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Newsletter: 17th January 2021 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time B

Service Times This Week:  from Saturday January 16th 2020 until January 24th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
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    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 17th January 2021 Year B

    Date Location links to readings and Services
    Sunday 17th January 2021 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time B St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 17-01-2021
    Monday 18th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 18-01-2021
    Tuesday 19th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 19-01-2021
    Wednesday 20th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 20-01-2021
    Thursday 21st January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 21-01-2021
    Friday 22nd January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 22-01-2021
    Saturday 23rd January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 23-01-2021
    Sunday 24th January 2021 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time B St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 24-01-2021

    My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today, we can see Jesus coming by the banks of the river Jordan: it is Christ walking by! It was about four o’clock in the afternoon, when noticing two young men following him, He asks them “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38). And, surprised at the question, they answer “‘Rabbi (which means Master), where are you staying?’. ‘Come and see’” (John 1:39).

    I am also following Jesus, but… what do I want? what am I seeking? He is who asks me: “Truly, what do you want?”. O! if I would only be courageous enough to tell him: “I am seeking you, Jesus”, most surely I would have already found him, “For the one who seeks, finds” (Matthew 7:8). But I am such a coward and always reply with words not too engaging: “Where are you staying?”. But Jesus does not simply put up with my answer; He knows but too well that I do not just need a lot of words, but a friend, The Friend: Him. This is why He tells me: “Come and see”, “come and you will see it”.

    John and Andrew, the two young fishermen, followed him and “saw where He stayed and spent the rest of that day with him” (John 1:39). Overwhelmed by this encounter, John will be able to write: “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17b). And Andrew? He will run to meet his brother to tell him: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). “And he brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John, but you shall be called Cephas’ (which means Rock)” (John 1:42).

    A rock!, Simon, a rock? Not one of them is able to understand those words. They do not know Jesus has come to build his own Church with living stones. He has already chosen the first two bricks, John and Andrew, and he has decided that Simon will be the rock upon which the whole building will stand.

    And, before going to his Father, he will answer our question: “Rabbi, where are you staying?”. While blessing his Church, He will answer: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28,20).

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord you know my heart. You know all of my thoughts, desires, and intentions, whether they are good or bad. You love me despite all of my failings and dark corners. Thank you for your patience and forgiveness. Thank you for the countless graces that you shower on me daily, though I do not realize it. Thank you for revealing your love to me so that I can stand tall and continue in the hopes of embracing you forever in heaven. I now dedicate these precious moments to you so that I can know and love you more and be transformed into you.

    Petition: Lord, grant me a lively faith that seeks your grace and presence in my daily routine.

    1. Worth the Wait: Sometimes it seems that it takes forever for God to answer a prayer. When he does, though, the results exceed all expectation. Ever since Abraham’s time, the world was awaiting a saviour. The Book of Genesis records that God tested Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Isaac, unaware of his father’s intention asked, “‘My father! … Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham responded, ‘God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’” John the Baptist announces the good news, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), as he points out Christ by the Jordan River. The prayers of fallen creation are answered as the saviour of the world – God’s lamb – takes the field in salvation history. Is my faith in God willing to endure the test of time? Does my faith wane when my prayers are not answered as fast as I would like?

    2. What Are You Looking For? Whom Do You Seek? After the Fall, God promised a saviour who would restore to man his communion with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists, it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator” (No. 27). In today’s Gospel passage, Simon Peter and Andrew entrust themselves to Christ. The course of their lives undergoes a radical change for the better. Do I seek Christ every day? Do I entrust my whole life to him? Are there areas in my life that I haven’t turned over to Christ: my financial concerns, my time, my family?

    3. The Courage to Leave Yourself Behind: Peter and Andrew experienced Christ more deeply and intensely when they left their previous ways behind. Too often we become inordinately attached to things, ways, and lifestyles that do not fit our Catholic faith. Do we have the courage, like Peter and Andrew, to give up our past sins and sinful habits? Can we be generous enough to leave behind even some good things so that we might follow Christ in a relationship that requires a deeper commitment of time, resources or talent? What is holding me back? Do I lack faith and trust in Christ? Is my love up to the challenge? Christ invites us all to “Come and see” what new meaning our lives can have when we deepen our commitment to him.

    Conversation with Christ: Oh Lord, teach me not to be afraid, but to have courage in taking on a real commitment of my time, resources and talent. I want to help you extend your Kingdom in the hearts of people. Strengthened by faith and emboldened by your love, I know I won’t be disappointed.

    Resolution: I will set aside time each day this week to sit down and study my faith more, especially those areas which I find difficult to explain to others.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

     Read today’s Readiings here

     

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 17-01-2021

    The term “discipleship” has been a buzz word for a while (like 2000 years at least!), but especially in recent years. In this video, Fr. Mike gives four basics for being a disciple of Christ. If you’re looking for a challenge, try what Fr. Mike suggests here. They’re simple tips, but they’re not that easy. Background on the Gospel Reading – John 1:35–42 John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God, and Jesus receives his first followers. Although the liturgical season of Ordinary Time begins this week, today’s reading continues with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas season. Today’s reading from the Gospel according to John immediately follows John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and his identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Having been baptized by John, Jesus begins to gather followers. The first followers sought out Jesus because of …
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    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 17-01-2021

    Catholic Kids Media  Christ is Calling! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading : John 1:35-42  John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God, and Jesus receives his first followers Children,  Young people first learn about Jesus through the witness of others in the community of faith. We can foster continued growth in faith by encouraging each of them to nurture a personal relationship with Christ through prayer and the celebration of the sacraments. Children I want you to follow these directions as you consider your preferred option in the following situations: Raise your right hand if you like hearing a friend describe a movie; raise your left hand if you would you rather go to see the movie yourself. Fold …
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    Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20; John 1:35-42

    Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20; John 1:35-42

    TODAY’S MASS is about vocation, about God’s call. Vocation is not just for a few chosen people. And to say, “There are no vocations now” is simply not true. Everyone is called by God to be something, to do something for others with their life and with their unique gifts. The First Reading is about a young man who did not recognise God’s call at first. God called Samuel and he thought it was his master Eli. Twice God called, twice Samuel went to Eli, twice Eli told him to go back to sleep. The third time God called, Eli realised what was happening and told Samuel, “The next time you hear the call, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening’. When the Lord called the fourth time, Samuel was ready, ready to listen to God. And “Samuel grew up and the Lord was with him and let no word …
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    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 17-01-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 17-01-2021

    Hearing the Call: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time In the call of Samuel and of the first Apostles, today’s readings shed light on our own calling to be followers of Christ. Notice in the Gospel today that John’s disciples are prepared to hear God’s call. They are already looking for the Messiah, so they trust in John’s word and follow when he points out the Lamb of God walking by. Samuel is also waiting on the Lord—sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant where God’s glory dwells, taking instruction from Eli, the high priest. Samuel listened to God’s word and the Lord was with him. And Samuel, through his word, turned all Israel to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 3:21; 7:2–3). The disciples too heard and followed—words we hear repeatedly in today’s Gospel. They stayed with the Lord and by their testimony brought others to the Lord …
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    “Patris Corde” – Pope Francis “Year of Saint Joseph” – Invite to our First event on 31st Jan 2021

    With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021. This is why I would like to invite everyone for – the First one – on Sunday 31st JANUARY 2021 at 3.00pm

    APOSTOLIC LETTER PATRIS CORDE OF THE …
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    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective …
    Read more here

    URGENT APPEAL – FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH

    Dear Friends, as You know – we try our best to help homeless (and the poor) in many ways. One of them, very important and popular is providing the lunch on Sundays, with an incredible generosity and sacrifice from St Vincent de Paul’s members of our Parish. We need your help in this difficult times, to make by yourself 45 packed lunches or to provide us with the products or donation, so we can make it by ourselves.

    Each …
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    Bishop Barron calls for national examination of conscience

    Friends, the appalling events in Washington DC today are a disturbing sign of a breakdown in our democratic system and compel us to a national examination of conscience regarding the civic life of this country. (I encourage you watch the talk I offered last year to a bipartisan group of Senators, Representatives, and Capitol Hill staffers about political life as a vocation, the relationship of the Divine Law to positive law, and the call of justice: https://youtu.be/-7KlaUIdWR4)

    Catholic …
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    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021.

    MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE

    1 JANUARY 2021

    A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE 1 …
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    Pax Christi Sunday – Movement for Peace Jan 17th 2021

    Pax Christi Peace

    PEACE SUNDAY is on 17 JANUARY and this year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace’.

    “How many resources,” he says, “are spent on weaponry, especially nuclear weapons, that could be used for more significant priorities such as ensuring the safety of individuals, the promotion of peace and integral human development, the fight against poverty, and the provision of health care.”  Pope Francis calls on us to “strive daily, in concrete …
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    Hymn for the Today – The Call of Samuel for Children

    This song is designed for toddler age kids to learn the stories from the Bible …
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    Philip Kosloski - St. John Paul II's formula for defeating evil in the world

    Philip Kosloski – St. John Paul II’s formula for defeating evil in the world

    He firmly believed that evil and violence in the world could only be defeated with goodness. READ THE FULL PAPER HERE It is tempting to “fight fire with fire,” especially when dealing with violence or injustice in the world. However, St. John Paul II believed that fighting evil with more evil would only create problems. In a message for the Word Day of Peace in 2005, the Polish pontiff explained his reasoning. For the theme of this 2005 World Day of Peace I have chosen Saint Paul’s words in the Letter to the Romans: “Do not be overcome by evil, but …
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    John the Baptist Preaching

    Theresa Civantos Barber – January’s longer days remind us of Christ’s promise and our vocation

    The slow lengthening of the sunlight hours recalls St. John the Baptist’s message to all of us. It’s interesting to think about the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. The Gospels tell us that John was Jesus’ relative and that their mothers were close, and recounts stories from both men’s public ministries. But we don’t know much about the relationship between them. Did they grow up together? Were they good friends besides being relatives? Since their mothers lived in different places (at least at the start of the Gospel of Luke), it seems likely that they went long stretches of …
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    Philip Kosloski - God often answers prayers with peace in your soul

    Philip Kosloski – God often answers prayers with peace in your soul

    When we ask God for something, he always responds and often with spiritual peace. Many pray on a daily basis for a whole host of things. Unfortunately, we don’t always hear God’s voice, and we may think he is ignoring us. One reason may be that we are not following the peace that God is trying to give us. St. Ignatius Loyola explains, “it is proper to God and to His Angels in their movements to give true spiritual gladness and joy, taking away all sadness and disturbance which the enemy brings on.” Furthermore, “It belongs to God our Lord to give consolation to …
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    Bishop Philip Egan - Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip writes…. Some months ago, I asked clergy to share their thoughts in relation to three questions that I posed about the state of our Diocese, to inform the development of the long term plans and priorities: what they thought was good about the diocese, that we should celebrate; what might be identified as the challenges across our diocese; and what we may need to put in place to develop further our mission. We now want to understand better what you the people and parishioners of our Diocese think and what you consider is important as we journey in faith …
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    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Needs your help Dear Parishioners. The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference has been very active over the last few months. Some things that we have been involved in include: • Providing a friendly phone call and/or visit to those who are lonely or vulnerable – especially those who have become socially isolated due to the lockdown. • Providing a local young mother in temporary accommodation with baby clothes and food after she had been financially affected by the pandemic. • Providing a takeaway packed lunch (and some clothing and shoes) …
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    Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 16th January 2021 till the 28th February 2021

    Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective. Being a devoted Catholic family, actively pursuing the Faith and passing it along to our children is weirdly considered counter-cultural. Unfortunately, …
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    Ascent Group - Events 2021 Timetable

    Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable

    Dear Friends May you be blessed with a happy and hopeful New Year. Although we are still in the midst of illness and restrictions, there are signs of hope as vaccines begin to be rolled out. We thank God for the answers to prayers made right at the beginning of the pandemic, that vaccines would be developed quickly; and we continue to pray for those suffering and for an end to the global crisis. ADoRE monthly sessions will continue online for the foreseable future, and we are encouraged by many positive reactions already to our 2021 programme plans – see below …
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    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    To all of our Polish Community – Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back toour Morning Coffee (in POLISH) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday  11:30am through our  Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. (see link below) All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. Everyone is welcome to join,and just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
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    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Thursday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
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    going into hospital

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency …
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    THIS WEEK FOR ALL: 

    Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:

    TUESDAY at 8.00pm – general questions;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – Subject: ‘Purgatory’.

    Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: 

    TUESDAY at 11.15am

     

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

    • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
    • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

    For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

    – Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
    – Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
    – Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

    Prayer of the Month – January 2021

    Pope Francis Jan 2019

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    Intention for evangelization – Human fraternity May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all. The holidays are a time for travel and celebration. Perhaps that means Christmas dinner at grandma’s house or a party with old friends on New Year’s Eve. These trips involve preparation and anticipation. We may need to prepare and pack a few things– maybe a gift and a bottle of wine. We also anticipate the joy and warmth we’ll experience at these celebrations. As we begin 2021, …
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    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    God our Father, you love each of your children
    and you don’t stop taking care of them and looking out for their good,
    Help me to be the image and the example of this love of yours.
    May I find in each person a brother or sister and truly love them,
    welcoming them despite any differences we may have,
    respecting them in their dignity, regardless of their origin or faith.
    I pray that in the hearts of all your children, the seed of human fraternity is cultivated,
    to build your kingdom together on this earth.

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

    And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 17th January 2021:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

    May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

     Community Pray:

    House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

    Parish Devotions this month

    Most Holy Name of Jesus

    Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: 3rd January

    The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, at least at local levels, since the end of the fifteenth century. The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church on 20 December 1721, during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XIII. The celebration has been held on different dates, usually in January, because 1 January, eight days after Christmas, commemorates the circumcision of the child Jesus; as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he …
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    jesus child murillo

    The Holy Name of Jesus – History of the Feast

    This feast originated towards the end of the fifteenth century, and was instituted by the private authority of some bishops in Germany, Scotland, England, Spain, and Belgium. The Office and the Mass composed by Bernardine dei Busti (d. 1500) were approved by Sixtus IV. The feast was officially granted to the Franciscans 25 February, 1530, and spread over a great part of the Church. The Office used at present is nearly identical with the Office of Bernardine dei Busti. The hymns “Jesu dulcis memoria“, “Jesu Rex admirabilis“, “Jesu decus angelicum“, usually ascribed to St. Bernard, are fragments of a very …
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    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    These prayers are easy to memorize and can be said throughout the day. Jesus said, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). The name of Jesus is a powerful prayer in itself, and Jesus asked us to use it frequently whenever we pray to him. While we can simply say the name “Jesus,” the Church also has many other brief prayers that use his name and can be prayed throughout the day in …
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    The Cross Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Cross as a Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: d) The Cross as a Symbol for the Divine Name. The similarity between the Chi-Rho symbol and the Cross is so apparent that it was not long before the two became related artistically. The Cross and the divine Name serve as symbols of redemption, and as a means of protection against …
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    Ichthys Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Ichthys (Fish) Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: c) Ichthys. The early Church loved another monogram for our Saviour’s name, the widely-used ICHTHYS. Christ’s full title was (in Greek): Iesous Christos Theou Yos Soter, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. The initial letters of these five words form the Greek word ICHTHYS, which means fish. For this reason Christ …
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    The IHS Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The IHS Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: b) The IHS Symbol. The familiar abbreviation IHS is a symbol of the Name Jesus which has retained its popularity down through the centuries. It owes its spread to Saint Bernardine of Siena, who had it placed on his banner, surrounded with twelve rays of the sun and surmounted by a …
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    Chi-Rho Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Chi-Rho Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: a) The Chi-Rho Symbol. The oldest monuments bearing this symbol date to the third century, the first being found on a burial inscription of a consul from the year 369. From the third century we have the following authentic forms: (1) the separate letters; (2) the superimposed letters; (3) the monogram …
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    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
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    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Nothing Separates us from God's Love

    Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

    Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

    Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

     

    OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

    Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
    The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

    Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

    These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

    Standing Order and  other useful Information

     Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

    These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

    Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453 (Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun)

    with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

     

    Next weekend we take the annual second collection in support of your Cathedral in Portsmouth

    Appeal envelopes will be available at all masses for those who do not have gift aided planned giving envelopes for second collections. This collection is the only support our Cathedral receives from the wider Diocesan family.

    Due to the lockdown and restrictions being imposed on many people travelling, a ‘Give as you Live’ page has also been created to enable you to donate online at:
    https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/cathedral-annual-appeal

    Understandably, we all are aware that these are difficult times for us all, but please give generously to support your cathedral, gift aiding your donation wherever possible.

     

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    Download Newsletter PDF -17-01-2021

    WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

    Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 17th January 2021 Year B

    Calendars

      Daily Services Calendars for all times

      Saints Calendar to learn about this weeks Saints

      Daily Reading Calendar for the prayers this week

      View All of our Parish Events Here

    PARISH CONTACTS

    • PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk 
    • Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
    • Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
    • Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths  tel: 023 92 737559;
    • Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
      email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

    Let people know and come join in the conversation online!
    LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: St Swithuns Page
    FOLLOW us on Twitter: @FrMarcinD
    @St_swithun

    “CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

    Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

     

    NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

      Read More on our Renewal Pages here

    Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

    Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
    Ventilation:In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

    WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

    There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

    TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

    The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

    Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

    Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.

    Newsletter: 10th January 2021 – The Baptism of the Lord Year B

    the Baptism of the Lord

    Service Times This Week:  from Saturday January 9th 2020 until January 17th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line

    [
  • Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Baptism Of The Lord 10th January 2021 Year B

    Date Location links to readings and Services
    Sunday 10th January 2021 – The Baptism of the Lord St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 10-01-2021
    Monday 11th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 11-01-2021
    Tuesday 12th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 12-01-2021
    Wednesday 13th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 13-01-2021
    Thursday 14th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 14-01-2021
    Friday 15th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 15-01-2021
    Saturday 16th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 16-01-2021
    Sunday 17th January 2021 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time B St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 17-01-2021

    My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today, with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Christmas cycle is over. The Gospel says that John had “appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of the sins” (Mark 1:4). People went out to see and hear him, to confess their sins and to be baptized by him in the Jordan River. And among those people Jesus also appeared to be baptized.

    At Christmas we have seen how Jesus appeared to the shepherds and the magi who, coming from the East, worshiped Him and offered Him their gifts. In fact, the coming of Jesus to the world is to manifest God’s love that saves us.

    And there, in the river Jordan, a new manifestation of Jesus’ divinity was made: heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended towards Him as a dove and the voice of the Father was heard: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). In this case, it is the Father of Heaven and the Holy Spirit who made it manifest. It is God himself who reveals who is Jesus, His beloved son.

    But it was not a revelation only for John and the Jews. It was for us too. Jesus himself, the beloved Son of the Father, who manifested to the Jews in the river Jordan, continually manifests to us every day. In the Church, in prayers, in our brothers, at the Baptism we have received that has made us children of the same Father.

    Let us ask, therefore: – Do I recognize his presence, his love in my life? – Do I live a true relationship of filial love with God? Pope Francis says: “What God seeks from us is a relationship like that between a father and child. God give us a caress and tells us: I am by your side”.

    In the midst of our struggles and difficulties, the Heavenly Father also tells us: “you are my son whom I love; with you I am well pleased”.

    Opening Prayer: Jesus, come to my soul and teach me to do your holy will.

    Encountering Christ:

    1. It is Right and Just: We hear these words in the Holy Mass: “It is right and just, always and everywhere to give you thanks for your great glory…” Praise to God is the proper and just response to so great a God. Yet, in this passage, Jesus is not inciting people to praise him. He approaches John to be baptized. He puts himself in the place of the unrighteous who need repentance. Jesus’s response to John reveals what it truly means to be righteous: “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Jesus takes the place of sinners to fulfil God’s saving plan. That is the meaning of righteousness–obedience to the Father’s will.

    2. Revelation and Reward: The Father proclaims his joy at the obedience of his Son. Suddenly a voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus did not even hold onto his own “reputation” as the righteous one. He accepted the role of a repentant sinner by asking to be baptized. His obedience is rewarded by the appearance of the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, and the affirmation of his Father. A Trinitarian revelation takes place. We get a glimpse into the dialogue of love that takes place in the communion of persons in the Trinity.

    3. Trinitarian Epiphany: The Dynamic of Self-Gift: Jesus’s abasement for the sake of his Father’s plan of salvation reflects his eternal gift of self to the Father. The revelation of the Father’s audible affirmation of his Son reflects the eternal love for his Son. And the Son receives that affirmation with joy and continual surrender to the Father’s desire. The Holy Spirit’s presence reflects the eternal love that exists in the dialogue of self-gift between the Father and the Son. We are invited to enter into this dynamic of self-gift. It began in our baptism. Our everyday response to be obedient to the Father creates, in a mystical sense, this Epiphany of the Trinity in our soul. Far from abstraction and mere idea, it is a profound yet unseen reality taking place within.
    Conversing with Christ: Holy Trinity dwelling in me, grant me the grace to respond with the same righteousness as Jesus. Help me to hear and be obedient to your will throughout my day and respond with an intentional and loving self-gift.

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace, I will be attentive to the ways I may be living a false sense of righteousness in my judgments towards others, and the ways I can live a true righteousness in my efforts to be obedient to the Father, with charity in thought, word, and deed as the touchstone of my self-giving.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

     Read today’s Readiings here

     

    ST Swithuns Swimming

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 10-01-2021

    Catholic Kids Media  The Baptism of the Lord! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading : Mark 1:7-11 ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you’ Children,  This week’s Gospel is where we find Jesus being asked to be baptised by John. At his baptism, we learn that Jesus is God’s own Son. Through our Baptism in Jesus’ name, we are made children of God. Through our prayer, we learn what it means to be named “children of God.” Young people at this age strive to be part of the group. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shows that he is “part of the group” by entering the waters of the Jordan for a baptism of repentance from sin, even though he was …
    Read more here

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 10-01-2021

    Friends, the sacrament of Baptism is objective: the visible sign of invisible incorporation into the Mystical Body of Jesus. Every baptized person is, objectively speaking, a child of God, divinized, and destined to be a great saint. Therefore, we must not follow the prompts of worldly power or success. Running after such material things amounts to pecking on the ground like chickens. Background on the Gospel Reading – Mark 1:7-11 Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In most years, this feast is celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany. When Epiphany falls on either January 7 or 8, the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the Monday after Epiphany. In today’s Gospel we hear John the Baptist contrast his baptism of repentance with the baptism that Jesus will inaugurate. John the Baptist says that he has baptized with …
    Read more here
    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 10-01-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 10-01-2021

    The Anointing: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord The Liturgy last week revealed the mystery of God’s plan—that in Jesus all peoples, symbolized by the magi, have been made “co-heirs” to the blessings promised to Israel. This week, we’re shown how we claim our inheritance. Jesus doesn’t submit to John’s baptism as a sinner in need of purification. He humbles Himself to pass through Jordan’s waters in order to lead a new “exodus”—opening up the promised land of heaven so that all peoples can hear the words pronounced over Jesus today, words once reserved only for Israel and its king: that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God (see Genesis 22:2; Exodus 4:22; Psalm 2:7). Jesus is the chosen servant Isaiah prophesies in today’s First Reading, anointed with the Spirit to make things right and just on earth. God puts His Spirit upon …
    Read more here
    Commentary on Isaiah 55:1-11; 1 John 5:1-9; Mark 1:7-11

    Commentary on Isaiah 55:1-11; 1 John 5:1-9; Mark 1:7-11

    Baptism of the Lord WE COME TODAY to the end of the Christmas season. And we have the third great ‘epiphany’ or showing of God in the human person of Jesus. The first ‘epiphany’ was at the birth of the child Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem when he was visited by the shepherds representing the poor, the marginalised and the sinful for whom Jesus had specially come. The second ‘epiphany’ was when the ‘wise men’ came from ‘the East’ to worship the newly born Jesus. They represented all those peoples and nations who were being invited to be numbered among God’s own people through the mediation of Jesus as Lord. Today we celebrate the third great ‘epiphany’ of the Lord in Jesus Christ. The time is much later. Jesus is now an adult, probably about 30 years of age. We are brought to the banks of the River Jordan …
    Read more here

     

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective …
    Read more here

    John Burger – Is spiritual direction on your New Year’s resolutions list?

    Ancient practice is gaining in popularity, says Fr. Timothy Gallagher.

    Does your list of New Year’s resolutions include anything about working on your spiritual life, deepening your relationship with God, or improving your prayer habits? If so, you might want to consider spiritual direction. To gain some insight into what spiritual direction is and why it’s important for those seeking a closer relationship with God, we posed a few questions to Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V. Fr. Gallagher, a …
    Read more here

    Christmastide – Celebrating the 40 Liturgical Days of Christmas

    History of the Forty Days of Christmas

    The entire Christmas Cycle is a crescendo of Christ’s manifesting Himself as God and King — to the shepherds, to the Magi, at His Baptism, to Simeon and the prophetess, Anna (Luke 2). The days from the Feast of the Nativity to the Epiphany are known as “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. But Christmas doesn’t end as a season — i.e., the celebration of the events of Christ’s life as a child don’t …
    Read more here

    Catholic Culture – The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

    Jesus-doves-birds-christ Catholic Culture – The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord. This brings to an end the season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord’s second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His baptism in the Jordan. Jesus descended into the River to sanctify its waters and to give them the power to beget sons of God. The event takes on the importance of …
    Read more here

     

     

    Hymn for Today: - Josh Groban - O Holy Night

    Hymn for Today: – Josh Groban – O Holy Night

    Joshua Winslow Groban (born February 27, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. His first four solo albums have been certified multi-platinum, and he was charted in 2007 as the number-one best selling artist in the United States, with over 22.3 million records. As of 2012, he had sold over 25 million records worldwide. Groban originally studied acting, but moved to singing as his voice developed. Groban attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a free public school on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles, where students receive a conservatory-style education. David …
    Read more here
    I Stand Hillsong

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics – The Stand – Hillsong Worship

    The Stand by Hillsong recorded by Hillsong Worship  – What is believers Baptism? Why Get baptised? A video on Baptism using the song BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS #2 – “The Stand” by Michael W. Smith NRT columnist Kevin Davis explores the story and scripture behind one of his favourite Michael W. Smith songs. He is Risen! Recently I was struck by the Biblical truth behind the song “The Stand,” written by Joel Houston of Hillsong and recorded by Michael W. Smith on his album Stand. This truth is based on Paul’s very encouraging words to the Romans in Chapter 5, …
    Read more here

     

     

     

    Philip Kosloski - Begin each morning thanking God for his mercy

    Philip Kosloski – Begin each morning thanking God for his mercy

    Let your soul be refreshed each morning dwelling upon God’s boundless mercy. How often do we start off the day in a grumpy mood, not looking forward to what lies ahead? What if we started each morning thanking God for his mercy and the great love he has for us? The more we dwell upon the mercy of God, the more grateful our heart will be, seeing everything through his merciful gaze. The 19th-century book The Catholic Monitor reflects on this reality. The mercy of God is an unfailing source of the richest blessings not only for this life, but for that …
    Read more here

    Dr. Stephen Bullivant – Why an Atheist Philosopher Became Catholic

    Dr. Stephen Bullivant is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at St Mary’s University, England. A former atheist, he studied philosophy and theology at Oxford University, and converted to Catholicism while completing his doctorate on Vatican II and the salvation of unbelievers. In 2010, he was the first non-American to receive the “LaCugna Award for New Scholars” from the Catholic Theological Society of America. Stephen writes and speaks extensively on the theology and sociology of atheism, and the new evangelization. His recent books include Faith and Unbelief (Canterbury Press, 2013; Paulist Press, 2014), and (co-edited with Michael Ruse) The Oxford Handbook of Atheism (Oxford …
    Read more here
    John Burger - British youth showing surprising increase in religiosity since pandemic began

    John Burger – British youth showing surprising increase in religiosity since pandemic began

    End-of-year survey points to use of internet as boosting Gen Z’s faith. There might be something of a spiritual revival taking place in Great Britain, and it might be starting in a way one would least expect. The coronavirus pandemic that began a year ago has taken a toll on people’s belief systems in the U.K., but some segments of British society are appearing to be surprisingly more religious than expected.  Members of Generation Z, who are in their late teens and early 20s, are more likely to believe in God than millennials, who are in their late 20s and …
    Read more here

    Vatican CDF says use of anti-Covid vaccines “morally acceptable”

    A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which was approved by Pope Francis, gives the green light during the pandemic to the use of vaccines produced with cell lines derived from two fetuses aborted in the 1960s. “It is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.” Due to the situation of the ongoing pandemic, “all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation …
    Read more here
    Bishop Philip Egan - Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip writes…. Some months ago, I asked clergy to share their thoughts in relation to three questions that I posed about the state of our Diocese, to inform the development of the long term plans and priorities: what they thought was good about the diocese, that we should celebrate; what might be identified as the challenges across our diocese; and what we may need to put in place to develop further our mission. We now want to understand better what you the people and parishioners of our Diocese think and what you consider is important as we journey in faith …
    Read more here
    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Needs your help Dear Parishioners. The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference has been very active over the last few months. Some things that we have been involved in include: • Providing a friendly phone call and/or visit to those who are lonely or vulnerable – especially those who have become socially isolated due to the lockdown. • Providing a local young mother in temporary accommodation with baby clothes and food after she had been financially affected by the pandemic. • Providing a takeaway packed lunch (and some clothing and shoes) …
    Read more here
    Baptism facts: Do you know yours?

    Baptism facts: Do you know yours?

    Your baptismal anniversary is an important event to celebrate year after year. Here’s how to prepare. As the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, it gives believers an opportunity to pause and remember their own baptisms.The majority of Catholics have no memories of their baptism, and that’s because they were baptized as infants. For some though, the memory is strong, as they were baptized as an adult after going through the RCIA process. Regardless of age, what do you know about your baptism? Let’s pause and remember the facts of our own baptism: the where, when, …
    Read more here
    Why do we still keep Christmas Trees and Crib?

    Why do we still keep Christmas Trees and Crib?

    We all know that Christmas officially begins on Christmas Eve, but when does Christmas officially end? The answer gets a bit complicated. On January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, the Church celebrates the biblical event where the Magi, also called the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, travelled from the East to pay homage to the new-born King, Jesus Christ. Many believe that this is the date when the Christmas season officially ends, being the end of the traditional 12 days of Christmas. However, according to the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, Ordinary Time doesn’t officially begin until the Monday …
    Read more here

    Customs on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

    Customs on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord In the Ukraine the faithful gather in the front of the church where a cross of ice is placed. Since there are no rivers near churches, a tub is filled with water and is placed in front of the ice cross. During special and very unique services the water is blessed and brought home. This is taken in before breakfast is eaten. The remains are kept during the year to keep the home safe from fire, lightening and sickness. The priest visits his parishioners to bless their homes with the …
    Read more here

     

     

     

     

    Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 9th January 2021 till the 17th January 2021

    Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective. Being a devoted Catholic family, actively pursuing the Faith and passing it along to our children is weirdly considered counter-cultural. Unfortunately, …
    Read more here
    Ascent Group - Events 2021 Timetable

    Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable

    Dear Friends May you be blessed with a happy and hopeful New Year. Although we are still in the midst of illness and restrictions, there are signs of hope as vaccines begin to be rolled out. We thank God for the answers to prayers made right at the beginning of the pandemic, that vaccines would be developed quickly; and we continue to pray for those suffering and for an end to the global crisis. ADoRE monthly sessions will continue online for the foreseable future, and we are encouraged by many positive reactions already to our 2021 programme plans – see below …
    Read more here
    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    To all of our Polish Community – Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back toour Morning Coffee (in POLISH) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday  11:30am through our  Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. (see link below) All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. Everyone is welcome to join,and just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Thursday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    going into hospital

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency …
    Read more here

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL: 

    Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:

    TUESDAY at 8.00pm – general questions;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – Subject: ‘Purgatory’.

    Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: 

    TUESDAY at 11.15am

     

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

    • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
    • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

    For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

    – Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
    – Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
    – Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

    Prayer of the Month – January 2021

    Pope Francis Jan 2019

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    Intention for evangelization – Human fraternity May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all. The holidays are a time for travel and celebration. Perhaps that means Christmas dinner at grandma’s house or a party with old friends on New Year’s Eve. These trips involve preparation and anticipation. We may need to prepare and pack a few things– maybe a gift and a bottle of wine. We also anticipate the joy and warmth we’ll experience at these celebrations. As we begin 2021, …
    Read more here

     

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    God our Father, you love each of your children
    and you don’t stop taking care of them and looking out for their good,
    Help me to be the image and the example of this love of yours.
    May I find in each person a brother or sister and truly love them,
    welcoming them despite any differences we may have,
    respecting them in their dignity, regardless of their origin or faith.
    I pray that in the hearts of all your children, the seed of human fraternity is cultivated,
    to build your kingdom together on this earth.

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

    And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 10th January 2021:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

    May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

     Community Pray:

    House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

    Parish Devotions this month

    Most Holy Name of Jesus

    Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: 3rd January

    The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, at least at local levels, since the end of the fifteenth century. The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church on 20 December 1721, during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XIII. The celebration has been held on different dates, usually in January, because 1 January, eight days after Christmas, commemorates the circumcision of the child Jesus; as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he …
    Read more here
    jesus child murillo

    The Holy Name of Jesus – History of the Feast

    This feast originated towards the end of the fifteenth century, and was instituted by the private authority of some bishops in Germany, Scotland, England, Spain, and Belgium. The Office and the Mass composed by Bernardine dei Busti (d. 1500) were approved by Sixtus IV. The feast was officially granted to the Franciscans 25 February, 1530, and spread over a great part of the Church. The Office used at present is nearly identical with the Office of Bernardine dei Busti. The hymns “Jesu dulcis memoria“, “Jesu Rex admirabilis“, “Jesu decus angelicum“, usually ascribed to St. Bernard, are fragments of a very …
    Read more here
    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    These prayers are easy to memorize and can be said throughout the day. Jesus said, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). The name of Jesus is a powerful prayer in itself, and Jesus asked us to use it frequently whenever we pray to him. While we can simply say the name “Jesus,” the Church also has many other brief prayers that use his name and can be prayed throughout the day in …
    Read more here
    The Cross Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Cross as a Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: d) The Cross as a Symbol for the Divine Name. The similarity between the Chi-Rho symbol and the Cross is so apparent that it was not long before the two became related artistically. The Cross and the divine Name serve as symbols of redemption, and as a means of protection against …
    Read more here
    Ichthys Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Ichthys (Fish) Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: c) Ichthys. The early Church loved another monogram for our Saviour’s name, the widely-used ICHTHYS. Christ’s full title was (in Greek): Iesous Christos Theou Yos Soter, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. The initial letters of these five words form the Greek word ICHTHYS, which means fish. For this reason Christ …
    Read more here
    The IHS Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The IHS Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: b) The IHS Symbol. The familiar abbreviation IHS is a symbol of the Name Jesus which has retained its popularity down through the centuries. It owes its spread to Saint Bernardine of Siena, who had it placed on his banner, surrounded with twelve rays of the sun and surmounted by a …
    Read more here
    Chi-Rho Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Chi-Rho Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: a) The Chi-Rho Symbol. The oldest monuments bearing this symbol date to the third century, the first being found on a burial inscription of a consul from the year 369. From the third century we have the following authentic forms: (1) the separate letters; (2) the superimposed letters; (3) the monogram …
    Read more here

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
    Read More
    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Nothing Separates us from God's Love

    Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

    Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

    Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

     

    OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

    Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
    The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

    Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

    These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

    Standing Order and  other useful Information

     Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

    These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

    Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453

    Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun

    with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

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    Download Newsletter PDF -10-01-2021

    WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

    Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Baptism Of The Lord 10th January 2021 Year B

    Calendars

      Daily Services Calendars for all times

      Saints Calendar to learn about this weeks Saints

      Daily Reading Calendar for the prayers this week

      View All of our Parish Events Here

    PARISH CONTACTS

    • PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk 
    • Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
    • Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
    • Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths  tel: 023 92 737559;
    • Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
      email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

    Let people know and come join in the conversation online!
    LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: St Swithuns Page
    FOLLOW us on Twitter: @FrMarcinD
    @St_swithun

    “CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

    Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

     

    NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

      Read More on our Renewal Pages here

    Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

    Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
    Ventilation:In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

    WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

    There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

    TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

    The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

    Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

    Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.

    Newsletter: 3rd January 2021 – 2nd Sunday of Christmas & The Feast of Epiphany of the Lord

     

    Service Times This Week:  from Saturday January 2nd 2020 until January 10th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday Of Christmas 3rd January 2021 Year B

    Date Location links to readings and Services
    Sunday 3rd January 2021 – Second Sunday Of Christmas St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 03-01-2021
    Monday 4th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 04-01-2021
    Tuesday 5th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 05-01-2021
    Wednesday 6th January 2021 – Feast of The Epiphany Of The Lord St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 06-01-2021
    Thursday 7th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 07-01-2021
    Friday 8th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 08-01-2021
    Saturday 9th January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 09-01-2021
    Sunday 10th January 2021 – The Baptism of the Lord St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 10-01-2021

    My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today, the prophet Isaiah encourages us: “Arise, shine, for your light has come. The glory of Yahweh rises upon you” (Is 60:1). The light the prophet has seen is the star which the Three Wise Men see in the East, like many other men. The Magi discover its meaning. Others consider it as something admirable, but that does not affect them. And, so, they do not react. The Three Wise Men realize the fact that, with the star, God is sending them an important message for which it is worthwhile leaving comfort and safety to take on the risks of an uncertain journey: the hope of finding the King leads them to follow the star, which the prophets had spoken of and which the people of Israel had been waiting for centuries.

    They arrive in Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jews. They are sure that there they will be shown where the King has been born. Indeed, they will be told: “In the town of Bethlehem in Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote” (Mt 2:5). The news of the arrival of the Magi and their inquiry spreads around Jerusalem in a very short time: Jerusalem was, at that time, a small city and the presence of the Magi with their escort must have been noticed by all its inhabitants, thus “when Herod heard this he was greatly disturbed and with him all Jerusalem” (Mt 2:3), the Gospel tells us.

    Jesus Christ crosses the paths of the lives of many people who are not interested in Him. A little effort would have changed their lives; they would have found the King of Joy and Peace. This requires a willingness to look for Him, to move around, to ask without losing heart —like the Three Wise Men— to leave our comfort, our routine. It requires an effort to appreciate the immense value of finding Christ. If we do not find Him, we have not found anything in life, because only He is the Savior: finding Jesus is to find the Path that leads us to know the Truth that gives us Life. And without Him, nothing is worthwhile.

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for your perfect gift of yourself: coming as a humble child born of Mary. The thought of you as a helpless little babe lying in a manger fills my heart with confidence. I know that you could never be capable of deceiving me since you have divested yourself of all greatness so that I can gaze upon you. You deserve all my hope and all my love, which I humbly offer you now.

    Petition: Lord, I ask you for a heart truly receptive to your message.

    1. We Saw His Star: Those who are sincere of heart find God in their life. In the case of the Magi, their sincerity is shown by what they are willing to sacrifice to attain their goal. The journey required abandoning the comforts of their homeland, the needs of their family members, and the pursuit of wealth. The intention was pure, not muddled with self-centered wants, for it was nothing less than the desire to encounter God’s living presence. Their openness of heart permitted God to speak through many things in their world—from astrology to Herod, from the star to the child in the crib. What will it take for me to find God today? I must put aside all but him and let his hand lead me to that definitive encounter with his divine presence.

    2. Warned Not to Return to Herod: No star is offered to Herod or the worldly, only darkness. The worldly may like the idea of God and even be curious about him, but they disregard his call. They rarely leave their palace, sacrifice their time, or place themselves at the service of the divine. The prideful lovers of comfort leave their palaces and then oddly claim God is nowhere to be found in the world. They fear the loss of a comfortable world. I pray that my heart is open to all that the living Gospel requires in my life. May Christ find no obstacle in me; rather, may he find in me the will to leave my palace so that I might find and follow him.

    3. Then They Opened Their Treasures: In order to give love, I must have been impacted by love. How can I hold to the demands that others place upon me? How can I keep true to my vocation and mission when little affirmation and support come my way? Every morning I need to seek out the God who gives unconditionally so that his giving may impact me. Be it at Mass, in prayer, or in the workings of divine providence, every day a necessary epiphany awaits me. It empowers me to open my coffer and bring forth the gift of self. If I do not experience this love, my life remains closed—no interior strength is found to give myself totally. John tells us: “In this is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Brothers, if God so loved us, we too ought to love each other…. We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:8, 20).

    Conversation with Christ: Christ, your love for me compels me to give myself and hold nothing back. I have touched a moment in human history that overwhelms my comprehension and conquers my heart for you. May I give myself as you give yourself to me: at Mass, in prayer, and in souls you call me to serve.

    Resolution: I will work to improve my charity with the members of my family today, loving them as Christ does.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

     Read today’s Readiings here

    epiphany 2

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 03-01-2021

    Background on the Gospel Reading – The Feast of Epiphany of the Lord (6th January 2020) The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel. We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how …
    Read more here
    Cartoon epiphany

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 03-01-2021

    Catholic Kids Media  The Magi! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12 The visit of the Magi (6th January 2021) Children, This  Week on the 6th January is the feast of the Epithany. Let’s spend time thinking about our own families more. Younger children can learn about gift giving and the gifts we can give to honour Jesus as our Saviour by hearing about the Magi, who travelled far to honour Jesus with special gifts. The gifts of the Magi show that they knew Jesus to be the Saviour promised by God. By reflecting on the meaning of the Magi’s gifts, we can lead older children to recognize Jesus as their Saviour. Young people at this age are attracted to heroes. The genre of …
    Read more here
    Commentary on Sirach 24:1-4.12-16; Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18; John 1:1-18

    Commentary on Sirach 24:1-4.12-16; Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18; John 1:1-18

    1. There are four key words in today’s gospel: Word; Light; Darkness; Flesh To these could be added two more: Witness; John And, borrowing from the 1st and 2nd Readings: Wisdom Word: In Greek it is logos and in Hebrew dabar. It is not just a spoken word but a creative, a doing, a making word. It is the source of reason and wisdom in God and, when uttered, is the creative expression of his vision. At their best, words reveal the true inner person. Without words (including all forms of body language and communication), we cannot be known. (We see this, for instance, in people who are paralysed e.g. with strokes. We know they can understand but they have no way to get their ideas across to us.) It is through our words that people can know our inner selves. Yet, even at its very best, it is never …
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    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 03-01-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 03-01-2021

    Newborn King: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord Today the child born on Christmas is revealed to be the long-awaited king of the Jews. As the priests and scribes interpret the prophecies in today’s Gospel, He is the ruler expected from the line of King David, whose greatness is to reach to the ends of the earth (see Micah 5:1–3; 2 Samuel 5:2). Jesus is found with His mother, as David’s son, Solomon, was enthroned alongside his Queen Mother (see 1 Kings 2:19). And the magi come to pay Him tribute, as once kings and queens came to Solomon (see 1 Kings 10:2,). His coming evokes promises that extend back to Israel’s beginnings. Centuries before, an evil king seeking to destroy Moses and the Israelites had summoned Balaam, who came from the East with two servants. But Balaam refused to curse Israel, and instead prophesied that a star …
    Read more here

     

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective …
    Read more here

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021.

    MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE

    1 JANUARY 2021

    A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE 1 …
    Read more here

    A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN for 2021

    Father Mrcin Drabik Dear All, I would like to thank You so much for all your kindness, love, and generosity towards me, showed last Christmas. Thank You for all your beautiful, and so often meaningful Christmas cards and words You have written to me. Thank You for the gifts, so charming in many ways, and thank You so much for all your Christmas donations, offerings. You are so, so generous. I would like to tell You, as usual – what will I …
    Read more here

    Christine Ponsard – How the Virgin Mary can guide your new year

    Blessed Virgin Mary banner prayer

    Let us ask the Mother of God to guide us throughout these coming 365 days.

    One week after Christmas, the Church solemnly celebrates the divine motherhood of the Virgin Mary. Of course, we have already celebrated her at Christmas: we cannot dissociate her from her Son Jesus. This is why, for centuries, in the Western liturgy, there was no special feast celebrating Mary’s divine motherhood, apart from local traditions. It was Pope Pius XI who extended this solemnity …
    Read more here

    Philip Kosloski – Why every year should end in hope

    Why every year should end in hope

    No matter what kind of bad news happened over 12 months, goodness will always triumph.

    At the end of a bad year, it is tempting to be pessimistic about life and even grow in despair. This is especially the case when we surround ourselves with negative news headlines every day, seeing all the death, destruction and deceit that happens in the world. Yet, it is important to remember that “bad …
    Read more here

     

     

    Hymn for Today: - Josh Groban - O Holy Night

    Hymn for Today: – Josh Groban – O Holy Night

    Joshua Winslow Groban (born February 27, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. His first four solo albums have been certified multi-platinum, and he was charted in 2007 as the number-one best selling artist in the United States, with over 22.3 million records. As of 2012, he had sold over 25 million records worldwide. Groban originally studied acting, but moved to singing as his voice developed. Groban attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a free public school on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles, where students receive a conservatory-style education. David …
    Read more here
    I Stand Hillsong

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics – The Stand – Hillsong Worship

    The Stand by Hillsong recorded by Hillsong Worship  – What is believers Baptism? Why Get baptised? A video on Baptism using the song BEHIND THE SONG WITH KEVIN DAVIS #2 – “The Stand” by Michael W. Smith NRT columnist Kevin Davis explores the story and scripture behind one of his favourite Michael W. Smith songs. He is Risen! Recently I was struck by the Biblical truth behind the song “The Stand,” written by Joel Houston of Hillsong and recorded by Michael W. Smith on his album Stand. This truth is based on Paul’s very encouraging words to the Romans in Chapter 5, …
    Read more here

     

     

     

    Cerith Gardiner – Celebrating 45 years of sobriety, Anthony Hopkins gives us a message of hope in God

    The acclaimed actor sends a resounding inspirational message to all those struggling at the moment. For his 83rd birthday, Sir Anthony Hopkins wanted to share a little life experience. Famous for his fine acting skills and beautiful Welsh accent, the actor shared a New Year’s Twitter message marking 45 years of sobriety, which has gone viral, garnering over 8.7 million views. In the humble message posted on the anniversary of his 45-year milestone, which also happens to be the eve of his birthday, he shared how he still has moments when it’s not so easy, yet he soldiers on. His message …
    Read more here
    Zelda Caldwell - The Pfizer vaccine: Is it safe and ethical?

    Zelda Caldwell – The Pfizer vaccine: Is it safe and ethical?

    An international association of Catholic doctors has published a report explaining that the mRNA vaccine is safe to receive and poses no ethical problems for Catholics. The European Union today authorized the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, and will begin administering it later this week. Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and the US have already been vaccinated with the drug after those countries granted emergency use authorization earlier this month. Facts to combat fear For some, questions remain regarding the safety of the vaccine, and whether receiving it would be compatible with Catholic teaching. The International Federation of Associations …
    Read more here

    Vatican CDF says use of anti-Covid vaccines “morally acceptable”

    A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which was approved by Pope Francis, gives the green light during the pandemic to the use of vaccines produced with cell lines derived from two fetuses aborted in the 1960s. “It is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.” Due to the situation of the ongoing pandemic, “all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation …
    Read more here
    Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers –  WISDOM IN NOT KNOWING ALL OF THE ANSWERS

    Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers –  WISDOM IN NOT KNOWING ALL OF THE ANSWERS

    Q:  I find myself facing situations where I just don’t know what to do. I feel like I am out of my depth, but I have responsibilities, and people still look to me to have an answer. What am I supposed to do? A.  I find myself in this position all of the time. There are many times when I am supposed to be the one in charge, but I am painfully aware that I am not the smartest person in the room. I know a lot of parents who feel this way as well. Do you remember when it seemed …
    Read more here
    Bishop Philip Egan - Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip writes…. Some months ago, I asked clergy to share their thoughts in relation to three questions that I posed about the state of our Diocese, to inform the development of the long term plans and priorities: what they thought was good about the diocese, that we should celebrate; what might be identified as the challenges across our diocese; and what we may need to put in place to develop further our mission. We now want to understand better what you the people and parishioners of our Diocese think and what you consider is important as we journey in faith …
    Read more here
    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Needs your help Dear Parishioners. The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference has been very active over the last few months. Some things that we have been involved in include: • Providing a friendly phone call and/or visit to those who are lonely or vulnerable – especially those who have become socially isolated due to the lockdown. • Providing a local young mother in temporary accommodation with baby clothes and food after she had been financially affected by the pandemic. • Providing a takeaway packed lunch (and some clothing and shoes) …
    Read more here

     

     

     

     

    Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 2md January 2021 till the 10th January 2021

    Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    “Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays at 7pm

    Dear Parishioners, Dear Parents, Dear Children. After our journey in Advent with Morning ‘wake up’ prayers, with your involvement in our Zoom prayer meetings, with the appreciation of many of the Parents, I would like to invite You to join our weekly “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for Children”. We are living in troubled times. Issues that used to be clear are blurry and secular society is preaching a version of truth that is decidedly not true from a Catholic perspective. Being a devoted Catholic family, actively pursuing the Faith and passing it along to our children is weirdly considered counter-cultural. Unfortunately, …
    Read more here
    Ascent Group - Events 2021 Timetable

    Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable

    Dear Friends May you be blessed with a happy and hopeful New Year. Although we are still in the midst of illness and restrictions, there are signs of hope as vaccines begin to be rolled out. We thank God for the answers to prayers made right at the beginning of the pandemic, that vaccines would be developed quickly; and we continue to pray for those suffering and for an end to the global crisis. ADoRE monthly sessions will continue online for the foreseable future, and we are encouraged by many positive reactions already to our 2021 programme plans – see below …
    Read more here
    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    To all of our Polish Community – Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back toour Morning Coffee (in POLISH) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday  11:30am through our  Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. (see link below) All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. Everyone is welcome to join,and just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Thursday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    going into hospital

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency …
    Read more here

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL: 

    Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:

    TUESDAY at 8.00pm – general questions;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – Subject: ‘Purgatory’.

    Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: 

    TUESDAY at 11.15am

     

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

    • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
    • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

    For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

    – Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
    – Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
    – Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

    Prayer of the Month – January 2021

    Pope Francis Jan 2019

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    Intention for evangelization – Human fraternity May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all. The holidays are a time for travel and celebration. Perhaps that means Christmas dinner at grandma’s house or a party with old friends on New Year’s Eve. These trips involve preparation and anticipation. We may need to prepare and pack a few things– maybe a gift and a bottle of wine. We also anticipate the joy and warmth we’ll experience at these celebrations. As we begin 2021, …
    Read more here

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

    And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 3rd January 2021:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

    May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

     Community Pray:

    House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

    Parish Devotions this month

    Most Holy Name of Jesus

    Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: 3rd January

    The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, at least at local levels, since the end of the fifteenth century. The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church on 20 December 1721, during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XIII. The celebration has been held on different dates, usually in January, because 1 January, eight days after Christmas, commemorates the circumcision of the child Jesus; as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he …
    Read more here
    jesus child murillo

    The Holy Name of Jesus – History of the Feast

    This feast originated towards the end of the fifteenth century, and was instituted by the private authority of some bishops in Germany, Scotland, England, Spain, and Belgium. The Office and the Mass composed by Bernardine dei Busti (d. 1500) were approved by Sixtus IV. The feast was officially granted to the Franciscans 25 February, 1530, and spread over a great part of the Church. The Office used at present is nearly identical with the Office of Bernardine dei Busti. The hymns “Jesu dulcis memoria“, “Jesu Rex admirabilis“, “Jesu decus angelicum“, usually ascribed to St. Bernard, are fragments of a very …
    Read more here
    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

    These prayers are easy to memorize and can be said throughout the day. Jesus said, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). The name of Jesus is a powerful prayer in itself, and Jesus asked us to use it frequently whenever we pray to him. While we can simply say the name “Jesus,” the Church also has many other brief prayers that use his name and can be prayed throughout the day in …
    Read more here
    The Cross Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Cross as a Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: d) The Cross as a Symbol for the Divine Name. The similarity between the Chi-Rho symbol and the Cross is so apparent that it was not long before the two became related artistically. The Cross and the divine Name serve as symbols of redemption, and as a means of protection against …
    Read more here
    Ichthys Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Ichthys (Fish) Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: c) Ichthys. The early Church loved another monogram for our Saviour’s name, the widely-used ICHTHYS. Christ’s full title was (in Greek): Iesous Christos Theou Yos Soter, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. The initial letters of these five words form the Greek word ICHTHYS, which means fish. For this reason Christ …
    Read more here
    The IHS Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The IHS Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: b) The IHS Symbol. The familiar abbreviation IHS is a symbol of the Name Jesus which has retained its popularity down through the centuries. It owes its spread to Saint Bernardine of Siena, who had it placed on his banner, surrounded with twelve rays of the sun and surmounted by a …
    Read more here
    Chi-Rho Symbol

    The Holy Name of Jesus – The Chi-Rho Symbol

    Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: a) The Chi-Rho Symbol. The oldest monuments bearing this symbol date to the third century, the first being found on a burial inscription of a consul from the year 369. From the third century we have the following authentic forms: (1) the separate letters; (2) the superimposed letters; (3) the monogram …
    Read more here

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
    Read More
    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Nothing Separates us from God's Love

    Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

    Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

    Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

     

    OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

    Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
    The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

    Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

    These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

    Standing Order and  other useful Information

     Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

    These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

    Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453

    Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun

    with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

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    Download Newsletter PDF -03-01-2021

    WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

    Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday Of Christmas 3rd January 2021 Year B

    “CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

    Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

     

    NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

      Read More on our Renewal Pages here

    Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

    Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
    Ventilation:In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

    WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

    There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

    TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

    The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

    Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

    Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.

    Newsletter: 27th December 2020 – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

    Holy Family

    HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, MAY JESUS BE THE CENTER OF OUR LIFE AND OF OUR FAMILY!

    “This is the great mission of the family: to make room for Jesus who is coming, to welcome Jesus in the family, in each member: children, husband, wife, grandparents…. Jesus is there. Welcome him there, in order that he grow spiritually in the family.” Pope Francis 

    Our families would be entirely different for the best if all the members really put Jesus at the centre of their life! We wish you A blessed and peaceful new year from all at St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Southsea.

     

    Service Times This Week:  from Saturday December 26th 2020 until January 3rd 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Holy Family Sunday 27th December 2020 C

    Date Location links to readings and Services
    Sunday 27th December
    Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph    		 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 27-12-2020
    Monday 28th December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 28-12-2020
    Tuesday 29th December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 29-12-2020
    Wednesday 30th December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 30-12-2020
    Thursday 31st December – New Years Eve St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 31-12-2020
    Friday 1st January 2021 – SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 01-01-2021
    Saturday 2nd January 2021 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 02-01-2021
    Sunday 3rd January 2021 – SECOND SUNDAY of CHRISTMAS St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 03-01-2021

    My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, MAY JESUS BE THE CENTRE OF OUR LIFE AND OF OUR FAMILY!

    “This is the great mission of the family: to make room for Jesus who is coming, to welcome Jesus in the family, in each member: children, husband, wife, grandparents…. Jesus is there. Welcome him there, in order that he grow spiritually in the family.” Pope Francis  Our families would be entirely different for the best if all the members really put Jesus at the centre of their life! We wish you A blessed and peaceful new year from all at St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Southsea.

    Today, we are given to contemplate, as a continuation of the Mystery of Incarnation, God’s Son’s insertion into the human community par excellence; the family, and Jesus’ progressive education by Joseph and Mary. As the Gospel says, “and Jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in divine and human favour” (Luke 2:52). The book Jesus, son of Sirach, reminds us that “the Lord sets a father in honour over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons” (Sir 3:2). Jesus is twelve years old and He already shows the good education He has received at His Nazarene home. His wisdom no doubt reflects the Holy Spirit’s action, but also Joseph and Mary’s undeniably good educational know-how. Mary and Joseph’s affliction and anxiety attest to their educative solicitude and their loving concern for Jesus.

    We need not make great efforts to see that today, more than ever before, it is necessary for the family to strongly assume the teaching mission God has entrusted to it. To educate is to introduce to reality, and only parents who live this reality with a meaning can accomplish this. Christian parents must educate through Christ, source of all significance and wisdom. It is very difficult to remedy shortcomings in home education. What is not learned at home can only be learned with great difficulty elsewhere. The virtues Joseph and Mary constantly practiced at their Nazarene home were lived and learned by Jesus naturally; spirit of service to God and men, piety, love for work well done, caring for one another, respect, horror of sin… To grow up as Christians, children need examples and, if these are given by their parents, these children will be very fortunate.

    Today, we must all go and look for Christ’s wisdom to bring it to our families. Origen, an early Church Father, when commenting on today’s Gospel, said that whoever is looking for Christ, must not seek Him in a negligent and careless way, as those who do not succeed in finding Him, do. We must look for Him with “anxiety”, with great solicitude, as Joseph and Mary did.

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Jesus, you were a small child in your Mother’s arms. You were a baby who needed the protection of Joseph. You felt their goodness and love. Today I want to celebrate this love of your family. I want to enter into this love and bring it also to my own family. I believe and trust that you will help me in this.

    Petition: Lord, help me discover the wonders of the love of the Holy Family.

    1. The Bridegroom Is with You: Our God is a God of love. A family participates in this love because God is the source of the love that draws them together. The love that is so spontaneous, as well as so sacrificial, in a family shows the presence of Christ’s love. Jesus makes this love spring forth. It is homage to his Father and homage to his love for us. Am I aware of Christ’s loving presence in my family? Do I strive to collaborate with his love?

    2. Family and Covenant: A family is fruit of a covenant, and God is part of this covenant. God has always wanted to make man part of his family, beginning with Adam and Eve. The Holy Family demonstrates the definitive covenant of God’s love for each of us. They live it with wonder and, like Abraham, they put their faith totally in God, bonding themselves totally to his will and to his love. They play their parts in the working of God’s plan, and God will keep his promise to them, making them providential collaborators in his plan of salvation. We can be sure of God’s faithful love in the family. We can be sure that he is working his plan of salvation with faithfulness. Do I strive for unity in my family by living supernatural charity?

    3. Spiritual Inheritance: The Holy Family is a source of blessing. My family is also a source of blessing, even though moments of sorrow are bound to happen. When I live with faith my role in the family, I help to bring these blessings on the world. Often it is the example of Christian families that attracts others to the faith. Often the most powerful apostles, whether lay or consecrated persons, are fruit of the strong faith that is lived in the family. A family should not be closed in on itself; like the Holy Family, it has a mission. It must promote God’s message in the world through example and action. Do I give example to the members of my family? Do I strive to be an apostle both inside and outside the home?

    Conversation with Christ: Lord, thank you for sanctifying family life by your presence. I want to discover you more in my family and those around me. Help me to accompany my loved ones in their moments of both joy and sorrow. You are with us, Lord. Help us to be your apostles.

    Resolution: I will take a moment to listen attentively to and speak with a member of my family who may not have received much attention from me recently.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

     Read today’s Readiings here

     

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 27-12-2020

    Background on the Gospel Reading Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. This celebration is assigned to the Sunday within the octave of Christmas. The Gospel for today is taken from the Gospel according to Luke and is part of Luke’s Infancy Narrative. Today’s Gospel describes the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple and shows Joseph and Mary as devout Jews, following the prescriptions of the Law of Moses. The Gospel alludes to several aspects of the Law of Moses: circumcision, the dedication of the firstborn son to the Lord, and the purification of a woman after childbirth. According to the Law of Moses as presented in the Book of Leviticus, a woman was considered ritually unclean during her menstrual period and for a prescribed period of time following the birth of a child. After the birth of a son, a woman was considered ritually …
    Read more here

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 27-12-2020

    Gospel Reading : Luke 2:22–40  Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. Younger children know the excitement of recognizing that something good is about to happen. When Simeon sees the infant Jesus in the Temple, he recognizes something wonderful—that God’s promise of a Savior has been fulfilled. What was about to happen? How did you feel as you waited? In today’s Gospel, we’ll hear about someone who recognized something wonderful. He saw that God had kept his promise to send a Saviour. The Holy Spirit promised Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Whom did Simeon see at the Temple? (the infant Jesus) Simeon recognized something wonderful—that God had kept his promise to send a Saviour. He saw that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and that after Jesus’ birth, the world would never be the same. How do you think Simeon felt when he …
    Read more here
    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 27-12-2020

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 27-12-2020

    Our True Home: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Holy Family Why did Jesus choose to become a baby born of a mother and father and to spend all but His last years living in an ordinary human family? In part, to reveal God’s plan to make all people live as one “holy family” in His Church (see 2 Corinthians 6:16–18). In the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, God reveals our true home. We’re to live as His children, “chosen ones, holy and beloved,” as the First Reading puts it. The family advice we hear in today’s readings—for mothers, fathers, and children—is all solid and practical. Happy homes are the fruit of our faithfulness to the Lord, we sing in today’s Psalm. But the Liturgy is inviting us to see more, to see how, through our family obligations and relationships, our families become heralds of the family …
    Read more here

    A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN – 2020

    Father Mrcin Drabik

    Oh, Christmas Time. At this time, I just would like to cry out – THANK YOU!!! to all involved in whatever way in ministry in the Parish and for the Parish … especially in this difficult time… the list is endless. All of us are the face of Christ in the world, we are His hands and feet …. THANK YOU!!

    In this special Time, I would like to thank all of You for your love, friendship and any …
    Read more here

    Pope Francis proclaims “Year of St Joseph”

    With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021.

    In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde(“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, …
    Read more here

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis used his Christmas message to say that coronavirus vaccines must be available for all, and pleaded with states to cooperate in the race to emerge from the pandemic.

    Dear Brothers and Sisters,

    Merry Christmas! I would like to bring to everyone the message that the Church proclaims on this feast with the words of the prophet Isaiah: “To us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Is 9:6) A child is born. A birth is always …
    Read more here

    The Hidden Life of the Holy Family

    Holy Family The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus—the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and indispensable condition of mind, revive in us…A lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character…A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the Carpenter’s Son, in you I …
    Read more here

     

     

    Noel

    Hymn for the Christmastide – Chris Tomlin

    Christopher Dwayne Tomlin (born May 4, 1972) is an American contemporary Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas, United States who has sold over 7 million records. He is a former staff member at Austin Stone Community Church and is signed to EMI’s sixstepsrecords. ‘ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship‘, the brand new Christmas album from Chris Tomlin Official Live video for “Noel (feat. Lauren Daigle)” by Chris Tomlin Love incarnate, love divine Star and angels gave the sign Bow to babe on bended knee The Savior of humanity Unto us a Child is born He shall …
    Read more here

     

     

     

    Philip Kosloski - The miraculous story of a monk saved by St. Joseph

    Philip Kosloski – The miraculous story of a monk saved by St. Joseph

    The Spanish monk was saved when a mysterious old man, leading a donkey, appeared to him. St. Joseph is known as a protector, and many over the centuries have invoked his intercession in their time of need. One such story is told in the 19th-century book Devotion to Saint Joseph. The author explains how a Spanish monk was heading back to the monastery and was in danger of being killed. A monk of the Monastery of Montserrat, in Spain, was greatly devoted to St Joseph and especially to the mystery of his journey into Egypt with Jesus and His holy …
    Read more here
    Bishop Philip Egan - Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip writes…. Some months ago, I asked clergy to share their thoughts in relation to three questions that I posed about the state of our Diocese, to inform the development of the long term plans and priorities: what they thought was good about the diocese, that we should celebrate; what might be identified as the challenges across our diocese; and what we may need to put in place to develop further our mission. We now want to understand better what you the people and parishioners of our Diocese think and what you consider is important as we journey in faith …
    Read more here
    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Needs your help Dear Parishioners. The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference has been very active over the last few months. Some things that we have been involved in include: • Providing a friendly phone call and/or visit to those who are lonely or vulnerable – especially those who have become socially isolated due to the lockdown. • Providing a local young mother in temporary accommodation with baby clothes and food after she had been financially affected by the pandemic. • Providing a takeaway packed lunch (and some clothing and shoes) …
    Read more here
    Saint Joseph and Jesus Christ

    Why St. Joseph kept the Holy Family in isolation

    St. Joseph was told by an angel to “quarantine” his family until a “deadly plague” was lifted. St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary had an adventurous start to their marriage! Not only was Mary pregnant with the Son of God, but shortly after Jesus’ birth, they had to “isolate” themselves from family and friends.The Gospel of St. Matthew explains what happened. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy …
    Read more here
    The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

    The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

    Family relationships are often complex, complicated and ever-changing. Some families are extended, interracial, multicultural and multilingual. Some parents within the family unit are heterosexual, same-sex or single parents. Some families are native to a country; others are immigrants or naturalized citizens. Whatever the case may be, families today are diverse. Power relations within families are also diverse. Some families are matriarchal, some are patriarchal, and some enjoy shared power. Families differ from culture to culture, from country to country, from region to region. In the Bible, particular in the Old Testament with the New Testament being no exception, we see …
    Read more here
    Holy Family 02

    Litany of the Holy Family

    The Holy Family Prayer: JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth. MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys. JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety. HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with …
    Read more here

     

     

     

     

    Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 26th  December 2020 till the 3rd January 2021

    Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    To all of our Polish Community – Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back toour Morning Coffee (in POLISH) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday  11:30am through our  Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. (see link below) All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. Everyone is welcome to join,and just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Thursday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Message to our Altar Servers

    Message to our Altar Servers

    Our Dear Altar Servers and those who would like to become the Altar Servers (after your First Communion), are still stopped from their precious service for the Lord and all faithful people. So, inspired by Nicole and Luca, I would like to encourage You to join the ministry of the Readers at our Parish. If You would like to read during the Holy Mass, please always contact Fr Marcin at least 2 days before, and it will be sent to You a proper reading to prepare …
    Read more here
    going into hospital

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency …
    Read more here

     

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    Zoom Evening Prayer for Children for Saturdays in Advent 7:15pm

    During Advent we invite all of our Children to Prayer:

    All The Children are very welcome every Saturday of Advent 2020 at 7.15pm for our ‘ZOOM’ EVENING PRAYER FOR CHILDREN (15-20 minutes) through ‘ZOOM’.

    (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea) every morning will be published 3 minutes ADVENT’s MORNING PRAYER for Children. Please, look at Facebook, and play it for the children when they wake up in the morning. Morning prayer is the most difficult for our children to remember about, but at the same time it is clear following of Jesus Christ, who always started a day with His talk with The Heavenly Father. Who knows – maybe it will help? Please, try…

    If you want your children to participate then please visit our Facebook page and on Thursdays you will fine the link to use. (Fr Marcin Drabik is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: ADVENT CHILDREN’s EVENING PRAYER with Fr Marcin)

    The invitation will be always set up and published on our Facebook Profile, or You can always send a request to send the invitation by email or via the form below. Thank You all and see You on Thursdays.

    Request to Join the Children Prayer Time during Advent

    Father Marcin, I’d like you to send me the link for the zoom prayer meetings so that my children can join the advent prayer time please.
    FYI you can get the Zoom link every Saturday via our Facebook Page here at https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    First Saturdays of the Month Prayers for all our Children:

    Call to the Children, after your 1st Communion This week, there is First Saturday of the month and ZOOM Prayers during Advent

    The First Communion Children, who already received the Holy Sacraments this year, (and the past years as well) are very welcomed to continue their journey with Merciful Lord.

    This Saturday is another First Saturday of the Month – a big chance to come for your monthly Holy Confession.

    If You would like to, You are very welcome to continue the devotion of The First Saturdays of the Month as the reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

    So, this coming Saturday – 5th December 2020 I do increase a time for the Sacrament of Confession – especially for You.

    You can come between 9.00am and 9.55am, between 10.30am and 11.00, and in the evening from 5.15.pm to 5.55pm – so, after that You can stay for the Vigil Mass of Sunday

     

    Novena to Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception.

    From this Sunday 29th November – we do start a special Novena to Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception. A prayer of Novena will be added to our Rosary Prayer at 10.00pm through our Facebook Profile: (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea), and we will finish with a special celebration of The Solemnity on 8th December – Hour of Grace 12.00noon to 1.00pm

    But, also on at our Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea) and in Polish

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021 Programme 

    Dear all Because of the COVID restrictions Fr Marcin has reorganised the programme. I shall continue to send you short videos. Please contact me if you want a particular topic covered.

    New session dates:

    Date Time Location
    Tuesday 8th December 5:30pm St Swithun’s RC Church
    Friday 11th December 8:00pm Zoom – Link obtained via Fr Marcin / Facebook Page
    Tuesday 15th December 5:30pm St Swithun’s RC Church
    Friday 18th December 8:00pm Zoom – Link obtained via Fr Marcin / Facebook Page

    from Brian and Linda

    Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

    • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
    • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

    For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

    – Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
    – Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
    – Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

    Prayer of the Month – December 2020

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 - For a life of prayer

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 – For a life of prayer

    For a life of prayer We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer. Pope’s December prayer intention: For a life of prayer In a video message for his December prayer intention, Pope Francis speaks about the power of prayer to change reality and our hearts, and prays that, through a life of prayer, we may nourish our relationship with Jesus Christ. By Vatican News staff writer The Pope Video for December, the last one in 2020, has just been released with the prayer intention that Pope Francis … Read more here

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 – For a life of prayer

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

    And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 27th December 2020:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

    May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

     Community Pray:

    House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

    Parish Devotions this month

    SOD-1208-SolemnityoftheImmaculateConception

    The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

    The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on December 8. From all eternity God chose with infinite wisdom the woman who would be the Mother of His divine Son. To prepare for the Word Incarnate a spotless and holy tabernacle, God created Mary in grace and endowed her from the moment of her conception with all the perfections suited to her exalted dignity. St. Thomas teaches that through her intimacy with Christ, the principle of grace, she possessed beyond all creatures a fullness of divine life. In 1854, Pope Pius IX’s solemn declaration, Ineffabilis …
    Read more here

    Fr. Mike Schmitz The Immaculate Conception Explained

    Did you know that Mary actually did know her child would save the world? In fact, she was saved around forty-seven years before Jesus died. Fr. Mike Schmitz simplifies the complex theology behind the Immaculate Conception in this video. Using a clever analogy or two, he demonstrates how Scripture alludes to the fact that Mary was immaculately conceived, and he explains why this solemnity is so important to the Church …
    Read more here

    December – History of the Dogma of The Immaculate Conception

    Credit must be given to the Oriental Church for having been the first to institute the feast of Mary’s Conception. St. Andrew of Crete (660-740), in his canon In conceptionem Sanctae ac Dei aviae Annae, provides us with the first historical document bearing testimony to the existence of the present feast. It was only many years later that the West accepted it, and not without strong opposition. The very first testimony to the existence of the feast in the West is had from a celebrated marble kalendarium found in Naples dating as far back as the ninth century. It is …
    Read more here
    Immaculate Conception

    December – Novena of the Immaculate Conception

    The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is profoundly influential among the faithful, is an occasion for many displays of popular piety and especially for the novena of the Immaculate Conception. There can be no doubt that the feast of the pure and sinless Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is a fundamental preparation for the Lord’s coming into the world, harmonises perfectly with many of the salient themes of Advent. This feast also makes reference to the long messianic waiting for the Saviour’s birth and recalls events and prophecies from the Old Testament, which are also used in the …
    Read more here
    Immaculate Conception 2

    December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Lady

    December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception The greatest privilege possessed by Our Blessed Lady, next to the Divine Maternity itself, is that of the Immaculate Conception. And it is only because of the Divine Maternity that Mary was immaculately conceived. For many years many of the greatest saints in the Church denied that she had been given this privilege. They did this not because they wanted to deprive her of any honor that might properly be given to her, but because it seemed to them to deny that Christ was the universal Redeemer, the Redeemer even of His own …
    Read more here

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
    Read More
    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Nothing Separates us from God's Love

    Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

    Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

    Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

     

    OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

    Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
    The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

    Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

    These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

    Standing Order and  other useful Information

     Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

    These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

    Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453

    Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun

    with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

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    Download Newsletter PDF -27-12-2020

    WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

    Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Holy Family Sunday 27th December 2020 C

    “CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

    Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

     

    NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

      Read More on our Renewal Pages here

    Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

    Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
    Ventilation: In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

    WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

    There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

    TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

    The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

    Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

    Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.

    Newsletter: 20th December 2020 – 4th Sunday of Advent Year B & Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

    Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. Family, friends, and neighbours are welcomed into our homes with loving arms as we anticipate the birth of Christ. He is the reason for the season, and we need to be sure to celebrate his birth appropriately. Unfortunately, many of us Christians get caught up in the hustle and bustle of sales and deadlines and so forget why this month is so important. So why not join us at Mass today and tomorrow to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas which is OUR LORDS coming into this world.

    A Merry Christmas and a restful and peaceful new year from all at St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Southsea.

    Service Times This Week:  from Saturday December 19th 2020 until December 26th 2020 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter IV Sunday Of Advent 20th December 2020 B

    Date Location links to readings and Services
    Sunday 20th December
    4th Sunday of Advent Year B    		 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 20-12-2020
    Monday 21st December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 21-12-2020
    Tuesday 22nd December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 22-12-2020
    Wednesday 23rd December St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 23-12-2020
    Thursday 24th December – Christmas Eve St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 24-12-2020
    Friday 25th December Christmas Dat St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 25-12-2020
    Saturday 26th December – St Stephen’s Day St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 26-12-2020
    Sunday 27th December
    the Holy Family    		 St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 27-12-2020

    My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    In Today’s Gospel The angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce the birth of Jesus.

    Today, the Gospel sounds rather like a popular tale. Many stories begin like that: “Once upon a time, there was…”, and then, personages, epoch, place and storyline are presented. This one will attain its peak with the core of the tale; we shall finally know the happy end.

    In fact, St. Luke, narrates, with a popular and understandable tone, the greatest story of all times. He presents to us, not a yarn out of his imagination, but an actual reality woven by the very hand of God himself with human collaboration. The climax is reached when the Angel says: “You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus” (Luke 1:31).

    This message tells us that Christmas time is near. Mary will open the door for us through her collaboration with the Work of God. This humble girl from Nazareth is astonished at the Angel’s announcement. She was precisely praying God to send the Anointed One, to save the world. In her modest dreams, little did she think that God would just choose her to carry out His plans.

    In her Heart, Mary experiences some tense and dramatic moments: she was, and wanted to remain as, a virgin; God, now, proposes her to divine maternity. Mary cannot understand it: “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34), asks she. The Angel explains that virginity and maternity do not contradict each other; on the contrary, thanks to the Holy Spirit, they integrate perfectly together. Not that she understands it better now, but that is enough for her, for the prodigy will be God’s will: “With God nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37). Hence, her answer: “Let it be done to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Let it be done! Fiat! Yes. Total acceptance of God’s Will, half groping, but unconditionally.

    In that very instant, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!” (John 1:14). That popular tale becomes, at the same time, the most divine and human reality. Paul VI wrote in 1974: “In Mary we see God’s reply to the mystery of man; and the question man asks God about the meaning and purpose of his life”.

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given Mary to us as our Blessed Mother. Thank you. I know that she constantly intercedes on our behalf and that you listen to her prayer. I am confident in your mercy and love. You are guiding me home to spend eternity with you. I place all my trust in you. I offer you my weak, but grateful love in return.

    Petition: Lord, grant me the grace to embrace you in faith, hope, and love.

    1. “Sent from God”: Too often we attribute too much of our achievements to our own doing. Our education, wealth, or technological ability can lead us to have a false sense of security in our ability to shape our world. Today’s Gospel reminds us that God’s plan for the salvation of the human race is his initiative. He sends his Son into the world at a precise time and in a precise place. He prepares Mary beforehand with everything she will need to fulfil her mission as Mother of the Redeemer – a mission that she accepts in freedom and through faith. I do well to realize more and more that God is also the true protagonist of my own life.

    2. “Do Not Be Afraid”: One of the constant refrains of the Gospel is Jesus’ admonition: “Do not be afraid.” When the Lord draws near, our natural tendency is to be afraid. We can be afraid of his presence. We can be afraid of what he might ask of us. We can be afraid of our limitations in the face of the call to true conversion and holiness of life. We can be afraid of the apparent obstacles along the path of Christian discipleship. Like Mary, we need to overcome our fear by embracing God’s will with faith and love. As our confidence in God increases, our fear decreases. As our love increases, our fear disappears. Of what am I afraid in my relationship with the Lord? Am I surrendering my fear by giving myself in faith?

    3. “May It Be Done to Me”: What a truly incredible thing it is to make the salvation of the human race dependent upon the free response of Mary! Mary’s “yes” to God shows us the power and transcendence of personal choice. It also sheds light on the importance of our own personal “yes” to God with regard to his plan for our lives. Mary’s loving, faith-filled consent to a plan she did not fully understand becomes the model of our daily consent to the divine will as it manifests itself in our daily lives.

    Conversation with Christ: Lord, I have remembered through this meditation that you are the one guiding my life and all of history. I need to be mindful that you always intend good for me, even if it is painful and purifying. So I should never be afraid of your hand in my life. I believe and trust in you my Lord, but increase my faith, hope, and love.

    Resolution: I will embrace God’s will today as Mary did — with faith and love.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

     Read today’s Readiings here

     

    Advent

     

    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 20-12-2020

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 20-12-2020

    The Mystery Kept Secret: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Advent What is announced to Mary in today’s Gospel is the revelation of all that the prophets had spoken. It is, as Paul declares in today’s Epistle, the mystery kept secret since before the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:9; 3:3–9). Mary is the virgin prophesied to bear a son of the house of David (see Isaiah 7:13–14). And nearly every word the angel speaks to her today evokes and echoes the long history of salvation recorded in the Bible. Mary is hailed as the “daughter Jerusalem,” called to rejoice that her king, the Lord God, has come into her midst as a mighty savior (see Zephaniah 3:14–17). The One whom Mary is to bear will be Son of “the Most High”—an ancient divine title first used to describe the God of the priest-king Melchizedek, who brought out bread and wine …
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    4th Sunday of Advent

    Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-11,16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

    WE COME TO THE last Sunday before Christmas and the Mass readings speak about the preparations that God made for Jesus to be born among us and as one of us. As the story is told by Luke, Mary must have been truly alarmed at the words of her unexpected visitor. In the whole passage (as in the rest of Luke’s infancy narrative) we are getting an indication of what can be expected in the Gospel which follows. First, the incident is taking place in Nazareth, not exactly the centre of the earth, or even of Palestine. A future disciple of Jesus will be heard to say with not a little cynicism, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Truly in the eyes of the more sophisticated it was something of a backwater. Yet this is the place God chooses to enter our world – not Rome, not Athens, nor any …
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    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week -20-12-2020

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -20-12-2020

    Sr. Stella Maris SOLT shares a reflection. shares a reflection for the fourth Sunday of Advent Background on the Gospel Reading This Sunday we read the story of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus. This story is found only in Luke’s Gospel. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the liturgy shifts our attention from John the Baptist to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both John and Mary serve as important figures for our reflection during the season of Advent; they both played instrumental roles in preparing the way for Jesus. Last week we reflected on John the Baptist’s announcement that the Savior was among us, although not yet recognized. This week we reflect upon Mary’s example of faith and obedience to God, traits which permitted her to receive the angel’s message that God’s Son would be born as a human person, as one of us …
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    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 20-12-2020

     Children, In Today’s Gospel  we hear about Our Blessed Lady  Mary and How she accepted God’s will Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. Family, friends, and neighbours are welcomed into our homes with loving arms as we anticipate the birth of Christ. He is the reason for the season, and we need to be sure to celebrate his birth appropriately. Unfortunately, many of us Christians are only concerned with the material side of Christmas. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of sales and deadlines and so forget why this month is so important. Ways to Celebrate As children, we eagerly await Christmas morn, with all its glamour and glitter beneath the tree. The tearing open of presents along with squeals of delight from the children warms my heart. These memories are precious and few. But are we doing all we can to celebrate Jesus’s …
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    A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN – 2020

    Father Mrcin Drabik

    Oh, Christmas Time. At this time, I just would like to cry out – THANK YOU!!! to all involved in whatever way in ministry in the Parish and for the Parish … especially in this difficult time… the list is endless. All of us are the face of Christ in the world, we are His hands and feet …. THANK YOU!!

    In this special Time, I would like to thank all of You for your love, friendship and any …
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    CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2020 – (Can you help to let us know numbers attending?)

    Xmas Mass Schedule Remember Covid regulations will still be in operation during the Christmas period and so we will still be required to continue to observe the “Hands, mask , space ” requirements.

    • We are also restricted in the number of people we can accommodate in the church due to these restrictions .
    • Because of this we are looking to gauge perspective numbers at our services as we realise a lot of our parishioners will want to attend and your safety …
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    The beautiful Polish tradition of breaking bread on Christmas Eve.

    I would like to share with You – Dear Friends The beautiful Polish tradition of breaking bread on Christmas Eve. To prepare You for my approaching You after Christmas Masses with this way of celebration. The oplatki tradition is one rich in spiritual symbolism and can even help heal family division. In many Polish homes throughout the world, a most beloved family tradition is the breaking of the oplatek on Christmas Eve. The oplatek (oplatki is the plural form) …
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    Annnie Lennox

    Annie Lennox – Angels From the Realms of Glory

    Listen to Annie Lennox sing beautifully one of our more traditional carols. Why not listen to here wonderful collection of Christmas carols here “I listened to the Christmas Cornucopia yesterday for the first time in years and was able to hear it in a more ‘objective’ way than before. It certainly touches the spot if you want to delve into the Festive spirit.. It was an absolute joy to create from start to finish!” Annie Lennox 5th December 2017 …
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    Tracey Thorn

    Tracey Thorn – ‘Joy’

    Hear this beautiful modern humn about the Joy of our Lord’s coming from Tracey Thorn and the celebration of Christmas. The “beauty in the spark” is our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth in that manger in Bethelem. Enjoy this joyous song about hope. Here’s her interesting take on Christmas Songs !!!! When someone very dear Calls you with the words “Everything’s all clear” That’s what you want to hear But you know it might be Different in the new year That’s why, that’s why We hang the lights so high Joy, joy, joy, joy You loved it as a kid And …
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    Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers –  DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY? PRAYER, ACTION HELP EASE ANXIETY

    Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers –  DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY? PRAYER, ACTION HELP EASE ANXIETY

    Q: I worry a lot. I know that the Bible teaches that we are to “have no anxiety,” but I can’t just pretend like everything is fine when it isn’t. A. We live in a dangerous world with real problems and real suffering. There are bills that need to be paid, mouths that need to be fed and pain that cannot simply be wished away. On top of that, telling someone “don’t worry” is the emotional equivalent of telling a person not to think about pink elephants; it just seems to fuel the fire. (Plus, it’s really annoying when people …
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    Matt Charbonneau - The Fruits of the Holy Spirit in a Time of Covid-19

    Matt Charbonneau – The Fruits of the Holy Spirit in a Time of Covid-19

    During these times of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, we can easily feel a myriad of emotions. The stress of these challenging times can affect our mental health and family dynamics, as well as our relationships with friends and colleagues. We may be struggling with anxiety, impatience, and irritability. Parents might feel short-tempered with their children. Friends might sense worry or discomfort from us, uncertain over how to offer encouragement. We might be feeling overwhelmed by work responsibilities or unemployment. Conversely, we may have also come to appreciate so many blessings in life that we previously took for granted …
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    Pope Francis’s calendar for Christmas celebrations 2020 in a Covid World

    Pope Francis’s calendar for Christmas celebrations 2020 in a Covid World

    Current Covid-19 precautionary measures have defined the times and the modalities of social living during the pandemic. Pope Francis’ Christmas and New Year calendar is no exception. Thus, Christmas Night Mass has been anticipated to 7.30pm Rome time, and participation in person in all Vatican Christmas and New Year ceremonies will be very limited. A communiqué released by the Vatican Press Office on Thursday revealed ceremonies for the Christmas festivities begin with Christmas Night Mass on 24 December in St. Peter’s Basilica. This will be followed by the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing on Christmas Day at noon, while on Thursday, …
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    Tom Hoopes - St. John of the Cross: Advent quotes for the Christmas blues

    Tom Hoopes – St. John of the Cross: Advent quotes for the Christmas blues

    The great Spanish Carmelite has wisdom to help us through the tough parts of the season. Depression at Christmastime is a real thing, whether it comes from financial stress, busyness, loneliness, grief, or estrangement. The wisdom of the great Spanish Carmelite mystic St. John of the Cross, whose feast is celebrated December 14, can help you cope. Praying in Darkness “The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.” This one is true of both the Advent darkness everyone feels, and the specific darkness you feel in your depression. Hold on. Christ is coming! “It is best to learn …
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    The Story of the Christmas Tree and Why Catholics Decorate Them

    The Story of the Christmas Tree and Why Catholics Decorate Them

    In the seventh century a monk from Crediton, Devonshire, went to Germany to teach the word of God. His name was Saint Boniface. He did many good works there and spent much time in Thuringia, a region later to become the center of the Christmas decoration industry. Tradition has it that Saint Boniface used the triangular shape of the fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to revere the fir tree as God’s tree, as they had previously revered the oak. By the twelfth century it was being …
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    EDIFA - 5 Beautiful Christmas traditions and their origins

    EDIFA – 5 Beautiful Christmas traditions and their origins

    Let’s take a look at all these traditions, whose origins we may be unaware of. Evergreens, logs, garlands, and Nativity scenes abound every year. Yet some Christmas traditions have a spiritual meaning. Grafted onto pre-existing pagan festivals or simply invented by popular piety, these traditions allow us to enter into the mystery of Christmas. Lights: In honour of the One who saves us from darkness December 25, the day Roman Christians marked the birth of Christ, was claimed as a pagan festival of light celebrated the during winter solstice: the rebirth of the undefeated sun, Sol Invictus. It corresponded to …
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    Philip Kosloski - The miraculous story of a monk saved by St. Joseph

    Philip Kosloski – The miraculous story of a monk saved by St. Joseph

    The Spanish monk was saved when a mysterious old man, leading a donkey, appeared to him. St. Joseph is known as a protector, and many over the centuries have invoked his intercession in their time of need. One such story is told in the 19th-century book Devotion to Saint Joseph. The author explains how a Spanish monk was heading back to the monastery and was in danger of being killed. A monk of the Monastery of Montserrat, in Spain, was greatly devoted to St Joseph and especially to the mystery of his journey into Egypt with Jesus and His holy …
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    Advent 2nd Sunday Celebrate

    Msgr. Charles Pope – Five Advent Reflections

    The Following are “Five Advent Reflections”  I have prepared. If these interest you I have prepared them also in PDF format which you can get by clicking here: The Season of Advent 1. Advent is Witnessed by Creation  – Autumn and early winter are times of great seasonal change. The leaves turn brilliant colors then fade and fall. The shadows lengthen as the days grow shorter and colder. The warmth of summer and vacations seem distant memories and we are reminded once again that the things of this world last but a moment and pass away. Even so, we look forward as …
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    Bishop Philip Egan - Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners

    Bishop Philip writes…. Some months ago, I asked clergy to share their thoughts in relation to three questions that I posed about the state of our Diocese, to inform the development of the long term plans and priorities: what they thought was good about the diocese, that we should celebrate; what might be identified as the challenges across our diocese; and what we may need to put in place to develop further our mission. We now want to understand better what you the people and parishioners of our Diocese think and what you consider is important as we journey in faith …
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    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society

    The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Needs your help Dear Parishioners. The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference has been very active over the last few months. Some things that we have been involved in include: • Providing a friendly phone call and/or visit to those who are lonely or vulnerable – especially those who have become socially isolated due to the lockdown. • Providing a local young mother in temporary accommodation with baby clothes and food after she had been financially affected by the pandemic. • Providing a takeaway packed lunch (and some clothing and shoes) …
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    Advent

    “PUT the CHRIST into CHRISTMAS” – WHAT DOES ADVENT MEAN?

    KEEP CHRISTMAS IN CHRISTMAS BY REMEMBERING ADVENT As a young child, my older sister and I would battle for the right to blow out the Advent candles after our pre-dinner prayers. Mom and dad would handle the lighting, but the kids got to blow it out. If It wasn’t our turn, we’d fight until mom and dad put a stop to it. That’s hardly what the spirit of Advent should be about, but despite the nonsense my sister and I wreaked, my parents still made a point of incorporating Advent into a season that commercially gets lumped in as an …
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    Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 19th December 2020 till the 31st December 2020

    Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    To all of our Polish Community – Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back toour Morning Coffee (in POLISH) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday  11:30am through our  Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. (see link below) All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. Everyone is welcome to join,and just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
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    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Thursday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
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    Wine 'O' Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Tuesdays

    Come and ask questions about our Catholic Faith with Father Marcin: WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday 8:00pm through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk (see link below) Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch …
    Read more here
    Message to our Altar Servers

    Message to our Altar Servers

    Our Dear Altar Servers and those who would like to become the Altar Servers (after your First Communion), are still stopped from their precious service for the Lord and all faithful people. So, inspired by Nicole and Luca, I would like to encourage You to join the ministry of the Readers at our Parish. If You would like to read during the Holy Mass, please always contact Fr Marcin at least 2 days before, and it will be sent to You a proper reading to prepare …
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    going into hospital

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

    GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency …
    Read more here

     

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    Zoom Evening Prayer for Children for Saturdays in Advent 7:15pm

    During Advent we invite all of our Children to Prayer:

    All The Children are very welcome every Saturday of Advent 2020 at 7.15pm for our ‘ZOOM’ EVENING PRAYER FOR CHILDREN (15-20 minutes) through ‘ZOOM’.

    (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea) every morning will be published 3 minutes ADVENT’s MORNING PRAYER for Children. Please, look at Facebook, and play it for the children when they wake up in the morning. Morning prayer is the most difficult for our children to remember about, but at the same time it is clear following of Jesus Christ, who always started a day with His talk with The Heavenly Father. Who knows – maybe it will help? Please, try…

    If you want your children to participate then please visit our Facebook page and on Thursdays you will fine the link to use. (Fr Marcin Drabik is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: ADVENT CHILDREN’s EVENING PRAYER with Fr Marcin)

    The invitation will be always set up and published on our Facebook Profile, or You can always send a request to send the invitation by email or via the form below. Thank You all and see You on Thursdays.

    Request to Join the Children Prayer Time during Advent

    Father Marcin, I’d like you to send me the link for the zoom prayer meetings so that my children can join the advent prayer time please.
    FYI you can get the Zoom link every Saturday via our Facebook Page here at https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    First Saturdays of the Month Prayers for all our Children:

    Call to the Children, after your 1st Communion This week, there is First Saturday of the month and ZOOM Prayers during Advent

    The First Communion Children, who already received the Holy Sacraments this year, (and the past years as well) are very welcomed to continue their journey with Merciful Lord.

    This Saturday is another First Saturday of the Month – a big chance to come for your monthly Holy Confession.

    If You would like to, You are very welcome to continue the devotion of The First Saturdays of the Month as the reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

    So, this coming Saturday – 5th December 2020 I do increase a time for the Sacrament of Confession – especially for You.

    You can come between 9.00am and 9.55am, between 10.30am and 11.00, and in the evening from 5.15.pm to 5.55pm – so, after that You can stay for the Vigil Mass of Sunday

     

    Novena to Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception.

    From this Sunday 29th November – we do start a special Novena to Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception. A prayer of Novena will be added to our Rosary Prayer at 10.00pm through our Facebook Profile: (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea), and we will finish with a special celebration of The Solemnity on 8th December – Hour of Grace 12.00noon to 1.00pm

    But, also on at our Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea) and in Polish

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021 Programme 

    Dear all Because of the COVID restrictions Fr Marcin has reorganised the programme. I shall continue to send you short videos. Please contact me if you want a particular topic covered.

    New session dates:

    Date Time Location
    Tuesday 8th December 5:30pm St Swithun’s RC Church
    Friday 11th December 8:00pm Zoom – Link obtained via Fr Marcin / Facebook Page
    Tuesday 15th December 5:30pm St Swithun’s RC Church
    Friday 18th December 8:00pm Zoom – Link obtained via Fr Marcin / Facebook Page

    from Brian and Linda

    Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

    • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
    • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

    For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

    – Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
    – Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
    – Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

    Prayer of the Month – December 2020

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 - For a life of prayer

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 – For a life of prayer

    For a life of prayer We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer. Pope’s December prayer intention: For a life of prayer In a video message for his December prayer intention, Pope Francis speaks about the power of prayer to change reality and our hearts, and prays that, through a life of prayer, we may nourish our relationship with Jesus Christ. By Vatican News staff writer The Pope Video for December, the last one in 2020, has just been released with the prayer intention that Pope Francis … Read more here

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions December 2020 – For a life of prayer

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

    And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 20th December 2020:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

    May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

     Community Pray:

    House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

    Parish Devotions this month

    SOD-1208-SolemnityoftheImmaculateConception

    The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

    The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on December 8. From all eternity God chose with infinite wisdom the woman who would be the Mother of His divine Son. To prepare for the Word Incarnate a spotless and holy tabernacle, God created Mary in grace and endowed her from the moment of her conception with all the perfections suited to her exalted dignity. St. Thomas teaches that through her intimacy with Christ, the principle of grace, she possessed beyond all creatures a fullness of divine life. In 1854, Pope Pius IX’s solemn declaration, Ineffabilis …
    Read more here

    Fr. Mike Schmitz The Immaculate Conception Explained

    Did you know that Mary actually did know her child would save the world? In fact, she was saved around forty-seven years before Jesus died. Fr. Mike Schmitz simplifies the complex theology behind the Immaculate Conception in this video. Using a clever analogy or two, he demonstrates how Scripture alludes to the fact that Mary was immaculately conceived, and he explains why this solemnity is so important to the Church …
    Read more here

    December – History of the Dogma of The Immaculate Conception

    Credit must be given to the Oriental Church for having been the first to institute the feast of Mary’s Conception. St. Andrew of Crete (660-740), in his canon In conceptionem Sanctae ac Dei aviae Annae, provides us with the first historical document bearing testimony to the existence of the present feast. It was only many years later that the West accepted it, and not without strong opposition. The very first testimony to the existence of the feast in the West is had from a celebrated marble kalendarium found in Naples dating as far back as the ninth century. It is …
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    Immaculate Conception

    December – Novena of the Immaculate Conception

    The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is profoundly influential among the faithful, is an occasion for many displays of popular piety and especially for the novena of the Immaculate Conception. There can be no doubt that the feast of the pure and sinless Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is a fundamental preparation for the Lord’s coming into the world, harmonises perfectly with many of the salient themes of Advent. This feast also makes reference to the long messianic waiting for the Saviour’s birth and recalls events and prophecies from the Old Testament, which are also used in the …
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    Immaculate Conception 2

    December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Lady

    December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception The greatest privilege possessed by Our Blessed Lady, next to the Divine Maternity itself, is that of the Immaculate Conception. And it is only because of the Divine Maternity that Mary was immaculately conceived. For many years many of the greatest saints in the Church denied that she had been given this privilege. They did this not because they wanted to deprive her of any honor that might properly be given to her, but because it seemed to them to deny that Christ was the universal Redeemer, the Redeemer even of His own …
    Read more here

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

    The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
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    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

    Nothing Separates us from God's Love

    Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

    Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

    Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

     

    OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

    Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
    The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

    Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

    These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

    Standing Order and  other useful Information

     Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

    These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

    Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453

    Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun

    with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

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    Download Newsletter PDF -20-12-2020

    WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

    Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

    Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter IV Sunday Of Advent 20th December 2020 B

    “CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

    Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

     

    NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

      Read More on our Renewal Pages here

    Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

    Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
    Ventilation: In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

    WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

    There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

    TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

    The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

    Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

    Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.