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A prayer for Ukraine, Russia and peaceO God, |
My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Today’s Gospel reading begins a long section unique to Luke’s Gospel. Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem, which will end with his ministry in Jerusalem. We read that Jesus’ days for being “taken up” were fulfilled. The Greek word that Luke uses for “taken up” is the same word he uses to describe the Ascension. We also read that Jesus is determined to journey to Jerusalem. For Luke, Jesus ministry begins in Galilee and then is one long journey to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem he will meet his death but also enter into his glory. Only in Luke does Jesus then spend 40 days in Jerusalem instructing his disciples. It is in Jerusalem that his disciples wait after his Ascension to be sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. And it is from Jerusalem, in Luke’s second volume, the Acts of the Apostles, that the Good News is spread to Rome and the ends of the earth.
Immediately Jesus is met with rejection, as a Samaritan village will not receive him because he is going to Jerusalem. There was animosity between Samaritans who worshiped on Mount Gerazim and Jews who worshiped in Jerusalem. Jesus was also rejected as he began his ministry in Galilee in Chapter 4. And he will be rejected for the last time when he reaches Jerusalem. James and John want to call down fire from heaven to destroy the people in the village, but Jesus rebukes them and moves on. There is often the temptation to use violence to achieve right. Jesus has come to break this temptation. He is aware that he must undergo violence himself before he can enter his glory.
The rest of today’s reading is about the radical demands of discipleship. The three people who volunteer to become disciples on this journey show that they do not understand the demands Jesus will make of them. Neither care of self, care for the dead, nor care of one’s family (as required by the Fourth Commandment) can come before the demands of discipleship. Jesus reminds the first volunteer, who would go wherever Jesus goes, that animals in the wild have more security than do Jesus and his followers. The second, who wants to bury a parent, is reminded that the demands of proclaiming the Kingdom of God take precedence. And the third, who wants to say farewell to his family, is reminded that once you put your hand to the plow you cannot look back or the furrow will be crooked. Such a person is not ready for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus seems harsh here, but he is only asking of his disciples what he asks of himself. Jesus’ unconditional commitment to God’s saving work will demand of him his life. He knows this, but the disciples do not understand. Jesus does not want anyone to rush into discipleship, because the demands of discipleship require everyone considering it to be aware of the cost, make Jesus and his mission central to his life, and then go forward without looking back.
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with Blessings Father Simon |
REFLECTION:
Opening Prayer: Jesus, my heart thirsts for an encounter with you, but so often I want to meet you on my own turf, according to my own terms. Open my heart to allow myself to be challenged by your word to journey wherever you are leading, not setting the conditions myself, but allowing you to invite me deeper.
Encountering Christ:
Determined to Journey to Jerusalem: Through intimate prayer with his Father, Jesus came to a clear understanding of the Father’s will. Once he knew his Father’s will, there was not the slightest hesitation on his part. His resolute determination did not arise from a personal attraction to what lay ahead. He was in no way deceived as to the excruciating suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem. Yet, his determination was unfailing. In her writings, St. Teresa of Avila speaks of the importance of having a “determined determination” never to give up prayer. How “determinedly determined” are we to become a saint? How “determinedly determined” are we to fulfill God’s will in our life no matter what?
He Sent Messengers Ahead of Him: The Samaritans would not welcome Jesus because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. Their motives were based on cultural tensions of the times: Samaritans and Jews purely and simply did not mix. Yet, what these Samaritans did not realize was that they were turning away their Lord God and Savior for something as trivial as a centuries-old tradition of resentment and prejudice. How often for us, too, a multitude of reasons present themselves for turning away the Lord’s advances in our lives. Jesus’s steps were pointed in the direction of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem was the place of the cross. We easily find excuses to refuse Our Lord’s invitations because they bring us uncomfortably close to the cross. We forget that the “Jerusalem” Jesus invites us to can also be the source of the fullness of life for us.
Fire to Consume Them?: James and John, together with the rest of the apostles, had still not come to see things as God sees them. They failed to understand that God does not work in human hearts, or in the world at large, by force. The only force he uses is that of love. The Samaritans were not to be converted through a show of brute power. In fact, Jesus knew that the way to transform their hearts lay precisely in continuing down the road to their redemption, to the point of drinking the chalice that was his to drink. Let us join Our Lord on his path toward Jerusalem, and perhaps, instead of focusing on the attitudes of those around us, allow God to transform our hearts and teach us to love to the ultimate consequences, as he did.
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you journeyed resolutely toward Jerusalem, knowing that your Passion and death awaited you there. Grant me a “determined determination” to embrace the invitation to follow you to its final consequences. Give me the strength to desire not only holiness, but also the path necessary to reach it. Help me to keep my eyes set on you no matter what.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will practice fortitude as the opportunity presents itself in my day.
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| Download this week's Newsletter here: | Newsletter: Sunday 3rd July 2022 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C |
| Date | Location | links to readings and Services |
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| Sunday 26th June 2022 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 26-06-2022 |
| Monday 27th June 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 27-06-2022 |
| Tuesday 28th June 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 28-06-2022 |
| Wednesday 29th June 2022 - SS Peter & Paul Feast | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 29-06-2022 |
| Thursday 30th June 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 30-06-2022 |
| Friday 1st July 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 01-07-2022 |
| Saturday 2nd July 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 02-07-2022 |
| Sunday 3rd July 2022 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 03-07-2022 |
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
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 26-06-2022
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 26-06-2022
Read more here
Commentary on: 1 Kings 19:16b,19-21; Galatians 5:1,13-18; Luke 9:51-62
Read more here
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -26-06-2022
Read more here
Fr Simon asks for Volunteers – IF NOT YOU, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
It has been pointed out to me that I have never asked for members of our congregation to volunteer for key roles within the parish. This is not the case. To reiterate this point, I would ask you to consider one of the following posts: • Altar Servers • Cantors to sing and help lift the liturgy • Catechists for RCIA, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation • Cleaners • Extraordinary Ministers of Communion • Finance Committee members • Flower ...Read more here
Pope Francis – 2nd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Read more here
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – Holy Day of Obligation (Wednesday, 29th June)
The Solemnity of Ss PETER & PAUL, Apostles is The Holy Day of Obligation HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION THIS WEDNESDAY We celebrate the feast of St Peter and St Paul the Apostles this Wednesday. There will be Mass at 9.00am and 7.00pm CODE OF CANON LAW (Catholic Church’s Law): Can. 1247 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Mark places this incident ...Read more here
The Bishops on Migration
The government scheme to fly to Rwanda some of those entering the UK illegally to apply for asylum continues to be much discussed. At our Plenary Meeting in Cardiff from 1st to 6th May, the Bishops of England and Wales released a statement about migration issues. I present this statement - originally published in e-News on 10th May - once again for your reflection. In his 2014 message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees Pope Francis wrote, ...Read more here
What is Peter’s Pence? – Obolo di San Pietro
Peter’s Pence is the name given to the financial support offered by the faithful to the Holy Father as a sign of their sharing in the concern of the Successor of Peter for the many different needs of the Universal Church and for the relief of those most in need. SECOND COLLECTION TODAY The Peter’s Pence Collection is the way we, as members of the Catholic Church, unite ourselves to the concerns of the Holy Father. Donations to this ...Read more here
Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Casting Crowns – Follow Me
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Fanning the Flame Catholic Mission – 15th- 19th August 2022
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How to See God in Everything, Every Day (and How to Respond) – Fr. Mike Schmitz
Read more here
ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD – James Lewis – All Welcome
Read more here
Why you should know the Church Fathers and how to do it.
Read more here
Significant Wedding Anniversaries Mass
Read more here
Father Mike Schmitz – How to Question Your Faith Well
Read more here
Fr Mike Schmitz – Turn Your “No, But” into a “Yes, And”
Read more here
CONFESSION TIMES: Saturday morning after Mass at 9.45am at St Swithun’s, and 5.15pm at Our Lady of Lourdes. Confession is available after most Masses in the morning if I am not otherwise engaged, or can be by appointment if you wish. I do not want anyone to think that there is no opportunity for this most healing of the sacraments.
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CARITAS DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH BOARD
Caritas helps and supports parishes and schools across the Diocese to reach out in charity to those in need. The activities of Caritas are supported and monitored by the Caritas Governance Board on behalf of the Trustees and the Bishop. The board wishes to recruit up to three additional members to join them in their mission. If you have a real heart for caring for the poor and for creation, and you have some experience at board level in a charitable organisation or similar, please contact the Chair of the Board, Gerry Penfold, gpenfold@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk. |
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SECOND COLLECTION TODAY
The Peter’s Pence Collection is the way we, as members of the Catholic Church, unite ourselves to the concerns of the Holy Father. |
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MARRIAGE CARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk
ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED? Congratulations! Please note that you need to give a minimum of 12 months notice to the parish that you’d like to get married in. Father Simon Could you support the team at Marriage Care? They are looking for volunteer Marriage Preparation Facilitators to help prepare couples for marriage and Trustees to join the national board. Find out more about how you could help support couples: www.marriagecare.org.uk |
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UKRAINE:
The Diocese, through Caritas, is working to keep parishioners informed as to the current situation while we wait for the UK Government to clarify the role that faith organisations and other charities will play in the formal response to refugees entering the UK. Please look at the Caritas website for the latest news and updates on the crisis. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please look at the Caritas website https://caritasportsmouth.org.uk |
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DURHAM UNIVERSITY CENTRE FOR CATHOLIC STUDIES On Fire course 9 – 11 SEPTEMBER 2022
Two-day conference for adults. The Spirit of Evangelisation. Guest speakers, workshops and accommodation. See the poster at the back of the church. |
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MASS INTENTIONS
Please submit your Mass intentions well in advance of the date of celebration so that we can accommodate your requested date. Your support in this matter is much appreciated. Thank you. |
Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 26th June 2022 till the 31st July 2022
Safeguarding Representatives in our Parish
Read more here
URGENT APPEAL – FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH
Read more here
GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
Read more here
CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME SCHEDULE – Now till June 2022
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
Read more here
Fr. Simon – House Bound and Communion of the Sick:
Read more here
Fr. Simon – Baptism Preparation Programme 2021-22
Read more here
Universal intention – For families
We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives.
Prayer of the Month – June 2022
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love; to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division; may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth, make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.
Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia
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: 26th June 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/
History of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Read more here
The Popes on Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Read more here
Scriptural Basis for the Devotion
Read more here
The Sacred Heart and Our Spiritual Life
Read more here
Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Read more here
June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Read more here
Pope writes Apostolic New Papal Document on the Sacred Liturgy
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!
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
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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. |
Download Newsletter PDF – 03-07-2022
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.
Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter: Sunday 3rd July 2022 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Download Newsletter PDF -26-06-2022
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.
Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter: Sunday 26th June 2022 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 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.
