Newsletter: 20th March 2022 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

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

Today, third Sunday of Lent, the evangelical reading contains Jesus’ call to penance and conversion. Or, rather, a demand for a change in our lives.
In Evangelical language “To convert to” means to change not only our innermost attitude but our exterior style, too. It is one of the mostly employed parables in the Gospel. Remember that, before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, saint John the Baptist summarized his advocating with the same saying: “Preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). And, immediately after, Jesus preaching can be summarized with these words: “Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).

Yet, today’s reading has some characteristics of its own that request faithful attention and an adequate answer. It can be said that the first part, with the two historic references (the Galileans’ blood shed by Pilate and the crumbling of the Siloh tower), contains a threat. It is impossible to call it any other way!: we deplore the two misfortunes —regretted and moaned at the time— but Jesus Christ, most seriously, says to all of us: —”Unless you change your ways, you will all perish as they did” (Luke 13:5).

This shows us two basic things. In the first place, the total seriousness of the Christian commitment. And, secondly, if we do not respect it, as God commands, the possibility of our death, not in this world but, much worse, in the other one: the eternal doom. These two deaths in our text are nothing but examples of another death, that cannot be compared to the first one.

Each one of us will eventually find out how to face this demand of personal change. Nobody is excluded. But if this may worry us, the second part should comfort us, instead. The “gardener”, who is Jesus, begs the owner of the vineyard, his Father, to wait another year. And, in the meanwhile, He will do whatever possible (and the impossible, by dying for us) so that the vineyard may bear fruit. That is, we change our ways! This is the message of Lent. Let us, therefore, take it seriously. The saints —though late in his life saint Ignatius of Loyola is one instance— do change by God’s grace while inciting us to change too.

Our Faith is like the fig tree … when life gets difficult we can’t just give up like the Orchard owner. We need to be patient and we need to take care of our spiritual life, through the Sacraments, prayer and scripture, in order for our Faith to be fruitful.

with Blessings Father Simon

REFLECTION:

Opening Prayer: My Lord, I come before you as your child, as your disciple, and as a sinner. Look mercifully on my life and help me to grow, to thrive, and to yield fruit. Open my mind to the message you have for me today.

Encountering Christ:

1) God Seeks Fruits: The parable about the fig tree shows that God is not indifferent to the way our lives play out. Just as the person in the parable who had planted the fig tree expected it to yield fruit, God has created us with a specific destiny and mission in mind. Over the years, if our lives do not correspond to that destiny, if we do not develop in the way he intended, or if we do not bring the expected fruit, then our creator will rightly be as disappointed as the person in the parable. God created us, he has given us all we need to thrive, and he greatly cares about what will become of us.

2)Which Fruits Is God Seeking in Us?: At first, we could think that God looks for fruits from our lives for his own benefit. In reality, however, there is nothing God needs that he does not already have. Jesus has taught us time and again what God seeks from us. The ultimate fruit of human life is to have known, loved, and served our Lord, and to have overcome the corruption of sin so as to live eternally with him in heaven. God created us for heaven and he wants us there with him.

3) The Gardener: This parable highlights how difficult it is for man to live up to his destiny. As a free creature, man is able to take charge of his own human and spiritual development, but this rarely leads to the desired result of ultimate fulfillment. We can’t do it alone. The parable introduces the crucial role of the gardener. The gardener, God, is not only the creator who examines the fruits of our lives, but he also patiently works with us, and within us, in order to help us reach our eternal destiny. We only become really fruitful, and thus fully alive, in collaboration with God!

Conversing with Christ: My God, you have created me in your image and hence know that I will become the best version of myself when my life yields fruits: fruits of joy, fruits of charity, fruits of holiness. Despite my frequent inadequacies, you do not overwrite my free will but patiently work with me, helping me to convert and to grow. Thank you for loving me that much.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will ask for your help in a difficult area of my life—one which needs the attention of the gardener right now.

For Further Reflection: “Here we can glimpse the authentic meaning of Christian education: it is the fruit of a collaboration between educators and God that must always be sought. The Christian family is aware that children are a gift and a project of God. Therefore it cannot consider that it possesses them; rather, in serving God’s plan through them, the family is called to educate them in the greatest freedom, which is precisely that of saying “yes” to God in order to do his will. The Virgin Mary is the perfect example of this “yes.” Let us entrust all families to her, praying in particular for their precious educational mission”: (Pope Benedict XVI on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 27, 2009: Complete address).

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

The Stations of the Cross

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

Bishop Philip writes… Lent is Coming

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

The Purpose of Lent – Fr. Mike Schmitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray the Stations with St. Joseph

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

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

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

Fr Robert McTeigue – Lent is a dress rehearsal

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

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Download this week's Newsletter here:	Newsletter: 20th March 2022 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

Service Updates from Fr Simon

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

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

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

Next Week

 Read today’s Readings here

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -20-03-2022

Background on the Gospel Reading - Luke 13:1-9 Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance. Now into the third week of the Season of Lent, our Sunday Gospel prepares us to hear Lent's call to conversion and repentance. Today's reading is found in the chapters of Luke's Gospel that describe Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. During this journey, Jesus teaches and heals. He must also respond to those who question and challenge his authority and actions. There is no parallel in Mark's or Matthew's Gospels for today's reading from Luke. While Mark and Matthew describe an incident in which Jesus curses the fig tree, today's reading makes the barren fig tree the subject of a parable. Luke tells us that some among the crowds report to Jesus a massacre of Galileans by Pilate. The intention of the crowd seems to be to ask Jesus to explain why these people suffered. It was ...
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 20-03-2022

Catholic Kids Media  The Burning Bush and the Figless Tree! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for 3rd Sunday of Lent, cycle C. Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading Luke 13:1-9 Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance. Children, God expects us to be fruit-bearing Christians. (Object: A bowl full of different kinds of fruit.) Look what I have... apples, oranges, peaches, and bananas. Yum! Yum! I think I'll have a delicious snack right now. How about you? Would you like to join me? Do you know what I think would be great? I think it would be great to have a lot a fruit trees in your yard so that any time you wanted a snack, you could just go out and pick a piece of fruit off of the tree. But what if you had an ...
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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 20-03-2022

Fruits of the Fig: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday of Lent In the Church, we are made children of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God who makes known His name and His ways to Moses in today’s First Reading. Mindful of His covenant with Abraham (see Exodus 2:24), God came down to rescue His people from the slave drivers of Egypt. Faithful to that same covenant (see Luke 1:54–55, 72–73), He sent Jesus to redeem all lives from destruction, as today’s Psalm tells us. Paul says in today’s Epistle that God’s saving deeds in the Exodus were written down for the Church, intended as a prelude and foreshadowing of our own Baptism by water, our liberation from sin, our feeding with spiritual food and drink. Yet the events of the Exodus were also given as a “warning”—that being children of Abraham is no guarantee that we will reach the ...
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Commentaries on Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,1-12; Luke 13:1-9

ONE OF THE RECURRENT THEMES throughout the Lenten season is the compassion and mercy of our God. It is something that we constantly need to be reminded about. Our God is always faithful and consistent. His love for us never changes, no matter how we behave, no matter how serious our sins may be. It has to be that way because our God not only loves, he IS love. Love is of the very essence of his being; he cannot not love. His love is like the sun which gives its warmth to good and bad alike; like the gentle nurturing rain which falls on good and bad alike. And we are called, as far as possible, to imitate him in this – to love always and unconditionally. Because we find that difficult, it is hard for us to think of God loving that way. We do need to get ...
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Hymn for Today: Make Us One- Jesus Culture Music

Behind the Song: "Make Us One", and its album origin - Love Has a Name, offers more than just new worship music. It's a heartfelt prayer from Chris Quilala and Jesus Culture that has the power to affect real change. "Every day we are faced with negativity in media and in the world," Quilala says. "It's so important for us, the Church, to be a light in the darkness and a beacon of hope and joy. Love Has a Name is all about declaring who God is. It's a strong proclamation of His name, the Name above every other name." In a new YouTube post, ...
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Sadly – St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society is Closing.

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

11th March 2022 Update: This event has unfortunately had to be cancelled. GREAT NEWS!! As you know, the Littleway Healing Ministry Mission in our parish had to be cancelled last year due, of course, to the Covid 19 pandemic. But we are pleased to announce that the new booking has been confirmed for the weekend of the 31st March Thursday through to Sunday 3rd April. As mentioned last year we will be asking parishioners to accommodate the Littleway Team in their houses during this weekend. Although it is a while to go, if you could put up one or even two ...
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Fr. Dave Mercer – A priest’s advice – Got “Catholic guilt”? It might actually be grace

If feeling guilty is the reason you’re NOT going to Confession: A priest’s advice "I already feel guilty enough about what I did. I don’t need a priest to make me feel more guilty." Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are three spiritual practices we encourage during Lent. As part of those practices, we also encourage making a good confession. And yet, rather oddly, some people see feeling guilty as an obstacle to this sacrament.If you already feel guilty about something you have said or done, that means you recognize it as wrong. And, that’s not bad. Folks who couldn’t care less ...
Read more here

Fr Mike Schmitz – Does God Need Us to Worship Him?

God is an infinite, perfect, communion of persons, responsible for the intentional creation of everything around us - which begs the question, if God is perfect, why does he need us to worship him? Well, he actually doesn’t. God doesn’t need us to worship him because there is nothing he lacks. Which leads to another question: why do we worship God if he doesn’t need us to? Fr. Mike answers this today, drawing from the earliest books of the Bible. Have you started listening to the Bible in a Year podcast yet? It’s never too late to start! You can ...
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Fr.Mark Toups – Lenten Journeys – Consume Less Receive More.

Ascension Presents   This week, Fr. Mark Toups talks about to shake the mid-lent discouragement and remain present to the Lord. It’s around this point in our Lenten journey that the rush of Ash Wednesday begins to fade, and we may find it harder than ever to attend to our sacrifices and Lenten promises. But now is not the time to discourage; now is the time to be present to our Lord, in any way we’re able. Follow along with The Ascension Lenten Companion: Year B E-Book—a daily prayer resource that will help readers discover what it is that God is ...
Read more here

 

	Stations of the Cross was led by Father Simon however Parishioners are invited to come forward for the other five Fridays to lead the Stations of the Cross for the parishioners. You can do it as a group, it doesn’t have to be on your own. There are also some reference books available, but you may have one you’d like to share. Stations of The Cross is a beautiful devotion and there is such a variety. If you would like to participate, please contact Father Simon and we can share your ideas and how to do it. Stations of the Cross is not of itself a priest led devotion anymore than saying the Rosary is pries led. There is a list in the Sacristy if you would like to put your name forward.
	Support Staff vacancy: Cover Assistant :and Part-time Catering Assistant (25 hours, term-time only). Closing date: 1st April 2022, 12.00 noon Interviews: Wk commencing 04/04 Please visit our website on www.oaklandscatholicschool.org/staff/vacancies/ for an Information pack
	Mass Stipends There are a number of dates where there is not mass intention, so if you would like to have a mass said please ensure that you book one. There is a general diocesan donation level set at £7.00 although this must be understood that this is as a donation not as price. The tradition of paying a stipend was to keep the priest in victuals for the day.
	Marriage Care – Volunteers Needed! Catholic Marriage Care are looking for Marriage Preparation Facilitators to help prepare couples for the Sacrament of Marriage and Trustees to join the national board. Find out more about how you could help support couples and families at: www.marriagecare.org.uk or email volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk.

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

21 March 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 21st March 2022 Saint Joseph

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22 March 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 22nd March 2022 Saint Joseph

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23 March 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 23rd March 2022 Saint Joseph

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23 March 2022

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

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24 March 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 24th March 2021 Saint Joseph

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25 March 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 25th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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26 March 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 26th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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26 March 2022

First Holy Communion Programme 2021-2022

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28 March 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 28th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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29 March 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 29th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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30 March 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 30th March 2022 Saint Joseph

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31 March 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 31st March 2022 Saint Joseph

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01 April 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 1st April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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02 April 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 2nd April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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02 April 2022

First Holy Communion Programme 2021-2022

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04 April 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 4th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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05 April 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 5th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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06 April 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 6th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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07 April 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 7th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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08 April 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 8th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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09 April 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 9th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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11 April 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 11th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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12 April 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 12th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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13 April 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 13th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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14 April 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 14th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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15 April 2022

Daily Devotion Friday 15th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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16 April 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 16th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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18 April 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 18th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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19 April 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 19th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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20 April 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 20th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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21 April 2022

Daily Devotion Thursday 21st April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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23 April 2022

Daily Devotion Saturday 23rd April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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25 April 2022

Daily Devotion Monday 25th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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26 April 2022

Daily Devotion Tuesday 26th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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27 April 2022

Daily Devotion Wednesday 27th April 2022 The Holy Spirit

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Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 20 March 2022 till the 30th April 2022

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

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

Dear Friends, as You know – we try our best to help homeless (and the poor) in many ways. One of them, very important and popular is providing the lunch on Sundays, with an incredible generosity and sacrifice from St Vincent de Paul’s members of our Parish. We need your help in this difficult times, to make by yourself 45 packed lunches or to provide us with the products or donation, so we can make it by ourselves. Each packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
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GOING INTO HOSPITAL?

GOING INTO HOSPITAL? Due to strict data protection rules it is essential on entering hospital to indicate your details or those of your relative to be passed on to the Catholic Chaplain. Also state that you or your relative would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit you. Chaplains visit the wards during the week and provide an on-call service in case of emergency ...
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CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

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

Many thanks Fr. Simon

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses

Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)

UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS  & CLASSES

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

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

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

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

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

Fr. Simon – First Communion Programme 2021-2022 Schedule

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

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

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

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

Prayer of the Month – March 2022

Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.

And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 20th March 2022:  Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

 Community Pray:

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

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Parish Devotions this month

 

Pray the Stations with St. Joseph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

04/06/2022

World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

27/05/2022

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

20/05/2022

 

OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.

Our Second Collection this Sunday is for the Clergy Assistance Fund, which resources the invaluable work of the Department for Clergy Team. The Team is responsible for looking after the welfare, ongoing formation and personal support of our clergy, from the early days of ordination all the way into retirement. As a Diocese, we are responsible for supporting the 70 diocesan clergy in active ministry, 47 from religious orders, the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham or overseas, and 53 in retirement, who with dedication and care serve our parishes, chaplaincies, schools, outreach and mission: bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. We rely on your commitment and generosity to do this. If you would like to give a gift to this collection, you can donate here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/clergy-assistance-fund

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 -20-03-2022

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !

Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

[icon name=”file-pdf-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter: 20th March 2022 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

PARISH CONTACTS

• PARISH PRIEST: Canon Simon Treloar
• tel: 02392 828305 – please leave a message
• email: streloar@portsmouthdicoese.org.uk
• Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
• Safeguarding Minister: Teresa Rowe  tel: 023 92 818295;
• Safeguarding Minister: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
• Parish Secretary: Mrs Kathleen Jones
• Parish Office Hours: Tues, Thurs and Friday, 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
  email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
• Parish website: http://www.stswithuns.org.uk  
• Facebook Profile: @Stswithuns.org.uk

 

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

  Read More on our Renewal Pages here

Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines

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

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

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

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