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.
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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.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
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.
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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
Holy Souls – The November Mass list to Remember our Dead.
NEXT SUNDAY we’ll enter the month of November, the month in which the Church prays for all who are in the purifying fires of Purgatory, waiting for the day when they will join the company of the saints in Heaven. The celebration of Mass is the highest means the Church can provide for charity for the dead, but we can also relieve their sufferings through our prayers, sufferings and penances. We can also help the Poor Souls by doing …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
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
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 18-10-2020
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 18-10-2020
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 18-10-2020
Read more here
Commentary on Isaiah 45:1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21
Read more here
BLURB – Breakthrough Workshop is a workshop to equip Married Couples
- 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?
Read more here
Thomas Griffin – Bl. Carlo Acutis: The Example Young People Need
Read more here
Samaritanus Bonus – On the Care of Critically Ill Persons
Read more here
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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 |
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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
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
Read more here
Update from St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society
Read more here
CELEBRATE Back to Basics 21st Sept – 14th December
Read more here
GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
Read more here
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 Prayer Intentions October 2020 – The Laity’s Mission in the Church
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.
OCTOBER: The Most Holy Rosary
Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina – “The Rosary is a Weapon”
Mary in our Life by Fr. William G. Most
Our Blessed Lady at Fatima – “I am the Lady of the Rosary”
Our Lady of Fatima – The Miracle of the Sun
The Fifteen Promise of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.
- I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
- The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
- It will cause virtue and good works to … Read more here
The Rosary and the Liturgical Year
The Rosary and the Popes
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Saint Dominic Guzman and the Holy Rosary
Blog Topic: “The Parish will never be the same again”
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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
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.
