          09.30  Ascension HDO      Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                                 10.00                                      Dennis Opora RIP (Frake)

                                 19.30                                      Private Intention (Sullivan)

Fri       14 May          09.30  St Matthias                  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00                                      Brian Keeley RIP (Connolly)

Sat      15 May         11.00                                      Confessions

                                18.00                                      For the Parish                       

Sun    16 May          7^th SUNDAY OF EASTER             

          08.30                                      Audrey O’Hara RIP (Frake)

                                       10.30                                      Deceased Members of the Lyons Family

            Web – available anytime    Foundation Mass for Serse Cima

 

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.

NEXT WEEK Special collection for World Communications Day

            

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,

 

Ken Creasy has retired from his role as parish accountant. On behalf of Brian Fernandez, Chair of the Finance Committee and on behalf of us all I say a huge and heartfelt thank you, Ken for all that you have done for the Church here in this parish over many years. Over recent years there have been significant changes in the way the diocese regulates finances, and you have provided much needed stability during these challenging times. 

I am very pleased that Sandeep Monteiro has stepped up to replace Ken and oversee the financial accounting of the parish. We are deeply grateful.

 

May I remind you all that on Thursday we celebrate the solemnity of The Ascension of the Lord. Our masses are at 10 in the morning and 7.30 in the evening

 

                                    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!

 

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR AT SIDCUP. 

St Lawrence of Canterbury Church, Sidcup is a busy, friendly parish with a large number of lay people assisting in various ministries, sacramental preparation and organisations that make up our parish family.  We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Parish Administrator (Part Time) to provide administrative support to the Parish office by implementing and maintaining office systems, processes and procedures. To be considered for the role, please send a CV and covering letter (no longer than one side of A4) to Fr Paul Kyne. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Full Job description is available on St Lawrence of Canterbury website https://www.stlsidcup.org/

 

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 are upgrading 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.

 

LES CONNOR  RIP

We are sorry to announce also the death of Rob (“Les”) Connor. His funeral will be on Monday 24^th may at 10.00 a.m.

 

Covid-19 vaccine confidence webinar

A Covid-19 vaccine confidence webinar has been organised for the faithful of Dioceses of Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster, with the cooperation of Hertfordshire County Council and Hammersmith & Fulham Council, and other local authorities. It will take place on Saturday 15th May 2021 from 10am to 11.30am and will feature a panel of eminent medical experts led by Prof Kevin Fenton, Regional Director of Public Health London. The panel will share the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines.  There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions anonymously. To join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/99627319556 Passcode: 546617

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 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.