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June 2019
Venerable Matt Talbot
Venerable Matt Talbot’s story (May 2, 1856 – June 7, 1925) Matt can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism. He was born in Dublin, where his father worked on the docks and had a difficult time supporting his family. After a few years of schooling, Matt obtained work as a messenger for some liquor merchants; there he began to drink excessively. For 15 years—until he was almost 30—Matt was an active alcoholic. One day he decided…
Find out more »First Holy Communion Programme – 18-06-2019
o First Holy Communion September 2018-2019 Programme for St Swithun's & Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Our Parish's programme will start in September and there will be a number of sessions on both Thursdays and after the 10:15am Sunday Mass at St Swithun's. It is important that you return the form below to our team here at the parish so we can ensure your child is on our programme. Our First Holy Communion Programme Dates for 2018-2019 we will be adding…
Find out more »Saint Romuald
Saint Romuald’s Story (c. 950 – June 19, 1027) In the midst of a wasted youth, Romuald watched his father kill a relative in a duel over property. In horror he fled to a monastery near Ravenna. After three years, some of the monks found him to be uncomfortably holy and eased him out. Romuald spent the next 30 years going about Italy, founding monasteries and hermitages. He longed to give his life to Christ in martyrdom, and got the…
Find out more »Saint Paulinus of Nola
Saint Paulinus of Nola’s Story (354 – June 22, 431) Anyone who is praised in the letters of six or seven saints undoubtedly must be of extraordinary character. Such a person was Paulinus of Nola, correspondent and friend of Saints Augustine, Jerome, Melania, Martin, Gregory the Great, and Ambrose. Born near Bordeaux, he was the son of the Roman prefect of Gaul, who had extensive property in both Gaul and Italy. Paulinus became a distinguished lawyer, holding several public offices…
Find out more »Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga’s Story (March 9, 1568 – June 21, 1591) The Lord can make saints anywhere, even amid the brutality and license of Renaissance life. Florence was the “mother of piety” for Aloysius Gonzaga despite his exposure to a “society of fraud, dagger, poison, and lust.” As a son of a princely family, he grew up in royal courts and army camps. His father wanted Aloysius to be a military hero. At age 7 Aloysius experienced a profound spiritual…
Find out more »First Holy Communion Programme – 21-06-2018
o First Holy Communion September 2018-2019 Programme for St Swithun's & Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Our Parish's programme will start in September and there will be a number of sessions on both Thursdays and after the 10:15am Sunday Mass at St Swithun's. It is important that you return the form below to our team here at the parish so we can ensure your child is on our programme. Our First Holy Communion Programme Dates for 2018-2019 we will be adding…
Find out more »Saint Thomas More
Saint Thomas More’s Story (February 7, 1478 – July 6, 1535 ) His belief that no lay ruler has jurisdiction over the Church of Christ cost Thomas More his life. Beheaded on Tower Hill, London, on July 6, 1535, More steadfastly refused to approve King Henry VIII’s divorce and remarriage and establishment of the Church of England. Described as “a man for all seasons,” More was a literary scholar, eminent lawyer, gentleman, father of four children, and chancellor of England.…
Find out more »Alton Day of Renewal – 2019 Programme – The Power of Forgiveness
Renewal and Mission June 2019 - THIS MONTH'S THEME: The Power of Forgiveness Knowing we are truly forgiven by God releases us and empowers us to forgive others and to become more effective in our prayer. This is part of our overall 2019 theme "The Power of Prayer - praying to make a difference in the world." GUEST SPEAKER: John Hesketh John has a Masters’ Degree in Catholic Theology from Steubenville Franciscan University and worked as a Youth Minister in Florida…
Find out more »First Holy Communion Programme – 22-06-2019
o First Holy Communion September 2018-2019 Programme for St Swithun's & Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Our Parish's programme will start in September and there will be a number of sessions on both Thursdays and after the 10:15am Sunday Mass at St Swithun's. It is important that you return the form below to our team here at the parish so we can ensure your child is on our programme. Our First Holy Communion Programme Dates for 2018-2019 we will be adding…
Find out more »Saint John Fisher
Saint John Fisher’s Story (1469 – June 22, 1535) John Fisher is usually associated with Erasmus, Thomas More, and other Renaissance humanists. His life therefore, did not have the external simplicity found in the lives of some saints. Rather, he was a man of learning, associated with the intellectuals and political leaders of his day. He was interested in the contemporary culture and eventually became chancellor at Cambridge. He had been made a bishop at 35, and one of his interests was…
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