Our Lady of Lourdes & St Swithun's

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Newsletter: 31st July 2022 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C


 

A prayer for Ukraine, Russia and peace

O God,
it is your will to hold both heaven and earth 
in a single peace.
Let the design of your great love 
shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows,
and give peace to Ukraine,
peace among nations,
and peace in our hearts,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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

It is good to remember that Jesus’ contemporaries lived lives of immense hardship, under very harsh social and political conditions. Famine or land appropriation were a constant threat for subsistence farmers, suffering under excruciating taxation practices. In this situation, the landowner who stored his surplus crop, instead of helping to feed and support poorer farmers, would not have won the sympathy of Jesus’ listeners. They will have enjoyed this simple reminder that even unscrupulous people like this landowner will die, and his grand plans will look very foolish.

The parable is told as a warning against greed, but Luke is offering a deeper theological meaning. What are the ways in which I am ‘rich toward God’? The rich man has a ‘me, me, me’ complex. He does not come across as wicked or evil but as selfish, greedy, preoccupied with himself to the exclusion of others. Lord, do I get caught in the unholy trinity of ‘Me, Myself and I?’

One could argue that the rich man is not foolish because he makes provision for the future. But his own future is his only concern, not that of others. He does not think to use his abundance to help others. Lord, make me a grateful person, aware that all that is good in my life comes from you, and is held I trust, for others.

Saint Ignatius was a mystic who had very enriching ideas about God and about ourselves. He saw God as the great lover and ourselves as God’s beloveds. He saw too that God gives us everything and even wants to give his very self to us, so far as he can. Lord, make us grounded enough to want only to love and humbly serve others as best we can.

with Blessings Father Simon

HOLIDAYS:

Loving Father, during this time of rest and relaxation, please repair in me whatever is weary or broken, and revive my drooping spirit. 
Let this holiday be a graced time of recollection and rejuvenation, of deeper self-awareness and eager self-giving.
May it be an occasion of refreshment and reinvigoration, a time to reclaim my friendship with Jesus Christ,
who is Lord now and for ever. Amen.

REFLECTION:

Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, take away from me now everything that distracts me from praying. I am here, and I am yours.

Encountering Christ: The Desire to Possess Things: When a person faces a good of any kind–an object, a value, another person–he or she not only experiences the desire to enjoy it, but to possess it. It seems that this is related to the human capacity for reaching out beyond the present moment into the future. I call that projection. We understand ourselves not simply in the light of what is, but, at least as much, in the light of what will be. That is why people build barns: to guarantee that they will be able to rejoice in their goods in the future. The Gospel prompts us to reflect about our tendency to look ahead. Quite compellingly, Jesus points out that our future is really not as much in our control as we like to believe it is. I don’t think he wants us to be indifferent about the future. On the contrary, the capacity to project is crucial when it comes to living our lives and becoming who we are called to be. But, on the other hand, we have to check our urge to indiscriminately grab and store up the goods put before us. What barns have I built for the future and what kinds of things am I storing there?

The Temptation to Greed: God often presents us with goods that he wants us to share, invest, or even give up. Putting everything into a dark barn may feel safe for the moment, but it’s only appropriate if that’s what God has intended for us to do with it. We have to be discerning regarding our drive for possession. What feels “right” can be deceiving, and can turn into greed, compromising the goods that we were hoping to protect. We’re called to recognize that everything we have comes from God, and that we are merely stewards of these gifts. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

Life Does Not Consist of Possessions: We can all sometimes fall prey to the desire to measure our self-worth by our possessions. In the culture, we often idolize those with great wealth. Wealthy people seem to have it all. But Christ warns us in the Gospel to reject this assumption. Life does not consist of possessions. What matters is how well we love. As Mother Teresa told us, “There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love” (A Simple Path). Our ultimate success will be measured by the love we share with others. “If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, my life is filled with goods. Above all, I want to thank you for this “bountiful harvest.” I realize that many of these gifts are fundamental for my life, and I also acknowledge that none of them are guaranteed to last. In fact, what of it will last for eternity, Lord? My heart relishes the goods that make me happy. My nature urges me to continue to provide for that happiness. And yet I know nothing can guarantee it but you. I beg you, yes, I beg you, Lord: Fill me with the theological virtue of hope, so that I really rely completely on you when it comes to the future. I hope in you and that means you alone are what I want to hold on to. I want to fill the barns of my heart with your goods alone.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will look over my possessions and ask: “Among everything that I have received, what is the most precious in the light of eternity?”



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  • Download this week's Newsletter here:Newsletter: Sunday 31st July 2022 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

     

    DateLocationlinks to readings and Services
    Sunday 31st July 2022 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
    St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 31-07-2022
    Monday 1st August 2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 01-08-2022
    Tuesday 2nd August2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 02-08-2022
    Wednesday 3rd August2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 03-08-2022
    Thursday 4th August 2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 04-08-2022
    Friday 5th August 2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 05-08-2022
    Saturday 6th August 2022St Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 06-08-2022
    Sunday 7th August 2022 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle CSt Swithuns Click Link for Service details for today 07-08-2022


    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

     

     Read today’s Readings here

     

     

    Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week -31-07-2022

    Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week -31-07-2022

    Background on the Gospel Reading - Luke 12:13-21 A person's life does not consist of possessions. In Chapter 12 of Luke's Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples and the crowd on how to be ready for the coming judgment. A crowd of many thousands has gathered to hear Jesus. At first he speaks only to the disciples, reminding them that it is not persecution they should fear but the judgment that is coming for all who do not acknowledge the Son of Man. Suddenly a man in the crowd shouts out to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” He seems to have grown tired of Jesus speaking only to the disciples. Jesus offers the man no help. Instead he uses the question to teach what, in light of the coming judgment, life really consist of. Jesus tells the crowd a parable. A rich man's lands ...
    Read more here
    Children - Read today's Holy Readings here again 31-07-2022

    Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 31-07-2022

    “Rich in what matters to God!” A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, cycle C.. Support this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsm…​ Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Catholic Kids Media In Sunday’s Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 Jesus says  "Fool! This very night your soul will be demanded of you." Children at this age are concerned with issues of fairness and are drawn to participate in making things right. This Sunday's Gospel  help them consider the unfairness of hoarding wealth. It is good to remember that Jesus' contemporaries lived lives of immense hardship, under very harsh social and political conditions. Famine or land appropriation were a constant threat for subsistence farmers, suffering under excruciating taxation practices. In this situation, the landowner who stored his surplus crop, instead of helping to feed and support poorer farmers, would not have won the sympathy of Jesus' listeners. They will have ...
    Read more here
    Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 31-07-2022

    Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 31-07-2022

    The Fool’s Vanity: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Trust in God—as the Rock of our salvation, as the Lord who made us His chosen people, as our shepherd and guide. This should be the mark of our following of Jesus. Like the Israelites we recall in this week’s Psalm Response, we have made an exodus, passing through the waters of Baptism, freeing us from our bondage to sin. We too are on a pilgrimage to a promised homeland, the Lord in our midst, feeding us heavenly bread, giving us living waters to drink (see 1 Corinthians 10:1-4). We must take care to guard against the folly that befell the Israelites, that led them to quarrel and test God’s goodness at Meribah and Massah. We can harden our hearts in ways more subtle but no less ruinous. We can put our trust in possessions, squabble over earthly ...
    Read more here
    Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5.9-11; Luke 12:13-21

    Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23; Colossians 3:1-5.9-11; Luke 12:13-21

    Our attitude to material things is the subject of today’s readings. It is about the things that we really regard important in our lives. They also suggest that what we ARE is of far greater importance than what we HAVE. The Gospel begins by introducing a man who wants Jesus to act as a mediator in a property dispute. “Master, tell my brother to give me a share of our inheritance.” It was quite common to bring such disputes to a rabbi to be solved. But Jesus has no interest whatever in dealing with this problem because it represents a point of view that is totally at variance with his own. Instead, Jesus gives a warning: “Be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a person’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.” It is possible that the ...
    Read more here

     

    Pope writes Apostolic New Papal Document on the Sacred Liturgy

    Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter to the People of God about the sacred liturgy, in order to recall the profound meaning of the Holy Eucharist and to encourage better liturgical formation. Dated 29th June 2022, the Letter is called Desiderio Desideravi and you can read it by clicking on the picture. The Letter reaffirms the importance of ecclesial communion around the Rite of Mass that emerged from the Second Vatican Council. It is not a new instruction ...
    Read more here

    Bishop Philip – Synod – National Synthesis Document Published

    The Church in England and Wales has been following the Synodal Process called by Pope Francis, reflecting on the theme “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, mission”. Since October 2021, the dioceses, national organisations and religious communities have been engaged in listening conversations on the central themes, exploring the way the Church embraces her missionary mandate in the world of today. The diocesan reports were submitted to the Bishops’ Conference just before Holy Week, and since then, the National ...
    Read more here

     

    Hymn for Today:  Lyrics - JJ Weeks Band - Fools Gold

    Hymn for Today: Lyrics – JJ Weeks Band – Fools Gold

    Behind the Song: - JJ Weeks Band - Fools Gold (Lyric Video) As a worship leader at his hometown church, Cochren’s piano based soulful pop sound has been influenced by artists such as Billy Joel, Needtobreathe and Ray Charles. After signing with First Company Management, Cochren’s music was sent to Gotee Records’ CEO Toby McKeehan. “The soulfulness this man exudes brings pleasure to my ears as well as my heart,” shares Toby. “His passion for the church is so refreshing and real. Michael is a true songwriter because he puts words to my own feelings and his voice takes us places we all want to go!”“This is ...
    Read more here


     

    Mary's Meals Appeal - Can you help with a donation?

    Mary’s Meals Appeal – Can you help with a donation?

    APPEAL A fourth season of failed rains is causing one of the worst droughts East Africa  has seen in decades. In Turkana, in northern  Kenya, crops won’t grow in the parched ground and animals are beginning to die. An estimated  50% of children in Turkana are malnourished. Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a good meal attracts these hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future. We are already feeding more than two million children every school day – and, together, we can reach the next hungry ...
    Read more here
    DIOCESAN 10-YEAR PLAN

    DIOCESAN 10-YEAR PLAN

    You Will Be My Witnesses - Draft Strategy Document Bishop Philip writes: As the draft of the new diocesan Mission Strategy document is published, called You will be My Witnesses, I wish to hear what you think and how you can be involved. Over the last three years, after various consultations and discussions with clergy and with the laity, I am happy to present to you the draft version of our 10-year mission plan, called You will be my Witnesses. You can read it and download a copy from the diocesan website here. If you spot anything that needs correcting, ...
    Read more here
    10 Key quotes from the Pope’s apostolic letter ‘Desiderio desideravi’

    10 Key quotes from the Pope’s apostolic letter ‘Desiderio desideravi’

    10 key quotes for every Catholic to reflect on from Pope Francis' apostolic letter on the liturgy, Desiderio desideravi. The pope’s newest apostolic letter reflects upon the meaning of baptism, our understanding of mystery, inadequate liturgical approaches, the art of celebrating the liturgy and more… Aleteia offers the following 10 selected quotes from Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Desiderio desideravi – ‘I have desired with a great desire’ (Lk 22:15) – on the liturgy, published on June 29, 2022. These ideas offer some of the text’s key ideas about our public worship. Baptism, not magic Our first encounter with his paschal deedis the event that ...
    Read more here
    Relics of St. Bernadette to visit Diocese

    Relics of St. Bernadette to visit Diocese

    On Thursday 8th September, the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the relics of St. Bernadette are coming to visit the Diocese! The relics are to tour Britain from 3rd to 30th September and I’m delighted the relics of St Bernadette will be with us here in Portsmouth, in the Cathedral, on 8th September and on the morning of the 9th September 2022. More details will be available in the coming weeks but for now I invite you to save the date. Besides cathedrals and major churches the tour will include a visit to Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London, St Mary’s University ...
    Read more here
    Fanning the Flame Catholic Mission  - 15th- 19th August 2022

    Fanning the Flame Catholic Mission – 15th- 19th August 2022

    Fanning the Flame Summer Camp 2022 At this year's camp we will be looking at some of the incredible miracles performed by Jesus Christ, what they reveal to us of Himself, the Word Incarnate, and how we may have new life in Him through the celebration of the Sacraments. This Catholic camp is a gathering of about 100 young people, who come together to re-connect with old friends and make new ones, to learn more about our loving God and deepen their relationship with Him. It doesn't matter where you are in your relationship with Christ, you are welcome to ...
    Read more here
    Fr Simon asks for Volunteers - IF NOT YOU, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

    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 arrangers • SVP personnel These are just some of the roles that need to be filled. Thank you. Fr Simon ...
    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.

    SKIP HIRE

    It is my intention to book a skip for Saturday 6 August, 10.00am – 11.30am so that we can clear out the garages.  PLEASE help us if you can, as many hands make light work.

    SUSPICIOUS TEXTS 

    If you receive a text that purports to be from a Catholic priest asking for money or goods, please report this to the Action
    Fraud website www.actionfraud.police.uk, as this is a scam. Send the text number to this email address report@phishing.gov.uk.

    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 

    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

    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.
    For more information click on https://youngcatholicadultnetwork.uk/event/on-fire-conference

    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.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL HALL USERS If you would like to book the Parish Hall for a group or event, please email the details to this address
    southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    TEA AND COFFEE Please can we have some volunteers to help with refreshments after Mass. Thank you.

    IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL HALL USERS: We are currently reviewing the hall calendar and would be grateful if any individuals or groups who have a regular or one-off booking make contact.
    Please email the details of your booking to southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

    NOTE FOR THE DIARY Mrs M Thompson (our oldest parishioner) will be celebrating her 100th
    birthday on Saturday 13 August, with Mass at 12.00pm. Please do come and celebrate this wonderful occasion if you can.

    STILL COPING WITH COVID: Infections are once more on the rise. Please continue to wear a mask, if possible, whilst attending Mass.

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

    Saint Ignatius of Loyola
    31 July 2022

    Saint Ignatius of Loyola

    Find out more
    Saint Alphonsus Liguori
    01 August 2022

    Saint Alphonsus Liguori

    Find out more
    Daily Devotion Monday August 1st 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary
    01 August 2022

    Daily Devotion Monday August 1st 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Find out more
    Saint Eusebius of Vercelli
    02 August 2022

    Saint Eusebius of Vercelli

    Find out more
    Daily Devotion Tuesday August 2nd 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary
    02 August 2022

    Daily Devotion Tuesday August 2nd 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Find out more
    Saint Peter Julian Eymard
    03 August 2022

    Saint Peter Julian Eymard

    Find out more
    Saint John Vianney
    04 August 2022

    Saint John Vianney

    Find out more
    Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
    05 August 2022

    Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica

    Find out more
    Transfiguration of the Lord
    06 August 2022

    Transfiguration of the Lord

    Find out more
    Saint Cajetan
    07 August 2022

    Saint Cajetan

    Find out more
    Saint Dominic
    08 August 2022

    Saint Dominic

    Find out more
    Daily Devotion Monday August 8th 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary
    08 August 2022

    Daily Devotion Monday August 8th 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Find out more
    Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
    09 August 2022

    Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

    Find out more
    Saint Lawrence
    10 August 2022

    Saint Lawrence

    Find out more
    Saint Clare of Assisi
    11 August 2022

    Saint Clare of Assisi

    Find out more
    Saint Jane Frances de Chantal
    12 August 2022

    Saint Jane Frances de Chantal

    Find out more
    Saints Pontian and Hippolytus
    13 August 2022

    Saints Pontian and Hippolytus

    Find out more
    Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe
    14 August 2022

    Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe

    Find out more
    Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
    15 August 2022

    Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

    Find out more
    Daily Devotion Monday August 15th 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary
    15 August 2022

    Daily Devotion Monday August 15th 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Find out more
    Saint Stephen of Hungary
    16 August 2022

    Saint Stephen of Hungary

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    Saint Joan of the Cross
    17 August 2022

    Saint Joan of the Cross

    Find out more
    Saint Louis of Toulouse
    18 August 2022

    Saint Louis of Toulouse

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    Saint John Eudes
    19 August 2022

    Saint John Eudes

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    Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
    20 August 2022

    Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

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    Saint Pius X
    21 August 2022

    Saint Pius X

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    Queenship of Mary
    22 August 2022

    Queenship of Mary

    Find out more
    Daily Devotion Monday August 22nd 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary
    22 August 2022

    Daily Devotion Monday August 22nd 2022 The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Find out more
    Saint Rose of Lima
    23 August 2022

    Saint Rose of Lima

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    Saint Bartholomew
    24 August 2022

    Saint Bartholomew

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    Saint Louis of France
    25 August 2022

    Saint Louis of France

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    Saint Joseph Calasanz
    26 August 2022

    Saint Joseph Calasanz

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    Saint Monica
    27 August 2022

    Saint Monica

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    Saint Augustine of Hippo
    28 August 2022

    Saint Augustine of Hippo

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    Martyrdom of John the Baptist
    29 August 2022

    Martyrdom of John the Baptist

    Find out more

    Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 31st July 2022 till the 31st August 2022

    Safeguarding

    Safeguarding Representatives in our Parish

    IMPORTANT NEWS : SAFEGUARDING IN OUR PARISH: The Catholic Church takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously and volunteers have had to undergo clearance via the UK's Disclosure and Barring Service for over 15 years, as well as completing training. OUR PARISH SAFEGUARDING MINISTERS Any safeguarding concerns or requests for advice can be discussed with Anne Worden 023 9281 7586 and Teresa Rowe 023 9281 8295 or routed through to the central Diocesan safeguarding team by emailing them at safeguarding@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or telephoning02394 216486. If there is a concern that someone is at risk of immediate harm, people ...
    Read more here
    URGENT APPEAL - FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN  PORTSMOUTH

    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 ...
    Read more here
    going into hospital

    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 ...
    Read more here

    CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME  SCHEDULE – (New Schedule for 2022/2023 will appear here in Sept)

    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 2022-23 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2015)

    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

    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 ...
    Read more here
    helping the sick

    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 ...
    Read more here
    Baptism Preparation

    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 ...
    Read more here

    Prayer of the Month – July 2022

    Pope Francis Prayer Intentions July 2022

    Universal intention – For the elderly

    We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.

    Prayer of the Month – July 2022

    Dear Lord, Father of young and old alike, teach us to honor those of our brothers and sisters who began their walks of faith before us and who continue on their journeys home to You. Guide us to see every person, regardless of age, as your precious and beloved child.

    Give us the grace to reach out to those quietly in need among us and to be Your hands and feet for them. Through prayer and acts of service, help us to see Your face in the elderly in our families, neighborhoods, and churches. Help us to slow our pace of living and to appreciate the gift of these lives. We know that You make all things new, and so we ask that You call us to new friendships whose fruit will last.

    You have given each of Your children gifts with which to serve You. May we recognize these gifts in ourselves and in others, so that together, we can build Your kingdom.

    St. Anna, St. Simeon, Sts. Anne and Joachim, pray for us.

    Amen.

    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: 31st July 2022: Caroline Bennett, 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/


    Parish Devotions this month

     

    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

    The Precious Blood of Jesus "The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it." In the past, the feast of ... Read more here
    Blood of the Lamb 1

    The Old fulfilled in the New Covenant

    Sacrifice is the highest form of religious worship which man offers to God as an act of praise, thanksgiving, petition or atonement.The most singular and pre-eminent sacrifice of the Old Law was the immolation of the Paschal Lamb which celebrated the sparing of Israel's firstborn from the fatal sword of the Angel of Death in Egypt at the time of Moses and Pharaoh. The imagery of sacrificial blood from slain animals is made more vivid and meaningful if we recall Moses' words from the Book of Exodus, "And he took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people, and he said: ... Read more here
    Christ's Blood on the Cross

    The Devotion to the Precious Blood

    This devotion is one of the most ancient of pious Church practices. It is said that the Blessed Virgin venerated the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as she collected the first relics of His Precious Blood on a piece of cloth. On that momentous occasion she united her tears with that of the Word Incarnate on account of not so much of the sensible pain but of His supernatural sorrow for the hardheartedness of mortals. Devotion to the Precious Blood is not a spiritual option, it is a spiritual obligation, and that not ... Read more here
    Symbol of the Precious Blood

    The Symbol of the Precious Blood

    Adam is sleeping an ecstatic sleep. God opens his side, removes a rib and forms Eve, the mother of all the living. But our view transcends this action and in spirit we behold the second, the divine Adam, Christ. He is sleeping the sleep of death. From His opened side blood and water flow, symbols of baptism and the Eucharist, symbols of the second Eve, the Church, the Mother of all the living. Through blood and water Christ willed to redeem God's many children and to lead them to an eternal home. At Jerusalem a service in Yahweh's honour is taking ... Read more here
    july_chalice_priests_hands

    The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

    The New Testament Catholic doctrine teaches the faithful that the blood of Jesus Christ is part of His Sacred Humanity and hypostatically united to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And as such, it is worthy of adoration and veneration proper to latreutical worship (cultus latriae) which is rendered only to God. In other words, we adore the human nature of Christ because of its intimate and eternal union with the Person of the Divine Word. • It is for this same reason that we honour the Most Sacred Heart or the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The ... Read more here

    Pope writes Apostolic New Papal Document on the Sacred Liturgy

    Pope writes Apostolic New Papal Document on the Sacred Liturgy

    Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter to the People of God about the sacred liturgy, in order to recall the profound meaning of the Holy Eucharist and to encourage better liturgical formation. Dated 29th June 2022, the Letter is called Desiderio Desideravi and you can read it by clicking ...
    Read More
    The Eucharist

    Blog Topic: The Eucharist is ‘the School of True Love for Us’

    14/06/2022
    Holy Trinity

    Blog Topic: “Mystery of the Holy Trinity”

    04/06/2022
    World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

    World Communications Day 2022 is on May 29th

    27/05/2022

     

    Thank You

    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

    Homeless Ministry 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.
    No posts found.

    Download Newsletter PDF -31-07-2022

    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 31st July 2022 18th 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.

    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.



    Filed Under: Newsletter, Newsletter 31072022, Parish News & Events Feed, Resources, Resources Newsletters Tagged With: 12-14 17, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Canon Simon Treloar, Colossians 3:1-5 9-11, Ecclesiastes 1:2 2:21-23, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 89(90):3-6, Scott Hahn, St Swithun's RC Church

    August: Month of The Blessed Sacrament & Immaculate Heart of Mary "Hail Mary full of Grace,
    the Lord is with thee.
    Blessed are thou among women and
    blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.
    Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners
    now and at the hour of our death. Amen."


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