Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter – Solemnity of Jesus Christ The King Of Universe 22nd November 2020 A
Due to the new Covid Lockdown Regulations all services will be only be available on-line till December 2nd 2020
APPEAL: CAN YOU HELP THE CHURCH WITH PROVIDING ITEMS SO WE CAN SANITIZE THE CHURCH – PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE IN THE CHURCH PORCH
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: from Saturday November 21st 2020 until December 2nd 2020
- Click here: You can find the actual daily services here:
- Click here: If you want the daily readings then go here:
- Our Services revert to ONLINE ONY via our Facebook Page
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk/
| Dates | Time | Service |
| Weekdays Monday to Friday
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9:00am 9:30am 10:00am 10:30am |
Streamed only- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Streamed only- Devine Chaplet followed by Benediction Streamed only- The Holy Mass Streamed only- The Rosary for the Holy Souls |
| Weekdays Tuesdays and Fridays | 7:00pm | Streamed only- The Holy Mass |
| EVERY SATURDAY – Vigil Mass | 6:00pm | Streamed only- The Holy Mass |
| SUNDAY SERVICES | 8:30am | Streamed only- The Holy Mass |
| Sunday November 22nd 2020 | 10:15am | Streamed only- The Holy Mass |
| 12:00 noon | Streamed only- Mass in Polish | |
| Every Friday on line only in November | 6:00am | Streamed only – Mass in Polish |
My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Today’s Jesus speaks to us of the definite judgment. And with this metaphoric image about sheep and goats, He makes us realize that it will be a judgment of love. “We shall be judged on love”, St. John of the Cross tells us.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, another mystic, in his meditation Contemplation to Attain Love, also reminds us “that love is proven not in words but in actions”. And today’s Gospel is very illustrative of this fact. Every act of charity we perform, we do it to the very Christ:
“For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me into your house. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to see me” (Matthew 25:34-36). Even more so: “
Whenever you did this to these little ones who are my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
This evangelic passage, which keeps our feet on solid ground, places the feast of Christ the King in its proper place. Christ’s royalty has nothing to do with arrogance, but it simply is the fundamental reality of existence: love will have the last word.
Jesus shows us that the true meaning of his royalty —or authority— lies upon service to others. He claimed to be ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master’ (cf. John 13:13), and also that He was a King (cf. John 18:37), but he practiced his leadership by washing his disciples’ feet (cf. John 13:4 ff.), and He reigned by giving his life on the Cross. First, Jesus Christ reigns from a humble cradle (in a lonely manger!) and, afterwards, from a very uncomfortable throne, that is, the Cross.
On the Cross there was an inscription that said “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19): what appearances seem to deny, the profound reality of the mystery of God confirms it, inasmuch Jesus reigns from his Cross and He judges us in love. “We shall be judged on love”.
REFLECTION
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this chance to spend time with you in prayer. You are the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Mercy. I trust in your goodness and love. I love you and earnestly long to love you more each day.
Petition: Lord, help me to translate my faith in you into good deeds done for others.
1. Judgment Day: All of our life is, in a sense, preparation for the judgment we face at life’s end. That is when we go before Our Lord and give account for everything we have done or failed to do. No excuses will be accepted, no more “second chances” given. Jesus’ mercy doesn’t mean he ignores justice. “Mercy differs from justice, but is not in opposition to it,” wrote Pope Saint John Paul II in his 1980 encyclical, Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy). Would I be ready to face the Lord this very day? If not, why not? What facet of my life do I need to change right now?
2. The Sheep: The sheep to be saved are the people who helped others, who showed mercy, who didn’t turn a cold shoulder to someone in need. Our Lord doesn’t praise them for their many prayers so much as for their good deeds. Prayer is important, of course. But it’s not enough. Christ wants our love for him to be reflected in our love for others. Oddly, many of those to be saved will not have realized that it was Christ they were helping. Do I see Christ in those who need help? Do I see Christ in my family members? My co-workers? The demanding boss? The unpopular classmate? The smelly beggar?
3. The Goats: It’s scary to think that those who will be lost were not necessarily “bad people.” In this passage, Our Lord doesn’t chide them for doing wicked things. He doesn’t accuse them of starting wars or peddling drugs or committing acts of terrorism. Rather, he faults them for the sin of omission, for things they didn’t do. “You gave me no food …. You gave me no clothing.” We may think ourselves good Christians because we don’t cheat on our taxes or look at pornography or miss Mass on Sundays. But acts of charity are key, too. We should do these without neglecting the others.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I don’t want to end up with the goats at the Last Judgment. That’s why I want to take my faith seriously. I want to have a generous heart. But do I limit my generosity? Why can’t I see you in my neighbor? You have loved me unconditionally. Help me to respond to your love by loving others unconditionally.
Resolution: Before noon, I will perform one small act of charity for someone close to me.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
Day of Prayer to End the COVID Crisis – Friday 27th November
- For a speedy end to the pandemic
- For the protection of all, especially our family and friends
- For the health of the sick and those who care for them
- For those suffering financially or in other …
Read more here
Appeal – Would you help and “Donate your Winter Fuel Allowance” to our most needy.
Winter Fuel Allowance 2020 – If you don’t need it will you donate it? In this time of Pandemic and also as we enter the winter season there are so many of our parish who need our help. One way for those of us who can help others is to donate our “Winter Fuel Allowance” that we get free from the government is to donate it to our Parish fund. We will use this for those who need it …Read more here
Holy Souls – The November Mass list to Remember our 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
Chris Stefanick – Join an Online Retreat this Advent
Read more here
National Youth Sunday 2020
The Church invites young people to be at the heart of our celebration of National Youth Sunday. On Sunday 22nd November, the feast of Christ the King,, is National Youth Sunday (NYS) 2020. It’s an opportunity explicitly to recognise young people – their gifts, talents and uniqueness. It also provides the Church with an opportunity to thank them for and affirm their contribution to the life of the local and universal Church. The Catholic Youth Ministry Federation (CYMFed) has …Read more here
John F. Kennedy and C.S. Lewis: Where Are They Now?
Read more here
Change to the Mass Texts
From the First Sunday of Advent, a minor – although significant – change is to be made to the English translation of the Roman Missal. It affects the end of the Collects and what is called the ‘doxology’ that concludes the prayer: per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus per omnia saecula sæculorum. Amen. In the current (2010) English translation, this is rendered: ‘Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your …Read more here
Hymn for Today: Hymn to Christ the King – Sarah Hart
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 22-11-2020
Read more here
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 22-11-2020
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 22-11-2020
Read more here
Commentary on Ezekiel 34:11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28; Matthew 25:31-46
Read more here
Bishop Egan – Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
Read more here
Philip Kosloski – Disaster prepping should focus on spiritual needs first
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – BECOMING A CHRISTIAN, MORE THAN BEING NICE?
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 During the current lockdown we will also have a session on Thursdays at 8:00pm too.  |
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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 Tuesday at 11.30am. 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.
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 21st November 2020 till the 31st December 2020
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/
Message to our Altar Servers
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
Dear all Because of the COVID restrictions Fr Marcin has reorganised the programme. The next 2 sessions are cancelled.
I shall continue to send you short videos. Please contact me if you want a particular topic covered. (from Brian and Linda)
New session dates:
Tuesday 8th Dec 5.30pm in church followed by 11th Dec 8pm on ZOOM
Tuesday 15th Dec 5.30pm in church followed by 18th Dec 8pm on ZOOM
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;
A Big Thankyou
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A huge thanksgiving to all the Parents, who let their children, assisted them, and joined them in our ‘ZOOM’ Holy Rosary Prayer’s time in October.
Today, I would like to invite your children to join me for our Evening Prayers – on all the Thursdays of November 2020, at 7.00pm (15-20 minutes) through ‘ZOOM’. The invitation will be always set up and published on our Facebook Profile, or You can always send a request to send the invitation by email. Thank You all and see You on Thursdays. |
Prayer of the Month – November2020
Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions November 2020 – Artificial Intelligence
Pope Francis Prayer Intentions November 2020 – Artificial Intelligence
Read more here
Prayer of the Month: Prayer for the Dying
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: 22nd November 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.
Holy Souls in Purgatory
Duration of Purgatory
Offering Prayers and Sacrifices
Indulgences
Daily Devotion Prayer to my Guardian Angel
November Is Devoted To The Souls In Purgatory
Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020
Read More
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 -22-11-2020
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 – Solemnity of Jesus Christ The King Of Universe 22nd November 2020 A
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.
