Newsletter: 13th March 2022 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C

My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ

Today we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Lent.

Today the liturgy of the word invariably brings us the evangelic episode of the Lord’s Transfiguration. This time, with the nuances typical of St Luke’s Gospel. It is Saint Luke who more strongly emphasises the praying Jesus, the Son who is permanently linked to the Father through personal prayer, at times intimate, hidden, at times in the presence of his disciples, but always full of joy through the Holy Spirit.

Let’s therefore pay attention to the fact Luke is the only one of the synoptics that begins the narration in this way: “Jesus (…) went up the mountain to pray” (Luke 9:28), and, consequently, it is Luke who specifies that the Master’s transfiguration happened “while He was praying” (Luke 9:29). And this is not something irrelevant. The prayer is presented here like the ideal and natural context for the vision of Christ’s Glory: when Peter, John and James “awoke (…) and saw Jesus’ Glory” (Luke 9:32). But, not only His Glory, but also the glory God had already manifested in the Law and the Prophets; they —evangelist Luke says— “appeared in heavenly glory” (Luke 9:31).

For they indeed find their own splendour in the love of the Spirit when the Son speaks to the Father. Thus, in the heart of Holy Trinity, Jesus’ Passover, “his departure that had to take place in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31), is the sign manifesting God’s plan, which is carried out in the bosom of Israel’s history, until its definite completion, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Jesus Incarnated.

It is good to remember, in this Lent and always, that unless we let the spirit of piety to emerge in our life, establishing a familiar and inseparable relationship with the Lord, we shall not be able to enjoy the contemplation of His Glory. It’s urgent to be impressed by the vision of the Transfigured face. Our Christian experience has maybe an excess of words while it lacks stupor, that stupor that made Peter and his friends actual witnesses of the living Christ.

with Blessings Father Simon

REFLECTION:

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you with great confidence, seeking to bask under your rejuvenating light. During this time of Lent I wish to leave aside the old man and become more like you.

Petition: Lord, grant me the grace to encounter you more intimately.

Following the Master: The apostles Peter, James and John felt privileged that day. The Master has chosen them alone to accompany him up Mt. Tabor. The farther up the mountain they go, the more their attention is centered on Christ. They have already forgotten about the other apostles. They wonder when the Lord will stop, where he is taking them, what is the purpose of their journey. They do not understand, but they have learned to trust him and have followed him ever since he called them. He has always shown himself to be true, and so Peter, James and John stand firmly in their trust in him. This is a great lesson for us, too. We need to learn to follow Christ wherever he leads us. Although at times the going is tough and obstacles seem to be everywhere barring our path, like Peter, James and John we know for certain that the Lord is with us.

The Master’s Light: They reach the summit of the mountain. The Lord begins to pray. The apostles are tired out with the climb, and although they try to pray, they soon fall fast asleep. Then the sound of voices invades their sleep, and they feel a bright light on their closed eyes. Waking up, they are overawed at what they see. Before them is the Master in his Glory. At his side stand Moses and Elijah, conversing with him in an unmistakable attitude of respect. He is dazzlingly white, almost too bright for their eyes. It is their Lord and Master. They are filled with the greatest joy. They are overcome by their experience of Christ in his glory. Peter says what comes to his mind—that he wants to remain there always. He has not fully understood, but he has grasped that to be with Christ, to live in the light of the Master, is to live in joy.

My Beloved Son: Moses and Elijah appear in glory. They bear witness that their mission, and that of all those sent by God throughout the centuries of Israel’s history, was a preparation for the coming of Christ. They spoke in veiled language, in symbolic language, and though they perceived a Messiah would come, they did not fully know him. They did not know that he would be God’s only Son, born of a woman. Now the veil has been removed. The New Covenant is proclaimed by the Son himself. He speaks to the world as the Son of the Father. And it is the Father who calls on the apostles to listen to his Son, his beloved Son. Let us ask for the grace to listen to Christ. Let us ask for the grace to pick up the Gospel with renewed simplicity, with a generous and open heart, with faith and confidence in God, that we might hear the words of the Son of God.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you so loved us that you came to show us the way to live our lives in the truth. You, the Eternal Word of the Father, lead us on the path of holiness. Do not let us grow weary, especially when the path is difficult. Give us your strength to stay the course.

Resolution: Today I’ll take up the Gospel and read a passage from it, exercising my faith in it as God’s own word, full of light and truth.

Why is Lent 46 days and not 40? Because each Sunday is considered a Feast Day as we celebrate the death and Resurrection of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The Gospel on the 40 days that Jesus spends in the wilderness reveals to us that when we fast and pray to draw ourselves closer to Christ, the evil one will always try to tempt us away. But like Jesus we can always use our Faith to defend ourselves against temptation.

The Stations of the Cross

Opening Prayer ACT OF CONTRITION O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again. Stations of the Cross - First Station: Jesus is condemned to death Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee. All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. After meditation: I love You, Jesus, my love above all things; I repent with my whole heart of having offended You. Never allow me to separate myself from You again. Grant that I may love You always, and then do with me what You will. On the way to the next station: At the cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last. Stations ... Read more here

Bishop Philip writes… Lent is Coming

Bishop Philip writes... Lent is nigh! Some new resources are coming – plus an appeal for your prayers. On Wednesday 2nd March, we begin the great season of Lent - a wonderful time of 40 days when we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter and the Passover of the Lord from death to life. It is a time of healing when we ask God to renew within us His love. We seek by God’s grace to cast off the old ways and to take on the new, that is, to die with Christ - and to rise again with Him to new life. Lent is not simply about ‘giving things up’ or ‘doing something extra.’ St. Leo reminds us there are three saving works: (1) self-denial, fasting and mortification; (2) prayer and devotion, study and reflection; and (3) charitable outreach or almsgiving. Although these works are good in themselves, ... Read more here

The Purpose of Lent – Fr. Mike Schmitz

In this video, Fr. Mike explains how prayer, fasting, and alms-giving are the three pillars of a spiritually fruitful Lent. He then challenges us to try new ways to exercise these Lenten practices, sharing several simple strategies for drawing closer to God during this holy season. What’s the real connection between the Israelites’ forty years in the desert and the forty days of Lent? Sure, they both involve the number forty—which often represents a time of test and trial in the Bible—but what’s the more important connection? The Israelites’ time in the desert and our forty-day Lenten fast represent God’s invitation for us to trust him completely. Fr. Mike explains, the Israelites did not believe the Lord could bring them into the Promised Land because it was inhabited by a people much more powerful and larger than Israel—they didn’t trust him even after he delivered them from slavery to the ... Read more here

Fr Robert McTeigue – Lenten Journey – Why does God care about ‘little’ sins?

Lent is a time to recognize our need for a savior, and embrace our own Purgatory. How would you respond to the following? Your God—the one you say is busying managing every molecule, every galaxy at every nanosecond from the beginning of time—THAT God has an interest in what I do behind closed doors? With someone I love? Give me a break! I was watching a debate between an atheist and a defender of God; I insisted that were I present I would have instructed the atheist that the words “Give me a break!” (which he and his supporters treated as a “mic drop” moment) do not constitute an argument; but that’s another topic for another time. Nonetheless, the atheist (whom I suspect isn’t really an atheist but simply a bad theologian because he is an even worse philosopher) does raise an interesting question: “Why does God care so much ... Read more here

Fr Robert McTeigue – Lenten Journey – Commandments, sin, and Lent: Let’s ask the right questions

Commandments, sin, and Lent: Let’s ask the right questions - There's wisdom underneath the facts. “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning” (Mark Twain). Likewise, the difference between the almost right question and the right question is really a large matter. ‘tis the difference between finding data and finding wisdom. So how does this pertain to Lent? In Lent, we talk about sin. To understand sin, we have to understand the Ten Commandments. And to understand the Ten Commandments, we have ask the right question, not the almost right question. The almost right question about the commandments is: “Are they commandments or suggestions?” That’s a pretty good question to ask, especially nowadays, when it seems that nearly every moral principle or imperative can be recast as a suggestion, a request, or a ... Read more here

Fr. Dave Mercer – A priest’s advice – Got “Catholic guilt”? It might actually be grace

If feeling guilty is the reason you’re NOT going to Confession: A priest’s advice "I already feel guilty enough about what I did. I don’t need a priest to make me feel more guilty." Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are three spiritual practices we encourage during Lent. As part of those practices, we also encourage making a good confession. And yet, rather oddly, some people see feeling guilty as an obstacle to this sacrament.If you already feel guilty about something you have said or done, that means you recognize it as wrong. And, that’s not bad. Folks who couldn’t care less if they hurt someone are the worrisome ones. They have the bigger problem. But, back to you. The priest isn’t there to make you feel more guilty, but to help you move through your sense of guilt to being freed to live the life that God wants you to live ... Read more here

Fr Robert McTeigue – Lenten Journey – The ultimate “why” question

Lent is a great time to find the meaning and the measure of our creation. Here’s one of the most important questions you’ll ever be asked: “Why bother?” Another way of approaching the question: “Why am I here? What am I for? Does it matter if I succeed for fail?” These are always important questions to ask and answer repeatedly, but especially during the season of Lent. With the Church, I do believe that we’re made for something quite specific and that it does matter greatly whether we succeed or fail. We are made for success, and God is doing everything he can to help us so we succeed. But sometimes—and, here’s the hard part—most of us, at least some of the time, choose to fail. Maybe I can make that bitter pill easier to swallow by suggesting that Lent can help to free us from the ugly things that ... Read more here

Pray the Stations with St. Joseph

St. Joseph wasn't at Calvary, but these Stations turn to his intercession as we walk beside his Son. Pope Francis has gifted the Church the Year of St. Joseph. Maybe your Lenten focus has been to grow in a deeper appreciation for him, as universal patron of the Church and father of the Christ child. After all, his feast on March 19 falls during the season of Lent.  Perhaps, like so many, you are undertaking Fr. Calloway’s Consecration to St. Joseph or taking up some sort of devotion to St. Joseph.  What about experiencing the Stations of the Cross with St. Joseph? Maybe that seems out of place. Joseph was not at Calvary. He did not experience the Passion alongside Jesus. Yet, I believe we can parallel the life of the Holy Family to that of the Stations of the Cross and ask the intercession of St. Joseph in this traditional Lenten devotion.  Connections can ... Read more here

Philip Kosloski – How giving up something for Lent can benefit the poor

If you don't eat desserts during Lent, give the excess money to the poor. During Lent the Church encourages us to fast, pray and practice almsgiving. One way we can fulfill our commitment to almsgiving is by donating to those in need the cost of those things we’ve given up for Lent. For example, maybe each week you allot some portion of your grocery budget to sweets or desserts. During Lent you might give up those sweets and, in turn, donate the money you saved by not purchasing sweets. Here is how St. Claude de la Colombiere explains it in his book The Sufferings of Our Lord Jesus Christ. [Almsgiving] This is one of the obligations of Lent; one of the intentions with which the Church requires us to fast. Penitence must not economize to gratify avarice; what we retrench from the expenses of our table, our dress, and our amusements ought to ... Read more here

Fr Robert McTeigue – Lent is a dress rehearsal

Let's make sure we've gotten past the Sunday school concept of how to live this season. “Daddy, I used to think that I would be in my 20s forever, but then I turned 27 …” That’s part of a conversation I overheard recently. I too, was once a 20-something, and unconsciously assumed that being in one’s 20s was “standard”; then the first gray hair showed up… I think of these things as the season of Lent begins. There are so many ways of marking Lent badly—ways that are harmful. And there are some very good ways of living Lent well—ways that are often overlooked or have become obscured or forgotten over the years. Growing up, I remember hearing other children at Sunday School talking about what they would “give up” for Lent. Word had trickled down to us that as Catholics, we were supposed to deprive ourselves of something that we ... Read more here

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Download this week's Newsletter here:	Newsletter: 13th March 2022 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C

Service Updates from Fr Simon

If you would like to book a Mass dedication for someone, please contact Father Simon or the parish office with the name and date.

Please be aware of the change of Daily Mass Times due to parish commitments,. As soon as Covid allows, I am hoping to leave the church open after Mass until 4pm each day, in order that people can return to private prayer.

Saturdays Mass will be at 9am and confessions will start after Mass at St Swithun and on Saturday evening in Our Lady of Lourdes from 17.15 – 17.45 or at any other time by appointment

Next Week

 Read today’s Readings here

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -13-03-2022

Background on the Gospel Reading - Luke 9:28b-36 Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, John, and James. On the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus' retreat to the desert and temptation by the devil to the glory shown in Jesus' Transfiguration. On the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel always tells the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday, we always hear the story of Jesus' Transfiguration. The report of Jesus' Transfiguration is found in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The context for Luke's Transfiguration story is similar to that found in both Matthew and Mark. The Transfiguration occurs after Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus' prediction about his Passion. After the prediction there is a discussion of the cost of discipleship in each of these Gospels. The placement of the Transfiguration story close to Peter's ...
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 13-03-2022

Catholic Kids Media The Transfiguration! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 2nd Sunday of Lent, cycle C. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading Luke 9:28-36  The voice from heaven says, ”This my Son, the Beloved. LISTEN TO HIM.” In Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 9:28-36, is the Transfiguration, when three of Jesus’ disciples realised how close he was to God. Up on the mountainside, Jesus shone as bright as the sun, and was seen talking with the two great prophets, Moses and Elijah. The disciples then heard a voice say, ‘This is my chosen son. Listen to what he says!’ When it is dark, people can feel lost, frightened and alone. A torch can make us feel more confident, more assured and help us to find the way. In our spiritual lives, we can feel uncertain, particularly when ...
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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections13-03-2022

The Glory in Sight: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday of Lent In today’s Gospel, we go up to the mountain with Peter, John, and James. There we see Jesus “transfigured,” speaking with Moses and Elijah about His “exodus.” The Greek word “exodus” means “departure.” But the word is chosen deliberately here to stir our remembrance of the Israelites’ flight from Egypt. By His death and resurrection, Jesus will lead a new Exodus—liberating not only Israel but every race and people; not from bondage to Pharaoh, but from slavery to sin and death. He will lead all mankind, not to the territory promised to Abraham in today’s First Reading, but to the heavenly commonwealth that Paul describes in today’s Epistle. Moses, the giver of God’s law, and the great prophet Elijah, were the only Old Testament figures to hear the voice and see the glory of God atop a ...
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Commentaries on Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36

WE ARE FACED in today’s readings with a paradox of our Christian faith – we belong here and we do not belong here. It is in this world and through this world that we are to find our God. Yet, this is not our permanent home; we are pilgrims on a journey to a more permanent dwelling place, a place of total union with our God of Truth and Love. That is the goal of living and we need to keep it constantly before our eyes. It is so easy to get obsessed with things on the way: our career, our financial security, the education of our children, the house we want in some desirable area… These are mere stepping stones to a life beyond. We must not, like Lot’s wife, look back nostalgically at the past and become petrified into stone. Life, as one writer put it, is ...
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Ukraine War – What Our Lady Wants Is the Consecration of Russia

War in Ukraine - Message from The Fatima Centre The current crisis in Ukraine shows us all the true urgency of fulfilling Our Lady's requests at Fatima. God always permits good to come from evil. Surely this war, especially in that area of the world specifically named by Our Lady at Fatima, will open people's minds and hearts to the truth which this Fatima Apostolate has consistently championed. The Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays must be promoted and ...
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Pray for Ukraine with Pope Francis

At his most recent general audience, Pope Francis has made a special appeal for prayer for peace, urging the world to pray for Ukraine and dedicate Ash Wednesday as a special day of prayer and fasting.

My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of ...
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Message from Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences

Catholic Bishops In England, Wales, Scotland And Ireland Call For End To Violence In Ukraine

Meeting in London on 4th March 2022, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of England and Wales, Ireland, and Scotland said: In the face of the shocking loss of life, bloodshed, displacement of people and destruction of property in Ukraine, we make these heartfelt appeals. We ask our Catholic communities to sustain the prayer and self-denial of Lent as a constant ...
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Situation in the Ukraine – Message from Archbishop Shevchuk

The eighth day. Ukraine is standing, - Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

a Message from Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Glory to Jesus Christ! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Greetings to all of you from Ukrainian Kyiv, our first-throned city. Today is the first day of a new period: today we enter into the second week of this horrible war. The eighth day. Ukraine is standing. On the ...
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A Message from Our Dear Sister Marie Elise

Dear Fr Simon, Parishioners: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings from Singapore! I am terribly sorry to take such a long time to write to thank you for your generous gifts and your well-wishing notes. As you know I had been busy clearing and packing my suitcases that I was unable to thank you immediately. Your words of affirmation touched me very much which did not expect from you. It was reciprocal because since my arrival to the Parish ...
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Hymn for Today: Transfiguration – Hillsong with Lyrics

Behind the Song Transfiguration Christianity is not about “mountain top experiences” or moving liturgical celebrations, or any paranormal encounter with the holy, as powerful and momentarily transformational these events certainly can be. Christianity is about how the terror of our lives rub up against the glory of a crucified and risen Christ, and how his dying and rising will eventually, in a lasting triumph, enter in, conquer and forever heal the scars and bruises that we receive every day, whether they come in small or large portions. This is what we mean by the often thrown-about phrase, “Paschal Mystery.” This ...
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Philip Kosloski – Did St. Andrew the Apostle erect a cross in Kyiv?

According to local tradition, St. Andrew the Apostle traveled to Ukraine and erected a cross in what would become Kyiv. Little is know about the travels of the apostles after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, but local tradition claims that St. Andrew the Apostle traveled to Ukraine and erected a cross near Kyiv. The 1917 book, The Conversion of Europe, gives a brief summary of this tradition. When St. Andrew the Apostle of Scythia, ascending the river Dnieper on his way from Sinope to Rome, beheld the heights of Kiev [Kyiv] he exclaimed, “See you those hills? The grace of God ...
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Sadly – St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society is Closing.

It is with regret that after 2.5 years, the St Swithun's St Vincent de Paul Society Conference will be closing. We would like to thank all who have supported our work over this time and are grateful to have been able to help so many beneficiaries. If you know of any people who may still benefit from help from SVP, the nearest Conferences are at Sacred Heart Waterlooville, Sacred Heart Fareham and St Margaret Mary, Park Gate so please make contact with these Conferences. Lunch @ 12pm will still continue to run each Sunday and they are always looking for ...
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This year’s Rite of Election 2022 – St John’s Cathedral

Bishop Philip writes... This year’s Rite of Election  The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion took place last Saturday 5th March 2022 in the Cathedral. It was a truly happy and joyous celebration with almost 100 catechumens and candidates present, with their godparents and sponsors, catechists, clergy, parishioners and friends. The Cathedral was full. We also heard two wonderful testimonies, one from a young married man called Peter from St. Edmund’s and St. Joseph’s, Southampton who had been baptised in 2017 and one from Lynne from the same parish who had been received into full communion and was now ...
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UPDATE: Little Way Healing Ministries Parish Healing Mission is CANCELLED

11th March 2022 Update: This event has unfortunately had to be cancelled. GREAT NEWS!! As you know, the Littleway Healing Ministry Mission in our parish had to be cancelled last year due, of course, to the Covid 19 pandemic. But we are pleased to announce that the new booking has been confirmed for the weekend of the 31st March Thursday through to Sunday 3rd April. As mentioned last year we will be asking parishioners to accommodate the Littleway Team in their houses during this weekend. Although it is a while to go, if you could put up one or even two ...
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Why was Jesus transfigured?

Jesus was transfigured before his apostles to strengthen their faith and give them a foretaste of Heaven. During Jesus’ life on earth he performed many miracles that were seen by large crowds.However, there was one miracle that he revealed only to a small group of his apostles, three to be exact. He revealed to them his heavenly glory and allowed them to glimpse the beauty of his wondrous light. Why did Jesus do that? The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how the transfiguration bolstered the faith of the core apostles, the ones who would lead the Church after his death. For ...
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Our Lady of Fatima – The Miracle of the Sun & The Conversion of Russia

The Blessed Mother appeared to three small-town children in Portugal in 1917, calling on the world to repent and say the Rosary. On October 13, 1917, Mary appeared again to the three children at Fatima and said, "I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honour. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes." By then there were thousands of witnesses. Mary also said, "Do not offend the Lord our God any more, ...
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	Stations of the Cross was led by Father Simon however Parishioners are invited to come forward for the other five Fridays to lead the Stations of the Cross for the parishioners. You can do it as a group, it doesn’t have to be on your own. There are also some reference books available, but you may have one you’d like to share. Stations of The Cross is a beautiful devotion and there is such a variety. If you would like to participate, please contact Father Simon and we can share your ideas and how to do it. Stations of the Cross is not of itself a priest led devotion anymore than saying the Rosary is pries led. There is a list in the Sacristy if you would like to put your name forward.
	Church cleaning. Before the Covid pandemic there were a number of teams that helped with cleaning. Why not form your own gang and help out? We are always looking for help. Thank you for you for those who have responded we could still do with another couple of volunteers. The list is still in the sacristy. Go on you know you want to!
	Mass Stipends There are a number of dates where there is not mass intention, so if you would like to have a mass said please ensure that you book one. There is a general diocesan donation level set at £7.00 although this must be understood that this is as a donation not as price. The tradition of paying a stipend was to keep the priest in victuals for the day.
	Flower Power. If you like to see the church decorated with flowers around the altar, perhaps you would consider becoming a volunteer to join tour friendly flower team. We are always on the lookout for imaginative and creative people to join us. It is after all for this parish and its mission. A big WELCOME too to Rose and Chloe who have joined the team. We could still find a space for a few more people. Call Rosemary Devonald 02392 750867 or 07792857828., don’t be shy.

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

14 March 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 14th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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15 March 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 15th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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16 March 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 16th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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17 March 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 17th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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18 March 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 18th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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19 March 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 19th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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19 March 2022

First Holy Communion Programme 2021-2022

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21 March 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 21st March 2022 Saint Joseph

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22 March 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 22nd March 2022 Saint Joseph

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23 March 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 23rd March 2022 Saint Joseph

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23 March 2022

Daily Services Wednesday 23rd March 2022 Special day of prayer for Ukraine Exposition until 4.30pm

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24 March 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 24th March 2021 Saint Joseph

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25 March 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 25th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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26 March 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 26th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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26 March 2022

First Holy Communion Programme 2021-2022

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28 March 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 28th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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29 March 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 29th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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30 March 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 30th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 13th March 2022 till the 31st March 2022

Do You Want to Hire our St. Swithun’s Hall Southsea?

St. Swithun’s Hall is a great venue ! Did you know that our hall is hired out to different groups to help with the income for the parish. We have a number of different classes which may be of interest to you or perhaps you know a group who are looking to hire a hall with great facilities and a huge car park? Children’s parties; wedding receptions; engagement or Christmas parties. You can hire the hall for your party, and it is big enough to take a medium size bouncy castle. The hire cost is £19.50 per hour, and we ...
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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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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

Click here: Please find the full schedule here for the 2021-2022 First Holy Communion Programme.  If you worship in this Parish please be sure to check this newsletter for further information. Attendance at Mass is an expectation and requirement.

Many thanks Fr. Simon

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  & CLASSES

Baptism classes can be arranged with me via the parish office. Please call at front door at the front door of 105 Waverley Road. You can also email me at: streloar@portsmouthdicoese.org.uk

Please complete the baptism form and bring it to the parish office as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Blessing Father Simon

• 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;

Fr. Simon – First Communion Programme 2021-2022 Schedule

First Communion Programme for 2021-2022 Schedule - (see below for links to resources) We are pleased to announce that the First Communion programme will start on November 27th 2021. We plan to meet at St Swithun's in the Church on Saturdays at 1:30p,m for those children who are being prepared for this wonderful sacrament. Brian & Linda McCreesh will be leading the programme for the Parish. You can find their contact details below. There will be a WhatsApp group started for parents once the programme gets underway. You can register your child for the programme by either contacting the parish ...
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Fr. Simon – House Bound and Communion of the Sick:

This is available if requested to those who are unable to attend church as they would have normally done. We would like to keep and improve this important link for those who are ill. Volunteer will need to have Safeguarding approval and training will be given. We are keen to have more volunteers for this worthwhile ministry. Please leave your details with the priest or office by email where possible. Thank you. God's Blessings from Father Simon Email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk ...
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Fr. Simon – Baptism Preparation Programme 2021-22

Baptism Classes for St Swithun's  & Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Update: 22-10-2021 Baptism classes had a nil attendance last week, which was disappointing. I will be available from 1800 at the presbytery this coming Tuesday 26th October, so if you have given me a form for baptism, please ensure you attend or notify me with your apology. Update: 17-10-2021 There will be classes for those wishing to have their child baptised beginning at 6pm on 19th October at the presbytery, please ensure that you have completed and returned your form prior to the meeting. Further details can be found ...
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Universal intention – For a Christian response to bioethical challenges

We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.

Prayer of the Month – March 2022

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: 13th March 2022:  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

 

Pray the Stations with St. Joseph

St. Joseph wasn't at Calvary, but these Stations turn to his intercession as we walk beside his Son. Pope Francis has gifted the Church the Year of St. Joseph. Maybe your Lenten focus has been to grow in a deeper appreciation for him, as universal patron of the Church and father of the Christ child. After all, his feast on March 19 falls during the season of Lent.  Perhaps, like so many, you are undertaking Fr. Calloway’s Consecration to St. Joseph or taking up some sort of devotion to St. Joseph.  What about experiencing the Stations of the Cross with St. Joseph? Maybe that seems ...
Read more here

Year of St. Joseph Indulgences

The Apostolic Penitentiary issues a Decree granting plenary indulgences for the year of St. Joseph proclaimed by Pope Francis on Tuesday. The special year will last from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021. Below is a summary of how you can receive the special indulgences granted by the Holy See for the Year of St. Joseph. Find the prayers mentioned below here. Granted by the Holy See from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021 The plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father) to the ...
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The Month of March is Dedicated to Saint Joseph

The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph. We don't know much about him except what is mentioned in the Gospels. Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster-father of Jesus. Holy Scripture proclaims him as a "just man," and the Church has turned to Joseph for his patronage and protection. Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical Quamquam Pluries (On the Devotion to St. Joseph) in 1889 explains why we place so much trust in this saint: "Thus in giving Joseph the Blessed Virgin as spouse, God appointed him to be not only her life's companion, the witness ...
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Saint Joseph the Just Man

The Church encourages us to be devoted to Joseph because he was a model in the heroic practice of all the virtues. The example of virtuous living that he gave in the exact fulfillment of the duties of his state of life is worthy of our reflection. Read the gospel and you will see his faith, hope and charity practiced under trying circumstances. He was prudent in caring for his wife and the child; he showed great leadership in protecting them and assisting them. He was religious in every sense, with that delicacy and sincerity of conscience that is proper ...
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St. Joseph Model of Fathers

In the litany of St. Joseph, we say, “St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.” There is more hidden behind this invocation than meets the eye. We know, of course, that Mary is the Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ. We know that the Saviour was not conceived of a human father. Yet the Church has never tired insisting on the fatherhood of St. Joseph in the Holy Family. It is crucially important to understand that there are two levels to fatherhood. There is the physical level of providing for the conception of a human body. In this ...
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A Time of Penance and Promise

Here and there in the stark March landscape, a few plants and trees are beginning to give evidence of the new life that winter’s frost and chill had concealed from our eyes. The Church’s vibrant new life has been obscured, too, by the austerity of the penitential season of Lent. But that life is indisputable, and it will burgeon forth on Easter as Christ coming forth from his tomb! During this month we will continue our journey to the cross with our acts of penitence. We will reflect on our mortality ("Remember man thou art dust") and the shortness of ...
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Go to Joseph

“This patronage must be invoked as ever necessary for the Church, not only as a defence against all dangers, but also, and indeed primarily, as an impetus for her renewed commitment to evangelization in the world and to re-evangelization,” wrote St. John Paul II in Redemptoris Custos ( Guardian of the Redeemer). John Paul II further said, “Because St. Joseph is the protector of the Church, he is the guardian of the Eucharist and the Christian family. Therefore, we must turn to St. Joseph today to ward off attacks upon the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and upon the family ...
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Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

My Dearest Brother and Sister in Christ, my Friend Last time, I tried to show You that the Holy Mass, The Eucharist is the revelation of the unfinished of God’s love towards us, and must be measured as a gift. Today, please let’s see that true love cannot be measured ...
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Blog Topic: “Mystery of the Holy Trinity”

04/06/2022

World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

27/05/2022

Bishop Philip – Come, Follow Me: A Ten-Year Strategy

20/05/2022

 

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!

You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

Standing Order and  other useful Information

 Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453 (Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun)

with Blessings Canon Simon Treloar

Thank you as always for all the gifts, food and toilets for our HOMELESS people, who our Parish minister for. Thank You for all your care and generosity. Please, leave your gifts and donations in the sacristy of the church. Thank You.

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Download Newsletter PDF -13-03-2022

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: 13th March 2022 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C

PARISH CONTACTS

• PARISH PRIEST: Canon Simon Treloar
• tel: 02392 828305 – please leave a message
• email: streloar@portsmouthdicoese.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 Secretary: Mrs Kathleen Jones
• Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs and Friday, 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
  email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
• Parish website: http://www.stswithuns.org.uk  
• Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk

 

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.

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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