WE THANK GOD THAT WE ARE NOW ALLOWED TO CELEBRATE HOLY MASS IN OUR CHURCH
Please pray for all of our First Holy Communion children who will be making their First Confession and First Holy Communion this weekend.
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Service Times This Week:
- Click here: You can find the actual daily services here:
- Click here: If you want the daily readings then go here:
Our Services resume as normal in St Swithun’s Church Southsea= from Saturday October 3rd 2020
| Dates | Time | Service |
| Weekdays Monday to Friday | 9:00am 9:30am 10:00am |
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Devine Chaplet followed by Benediction The Holy Mass |
| Weekdays Tuesdays and Fridays | 7:00pm | The Holy Mass |
| Saturday October 3rd | 11:30am | Sacrament of First Confession for our Children |
| EVERY SATURDAY – Vigil Mass | 6:00pm | The Holy Mass |
| SUNDAY SERVICES | 8:30am | The Holy Mass |
| Sunday October 4th 2020 | 10:15am | The Holy Mass |
| First Holy Communion Children | 11:30am | Sacrament of First Holy Communion Mass for our Children |
| 1:00pm | Mass in Polish | |
| Every Friday on line only in October | 6:00am | Streamed only – Mass in Polish |
My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Jesus tells us “Everyone has a value in the eyes of God” – Today’s Gospel is to look again & see the value the rejected stone.
‘I thank you, Lord, for the wonder of my being..’ Matthew 21:33-43
REFLECTION
A common image for Jesus is the garden or the vineyard, with comments on wasteland and fruitful land. In this story he looks at stones and points out that a rejected stone, if looked at again, could become the cornerstone of a building. He is referring to prophets who were rejected, and to himself. He would be through his weakness and death, the essential stone of the new temple, the energy through death of the new community.
We live in a throwaway culture. Much of what could be used again is dumped to destroy the earth and the sea. We waste a lot of the daily bread of the people. Jesus asks us always to look again, to see the value of what we may throw aside, especially in our treatment of each other.
Everyone has a value in the eyes of God. Pope Francis noted: ‘When adolescents feel unloved, they may turn to violence, hatred or delinquent behaviour. There is no such thing as bad children or evil adolescents, he said, but there are unhappy people.’ (June 2017). He is asserting that with love and a community of acceptance, everyone has a place and has something to offer, like every stone is valuable to a new building, especially some we may first throw away.
I thank you, Lord, for the wonder of my being.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the master of the universe and yet you wish to listen to me and guide me. You know all things past, present and future, and yet you respect my freedom to choose you. Holy Trinity, you are completely happy and fulfilled on your own, and yet you have generously brought us into existence. You are our fulfillment. Thank you for the gift of yourself. I offer the littleness of myself in return, knowing you are pleased with what I have to give.
Petition: Lord, grant me a deeper humility that seeks you and not myself in all that I do.
1. The Stone Rejected: Just a few days before, a great crowd had acclaimed Jesus as the Messiah as he triumphantly entered Jerusalem. However, the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees and Herodians see Jesus as a threat to their own position of leadership. Though they have not yet let it be known to the people, they have decided to reject Jesus and are already plotting together to kill him. In the meantime, they are pretending to be making a “thorough investigation,” to find the “truth” about what the crowds have acclaimed – that Jesus is the Messiah. What they are really doing is trying to ruin him, to catch him in some mistake, so as to denounce him as a fraud before the crowds. They seek to break the people’s support for him. They practice the kind of toxic politics we are so familiar with today: Instead of seeking the common good or the truth, they only seek themselves and their own glory.
2. The Cornerstone: Jesus sees what his detractors are trying to do. He tells them a series of parables, hinting that if they continue to oppose him, they will lose. In the parable of the vineyard he tells them that they can kill him; but even so they will still lose. Then he quotes Psalm 118, comparing himself with the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone. What Jesus is hinting at goes beyond just the quoted verses. The whole psalm – which Jesus’ enemies would have known from memory – tells of Yahweh fighting for his faithful one. The faithful one will not be abandoned to death, and the enemies of Yahweh will be defeated. It is as if Jesus throws down a challenge: “You cannot beat me. Even if you kill me as you are planning to do, my Heavenly Father will not abandon me to death. He will fight for me and I will become the cornerstone. You would do better to join me.”
3. Jesus Is True Progress: Jesus won. He continues to win today. His enemies still insist on smashing themselves to bits. When we survey history, we see what becomes of one group after another that oppose Jesus and his Church. They disappear into oblivion. Jesus is the future of the whole world. He won. He continues to win and will win in the end. Since Jesus is the future of the whole world, progress can only mean progress toward him, toward the civilization of justice and love he wishes to establish. Those who seek their own special interests are seeking a return to the past, to the Dark Age before Jesus. They seek to return to when humanity tried not just to know what was good and evil (eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil), but to DECIDE it – to be gods themselves.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to be humble. Help me to accept you as Messiah and Savior – and as my future. So many times, instead of seeking you, I seek myself. I try to influence everything so that what is good and true is defined according to my will rather than yours. Please be patient with me and help me to change.
Resolution: In what area of my life is it hardest for me to accept the way God has organized things? Where do I most want to set up a system opposed to God’s plan in order to get my way? My resolution today has to be one that helps tear down this “structure of sin” in my life.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines
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.
IN OCTOBER EVERY THURSDAY at 6PM – HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz – Which Is Better? The Rosary vs. The Chaplet
“What if I don’t have time to pray both The Rosary and The Divine Mercy Chaplet?”
Deciding how to spend your time in prayer can be difficult, especially when you’re deciding between two powerhouse prayers like The Rosary and The Chaplet. Let’s look at each of them. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy was gifted to Saint Faustina during a vision of Jesus. In this vision, he listed 14 promises to those who pray the chaplet. In the …
Read more here
Saint for Today Sunday 4th Oct 2020 – Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi’s Story (September 26, 1182 – October 3, 1226)
Saint Francis is one of the world’s most popular and beloved saints. He is the patron of animals, merchants and ecology. Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally—not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit, and without a sense of self-importance. Serious illness brought the young …
Read more here
Live Stream Details – Beatification of Carlo Acutis set for October 10th 2020
Carlo Acutis – “To always be close to JESUS, that’s my life plan.”
Beatification date: October 10, 2020. Click for details
Read more here
Hymn for Today: – Make Me A Channel of Your Peace -Prayer of St. Francis
Read more here
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 04-10-2020
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 04-10-2020
Read more here
Commentary on Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 04-10-2020
Read more here
One million children praying the rosary Oct 18th – 19th at 6pm
Read more here
Philip Kosloski – John Paul II declared only one Doctor of the Church
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – PRO-CHOICE CATHOLIC?
Read more here
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WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday at 8.00PM through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk. Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch. So, we start every Tuesday 8:00pm |
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ALSO, we are coming back to our Morning Coffee (in POLISH). – Through our Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. These Mornings will happen every Thursday at 11.00am. All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith. |
Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 3rd October 2020 till the 31st October 2020
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/
CELEBRATE Back to Basics 21st Sept – 14th December
Read more here
An Invitation from Sr Veronica – Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis
Read more here
GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
Read more here
CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER
UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme
Please pray for all of our First Holy Communion children who will be making their First Confession and First Holy Communion this weekend.
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
Video Course for Our First Communion Children returning to Mass
Read more here
Important Notice – Timetable for First Communion Children
Read more here
UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021 Programme
ALL interested in the First Communion Preparation for the next year, please collect the Registration Form from the porch of the church, and give back to Fr Marcin, or to the office of the Parish by the 8th October 2020.
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 – October 2020
Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions October 2020 – The Laity’s Mission in the Church
Pope Francis Prayer Intentions October 2020 – The Laity’s Mission in the Church
Read more here
and for those in Our Own Parish…..
Please pray for those who are ill especially: Diana Clarke,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 October 2020: Diana Clarke, 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
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/
“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.
OCTOBER: The Most Holy Rosary
Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina – “The Rosary is a Weapon”
Mary in our Life by Fr. William G. Most
Our Blessed Lady at Fatima – “I am the Lady of the Rosary”
Our Lady of Fatima – The Miracle of the Sun
The Fifteen Promise of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.
- I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
- The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
- It will cause virtue and good works to … Read more here
The Rosary and the Liturgical Year
The Rosary and the Popes
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Saint Dominic Guzman and the Holy Rosary
POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021
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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
NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD
Read More on our Renewal Pages here
