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!

2. 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.

3. 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

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Download this week's Newsletter here:	[icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Newsletter: 11th July 2021 – 15th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B

 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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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SEA SUNDAY MESSAGE 2022 – Stella Maris

Sea Sunday will be held this year on Sunday 10th July. Please kindly remember seafarers and fishers in your prayers. Many parishes will hold a second collection for Catholic charity Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea). This organisation provides pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers and fishers. The war in Ukraine is once again highlighting the importance of seafarers to the world economy. Stella Maris is providing practical and pastoral support to seafarers and fishers in the ...
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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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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

16 July 2021

Daily Devotion Friday 15th July 2022 The Precious Blood of Jesus

Find out more

24 July 2021

Ascent Group Events 2021 – Alive in the Spirit

Find out more

29 July 2021

Daily Devotion Thursday 29th July 2021 The Precious Blood of Jesus

Find out more

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

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

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? 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 ...
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CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

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;

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/

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Parish Devotions this month

 

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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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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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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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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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

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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Pope writes Apostolic New Papal Document on the Sacred Liturgy

Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter to the People of God about the sacred liturgy, in order to recall the profound meaning of the Holy Eucharist and to encourage better liturgical formation. Dated 29th June 2022, the Letter is called Desiderio Desideravi and you can read it by clicking ...
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Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

14/06/2022

Blog Topic: “Mystery of the Holy Trinity”

04/06/2022

World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

27/05/2022

 

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.

[icon name=”file-pdf-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 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

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“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.

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