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Newsletter: 18th July 2021 – 16th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

Sheep without Shepherd

Please Note Father Marcin is away on Pilgrimage and then holiday from Monday 12th July and will be back the 1st week in September. Therefore services will be changed during week days. (there will be no weekday masses during this time). The Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Sunday Masses (8:30am, 10:15am and 12:00noon ) will be covered by a visiting priest. The Polish mass at 12:00noon will be in English. Also the parish will not be able to stream any of these masses during this period. Let us prayer for our Parish Priest that he has a well deserved break.

The Parish Team – Please dont’ forget to sponsor Fr Marcin if you can – details below

My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

Today, the Gospel invites us to discover the importance of resting in the Lord. The Apostles were returning from the mission on which Jesus had sent them. They had expelled demons, cured the sick and preached the Gospel. They were tired and Jesus told them to «Go off by yourselves to a remote place and have some rest» (Mark 6,31). One of the temptations to which any Christian can succumb is that of wanting to do too many things and thus leaving the Lord a little to the side. The Catechism reminds us that, when it comes to prayer, one of the biggest dangers is that you can easily think that there are bigger, more important and more urgent things to be done, leading to a lack of care for the things of God. For this reason Jesus tells the Apostles, who have worked hard, are exhausted though euphoric because everything has gone so well, that they must rest. The Gospel says «they went away in the boat to a secluded area by themselves» (Mark 6,33).

To be able to pray properly you need at least two things: the first is to be with Jesus as He is the person with whom we are going to talk. Make sure that you are with Him. For this reason all times of prayer normally begin with an act of presence of God which is often the most difficult part. We must make ourselves conscious of the fact that we are truly with Him. The second thing is that we must be alone. If we really want to talk with someone, to have an intimate and profound conversation we choose to be alone with them.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard recommended that one should rest with Jesus after receiving Holy Communion. He warned of the danger of filling thanksgiving after Communion with many memorised words. He said that, after receiving the Body of Christ, the best thing to do is to stay in silence for a while to regain our strength and to let Jesus talk to us in the silence of our hearts. Sometimes, rather than telling Him about our plans and projects it is better that we let Jesus instruct and encourage us.

Priorities (Mark 6:30-34) 

In this Gospel, Jesus sets out to do one thing and ends up doing another. This should reassure us, knowing that even he did not always carry out the plans he had given himself to do. Nevertheless, although looking after his apostles’ needs for rest and teaching crowds look like two very different, and competing activities, the Gospel shows us that they manifest the same care for others. The activity of Jesus is not directed at himself, but at others. This shows us God’s heart for humanity. Yet it also shows us what it means to be a fully integrated, mature human person: one who is freely able to give oneself to God and to others. One whose own time is at the disposal of God and others, without stress or control, but in trust, under the priority of charity.

We’ll reflect on:

Faith: How can our faith direct the ordering of our life and of our time?

Hope: What sort of success do we hope to achieve with our time? Where are our activities ultimately directed to?
Love: How available are we to the calls of charity – love for God and neighbour – in our busy schedules?

REFLECTION

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I believe in you. I trust in you because as a man you experienced everything I experience except sin. You have pity on me in my weakness because you became weak for love of me. I believe in you. I trust you. I thank you for your everlasting love and benevolence.

Petition: Lord, help me to know you more intimately.

  1. Father, Brother, Mentor: The apostles joyfully reported to Jesus all they had done and taught. They are like children, and he is a true father and a brother toward them. He is their mentor par excellence. He listens, responds, encourages and instructs them. They feel privileged to belong to him. Because of their love for Christ they continually renew their commitment to his cause. There is no doubt that he deserves this and much more. That is why they stick with him even when doing so means serving the large crowds amidst their own hunger and exhaustion. They wouldn’t leave him for the world.
  1. Empowering the Apostles: Christ is a true leader for his apostles. He attracts them and guides them. His leadership is highly positive. He conquers their hearts because he is a man possessed by a transcendent and eternal ideal, which radiates from him with extraordinary vigor. With his deep knowledge of the human person (John 15:13), he is able to draw from each apostle’s qualities the maximum benefit for what is true and good. He doesn’t use them as lifeless instruments or tools. He begins by promoting each one’s temporal and eternal good and then directs them towards fulfilling the ideal that unites them. He creates a healthy mystique of belonging to the circle of his disciples.
  1. Fellowship with Him: The crowds find out where Jesus and his apostles are going. From all the towns they hasten there on foot and arrive at that place before them. Imagine their excitement, their drive to seek out Jesus, and their rush to be with him. It is true that they are a fickle crowd. They have yet to know the Lord in all the breadth of his virtue and goodness. Nevertheless, the little they know of him resounds in the depths of their hearts. They sense in the Lord and within the community of his followers bonds of loyalty and fellowship and a spirit of authentic love. This is what their human hearts long for. Those who seek out Christ are never disappointed.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, you were a father, a brother and a guide for the apostles. You were a master sculptor, molding them into your image of goodness, humility and generosity. Do the same for me, Lord. Mold me. Sculpt me into your image. Make me one of yours.

Resolution: I will see myself as your apprentice today, Lord. I will try to listen to your voice in every thought and action. I will do this for love of you.

Service Times from Saturday July 17th 2021  until July 25th 2021 

Please Note Father Marcin is away on Pilgrimage and then holiday from Monday 12th July and will be back the 1st week in September. Therefore services will be changed during week days. (there will be no weekday masses during this time). The Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Sunday Masses (8:30am, 10:15am and 12:00noon ) will be covered by a visiting priest. The Polish mass at 12:00noon will be in English. Also the parish will not be able to stream any of these masses during this period. Let us prayer for our Parish Priest that he has a well deserved break.

The Parish Team
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    Download this week's Newsletter here: Newsletter: 18th July 2021 – 16th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B
    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 18th July 2021 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 18-07-2021
    Monday 19th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 19-07-2021
    Tuesday 20th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 20-07-2021
    Wednesday 21st July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 21-07-2021
    Thursday 22nd July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 22-07-2021
    Friday 23rd July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 23-07-2021
    Saturday 24th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 24-07-2021
    Sunday 25th July 2021 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 25-07-2021

     

     Read today’s Readiings here

    The Unexpected

    This week’s Gospel tells us of those who “like sheep without the good shepherd” were alone and vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one

    Cartoon Shepherd

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 18-07-2021

    Jesus: Shepherd and King! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm...​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel: Mark 6:30-34 Jesus invites his disciples to rest after their ministry, and Jesus is moved with pity for the crowds who pursue them. Children in today's Gospel we hear about Jesus took pity on the crowd even though he wanted some chill time "The apostles rejoined Jesus and told him all they had done and taught. Then he said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no ...
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    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 18-07-2021

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 18-07-2021

    Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 6:30-34 Jesus invites his disciples to rest after their ministry, and Jesus is moved with pity for the crowds who pursue them. In this today’s Gospel, we read the report of the return of the Twelve, who were sent by Jesus to preach repentance, heal the sick, and drive out demons. When the Twelve return to Jesus, he invites them to come away from the crowds and rest. But the crowds will not give them peace. As the Twelve have shared in Jesus’ ministry, they now appear to share in his popularity. The crowds continue to approach them, and Mark reports that the disciples don’t even have time to eat. In an effort to get away, Jesus and his disciples board a boat in hopes of finding a deserted place. But the crowds notice this and arrive ahead of them. The crowds are so ...
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    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 18-07-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 18-07-2021

    One Flock: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time As the Twelve return from their first missionary journey in today’s Gospel, our readings continue to reflect on the authority and mission of the Church. Jeremiah says in the First Reading that Israel’s leaders, through godlessness and fanciful teachings, had misled and scattered God’s people. He promises God will send a shepherd, a king and son of David, to gather the lost sheep and appoint for them new shepherds (see Ezekiel 34:23). The crowd gathering on the green grass (see Mark 6:39) in today’s Gospel is the start of the remnant that Jeremiah promised would be brought back to the meadow of Israel. The people seem to sense that Jesus is the Lord, the good shepherd (see John 10:11), the king they’ve been waiting for (see Hosea 3:1–5). Jesus is moved to pity, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. This phrase ...
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    Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

    Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34

    The theme of today’s readings is the Shepherd. 1. Jesus is seen as the model of the good shepherd. We see him teaching, healing and, in the continuation of today’s Gospel next week, feeding. At the opening of the Gospel, we see Jesus inviting his disciples to go with him to a quiet place to rest and have some quiet. Yet, when they get to their chosen destination, they find that the crowds have gone ahead of them and are awaiting their arrival. We see here an example of the kind of tension that exists in the life of every committed Christian. On the one hand, there is the need to draw away to a quiet place and to recharge one’s batteries, to reflect on and evaluate what one has been doing and to regenerate one’s spiritual energy.At the same time, there are constant demands on our commitment to serve ...
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    Help Please – The Reopening of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Church in Eastney

    Great News after recent Covid 19 announcements:

    Our church of Our Lady of Lourdes’ in Eastney is going to be re-open on the first Saturday of September 2021, so the Vigil Mass of Sunday will take place there on the 4th September 2021 at 6.00pm. Please, help our secretary Kathleen and all the people of good will to prepare this church to face also Covid-19 restrictions ...
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    St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – Can You Help?

    You may be aware that a few of us from the parish are members of the St Vincent de Paul Society here at St Swithun's with Fr. Marcin as our spiritual advisor. We wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we do and to let you know we are always looking for new people to join or people that we may be able to help. History of St Vincent De Paul The Society of ...
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    Statement from the Catholic Bishops of England – Covid July 19th 2021

    On 19 July, the current legislative powers which assist the mitigations against the Covid-19 virus transmission will be rescinded by HM Government. Nevertheless, there will be an encouragement to personal and corporate responsibility in this area; as the Prime Minister said in his most recent statement “The pandemic is not over.” Even without this legislation in place, the Church in England and Wales will be adopting a cautious approach to capacity and activity within our buildings, especially at corporate ...
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    Can you Sponsor Fr Marcin – WALKING PILGRIMAGE to SANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA

    Please sponsor Fr Marcin and his small group on their walking pilgrimage to SANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA 

    Last Monday 12th July 2021, Me (Fr Marcin), Dr Amanda, Lisa – representing SVP of our Parish), and Iwona (from Polish Community) – and of course my dog ‘Bilbo’ – we will start, with The Holy Mass at 1.30am at St Swithun’s – our WALKING PILGRIMAGE to SANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA – taking a route: Camino PRIMITIVO. As soon as the tomb of the ...
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    Ascension Presents: Let Jesus Do the Heavy Lifting in Your Life

    Ascension Presents: Let Jesus Do the Heavy Lifting in Your Life

    Fr. Mark-Mary and Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei talk about how to let love deal with your “stuff”. We all have things we struggle with—it’s just a part of being human. But if we don’t let love into our struggles, they’ll never be healed. When we let love in, we find peace, healing, and hope in our trials. When we run to cover our struggles with anything else, all we’ll find is emptiness. So, how can we let love deal with our stuff? We have to start with faith. If you look at the miracles in the Gospels, every miracle is preceded by faith. God has ...
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    A Catholic Moment - A Dream, Leadership, and Reality - Laura Kazlas

    A Catholic Moment – A Dream, Leadership, and Reality – Laura Kazlas

    There are three things that stand out in today’s readings for Mass: a dream, leadership, and the reality of what it actually takes to be a good leader. In the first reading, King Solomon demonstrates the best traits of a godly leader. Upon recognizing the great responsibility he was given to lead his people as their king, the first thing Solomon did was to recognize how inadequate he was for the job. He went straight to the holiest place in the kingdom to offer a thousand sacrifices to God, and he probably prayed extensively for His guidance too. King Solomon ...
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    Philip Kosloski - Priests make these 7 promises on their ordination day

    Philip Kosloski – Priests make these 7 promises on their ordination day

    Diocesan priests promise to be celibate, preach the truth, and obey the bishop. Unlike priests who are members of a religious community, diocesan priests do not take vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. However, they do make several promises on their ordination day that are similar in scope. 1 ASSIST THE BISHOP’S MISSION: Do you resolve, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discharge without fail the office of priesthood in the presbyteral rank, as worthy fellow workers with the Order of Bishops for the Lord’s flock? Bishops are the primary shepherds in a particular region. Priests are meant ...
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    Philip Kosloski - St. Bonaventure’s beautiful prayer after communion

    Philip Kosloski – St. Bonaventure’s beautiful prayer after communion

    Prayer of St. Bonaventure (died 1274 A.D.) This popular prayer is very poetic and expresses the passionate love he had for Jesus. Similar to St. Francis, St. Bonaventure had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and truly believed that Jesus was present under the appearances of bread and wine. This led him to compose a beautiful prayer, very poetic that expresses the passionate love he had for Jesus. Many use this prayer for after communion, as it speaks directly to Jesus, the “Bread of Angels.” Pierce, O most sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most joyous and healthful ...
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    Bishop Barron - Join the 30-day Gospel Challenge starts July 12th 2021

    Bishop Barron – Join the 30-day Gospel Challenge starts July 12th 2021

    Bishop Barron's good friend Jonathan Roumie is narrating all four Gospels on the Hallow App! Join the upcoming 30-Day Gospel Challenge and listen through all four Gospels in 30 days. Each day, listen to a few chapters in around 20 minutes. You can listen as you drive, do the dishes, get ready for the day, or sit in Adoration or silent prayer. This journey will begin on Monday, July 12, but you can join the waitlist on the Home tab of the Hallow App today. Simply click here to download the app and then tap “join” on the 30-Day Gospel Challenge to join ...
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    Year of the Eucharist - Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    Year of the Eucharist – Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    As we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Portsmouth, please – let’s do our best to follow resolutions to benefit from this jubilee and grow even closer to the Eucharistic Jesus. Deepening the First resolution: 1. Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often. You will be able to experience the peace that is the fruit of the Eucharist. To make a good confession demands prior preparation. The better the prior preparation, the more abundant the graces and the more overflowing the river of peace in your soul! Following are ten short helps ...
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    JOB VACANCIES IN THE DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH:

    VACANCY 2 Foundation Governors St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School

    Closing Date for applications: 30th September 2021 Two vacancies for Foundation Governors on the governing body have arisen and expressions of interests are being sought from practising committed Catholics for the ministry. The term of office is for four years from the date of appointment.

    		 Please Click on Document Below for full details

    Foundation Governor Advert Portsmouth Diocese

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

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 17th July 2021 till the 31st July 2021

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

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL:  Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays in September

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays in September

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays in September

    Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays in September

    Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School  (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)

    FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back after the summer holidays – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

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

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

    Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

    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 – July 2021 

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions July 2021 – Social friendship

    Pope’s Intention for evangelization:

    We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

    Prayer of the month – July 21

    I entrust to you, Mother of the Church, all the problems of this Church, the whole of her mission and of her service.

    Help us in the great endeavor that we are carrying out to meet in a more and more mature way our brothers in faith, with whom so many things unite us, although there is still something dividing us. Through all the means of knowledge, of mutual respect, of love, of shared collaboration in various fields, may we be able to rediscover gradually the divine plan for the unity into which we should enter and bring everybody in, in order that the one fold of Christ may recognize and live its unity on earth. Mother of unity, teach us constantly the ways that lead to unity.

    Allow us in the future to go out to meet all human beings and all peoples that are seeking God and wishing to serve him on the way of different religions. Help us all to proclaim Christ and reveal “the power of God and the Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24) hidden in his Cross. You were the first to reveal him at Bethlehem, not only to the simple faithful shepherds but also to the wise men from distant lands.

    Mother of Good Counsel, show us always how we are to serve the individual and humanity in every nation, how we are to lead them along the ways of salvation. How we are to protect justice and peace in a world continually threatened on various sides.

    How many problems, Mother, should I not present to you by name! I entrust them all to you, because you know them best and understand them.

     – Prayer of St. John Paul II to Our Lady of Czestochowa (June 4, 1979)

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, 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: 18th July 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 

    The Requiem Mass for Anna Selina Jenkins RIP

    who resided at Alton Manor Nursing Home, 8 – 12 Herbert Road, Southsea, Hants, PO4 0QA, and who passed away at Alton Manor Nursing Home on 3rd July, 2021 aged 95 years.

    Requiem Mass on Thursday 22nd July, 2021 at ST. SWITHUN’S CHURCH 10:00 am Committal at PORTCHESTER CREMATORIUM Thursday 11:30 am

     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/

     

    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus One particular devotion in the Catholic Church connected to the Passion of Jesus Christ is the honouring of his Precious Blood. It is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity. Furthermore, this blood is made present through the gift of the Eucharist and is something we can consume at Mass, along with the body of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine. Over time the Church developed various feasts of the Precious Blood, but it wasn’t until the 19th century when a universal feast was ...
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    july_chalice_priests_hands

    The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

    The New Testament Catholic doctrine teaches the faithful that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and hypostatically united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And as such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration proper to latreutical worship (cultus latriae) which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word. • It is for this same reason that we honour the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The ...
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    Symbol of the Precious Blood

    The Symbol of the Precious Blood

    Adam is sleeping an ecstatic sleep. God opens his side, removes a rib and forms Eve, the mother of all the living. But our view transcends this action and in spirit we behold the second, the divine Adam, Christ. He is sleeping the sleep of death. From His opened side blood and water flow, symbols of baptism and the Eucharist, symbols of the second Eve, the Church, the Mother of all the living. Through blood and water Christ willed to redeem God's many children and to lead them to an eternal home. At Jerusalem a service in Yahweh's honour is taking ...
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    Christ's Blood on the Cross

    The Devotion to the Precious Blood

    This devotion is one of the most ancient of pious Church practices. It is said that the Blessed Virgin venerated the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as she collected the first relics of His Precious Blood on a piece of cloth. On that momentous occasion she united her tears with that of the Word Incarnate on account of not so much of the sensible pain but of His supernatural sorrow for the hardheartedness of mortals. Devotion to the Precious Blood is not a spiritual option, it is a spiritual obligation, and that not ...
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    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The Old fulfilled in the New Covenant

    Sacrifice is the highest form of religious worship which man offers to God as an act of praise, thanksgiving, petition or atonement.The most singular and pre-eminent sacrifice of the Old Law was the immolation of the Paschal Lamb which celebrated the sparing of Israel's firstborn from the fatal sword of the Angel of Death in Egypt at the time of Moses and Pharaoh. The imagery of sacrificial blood from slain animals is made more vivid and meaningful if we recall Moses' words from the Book of Exodus, "And he took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people, and he said: ...
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    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus "The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it." In the past, the feast of ...
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    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Bishop Philip writes... 8th June 2021 This last Sunday, Corpus Christi, I published a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Masses across the Diocese. It’s an invitation to undertake the Year of the Eucharist. Click on the picture for the video recording. You can read it here. My dear ...
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    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    pentecost

    Happy Birthday to Our Catholic Church – Pentecost

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

     

    Missio Red Boxes

    Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.

    THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.

     

     

    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 – 18-07-2021

    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: 18th July 2021 – 16th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    Please Note: All Services are available in the church without need to book in Person. 

    Also all our services are also streamed online and came be viewed via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

     

     

    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;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 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: 11th July 2021 – 15th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    This week’s Gospel and the one for next week describe how Jesus sent the disciples to minister in his name and the disciples’ return to Jesus afterward. These two passages, however, are not presented together in Mark’s Gospel. Inserted between the two is the report of Herod’s fears that Jesus is John the Baptist back from the dead. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is presented in connection with the teaching of John the Baptist. Jesus’ public ministry begins after John is arrested. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who preached the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God.

    While we do not read these details about John the Baptist in our Gospel this week or next week, our Lectionary sequence stays consistent with Mark’s theme. Recall that last week we heard how Jesus was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth. The insertion of the reminder about John the Baptist’s ministry and his death at the hands of Herod in Mark’s Gospel makes a similar point. Mark reminds his readers about this dangerous context for Jesus’ ministry and that of his disciples. Preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God is dangerous business for Jesus and for his disciples. Mark wants his readers to remember that we, too, may find resistance as we choose to be disciples of Jesus.

    Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus sent out the Twelve. These twelve were selected from among Jesus’ disciples and named by Mark in chapter 3. Mark notes that these twelve are also called “apostles.” The word apostle means “one who is sent.” The number twelve is also a symbolic number, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By naming twelve apostles, Jesus shows his mission to be in continuity with the mission of God’s people, Israel.

    Jesus’ instructions to the apostles are very specific. He repeats the mission that they are sent to preach and to share his authority to heal and to drive out demons. Jesus sends them in pairs, establishing his mission as a communal endeavor. Jesus also instructs them to travel lightly, without the customary food, money, and extra set of clothes. These instructions mean that the Twelve will be dependent on the hospitality of others, just as Jesus depended on others to provide for his needs.

    Jesus continues to send us into the world as his disciples. But like the first disciples, we are not sent alone. Jesus has given us the community of the Church, which strengthens our life of discipleship. The Christian message can only authentically be proclaimed in and through the community of faith that is the Church. In our work with others, we build this community of faith and can invite others to share in it.

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in you, and I believe that I must follow your will in all that I do. I hope in you, and I place my hope in what you have planned for me today. Teach me not to place my hope in created things, but only in your will. Lord, I love you, and I desire to love your will with greater fervor. Open my heart to respond to your will with generosity and joy. 

    Petition: Lord, help me to transmit your message through my words and actions.

    1. Two by Two: Our Lord didn’t send the apostles out in their mission as isolated individuals, but in pairs. Jesus wanted them to realize that alone they would not be strong enough. Alone they would be vulnerable to attacks. Alone they might succumb to temptation and discouragement. Jesus’ disciples were not alone as they labored to carry out their mission, and neither are we. The mission we have of following Jesus may be difficult at times, but Jesus knows this. He places people in our path to help and support us. We must realize that we need the help of others and that others also need our help. We are not alone!
    1. Take Nothing: Jesus wanted his apostles to realize that he is in charge of the mission. Jesus tells them to leave at home what we would consider basic items necessary for any trip. This was a radical lesson for the apostles, as it is for us. Jesus doesn’t want us to rely on our personal efforts, the advanced technology of the day, or any other methods or elements that we can invent for our security or success. He is the origin of any success in our lives, and he alone gives true security. Jesus tells the apostles to take nothing on their journey, except him.
    1. They Went Off: The apostles then went to preach repentance and cure the sick. They trusted in Jesus and in the mission he had entrusted to them. As they began to work, they saw that their efforts were bearing fruit. The people they encountered were responsive. They could see that they were changing lives. In our own lives we don’t often encounter receptive crowds, open and eager to hear about Christ and prepared to amend their lives and start off on a new path. We often find hostility and opposition. In either situation — success or failure — as we try to build Christ’s Kingdom, we must trust in him and remember that we are called to be faithful, not necessarily successful from a human standpoint.

    Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you’ve given me a mission to spread your Gospel among my family members, friends and coworkers — everyone I encounter. Help me to be faithful to this mission and to undertake it in the way you wish, not the way it most pleases me.

    Resolution: I will fulfill my prayer commitments today with generosity and fidelity.

    Service Times from Saturday July 10th 2021  until July 18th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line until the 12th July.

    Please Note Father Marcin is away on Pilgrimage and then holiday from Monday 12th July and will be back the 1st week in September. Therefore services will be changed during week days. (there will be no weekday masses during this time). The Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Sunday Masses (8:30am, 10:15am and 12:00noon ) will be covered by a visiting priest. The Polish mass at 12:00noon will be in English. Also the parish will not be able to stream any of these masses during this period. Let us prayer for our Parish Priest that he has a well deserved break.

    The Parish Team
  • Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week's Newsletter here: Newsletter: 11th July 2021 – 15th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B
    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 11th July 2021 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 11-07-2021
    Monday 12th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 12-07-2021
    Tuesday 13th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 13-07-2021
    Wednesday 14th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 14-07-2021
    Thursday 15th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 15-07-2021
    Friday 16th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 16-07-2021
    Saturday 17th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 17-07-2021
    Sunday 18th July 2021 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 18-07-2021

     

     Read today’s Readiings here

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 11-07-2021

    The Salvation Story! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B. (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm...​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 Jesus instructs his disciples and sends them to preach repentance. Children in today's Gospel we hear about Jesus asking us all to go out and proclaim the good news. Jesus sends the twelve apostles on a mission to preach, heal, and witness. What does He give them for their journey? Authority over demons. Not food, not a carry-on bag packed full of everything from extra shoes to a toothbrush, not even money in their pockets. All they are to take with them is power, given by God, to cast out ...
    Read more here
    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 11-07-2021

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 11-07-2021

    Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 6:7-13 Jesus instructs his disciples and sends them to preach repentance. This week’s Gospel and the one for next week describe how Jesus sent the disciples to minister in his name and the disciples’ return to Jesus afterward. These two passages, however, are not presented together in Mark’s Gospel. Inserted between the two is the report of Herod’s fears that Jesus is John the Baptist back from the dead. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is presented in connection with the teaching of John the Baptist. Jesus’ public ministry begins after John is arrested. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who preached the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. While we do not read these details about John the Baptist in our Gospel this week or next week, our Lectionary sequence stays consistent with Mark’s theme. Recall that last week we heard how ...
    Read more here
    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 11-07-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 11-07-2021

    The Church’s Mission: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time In commissioning the Apostles in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives them, and us, a preview of His Church’s mission after the Resurrection. His instructions to the Twelve echo those of God to the twelve tribes of Israel on the eve of their exodus from Egypt. The Israelites likewise were sent out with no bread and only one set of clothes, wearing sandals and carrying a staff (see Exodus 12:11; Deuteronomy 8:2–4). Like the Israelites, the Apostles are to rely solely on the providence of God and His grace. Perhaps, also, Mark wants us to see the Apostles’ mission, the mission of the Church, as that of leading a new exodus—delivering people from their exile from God and bringing them to the promised land, the kingdom of heaven. Like Amos in today’s First Reading, the Apostles are not “professionals” who earn ...
    Read more here
    Commentary on Amos 6:7-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

    Commentary on Amos 6:7-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

    IN TODAY’S GOSPEL the twelve apostles receive their mission from Jesus. He tells them to go out, two by two, and drive out "unclean" spirits. What are these "unclean" spirits? Sometimes it seems it really was an evil influence – a demon, if you like – which controlled a person’s life, what he said and what he did. But in those days there were many manifestations which people did not understand fully. These, for want of a better explanation, were attributed to demonic influences and possession. For instance, there were some sicknesses which people thought were due to the influence of a devil. A clear example is the story of the epileptic boy healed by Jesus. In an epileptic fit a seemingly normal person suddenly begins to act in a bizarre way as if controlled by an outside force. It was a long time before people began to understand physiological ...
    Read more here

     

     

    Year of the Eucharist – Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    As we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Portsmouth, please – let’s do our best to follow resolutions to benefit from this jubilee and grow even closer to the Eucharistic Jesus. Deepening the First resolution:

    1. Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often. You will be able to experience the peace that is the fruit of the Eucharist.

    To make a good confession demands prior preparation. The better the prior preparation, ...
    Read more here

    Bishop Barron – Join the 30-day Gospel Challenge starts July 12th 2021

    Bishop Barron's good friend Jonathan Roumie is narrating all four Gospels on the Hallow App! Join the upcoming 30-Day Gospel Challenge and listen through all four Gospels in 30 days. Each day, listen to a few chapters in around 20 minutes. You can listen as you drive, do the dishes, get ready for the day, or sit in Adoration or silent prayer. This journey will begin on Monday, July 12, but you can join the waitlist on the Home tab of the ...
    Read more here

    St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – Can You Help?

    You may be aware that a few of us from the parish are members of the St Vincent de Paul Society here at St Swithun's with Fr. Marcin as our spiritual advisor. We wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we do and to let you know we are always looking for new people to join or people that we may be able to help. History of St Vincent De Paul The Society of ...
    Read more here

    The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus

    One particular devotion in the Catholic Church connected to the Passion of Jesus Christ is the honouring of his Precious Blood. It is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity. Furthermore, this blood is made present through the gift of the Eucharist and is something we can consume at Mass, along with the body of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine. Over time the ...
    Read more here

    Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – BECOMING HOPEFUL IN A HOPELESS WORLD

    Q: How do I live with hope? This world seems so lost at times. Even more personally, my life seems so painful and senseless at times. It all just seems so pointless.

    A: Thank you so much for writing and asking this question. The very fact that you have asked this question is a sign that you have a certain degree of hope, because you have taken action in asking for an answer. And hope is almost always going ...
    Read more here

    SEA SUNDAY MESSAGE 2021 – Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson

    This  Sunday 11th July is Sea Sunday, when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. There will be a second collection for Stella Maris (the Apostleship of the Sea), the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. For an appeal talk from Bishop Paul Mason, and a video showing some of what Stella This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work. Maris does, please visit www.stellamaris.org.uk/SeaSunday.To donate and for more ...
    Read more here

    Our Lady of Walsingham

    In Britain’s ‘Chafing Heat,’ God’s Grace Falls Like a Rain Shower

    In the shimmering summer of 2018, the story of the Church in England continues. (Joanna Bogle)Britain recently found itself sizzling in a heatwave. Parks and gardens began drying up, lawns turning brown, farmland and crops endangered. A massive fire swept the moors in the Peak District. There was talk of hosepipe bans and everyone has been urged to conserve water. Somehow the dryness seems to echo the nation’s spiritual state. The Prime Minister is said to be supportive of a plan to introduce a new form of “hate crime” aimed at religious groups that seek to help people with same-sex ...
    Read more here

     

     

     

    A Catholic Moment - Forgiveness Makes You Free - Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga

    A Catholic Moment – Forgiveness Makes You Free – Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga

    The movie, Hotel Rwanda, tells the dramatic story of the genocide in Rwanda. In 1994 hundreds of thousands of Rwandans were brutally murdered in an decades long civil war.. The majority Hutus were primarily responsible for the slaughter of the minority Tutsi people. These killings were reprisals for perceived injustices by the Tutsis towards the Hutus when they were given greater power under Belgian occupation in the early part of the 20th century. Ethnically motivated violence continued following Rwanda’s independence in 1962 culminating in the genocide in ’94. The genocide ended when a Tutsi led civil war toppled the insurgency, returning ...
    Read more here
    Philip Kosloski - Why did early Christians pray facing the East?

    Philip Kosloski – Why did early Christians pray facing the East?

    East was a symbolic direction, and many Church Fathers urged their people to orient themselves before praying. During the first few centuries of Christianity, a custom began among various Christians of always facing the East when praying. This is found throughout the writings of the Early Church, such as the Didascalia Apostolorum, composed between 200 and 250. For it is required that you pray toward the East, as knowing that which is written: Give ye glory to God, who rideth upon the heaven of heavens toward the east. Interestingly, St. Basil the Great wrote in the 4th century, in his letter De Spiritu Sancto, a lament, ...
    Read more here
    Thumbnail for read also

    Philip Kosloski – How early Christians carefully protected the Eucharist

    Early Church Fathers instructed priests and laypeople to not let any crumb of the Eucharist fall on the ground. During the first few centuries of the Church, bishops and priests were diligent in their care of the Eucharist. Many of the Early Church Fathers insisted that not even a crumb should fall on the ground. St. Hippolytus of Rome, a bishop of the 2nd century, writes these instructions in The Apostolic Tradition. But let each of the faithful be zealous, before he eats anything else, to receive the eucharist … let each one take care that no unbeliever taste the eucharist, nor ...
    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 11th July 2021 till the 31st July 2021

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

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL:  Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

    Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:

    Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School  (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)

    FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back after the summer holidays – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    Other News
    URGENT APPEAL - FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH

    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 packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
    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
    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

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

    Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

    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 – July 2021 

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions July 2021 – Social friendship

    Pope’s Intention for evangelization:

    We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

    Prayer of the month – July 21

    I entrust to you, Mother of the Church, all the problems of this Church, the whole of her mission and of her service.

    Help us in the great endeavor that we are carrying out to meet in a more and more mature way our brothers in faith, with whom so many things unite us, although there is still something dividing us. Through all the means of knowledge, of mutual respect, of love, of shared collaboration in various fields, may we be able to rediscover gradually the divine plan for the unity into which we should enter and bring everybody in, in order that the one fold of Christ may recognize and live its unity on earth. Mother of unity, teach us constantly the ways that lead to unity.

    Allow us in the future to go out to meet all human beings and all peoples that are seeking God and wishing to serve him on the way of different religions. Help us all to proclaim Christ and reveal “the power of God and the Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24) hidden in his Cross. You were the first to reveal him at Bethlehem, not only to the simple faithful shepherds but also to the wise men from distant lands.

    Mother of Good Counsel, show us always how we are to serve the individual and humanity in every nation, how we are to lead them along the ways of salvation. How we are to protect justice and peace in a world continually threatened on various sides.

    How many problems, Mother, should I not present to you by name! I entrust them all to you, because you know them best and understand them.

     – Prayer of St. John Paul II to Our Lady of Czestochowa (June 4, 1979)

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, 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: 11th July 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/

     

    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus One particular devotion in the Catholic Church connected to the Passion of Jesus Christ is the honouring of his Precious Blood. It is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity. Furthermore, this blood is made present through the gift of the Eucharist and is something we can consume at Mass, along with the body of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine. Over time the Church developed various feasts of the Precious Blood, but it wasn’t until the 19th century when a universal feast was ...
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    july_chalice_priests_hands

    The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

    The New Testament Catholic doctrine teaches the faithful that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and hypostatically united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And as such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration proper to latreutical worship (cultus latriae) which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word. • It is for this same reason that we honour the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The ...
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    Symbol of the Precious Blood

    The Symbol of the Precious Blood

    Adam is sleeping an ecstatic sleep. God opens his side, removes a rib and forms Eve, the mother of all the living. But our view transcends this action and in spirit we behold the second, the divine Adam, Christ. He is sleeping the sleep of death. From His opened side blood and water flow, symbols of baptism and the Eucharist, symbols of the second Eve, the Church, the Mother of all the living. Through blood and water Christ willed to redeem God's many children and to lead them to an eternal home. At Jerusalem a service in Yahweh's honour is taking ...
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    Christ's Blood on the Cross

    The Devotion to the Precious Blood

    This devotion is one of the most ancient of pious Church practices. It is said that the Blessed Virgin venerated the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as she collected the first relics of His Precious Blood on a piece of cloth. On that momentous occasion she united her tears with that of the Word Incarnate on account of not so much of the sensible pain but of His supernatural sorrow for the hardheartedness of mortals. Devotion to the Precious Blood is not a spiritual option, it is a spiritual obligation, and that not ...
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    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The Old fulfilled in the New Covenant

    Sacrifice is the highest form of religious worship which man offers to God as an act of praise, thanksgiving, petition or atonement.The most singular and pre-eminent sacrifice of the Old Law was the immolation of the Paschal Lamb which celebrated the sparing of Israel's firstborn from the fatal sword of the Angel of Death in Egypt at the time of Moses and Pharaoh. The imagery of sacrificial blood from slain animals is made more vivid and meaningful if we recall Moses' words from the Book of Exodus, "And he took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people, and he said: ...
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    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus "The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it." In the past, the feast of ...
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    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Bishop Philip writes... 8th June 2021 This last Sunday, Corpus Christi, I published a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Masses across the Diocese. It’s an invitation to undertake the Year of the Eucharist. Click on the picture for the video recording. You can read it here. My dear ...
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    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    pentecost

    Happy Birthday to Our Catholic Church – Pentecost

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

     

    Missio Red Boxes

    Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.

    THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.

     

     

    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 – 11-07-2021

    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: 11th July 2021 – 15th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    Please Note: All Services are available in the church without need to book in Person. 

    Also all our services are also streamed online and came be viewed via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

     

     

    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;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 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: 4th July 2021 – 14th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today, the liturgy helps us to discover what it is that Jesus feels in the depths of his heart, He “was astounded at their unbelief” (Mark 6,6). Without a doubt, the disciples would have been taken aback by the lack of faith shown by the Master’s compatriots, and His reaction to them. It would have seemed more natural that things should happen differently: they had arrived in the land that had been His home for so many years, the people would have heard of His works, and the most logical result would be that He would have been received warmly and trustingly, they should have been more disposed than others to listen to his teachings. However, things didn’t turn out that way, quite the opposite: “They took offense at him” (Mark 6,3).

    Jesus’ surprise at the attitude shown towards him by His people, shows a heart that has faith in mankind, that is waiting for a response, that is not indifferent to the lack of one, because it is a heart that gives of itself looking for our good. Saint Bernard expresses it well when he writes: “The son of Man came and did such marvels that He uprooted our mundane understanding of the world, to help us meditate and so that we never cease to ponder the wonderful things He did. He left us infinite horizons for the ease of the intelligence, and an overflowing river of ideas impossible to wade through. Is there anyone capable of understanding why the Supreme Majesty would want to die to give us life, why He would want to serve so as we could reign, live without a place to rest his head so as we can possess the world, and allow himself to be lowered to the most vile and vulgar so as to raise us above all else?”.

    Imagine how the Nazarenes’ lives would have changed if they had approached Jesus with faith. Keeping this in mind we should ask daily, as the disciples did: “Lord, increase our faith” (Lk 17,5), so as we may open ourselves more and more and let His love work in us.

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for this Sunday, the day we celebrate your Resurrection. I believe that you walk with us, Lord. I believe that you come into our “synagogue” today and bring your message of salvation. I trust that you will guide me to greater light today. Thank you for coming to look for me.

    Petition: Lord, help me to have a heart and will open to your message.

    1. God Can Surprise Us: Jesus was well known in Nazareth — or so they thought. But there was something they had never seen in him: they never saw the power of God in him. He was too ordinary. Our life can seem too ordinary to us sometimes. We may not recognize the voice of God when he calls to us, when he asks for a deeper faith and commitment to him. We may not recognize him speaking through the example and words of others. We may not shake off our routine and truly listen to the Word of God. We can learn from the surprise the people of Nazareth showed at Jesus’ true identity, as it will help us to be more alert to God’s surprises.
    2. “And They Took Offense at Him”: Jesus can offend us. He came to shake up certainties about the closeness of God. God becomes uncomfortably close in Jesus. He knows all about us. He “grew up” with us: he knows our whole history, our weaknesses and our inadequacies. He expects much more of us than what we have given up to now. I need to let God challenge me every day. Only in that way can I really discover Jesus, the miracle-maker. Only in that way can I work with him to change myself and the world around me.
    3. “He was Amazed at Their Lack of Faith”: What is there in my life that I think Jesus cannot touch, cannot change? Am I willing to present it humbly to Jesus each day so that he can slowly transform me? Do I try to use my spiritual commitments to grow in faith? Do I trust in Christ? If not, I need to ask him to increase that trust. He wants to make me into a saint. He wants to change this world. He can. I simply have to put my trust in him.

    Conversation with Christ: Lord, you have shown me that you can overcome any obstacle. I know that you want to show your power in me. Help me to believe in you more today. Let me show others the confidence and joy that you bring. Your power is present in my soul, Lord. Help me discover the signs of your Resurrection.

    Resolution: Today I will make an extra act of charity for my family.

    Service Times from Saturday July 3rd 2021  until July 11th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week's Newsletter here: Newsletter: 4th July 2021 – 14th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B
    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 4th July 2021 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 04-07-2021
    Monday 5th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 05-07-2021
    Tuesday 6th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 06-07-2021
    Wednesday 7th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 07-07-2021
    Thursday 8th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 08-07-2021
    Friday 9th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 09-07-2021
    Saturday 10th July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 10-07-2021
    Sunday 11th July 2021 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 11-07-2021

     

     

     Read today’s Readiings here

    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 04-07-2021

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 04-07-2021

    A sample video from "Priest,Prophet,King", a dynamic new video series from Fr. Barron debuting in August 2014. Learn more at http://PriestProphetKing.com. Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 6:1-6 'A prophet is only despised in his own country' This Gospel immediately follows upon last week’s stories of the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage. It sets the context of our Gospel readings for the next two weeks in which Jesus will extend the work of his ministry to his disciples. Today’s Gospel describes what many believe to have been the typical pattern of Jesus’ ministry: teaching in the synagogue followed by acts of healing. In his hometown of Nazareth, the people are amazed by what they hear, but they also cannot comprehend how someone they know so well might move them so powerfully. In this Gospel, we learn some interesting details about Jesus and ...
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    Commentary on Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6

    Commentary on Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6

    JESUS GOES BACK to his hometown, Nazareth. And he is accompanied by his disciples. As was the right of any devout Jew, he gave the homily in the synagogue on a Sabbath. The townspeople are amazed. They are astonished at the wisdom with which he speaks, and the power of the miracles they had heard he was performing. They are even more amazed because they think they know who Jesus is. He is the carpenter, the son of Mary and Joseph, and they know all his relatives. They grew up with him. And because they think they know him, they refuse to accept him. They see the outward person but they do not listen to the words. They had made up their minds about him long ago. So many people in our society have made up their minds about Jesus and presume that what they know is the whole story ...
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    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 04-07-2021

    What is a prophet? A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B. (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm...​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 Little girl, I tell you to get up Children imagine I am holding up the two sports bottles in my hands? What do we use sports bottles like these for? (It's a way to store liquid to then drink during a sporting event) What two ways can you get the drink out of the bottle? (We can use the nozzle or taking the cap off and pouring the drink out) Now, if I want to get drink INTO the bottle, can I use those same two ways of getting ...
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    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 04-07-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 04-07-2021

    Son of Mary: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time As we’ve walked with the Apostles in the Gospels in recent weeks, we’ve witnessed Jesus command the wind and sea, and order a little girl to arise from the dead. But He seems to meet His match in His hometown of Nazareth. Today’s Gospel is blunt: “He was not able to perform any mighty deed there.” Why not? Because of the people’s lack of faith. They acknowledged the wisdom of His words, the power of His works. But they refused to recognize Him as a prophet come among them, a messenger sent by God. All they could see was how much “this man” was like them—a carpenter, the son of their neighbor, Mary, with brothers and sisters. Of course, Mary was ever-virgin and had no other children. The Gospel refers to Jesus’ brothers as Paul refers to ...
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    Year of the Eucharist – Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    As we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Portsmouth, please – let’s do our best to follow resolutions to benefit from this jubilee and grow even closer to the Eucharistic Jesus. Deepening the First resolution:

    1. Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often. You will be able to experience the peace that is the fruit of the Eucharist.

    To make a good confession demands prior preparation. The better the prior preparation, ...
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    St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – Can You Help?

    You may be aware that a few of us from the parish are members of the St Vincent de Paul Society here at St Swithun's with Fr. Marcin as our spiritual advisor. We wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we do and to let you know we are always looking for new people to join or people that we may be able to help. History of St Vincent De Paul The Society of ...
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    The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus

    One particular devotion in the Catholic Church connected to the Passion of Jesus Christ is the honouring of his Precious Blood. It is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity. Furthermore, this blood is made present through the gift of the Eucharist and is something we can consume at Mass, along with the body of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine. Over time the ...
    Read more here

    Cardinal Nichols : Appreciate grandparents and the elderly as ‘gifts of God’

    25 July 2021 is the inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, is echoing the Pope’s words to young people encouraging them to talk to their grandparents if they want to be a sign of hope for the world. Promoting the important connection between generations, Cardinal Nichols said: “Elderly people get isolated, grandparents often get forgotten. But a day of prayer will help us to remember ...
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    Pope Francis – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

    Pope Francis has released a message for the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly that will be celebrated on 25 July. In it, he reassures the elderly that God is always with them and reminds them of their vocation to preserve our roots and to pass on the faith to the younger ones.
    Papal Message – Grandparents – 2021Download
    The theme chosen by the Pope for the inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28: 30). The Holy ...
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    Philip Kosloski – Going to confession before Mass started in the 1st century

    The Didache clearly teaches that anyone who wishes to receive communion must first go to confession. The celebration of Mass began with the Last Supper and was continued by the early disciples of Jesus. This “breaking of the bread” is found in various New Testament letters, but also an ancient document called the Didache. The Didache is an early collection of writings that most scholars date to the 1st century. Some have even claimed that it can be dated to 48 AD, based on evidence that it may have been written before the Council of Jerusalem. The Didache details various aspects of the early celebration of ...
    Read more here
    Philip Kosloski - Prayer for Pope Francis?

    Philip Kosloski – Prayer for Pope Francis?

    Pray for Pope Francis, that he will lead the Church in truth and fidelity. Being the pope is not easy, and it has been a constant custom of the Church to pray for the Supreme Pontiff, asking God to guide him and protect him from all spiritual and physical harm. Here is a prayer from the Raccolta that can be used to pray for the pope. V. Let us pray for Francis, our Pope. R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. [Psalm 40:3] ...
    Read more here
    Bishop Philip Egan on The next Synod of Bishops 2023

    Bishop Philip Egan on The next Synod of Bishops 2023

    Bishop Philip writes... Recently, I received some more information about the next Synod of Bishops to be held in 2023. Its topic is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission” and this October, Pope Francis will open a three-year synodal journey with three phases (diocesan, continental, universal), culminating with the assembly in Rome in October 2023. The Synod is intended to make the synodality desired by Pope Francis since the beginning of his pontificate concrete and visible and the Synod itself will be celebrated not only in the Vatican but in each particular Church of the five continents. There ...
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    St Pete Get behind me Satan

    Philip Kosloski – Why did Satan rebel against God?

    Satan knew what he was doing and yet he still rejected God and his plan. Catholics believe that the evil spirit known as Satan was a good angel, but openly disobeyed God. His disobedience was so great that he was cast out of Heaven, along with a large cohort of other angels. Why did Satan disobey? If he was so close to God, what made him rebel? First of all, the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms, “The Church teaches that Satan was at first a good angel, made by God” (CCC 391). Initially Satan was good and some traditions ...
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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 4th July 2021 till the 31st July 2021

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

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL:  Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

    TUESDAY at 8.00pm – SUBJECT: ‘Come, Holy Spirit, Come – A need and how to cultivate the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us’;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – SUBJECT: ‘Follow the path of holiness – we are called to accept the gift of humanity;

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

    Date for your future diaries: These  will be back after the summer holidays

    ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: TUESDAY at 11.15am;

    Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:

    Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School  (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)

    FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back after the summer holidays – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    Other News
    URGENT APPEAL - FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH

    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 packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
    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
    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

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021

    Formation Meeting for The First Communion Children & their Parents ’ – (next one will be held on Tuesday 6th July at 5.30pm through ‘ZOOM’ as well). Please, remember and attend.

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

    Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

    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 – July 2021 

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions July 2021 – Social friendship

    Pope’s Intention for evangelization:

    We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

    Prayer of the month – July 21

    I entrust to you, Mother of the Church, all the problems of this Church, the whole of her mission and of her service.

    Help us in the great endeavor that we are carrying out to meet in a more and more mature way our brothers in faith, with whom so many things unite us, although there is still something dividing us. Through all the means of knowledge, of mutual respect, of love, of shared collaboration in various fields, may we be able to rediscover gradually the divine plan for the unity into which we should enter and bring everybody in, in order that the one fold of Christ may recognize and live its unity on earth. Mother of unity, teach us constantly the ways that lead to unity.

    Allow us in the future to go out to meet all human beings and all peoples that are seeking God and wishing to serve him on the way of different religions. Help us all to proclaim Christ and reveal “the power of God and the Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24) hidden in his Cross. You were the first to reveal him at Bethlehem, not only to the simple faithful shepherds but also to the wise men from distant lands.

    Mother of Good Counsel, show us always how we are to serve the individual and humanity in every nation, how we are to lead them along the ways of salvation. How we are to protect justice and peace in a world continually threatened on various sides.

    How many problems, Mother, should I not present to you by name! I entrust them all to you, because you know them best and understand them.

     – Prayer of St. John Paul II to Our Lady of Czestochowa (June 4, 1979)

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, 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: 4th July 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/

     

    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus One particular devotion in the Catholic Church connected to the Passion of Jesus Christ is the honouring of his Precious Blood. It is a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and how he spilled his blood for the salvation of humanity. Furthermore, this blood is made present through the gift of the Eucharist and is something we can consume at Mass, along with the body of Christ, under the appearance of bread and wine. Over time the Church developed various feasts of the Precious Blood, but it wasn’t until the 19th century when a universal feast was ...
    Read more here
    july_chalice_priests_hands

    The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

    The New Testament Catholic doctrine teaches the faithful that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and hypostatically united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And as such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration proper to latreutical worship (cultus latriae) which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word. • It is for this same reason that we honour the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The ...
    Read more here
    Symbol of the Precious Blood

    The Symbol of the Precious Blood

    Adam is sleeping an ecstatic sleep. God opens his side, removes a rib and forms Eve, the mother of all the living. But our view transcends this action and in spirit we behold the second, the divine Adam, Christ. He is sleeping the sleep of death. From His opened side blood and water flow, symbols of baptism and the Eucharist, symbols of the second Eve, the Church, the Mother of all the living. Through blood and water Christ willed to redeem God's many children and to lead them to an eternal home. At Jerusalem a service in Yahweh's honour is taking ...
    Read more here
    Christ's Blood on the Cross

    The Devotion to the Precious Blood

    This devotion is one of the most ancient of pious Church practices. It is said that the Blessed Virgin venerated the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as she collected the first relics of His Precious Blood on a piece of cloth. On that momentous occasion she united her tears with that of the Word Incarnate on account of not so much of the sensible pain but of His supernatural sorrow for the hardheartedness of mortals. Devotion to the Precious Blood is not a spiritual option, it is a spiritual obligation, and that not ...
    Read more here
    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The Old fulfilled in the New Covenant

    Sacrifice is the highest form of religious worship which man offers to God as an act of praise, thanksgiving, petition or atonement.The most singular and pre-eminent sacrifice of the Old Law was the immolation of the Paschal Lamb which celebrated the sparing of Israel's firstborn from the fatal sword of the Angel of Death in Egypt at the time of Moses and Pharaoh. The imagery of sacrificial blood from slain animals is made more vivid and meaningful if we recall Moses' words from the Book of Exodus, "And he took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people, and he said: ...
    Read more here
    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus "The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it." In the past, the feast of ...
    Read more here

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Bishop Philip writes... 8th June 2021 This last Sunday, Corpus Christi, I published a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Masses across the Diocese. It’s an invitation to undertake the Year of the Eucharist. Click on the picture for the video recording. You can read it here. My dear ...
    Read More
    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    pentecost

    Happy Birthday to Our Catholic Church – Pentecost

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

     

    Missio Red Boxes

    Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.

    THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.

     

     

    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 – 04-07-2021

    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: 4th July 2021 – 14th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

     

    Please Note: All Services are available in the church without need to book in Person. 

    Also all our services are also streamed online and came be viewed via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    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;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 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: 27th June 2021 – 13th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    Little Girl Arise

    My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today, the Gospel presents us with two of Jesus’ miracles that speak of the great faith of two entirely different persons. Whether Jairus —an official of the synagogue— or that poor ailing woman, both displayed much faith: Jairus is certain Jesus can cure his daughter, while that good old woman knows that just touching Jesus’ robe will be more than enough to deliver her from her very serious bleeding. And, Jesus, because both are persons with a strong faith, grants them what they wanted.

    The woman who thought she was unworthy of Jesus’ attention, who did not dare to bother neither the Master nor those influential Jews, was the first one. Noiselessly, she came up behind him and, softly touching Jesus’ cloak, she “draws out” her cure, and she can feel how her body is completely healed. Jesus, who knows what has happened, does not want to let her go without saying to her: “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be free of this illness” (Mark 5:34).

    To Jairus, Jesus is asking an even stronger faith. As God did with Abraham in the Old Testament, Jesus will ask Jairus to have faith against hope, a faith in impossible things. Jairus had been told the terrible news his little daughter had just died. We can easily imagine the deep anguish and horrible pain he must have felt in that very moment, and perhaps the temptation to despair. But Jesus, who had also heard the news, tells him: “Do not fear, just believe” (Mark 5:36). And, like those ancient patriarchs, hopelessly believing, he could see how his beloved little girl was resurrected by Jesus.
    Two great lessons in faith for us. Jairus and the woman suffering a serious bleeding, along with so many others, from the Gospel pages, speak to us of the need to have an unmovable faith. We can make ours that beautiful evangelic exclamation: “O Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, you taught: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you” (Matthew 7:7). You invite me to place my petition here before you. I believe Lord, that you will hear my prayer if I earnestly ask you with a sincere heart. I hope in your goodness and mercy, and I offer you my love even if it is paltry in comparison to yours, for you are the wellspring of love and goodness itself.

    Petition: Lord, help me to reach out to you with faith.

    1. “If I But Touch His Clothes” Lord, at times you can seem so distant, so far from us. I believe that you are God, all-powerful and almighty. Yet, Lord, I believe that you want me to come to you. As great and as mighty as you are, you invite me to come to you as a little child. How seldom do I seek to reach out to you like the woman suffering a haemorrhage! What great faith she has. All she wants to do is have contact with you. She doesn’t seek much, just a brief moment. At times my life goes by so fast that I do not seek even that. I worry about my own things, and I get so caught up in my own problems that I do not think about bringing them to you as she does. It seems so right and so easy, yet how frequently do I hold the attitude she does?

    2. “Who Touched Me?” Lord, it must please you to recognize someone has reached out to you. Many times you marvelled at our faith, even if it be just for a moment. You were amazed at the faith of the centurion when he said: “Only speak the word, and let my servant be healed” (Luke 7:7). You promised the “Good Thief” that he would be with you in Paradise. This woman believed that you could do something to make a difference in her life, and she sought you out. How often do we touch you? How often do we bring you to look for us, to seek us out because we seek you out?

    3. “Your Faith Has Saved You” Faith in you, Lord, is what inspired the woman to touch your cloak. She believed that you would make her well. Reaching out to you was her prayer. She knows who she is: a creature whom the Father has made, a poor soul in need of help. She had tried to do it alone, seeking cures in medicine. They only worsened her condition. Now she asks for your help. Not only do you help her, Lord, but you save her. You are waiting to do the same for me if I simply come to you and make my petition. Lord, I believe that by making my petition known to you, I am being the person you made me to be. I am one who is totally dependent on you. I need you for everything. By myself I can do nothing, but with you I can do all things (Cf. Galatians 2: 20).

    Conversation with Christ: Lord, I recognize that you want me to touch you like the woman with a haemorrhage did. I believe, Lord, that you are waiting for me to come to you as she did. All I have to do is reach out and touch you. You will be there to answer my prayer.

    Resolution: I shall make two acts of faith during the day so as to reach out to my Lord, who is waiting for me to come to him.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

    Service Times from Saturday June 26th 2021  until July 4th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week's Newsletter here: Newsletter: 27th June 2021 – 13th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B
    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 27th June 2021 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 27-06-2021
    Monday 28th June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 28-06-2021
    Tuesday 29th June 2021 The SOLEMNITY of Ss PETER & PAUL, Apostles
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 29-06-2021
    Wednesday 30th June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 30-06-2021
    Thursday 1st July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 01-07-2021
    Friday 2nd July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 02-07-2021
    Saturday 3rd July 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 03-07-2021
    Sunday 4th July 2021 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 04-07-2021

     

     

     Read today’s Readiings here

    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 27-06-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 27-06-2021

    Arise!: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time God, who formed us in His imperishable image, did not intend for us to die, we hear in today’s First Reading. Death entered the world through the devil’s envy and Adam and Eve’s sin; as a result, we are all bound to die. But in the moving story in today’s Gospel, we see Jesus liberate a little girl from the possession of death. On one level, Mark is recounting an event that led the disciples to understand Jesus’ authority and power over even the final enemy, death (see 1 Corinthians 15:26). On another level, however, this episode is written to strengthen our hope that we too will be raised from the dead, along with all our loved ones who sleep in Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:18). Jesus commands the girl to “Arise!”—using the same Greek word used to describe His own ...
    Read more here
    Touch the Hem of His Garment

    Commentary on Wisdom 1:13-15;2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15; Mark 5:21-43

    Today’s readings are about Jesus as the giver of life. The gospel consists of two related stories, with one inside the other, a typical feature of Mark’s gospel known as ‘inclusion’. Jesus is approached by an official of the synagogue, called Jairus. His daughter is seriously ill and he wants Jesus to come and lay his hands on her "to maker her better and save her life". So Jesus sets out for Jairus’ house and is followed by a huge crowd of jostling people. A woman in fear It is at this point that the second story begins. An unfortunate woman who has suffered a haemorrhage for 12 years is in the crowd. Mark says she had spent all her resources on treatment from doctors. There was no improvement; in fact, she was feeling worse than ever. (Luke, who was traditionally thought to be a doctor, omits this detail!) Like ...
    Read more here

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 27-06-2021

    JMiracles! Jesus heals the woman and brings the daughter of Jairus back to life! This is a fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B. (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm...​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 Little girl, I tell you to get up Children in today's Gospel we hear about the woman who had great faith in Jesus. She said ‘If only I could touch the garment’. This was a dream of the woman who was ill. Ill for many years and laughed at a bit by other women. Her dream activated her to go to Jesus with her illness, her hopes and her faith. Her faith opened Jesus’ power to heal ...
    Read more here
    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 27-06-2021

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 27-06-2021

    Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 5:21-43 ( shorter form, Mark 5:21-24,35b-43) Jesus heals a woman afflicted with a haemorrhage and raises Jairus’s daughter from death. For today’s Gospel, we continue to read from the Gospel of Mark. Last Sunday we heard about Jesus calming the storm, the first of four miracles that Jesus performs in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. Each of these four miracle stories offers us a glimpse at Jesus’ power. This week we hear about the third and fourth miracles, skipping the second miracle, the healing of a man from Gerasene who was possessed by a demon. Today’s Gospel reports two stories of healing. One story tells us about a father’s great love for his dying daughter. The other story tells us about a desperate woman who risks much as she seeks healing from Jesus. In each story, the request for healing is itself ...
    Read more here

    Hem of his Cloak - Cartoon

     

    Year of the Eucharist – Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    As we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Portsmouth, please – let’s do our best to follow resolutions to benefit from this jubilee and grow even closer to the Eucharistic Jesus. Deepening the First resolution:

    1. Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often. You will be able to experience the peace that is the fruit of the Eucharist.

    To make a good confession demands prior preparation. The better the prior preparation, ...
    Read more here

    St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – Can You Help?

    You may be aware that a few of us from the parish are members of the St Vincent de Paul Society here at St Swithun's with Fr. Marcin as our spiritual advisor. We wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we do and to let you know we are always looking for new people to join or people that we may be able to help. History of St Vincent De Paul The Society of ...
    Read more here

    The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – Holy Day of Obligation (Tuesday, 29th June)

    The Solemnity of Ss PETER & PAUL, Apostles is The Holy Day of Obligation CODE OF CANON LAW (Catholic Church’s Law): Can. 1247 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. The Holy Masses at St Swithun’s to fulfil our Catholic obligation are: On Monday 28th June, at 7.00pm – VIGIL Mass, on Tuesday 29th June, at 10.00am & at 7.00pm (in Polish). During these Masses will be ...
    Read more here

    Bishop Philip Egan on The next Synod of Bishops 2023

    Bishop Philip writes... Recently, I received some more information about the next Synod of Bishops to be held in 2023. Its topic is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission” and this October, Pope Francis will open a three-year synodal journey with three phases (diocesan, continental, universal), culminating with the assembly in Rome in October 2023. The Synod is intended to make the synodality desired by Pope Francis since the beginning of his pontificate concrete and visible and the ...
    Read more here

    Pope Francis – World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

    Pope Francis has released a message for the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly that will be celebrated on 25 July. In it, he reassures the elderly that God is always with them and reminds them of their vocation to preserve our roots and to pass on the faith to the younger ones.
    Papal Message – Grandparents – 2021Download
    The theme chosen by the Pope for the inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28: 30). The Holy ...
    Read more here

    hem of his garment

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics – “Touch the Hem of His Garment” -Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers

    "Touch the Hem of His Garment" - Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers The Soul Stirrers are an American gospel music group, whose career spans over eighty years. The group was a pioneer in the development of the quartet style of gospel, and a major influence of soul music, doo wop, and motown sound, some of the secular music that owed much to gospel. The group was formed by Roy Crain, who had launched his first quartet, which sang in a jubilee style, in 1926 in Trinity, Texas. In the early 1930s, after Crain moved to Houston, he joined an existing ...
    Read more here

     

     

     

    Cardinal Nichols : Appreciate grandparents and the elderly as ‘gifts of God’

    25 July 2021 is the inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, is echoing the Pope’s words to young people encouraging them to talk to their grandparents if they want to be a sign of hope for the world. Promoting the important connection between generations, Cardinal Nichols said: “Elderly people get isolated, grandparents often get forgotten. But a day of prayer will help us to remember that we are gifts to each other because we are gifts of God. And if we give thanks for those gifts, ...
    Read more here
    Philip Kosloski - What do Catholics believe about the Bible?

    Philip Kosloski – What do Catholics believe about the Bible?

    Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, written by human authors. For Catholics, the Bible is the key to unlocking all the teachings of the faith. It is the foundation of the Catholic Church and continues to inspire the daily lives of her members. Inspired by God The Catechism of the Catholic Church eloquently explains this central truth. God is the author of Sacred Scripture. “The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.“ “For Holy Mother Church, relying ...
    Read more here
    Plug into Prayer

    Philip Kosloski – Christ should be present in our thoughts, words and deeds

    Every aspect of our lives should be filled with Jesus' presence. Jesus did not come merely to teach us how to act, but to fill our entire life with his presence. No aspect of our life should be left untouched by God. St. Gregory of Nyssa writes about this in A treatise on Christian Perfection, “The life of the Christian has three distinguishing aspects: deeds, words and thought. Thought comes first, then words, since our words express openly the interior conclusions of the mind. Finally, after thoughts and words, comes action, for our deeds carry out what the mind has ...
    Read more here

    Can you help resettle a refugee family in Portsmouth?

    "Pompey Reset” is the name of a small group of parishioners from the St. John’s Cathedral who came together to resettle a refugee family in Portsmouth. From meeting the family at the airport, finding schools for the children, arranging benefits, finding English teachers and translators, this exciting “Faith in Action” project will be restoring life to a destitute family presently living in a hopeless situation in a middle eastern refugee camp. As we need to find a property for the family, we are wondering if there are any parishioners out there with second properties or who know of anyone who ...
    Read more here
    Diocese of Portsmouth - Year of the Eucharist begins

    Diocese of Portsmouth – Year of the Eucharist begins

    In our Diocese of Portsmouth, we will begin a Year of the Eucharist starting on the Feast of Corpus Christi, 6th June 2021. As you know, in these years 2020 to 2022, I am inviting everyone in the Diocese to undertake by God’s grace a period of intense, spiritual renewal. The purpose ultimately is to help us realise our diocesan ambition of Bringing People Closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. We are always totally dependent on God and His grace and on the gifts of the Holy Spirit He pours out upon us through the Holy Eucharist. In other words, we ...
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    Jeannette Williams - A Fatima Movie for Our Times

    Jeannette Williams – A Fatima Movie for Our Times

    Updated post 25/06/2021A beautiful new film has been made about Fatima portraying the events of 1917. The new film on Fatima will be shown on demand and in cinemas here in UK on the 25th June. You can also get a good idea of what the film will be like by visiting: https://www.fatimafilm.co.uk/ There you can see a trailer which highlights the authentic look and feel of the film for Fatima and Portugal in the early twentieth century. You can see cinemas where the film will be available here: https://www.fatimafilm.co.uk/tickets/ The film tells the uplifting story about the power of faith, based on real-life ...
    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 June 2021 till the 31st July 2021

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

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL:  Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk

    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 – SUBJECT: ‘Come, Holy Spirit, Come – A need and how to cultivate the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us’;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – SUBJECT: ‘Follow the path of holiness – we are called to accept the gift of humanity;

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

    ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: TUESDAY at 11.15am;

    Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:

    Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School  (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)

    FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back FOR ALL (in English) on Monday 5th July – both meetings at 5.30pm – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    These will be our last ONLINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL sessions before Summer Holidays.

    Other News
    URGENT APPEAL - FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH

    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 packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
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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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    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

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021

    Formation Meeting for The First Communion Children & their Parents ’ – (next one will be held on Tuesday 6th July at 5.30pm through ‘ZOOM’ as well). Please, remember and attend.

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

    Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

    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 – June 2021 

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions June 2021 – The beauty of marriage

    Pope’s Intention for evangelization:

    Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

    Lord our God, you established marriage
    as one of your first gifts to the human family,
    and you sanctified it with your Son’s presence at the wedding feast in Cana.
    You consecrated this bond of one man and one woman
    as a Sacrament in your Church – a Sacrament that opens the door to a vocation
    meant for the good of the couple, their children, and the whole world.

    Lord, help us to recognize your plan for marriage as the gift it is,
    showing us the way upon which you call so many people to holiness,
    by living spousal love in family life with generosity, faithfulness, and patience.

    Look especially with mercy on young people preparing for marriage, Lord,
    and grant them the wisdom and courage to embrace your plan in full,
    helping them by formation in their families of origin, among their friends,
    and especially in the Church community.

    May all young people live their marriage in a way
    that truly reflects your unending love for the Church. Amen.

    Prayer by Fr. Andrij Hlabse, S.J.

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, 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 June 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/

     

    Sacred Heart

    History of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart can be seen as early as the second century with St. Justin Martyr and in the 7th century with Pope Gregory the Great. Writers throughout these centuries emphasized the pierced side of Christ as the inexhaustible source from which all graces flow upon mankind and the blood and water as symbols of the sacraments of the Church. With the coming of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Anselm in the 12th century, there was a sudden increase in direct reference to the love of the Sacred Heart for every person redeemed by His Passion and ...
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    Pope John Paul II

    The Popes on Devotion to the Sacred Heart

    The feast of the Sacred Heart was approved for specified dioceses by Clement XIII in 1765, and extended to the whole Church by Pius IX in 1856. In 1889 Pope Leo XIII elevated it to the rank of first class, and through an encyclical letter in 1899 dedicated the whole Catholic world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was also an essential component of Pope John Paul II's hopes for the "new evangelization" called for by the Church. "For evangelization today," he said, "the Heart of Christ must be recognized as the heart of the Church: ...
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    Sacred Heart of Jesus June

    Scriptural Basis for the Devotion

    Jesus, who is one with the Father (cf. John 10, 30), invites his disciples to live in close communion with him, to model their lives on him and on his teaching. He, in turn, reveals himself as "meek and humble of heart" (Matthew 11, 29). It can be said that, in a certain sense, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a cultic form of the prophetic and evangelic gaze of all Christians on him who was pierced (cf. John 19, 37; Zac 12, 10), the gaze of all Christians on the side of Christ, transfixed by a lance, ...
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    Sacred Heart 2

    The Sacred Heart and Our Spiritual Life

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a wonderful historical expression of the Church's piety for Christ, her Spouse and Lord: it calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and his saving work. Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous. Some have been explicitly approved and frequently recommended by the Apostolic See. Among these, mention should be made of the following: Personal Consecration Personal consecration, described by Pius XI as "undoubtedly the principal devotional practice used in relation to the Sacred Heart" (Miserentissimus redemptor). Family Consecration Family consecration ...
    Read more here
    Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

    Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

    In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart ...
    Read more here
    June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a very, very old practice originally arising out of devotion to the Sacred wounds of Christ and all that His sacrifice for us embodied. It is a beautiful practice with which you can get closer to Jesus in contemplation of the Passion and His most perfect sacrifice. In 1899, the human race was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Pope Leo XIII’s decree in his encyclical Annum Sacrum. Pope Pius X extended this by instituting this dedication be renewed yearly. The Feast Day for the Sacred Heart of Jesus falls ...
    Read more here

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Bishop Philip writes... 8th June 2021 This last Sunday, Corpus Christi, I published a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Masses across the Diocese. It’s an invitation to undertake the Year of the Eucharist. Click on the picture for the video recording. You can read it here. My dear ...
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    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    pentecost

    Happy Birthday to Our Catholic Church – Pentecost

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

     

    Missio Red Boxes

    Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.

    THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.

     

     

    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 -27-06-2021

    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: 27th June 2021 – 13th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

     

    Please Note: All Services are available in the church without need to book in Person. 

    Also all our services are also streamed online and came be viewed via our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/

    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;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 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: 20th June 2021 – 12th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

    My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

    Today —in these days of “stormy weather”— we find the Gospel being held up to questioning. Humanity has gone through dramas which, like violent waves, have broken over individuals and entire peoples, particularly during the 20th century and the troubles of the 21st. Sometimes we can’t help but ask “Master, don’t you care if we sink?” (Mark 4,38); If You really do exist, if You are our Father, how can these things happen?

    Before the horror of the memory of the concentration camps of the Second World War Pope Benedict asks “Where was God when this was happening, Why did He stay silent? How could He tolerate such excessive destruction?”. It was a question that the people of Israel asked in the Old Testament: “Why are you asleep? (…) Why do you hide your face from us and forget about our plight?”.

    God will not answer those questions: of him we can ask everything except why; we have no right to demand explanations. In fact, God is there and is talking; the problem is us, because we do not put ourselves in his presence and therefore cannot hear his voice. “We cannot decipher God’s secret —says Pope Benedict XI—. We can only see fragments of it and are in the wrong if what we are trying is to become judges of God and History. As such we would not be defending humanity, but rather would be contributing to its destruction”.

    Therefore, the problem is not whether God exists or is here with us or not. The problem is that we live as if He didn’t exist. Here is God’s answer: “Why are you so afraid? How can you not have faith?” (Mc 4,40). This Jesus said that to His disciples; He also said it to Saint Faustina Kowalska: “My daughter, do not be afraid, I am always with you even when it looks as though I am not”. Let us not ask him questions, but rather let us pray and accept His will and… then there will be less dramas, and, amazed, we will say “Who is he whom even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mc 4,41) —Jesus, I put all my trust in you!

    REFLECTION

    Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are in my boat. I want a stronger faith in you. I trust that you will lead me, sinful though I am, to your good harbor. I love you for always accompanying me in this life.

    Petition: Lord, help me to grow in faith.

    Crossing to the Other Side: We know that we will not remain on earth forever. There is another shore that is our home. Christ has come to remind us of this and show us how to get to that place. Do I take Christ into my boat and let him indicate what I must do in my life? Or do I hold myself back, not accepting the adventure of putting out into the deep with Christ? What is it that holds me back?

    Teacher, We Are Perishing! Christ allows our boat to be tossed by difficulties that sometimes seem insurmountable. Having him in our boat is not a guarantee that things will go smoothly. We need to discover that he is working in the midst of difficulties. We need to ask what he is teaching us. If in the midst of trials we are drawing closer to him, there can be a real grace working. Yet many times we find that we let our confidence in him slip when things get rough. We have not yet learned that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

    The Lord of the Wind and the Sea: We need to keep in mind that Christ has the ultimate victory. He allows difficulties so that we can grow in abandoning ourselves to him. When life hurts and it makes no sense, we need to deepen our faith in the One who has conquered sin and death. He will write the final chapter in our life. He will bring us to the safe harbor. We can bolster our faith in him today by keeping our eyes on his promises and his presence. We can renew our confidence that he will not let our prayers go unanswered but will respond in his time with a power and efficacy beyond what we expect. In continuing to sail this boat in the midst of the storm, we are giving him the total control over our destiny. We can be in no safer hands.

    Conversation with Christ: Lord, I know that when you allow difficulties in my life you are trying to strengthen my faith and make me see that I need to turn to you. Help me take advantage of these difficulties so I might abandon myself more totally to you. I want to learn to trust you as the Lord of my life. Bring me to safe harbor.

    Resolution: I will analyze one of the greater difficulties in my life and see where I need to apply greater trust in God.

    with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

    Service Times from Saturday June 19th 2021  until June 27th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
  • Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
    		•
    Download this week's Newsletter here: Newsletter: 20th June 2021 – 12th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B
    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 20th June 2021 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 20-06-2021
    Monday 21st June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 21-06-2021
    Tuesday 22nd June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 22-06-2021
    Wednesday 23rd June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 23-06-2021
    Thursday 24th June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 24-06-2021
    Friday 25th June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 25-06-2021
    Saturday 26th June 2021St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 26-06-2021
    Sunday 27th June 2021 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time B
    		St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 27-06-2021

     

     

     Read today’s Readiings here

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 20-06-2021

    Jesus Calms the Storm! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B. (Catholic Kids Media) A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the Trinity Sunday, cycle B. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm...​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 4:35-41 Trust in God - Jesus calms the storm.  In today's Gospel reading the apostles became very afraid when a storm came up and the boat they were in started to sink. Jesus was asleep in the boat, but when they woke Him up He told the storm to stop and it did! Have you ever been very afraid? There are lots of things that can really scare us. Jesus wants us to turn to Him with faith when we are afraid. Sometimes God lets ,, If ever you feel scared, pray ...
    Read more here
    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 20-06-2021

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 20-06-2021

    Background on the Gospel Reading Mark 4:35-41 Jesus calms the storm. As we continue in Ordinary Time, our reading today is taken from the Gospel of Mark, the primary Gospel reading in Lectionary Cycle B. Mark's Gospel presents a vivid portrait of Jesus, whose words and deeds show that he is the Son of God. Today's Gospel describes the end of a day of teaching in Jesus' ministry. Jesus taught the crowd in parables and then offered explanations of these parables to his disciples. Jesus then led his disciples away from the crowds and into the boats that they will use to cross the Sea of Galilee. The sea and its surrounding area are the settings for Jesus' teachings and miracles in this part of Mark's Gospel. Today's reading describes how Jesus calmed a storm at sea. It is the first of four miracles that are presented in sequence at ...
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    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 20-06-2021

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 20-06-2021

    In the Storm: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time “Do you not yet have faith?” Our Lord’s question in today’s Gospel frames the Sunday liturgies for the remainder of the year, which the Church calls “Ordinary Time.” In the weeks ahead, the Church’s liturgy will have us journeying with Jesus and His disciples, reliving their experience of His words and deeds, coming to know and believe in Him as they did. Notice that today’s Psalm almost provides an outline for the Gospel. We sing of sailors caught in a storm; in their desperation, they call to the Lord and He rescues them. Mark’s Gospel today also intends us to hear a strong echo of the story of the prophet Jonah. He, too, was found asleep on a boat when a life-threatening storm broke out that caused his fellow travelers to pray for deliverance, and then to ...
    Read more here
    Commentary on Job 38:1,8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

    Commentary on Job 38:1,8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

    REFLECTION:  THERE SEEM to be two lessons being taught in today’s readings.During these Sundays we are reading from Mark’s gospel. In his gospel he brings the reader through a process by which the real identity of Jesus is gradually revealed. Crossing the lake In today’s passage he tells his disciples to cross over in a boat to the opposite shore of the Lake of Galilee. (In John’s gospel this scene follows immediately on the feeding of the 5,000 when the crowd got very excited and wanted to make Jesus their king. In case the disciples might have got similar ideas themselves, Jesus packs them off in their boat where they soon come face to face with real life.) They get into the boat and, we are told, there were some other boats accompanying them. (This seems to have some significance for the second part of the teaching.) The Gospel also ...
    Read more here

     

     

    Year of the Eucharist – Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often

    As we celebrate the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Portsmouth, please – let’s do our best to follow resolutions to benefit from this jubilee and grow even closer to the Eucharistic Jesus. Deepening the First resolution:

    1. Prepare your soul for Communion by going to confession more often. You will be able to experience the peace that is the fruit of the Eucharist.

    To make a good confession demands prior preparation. The better the prior preparation, ...
    Read more here

    Diocese of Portsmouth – Year of the Eucharist begins

    In our Diocese of Portsmouth, we will begin a Year of the Eucharist starting on the Feast of Corpus Christi, 6th June 2021. As you know, in these years 2020 to 2022, I am inviting everyone in the Diocese to undertake by God’s grace a period of intense, spiritual renewal. The purpose ultimately is to help us realise our diocesan ambition of Bringing People Closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. We are always totally dependent on God and His grace ...
    Read more here

    Bishop John Sherrington – Day for Life 2021

    Day for Life is an annual celebration of the intrinsic value and dignity of every human person from conception to natural death. Bishop John Sherrington, , the Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Church in England and Wales, has written to his brother bishops about this year’s Day for Life: We celebrate Day for Life on Sunday 20th June 2021. This day, inaugurated by Saint John Paul II, presents an opportunity to pray for the gift of life ...
    Read more here

    Bishop Philip Egan – Letter to PM about the G7 from Catholic Bishops

    Dear Prime Minister, As you prepare for the meeting of leaders of the G7, we write to you on behalf of the Catholic community of England, Wales and Scotland to offer our support in ensuring a sustainable future for our global community. The urgency of the global ecological crisis, and the teachings of our Catholic faith implore us to speak out, take action, and make decisions that benefit our planet and the most vulnerable in society. As Pope Francis writes ...
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    Thomas Griffin – The School of Trust During Stormy Seas

    There is no greater message from God: He is here, with us—and he is trustworthy. Given the turmoil of the past six months, these words are difficult for some to accept. Quarantines, social distancing, illness of friends and loved ones, loss of employment, financial instability, political and social unrest, and the death of thousands as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused much suffering. In the end, though, our lives are defined by the journey from shore to ...
    Read more here

    Happy Father’s Day to all our Parish Fathers

    Happy Fathers Day We celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20th 2021. We think of the strength of a father, his guiding hand, his wisdom, his help. God the Father gave up his only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might be saved through him. He provides an example of the very vocation of fatherhood. Fathers are to sacrifice their lives for their families. They do this by: • Being the spiritual leader and guardian of their families. • Praying for and ...
    Read more here

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics - Mustard Seed  - David Ashley Trent

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Mustard Seed  – David Ashley Trent

    Behind the Song: -  Mustard Seed  - David Ashley Trent Matthew 17:20 “…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” “Lord, increase our faith,” (Luke 17:5). This was the prayer of the early Christians, and it should be our continual prayer as well. If the smallest amount of faith can move ...
    Read more here

     

     

     

    Can you help resettle a refugee family in Portsmouth?

    "Pompey Reset” is the name of a small group of parishioners from the St. John’s Cathedral who came together to resettle a refugee family in Portsmouth. From meeting the family at the airport, finding schools for the children, arranging benefits, finding English teachers and translators, this exciting “Faith in Action” project will be restoring life to a destitute family presently living in a hopeless situation in a middle eastern refugee camp. As we need to find a property for the family, we are wondering if there are any parishioners out there with second properties or who know of anyone who ...
    Read more here
    7 Reasons Fathers Should Practice Their Faith in Front of Their Kids

    7 Reasons Fathers Should Practice Their Faith in Front of Their Kids

    I wear a lot of different hats when it comes to the daily or weekly grind, but none of those roles is more fulfilling than being a father to my three sons. At the same time, there is probably no other role that is more difficult because of the great responsibility put on the shoulders of the person these three young boys call “Dad”. I’m sure virtually any father reading this can agree. Our love for God and for our spouse move us to do well for our children, so that they may be able to enter into this ever ...
    Read more here
    Philip Kosloski - Why our prayers are more effective when prayed in unity

    Philip Kosloski – Why our prayers are more effective when prayed in unity

    God desires to see all his children pray with one voice. In an age of division, one thing that pleases God the most is to see his children pray with a united voice. This is something best described by St. Cyprian in a treatise on the Lord’s Prayer. The God of peace and the Master of concord, who taught unity, willed that one should pray for all, just as he himself, being one, carried us all. The three children observed this law when they were shut into the fiery furnace, praying with one voice and with one heart: thus our ...
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    Philip Kosloski - Who started the Catholic Church?

    Philip Kosloski – Who started the Catholic Church?

    Jesus Christ is regarded as the founder of the Catholic Church, establishing Peter as the first pope. In the midst of thousands of Christian denominations started by various charismatic leaders, the question is inevitably asked, “Who started the Catholic Church?“ The Catholic Church traces itself directly to Jesus Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how this came about. The Lord Jesus endowed his community with a structure that will remain until the Kingdom is fully achieved. Before all else there is the choice of the Twelve with Peter as their head. Representing the twelve tribes of Israel, they ...
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    Father Mike Schmitz – How to Question Your Faith Well

    The Catholic Church loves questions, but are we asking them for the right reasons? One of our Doctors of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, is known for asking the hardest questions we have for our faith. His summa is a book full of them, and some of the greatest saints are the ones that asked the hardest questions. Having questions is not an obstacle, but your intentions can make or break your faith. Today, Father Mike explains how we can question our faith well. #AskAscension ...
    Read more here

    Father Mike Schmitz – Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time

    Learn more about the Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson. Confession is a place of never ending mercy and forgiveness, and is one of the most beautiful parts of our Catholic faith. But for many, it can also be a very daunting experience, especially if it’s been a long time since your last confession. Whether it’s the first time you’ve gone in a year, or it’s the first time you’ve gone in your life, God is ready and willing to forgive your sins. All we have to do is let him into our hearts. Today, ...
    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 19th June 2021 till the 31st July 2021

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

    THIS WEEK FOR ALL:  Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk

    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 – SUBJECT: ‘Come, Holy Spirit, Come – A need and how to cultivate the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us’;
    THURSDAY at 8.00pm – SUBJECT: ‘Follow the path of holiness – we are called to accept the gift of humanity;

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

    ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on: TUESDAY at 11.15am;

    Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:

    Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School  (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)

    FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back FOR ALL (in English) this Monday 21st June & on Monday 5th July – both meetings at 5.30pm – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    These will be our last ONLINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL sessions before Summer Holidays.

    Other News

    On Wednesday 23rd June, the Vigil of St John the Baptist, please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia in this Country. On this month’s Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life, we are especially asking you to fast and pray for the end of DIY abortions at home. Please join in and invite others to join as well. https://www.facebook.com/events/121521016724148
    URGENT APPEAL - FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH

    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 packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
    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
    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

    UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021

    Formation Meeting for The First Communion Children & their Parents this Tuesday 22nd June at 5.30pm through ‘ZOOM’ – (next one will be held on Tuesday 6th July at 5.30pm through ‘ZOOM’ as well). Please, remember and attend.

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

    Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

    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 – June 2021 

    Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions June 2021 – The beauty of marriage

    Pope’s Intention for evangelization:

    Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

    Lord our God, you established marriage
    as one of your first gifts to the human family,
    and you sanctified it with your Son’s presence at the wedding feast in Cana.
    You consecrated this bond of one man and one woman
    as a Sacrament in your Church – a Sacrament that opens the door to a vocation
    meant for the good of the couple, their children, and the whole world.

    Lord, help us to recognize your plan for marriage as the gift it is,
    showing us the way upon which you call so many people to holiness,
    by living spousal love in family life with generosity, faithfulness, and patience.

    Look especially with mercy on young people preparing for marriage, Lord,
    and grant them the wisdom and courage to embrace your plan in full,
    helping them by formation in their families of origin, among their friends,
    and especially in the Church community.

    May all young people live their marriage in a way
    that truly reflects your unending love for the Church. Amen.

    Prayer by Fr. Andrij Hlabse, S.J.

    Pray for those of our Own Parish:

    Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, 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 June 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/

     

    Sacred Heart

    History of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart can be seen as early as the second century with St. Justin Martyr and in the 7th century with Pope Gregory the Great. Writers throughout these centuries emphasized the pierced side of Christ as the inexhaustible source from which all graces flow upon mankind and the blood and water as symbols of the sacraments of the Church. With the coming of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Anselm in the 12th century, there was a sudden increase in direct reference to the love of the Sacred Heart for every person redeemed by His Passion and ...
    Read more here
    Pope John Paul II

    The Popes on Devotion to the Sacred Heart

    The feast of the Sacred Heart was approved for specified dioceses by Clement XIII in 1765, and extended to the whole Church by Pius IX in 1856. In 1889 Pope Leo XIII elevated it to the rank of first class, and through an encyclical letter in 1899 dedicated the whole Catholic world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was also an essential component of Pope John Paul II's hopes for the "new evangelization" called for by the Church. "For evangelization today," he said, "the Heart of Christ must be recognized as the heart of the Church: ...
    Read more here
    Sacred Heart of Jesus June

    Scriptural Basis for the Devotion

    Jesus, who is one with the Father (cf. John 10, 30), invites his disciples to live in close communion with him, to model their lives on him and on his teaching. He, in turn, reveals himself as "meek and humble of heart" (Matthew 11, 29). It can be said that, in a certain sense, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a cultic form of the prophetic and evangelic gaze of all Christians on him who was pierced (cf. John 19, 37; Zac 12, 10), the gaze of all Christians on the side of Christ, transfixed by a lance, ...
    Read more here
    Sacred Heart 2

    The Sacred Heart and Our Spiritual Life

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a wonderful historical expression of the Church's piety for Christ, her Spouse and Lord: it calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and his saving work. Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous. Some have been explicitly approved and frequently recommended by the Apostolic See. Among these, mention should be made of the following: Personal Consecration Personal consecration, described by Pius XI as "undoubtedly the principal devotional practice used in relation to the Sacred Heart" (Miserentissimus redemptor). Family Consecration Family consecration ...
    Read more here
    Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

    Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

    In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart ...
    Read more here
    June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a very, very old practice originally arising out of devotion to the Sacred wounds of Christ and all that His sacrifice for us embodied. It is a beautiful practice with which you can get closer to Jesus in contemplation of the Passion and His most perfect sacrifice. In 1899, the human race was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Pope Leo XIII’s decree in his encyclical Annum Sacrum. Pope Pius X extended this by instituting this dedication be renewed yearly. The Feast Day for the Sacred Heart of Jesus falls ...
    Read more here

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021

    Bishop Philip writes... 8th June 2021 This last Sunday, Corpus Christi, I published a Pastoral Letter to be read at all Masses across the Diocese. It’s an invitation to undertake the Year of the Eucharist. Click on the picture for the video recording. You can read it here. My dear ...
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    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    pentecost

    Happy Birthday to Our Catholic Church – Pentecost

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

    World Communications Day 2021 is on May 16th

     

    Missio Red Boxes

    Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.

    THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.

     

     

    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 -20-06-2021

    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: 20th June 2021 – 12th Sunday Ordinary Time 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;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
    • Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
    • Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 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.