Our Lady of Lourdes & St Swithun's

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Newsletter: 18th October 2020 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A


 


WE THANK GOD THAT WE ARE NOW ALLOWED TO CELEBRATE HOLY MASS IN OUR CHURCH

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.


  • Service Times This Week: 

  • Click here: You can find the actual daily services here:
  • Click here: If you want the daily readings then go here:

Our Services resume as normal in St Swithun’s Church Southsea=  from Saturday October 17th 2020

Dates Time Service
Weekdays Monday to Friday 9:00am
9:30am
10:00am
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Devine Chaplet followed by Benediction
The Holy Mass
Weekdays Tuesdays and Fridays 7:00pm The Holy Mass
EVERY SATURDAY – Vigil Mass 6:00pm The Holy Mass
SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30am The Holy Mass
Sunday October 18th  2020 10:15am The Holy Mass
12:00 noon Mass in Polish
Every Friday on line only in October 6:00am Streamed only – Mass in Polish

 Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Sunday October 18th 2020


My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

In Today’s Gospel Jesus is telling us that the most important responsibility we have is to God as we are created in his image.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, my Creator, and Redeemer, everything good comes from you. You are the one source of peace and happiness. Thank you for bringing me into existence and ensuring I received the inestimable gift of the faith. Thank you for accompanying me in every moment. I am grateful for your mercy and love and wish to respond more generously to you in my life.

Petition: Lord, may I remember who I am: one who bears the name “Christian.”

1. Signed: How often do we reflect on what we are doing when we make the Sign of the Cross? In “The Spirit of the Liturgy”, the future Pope Benedict said: “to seal oneself with the Sign of the Cross is a public and visible ‘yes’ to him who suffered for us, to him who in the body has made God’s love visible, to a God who reigns not by destruction but by humility of suffering and love which is stronger than all the power of the world and wiser than all the calculating intelligence of men.” We are saying that we believe in the power of the cross and particularly in what it means for our own life – our bodies will rise again. We sign ourselves as belonging to the one who has won our redemption by his blood on the cross, as belonging to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are signed, and we belong to God. The Sign of the Cross is a daily reminder that we are to give to God what is God’s, that is, our very selves.

2. Delivered: Christ prayed at the Last Supper, “They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world…. Father, I desire that those also whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17: 16-24). And so it is that we are to be delivered to where we will see his glory and be with him. We bear an inscription as those baptized into his life, and we outwardly recall this when we make the Sign of the Cross with water from the fonts in the entrances to our churches. It is up to us then – with the thoughts, words, and actions of our lives – to live this truth coherently, giving to God what is God’s.

3. Detached: Pope Saint John Paul II, reflecting on Psalm 145, writes: “Man therefore finds himself facing a radical choice between two contrasting possibilities: on the one side is the temptation to ‘trust in princes,’ adopting their criteria inspired by wickedness, selfishness, and pride. In fact, this is a slippery slope, a ruinous road, a ‘crooked path and a devious way,’ (Proverbs 2:15) whose goal is despair. Indeed, the Psalmist reminds us that man is a frail, mortal being, as the very word ‘adam’ implies; in Hebrew, this word is used to signify earth, matter, dust. Man – the bible constantly states – is ‘like (…) a strip of grass that is green at dawn but has withered by evening (Psalms 89:5-6).’ With this in mind, we “give to the emperor” what is of this world by relinquishing or simply detaching ourselves from it. We give what is eternal, namely our souls, over to God bec ause we belong to him.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, Jesus Christ, sometimes I am attracted to the things of this world and influenced by those who try to convince me to trust only in the world’s ways. May I not be hoodwinked by this world but keep my heart set on the world that will never pass away. Only in your world will I be filled with your grace forever.

Resolution: Today I will examine my conscience to do some “house cleaning” of my soul. I resolve to treat the goods of this world only as a means towards holiness, stepping stones to communion with God.

 Read today’s Readiings here



with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

 

 


Holy Souls – The November Mass list to Remember our Dead.

Beloved Dead November is the month we traditionally remember those who have died and gone before us. It is a work of mercy to pray for our dead. The Church commemorates all her faithful children who have departed from this life, but have not yet attained the joys of heaven. St. Paul warns us that we must not be ignorant concerning the dead, nor sorrowful, “even as others who have no hope … For the Lord Himself shall come down from …
Read more here

World Mission Sunday 2020

On Saturday 6 March 100 years ago, The Tablet recorded the ‘Departure of Uganda Missionaries at Westminster Cathedral’. It was the sending ceremony of a band of eight Mill Hill Missionaries for Uganda, a thriving mission area. Fr Bernard Vaughan, the brother of the late Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, founder of the Mill Hill Missionaries, pointed out how ‘a person with an ideal or a mission in life would undergo any hardship to attain that ideal, though success could not …
Read more here

Sr. Marie Elise Tay FMDM Tribute – Diana Clark, R.I.P.

Message from Father Marcin

Thank You so much to all who spent their time on the knees of The Lord, with our ‘Mary & Martha’ + Diana Clark RIP. Thank You so much for all your love and support showed to Diana and Her Family – especially in the last weeks of Her passing away from this world to the Father’s House. Thank You for all the Holy …
Read more here

One million children praying the rosary Oct 18th – 19th at 6pm

Aid to the Church in Need is coordinating a prayer campaign for a world in crisis. For unity and peace on 18th of October at 6.00pm All over the world, kids will be praying the Rosary on the 18th of October. If your child would like to join this special event, please be attentive and use my ‘ZOOM’ meeting invitation shared on Facebook profile on the day or email me with a request to send You an invitation to …
Read more here

IN OCTOBER EVERY THURSDAY at 6PM – HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM

This week is the last one of the month of October. Our last Rosary Prayer with the Children through ‘ZOOM’ will be this Thursday 29th October, at 6.00pm. Please, access through the invitation published on our Facebook Profile on the day.
We pray the Holy Rosary every day from Monday to Saturday approx. 10.30am at the church.
Previous Messages:
During the month of October Father Marcin is inviting the children to join …
Read more here

Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers –  FORMULA PRAYERS GIVE US WORDS WHEN WE NEED THEM

Q: I’ve tried prayer, but what do I pray about?

A: Great question. One of the primary battles many people face when it comes to prayer is the assumption that they aren’t “doing it right”. Our Catholic tradition is filled with many “formula” prayers that Christians have used to help them pray over the centuries. I have run into people who seem to look down on formula prayers. They will claim that they don’t need them. I …
Read more here

 

 

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Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week - 18-10-2020

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 18-10-2020

In Matthew 22, the Pharisees attempt to trip Jesus up again with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Attempting to trap Jesus with a question that has problematic consequences no matter how he answered it if he would have answered it directly, Jesus tells the Pharisees and other listeners to render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to God that which belongs to God. Check out this video with Dr. Brant Pitre to learn more Background on the Gospel Reading In today’s Gospel Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At this point the disciples of the Pharisees, together with the Herodians, try to entrap Jesus by their question about the payment of taxes. Matthew sets up an unusual partnership between the Pharisees and the Herodians. The Herodians were supporters of Herod Antipas, a Jewish political leader who …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 18-10-2020

Catholic Kids Homilies – God and Caesar! Ordinary Time 29A God and Caesar! A fun Catholic homily for kids based on the readings for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, cycle A. Loyalty, especially to one’s peer group, is an admired quality to young people at this age. This Sunday’s Gospel reading provides an opportunity to help them understand that loyalty to God requires giving to God what is due to God. The Pharisees send their disciples to test Jesus with a question about taxes. Dear Children, Sunday’s  Gospel , Matthew 22:15-21, Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar Give each child a coin to hold. Explain that they are to hold it tightly in their fist until you give them further instructions. Has anyone ever asked you a question that there just wasn’t any way to answer without getting yourself into trouble? That’s what we call a loaded …
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Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 18-10-2020

Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 18-10-2020

Caesar and the King: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time The Lord is king over all the earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm. Governments rise and fall by His permission, with no authority but that given from above (see John 19:11; Romans 13:1). In effect, God says to every ruler what He tells King Cyrus in today’s First Reading: “I have called you . . . though you knew me not.” The Lord raised up Cyrus to restore the Israelites from exile, and to rebuild Jerusalem (see Ezra 1:1–4). Throughout salvation history, God has used foreign rulers for the sake of His chosen people. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened to reveal God’s power (see Romans 9:17). Invading armies were used to punish Israel’s sins (see 2 Maccabees 6:7–16). The Roman occupation during Jesus’ time was, in a similar way, a judgment on Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus’ famous words in today’s Gospel: “Repay …
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Commentary on Isaiah 45:1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21

Commentary on Isaiah 45:1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21

IN PAST SUNDAYS we have seen Jesus attacking the religious leaders of his people for their failure to recognise in him the Word of God, the power of God, the compassionate love of God. All they could see was a man who broke their laws. Today, in the first of four challenges by different leaders, they hit back. Their plan was to get Jesus to discredit himself. The first challenge, in today’s Gospel, comes from the Pharisees. Their deviousness is seen in the delegation they sent – a mixture of their disciples (not themselves) and some Herodians. It was a strange mixture because Pharisees and Herodians were bitterly opposed to each other. The Pharisees were rabid nationalists and totally anti-Roman; the Herodians were willing to collaborate with the Romans hoping to benefit from it. In the language of today, they would be called “appeasers” or “fellow travellers”. It was a …
Read more here


 

 

BLURB - Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples

BLURB – Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples

BLURB – Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples to overcome ‘gridlock’ in communication. ANYONE who wishes to support Married Couples thrive is also invited to attend ie Clergy/Laity. The pandemic has increased the stress on married couples and the adverse effect on their relationship and family is worth fighting for. The workshop is delivered by a married couple. It takes two to tango they say but it takes ONE to change the dance.

  • Come and explore new ways of communicating on Saturday 24th October in St Swithuns’ Church Hall from 12-5pm.
  • Contact Aba Shields for more …
    Read more here

Fr. Mike Schmitz – Why Are We So Divided Right Now?

Is it just us, or does the world seem a bit divided right now? Human beings were not only created with a unique purpose, but also created to live in community. However, there are two things that can disrupt this call: division and distraction. Why these two? Well, distractions are things that take us away from a given task or goal, taking us away from living with a purpose. Likewise, division takes away from living in community with those around us. The twentieth century brought with it innumerable inventions of distraction: things like television, radio, computers, etc. All of these products are great …
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Carlo Acutis

Thomas Griffin – Bl. Carlo Acutis: The Example Young People Need

“All people are born as originals, but most die as photocopies.” Blessed Carlo Acutis preached this message as a call for people of all ages to never settle for mediocrity. Born in Italy, May 1991, this first “millennial” to be beatified died at the age of fifteen, after a battle with leukemia. Blessed Carlo grew up as a normal child in an ordinary home, but his witness of intentional kindness, dynamic prayer, and proclamation of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist stands as a beacon of hope in a secular age, and a path for all young people to follow …
Read more here
Samaritanus Bonus - On the Care of Critically Ill Persons 

Samaritanus Bonus – On the Care of Critically Ill Persons 

Two weeks ago, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued an important letter on the care of persons who are terminally ill called Samaritanus Bonus (‘The Good Samaritan’). Since then, Fr. Francis Marsden from the Archdiocese of Liverpool has sent me an article that he has written for The Catholic Times in which he discusses the document and summarises what it is saying. He has given me permission to share it with you here. Fr. Francis writes… The Letter “Samaritanus bonus” (SB) published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) on 22nd September focuses on the care of persons …
Read more here

 

 

 

 

WE are coming back to our evening meetings with a glass of wine (not necessary) for our Q&A of The Catholic Faith. This will happen every Tuesday at 8.00PM through our Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk. Everyone is welcome to join, to send the questions about our Catholic Faith, or just join us to listen to, pray for each other and keep in touch.
So, we start every Tuesday 8:00pm
ALSO, we are coming back to our Morning Coffee (in POLISH). – Through our Facebook Profile for Polish Community: St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea. These Mornings will happen every Thursday at 11.00am. All Polish speaking people are very welcome to send your questions or to join us to talk about the interesting things about our Catholic Faith.

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



Parish Devotion for Saturday 17th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Saturdays
17
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Saturday 17th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Saturdays

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One million children praying the rosary Oct 18th – 19th at 6pm
18
October
2020

One million children praying the rosary Oct 18th – 19th at 6pm

Find out more


Parish Devotion for Monday 19th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Mondays
19
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Monday 19th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Mondays

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Parish Devotion for Tuesday 20th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Tuesdays
20
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Tuesday 20th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Tuesdays

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First Holy Communion Programme – 2021
20
October
2020

First Holy Communion Programme – 2021

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !
20
October
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !

Find out more


Parish Devotion for Wednesday 21st October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Wednesdays
21
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Wednesday 21st October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Wednesdays

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Parish Devotion for Thursday 22nd October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Thursdays
22
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Thursday 22nd October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Thursdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !
22
October
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !

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HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM – October 2020 on Thursdays
22
October
2020

HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM – October 2020 on Thursdays

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Parish Devotion for Friday 23rd October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Fridays
23
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Friday 23rd October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Fridays

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Parish Devotion for Saturday 24th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Saturdays
24
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Saturday 24th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Saturdays

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Alton Day of Renewal – 2020 Programme – The God who speaks
24
October
2020

Alton Day of Renewal – 2020 Programme – The God who speaks

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BLURB – Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples
24
October
2020

BLURB – Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples

Find out more


Parish Devotion for Monday 26th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Mondays
26
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Monday 26th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Mondays

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Ascent Group -Events 2020 Timetable
26
October
2020

Ascent Group -Events 2020 Timetable

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Parish Devotion for Tuesday 27th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Tuesdays
27
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Tuesday 27th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Tuesdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !
27
October
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !

Find out more


Parish Devotion for Wednesday 28th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Wednesdays
28
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Wednesday 28th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Wednesdays

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Parish Devotion for Thursday 29th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Thursdays
29
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Thursday 29th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Thursdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !
29
October
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !

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HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM – October 2020 on Thursdays
29
October
2020

HOLY ROSARY FOR THE CHILDREN BY ZOOM – October 2020 on Thursdays

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Parish Devotion for Friday 30th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Fridays
30
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Friday 30th October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Fridays

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Parish Devotion for Saturday 31st October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary –  Saturdays
31
October
2020

Parish Devotion for Saturday 31st October 2020 – Month of The Holy Rosary – Saturdays

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Parish Devotion for Monday 2nd November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Mondays
02
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Monday 2nd November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Mondays

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Parish Devotion for Tuesday 3rd November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Tuesdays
03
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Tuesday 3rd November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Tuesdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !
03
November
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !

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Parish Devotion for Wednesday 4th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Wednesdays
04
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Wednesday 4th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Wednesdays

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Parish Devotion for Thursday 5th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Thursdays
05
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Thursday 5th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Thursdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !
05
November
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a POLISH Q&A !

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Parish Devotion for Friday 6th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Fridays
06
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Friday 6th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Fridays

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Parish Devotion for Saturday 7th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Saturdays
07
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Saturday 7th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Saturdays

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Parish Devotion for Monday 9th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Mondays
09
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Monday 9th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Mondays

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Parish Devotion for Tuesday 10th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory –  Tuesdays
10
November
2020

Parish Devotion for Tuesday 10th November 2020 – Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Tuesdays

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ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !
10
November
2020

ONLINE – Join Father Marcin for a Q&A and a Glass of Wine !

Find out more

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 17th October 2020 till the 30th November 2020

Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

Message from the Ascent Group due to Covid

Message from the Ascent Group due to Covid

Dear Ascent Group As you are aware we have not met as a group in St Swithuns church hall  since February this year due to the restrictions imposed by  the Corona virus situation. The full year,2020, had been booked for meetings and outings and it is considered that we may be able to pick up on this programme in the next year, 2021. This of course would be dependent on any imposed restrictions due to the continuation of the virus then! An encouraging email from Paula Conrad (Our Southwark Region Vice President) is in part reproduced below. ‘Dear All – …
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Update from St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society 

Update from St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society 

Dear Families, Thank you so much for your generous efforts toward making sure our homeless and vulnerable guests are provided with a takeaway meal each Sunday. They have been so gratefully received! However, to ensure that we are compliant with the Government’s regulations around food preparation for food made and distributed to members of the public, it is essential that at least one family member preparing the sandwiches has a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate. This can be obtained via an online course at https://www.thesaferfoodgroup.com/level-2-award-in-food-safety-catering.php Alternatively, you can provide the ingredients necessary for the takeaway packs and they will be …
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CELEBRATE Back to Basics 21st Sept - 14th December

CELEBRATE Back to Basics 21st Sept – 14th December

CELEBRATE Back to Basics 21st Sept – 14th December Lucy Sayer, a parishioner from St Swithun’s Southsea and a member of the Celebrate Southampton Leadership Team draws our attention to the forthcoming Celebrate Online event “Back to Basics” for ehich registration is now open… We are very excited about what the Lord has planned for CELEBRATE. Following our successful online conference in June, we are delighted that so many new people joined us on the CELEBRATE Facebook hub, for which we praise God. We believe that the Lord is now calling us to share the vision of CELEBRATE with all …
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going into hospital

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

UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021 Programme 

This week 20TH October 2020 TUESDAY II First Communion Session for the Parents (only) – from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

ALL interested in the First Communion Preparation for the next year, please collect the Registration Form from the porch of the church, and give back to Fr Marcin, or to the office of the Parish by the 8th October 2020.

UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS 

  • If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
  • If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.

For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:

– Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
– Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
– Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;

 

Prayer of the Month – October 2020

Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions October 2020 – The Laity’s Mission in the Church

Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions October 2020 – The Laity’s Mission in the Church

The Laity’s Mission in the Church We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church. October 2020 Prayer Intention of Pope Francis – The Laity’s Mission in the Church: We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church. A busy, Sunday morning at our North London parish. A request between Masses. “Please give me permission, Father, to do this certain thing (exactly what must remain private) if the church allows it.” Another parishioner, known as a forthright …
Read more here

and for those in 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: 18th October 2020:  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 

House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/



“CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish.  I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.

 


Parish Devotions this month

October Month of the Holy Rosary

OCTOBER: The Most Holy Rosary

October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is celebrated each year, commemorates the great navy victory of the Christians over the Turks in 1571. At that battle, the Battle of Lepanto, sixty-five thousand men prayed the Rosary for three hours and took part in the Sacraments and Traditional Devotions. And, the Christian army prevailed that day against the Turks, although they were outnumbered by a 3:1 ratio. Following the colossal victory of the Christians, the Turks never fully recovered and never again threatened the Mediterranean Sea. Pope Pius V established the … Read more here
The Rosary is the weapon for these times Padre Pio

Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina – “The Rosary is a Weapon”

Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina – “The Rosary is a Weapon” How true! With the Rosary, we can fight the powers of Satan, which foster sin, hatred, and war. The Rosary is the weapon of the Church in proclaiming unity and peace. All mankind is called to be part of the One, Universal Faith, and we are called to pray together. The Rosary has been called the second greatest prayer, second only to the Holy Mass. “The Rosary is the scourge of the devil,” wrote Pope Adrian V. … Read more here
MARY IN OUR LIFE Fr. William Most

Mary in our Life by Fr. William G. Most

Mary in our Life by Fr. William G. Most “Today, when dangers far greater than those of the ancient Turks threaten not only Christianity but all civilisation, we are urged by our Blessed Mother to turn again to the Rosary for help. If men in sufficient numbers do this, and at the same time carry out the other conditions that she has laid down, we have the greater reason for confidence that we will be delivered from our dangers.” —  We are all called to be children of the One True God. And, the disappointing thing in our world is that … Read more here
Our Lady of Fatima Pray for Us

Our Blessed Lady at Fatima – “I am the Lady of the Rosary”

Our Blessed Lady at Fatima – “I am the Lady of the Rosary” On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima and continued to appear on the 13th of each month until October of 1917. On the first day the children saw “a lady, clothed in white, brighter than the sun, radiating a light more clear and intense than a crystal cup filled with sparkling water, lit by burning sunlight.” Mary’s request was clear, “I have come to ask you to come here for six months on the 13th day of the month, at … Read more here

Our Lady of Fatima – The Miracle of the Sun

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, … Read more here
15 Promises of reciting the Holy Rosary

The Fifteen Promise of Our Lady of the Rosary

Thus, I implore all of you to pray the Rosary as Our Lady, Mother Mary, asked of us. Please make it part of your daily prayers. Remember and truly contemplate the 15 promises of Mary to those that pray the Rosary:

  1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.
  2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
  3. The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
  4. It will cause virtue and good works to … Read more here
Pope John Paul II and the Holy Rosary

The Rosary and the Liturgical Year

The Rosary and the Liturgical Year The Rosary had its origin in the liturgical mentality of former ages. Even at the present time it is called “Mary’s Psalter.” There still are Catholics who consider the 150 Hail Marys a substitute for the 150 psalms for those persons who neither have the time, the education, nor the opportunity to pray the Hours of the Divine Office. Thus “Mary’s Psalter” is a shortened, simplified “breviary” — alongside the common Hour-prayer of the Church. — The Church’s Year of Grace, Dr. Pius Parsch The Rosary is Christocentric setting forth the entire life of Jesus … Read more here
Pope John Paul II prays the Holy Rosary

The Rosary and the Popes

The Rosary and the Popes No form of extra-liturgical devotion to Mary is more widely practiced among the faithful or found by them to be more satisfyingly complete than the Rosary, which has come to be regarded as the very badge of Catholic piety. No form of extra-liturgical devotion to Mary has been recommended more warmly or frequently by the Popes. With perhaps two exceptions, all the Sovereign Pontiffs from Sixtus IV in 1478 down to John XXIII, especially Leo XIII (in 23 documents, ten of them encyclicals entirely on the Rosary) and his successors, have extolled this form of … Read more here
Holy Rosary

The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Mysteries of the Rosary Until about the 15th century hundreds of mysteries were part of the Rosary devotion then the 15 mysteries that we know today were definitively fixed as “the Mysteries of the Rosary.” Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, in 2002 added the five Luminous Mysteries. Through the meditations of the complete Rosary one recalls and has impressed on his mind, the Popes tell us, “the chief mysteries of the Christian religion,” “the mysteries of our Redemption,” “the great mysteries of Jesus and His Mother united in joys, sorrows, and triumphs.” The twenty mysteries are … Read more here
Saint Dominic Guzman and the Holy Rosary

Saint Dominic Guzman and the Holy Rosary

Saint Dominic Guzman and the Holy Rosary The Rosary is attributed to Saint Dominic Guzman in the 1200’s. Saint Dominic Guzman was an Augustian priest and worked for clerical reform. By age 26, Saint Dominic Guzman was fighting the Albigensian Heresy, which taught that there are two Gods, marriage is a sin, and denied the Trinity, incarnation and redemption. While many others had failed to stop the spread of the heresy, Saint Dominic Guzman succeeded. In 1208, Saint Dominic Guzman knelt in the little chapel of Notre Dame de La Prouille and asked Mary, the Mother of God, to save … Read more here

 

POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
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Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

26/12/2020
Nothing Separates us from God's Love

Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

12/12/2020
Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

14/11/2020

 

OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.

Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!

These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here 

Standing Order and  other useful Information

 Download Standing Order Form (PDF)

These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305

Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453

Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

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Download Newsletter PDF 18-10-2020

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 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Sunday October 18th 2020

NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

  Read More on our Renewal Pages here

Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
Ventilation: In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.

WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.

There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.

TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.

The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.

Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.

Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.



Filed Under: Newsletter, Newsletter 18102020, Parish News & Events Feed, Resources, Resources Newsletters Tagged With: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Father Marcin Drabik, Scott Hahn, St Swithun's RC Church

January: Month of The Holy Name of Jesus In the Name of Jesus let every knee bow,
of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth
and let every tongue confess that the Lord Jesus Christ
is in the glory of God the Father.


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