Service Times This Week: from Saturday January 16th 2020 until January 24th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
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| Download this week’s Newsletter here: | Newsletter Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 17th January 2021 Year B |
| Date | Location | links to readings and Services |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 17th January 2021 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 17-01-2021 |
| Monday 18th January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 18-01-2021 |
| Tuesday 19th January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 19-01-2021 |
| Wednesday 20th January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 20-01-2021 |
| Thursday 21st January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 21-01-2021 |
| Friday 22nd January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 22-01-2021 |
| Saturday 23rd January 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 23-01-2021 |
| Sunday 24th January 2021 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 24-01-2021 |
My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Today, we can see Jesus coming by the banks of the river Jordan: it is Christ walking by! It was about four o’clock in the afternoon, when noticing two young men following him, He asks them “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38). And, surprised at the question, they answer “‘Rabbi (which means Master), where are you staying?’. ‘Come and see’” (John 1:39).
I am also following Jesus, but… what do I want? what am I seeking? He is who asks me: “Truly, what do you want?”. O! if I would only be courageous enough to tell him: “I am seeking you, Jesus”, most surely I would have already found him, “For the one who seeks, finds” (Matthew 7:8). But I am such a coward and always reply with words not too engaging: “Where are you staying?”. But Jesus does not simply put up with my answer; He knows but too well that I do not just need a lot of words, but a friend, The Friend: Him. This is why He tells me: “Come and see”, “come and you will see it”.
John and Andrew, the two young fishermen, followed him and “saw where He stayed and spent the rest of that day with him” (John 1:39). Overwhelmed by this encounter, John will be able to write: “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17b). And Andrew? He will run to meet his brother to tell him: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). “And he brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John, but you shall be called Cephas’ (which means Rock)” (John 1:42).
A rock!, Simon, a rock? Not one of them is able to understand those words. They do not know Jesus has come to build his own Church with living stones. He has already chosen the first two bricks, John and Andrew, and he has decided that Simon will be the rock upon which the whole building will stand.
And, before going to his Father, he will answer our question: “Rabbi, where are you staying?”. While blessing his Church, He will answer: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28,20).
REFLECTION
Introductory Prayer: Lord you know my heart. You know all of my thoughts, desires, and intentions, whether they are good or bad. You love me despite all of my failings and dark corners. Thank you for your patience and forgiveness. Thank you for the countless graces that you shower on me daily, though I do not realize it. Thank you for revealing your love to me so that I can stand tall and continue in the hopes of embracing you forever in heaven. I now dedicate these precious moments to you so that I can know and love you more and be transformed into you.
Petition: Lord, grant me a lively faith that seeks your grace and presence in my daily routine.
1. Worth the Wait: Sometimes it seems that it takes forever for God to answer a prayer. When he does, though, the results exceed all expectation. Ever since Abraham’s time, the world was awaiting a saviour. The Book of Genesis records that God tested Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Isaac, unaware of his father’s intention asked, “‘My father! … Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham responded, ‘God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’” John the Baptist announces the good news, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), as he points out Christ by the Jordan River. The prayers of fallen creation are answered as the saviour of the world – God’s lamb – takes the field in salvation history. Is my faith in God willing to endure the test of time? Does my faith wane when my prayers are not answered as fast as I would like?
2. What Are You Looking For? Whom Do You Seek? After the Fall, God promised a saviour who would restore to man his communion with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists, it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator” (No. 27). In today’s Gospel passage, Simon Peter and Andrew entrust themselves to Christ. The course of their lives undergoes a radical change for the better. Do I seek Christ every day? Do I entrust my whole life to him? Are there areas in my life that I haven’t turned over to Christ: my financial concerns, my time, my family?
3. The Courage to Leave Yourself Behind: Peter and Andrew experienced Christ more deeply and intensely when they left their previous ways behind. Too often we become inordinately attached to things, ways, and lifestyles that do not fit our Catholic faith. Do we have the courage, like Peter and Andrew, to give up our past sins and sinful habits? Can we be generous enough to leave behind even some good things so that we might follow Christ in a relationship that requires a deeper commitment of time, resources or talent? What is holding me back? Do I lack faith and trust in Christ? Is my love up to the challenge? Christ invites us all to “Come and see” what new meaning our lives can have when we deepen our commitment to him.
Conversation with Christ: Oh Lord, teach me not to be afraid, but to have courage in taking on a real commitment of my time, resources and talent. I want to help you extend your Kingdom in the hearts of people. Strengthened by faith and emboldened by your love, I know I won’t be disappointed.
Resolution: I will set aside time each day this week to sit down and study my faith more, especially those areas which I find difficult to explain to others.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 17-01-2021
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 17-01-2021
Read more here
Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19; 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20; John 1:35-42
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 17-01-2021
Read more here
“Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays
Update 13/02/021
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) We will also published on our Facebook Profile every morning a prayer recorded in English & Polish for Children with daily Lenten resolution.
Update 22/01/021 Thank You so much for such a good respond for our “Catholic ‘Zoom School’ for …
Read more here
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 …
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“Patris Corde” – Pope Francis “Year of Saint Joseph” – Invite to our First event on 31st Jan 2021
With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021. This is why I would like to invite everyone for – the First one – on Sunday 31st JANUARY 2021 at 3.00pm
APOSTOLIC LETTER PATRIS CORDE OF THE …
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Bishop Barron calls for national examination of conscience
Catholic …
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POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE
1 JANUARY 2021
A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE 1 …
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Pax Christi Sunday – Movement for Peace Jan 17th 2021
PEACE SUNDAY is on 17 JANUARY and this year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace’.
“How many resources,” he says, “are spent on weaponry, especially nuclear weapons, that could be used for more significant priorities such as ensuring the safety of individuals, the promotion of peace and integral human development, the fight against poverty, and the provision of health care.” Pope Francis calls on us to “strive daily, in concrete …
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Hymn for the Today – The Call of Samuel for Children
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Philip Kosloski – St. John Paul II’s formula for defeating evil in the world
Read more here
Theresa Civantos Barber – January’s longer days remind us of Christ’s promise and our vocation
Read more here
Philip Kosloski – God often answers prayers with peace in your soul
Read more here
Bishop Philip Egan – Survey of People and Parishioners
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REQUEST FROM St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 16th January 2021 till the 28th February 2021
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/
“Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays
Read more here
Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable
Read more here
Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays
Read more here
Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays
Read more here
GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
Read more here
THIS WEEK FOR ALL:
Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:
TUESDAY at 8.00pm – general questions;
THURSDAY at 8.00pm – Subject: ‘Purgatory’.
Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on:
TUESDAY at 11.15am
CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER
UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS
- If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
- If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.
For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:
– Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
– Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
– Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;
Prayer of the Month – January 2021
Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity
Read more here
Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2021 – Human fraternity
God our Father, you love each of your children
and you don’t stop taking care of them and looking out for their good,
Help me to be the image and the example of this love of yours.
May I find in each person a brother or sister and truly love them,
welcoming them despite any differences we may have,
respecting them in their dignity, regardless of their origin or faith.
I pray that in the hearts of all your children, the seed of human fraternity is cultivated,
to build your kingdom together on this earth.
Pray for those of our Own Parish:
Please pray for those who are ill especially: Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.
And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 17th January 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/
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: 3rd January
Read more here
The Holy Name of Jesus – History of the Feast
Read more here
12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus
Read more here
The Holy Name of Jesus – The Cross as a Symbol
Read more here
The Holy Name of Jesus – The Ichthys (Fish) Symbol
Read more here
The Holy Name of Jesus – The IHS Symbol
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The Holy Name of Jesus – The Chi-Rho Symbol
Read more here
Blog Topic- Pope Jean Paul II – Veritatis splendor – The Splendor of Truth
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OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.
Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.
Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!
These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here
Standing Order and other useful Information
Download Standing Order Form (PDF)
These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305
Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453 (Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun)
with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik
Next weekend we take the annual second collection in support of your Cathedral in Portsmouth
Appeal envelopes will be available at all masses for those who do not have gift aided planned giving envelopes for second collections. This collection is the only support our Cathedral receives from the wider Diocesan family.
Due to the lockdown and restrictions being imposed on many people travelling, a ‘Give as you Live’ page has also been created to enable you to donate online at:
https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/cathedral-annual-appeal
Understandably, we all are aware that these are difficult times for us all, but please give generously to support your cathedral, gift aiding your donation wherever possible.
Download Newsletter PDF -17-01-2021
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.
Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 17th January 2021 Year B
PARISH CONTACTS
- PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
- Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
- Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
- Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths tel: 023 92 737559;
- Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden tel: 023 92 817586;
- Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
| Let people know and come join in the conversation online! | |
| LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: | St Swithuns Page |
| FOLLOW us on Twitter: | @FrMarcinD @St_swithun |
“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.
