Our Lady of Lourdes & St Swithun's

Newsletter: 2nd August 2020 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Jesus feeding the 5000

WE THANK GOD THAT WE ARE NOW ALLOWED TO CELEBRATE HOLY MASS IN OUR CHURCH

Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.
From the 8th August this is mandatory from the Government.
Father Marcin is on holiday in Poland from the 3rd August so please note the changes in service times and other events.

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

My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

Today, we can contemplate how both human and supernatural love can be forged in us, given that we use the same heart to love both man and God. Generally speaking love starts to grow in the human heart with the progressive discovery of that which is attractive in the other person: their friendliness, their goodness. This is the case with the “boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish” (John 6:9). He gives Jesus all that he has got with him, the bread and the fish, because he has let himself be won over by the attractiveness of Jesus. —Have I discovered the attractiveness of the Lord?

The next step is falling in love, the consequence of feeling a response. “Large crowds followed him because of the miraculous signs they saw when He healed the sick” (John 6:2). Jesus listened to them; He paid attention to them because He knew what they needed. Jesus Christ finds an attraction in me and desires that I fulfil myself both humanly and supernaturally. He loves me as I am, in all my smallness, because I ask for forgiveness and, with his help, I continue trying. “Jesus realized that they would come and take him by force to make him king; so He fled to the hills by himself” (John 6:26). He will say to them the next day: “In truth I say to you: you seek me not because you have seen signs, rather because you have eaten of the bread and you have been satiated” (John 6:26). Saint Augustine writes: “Many are those who look for Jesus are guided solely by worldly interests! (…) Rarely do they seek Jesus for Jesus”.

The fullness of love is love that gives of itself; when you look for the good of a loved one without expecting anything in return, even when it entails personal sacrifice. Today, I can say: “Lord, You who lets us participate in the miracle of the Eucharist: I ask you not to hide, that you live with us, that we may see you, that we may touch you, that we may feel you, that we may be always at your side, that you be the King of our lives and of our work” (Saint Josemaría).

REFLECTION

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you, the Holy Trinity, dwell in my soul. Thank you for the joy of your friendship and love. I hope in you; I hope that you will guide me and my loved ones home to heaven, where we can delight in your presence forever. I love you and long to be a better instrument of your love.

Petition: Lord, help me to achieve an unconditional trust in you.

A Test to Get Us to Grow in Trust: It was clear that Jesus’ disciples did not have the means to help these people out of their predicament — neither in ready available cash nor in locating a nearby market large enough to feed the overburdening crowd. Yet Scripture says, “He said this to test him.” Let this passage remind us that God can allow our problems to become so big and desperate as to show forth his power. God wants us to trust in him and to purify our intentions along our journey of faith. How great our Lord is in solving the unsolvable and making possible the impossible. He cures the incurable, raises people from the dead, and, most importantly, converts the erring sinner. “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:38). Do I easily give up hope when I don’t see a human solution to a situation? Blessed is he who believes that what the Lord promises will be fulfilled (Cf. Luke 1:46).

Our Lord Wants Us to Play a Part in His Miracle:  God has the power of creating something out of nothing, but he asks for human collaboration, even if it is minimal. Here it is no different. The apostles are utterly poor: they can bring to Our Lord only five loaves and two fish from a boy they find in the crowd. Jesus asks us to contribute because he wants to teach us to be generous, even when we think we have nothing to give. Actually, it is when we give from our want that we most please Our Lord (Cf. Luke 21:1-4). Poverty is never an excuse for a lack of generosity in serving and working for Our Lord. This miracle proves to us that Our Lord can never be outdone in generosity.

Don’t Miss the Point: In this scene Our Lord slowly prepared his apostles and disciples for his teaching on the Real Presence in the Eucharist. He had to purify their hearts and prune out attachment to the things of this world in order for them to accept the difficult teaching about his self-giving love found in the Eucharist. Even so, when he saw that the people were about to miss the point of his miracle, Our Lord “withdrew again to the mountain alone” (John 6:15). Sometimes Our Lord withdraws the comfort and consolation of his presence in our lives because we wrongly interpret their meaning and purpose. Do I properly discern the spirit in my heart when I pray? Am I happy only for things that gives me comfort, or am I truly coming closer to Christ because I recognize who he is and return to him the same authentic love he gives me and wants from me?
Conversation with Christ: Thank you, Lord, for this meditation and the lessons I learned from it. Keep me generous so I may never lose my trust in you. When the situations of my life seem unsolvable, help me to trust that in your time, you will work your wonders in my life, bringing glory to your name.

Resolution: I will make a visit to the Eucharist or a spiritual communion each day this week, offering this sacrifice of time for the conversion of the hearts of those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, or do not love you, Lord, in the Eucharist.

with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

 

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

Important Notice – Timetable for First Communion Children

Dear parents You will have received a letter from Fr Marcin regarding the arrangements for First Confession and First Communion. Because COVID 19 has confronted us with unexpected issues, Fr Marcin has taken into account the reality that some families already feel safe enough to come to church for Mass each week . Therefore he decided that he should arrange Holy Communion in two or maybe three separate cohorts starting with this group whose parents already feel safe enough …
Read more here

Practical Advice – St Swithuns Opening for Masses from Saturday July 4th 2020

Our Government’s announcement that places of worship will be able to open for services from Saturday July 4th is welcomed by all within our Parish of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. However it also presents challenges for us all around making our churches safe places to attend mass and other services. Father Marcin based on advice from our Diocese of Portsmouth , led by Bishop Philip, has been working hard with a small team of volunteers to …
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The Existence of Angels is a Truth of Faith

Bishop Barron – Presentation on Angels. I can’t tell you about Angels unless I also talk about devils. When Lucifer and some of the other Angels turned away from God they lost the glory of heaven. They were privileged to live with God and to gaze upon the Beauty of God but they lost this forever through their own fault. They can never go back. Heaven is real! Angels are real! Hell is real! Devils are real! 1 …
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Watch these Italian friars and sisters take to the streets to dance

They spread some much-needed joy.

One of the beauties of social media is that you can get a glimpse of what’s going on around the world from wherever you may be, such as your own home. Just this week, Vittorio Ricco shared on his Facebook page a video clip that is bound to make anyone smile.In the homemade video, Ricco managed to capture some of the joy that the Franciscan Mission of Legnano in Italy …
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5 Ways to be devoted to Mary during the summer

Checking in with our heavenly Mother isn’t just for May!

How’s your devotion to Mary going this summer? We had the month of May, which is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and to adding or deepening expressions of Marian piety and devotion in daily life. Parishes this year were of course limited in what they offered during the month of May because of shelter at home orders and quarantine life.In the life …
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Corrinne May

Hymn for Today: Five Loaves and Two Fishes – Corrinne May

IT COULD have been a case of Sister Corrinne Foo May Ying, the singing nun. That it did not materialise does not make her current vocation less fulfilling, as “God knows better”, says Corrinne May, now the singing wife and mother. And judging from her resolute views about marriage and parenthood, she leaves no doubt where her calling is. Corrinne May is one of Singapore’s most celebrated singer-songwriters. Her best-selling album, 2007’s ‘Beautiful Seed’ was certified platinum in Singapore and her newest album, 2012’s ‘Crooked Lines’ topped the charts in Singapore and attained gold certification within its first month of …
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Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 02-08-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading Today we jump ahead in our reading of Matthew’s Gospel to Chapter 14. Last week we heard Jesus conclude his discourse with the crowds about the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew’s narrative, Jesus then leaves the crowds and returns to Nazareth, where he is rejected. Matthew then recounts the story of John the Baptist’s arrest and execution at the hands of Herod. Today’s Gospel reading begins at this point. Upon hearing the news of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus seeks to withdraw, but the crowds follow him. Jesus reaches out to them in compassion and heals the sick. At the end of a long day, the disciples encourage Jesus to send the crowds away so that they might find provisions for themselves. Jesus again responds with compassion for the crowd. Jesus tells his disciples to provide food for the crowd. The disciples reply …
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Children - Read today's Holy Readings here again 02-08-2020

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 02-08-2020

Catholic Kids Homilies – Unending loaves, Unending Love! A fun Catholic homily for kids based on the readings for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, cycle A. In Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 14:13-21 we hear about the miracle of  how Jesus fed 5000 thousand people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. In the Bible, meals are seen as much more than a means of satisfying physical hunger. The Hebrew people viewed eating a meal as a way of expressing and strengthening their relationship to one another under God’s covenant. What did the disciples want to do with the large hungry crowd? (They wanted to send them away.) What does Jesus tell the disciples to do? (He tells them to give the crowd some food to eat.) Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and was able to feed the entire crowd of 5,000 people until they were satisfied …
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Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 02-08-2020

Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 02-08-2020

Food in Due Season: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time In Jesus and the Church, Isaiah’s promises in today’s First Reading are fulfilled. All who are thirsty come to the living waters of Baptism (see John 4:14). The hungry delight in rich fare—given bread to eat and wine to drink at the Eucharistic table. This is the point, too, of today’s Gospel. The story of Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 brims with allusions to the Old Testament. Jesus is portrayed as a David-like shepherd who leads His flock to lie down on green grass as He spreads the table of the Messiah’s banquet before them (see Psalm 23). Jesus is shown as a new Moses, who likewise feeds vast crowds in a deserted place. Finally, Jesus is shown doing what the prophet Elisha did—satisfying the hunger of the crowd with a few loaves and having some left …
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Chris Stefanick - Do you talk to yourself as God would?

Chris Stefanick – Do you talk to yourself as God would?

There’s never been a more important time in recent history than now to refocus on God’s truth about ourselves so we can each live the life we were made for.  The recent lockdown has turned our daily experiences upside down; we have all had to journey through the reality of the epidemic but each of our experiences and trials will have been have different.  For many of us the journey will have given us a chance to be aware of and consider what is going on in our hearts and heads, to question our priorities and whether our lives are …
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Our Diocese News - Grow in faith this summer with the Formation for Mission team

Our Diocese News – Grow in faith this summer with the Formation for Mission team

The Diocesan Formation for Mission (FFM) team is offering a series of online talks and videos this July and August to help bring you closer to Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a catechist wanting to develop your ministry or a faithful Catholic looking to learn more, they are here to help.  Formation for Everybody Where Does It Come From? Why are there more books in the Catholic Old Testament? Who decided which books are part of the New Testament? If you’ve ever been asked tricky questions about the origins of the Scriptures, or asked them yourself, join Sr Carino OP of …
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Bishop Philip - New Vatican Document on Reforming Parishes

Bishop Philip – New Vatican Document on Reforming Parishes

Bishop Philip writes… Last week, the Congregation for Clergy in Rome issued a document about parishes and their reform called “The pastoral conversion of the parish community in the service of the evangelizing mission of the church.” It says the goal of parish reform must be to move parishes from a “self-preservation” model to an evangelising one. The document focuses primarily on questions of parish structure, rather than spiritual conversion or the specifics of evangelisation, and provides guidance on grouping parishes together, and the respective roles of clergy and lay faithful. It observes that many parishes seem to be more …
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Bishop Philip Egan - At last - the New Directory for Catechesis! 

Bishop Philip Egan – At last – the New Directory for Catechesis! 

Bishop Philip writes… Last month, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation in Rome published its long-awaited new Directory for Catechesis (published in English by the CTS: ISBN 978-1-78469-641-2). The new Directory represents the work of more than 80 experts over five years. It is continuous with the previous Directory, published in 1997, but reflects the dynamic renewal in catechesis since then, whilst dealing with contemporary issues such as sex and gender, bioethics, care for creation and medical advances. A new feature is the stress on the link between catechesis and evangelisation (‘evangelising catechesis’) and how catechesis today needs to take on the …
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Practical Prayer Tips from the Carmelite Sisters

Practical Prayer Tips from the Carmelite Sisters

Dear Sister, Is there a best time to pray, given all the activities each day holds for me—working at my job and caring for and being with my family makes a very full day? Also, I’m not fully awake first thing in the morning and already mighty tired by the time I lay my head on the pillow. I thought I would “Ask a Carmelite Sister” for her input on how I can find some time to pray. Dear Friend, I commend highly your desire to find the “right time to pray.”  During a retreat, a priest shared that each …
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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIMES AND DATES FOR ALL CHURCH SERVICES FROM 2nd August to September 11th 2020 

Dates Time Service Location Comments
EVERY SATURDAY – Vigil Mass
from 1st August to 12th September		 6:00pm Vigil Mass of Saturday St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea Maximum of 130 people allowed. Masks must be worn in the church.
SUNDAY SERVICES
from 2nd August to 31st August 		8:30am
10:15am		 Holy Mass St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea Maximum of 130 people allowed. Masks must be worn in the church.
SUNDAY SERVICES – 2nd August ONLY 12:00 NOON Holy Mass in POLISH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea as above
SUNDAY SERVICES
from 9th August to 30th August 		NO MASS AT
12:00 NOON		 NO MASS IN POLISH OR ENGLISH Fr Marcin is away during this time.
SUNDAY SERVICES
from 6th September Onwards		 12:00 NOON Holy Mass in POLISH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea Masses in Polish are resumed
NO DAILY MASSES MONDAY TO SATURDAYS (English or Polish)
from August 3rd till 11th September		 NO MASSES NO MASSES N/A Father Marcin is away from 3rd August to 11th September.
Masses will be available at St John’s Cathedral
Daily Devotions –
Daily MONDAY to Fridays
from 3rd August till 11th September 		10:00am We Pray the Rosary and Daily Devotions St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea DJ will be conducting these while Father Marcin is away.

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

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 1st August 2020 till the 31st August 2020

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

UWAGA ! - NO POLISH MASS at 12noon DURING AUGUST 2020

UWAGA ! – NO POLISH MASS at 12noon DURING AUGUST 2020

Dear parishioners Będę nieobecny od 3 sierpnia do początku września. W tym czasie mamy jednego z kapłanów z Gosport, który będzie odprawiał msze niedzielne. Czas mszy w dniach od 9 do 30 sierpnia 2020 r. Będzie miał miejsce 18:00 w sobotnią Mszę Wigilii oraz o 8:30 i 10:15 TYLKO w niedzielę. O 12.00 nie będzie mszy po polsku.  (Pamiętaj, że oznacza to, że nie będzie mszy w ogóle po południu.) Faher Marcin In english  I will be away from the 3rd August until the beginning of September. During this time we have one of the priests from Gosport who will …
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September 2020 Plans - Safety Returning to St Swithun's RC Primary School

September 2020 Plans – Safety Returning to St Swithun’s RC Primary School

Full Government Guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools We are still confirming the arrangements for September. Implementing the government’s expectations in the safest way for children, staff, parents and visitors to the school is not straightforward. We have a ‘big picture’ of how things will look and are adding the finer detail. A full risk assessment will be on our website before the end of the term. Unfortunately, there are likely to be some inconveniences for families, which we will try to minimise, but are inevitable; please bear with us. Our plans include: • YN/R, Y1/2, Y3/4 and Y5/6 will …
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Spiritual Enrichment with Scott Hahn 

Spiritual Enrichment with Scott Hahn 

Ruth Preston, Administrator and Executive Assistant to the Director at the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS) at Boars Hill in Oxford shares details of their special event on Saturday 8th August… Our world today is reeling in pain. People are turning in different directions searching for healing and restoration. How can the Word of God be a source of healing for a world in pain? The renowned Catholic theologian, Dr Scott Hahn, Professor of Biblical Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio (USA), will explore the healing power of the Word of God for our world in …
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REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society - ITEMS NEEDED

REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – ITEMS NEEDED

The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference – Items Needed Dear Parishioners. In response to our appeal last weekend, we have received a request for a cooker (either gas or electric) with 4 hobs and an in-built oven and also a single mattress. If anyone has any of these items in good condition going spare or that they are willing to give away, please get in touch with the parish office on 02392 828 305 or email stswithunssvp@gmail.com. Thank you for your generosity! …
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Places available at St Swithun's Catholic Primary School Sep 2020

Places available at St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School Sep 2020

Due to a number of families moving out of the area, our school has a couple of spaces for children in years 5 and 6 for September. All other year groups are full and have a waiting list but, unusually, these two year groups currently have a space in each year. If you are interested or know another family who may wish their child to join, please do contact the school as soon as possible …
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CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme 

We plan to complete this year’s First Holy Communion Children before the end of this year. The plan is to work with smaller groups. Please check the 2 posts below for more information and the relevant timetables for the 1st Group. Father Marcin would have sent letters to our parents outlining the plan and relevant timetable. – Brian and Linda

First Holy Communion

Video Course for Our First Communion Children returning to Mass

Dear parents We are invited to return to Mass We are aware that some people are still apprehensive about returning to Mass. Some families returned to Mass on Saturday/Sunday. They would have seen that there is a high degree of organisation in place to ensure safe distancing and personal safety. We are much safer in church than in any supermarket. Come during the week at 10am to check it out!! Before Mass every day there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:00am. At 9:30am there is the Divine Mercy Chaplet with reading from St Sr Faustina followed by Benediction before …
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Important Notice - Timetable for First Communion Children

Important Notice – Timetable for First Communion Children

Dear parents You will have received a letter from Fr Marcin regarding the arrangements for First Confession and First Communion. Because COVID 19 has confronted us with unexpected issues, Fr Marcin has taken into account the reality that some families already feel safe enough to come to church for Mass each week . Therefore he decided that he should arrange Holy Communion in two or maybe three separate cohorts starting with this group whose parents already feel safe enough. This chart shows the timetable for this first group: The other children are not forgotten but we will need to wait …
Read more here

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.

 

Prayer of the Month – August 2020

Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions August 2020 – The Maritime World

Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions August 2020 – The Maritime World

The Maritime World We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families. Pope’s August prayer intention: people in the maritime world – By Robin Gomes In his prayer intention for this month of August, Pope Francis urges prayers for seafarers and those working in the maritime world. Pope Francis on Tuesday released a video message containing his prayer intention for the month of August. He invites prayers for those “who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families”. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, formerly known … Read more here

and for those in Our Own Parish…..

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

And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 2nd August 2020:  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 and Jozef Michalczuk.

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

“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.

 

Parish Devotions this month

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Month of the Immaculate Heart

The month of August (Overview – Calendar) is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart. Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The physical heart of Mary is venerated (and not adored as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is) because it is united to her person and is the seat of her love (especially for her divine Son), virtue, and inner life. Such devotion is an incentive to a similar love and virtue. This devotion has received new emphasis in this century from the visions … Read more here
Immaculate Heart of Mary

Consecration to the Immaculate Heart

Pope Paul VI,, on the floor of the Vatican Council at the close of the third session, renewed publicly the consecration of the Church and the world to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. He said that his thoughts turned to the whole world “which our venerated predecessor Pius XII . . . not without inspiration from on high, solemnly consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. . . . O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Council, to you we recommend the entire Church.” When he visited Fatima on May 13, 1967, the same Pope recalled this“consecration which we ourselves have renewed on … Read more here
Our Lady of Fatima children

Reparation to the Immaculate Heart

Our very consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary calls upon us to make reparation for the offenses that we and others have committed against her. The Church, in inviting us to consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, implicitly calls upon us for this reparation. But more explicitly, and even before Fatima, Saint Pius X offered a plenary indulgence to all who on the first Saturday of the month would observe special devotions in honour of the Immaculate Virgin in a spirit of reparation for the blasphemies uttered against her. There is, however, an even more basic reason why each … Read more here
Sacred Heart

August- The Blessed Sacrament & Immaculate Heart of Mary

August is the month of the Blessed Sacrament and dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage … Read more here
August Month of the Blessed Sacrament

August Month of the Blessed Sacrament

We know, as Catholics, that we encounter Jesus whenever we go to Mass and experience the Consecration. When wine and bread are transformed into Body and Blood, and we receive Him, we are transformed. It grants a special grace to handle the trials of Christian living. Consecrated hosts are kept in a sacred container called a ciborum that is housed inside the tabernacle. The tabernacle is what we are to face when we genuflect at Mass. Some parishes have designated times where the prayerful contemplation called Eucharistic Adoration take place. This is a wonderful exercise for our spiritual muscle. Take … Read more here
A Time to Persevere

A Time to Persevere

The days of summer have provided a welcome change of pace. However, while vacations afford us the time to relax and refresh, the change of habits and routines can also have a negative impact on our spiritual lives. As if to re-ignite us, the Church offers us in the plethora of August feasts vivid examples of the virtue of perseverance: six martyrs — two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the … Read more here
Eucharistic World Miracles

Eucharistic Miracles of the World

Where: The parish of Saint Mary in Buenos Aires What happened: While both other miracles are definitely worth finding out about, the most interesting and comprehensive study was done with the 1996 Eucharist. It began bleeding when consecrated and part of it became human tissue. After several intense studies, it was found that the tissue was part of a heart, a muscle of the myocardium, the left ventricle, the muscle that gives life to the whole heart and body. The tissue revealed further that it belonged to a person who had gone through intense pain, experiencing extended periods of time … Read more here

 

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

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

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

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

Nothing Separates us from God's Love

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

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

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

 

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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Calendars

  Daily Services Calendars for all times

  Saints Calendar to learn about this weeks Saints

  Daily Reading Calendar for the prayers this week

  View All of our Parish Events Here

PARISH CONTACTS

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

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