Please Note Father Marcin is away on Pilgrimage and then holiday from Monday 12th July and will be back the 1st week in September. Therefore services will be changed during week days. (there will be no weekday masses during this time). The Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Sunday Masses (8:30am, 10:15am and 12:00noon ) will be covered by a visiting priest. The Polish mass at 12:00noon will be in English. Also the parish will not be able to stream any of these masses during this period. Let us prayer for our Parish Priest that he has a well deserved break.
The Parish Team – Please don’t forget to sponsor Fr Marcin if you can – details below
My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Today, the Word of the Lord helps us to discern that over and above our human usages we have to place God’s Commandments. In fact, as time goes by, it is easy for us to distort the evangelic advice and, willingly or not, replace the Commandments or engulf them in a punctilious meticulousness: “They eat anything when they come from the market without first washing themselves. And there are many other traditions they observe, for example, the ritual washing of cups, pots and plates…” (Mark 7:4). This is why plain people, with their typical common sense, paid little attention to the doctors of the Law or to the Pharisees, who were putting more emphasis on their human speculations than on God’s Word. To the religious hypocrite Jesus applies Isaiah’s prophetic complaint (“You, shallow people! How well Isaiah prophesied of you when he wrote: ‘This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”: Mark 7:6).
When these last years, Saint John Paul II, in the name of the Church, expressed his sorrow for all the negative things that her children had done throughout history, he did it by saying that “we had separated from the Gospel”.
Jesus tells us: “Nothing that enters one from outside can make that person unclean. It is what comes out from within that makes unclean” (Mark 7:15). What comes out of a man’s heart, from a person’s conscious seclusion, is what can make us bad. This malice is what harms Mankind and us specifically. Religiosity does not consist precisely in washing our hands (remember Pilate who delivers Jesus Christ to be crucified!), but in keeping our heart pure.
Speaking positively, this is what St. Therese of Lisieux tells us in her Biographic Manuscripts: “Considering the mystical Body of the Church (…) I understood that the Church has a heart and that this heart was burning with love”. From a loving heart springs the well done deeds that help precisely those who really need help (“For I was hungry and you gave me food…”: Mt 25:35).
REFLECTION
Introductory Prayer: Lord God, I come from dust and to dust I shall return. You, however, existed before all time, and every creature takes its being from you. You formed me in my mother’s womb with infinite care, and you watch over me tenderly. I hope you will embrace my soul at my death to carry me home to heaven to be with you forever. Thank you for looking upon me and blessing me with your love. Take my love in return. I humbly offer you all that I am.
Petition: Lord, give me confidence in the power of your grace.
Look at the Real Dangers: Christ feared nothing. He wasn’t afraid of Satan. He wasn’t afraid of public opinion. He wasn’t afraid of the narrow road and hard path. Even though it would cause him to sweat blood, he wasn’t even afraid to fulfill his Father’s plan for him as the Suffering Servant. Through his words and way of life, he was constantly encouraging his followers to watch out for dangers and to pray not to be put to the test. He knows that there are real dangers out there: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away” (Matthew 5:29). “Woe to him who scandalizes one of these little ones” (cf. Matthew 18:6). “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees” (Matthew 16:6). “Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). Christ will always point out for me the real dangers that exist in my life.
I Will Not Take Them from You: Christ clearly warns us, and our own experience confirms, that God normally will not remove these dangers from our lives. These dangers will usually remain whether they be exterior — “Father, I ask not that you remove them from this world” — or interior. When St. Paul would ask Christ to remove the thorn from his side, Christ simply replies, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In the thick of these sufferings, it is hard for us to understand why God would permit them. But maybe we can find some reason in Christ’s words today. May it never be said of a Christian: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Suffering and hardship often keep our heart close to Christ.
I Will Give You the Grace to Overcome Them: Very much aware of both the internal and external dangers that would await them, Christ was not afraid to send his apostles out into the world. He sends us out as “sheep among wolves” (cf. Matthew 10:16) into a world that will “hate you as it hated me” (cf. Matthew 24:9). He distributes his divine word and precious grace to the world through us, fragile earthen vessels. Through his Vicar on Earth, he tells us, “Be not afraid.” Moreover, he expects us to produce one hundred-fold and give fruits that will last. What is the key to his confidence? The key is the humble person who is ever ready to look inwardly and purify his heart from the smallest attachment, the slightest impurity, making it an acceptable dwelling place for Christ. What…who…can separate us from the love of Christ? What is there to fear but those “evils that come from within and defile?”
Conversation with Christ: Thank you, Lord, for reminding me about the beauty of being your friend, and at the same time about the awesome responsibility that goes along with it. Please give me the generosity to live my role as your ambassador and help me to continually spread your message of love with all that I do.
Resolution: I will set aside some time today and ask Christ to help me identify any attachments to sin in my heart. I will write them down and look for concrete ways to purify my heart from them.
Please Note Father Marcin is away on Pilgrimage and then holiday from Monday 12th July and will be back the 1st week in September. Therefore services will be changed during week days. (there will be no weekday masses during this time). The Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Sunday Masses (8:30am, 10:15am and 12:00noon ) will be covered by a visiting priest. The Polish mass at 12:00noon will be in English. Also the parish will not be able to stream any of these masses during this period. Let us prayer for our Parish Priest that he has a well deserved break.
The Parish Team
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| Download this week's Newsletter here: |
| Date | Location | links to readings and Services |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 29th August 2021 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 29-08-2021 |
| Monday 30th August 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 30-08-2021 |
| Tuesday 31st August 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 31-08-2021 |
| Wednesday 1st September 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 01-09-2021 |
| Thursday 2nd September 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 02-09-2021 |
| Friday 3rd September 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 03-09-2021 |
| Saturday 4th September 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 04-09-2021 |
| Sunday 5th September 2021 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 05-09-2021 |
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 29-08-2021
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 29-08-2021
Read more here
Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8; James 1:17-18,21-22,27; Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 29-08-2021
Read more here
Pope Francis urges people to get vaccinated against Covid-19
Read more here
The Reopening of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Church in Eastney Still Need Help
Great News after recent Covid 19 announcements:
Thank you for all those who have offered to participate in the deep clean of Our Lady of Lourdes church The proposed date for this is hopefully Tuesday 31st August. Our church of Our Lady of Lourdes’ in Eastney is going to be re-open on the first Saturday of September 2021, so the Vigil Mass of Sunday will take place there on the 4th September 2021 at 6.00pm. Please, help our secretary ...Read more here
FIND A CATHOLIC CHURCH WHEN ON HOLIDAY www.Masstimes.org
FIND A CATHOLIC CHURCH WHEN ON HOLIDAY www.Masstimes.org A great website for locating a church anywhere around the world and its Mass times. PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE UPDATED OUR TIMES ON THIS SITE TOO ...Read more here
Philip Kosloski – Why St. Thomas the Apostle is the patron saint of Afghanistan
According to legend, St. Thomas the Apostle spread the Gospel to regions of Afghanistan.
The New Testament does not relate the complete adventures of St. Thomas the Apostle after the resurrection of Jesus. He is last mentioned in the Gospel of John and then he makes no more official appearances in the Bible. However, local tradition and ancient literature claim that St. Thomas the Apostle traveled to India and preached.This has led to a variety of areas becoming associated ...Read more here
Hymn for Today: I Will Follow You (Live) – Jesus Culture Music
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Philip Kosloski – John Paul II’s prayer to entrust the world to Divine Mercy
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Volunteers Needed for Children’s Liturgy for 2021-22
Read more here
Do You Want to Hire our St. Swithun’s Hall Southsea?
Read more here
Fr. Matthew Schneider – What is natural law?
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – BECOMING HOPEFUL IN A HOPELESS WORLD
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – I BELIEVE…
Read more here
JOB VACANCIES IN THE DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH:
VACANCY 2 Foundation Governors St Swithun’s Catholic Primary SchoolClosing Date for applications: 30th September 2021 Two vacancies for Foundation Governors on the governing body have arisen and expressions of interests are being sought from practising committed Catholics for the ministry. The term of office is for four years from the date of appointment. |
Please Click on Document Below for full details |
Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 29th August 2021 till the 30th September 2021
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/
THIS WEEK FOR ALL: Through: https://www.facebook.com/Stswithuns.org.uk
Date for your future diaries: These will be back after the summer holidays in September
Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:
Date for your future diaries: These will be back after the summer holidays in September
Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on:
Date for your future diaries: These will be back after the summer holidays in September
Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:
Date for your future diaries: These will be back after the summer holidays in September
Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)
FOR CHILDREN our ONLINE ‘ZOOM’ CATHOLIC SCHOOL will be back after the summer holidays – if You are interested – PLEASE, send Fr Marcin email message: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Other News
St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society – Can You Help?
Read more here
URGENT APPEAL – FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH
Read more here
Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable
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 PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021
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
- 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;
Pope’s Intention for evangelization:
Let us pray for the Church, that She may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.
Prayer of the month – August 21
Jesus Christ, master and head of the Church, who desires that she be faithful to you and modeled after you,
we ask you that, without delay, our Church may proclaim the joy of the Gospel.
Send your spirit over Her, making her obedient and available so that,
through action, prayer, and discernment, she may navigate the true path of conversion,
deepening her constant missionary vocation and reaching all places
and all people with the light of the Gospel and the comfort of the Father’s love.
Amen.
Pray for those of our Own Parish:
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: 29th Aug 2021: 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/
Month of the Immaculate Heart
Read more here
Consecration to the Immaculate Heart
Read more here
Reparation to the Immaculate Heart
Read more here
August- The Blessed Sacrament & Immaculate Heart of Mary
Read more here
August Month of the Blessed Sacrament
Read more here
A Time to Persevere
Read more here
Eucharistic Miracles of the World
Read more here
Pastoral Letter from Bishop Philip 08-06-2021
Read More
Thank You so much for all the people of good will and merciful hearts, who – even in this difficult time continue to support missionaries around the world through their red boxes support. In 2020 our Parish raised over £1400, which was absolutely amazing.
THIS is a time to bring your red boxes to be emptied again. Please, bring them to the sacristy or pass to our Dear Denis, who is an ambassador of this deed of mercy in our Parish. Thank You so much for your generosity.
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
PARISH CONTACTS
- PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.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 Office Hours: Tues, Thurs, 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
| Let people know and come join in the conversation online! | |
| LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: | St Swithuns Page |
| FOLLOW us on Twitter: | @FrMarcinD @St_swithun |
“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.
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.
