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Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter – 16th February 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
My sisters and brothers in Christ,
Today, Jesus tells us: «I have come to fulfil the Law» (Mt 5, 17). What is the Law? What is ‘The Prophets’? By the Law and the Prophets, Jesus meant two different sets of books of the Old Testament. The Law refers to the works believed to have been written by Moses; the Prophets, as the name itself indicates, are the works of the Prophets and the Sapiential books.
In Today’s Gospel, Jesus refers to those who are considered the summary of the moral code of the Old Testament: The commandments of the law of God. According to Jesus, the Law isn’t merely about external principles. It isn’t an external imposition, on the contrary. Actually, God’s Law corresponds to the ideal of perfection that is deeply rooted in the heart of every man. This is the reason why they who keep the commandments not only achieve the accomplishment of their human aspirations, but also the perfection of Christianism, or, in Jesus’s words, achieves the perfection of the Kingdom of God. «Whoever obeys them and teaches others to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven» (Mt 5, 19).
«But I say to you» (Mt 5,22). The observance of the Law isn’t restricted to the letter, since «For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life» (2Cor 3:6). This is the meaning in which Jesus employs His authority to interpret the Law according to its most authentic spirit. As Jesus interprets it, the Law is extended to its ultimate consequences: the respect for life is connected to the eradication of hate, vengeance and offense; the chastity of the body, to the purity of intentions; the perfection of matrimony depends on fidelity and indissolubility; the truth of the word given starts with the respect for pacts. By observing the law, Jesus «fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear» (Vatican II Council).
The example of Jesus invites us to that perfection of Christian life in which we practice with actions what we preach with words.
with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik
WARM CLOTHES APPEAL for Our Parish Homeless Mission
HOMELESS APPEAL: We are in desparate need of warm clothes especially.
We are current sleeping around 12-15 homeless people in the Church Hall as part of the Open Church project 2020. during Feb and March. Men’s casual trousers/Jeans Tracksuit bottoms (most requested) Jumpers Tops Hoodies Trainers/walking shoes Boxer shorts Deodorant. Much appreciate any response. God Bless Lisa St Swithuns OCP coordinator Here Some other news I have asked some of the volunteers from our Parish, who are involved in …
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FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020
FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back …Read more here
7 Sanctuaries linked by a straight line: The legendary Sword of St. Michael
According to legend, the line represents the blow with which St. Michael sent the devil to hell.
Launch the slideshow
The Sacred Line of Saint Michael the Archangel represents, according …
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Why, yes, missing Mass on Sunday actually is a mortal sin
“Missing Mass is NOT a mortal sin!”
Declaring otherwise in comboxes and on social media should leave us with much to consider about our own pride and authority.
Every time I write on the topic of not going to Mass I invariably see that response, or something similar. In comments and emails, Catholics insist that missing Mass is not a mortal sin. The frequency with which this happens is heartbreaking. It’s tragic that even one Catholic believes this, but …
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Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Lauren Daigle – Salt & Light
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Affair of the Heart: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus tells us in the Gospel this week that He has come not to abolish but to “fulfill” the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets.
His Gospel reveals the deeper meaning and purpose of the Ten Commandments and the moral Law of the Old Testament. But His Gospel also transcends the Law. He demands a morality far greater than that accomplished by the most pious of Jews, the scribes and Pharisees. Outward observance of the Law is not enough. It is not enough that we do not murder, commit adultery, divorce, or lie.
God never asks more of us than we are capable. That is the message of this week’s First Reading. It is up to us to choose life over death, to choose the waters of eternal life over the fires of ungodliness and sin. By His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has shown us that it is possible to keep His commandments. In baptism, He has given us His Spirit that His Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4). The wisdom of the Gospel surpasses all the wisdom of this age that is passing away, St. Paul tells us in the Epistle. The revelation of this wisdom fulfills God’s plan from before all ages. Let us trust in this wisdom, and live by His kingdom law.As we do in this week’s Psalm, let us pray that we grow in being better able to live His Gospel, and to seek the Father with all our heart.
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 16-02-2020
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 16-02-2020
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In this Sunday’s Gospel, Christ shows us that He is not abolishing the ten commandments, but he is demanding of his followers a more perfect, a more sincere, fulfillment of them.
POPE BLESSES PAINTING OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM IN ROME FOR RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND IN MARCH
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How Ferrero Rocher chocolates were inspired by the Virgin Mary
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Aspirations Week
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THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS THE DOWRY OF MARY
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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 16 February 2020 till the 31st March 2020
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/
Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin
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Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable
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St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020
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Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents
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Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme
Here’s the next session: is 24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes)– the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –
For our First Communion Preparation this year, we have 34 children, who would like to start their journey of faith. Please keep them and their Dear Parents in your prayers. At the same time our First Communion Children from THE LAST YEAR are very welcome to come and encourage the new children with their presence, and also to receive their special gifts from Fr Marcin, which he will bring from Assisi, from the place where Carlo Acutis is buried, their special friend from the last year’s preparation.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020: The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.
| Date | Time | Programme | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13th January 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 27th January 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 10th February 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 24th February 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 9th March 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 23rd March 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass” Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session. |
St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 27th March 2020 FRIDAY | 6.15pm | STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 27th April 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 11th May 2020 MONDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 31st May 2020 Sunday | after 10:15am Mass | Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 7th June 2020 Sunday | after 10:15am Mass | Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 12TH June 2020 FRIDAY | 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 13TH June 2020 Saturday | 11.30am | FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday | 11:45am | FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 21ST June 2020 SUNDAY | 10:15am Mass | Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 22ND June 2020 MONDAY | 5.00pm to 6.30pm | Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 28TH June 2020 SUNDAY | 10:15am Mass | Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
| 27TH September 2020 SUNDAY | 10:15am Mass | Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin | St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea |
SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.
Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020
Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.
Download The Baptism Registration form here:
RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):
if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.
Prayer of the Month – February 2020
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Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries
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Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2020 – Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
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and for those in Our Own Parish…..
Please pray for those who are ill especially: Jo Cutler; Robert 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: 16th February 2020: Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Vincent O’Beirne, Henrietta Brady, Harry Restall, Joan Mary Gillespie, Mark Turness, Eveline Connors, Ellen Mary Morgan, Beatrice M Booth, Ida Frazier, Sadie Davey, Kathleen Thompson, Ivy Evelyn Looker, Edith Glenys Gregory, Florence Nelus, Elizabeth Merrett, Elizabeth Morgan, Nellie Bailey, Joseph Maile, James Prest, Lauren Suzanne Marriott, Peter Garrison, John Bernard Bullock, Frances Vassey, Edith Brotherton, Alfred Limbrick, Ellen Ryan, Albert Head, Jenny D Lambert, Alfred Randolf Knagg, Elizabeth Mary Merrett, Thomas Charles Harrison, Monica Collings, Edna Grace Hanvey, Peter George Graves, Eileen Gavan, Margaret Mary Harper, Mildred Wilkins, Josephine Margaret Davis, Bridget Irene Collings, Marion Madden, David Chappell, Beatrice House, William Mullins, Maurice Phillipson, Joanna Kingston, James Healy, Winifred Frances Mason, Loreta Newnham, James Smith, Jane Fitzwilliams, Angela Barden, Lilian Morris, Valerie Willis, William Anderson, Bridget Harrison, Bridget Harrigan, Eileen Mary Florence Emma Spencer, Christine Sheila Haggar and Ian Alfred Charles Langford, ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield and Jozef Michalczuk.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
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WE ARE GOING TO SAY ‘GOODBYE – SEE YOU AGAIN’ TO OUR DEAR PARISHIONERS:+ Mrs Shirley Ellen Parker RIP – Requiem Mass on Monday 24TH February 2020, at 10.30am at St Swithun’s church followed by the committal at Portchester Crematorium (South Chapel) at 12.00noon; Requiem Mass on Friday – 6Th March, at St Swithun’s church at 10.00am, church followed by the committal at Portchester Crematorium (South Chapel) at 12.00noon; |
“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.
Morning Prayers by Text
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GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
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St Swithun’s Homeless Mission
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HELPING THE HOUSEBOUND and SICK AT HOME
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Children’s Liturgy & Sunday School from Sept 2019
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The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family
Imitation of the Holy Family
The Hidden Life of the Holy Family
Hymn for the Holy Family Catholic Telugu Song
Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz
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Our Parish Finances – we need your Help 16-02-2020
OFFERTORY:
Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection. The total amount was £1384.07 (65,9 % Gift Aid). As always, your generosity is much appreciated. Your donations make the life and work of the Parish possible.
Thank all of You who make our church, our Parish so beautiful and alive!
Download Newsletter PDF -16-02-2020
WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE ! Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.
Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter – 16th February 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
PARISH CONTACTS
- PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
- Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
- Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
- Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths tel: 023 92 737559;
- Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden tel: 023 92 817586;
- Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
| Let people know and come join in the conversation online! | |
| LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: | St Swithuns Page |
| FOLLOW us on Twitter: | @FrMarcinD @St_swithun |
A big THANK YOU to our sponsors who contribute to our Parish costs
The Community of the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Eastney, which belongs to the Parish, celebrates their Patroness’ Day next weekend. So we are all very welcome to rejoice with them this special time. On this Feast Day of our Parish – 11th February (Tuesday), we will celebrate in the church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Bransbury Road, Portsmouth PO4 9JY) the special Holy Mass with The Anointing of The Sick. 5.00PM – Sacrament of Confession; …
The theme of this year’s Racial Justice Sunday is ‘You are at the heart of the Church’ and celebrates the contribution Travelling Communities make to the Church in England and Wales. Historically, Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have experienced discrimination both in the wider society and, sadly, within the Church. The aim of this Racial Justice Sunday is to celebrate the contribution that the Travelling Communities make within our parishes and to encourage parishioners to be more welcoming towards fellow Catholics who come from …
