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

Today, Jesus invites us to love one another. In our complex world, too. Complex because good and evil are being mixed and mingled together. We often feel tempted to look at our world as our misfortune, as a piece of bad news, whereas we Christians, instead, are responsible for bringing out, to this violent and unfair world, the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Yes, indeed, Jesus tells us “love one another. Just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). And, a good way to love one another, to put God’s Word into practice, is to announce, always and everywhere, the Good News of the Gospel, which is nothing else but Jesus Christ!

“But we have this treasure in clay vessels”, Saint Paul tells us (2Cor 4:7). But, what treasure is this? That of the Word, that of the very God, and we happen to be its clay vessels. Yet, this treasure is too precious for us to keep for ourselves. We have to divulge it: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations (…) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mt 28:19-20). In fact —as the Holy Father has written— “Those who have come into genuine contact with Christ cannot keep him for themselves, they must proclaim him”.

With this confidence in God, let us announce the Gospel and, let us do it with all our available means and wherever we can: by word of mouth, by our deeds and thoughts, through newspapers, Internet, in our work and with our friends… “Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near” (Phil 4:5).

Therefore, and as His Holiness John Paul II emphasizes, we must use the new technologies, openly, without beating around the bush, to spread as much as possible the Good News of the Church today, because only if our kindness is known to all, only by changing our heart, we shall achieve that our world changes too.

with Blessings Father Simon

REFLECTION:

Introductory Prayer: Lord, as I begin this prayer I offer you my whole self: my thoughts, desires, decisions, actions, hopes, fears, weaknesses, failures and petty successes. I open my entire being to you, aware that you know everything already. I’m certain of your mercy and of the purifying power of your penetrating, loving gaze.

Petition: Jesus, let me fulfil your command of charity.

1. The Depths of Jesus’ Love: Jesus makes a startling comparison: He likens his love for his disciples with the immense love his Father has for him. Before even the world came to be, the Father and the Son were immersed in boundless, mutual love. The Holy Spirit is this bond of love. The intimacy of the union and self-giving of the Blessed Trinity surpasses any human comparison, and yet Our Lord tells his disciples he loves them in a like manner. Do I realize how deeply my Savior loves me? Does the truth of Christ’s personal love for me, proven from the height of the cross, fill me with awe and find an ever more generous response in my spiritual life?

2. Demands of Friendship: The circumstances and timing surrounding Jesus’ designation of his disciples as friends reiterates the authenticity of the title. Jesus is just a few hours away from being abandoned and betrayed by those he now calls friends. Still, Our Lord is so moved by love that he looks beyond his followers’ betrayal, to the victory he is about to win for them. Jesus also offers me his friendship. He invites me to “remain in his love.” I am not called to be a spectator, but to discover the joy found in accompanying him. To follow the “Crucified One” will always be demanding, but his friendship is a treasure which far surpasses the weight of the cross.

3. Badge of Love: The mutual love of the Father and the Son, which Jesus gratuitously extends to us as his friends, should bear fruit in charity. The first Christians took very seriously Christ’s command of charity. It was their distinctive mark. It set them apart from the peoples among whom they lived. It was the magnetic force that attracted so many to join their ranks. The command to love each other is the logical result of our personal worth as people loved by the Lord. If Jesus loves my brother or sister so much that he gave his life for him or her, can there be any excuse for me not to show respect and deference on their behalf? Charity is the badge of every true Christian. How can I better live Christ’s commandment of love, starting within my own family?

Conversation with Christ: Jesus, I pray that I will never cease to be astonished by the depths of your personal love for me. You call me your friend even though I have not always lived up to the demands of this calling. I want to be a better and truer friend of yours.

Resolution: I will show a simple act of kindness to a member of my family today.

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Download this week's Newsletter here:	Newsletter: Sunday 15th May 2022 5th Sunday of Easter 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

 Read today’s Readings here

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 15-05-2022

Catholic Kids Media    The New Commandment! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter, cycle C. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Children , In Sunday’s Gospel, John 13:31-33 34-35 , Jesus gives his disciples and all of us today a new commandment: love one another. Today's young people are very tuned in to the notion of being authentic. They can spot phoniness a mile away. For them, words must be backed up by actions. In today's Gospel, Jesus gives words about love that he backs up in his actions. Young people think about phrases such as “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” or “following in another's footsteps.” Children - Choose two occasions when you found it difficult to show love. Demands or requirements of Christian love; the kind of love Jesus modelled ...
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Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -15-05-2022

Background on the Gospel Reading - John 13:31-33,34-35 Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: love one another. Today's Gospel again comes from the Gospel of John. Like last week, today we hear words spoken by Jesus before his death and Resurrection. Jesus is teaching at the Last Supper. John's Gospel does not include an institution of the Eucharist narrative; instead, Jesus washes his disciples' feet. Immediately after, Jesus predicts his betrayal by Judas. Today's Gospel follows that prediction. It can be read as a continuing explanation of Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet. It begins with the announcement that this is the moment when the Son of Man will be glorified. This theme continues throughout John's Passion. Jesus will be glorified in his death on the cross and in his Resurrection, and the disciples will glorify Jesus in the love they show. John's Gospel does not present ...
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Commentary on Acts 14:21b-27; Revelation 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a,34-35

EASTER IS THE TIME when we both remember and celebrate the new life which has come to us through our Risen Lord. What do we mean by this “new life”? Can you say that you have experienced this “new life” this Easter or, for that matter, in any previous Easter? Are you aware of becoming changed in any way – for the better – over the years? Or has the Easter experience simply passed you by? The word “new” appears several times in today’s readings. The passage from Revelation speaks of a “new” heaven, a “new” earth and a “new” Jerusalem. Jesus in the Gospel speaks of a “new” commandment. What’s supposed to be “new”? A new life in Christ, of course, is something that can come early or late into the life of a person. For many saints it came after quite a long period of loose and ...
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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 15-05-2022

New For All Ages: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifth Sunday of Easter By God’s goodness and compassion, the doors of His kingdom have been opened to all who have faith, Jew or Gentile. That’s the good news Paul and Barnabas proclaim in today’s First Reading. With the coming of the Church—the new Jerusalem John sees in today’s Second Reading—God is “making all things new.” In His Church, the “old order” of death is passing away and God for all time is making His dwelling with the human race, so that all peoples “will be His people and God Himself will always be with them.” In this the promises made through His prophets are accomplished (see Ezekiel 37:27; Isaiah 25:8; 35:10). The Church is “the kingdom for all ages” that we sing of in today’s Psalm. That’s why we see the Apostles, under the guidance of the Spirit, ordaining “presbyters” or priests (see 1 ...
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St Swithuns Church – A Pray for Ukraine on Wednesdays during May after 9am Mass

A Prayer request from Our Parish Prayer Group at Swithun's.

During Our Lady's month of May, there will be prayer and Adoration after the 9.00am Mass on Wednesday. This will last until 12.00pm and is in aid of the Ukrainian people. Please come and join us for this worthy cause.

Prayer for Ukraine

Almighty and Great God, accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us. Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine, ...
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Fr Simon asks for Volunteers – IF NOT YOU, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

It has been pointed out to me that I have never asked for members of our congregation to volunteer for key roles within the parish. This is not the case. To reiterate this point, I would ask you to consider one of the following posts: • Altar Servers • Cantors to sing and help lift the liturgy • Catechists for RCIA, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation • Cleaners • Extraordinary Ministers of Communion • Finance Committee members • Flower ...
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Sunday Mass Obligation Reinstated

At the Bishops’ Conference in Cardiff last week, the Bishops voted unanimously to reinstate the obligation on Catholics to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. This will take effect on Pentecost Sunday. Here is the resolution: “This is the bread come down from heaven” (John 6:58). A beautiful hallmark of the Catholic faith is the profound desire to participate in the Holy Mass and share in the Eucharist. We do so with deep gratitude and joy. The Eucharist ...
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Bishops’ Conferences – Bishops Conference on Refugees and Migrants

At the Bishops’ Conference in Cardiff last week, the following resolution was passed – a statement about migration issues in the UK In his 2014 message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis wrote, ‘We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees… are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved’. 1. This plea of Pope Francis is as urgent as ever. Given the events of recent ...
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Bishops’ Conferences – Notes from Bishops Spring Plenary

Catholic Bishops In England, Wales, Scotland And Ireland - Bishops meet in Wales for Spring Plenary

Last week, from Sunday to Friday, I took part in the Bishops’ Conference, which was held in Cardiff: the picture is of the statue of Our Lady of the Taper from the National Shrine of Wales in Cardigan. We arrived on Sunday evening and began next morning with an hour of Eucharistic Adoration in St. David’s Cathedral in the city centre, followed by Morning ...
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Hymn RECKLESS LOVE – Cory Asbury

RECKLESS LOVE (Official Live Version) - Cory Asbury w/ Story Behind the Song Cory Asbury  is a Christian musician, worship pastor at Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and songwriter. He is also a part of the Bethel Music collective. These lines are part of the wonderful song composed by Cory Asbury titled “Reckless Love”. The song became so popular that even Hollywood artists, little kids and soldiers were singing it. Sometimes people get confused when they read the title of the song, but the moment you hear it and know the story behind it, you realize how intimate the love of God ...
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Hymn for Today: The Rizers Verse One John 4:7

We are The Rizers, a band that sings Scripture verses in the form of upbeat, kid-friendly music. Our name is short for "memorizers"- oh snap! The five band members are Gracie (lead vocals), Matty C. (guitar and vocals), Mei Mei (keytar) , A-Yo (drums) and Johnny Danger (bass). We aren't rockstars or anything, we just like to rock out in our practice space (a.k.a. Matty C.'s garage) in the town of Rizing Springs. Our mission is simple, we want to instill in kids a love for Jesus Christ and his Word through Scripture memory, praise and worship. Come on Rizers, ...
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Christian Aid Week – 15th to 22nd May 2022

Please Support Christian Aid in its mission to rid the world of poverty. We will be collecting the envelopes that were handed out last week. If you require an envelope, these can be found at the back of the church. In Zimbabwe, the climate crisis is causing aching hunger for families like Jessica’s. For the first time in a generation, global poverty is rising. The combined effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought have robbed communities like Jessica's of the power to provide for their children. It's unjust. This Christian Aid Week: We stand with the resilient women - ...
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CAN YOU HELP A CHILD NEAR YOU? – Cash For Kids Day is back for 2022

Cash For Kids Day is back for 2022 and the need to help less fortunate children has never been greater.

• Please donate or have some fun and fundraise if you can. Every penny will go to a good cause. Why not join Cash For Kids for 5K a Day in May? Sign up at www.wave105.com/cfkday If you raise £35, this will help another local child, and the total number of children helped will be announced on Cash For Kids Day (Friday 27 May). Please tune in to Wave 105.

Thank you to everyone who supported Cash for Kids ...
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Significant Wedding Anniversaries Mass

Are you celebrating this year, 2022, a 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th anniversary, or an anniversary of over 60 years? If so, I would like to invite you to a Mass of celebration. This will take place at St Bede’s church in Basingstoke on Saturday 2nd July 2022 at 11am. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and witness to Marriage. If you would like to come, please send an email to Liz Murphy at anniversaries@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk. If you know a couple who qualifies and does not have access to the internet, please contact the Parish Office at St Bede’s ...
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Fr. Anthony Fyk – The Sacrament of Confirmation Season Has Begun

Confirmation – Liturgy of the Word Every weekend until the early summer, hundreds of youngsters from across the Diocese will come to the Cathedral, the Mother Church, to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and to be sent out on mission. Meanwhile this week, Fr. Anthony Fyk, our new Director of Liturgical Formation, begins a series of articles about the Sacrament of Confirmation, beginning with a look at the Liturgy of the Word. He writes: We find ourselves amid the Confirmation season in the Diocese of Portsmouth. Youth from all parts of the Diocese will converge to our mother church, the ...
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Bishop Philip – Final Report of the Synod 2022 Presented

It was a joy that at the Chrism Mass, the Final Report of the Synod was presented. This has now been submitted to the Bishops’ Conference for their work of assimilating the reports from all 22 Dioceses of England and Wales. The resulting document will in turn be submitted to the European Bishops’ Committee for their discussions. You can read our diocesan submission here on the diocesan website: https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/synod. I would like to thank everyone, clergy and laity, for their engagement with the process and for all the conversations and discussions generated. We had nearly 7,000 responses. Our sincere thanks ...
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Portsmouth Diocese Don Bosco Camp 24th – 30th July 2022

Portsmouth Diocese Don Bosco Camp: This year's Portsmouth Diocesan “Don Bosco” Boys Camp will take place from 24th - 30th July 2022 We are delighted that camp will be going ahead again this summer for boys of secondary school age at St. Cassian’s, Kintbury. There will be plenty of sport, outings, competitions and fun and games to ensure that boys will have a fantastic few days. This will continue to take place within the context of the celebration of the Catholic Faith, including daily Mass and morning prayer. The cost of the camp is £220 (part bursaries may be available ...
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Safeguarding Representatives in our Parish

IMPORTANT NEWS : SAFEGUARDING IN OUR PARISH: The Catholic Church takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously and volunteers have had to undergo clearance via the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service for over 15 years, as well as completing training. OUR PARISH SAFEGUARDING MINISTERS Any safeguarding concerns or requests for advice can be discussed with Anne Worden 023 9281 7586 and Teresa Rowe 023 9281 8295 or routed through to the central Diocesan safeguarding team by emailing them at safeguarding@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or telephoning02394 216486. If there is a concern that someone is at risk of immediate harm, people ...
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Here’s how to pray the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.

Here's how to pray the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. One of the most popular Catholic prayers is the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. It is a prayer formulated in 1886 Pope Leo XIII, after he reported having a haunting demonic vision. Here is how to pray the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. St. Michael the Archangel,  defend us in battle.  Be our defence against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,  and do thou,  O Prince of the heavenly hosts,  by the power of God,  thrust into hell Satan,  and all ...
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Blog Topic: The Eucharist is the Source of All Love

My Dearest Brother and Sister in Christ, my Friend Last week I drew attention to the Eucharist as a source of freedom. Today, I would like to invite you to look at the Eucharist as a school of love. By analogy, we can say that the Eucharist is for us as the sun - the source of life-giving energy. Where the sun does not reach, there is no life. In the darkness life does not develop. If a Christian does not participate in the Eucharist, his life of faith gradually dies as the dying plants die. In the early centuries ...
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CONFESSION TIMES: Saturday morning after Mass at 9.45am at St Swithun’s, and 5.15pm at Our Lady of Lourdes. Confession is available after most Masses in the morning if I am not otherwise engaged, or can be by appointment if you wish. I do not want anyone to think that there is no opportunity for this most healing of the sacraments.

		MARRIAGE CARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Could you support the team at Marriage Care? They are looking for volunteer Marriage Preparation Facilitators to help prepare couples for marriage and Trustees to join the national board. Find out more about how you could help support couples: www.marriagecare.org.uk volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk
		UKRAINE: The Diocese, through Caritas, is working to keep parishioners informed as to the current situation while we wait for the UK Government to clarify the role that faith organisations and other charities will play in the formal response to refugees entering the UK. Please look at the Caritas website for the latest news and updates on the crisis. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please look at the Caritas website https://caritasportsmouth.org.uk
		CLEANING St Swithun’s Catholic Church: Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to support our wonderful team of cleaners. I am grateful for their support so thank you all.

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

15 May 2022

Saint Isidore the Farmer

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16 May 2022

Saint Margaret of Cortona

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16 May 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 16th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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17 May 2022

Saint Paschal Baylon

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18 May 2022

Saint John I

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18 May 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 18th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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19 May 2022

Saint Theophilus of Corte

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19 May 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 19th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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20 May 2022

Saint Bernardine of Siena

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20 May 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 20th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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21 May 2022

Saint Cristobal Magallanes and Companions

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21 May 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 21st May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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21 May 2022

First Holy Communion Programme 2021-2022

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22 May 2022

Saint Rita of Cascia

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23 May 2022

Saint Gregory VII

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23 May 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 23rd May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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24 May 2022

Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

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25 May 2022

Saint Bede the Venerable

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25 May 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 25th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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26 May 2022

Saint Philip Neri

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26 May 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 26th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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27 May 2022

Saint Augustine of Canterbury

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27 May 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 27th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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28 May 2022

Venerable Pierre Toussaint

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28 May 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 28th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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29 May 2022

Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat

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30 May 2022

Saint Joan of Arc

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30 May 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 30th May 2022 Our Lady The Blessed Virgin

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Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 15th May 2022 till the 31st May 2022

Flower Arranger’s Rota and volunteers Needed

Flowers for the Altar Updated 06-02-2022 If you like to see the flowers on the altar would you like to volunteer to join the flower team please. Please consider joining the creative group who dress the altar for our Lord Jesus Christ and his parish. Call Rosemary Devonald 02392 750867 or 07792857828. And welcome to a new member of our flower team Chloe and farewell to two valued and long term members, Orisa and Julia.  We wish them well and thank them profusely. Flower Arranger’s Rota and volunteers - Update 17-10-2021 Thank you so much to all who have shown ...
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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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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 faith-filled young people

We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.

Prayer of the Month – May 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: 15th May 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

 

Litany of Loreto

Ave Maria The Litany of the Blessed Virgin–also called the Litany of Loreto–is one of the many Marian litanies, or praises of Mary, composed during the Middle Ages. The place of honour it now holds, in the life of the Church, is due its faithful use at the shrine of the Holy House at Loreto, which, according to tradition, was the small cottage-like home where the Holy Family had lived and which was miraculously transported by angels, in 1291, from the Holy Land to its present location in Loreto. It was definitely recommended by Pope Clement VII and approved by ...
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The Brown Scapular – The full promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Brown Scapular and other Scapulars The full promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to Saint Simon Stock July 16, 1251 “Accept this Scapular. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and a pledge of peace. Whosoever dies clothed in this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” Such is the extraordinary promise Our Lady makes to those who wear Her Brown Scapular. And this wonderful promise makes the Scapular the most powerful sacramental Heaven’s mercy has given us. Who could doubt Our Lady’s promise, as not to wear, with profoundest gratitude and reverence, this abbreviated ...
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Victory Through The Rosary

“You will be granted all you ask of me by recitation of the rosary.” Also called the Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Rosary is one of the most excellent prayers to the Mother of God. Thus, "the Roman Pontiffs have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to the frequent recitation of this biblically inspired prayer which is centred on contemplation of the salvific events of Christ's life, and their close association with the Virgin Mother." Our Lady’s Action in History and Today Since the time of Saint Dominic, the Most Holy Rosary has been the weapon by which Our Lady has ...
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The Miracle of the Miraculous Medal

These are witnesses of faith and a sign of veneration of the Holy Mother of God, as well as of trust in her maternal protection. The Church blesses such objects of Marian devotion in the belief that "they help to remind the faithful of the love of God, and to increase trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary." The Miracle of the Miraculous Medal: Designed and Revealed by the Blessed Virgin The Medal of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Miraculous Medal, is unique among all medals. The Miraculous Medal was created in response to a request from the Blessed Virgin Mary, ...
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The Regina Coeli

The authorship of the "Regina Caeli" being unknown, legend says the St. Gregory the Great (d. 604) heard the first three lines chanted by angels on a certain Easter morning in Rome while he walked barefoot in a great religious procession and that the saint thereupon added the fourth line: "Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia." — Fr. Gant, moderator, Catholic News The opening words of the Eastertide anthem of the Blessed Virgin, the recitation of which is prescribed from Compline of Holy Saturday until Afternoon Prayer of the Saturday after Pentecost inclusively. Substitute this prayer for the Angelus during the ...
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A Time of Grace

It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month of May is always part of the Easter season, the fifty days we celebrate in the liturgy the Resurrection of Our Lord, a time also of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The celebration of May as a Marian month fits well with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost as we recall Mary’s great joy in her Son’s victory over death as well as her presence with the apostles in the upper room prayerfully awaiting the ...
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Mary and the Popes

The Month of Mary and the Popes The pious practice of honouring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes. Pius XII made frequent reference to it and in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy (Mediator Dei) characterized it as one of "other exercises of piety which although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special import and dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition to the liturgical cult: they have been approved and praised over and over again by the Apostolic See and by ...
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Mary and Our Spiritual Life

In our observance of the Marian month we should take into account the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the fifty days of Easter. Our pious exercises could emphasize Our Lady's participation in the Paschal mystery and in Pentecost with which the Church begins. The pious exercises connected with the month of May can easily highlight the earthly role played by the glorified Queen of Heaven, here and now, in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The following practices which are recommended by the Magisterium are offered as suggestions for honouring Our Lady ...
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Devotion to Mary

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example, as well as the guide and inspiration, of everyone who, in and through the Church, seeks to be the servant of God and man and the obedient agent of the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as Pope Leo XIII reminded us, is the soul of the Church: All the activity and service of the members of the Church, beginning with the supreme participation of the Blessed Mother in the work of the Church, is vivified by the Holy Spirit as the body, in all ...
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May dedicated to Our Lady Mary

The month of May is the "month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady," and it is the occasion for a "moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pray to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God's mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance" (Paul VI: Encyclical ...
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World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 56th WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS Listening with the ear of the heart Dear brothers and sisters, Last year we reflected on the need to “Come and See” in order to discover reality and be able to recount it beginning with experiencing ...
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Bishop Philip – Come, Follow Me: A Ten-Year Strategy

20/05/2022

Pope Francis – 2022 WORLD DAY OF VOCATIONS

06/05/2022

Pope Francis’ Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Message 2022

22/04/2022

 

OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

SECOND COLLECTION This Sunday we will be holding a collection for the Clergy Training Fund. Please see the poster in the porch for further details about this important resource. Thank you for your continued support.

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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 -15-05-2022

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.

Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter: Sunday 15th May 2022 5th Sunday of Easter 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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