Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter: 1st Sunday of Advent 29th November 2020 B
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.
-
Service Times This Week: from Saturday November 28th 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
|
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 29th 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, in this first Sunday of Advent, the Church begins a new liturgic year. We are, therefore, entering some very especial days of foretaste, renewal and readying.
Jesus warns us that «you don’t know when the time will come» (Mark 13:33). Yes, in our life there will be a decisive moment. But, when will it be? We do not know. The Lord did not even want to reveal us when the time would come for the end of the world.
So, all this takes us towards an attitude of exasperation and conscientiousness: «If He comes suddenly, do not let him catch you asleep» (Mark 13:36). Time in this life is time of deliverance, of maturing our capacity to love; it is not a time of diversion. It is a time of “betrothal”, of preparation for our “wedding” time in afterlife, in communion with God and all the saints.
Yet, life is but a constant starting and restarting. The fact remains that we have to go through some definitive moments: perhaps, every day, every hour and every minute may become a crucial moment. Many or a few, but —in short— days, hours and minutes: it is here, on a concrete time, when the Lord is waiting for us. «In our life, in the life of Christians, our first conversion —that unique moment which each of us remembers, when we clearly understood everything the Lord was asking of us— is certainly very significant. But the later conversions are even more important, and they are increasingly demanding» (St. Josemaria).
In this liturgical time we are to get ready for the great “advent”: the coming of Our Master. “Christmas”, “Nativitas”: it would be great if each day of our existence could be a “nativity” to a life of love! Perhaps, making of our life a permanent “Nativity” might be the best way to stay awake. Saint Mary, Our Mother, watch over us!
REFLECTION
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I all too easily forget that you deserve the first spot in my life. At this moment, though, I recognize you as my King and Master. I know you are present with me now and that you wish to fill me with your grace. Thank you for your friendship; I offer my weak love in return. I love you, Lord, and wish you to reign in my life.
Petition: Lord Jesus, help me to stay vigilant and attentive to your holy inspirations.
1. “You Do Not Know When the Master of the House Will Come.” Lord Jesus, I am not the master of my life; you are. I, therefore, ought not to fritter away my time simply doing as I please. I will need to render to you an account of my stewardship over my life, which belongs to you, my Creator and Redeemer. What will you ask of me when you come for my soul? Do my daily actions demonstrate your ownership of my life?
2. Keep Alert Lord Jesus, this Gospel may sound a bit harsh, but I thank you for its message. You’re reminding me how important it is to live my Christian life in a state of healthy tension – a tension that doesn’t imply frustration or anxiety of any sort, but rather is a constant desire to draw closer to you and be more like you. Just as a lover is exquisitely attentive to fulfill every desire of the beloved, I should be watchful for the least occasion to please you.
3. When He Comes Will I Be Asleep? This Gospel makes me reflect on my need to receive pardon in the sacrament of reconciliation. The definitive moment of my death, that very special face-to-face encounter with you, Lord, might come when I am not expecting it. I must be ready for that moment. I want to be able to look you fully in the eye. I have sought to please you in my actions, and when I have failed, I have turned to you through confession to be washed of my sins. I want to hear you say to me: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come share my joy” (Matthew 25:23).
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to “stay awake” in my daily life, keeping heaven as my true goal in all that I do. Help me to be ready in every moment of my life to be called into your presence.
Resolution: I will set a regular time to receive the sacrament of reconciliation frequently.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
“PUT the CHRIST into CHRISTMAS” – WHAT DOES ADVENT MEAN?
KEEP CHRISTMAS IN CHRISTMAS BY REMEMBERING ADVENT
As a young child, my older sister and I would battle for the right to blow out the Advent candles after our pre-dinner prayers. Mom and dad would handle the lighting, but the kids got to blow it out. If It wasn’t our turn, we’d fight until mom and dad put a stop to it. That’s hardly what the spirit of Advent should be about, but despite the nonsense my sister and …
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
10 Reasons Popes Francis and Benedict love the Christmas crib
Pope Francis loves the Christmas Nativity scenes so much that last year he wrote a whole letter (shown below in full also) on this tradition, which traces back to his namesake, St. Francis. Pope Benedict XVI as well often pointed out the value of this beautiful tradition. As you’re standing before your own family Christmas crib this year, enjoy these 10 reflections from the pontiffs about the creche. This tradition is anything but mere decoration. Click here to launch …
Read more here
Get Spiritually Fit for Christmas
Place of worship:
First, find a useful, permanent place of prayer. It may be a nearby church or chapel. You can also reserve for yourself a quiet, comfortable, intimate “prayer corner” in your home, (perhaps with a picture, icon, candle or lamp, the Bible, some greenery, a small rug etc.) Finally it can be a comfortable chair in front of the cross of a holy picture. Let this be a permanent place of prayer for you. To work!
Before …
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz – The True Meaning of Advent
Read more here
The History of Advent
Advent can come as a surprise to us sometimes, beginning right after the busy Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. It’s not unlike the surprise of Mary when she received news that she was pregnant with Jesus. Like her, we take the season of Advent as a time for pause, reflection, and preparation for the gift of God’s love coming to us through the baby Jesus.
History of Advent
The historic origin of Advent is not for certain; no …
Read more here
Hymn for Today – Stay Awake Put Christ into Christmas
Read more here
Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 29-11-2020
Read more here
Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 29-11-2020
Read more here
Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 29-11-2020
Read more here
Commentary on Isaiah 63:16-17;64:1.3-8; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
Read more here
Requiem Mass – + Frederick Hugh Knight RIP
Read more here
Christine Ponsard – How to celebrate the new Liturgical Year with your family
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz Answers – Can I listen to Christmas songs in Advent?
Read more here
Chris Stefanick – Join an Online Retreat this Advent
Read more here
The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Read more here
Fr. Mike Schmitz – Advent More than a Chocolate Calendar
Read more here
 
|
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.  |
 |
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.
|
Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 28th 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
From this Sunday 29th November – we do start a special Novena to Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception. A prayer of Novena will be added to our Rosary Prayer at 10.00pm through our Facebook Profile: (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea), and we will finish with a special celebration of The Solemnity on 8th December – Hour of Grace 12.00noon to 1.00pm
But, also on at our Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea) and in Polish
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
 |
Call to the Children, after your 1st Communion This week, there is First Saturday of the month and ZOOM Prayers during AdventThe First Communion Children, who already received the Holy Sacraments this year, (and the past years as well) are very welcomed to continue their journey with Merciful Lord. This Saturday is another First Saturday of the Month – a big chance to come for your monthly Holy Confession. If You would like to, You are very welcome to continue the devotion of The First Saturdays of the Month as the reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. So, this coming Saturday – 5th December 2020 I do increase a time for the Sacrament of Confession – especially for You. You can come between 9.00am and 9.55am, between 10.30am and 11.00, and in the evening from 5.15.pm to 5.55pm – so, after that You can stay for the Vigil Mass of Sunday All The Children are very welcome every Saturday of Advent 2020 at 7.15pm for our ‘ZOOM’ EVENING PRAYER FOR CHILDREN (15-20 minutes) through ‘ZOOM’. (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea) every morning will be published 3 minutes ADVENT’s MORNING PRAYER for Children. Please, look at Facebook, and play it for the children when they wake up in the morning. Morning prayer is the most difficult for our children to remember about, but at the same time it is clear following of Jesus Christ, who always started a day with His talk with The Heavenly Father. Who knows – maybe it will help? Please, try… 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: 29th 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 for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021
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 -29-11-2020
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: 1st Sunday of Advent 29th November 2020 B
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.
