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Liturgy of the Word with Children Trinity Sunday

Catholic Kids Homilies – What is the Trinity?! A fun Catholic homily for kids based on the readings for the solemnity of Trinity Sunday Cycle A

Liturgy of the Word with Children Trinity Sunday, Year A 7th June 2020 John 3:16-18

Catechist Background

Although we mark all of our liturgical celebrations by calling to mind the Trinity by making the sign of the cross, we celebrate the Trinity in a special way on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Today’s gospel passage can be seen as a mini-gospel, a concise summary of all Jesus came to do and teach. In the original Greek, the word we translate as ‘condemn’ means condemn and judge. Also, in John’s gospel, the phrase ‘eternal life’ is not just about length of time but about quality and intensity of experience of the gift of our life with God. The Trinity is a relationship of love, and it is our goal to be intimately united and caught up with that Love that our lives are totally infused with it in every aspect.

Setting the Scene

Although the usual liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green, the importance of this feast is highlighted by the use of the colour white. You may wish to have traditional symbols of the Trinity—shamrocks, Celtic knotwork, etc—decorating your worship space.

Remind the children that it is Trinity Sunday. Ask if anyone knows what ‘Trinity’ means. If nobody can explain it very well, remind them that we believe in one God, but we know God as ‘Father,’ ‘Son,’ and ‘Holy Spirit.’ If the children are having a difficult time grasping this, demonstrate that it is not so strange – they may be able to think of someone who is sometimes called ‘Mum,’ sometimes called ‘Mrs. _,’ and sometimes by her first name, depending on who is speaking to them and what they want. While the theology of the Trinity is more complicated than this, the brief explanation will allow you to move on to the rest of Children’s Liturgy.

Invite the children to make the sign of the cross, paying particular attention to the Trinitarian names as they do so.

We Say Sorry

Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father, Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth, Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
You lead us to eternal life, Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy. Gloria

We Pray (1)

God our Father, you sent your Son to show us the truth and your Spirit to guide us in living out that truth. Help us to worship you with our lives. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation Gospel: John 3:16-18

Reflecting on the Reading with Children

• Warn the children that you are going to ask them a slightly peculiar question. What is the point of God? Or to put it another way, why does God bother to do anything? (If they do not grasp the point, read again, ‘God LOVED the world so much…’)
• If the point of God is Love, then what does God want for us? (Again, if they need a hint read, ‘So that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but have ETERNAL LIFE.’)
• We have heard recently in the gospel about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, coming so that we have life in its fullness, and this is also what today’s gospel tells us. It is such an important message that we hear it slightly differently today as well. Invite the children to look at each other in the room. Do their faces look as if they remember that God loves us totally, and wants us to have a fantastic life? (If everyone is looking sleepy/nervous/shy, allow them to jump up and down 5 times to remind themselves that God wants our happiness by showing us Love.)

Response

Remembering that today is Trinity Sunday, it is a good week to be thinking about Love, because it can be said that the Trinity is a communion of Love, to use a very fancy term. We are invited to show God’s love to each other. How can we do that?

St. Paul, in one of the readings for today, gives his friends a very powerful greeting. He says, ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the

Holy Spirit be with you always.’ Invite the children to repeat the greeting, one phrase at a time. It is a much stronger way of speaking to someone than saying, ‘I hope you have a nice day.’ Invite the children to say this greeting to each other—cheerfully!

We Believe

For Trinity Sunday, read out the whole of the Apostles’ Creed (have copies for the children if they are able to read – see below).

We Pray (2)

Again, try to relate the bidding prayers to the reading by saying, ‘We know God loves us totally and so we give God our concerns…’

Leader: We pray that Christians everywhere will be able to live out their lives joyfully. Lord in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray that all people in the world will feel your love. Lord in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for those who are feeling heavy with sadness. Lord in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.

Leader: We pray for people in our parish who are nearing the end of their lives on earth and will soon meet you face to face. Lord in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers and knowing what is best for us. We make all our prayers through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit Born of the Virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
Was crucified, died and was buried. On the third day, he rose again
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.

Liturgy of the Word with Children Pentecost Sunday

Catholic Kids Homilies – What is the Pentecost?! A fun Catholic homily for kids based on the readings for the solemnity of Pentecost, cycle A.

Gospel Reading John 20:19-23 Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Making the Connection:

Young people are familiar with breaking things. They know that some broken things can be repaired or put back together. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit so that we might be reconciled—put back together—through the forgiveness of sins.

Catechist Background

Today’s gospel should have a familiar ring to it as it formed part of the gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Easter.

In the languages that the apostles spoke and the cultures that they lived in, the concepts of ‘sin’ and ‘peace’ have different connotations than they do in modern

English. ‘Sin’ in John’s Gospel is about failure to recognise Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God sent to redeem the world. He would have struggled with the concept of the ‘shopping list model’ we sometimes encounter when thinking of sins (stealing, cheating, lying, coveting, murder, etc.) Similarly, our coupling of ‘peace’ with ‘quiet tranquillity’ is found nowhere in the scriptures. The first century world was a crowded, noisy place. The Hebrew concept of ‘Shalom’ encompasses the rightness of a situation when you do not have to make anything up to any person or to God. It means being debt-free in the widest possible sense. Jesus has made the ultimate atonement for us and for our sin (failure to recognise him), and we are free to experience shalom.

We Say Sorry

Leader: You send us out to forgive, Lord have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: You free us from fear, Christ have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: You came to bring us peace, Lord have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy. Gloria

We Pray (1)

Lord God, may the Holy Spirit you sent after Jesus’ resurrection continue to guide us today. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation Gospel John 20:19-23

Reflecting on the Reading with Children

• When you think of the word ‘peace,’ what do you think of? Explain, using child-friendly language, that the understanding of the early Christians was different to our understanding. It is possible to experience this sort of peace at a noisy birthday party!
• What do you think people mean when they use the word sin? Again, using child-friendly language, explain that the first believers thought of not recognising Jesus as the only sin. Other things we call sins sometimes resulted from not fully grasping Jesus’ message. For instance, if I did not remember that Jesus loves the person who is annoying me, I might reach out and punch them. Understanding and remembering what Jesus really taught can stop me from doing things we call ‘sins’ in English today.
• Why did Jesus breathe on his followers? What did he ask them to do?

Response

Jesus asked his followers to go out and spread his peace by forgiving sin. Do you think there would be more peace if there was more forgiveness? Of course! If we are people who forgive others, there will be more peace. Remind the children of Thomas a few weeks ago, who was given Jesus’ peace even though he did not believe at first. Remind the children also of the readings we have heard more recently that tell us that Jesus came to give us life in its fullness. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can pass that peace and fullness of life to others as Jesus asks us to.

In Greek, the language that John’s gospel was written in, the word for ‘Spirit’ and ‘breath’ is ‘nooma’ (or ‘pneuma’). If you have space, invite the children to take up positions as frozen statues. Instruct the children that when someone whispers ‘nooma’ in their ear, they can become unfrozen and whisper ‘nooma’ into someone else’s ear to unfreeze them. Soon the whole room should be unfrozen. Tell the children that when they go back to their homes today, they can tell their families what ‘nooma’ means and whisper it to them. If you have time, play again.

We Believe

Relating to the creed what you have shared with the children, ask this series of questions and invite the children to reply, ‘I do, Alleluia, Alleluia!’

• Do you believe in God the Father who sent his Son to save us?
• Do you believe in Jesus, God the Son, who sends his friends out to continue his work?
• Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit, who has been with Jesus’ followers since the first Pentecost and is with us today?

We Pray (2)

Again, try to relate the bidding prayers to the reading by saying,

‘You send out your friends to look with concern on the world, and so we pray…’

Leader: We pray for missionaries everywhere, that they may be filled with courage as they are sent forth to tell others about you. Lord, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for the whole world, that everyone may come to know about your saving love. Lord, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for those who are feeling weighed down by any bad feelings they have, that they may know your forgiveness and love. Lord, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: We pray for our families and our friendship groups, that they may be places of kindness and generosity. Lord, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
Leader: Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may faithfully show your healing love to the world. We make all our prayers through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Newsletter: 24th May 2020 – 7th Sunday of Easter

My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ

ON EASTER DAY, angels tell the women at the tomb not to seek the living among the dead (Luke 24.5). They now tell the apostles not to keep on looking up to heaven, but to wait instead for his presence among them on earth.

Cally Hammond writes that, at the time, Jesus’s ascension must have felt like another bereavement. “True, he had blessed them, and promised them his gift. But then he had spoken during his years of ministry about the resurrection, and that had been no comfort, no bulwark against the terror and grief of loss at his death on the cross” (Glorious Christianity: Walking by faith in the life to come). For the apostles, the ascension of their Lord involves a further letting go, in order to receive his presence in a new fullness. For, as Willie Jennings explains, Jesus departs in order to be more intimately present: “Jesus’ ascension is in fact God claiming our space as the sites for his visitation, announcing God’s desire to come to us. . . He ascends for our sake, not to turn away from us, but to more intensely focus on us” (Belief — A Theological Commentary on the Bible: Acts).

St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Ávila write of the painful periods in which God withdraws the means he has previously used to console and support us. Things that are good in themselves have to be given up, to draw us more deeply into the Paschal mystery — into a deeper and less self-focused reliance on the One who gives them. We have to learn to wait on God with patience and fortitude.

Mary supremely exemplifies this faithful and courageous waiting. Luke has not mentioned her by name since the infancy narrative — in which we see both her faithful patience and her courage. During Jesus’s earthly ministry, she has not always understood what he has been doing, but she has always remained faithful (cf. Luke 8.19-21, 11.27-28), even to the foot of the cross (Luke 23.49, John 19.25-27). After sharing the joy of his resurrection, she must endure the pain of his physical departure. Yet we find her at the heart of the group of disciples, “constantly devoting themselves to prayer” as they wait for the promised outpouring of the Spirit.

From the beginning, Mary has known that faithfulness to Christ would involve disruption, pain, and sorrow (Luke 1.51-3, 2.35). Our epistle reinforces this message: far from expecting earthly dominion, Christians are not to be “surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you”. It is being “reviled” and persecuted that is a sign that “the spirit of glory” is “resting on you”.

In our Gospel, Jesus’s prayer for his disciples asks for the Father’s protection, as they face the suffering that is an inevitable consequence of making his name known in the world.

Just as St John teaches us to see the cross as a moment of divine glory, so, when Christ is glorified in his disciples, their lives will bear the marks of his Passion. “Their hope is the same as their danger, that where he is, there they will be also” (David Rensberger, Overcoming the World: Politics and community in the Gospel of John).

As the ascension speaks of God’s presence with us in suffering, it also reveals our eternal destiny. In the words of our collect, the one who abides with his suffering Church on earth has also been “exalted” with “great triumph” to God’s “Kingdom in heaven”. St Thomas Aquinas writes that, “just as the Son is immortal and sitting at the right hand of the Father from all eternity, so is he now become immortal in his human nature and exalted to the right hand of God.”

Jesus’s exalted body still bears the scars of his Passion. Just as we must follow him into a cruciform witness here on earth, so his ascension reveals our glorious destiny. As Dr Hammond observes, these two must be held together: Jesus’s suffering love is “infinitely more” than a moral example. His Paschal victory brings us eternal life. The “underlining meaning” of Jesus’s ascension is “the belief, all woven into one crystalline light of glory, that death is but the threshold into a new way of being.”

7th Sunday of Easter, Sunday after Ascension Day Acts 1.6-14; Psalm 68.1-10, 32-end; 1 Peter 4.12-14, 5.6-11; John 17.1-11

with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik

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

CORONAVIRUS APPEAL – Parish Finances – Standing Orders

Every Wednesday 10:30am on Facebook for Children – ‘Sowing seeds of faith’ with Fr Marcin

Dear First Communion Children and your Beloved Parents Download here: Dear First Communion Children and your Beloved Parents + “Laudetur Iesus Christus” (May Jesus Christ will be praised) – You should respond: … “in secula seculorum. Amen” (forever and ever. Amen) I write this letter, because I wonder how You are and I miss You very much. This time is very difficult in many ways for many people around, but generally for all of us. I’m very grateful for all …
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9 Action items for the Pentecost Novena: Start Friday May 22nd 2020

We can learn not only from the Apostles’ teachings, but even from their situation.

Sheltered in placed. Cut off from friends. Terrified by an external threat. Apprehensive about the future. Today’s Catholics have a tremendous amount in common with the apostles after our Lord’s ascension into heaven. After nine days, the apostles, set alight with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, burst forth from their lockdown on a mission to convert the world.It seems that this is where the similarities …
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Catholics going into Hospital – QA Message from Bishop Egan

25th May 2020
Bishop Philip writes… In our Diocese of Portsmouth, we have a number of major hospitals, including the Queen Alexandra (QA) Portsmouth, University Hospital Southampton, The Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Christchurch, the North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, and the Royal Berkshire in Reading. We also have a number of smaller hospitals, including those on the isle …
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Holy Spirit Novena Prayers

Come Holy Spirit Novena The novena in honour of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so …
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World Communications Day 2020 – May 24th

World Communications Day was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967 as an annual celebration that encourages us to reflect on the opportunities and challenges that the modern means of social communication afford the Church to communicate the gospel message. This year Pope Francis focuses on “That you may tell your children and grandchildren” (Ex 10:2) Life becomes history. The passage, drawn from the Book of Exodus, highlights the importance of sharing “knowledge of the Lord” and meaningful memories, …
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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

Pope Francis: Mission is free gift of the Spirit, not result of strategies

Pope Francis sends a message to the Pontifical Mission Societies, and urges them to avoid self-promotion and to thank God for the gift of being missionaries.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

When they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not …
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Prayer for the World Day of Social Communications 2020

Our Lord and Creator, who inspires life and creates us in your image and likeness, encourage us to create stories by your side, Help us to tell the world how You continue to be present in our story, and wish to give us Life and salvation. Help us to find Jesus, your Son, revelation of your love for humanity, and to live according to His Gospel. When we think of the love that creates us and saves us, when …
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SIGNIS: CATHOLIC MEDIA VITAL FOR ACCURATE NEWS, STORIES OF FAITH, HOPE

The president of SIGNIS urged the world’s bishops as the “chief storyteller” in their diocese to use all media at their disposal to “make known” stories “of faith and hope” and of local Catholic heroes who exemplify Christ’s love to give people courage in “difficult times,” like this current pandemic. Catholic media outlets also can provide “basic tools” to the faithful “to spot” false stories, such the narratives about the “Chinese” virus causing the pandemic and rumours of “dangerous …
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Hymn for Today: Lyrics - Our Father - Hillsong Worship

Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Our Father – Hillsong Worship

Behind the Song: – Our Father – Hillsong Worship Hannah Hobbs talks about the song ‘Our Father’ from the Hillsong Worship album ‘No Other Name’. This song is inspired by the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches us how to pray — when we sing this song, we’re actually reminding ourselves to pray like Jesus instructed us! Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done I love that we can gather in church together to sing in unity, to declare our adoration for our God. There’s plenty of great songs that are …
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Dr. Scott Hahn - Gospel Reflections 24-05-2020

Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 24-05-2020

Knowing God: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Seventh Sunday in Easter (In dioceses where Ascension is celebrated on Thursday, (There is also a reflection on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord available here.) Jesus has been taken up into heaven as we begin today’s First Reading. His disciples—including the Apostles and Mary—return to the upper room where He celebrated the Last Supper (see Luke 22:12). There, they devote themselves with one accord to prayer, awaiting the Spirit that He promised would come upon them (see Acts 1:8). The unity of the early Church at Jerusalem is a sign of the oneness that Christ prays for in today’s Gospel. The Church is to be a communion on earth that mirrors the glorious union of Father, Son, and Spirit in the Trinity. Jesus has proclaimed God’s name to His brethren (see Hebrews 2:12; Psalm 22:23). The prophets had foretold this revelation—a new covenant by which all …
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Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 24-05-2020

Fr. Mike lays down the reasons we should pray and gives a few spot-on examples of how real life reflects the nature of prayer. Through prayer, God invites us into his will and gives us the dignity to participate in it, which strengthens our relationship with him. Fr. Mike covers these truths and more in this week’s video. DAILY MEDITATION: JOHN 17:1-11 I pray for them. (John 17:9) Seventy-nine years ago today, the “Miracle of Dunkirk”—the largest evacuation in military history—was completed. In the early months of World War II, a fierce onslaught from Hitler’s army pushed hundreds of thousands of Allied troops back to the beaches of Dunkirk, France. Seeing the danger, the British government declared a national day of prayer. Churches overflowed with people. Then came the miracle: perfect weather conditions allowed a massive civilian rescue effort to deliver the troops safely across the English Channel. Joy and hope …
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Liturgy of the Word with Children Seventh Sunday of Easter

Before Jesus left his friends and returned to his father in heaven, he prayed that God would stay close to them and watch over them always. In their prayers, they woul keep in touch with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on the Reading with Children – Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A White ‘ Welcome: Today we hear about Jesus praying for his friends and for us. He wanted us to be one, to be united in love, as closely as Jesus and God the Father are united in love. So, let’s think about how we can be more like that. Opening prayer: God our Father, you sent your Son Jesus to show us how to love. Help us learn to work together in love, and to make the world a better place for everyone. Amen. Gospel reflection: What do you remember about this reading? Jesus …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 24-05-2020

The RE department of the Diocese of Motherwell have produced an online Children’s Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter 2020 The Kids Bulletin: – 7th Sunday of Easter – Jesus prays to the Father for us all Before Jesus left his friends and returned to his father in heaven, he prayed that God would stay close to them and watch over them always. In their prayers, they woul keep in touch with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Children do you know anyone who personally knows a famous person, such as a celebrity, star athlete, politician, actor, singer, etc. Have you ever called on this connection to meet this famous person, to get an autograph, to get tickets to an event, or some other form of contact. We often rely on other people to be our connection to something or someone that otherwise might be out of …
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National Rosary Relay Rally 

National Rosary Relay Rally 

18th May 2020 Bishop Philip writes… Antonia Moffat from the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham asks us to join in a national Rosary Relay Rally on Pentecost Sunday. Our time is 12 noon. Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to pray the Rosary in their family homes during the month of May, especially when the Pandemic is making us aware of the value of our families and making it possible for us to pray together in lockdown at home. He encourages simple Rosaries and joining online Rosary initiatives to pray to Our Lady for deliverance from Covid-19 and he …
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The Ascension Salvador Dali.jpg

Have we seen where Christ is going?

All the cleaning and re-examining of the quarantine is for something. Do we know what? May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory… I’ve noticed this quarantine that many of my brother priests have used their time to take on long overdue cleaning and building projects. Whether they’ve been emptying old closets or applying fresh paint to worn rooms, these priests have been Marthas, “busy about many things…” Every parish, for that matter, has been preparing to “open up.” Every church …
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How St. Rita miraculously saved a girl from a plague

How St. Rita miraculously saved a girl from a plague

When many Italian cities were suffering from a contagious disease, one girl turned to St. Rita’s intercession. St. Rita of Cascia is known by many as the “Patron Saint of the Impossible,” as countless miracles have been attributed to her intercession. One example comes from Italy during the 17th century, when a vicious plague ravaged many different cities.According to an early 20th-century book entitled Life of St. Rita of Cascia, during 1656 a young girl who was devoted to St. Rita was exposed to the disease and was nearly buried with her relatives. It happened that whilst she was sleeping one night …
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In these times of darkness and uncertainty because of the pandemic we at St Swithuns and Our Lady of Lords will be available to support you with spiritual and some practical ways during this time.
I ask you to pray for all those tied up with this crisis,  I will be trying to do a lot via our facebook pages and website in the coming days and weeks and we ask God to help us  as we say.

Be with us Lord,

in times of darkness: may you be our light;
In times of isolation, may we support each other,
In times of illness, heal each one.
Be with our nurses, doctors and all medical staffs,
And all who keep life going at this time,
Those who care at home for the elderly
and look after our children,
And those who look out for the poor.

Remember Lord in your kindness, all I remember this day,
Especially those away from home.
Father God, Brother Jesus, Mother Mary,
Let me not lose hope in your love, now and always.
Holy Spirit fill us all with serenity and hope.
Amen.

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

 

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 

Following the instructions from the Bishops of England and Wales, due to the Coronavirus, we will be suspending all Masses and any public events &celebrations until further notice.

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

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 23rd May 2020 till the 30th June 2020

Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

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

 

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

The next sessions are cancelled due to the Coronavirus emergency for the foreseable future.

For our First Communion Preparation this year, we have 34 children, who would like to start their journey of faith. Please keep them and their Dear Parents in your prayers. At the same time our First Communion Children from THE LAST YEAR are very welcome to come and encourage the new children with their presence, and also to receive their special gifts from Fr Marcin, which he will bring from Assisi, from the place where Carlo Acutis is buried, their special friend from the last year’s

 

Prayer of the Month – May 2020 

Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions May 2020 – For Deacons

Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions May 2020 – For Deacons

For Deacons We pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church. In the Roman Catholic Church, deacons may perform some duties of priests, such as presiding at baptisms, marriages and funerals. Currently, only men are allowed to be Catholic deacons. Pope Francis recently said he would establish a commission to study whether the diaconate should be opened to women as well. Judy Valente reports on the role of deacons and efforts to see women included in that role. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? … 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: 24th May 2020:  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 and Jozef Michalczuk.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen 

“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.

 

Parish Devotions this month

Litany of Loreto

Ave Maria The Litany of the Blessed Virgin–also called the Litany of Loreto–is one of the many Marian litanies, or praises of Mary, composed during the Middle Ages. The place of honour it now holds, in the life of the Church, is due its faithful use at the shrine of the Holy House at Loreto, which, according to tradition, was the small cottage-like home where the Holy Family had lived and which was miraculously transported by angels, in 1291, from the Holy Land to its present location in Loreto. It was definitely recommended by Pope Clement VII and approved by … Read more here
The Brown Scapular

The Brown Scapular – The full promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Brown Scapular and other Scapulars The full promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to Saint Simon Stock July 16, 1251 “Accept this Scapular. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and a pledge of peace. Whosoever dies clothed in this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” Such is the extraordinary promise Our Lady makes to those who wear Her Brown Scapular. And this wonderful promise makes the Scapular the most powerful sacramental Heaven’s mercy has given us. Who could doubt Our Lady’s promise, as not to wear, with profoundest gratitude and reverence, this abbreviated … Read more here
Holy Rosary

Victory Through The Rosary

“You will be granted all you ask of me by recitation of the rosary.” Also called the Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Rosary is one of the most excellent prayers to the Mother of God. Thus, “the Roman Pontiffs have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to the frequent recitation of this biblically inspired prayer which is centred on contemplation of the salvific events of Christ’s life, and their close association with the Virgin Mother.” Our Lady’s Action in History and Today Since the time of Saint Dominic, the Most Holy Rosary has been the weapon by which Our Lady has … Read more here
Miraculous Medal

The Miracle of the Miraculous Medal

These are witnesses of faith and a sign of veneration of the Holy Mother of God, as well as of trust in her maternal protection. The Church blesses such objects of Marian devotion in the belief that “they help to remind the faithful of the love of God, and to increase trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The Miracle of the Miraculous Medal: Designed and Revealed by the Blessed Virgin The Medal of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Miraculous Medal, is unique among all medals. The Miraculous Medal was created in response to a request from the Blessed Virgin Mary, … Read more here

The Regina Coeli

The authorship of the “Regina Caeli” being unknown, legend says the St. Gregory the Great (d. 604) heard the first three lines chanted by angels on a certain Easter morning in Rome while he walked barefoot in a great religious procession and that the saint thereupon added the fourth line: “Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia.” — Fr. Gant, moderator, Catholic News The opening words of the Eastertide anthem of the Blessed Virgin, the recitation of which is prescribed from Compline of Holy Saturday until Afternoon Prayer of the Saturday after Pentecost inclusively. Substitute this prayer for the Angelus during the … Read more here
A Time of Grace

A Time of Grace

It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month of May is always part of the Easter season, the fifty days we celebrate in the liturgy the Resurrection of Our Lord, a time also of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The celebration of May as a Marian month fits well with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost as we recall Mary’s great joy in her Son’s victory over death as well as her presence with the apostles in the upper room prayerfully awaiting the … Read more here
Mary and Pope Francis

Mary and the Popes

The Month of Mary and the Popes The pious practice of honouring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes. Pius XII made frequent reference to it and in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy (Mediator Dei) characterized it as one of “other exercises of piety which although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special import and dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition to the liturgical cult: they have been approved and praised over and over again by the Apostolic See and by … Read more here
Feast of The Queenship of Mary 1 Coronation of Mary

Mary and Our Spiritual Life

In our observance of the Marian month we should take into account the season of the Liturgical Year which largely corresponds with the fifty days of Easter. Our pious exercises could emphasize Our Lady’s participation in the Paschal mystery and in Pentecost with which the Church begins. The pious exercises connected with the month of May can easily highlight the earthly role played by the glorified Queen of Heaven, here and now, in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The following practices which are recommended by the Magisterium are offered as suggestions for honouring Our Lady … Read more here
Stained glass depicting the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus

Devotion to Mary

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example, as well as the guide and inspiration, of everyone who, in and through the Church, seeks to be the servant of God and man and the obedient agent of the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as Pope Leo XIII reminded us, is the soul of the Church: All the activity and service of the members of the Church, beginning with the supreme participation of the Blessed Mother in the work of the Church, is vivified by the Holy Spirit as the body, in all … Read more here
Month-Of-Mary

May dedicated to Our Lady Mary

The month of May is the “month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady,” and it is the occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pray to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance” (Paul VI: Encyclical … Read more here

POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

POPE FRANCIS Message for 54th WORLD DAY OF PEACE Jan 1st 2021

The first day of the new year, 1 January 2021, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is also the 54th World Day of Peace: an opportunity to review Pope Francis’ messages for this annual celebration, from 2014 to 2021. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE …
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Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

Pope Francis-Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing 25-12-2020

Nothing Separates us from God's Love

Blog Topic: “Come on a Great Adventure with Me and Come to Holy Mass”

Pope Francis Message - 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

Pope Francis Message – 4th World Day of the Poor 2020

 

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

CORONAVIRUS APPEAL – Parish Finances – Standing Orders

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Calendars

  Daily Services Calendars for all times

  Saints Calendar to learn about this weeks Saints

  Daily Reading Calendar for the prayers this week

  View All of our Parish Events Here

PARISH CONTACTS

  • PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk 
  • Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
  • Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
  • Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths  tel: 023 92 737559;
  • Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden  tel: 023 92 817586;
  • Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
    email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

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NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD

  Read More on our Renewal Pages here

 

The coronavirus outbreak has left countless people all over the world asking themselves: Why is God allowing this to happen? How do we respond? And where can we find hope? In this bonus episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” we discuss these and other questions, exploring the ancient problem of evil, the impact of the virus on Catholic sacramental life, and other spiritual dimensions and effects of this crisis.

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 

Following the instructions from the Bishops of England and Wales, due to the Coronavirus, we will be suspending all Masses and any public celebrations until further notice.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES stated:

‘We want everyone to understand that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. This is, without doubt, the teaching of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181). This pandemic is the ‘serious reason’ why this obligation does not apply at this time.’

PLEASE  PRAYER TO OUR LADY THAT THIS PANDEMIC CAN BE OVER SOON.

 

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 24-05-2020

 

The RE department of the Diocese of Motherwell have produced an online Children’s Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter 2020

The Kids Bulletin: – 7th Sunday of Easter – Jesus prays to the Father for us all

Before Jesus left his friends and returned to his father in heaven, he prayed that God would stay close to them and watch over them always. In their prayers, they woul keep in touch with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Children do you know anyone who personally knows a famous person, such as a celebrity, star athlete, politician, actor, singer, etc. Have you ever called on this connection to meet this famous person, to get an autograph, to get tickets to an event, or some other form of contact. We often rely on other people to be our connection to something or someone that otherwise might be out of our reach. Children do you know that in our prayers, we can rely on “connections” as well—people who can help us when we feel like our prayers are falling short. We call this intercession.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus prays a prayer of intercession on our behalf. What two things did Jesus pray for in this Gospel? (Jesus prayed that the Father would glorify him as Jesus had glorified the Father by the work he did on earth. Jesus prayed for his disciples.) What do you think Jesus wanted the Father to do for his disciples?

After this reading, Jesus’ prayer continues to the end of the chapter. Jesus prays for the protection of his disciples, and he prays for all those who would come to believe in him because of the disciples’ teaching. This means that Jesus prayed for us as well. Our faith teaches us that Jesus continues to intercede for us at the right hand of the Father. What do you think are some things that Jesus wants for us? (Accept all reasonable answers.) How does it feel to know that Jesus prays for us and did so even before he died? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Conclude in prayer together, inviting all of you to offer prayers of intercession for others.

Closing prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the blessings and struggles today held. I praise you for this day and trust that it was part of your perfect plan for me. I’m sorry for all the things I did poorly today – help me to do better tomorrow. Please bless my family and friends and keep us safe. Amen.

Andrew Olive, Headteacher

Gospel: John 17:1-11 Father, it is time for you to glorify me

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was. I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me.

They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you; for I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. I pray for them; I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you: all I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.’

 Read today’s Readings here

 

 

Sr. Brenda brings the children’s liturgy into the home, sharing some thoughts on this weekends Gospel (Luke 17:1-11)

Family Connection

In today’s Gospel we glimpse Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. If we read further in John’s Gospel, we find that Jesus prayed for his disciples’ protection from the evil one. Jesus also prayed for all those who would have faith in him because of the disciples’ teaching. That means that Jesus prayed for us as well, even before his death on the cross. Our faith tells us that Jesus continues to intercede for us at the Father’s right hand.

Gather together as a family and think about the tradition of praying for other people. Who do you pray for? What do you ask for in your prayers? In today’s Gospel we find an example of Jesus’ prayer to the Father. Read together today’s Gospel, John 17:1-11a. Think about Jesus’ prayer for his disciples. We know that Jesus continues to intercede for us at the Father’s right hand. What might Jesus’ prayer be for you and your family? Conclude by praying together in thanks for the great love that Jesus shows you. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.

Liturgy of the Word with Children Seventh Sunday of Easter

Before Jesus left his friends and returned to his father in heaven, he prayed that God would stay close to them and watch over them always. In their prayers, they woul keep in touch with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on the Reading with Children – Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A White ‘

Welcome: Today we hear about Jesus praying for his friends and for us. He wanted us to be one, to be united in love, as closely as Jesus and God the Father are united in love. So, let’s think about how we can be more like that.

Opening prayer: God our Father, you sent your Son Jesus to show us how to love. Help us learn to work together in love, and to make the world a better place for everyone. Amen.

Gospel reflection: What do you remember about this reading?

Jesus was praying for his friends during his Last Supper with them, on the night before he died.

Jesus prayed to his Father, that his friends “may be one just as you and I are one.” What do you think he meant?

Jesus wanted his disciples to love one another, to be united with each other, to be together – just as closely as Jesus and God the Father are together.

Jesus prayed for us too. He wants us to be united, together, loving one another. What sort of things might we do if we are united?

We might spend time together. And be at peace with each other, listening to each other and helping each other. We would want what is best for the other person – loving one another as much as we love ourselves.

What do you love to have, or to do? Would you be able to help someone else enjoy the same?

Perhaps you have a favourite book and could read it to your little brother or sister. Perhaps you enjoy making music; you could invite a friend to do that with you over the phone or computer.

Do you have any other ideas?

How else could we come together with others at the moment? How else could we come together with others once we are allowed to meet our friends and family again?

In a special letter called Laudato Si’, Pope Francis asks all to join together to care for our earth and for each other. Last week was a very special week as this letter is five years old. Watch our animation to find out more about Laudato Si’:

https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Primary-teaching-resources/Laudato-Si-animation

What could you do in this special time after Easter to become more united – or ‘at one’ – with other people?

Intercessions: 

Jesus prayed for his disciples to be one, just as Jesus and God the Father are one. So, we pray together…

We pray for all world leaders: that they may learn to work together and make decisions that will make the world a more peaceful place. Lord, hear us…

We pray for people who are poor around the world: that they may feel supported by us as they work to improve life in their communities. Lord, hear us…

We pray for our parish, families and friends: that we may love one another, and work together for the good of the earth and everyone who lives here. Lord, hear us…

Closing prayer: God of love, help us to be like Jesus, and make a real difference to the lives of our global family. Amen.

Activity suggestions:

Remind the children that Jesus prayed for all of us. On the accompanying illustration of Jesus praying, ask them to draw pictures or write names in the thought bubble of themselves and some of the other people Jesus was praying for. You could suggest their families and friends, as well as our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

Discuss at home all that the children have heard and thought about in today’s liturgy. Encourage the children to spend time this week doing something that they really enjoy together with a family member or friend, either in person or online.

For more activities on Laudato Si’ that you could do with the children, visit cafod.org.uk/primary and go to the home learning page

 

Catholic Kids Homilies – What is the Ascension?! A fun Catholic homily for kids based on the readings for the solemnity of the Ascension, cycle A.


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