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Newsletter: 16th February 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

 

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Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 16th February 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

Today, Jesus tells us: «I have come to fulfil the Law» (Mt 5, 17). What is the Law? What is ‘The Prophets’? By the Law and the Prophets, Jesus meant two different sets of books of the Old Testament. The Law refers to the works believed to have been written by Moses; the Prophets, as the name itself indicates, are the works of the Prophets and the Sapiential books.

In Today’s Gospel, Jesus refers to those who are considered the summary of the moral code of the Old Testament: The commandments of the law of God. According to Jesus, the Law isn’t merely about external principles. It isn’t an external imposition, on the contrary. Actually, God’s Law corresponds to the ideal of perfection that is deeply rooted in the heart of every man. This is the reason why they who keep the commandments not only achieve the accomplishment of their human aspirations, but also the perfection of Christianism, or, in Jesus’s words, achieves the perfection of the Kingdom of God. «Whoever obeys them and teaches others to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven» (Mt 5, 19).

«But I say to you» (Mt 5,22). The observance of the Law isn’t restricted to the letter, since «For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life» (2Cor 3:6). This is the meaning in which Jesus employs His authority to interpret the Law according to its most authentic spirit. As Jesus interprets it, the Law is extended to its ultimate consequences: the respect for life is connected to the eradication of hate, vengeance and offense; the chastity of the body, to the purity of intentions; the perfection of matrimony depends on fidelity and indissolubility; the truth of the word given starts with the respect for pacts. By observing the law, Jesus «fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear» (Vatican II Council).

The example of Jesus invites us to that perfection of Christian life in which we practice with actions what we preach with words.

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

WARM CLOTHES APPEAL for Our Parish Homeless Mission

HOMELESS APPEAL: We are in desparate need of warm clothes especially.

We are current sleeping around 12-15 homeless people in the Church Hall as part of the Open Church project 2020. during Feb and March. Men’s casual trousers/Jeans Tracksuit bottoms (most requested) Jumpers Tops Hoodies Trainers/walking shoes Boxer shorts Deodorant. Much appreciate any response. God Bless Lisa St Swithuns OCP coordinator Here Some other news I have asked some of the volunteers from our Parish, who are involved in …
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FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back …
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7 Sanctuaries linked by a straight line: The legendary Sword of St. Michael

Gelsomino Del Guercio

According to legend, the line represents the blow with which St. Michael sent the devil to hell.

Amysterious imaginary line links seven monasteries, from Ireland to Israel. Is it just a coincidence? These seven sanctuaries are very far from each other, and yet they are perfectly aligned (siviaggia.it).Launch the Slideshow below for a list of the sanctuaries, incredibly linked by a straight line:

Launch the slideshow 

The Sacred Line of Saint Michael the Archangel represents, according …
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Why, yes, missing Mass on Sunday actually is a mortal sin

“Missing Mass is NOT a mortal sin!”

Declaring otherwise in comboxes and on social media should leave us with much to consider about our own pride and authority.

Every time I write on the  topic of not going to Mass I invariably see that response, or something similar. In comments and emails, Catholics insist that missing Mass is not a mortal sin. The frequency with which this happens is heartbreaking. It’s tragic that even one Catholic believes this, but …
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Hymn for Today: Lyrics - Lauren Daigle - Salt & Light

Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Lauren Daigle – Salt & Light

Behind the Song: –  Lauren Daigle  – Salt & Light (Audio) Daigle recalled: “I wrote the song in my old apartment and thought, ‘Ok Lord, I just have so much joy in my heart that I want to make sure that my life brings a beautiful song to you. I want my life to sing to you.'” The song title refers to Matthew 5 v13-16, where, during his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be salt and light. He desires that his people affect others positively, just as salt seasoning brings out the best flavor in food …
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Affair of the Heart: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus tells us in the Gospel this week that He has come not to abolish but to “fulfill” the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets.

His Gospel reveals the deeper meaning and purpose of the Ten Commandments and the moral Law of the Old Testament. But His Gospel also transcends the Law. He demands a morality far greater than that accomplished by the most pious of Jews, the scribes and Pharisees. Outward observance of the Law is not enough. It is not enough that we do not murder, commit adultery, divorce, or lie.

God never asks more of us than we are capable. That is the message of this week’s First Reading. It is up to us to choose life over death, to choose the waters of eternal life over the fires of ungodliness and sin. By His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has shown us that it is possible to keep His commandments. In baptism, He has given us His Spirit that His Law might be fulfilled in us (Romans 8:4). The wisdom of the Gospel surpasses all the wisdom of this age that is passing away, St. Paul tells us in the Epistle. The revelation of this wisdom fulfills God’s plan from before all ages. Let us trust in this wisdom, and live by His kingdom law.As we do in this week’s Psalm, let us pray that we grow in being better able to live His Gospel, and to seek the Father with all our heart.

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 16-02-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a three part instruction by Jesus on the Way of Life in the kingdom of heaven. Today’s reading is part one and deals with the Law. Part two deals with worship and religious practice and contains the Lord’s Prayer. Part three deals with trusting God and deeds of loving service to our neighbor. When Matthew speaks of “the Law and the prophets” he means the whole Scripture. When the Messiah brings the fullness of the kingdom none of scripture will be done away with. Instead it will be fulfilled. Matthew’s Jesus does not overturn the Law of Moses, nor does he set his followers free from the Law. He requires his followers to go beyond the Law by doing more than the Law requires. The Law condemned murder. Jesus condemns anger. The Law condemned adultery. Jesus condemns …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 16-02-2020

Gospel:  Matthew 5:17-37 You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors; but I say this to you “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has ready for those who love Him. Spirit of love, come give us the mind of Jesus. Teach us the wisdom of God.” This is the refrain from the song, Eye Has Not Seen by Marty Haugan. We sing it in Church but have we ever really thought about the words? What is the wisdom of God? What does God have for us if we love and obey Him? Looking to Jesus, we can begin to find some of the answers. Jesus lived in a Jewish culture with many rules, but, instead of following all of those laws, He followed God’s law. He did things like heal someone on a Sabbath day. The rule at the time was to rest and not …
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In this Sunday’s Gospel, Christ shows us that He is not abolishing the ten commandments, but he is demanding of his followers a more perfect, a more sincere, fulfillment of them.

 

 

POPE BLESSES PAINTING OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM IN ROME FOR RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND IN MARCH

POPE BLESSES PAINTING OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM IN ROME FOR RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND IN MARCH

On Wednesday 12 February 2020, after his weekly audience, Pope Francis blessed the “Dowry Painting” of Our Lady of Walsingham, the Catholic National Shrine dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, in Norfolk, England. Present at the blessing were Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, Monsignor John Armitage, Rector of the Walsingham Shrine, and Amanda de Pulford, painter of the Dowry Painting. The painting will be at Walsingham for The Rededication of England as Mary’s Dowry on 29 March 2020. After The Rededication the Dowry Painting will begin a journey to every Catholic parish in England. Cardinal Nichols said: “The …
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How Ferrero Rocher chocolates were inspired by the Virgin Mary

How Ferrero Rocher chocolates were inspired by the Virgin Mary

The popular chocolate and hazelnut treats were named after the site of Marian apparitions Within the gold foil wrapping of a Ferrero Rocher candy is multi-layered confection that seems like some kind of magic straight out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory: a single roasted hazelnut, encased in a wafer shell filled with hazelnut chocolate, which is itself topped with chocolate studded with chopped hazelnuts.These magical chocolates, however, were inspired, not by Roald Dahl’s children’s book, but by the Virgin Mary herself. When the Italian chocolatier Michele Ferrero introduced the treats in 1982, it is believed that he named them “Rocher” …
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Aspirations Week

Aspirations Week

This week at St Swithun’s Primary School has been ‘Aspirations Week’. It has been great! We have been very lucky in attracting a wide range of speakers to inspire the children. The week started well, with Fr Marcin talking about the life of a parish priest.  We have enjoyed visits from an Olympian, Fr Marcin, a doctor, a nurse, a scientist, a journalist, a marketing expert, two policemen, two IT technicians, the Deputy Lord Mayor,a photographer, a chef, a group of lifeguards rounded off on Friday afternoon by our local MP, Stephen Morgan. The aim is to inspire the children …
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THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS THE DOWRY OF MARY

THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS THE DOWRY OF MARY

This week, on 21st February (Friday) we start our preparation for The Re-dedication on March 29th which will be both – a personal promise of the people of our country, and a renewal of the entrustment vows made by King Richard II in 1381. On Sunday 29th March at 12noon, The Re-dedication will take place throughout the country. THE RE-DEDICATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN OUR PARISH of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes AS WELL WHAT IS THE RE-DEDICATION? This Re-dedication on March 29th is a both a personal promise of the people of our country, and a …
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 16 February 2020 till the 31st March 2020

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

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays - Father Marcin

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin

Father Marcin is teaching Polish to our children on Saturdays from 11:20am to 1:00pm in the St Swithun’s Youth Club room; Classes cover Polish Grammar, History & Catechism for Polish children (age from 5 to 10) Session Dates: Have your children learn their Polish  culture…. Learn Polish naturally. Enjoy learning Polish. Have fun learning Polish.  …
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Ascent Group - Events 2020 Timetable

Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable

Robert Steward and his wife Eileen are the joint leaders of the Ascent Group (Life Ascending) and it will be our 10th year as such in 2020. There is printed blurb available on the Ascent Groups purpose but sufficient to say that it is a Catholic-Christian Fellowship Group for those in their later years for friendship, fellowship, interesting talks, outings and devotional readings, hymns and prayers. All of our group are pensioners and generally frequent daily mass attendees. The Table below show all our activity for next year in general outline. In Outline – For 2020 there is no meeting …
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Parents Toddlers Group

St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday  Have you pre-school children? Why not come and join our happy Parent and Toddler Group which is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) from 9.15 to 11.15 am. Singing and playing for the children and a cup of tea for you the parent or carer. Look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. Baby and toddler groups are a great place to meet mums with children your child’s age, and your child can make new friends too. The groups are run by volunteers and provide a great play opportunity for you child and a …
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Sunday School

Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents

TO ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD Sunday School this year for 2020  – give a chance to your children to enjoy their confidence in their faith. Our SUNDAY SCHOOL for the children from 5 to 10 years old.  We’ll will always meet after The Holy Mass at 10.15am from 11.30am to 12.15pm. So ,after Mass at 10:15am, all the children who would like to participate in this special way of our Sunday school are asked to come to the church hall, to the small room in the back and start your journey of Catholic …
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Hear Gods Voice

Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church

On Tuesdays, from 7.40pm to 9.00pm we are coming back to our SCRIPTURE MEETINGS – ‘HEAR GOD’S VOICE’. All of our meetings are shown in the table below This time we will focus on the words of St Mark’s Gospel – This time we will focus on the Mark 5, 1-3; This is a very special and different way to read God’s Word – we continue the journey with St Mark’s Gospel. We ask The Holy Spirit to lead us, to open us for the things which He would like us to notice, to focus on, to put into the …
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates - 2020

Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020

Our Youth, very inspiring People, a huge hope for the future. Thank You Girls & Boys for every minute spent together this year . With You it is such an Adventure Our Youth Club will meet every week, on Tuesdays – from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Meetings Dates to Note for 2020 The meetings will be also dedicated for all the Confirmation Candidates (those who are AT LEAST 13 years old). The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on the Pentecost Sunday 31st May 2020. Dear Children and our Dear Youth Our special room which will be dedicated for the meetings …
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Films about Jesus

JOIN US IN ANOTHER WAY OF THE NEW EVAGELIZATION IN OUR PARISH

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

Here’s the next session: is 24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes)– the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –

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 preparation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020:  The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.

Date Time Programme Location
13th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
9th March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
23rd March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass”
Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session.

 St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th March 2020 FRIDAY 6.15pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th April 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
11th May 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
31st May 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
7th June 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
12TH June 2020 FRIDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
13TH June 2020 Saturday 11.30am FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday 11:45am FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
21ST June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
22ND June 2020 MONDAY 5.00pm to 6.30pm Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
28TH June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27TH September 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea

SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.

Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020

Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.

 Download The Baptism Registration form here:

 

RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):

if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.

 

Prayer of the Month – February 2020

 

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

An urgent and tragic aspect of human life today is the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters who have been forced to become refugees. A particularly harrowing dimension of this tragedy is illegal human trafficking. In his prayer intention for February, Pope Francis asks us to ‘Listen to the Migrants’ Cries: we pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.’ Each month, the Pope entrusts his intention to the faithful, and to all people of good will, through his own prayer group, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. These monthly …
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Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2020 – Listen to the Migrants’ Cries

Listen to the Migrants’ Cries We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) addresses the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the Church. We pray and work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope in his monthly intentions, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.” What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer intentions? The faithful from around the …
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and for those in Our Own Parish…..

Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Jo Cutler; Robert 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: 16th February 2020:  Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Vincent O’Beirne, Henrietta Brady, Harry Restall, Joan Mary Gillespie, Mark Turness, Eveline Connors, Ellen Mary Morgan, Beatrice M Booth, Ida Frazier, Sadie Davey, Kathleen Thompson, Ivy Evelyn Looker, Edith Glenys Gregory, Florence Nelus, Elizabeth Merrett, Elizabeth Morgan, Nellie Bailey, Joseph Maile, James Prest, Lauren Suzanne Marriott, Peter Garrison, John Bernard Bullock, Frances Vassey, Edith Brotherton, Alfred Limbrick, Ellen Ryan, Albert Head, Jenny D Lambert, Alfred Randolf Knagg, Elizabeth Mary Merrett, Thomas Charles Harrison, Monica Collings, Edna Grace Hanvey, Peter George Graves, Eileen Gavan, Margaret Mary Harper, Mildred Wilkins, Josephine Margaret Davis, Bridget Irene Collings, Marion Madden, David Chappell, Beatrice House, William Mullins, Maurice Phillipson, Joanna Kingston, James Healy, Winifred Frances Mason, Loreta Newnham, James Smith, Jane Fitzwilliams, Angela Barden, Lilian Morris, Valerie Willis, William Anderson, Bridget Harrison, Bridget Harrigan, Eileen Mary Florence Emma Spencer, Christine Sheila Haggar and Ian Alfred Charles Langford, ,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 

WE ARE GOING TO SAY ‘GOODBYE – SEE YOU AGAIN’ TO OUR DEAR PARISHIONERS:

+ Mrs Shirley Ellen Parker RIP –

Requiem Mass on Monday 24TH February 2020, at 10.30am at St Swithun’s church followed by the committal at Portchester Crematorium (South Chapel) at 12.00noon;
&
+ Mary Josephine Wheeler RIP (known as Jo) –

Requiem Mass on Friday – 6Th March, at St Swithun’s church at 10.00am, church followed by the committal at Portchester Crematorium (South Chapel) at 12.00noon;

 

“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.

Plug into Prayer

Morning Prayers by Text

THANK YOU SO MUCH to John Mason, who made for our church a beautiful rosary beads, which we can find hanging on the benches. They are used by many to pray the rosary, but also we are very welcome to take them, if we wish to use them in our daily life for this such powerful prayer through the intercessions of Our Lady, Mother of God. Because one of the resolutions for the New Year 2019 in our parish is to remember about Morning Prayer, it is good to know, that John also is active in this way for us, …
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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 …
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homeless-600x450

St Swithun’s Homeless Mission

Our Roman Catholic Church of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes two years ago decided that we had to start helping our homeless brothers and sisters along the Albert Road. Hence our Homeless Mission was born. A couple of volunteers Diana Clark and Lisa Butler started out by just making some sandwiches and some flasks of tea and coffee and taking these to the homeless they found on the street. We saw the increasing numbers of people sleeping rough in Portsmouth and Southsea, alongside other towns and cities in Britain. They are clearly visible in the doorways and car …
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helping the sick

HELPING THE HOUSEBOUND and SICK AT HOME

I would like to inform you about one of our very important Pastoral Works, which will be a connection between Jesus Christ’s altar and our home’s tables – if You are sick, elderly or housebound, or You have any family members or friends who are in such a state, I will be very happy to celebrate Holy Mass at their homes, flats if they only wish. Please, let me know and we will organise everything. Thanksgiving for the invitation and all the Family, who care of it and they going to be present there. God’s Blessings from Father Marcin …
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Children' Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy & Sunday School from Sept 2019

Children’s Liturgy St Swithun’s will run again our CHILDREN’S LITURGY for our Sunday Masses at 10.15am starting back on 8th of September. If any of the Parents would like to join a team of so dedicated people for this time with the smallest children during the Holy Mass, please be in touch with our Dear Anne Worden – 02392 817586, or email: anne.worden@port.ac.uk We need your help so much, so the children can be sure, that their special Liturgy will take place very Sunday. Children’s Liturgy Volunteers Our children enjoy taking part in the Liturgy of the Word which is …
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Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. The special devotion which proposes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of virtue of all Christian households began in the 17th century. It started almost simultaneously in Canada and France: the Association of the Holy Family was founded in Montreal in 1663, and by the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. This devotion soon spread and in 1893  Pope Leo XIII expressed his approval of a feast under this title and himself composed part of the Office. On account of the flight … Read more here
Titian_-_The_Holy_Family_with_a_Shepherd_-_WGA22730

Imitation of the Holy Family

The Holy Family models for us what family life should exemplify. It is a school of virtue for both parents and children. There we find God, and learn how to connect with God and with others. The family is where love is freely given without self-interest. It is where we learn to love, to pray and to practice the gift of charity. Pope John Paul II has said, “The family, more than any other human reality, is the place in which the person is loved for himself and in which he learns to live the sincere gift of self” (Nov … Read more here
Holy Family

The Hidden Life of the Holy Family

The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus—the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and indispensable condition of mind, revive in us…A lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character…A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the Carpenter’s Son, in you I would choose to understand and proclaim the severe and redeeming law of human work. — Paul VI at Nazareth, January 5, … Read more here

Hymn for the Holy Family Catholic Telugu Song

This is a song from the Catholic Telugu song range. This is an Indian style. Why not listen … Read more here

Confession is a Place of Victory - Father Mike Schmitz

Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz

God’s invitation It has many names – the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Sacrament of Confession – but it’s all the same sacrament. Confession.  Are you waiting in church right now to confess your sins to a priest? Are you panicking because it’s been awhile and …
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Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

 

Our Parish Finances – we need your Help 16-02-2020

 

OFFERTORY:

Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection. The total amount was £1384.07 (65,9 % Gift Aid).   As always, your generosity is much appreciated. Your donations make the life and work of the Parish possible.

Thank all of You who make our church, our Parish so beautiful and alive!

Download Newsletter PDF -16-02-2020

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE ! Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 16th February 2020 – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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

Newsletter: 9th February 2020 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later. But all the posts and more can be found below with links , videos and much more if you like too.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 9th February 2020 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

 

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spelled out what it meant to be a living sign of God’s reign. In order to influence the world for good, a disciple must be like “salt” that caused others to thirst for God. In the ancient world salt was highly valued, so much so that it was often used as currency (“salary”). Salt was also used to preserve food from corruption, and to give it flavour. Jesus compared those who no longer savored God’s truth with the process of cooking. In Palestine, salt was laid at the base of the oven in order to retain the heat. After a certain length of time the salt lost its power to heat and it was removed and thrown out on the ground. Jesus’ disciples could offer an important ingredient that added zest to peoples’ lives and help to preserve them from evil.

Jesus also commanded his followers to do what he did, to give light to the world (Jn 8:12). The houses in Palestine were very dark with only a small window to give light. A lamp was placed on a lampstand so that it would provide illumination for the whole household. Jesus’ disciples should be beacons of light to those who lost their way. But if we are to be light we must be willing to be used up like the oil in the lamp. Like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that Christ’s light will increase (Jn 3:30). When others see this light they will give glory to God alone.

REFLECTING: How can I be “salt” and “light” to my community?

PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to live in such a way that others can “taste and see how good the Lord is” (Ps 34:9).

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

 

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

An urgent and tragic aspect of human life today is the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters who have been forced to become refugees. A particularly harrowing dimension of this tragedy is illegal human trafficking. In his prayer intention for February, Pope Francis asks us to ‘Listen to the Migrants’ Cries: we pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.’ Each month, the Pope entrusts his …
Read more here

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Our Parish Patroness- 11-02-2020

The Community of the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Eastney, which belongs to the Parish, celebrates their Patroness’ Day next weekend. So we are all very welcome to rejoice with them this special time. On this Feast Day of our Parish – 11th February (Tuesday), we will celebrate in the church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Bransbury Road, Portsmouth PO4 9JY) the special Holy Mass with The Anointing of The Sick.  5.00PM – Sacrament of Confession; …
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Atheists deny the existence of both God and an immortal human soul.

BUT CANNOT KILL THE SOUL” (MATT. 10:28)

Fr. Mieczysław Piotrowski S.Chr.

Atheists deny the existence of both God and an immortal human soul. In this way, they reduce the human person to mere matter and their happiness to the unrestricted satisfaction of carnal instincts and needs.

Soviet atheists sneered at those who believed in the existence of an immortal human soul by claiming that there was no such thing, because it could …
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Racial Justice Sunday 2020 – Travelling Communities

The theme of this year’s Racial Justice Sunday is ‘You are at the heart of the Church’ and celebrates the contribution Travelling Communities make to the Church in England and Wales. Historically, Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have experienced discrimination both in the wider society and, sadly, within the Church. The aim of this Racial Justice Sunday is to celebrate the contribution that the Travelling Communities make within our parishes and to encourage parishioners to be more welcoming towards fellow Catholics who come from …
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Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz

God’s invitation It has many names – the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Sacrament of Confession – but it’s all the same sacrament. Confession.  Are you waiting in church right now to confess your sins to a priest? Are you panicking because it’s been awhile and you forgot what to do? This Guide to Confession will walk you through the whole process: According to the Catholic Canon, here’s the definition of the Sacrament of Reconciliation: In the Sacrament …
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5 Saints who knew a broken heart, to help you through Valentine’s Day

The trials of human love are also known by the holy.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, many happy couples are looking forward to romantic evenings out, while others are content to allow the holiday to go by without much notice. For the heartbroken among us, though, Valentine’s Day can be difficult; all the world seems to be in love, while they alone mourn the loss of a relationship that had brought so much joy. If you’re struggling with a …
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Hymn for Today: Lyrics - Lauren Daigle - Salt & Light

Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Lauren Daigle – Salt & Light

Behind the Song: –  Lauren Daigle  – Salt & Light (Audio) Daigle recalled: “I wrote the song in my old apartment and thought, ‘Ok Lord, I just have so much joy in my heart that I want to make sure that my life brings a beautiful song to you. I want my life to sing to you.'” The song title refers to Matthew 5 v13-16, where, during his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be salt and light. He desires that his people affect others positively, just as salt seasoning brings out the best flavor in food …
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Light Breaking Forth: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This week’s readings remind us that our faith can never be a private affair, something we can hide as if under a basket. We are to pour ourselves out for the afflicted, as Isaiah tells us in the First Reading. Our light must shine as a ray of God’s mercy for all who are poor, hungry, naked, and enslaved. There must be a transparent quality to our lives. Our friends and family, our neighbors and fellow citizens, should see reflected in us the light of Christ and through us be attracted to the saving truths of the Gospel. So let us pray that we, like St. Paul in the Epistle, might proclaim with our whole lives, “Christ and him crucified.”

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 09-02-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading Following upon the teaching of the Beatitudes, Jesus uses the now familiar metaphors of salt and light to describe the life of discipleship. We take salt and light for granted in our society, but these commodities were more precious in ancient cultures. Just as now, salt was used in Jesus’ time for flavouring, as a preservative, and as a healing agent. Similarly, the widespread use of electricity in the modern world makes us less aware of the value and importance of light in our lives. Still, our familiarity with this passage from Matthew’s Gospel speaks well to the abiding power of the imagery that Jesus presented. Jesus’ call to be salt for the earth and light for the world powerfully states our mission as Church and as Christians. Our commitment to social justice flows from the exhortation that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. Some of …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 09-02-2020

Matthew 5:13-16 Your light must shine in the sight of men Jesus’ call to be salt for the earth and light for the world powerfully states our mission as Church and as Christians. Our commitment to and action for social justice flow from the exhortation that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. Young people are always in need of affirmation. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus affirms us by saying that we are salt and light. However, we are called to live up to this affirmation through our deeds. Children, how do the parish activities you identifiy show your community to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth? Think of making a 2 posters., List the Corporal Works of Mercy on one of the large sheets of paper and the Spiritual Works of Mercy on the other sheet. Another way that the Church talks about caring for the world is …
Read more here

 

 

THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS THE DOWRY OF MARY

THE RE-DEDICATION OF ENGLAND AS THE DOWRY OF MARY

This week, on 21st February (Friday) we start our preparation for The Re-dedication on March 29th which will be both – a personal promise of the people of our country, and a renewal of the entrustment vows made by King Richard II in 1381. On Sunday 29th March at 12noon, The Re-dedication will take place throughout the country. THE RE-DEDICATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN OUR PARISH of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes AS WELL WHAT IS THE RE-DEDICATION? This Re-dedication on March 29th is a both a personal promise of the people of our country, and a …
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FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession - A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back to himself. They will examine the sacrament from the perspective of both he priest and the penitent, and will explore the …
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 9th February 2020 till the 29th February 2020

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

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays - Father Marcin

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin

Father Marcin is teaching Polish to our children on Saturdays from 11:20am to 1:00pm in the St Swithun’s Youth Club room; Classes cover Polish Grammar, History & Catechism for Polish children (age from 5 to 10) Session Dates: Have your children learn their Polish  culture…. Learn Polish naturally. Enjoy learning Polish. Have fun learning Polish.  …
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Ascent Group - Events 2020 Timetable

Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable

Robert Steward and his wife Eileen are the joint leaders of the Ascent Group (Life Ascending) and it will be our 10th year as such in 2020. There is printed blurb available on the Ascent Groups purpose but sufficient to say that it is a Catholic-Christian Fellowship Group for those in their later years for friendship, fellowship, interesting talks, outings and devotional readings, hymns and prayers. All of our group are pensioners and generally frequent daily mass attendees. The Table below show all our activity for next year in general outline. In Outline – For 2020 there is no meeting …
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Parents Toddlers Group

St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday  Have you pre-school children? Why not come and join our happy Parent and Toddler Group which is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) from 9.15 to 11.15 am. Singing and playing for the children and a cup of tea for you the parent or carer. Look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. Baby and toddler groups are a great place to meet mums with children your child’s age, and your child can make new friends too. The groups are run by volunteers and provide a great play opportunity for you child and a …
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Sunday School

Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents

TO ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD Sunday School this year for 2020  – give a chance to your children to enjoy their confidence in their faith. Our SUNDAY SCHOOL for the children from 5 to 10 years old.  We’ll will always meet after The Holy Mass at 10.15am from 11.30am to 12.15pm. So ,after Mass at 10:15am, all the children who would like to participate in this special way of our Sunday school are asked to come to the church hall, to the small room in the back and start your journey of Catholic …
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Hear Gods Voice

Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church

On Tuesdays, from 7.40pm to 9.00pm we are coming back to our SCRIPTURE MEETINGS – ‘HEAR GOD’S VOICE’. All of our meetings are shown in the table below This time we will focus on the words of St Mark’s Gospel – This time we will focus on the Mark 5, 1-3; This is a very special and different way to read God’s Word – we continue the journey with St Mark’s Gospel. We ask The Holy Spirit to lead us, to open us for the things which He would like us to notice, to focus on, to put into the …
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates - 2020

Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020

Our Youth, very inspiring People, a huge hope for the future. Thank You Girls & Boys for every minute spent together this year . With You it is such an Adventure Our Youth Club will meet every week, on Tuesdays – from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Meetings Dates to Note for 2020 The meetings will be also dedicated for all the Confirmation Candidates (those who are AT LEAST 13 years old). The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on the Pentecost Sunday 31st May 2020. Dear Children and our Dear Youth Our special room which will be dedicated for the meetings …
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Films about Jesus

JOIN US IN ANOTHER WAY OF THE NEW EVAGELIZATION IN OUR PARISH

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

Here’s the next session: is 10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins”– the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –

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 preparation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020:  The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.

Date Time Programme Location
13th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
9th March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
23rd March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass”
Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session.

 St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th March 2020 FRIDAY 6.15pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th April 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
11th May 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
31st May 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
7th June 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
12TH June 2020 FRIDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
13TH June 2020 Saturday 11.30am FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday 11:45am FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
21ST June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
22ND June 2020 MONDAY 5.00pm to 6.30pm Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
28TH June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27TH September 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea

SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.

Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020

Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.

 Download The Baptism Registration form here:

 

RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):

if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.

 

Prayer of the Month – February 2020

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

An urgent and tragic aspect of human life today is the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters who have been forced to become refugees. A particularly harrowing dimension of this tragedy is illegal human trafficking. In his prayer intention for February, Pope Francis asks us to ‘Listen to the Migrants’ Cries: we pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.’ Each month, the Pope entrusts his intention to the faithful, and to all people of good will, through his own prayer group, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. These monthly …
Read more here
Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2020 – Listen to the Migrants’ Cries

Listen to the Migrants’ Cries We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) addresses the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the Church. We pray and work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope in his monthly intentions, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.” What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer intentions? The faithful from around the …
Read more here

and for those in Our Own Parish…..

Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Jo Cutler; Robert Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony 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: 9th February 2020:  Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Michael John Leary, Oonagh Mary Benny, Emmy Johns, Malachy Alexander Jackson, Clarence Dennis Foster, Gina Bowyer, Anne Josephine Burrows, Francis Joseph Fiott, Ethel Quick, Norbert Frederick Skinner, Alma Lawrence, Patrick Joseph Meehan, Joan Ann Baldacchino, William Henry John, Russell Shannon, Rosalie Leigh, William Partington, Kathleen Mary Murphy, Bertram ‘Jack’ Johnston, Patricia Proctor, Evelyn C. Cullan, William Gray, Elizabeth Erdos, Anne Warwick, Mark Leyton, James Tovey, Lawrence Mullaly, Imelda Cross, Salvatore Magro, Ernest Edward Honeybunn, Anne Barrow, Anthony Francis Garside, Athel Ackland, Mary Assunta Cremona, Ethel Randall, William Flynn, Maureen Alexander, Frances Francis, Mary Morris, Bertha Maria Vickery, Gerald Godfrey O’Brien, Gertrude Jordan, Isabella Reynolds, Louisa Pavey, Mary Halley, Mary Morad, Ernest Hunt, Joan Birtwhistle, Roman Tluszcz, Lawrence G. Ellul, George Kelly, Dorothy Lily Gray and Winifred Enright, ,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.

Plug into Prayer

Morning Prayers by Text

THANK YOU SO MUCH to John Mason, who made for our church a beautiful rosary beads, which we can find hanging on the benches. They are used by many to pray the rosary, but also we are very welcome to take them, if we wish to use them in our daily life for this such powerful prayer through the intercessions of Our Lady, Mother of God. Because one of the resolutions for the New Year 2019 in our parish is to remember about Morning Prayer, it is good to know, that John also is active in this way for us, …
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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 …
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homeless-600x450

St Swithun’s Homeless Mission

Our Roman Catholic Church of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes two years ago decided that we had to start helping our homeless brothers and sisters along the Albert Road. Hence our Homeless Mission was born. A couple of volunteers Diana Clark and Lisa Butler started out by just making some sandwiches and some flasks of tea and coffee and taking these to the homeless they found on the street. We saw the increasing numbers of people sleeping rough in Portsmouth and Southsea, alongside other towns and cities in Britain. They are clearly visible in the doorways and car …
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helping the sick

HELPING THE HOUSEBOUND and SICK AT HOME

I would like to inform you about one of our very important Pastoral Works, which will be a connection between Jesus Christ’s altar and our home’s tables – if You are sick, elderly or housebound, or You have any family members or friends who are in such a state, I will be very happy to celebrate Holy Mass at their homes, flats if they only wish. Please, let me know and we will organise everything. Thanksgiving for the invitation and all the Family, who care of it and they going to be present there. God’s Blessings from Father Marcin …
Read more here
Children' Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy & Sunday School from Sept 2019

Children’s Liturgy St Swithun’s will run again our CHILDREN’S LITURGY for our Sunday Masses at 10.15am starting back on 8th of September. If any of the Parents would like to join a team of so dedicated people for this time with the smallest children during the Holy Mass, please be in touch with our Dear Anne Worden – 02392 817586, or email: anne.worden@port.ac.uk We need your help so much, so the children can be sure, that their special Liturgy will take place very Sunday. Children’s Liturgy Volunteers Our children enjoy taking part in the Liturgy of the Word which is …
Read more here

 

Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. The special devotion which proposes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of virtue of all Christian households began in the 17th century. It started almost simultaneously in Canada and France: the Association of the Holy Family was founded in Montreal in 1663, and by the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. This devotion soon spread and in 1893  Pope Leo XIII expressed his approval of a feast under this title and himself composed part of the Office. On account of the flight … Read more here
Titian_-_The_Holy_Family_with_a_Shepherd_-_WGA22730

Imitation of the Holy Family

The Holy Family models for us what family life should exemplify. It is a school of virtue for both parents and children. There we find God, and learn how to connect with God and with others. The family is where love is freely given without self-interest. It is where we learn to love, to pray and to practice the gift of charity. Pope John Paul II has said, “The family, more than any other human reality, is the place in which the person is loved for himself and in which he learns to live the sincere gift of self” (Nov … Read more here
Holy Family

The Hidden Life of the Holy Family

The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus—the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and indispensable condition of mind, revive in us…A lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character…A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the Carpenter’s Son, in you I would choose to understand and proclaim the severe and redeeming law of human work. — Paul VI at Nazareth, January 5, … Read more here

Hymn for the Holy Family Catholic Telugu Song

This is a song from the Catholic Telugu song range. This is an Indian style. Why not listen … Read more here

Confession is a Place of Victory - Father Mike Schmitz

Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz

God’s invitation It has many names – the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Sacrament of Confession – but it’s all the same sacrament. Confession.  Are you waiting in church right now to confess your sins to a priest? Are you panicking because it’s been awhile and …
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Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

 

Our Parish Finances – we need your Help 09-02-2020

 

OFFERTORY:

Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection. The total amount was £1345.54 (61,7 % Gift Aid). As always, your generosity is much appreciated. Your donations make the life and work of the Parish possible.

Thank all of You who make our church, our Parish so beautiful and alive!

Download Newsletter PDF -09-02-2020

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE ! Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 9th February 2020 – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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

HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Let people know and come join in the conversation online!
LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: St Swithuns Page
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @FrMarcinD
@St_swithun

A big THANK YOU to our sponsors who contribute to our Parish costs

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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

Newsletter: 2nd February 2020 – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later. But all the posts and more can be found below with links , videos and much more if you like too.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 2nd February 2020 – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today’s liturgy.

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is referred to as the “Purification of Mary.” This is known as a “Christmas feast” since it points back to the Solemnity of Christmas. Many Catholics practice the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations until this feast.

On February 2nd a quaint tradition unfolds, known well to schoolchildren and adults alike. The fate of Spring hangs in the balance as a burrowing animal looks for its shadow. But where did this tradition come from? See the link below for an article that explains this tradition.

Presentation of the Lord

The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as “The Encounter.” In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as “Candlemas.” The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward Easter.

“In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another ‘epiphany’ celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day. In the Middle Ages this feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or ‘Candlemas,’ was of great importance.

“The specific liturgy of this Candlemas feast, the blessing of candles, is not as widely celebrated as it should be, except of course whenever February 2 falls on a Sunday and thus takes precedence. There are two ways of celebrating the ceremony, either the Procession, which begins at a ‘gathering place’ outside the church, or the Solemn Entrance, celebrated within the church.”

— From Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

 

Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

Bishop Robert Barron, auxiliary bishop of the Los Angeles archdiocese and founder of Word on Fire Ministries, discusses how social media has provided new opportunities and challenges to the Church.
Ten years ago, less than half of all Americans used any kind of social media in their lives. Now social media platforms are deeply integrated in today’s society, with the vast majority of Americans using at least one social media site, including 9 out of …
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2020 March for Life rally kicks off abortion protest with presidential first

Last Friday, President Trump joined in and spoke at the annual Washington ‘March for Life’, the first time ever a President has done this. The March is a vigorously pro-life event and this was the 47th. Over 100,000 people took part, many of whom were Catholics campaigning for the protection of the unborn child. The President’s speech was remarkable. In it, he gave an explicit and fulsome affirmation of the dignity and value of every human life from conception …
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World Day of Consecrated Life 2020

Initiated in 1997 by Saint John Paul II, the World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated annually on February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. St. John Paul gave as the purpose of this World Day: “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practise of the evangelical counsels” as well as “to be a suitable occasion for consecrated …
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Presenting the Present: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Presentation

Today’s feast marks the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple, forty days after he was born. As the firstborn, he belonged to God. According to the Law, Mary and Joseph were required to take him to the Temple and “redeem” him by paying five shekels. At the same time, the Law required the child’s mother to offer sacrifice in order to overcome the ritual impurity brought about by childbirth.

Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 02-02-2020

Gospel Reading : Luke 2:22–40  Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. Younger children know the excitement of recognizing that something good is about to happen. When Simeon sees the infant Jesus in the Temple, he recognizes something wonderful—that God’s promise of a Savior has been fulfilled. What was about to happen? How did you feel as you waited? In today’s Gospel, we’ll hear about someone who recognized something wonderful. He saw that God had kept his promise to send a Saviour. The Holy Spirit promised Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Whom did Simeon see at the Temple? (the infant Jesus) Simeon recognized something wonderful—that God had kept his promise to send a Saviour. He saw that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and that after Jesus’ birth, the world would never be the same. How do you think Simeon felt when he …
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Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 02-02-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. The Presentation, which is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, is not mentioned in the other Gospels. Only Luke tells the story, most likely because he writes for Gentile Christians who are not familiar with the Jewish rite of presentation and purification. In addition, the intent of Luke’s Gospel is to show that God’s promise to Israel, fulfilled in Jesus, extends to Gentiles. Luke recognizes Joseph and Mary as faithful Jews who bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Here they present their firstborn son to the Lord. Jesus is thus consecrated as required by the Law of Moses. Present in the temple at this time are Simeon and Anna. Both are awaiting the restoration of God’s rule in Israel. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see …
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The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Our Parish Patroness- 11-02-2020

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Our Parish Patroness- 11-02-2020

The Community of the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Eastney, which belongs to the Parish, celebrates their Patroness’ Day next weekend. So we are all very welcome to rejoice with them this special time. On this Feast Day of our Parish – 11th February (Tuesday), we will celebrate in the church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Bransbury Road, Portsmouth PO4 9JY) the special Holy Mass with The Anointing of The Sick.  5.00PM – Sacrament of Confession;  6.00PM – The Holy Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick;  7.00PM – showing the special …
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Altar Servers Formation Meeting - February 7th at 5:00pm

Altar Servers Formation Meeting – February 7th at 5:00pm

There is a Formation Meeting for our Altar Servers on Friday 7th February 2020, from 5.00PM to 8.00PM at St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea. This will consist of:

    • Confession;
    • Formation;
    • Polish Cakes (handmade) party;
    • Liturgy;

…
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The Oscar Romero Award - St Swithun's RC Primary School

The Oscar Romero Award – St Swithun’s RC Primary School

The Oscar Romero Award – St Swithun’s RC Primary School We are really pleased that our school has been awarded the Romero Award, Participator Level. The aim of the award is to advance Catholic Social Justice Teaching (CST) and work towards the world becoming a fairer society, something our children feel very strongly about and that also follows the teachings of St. Oscar Romero.  The Oscar Romero Award will recognise the school’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching. The Oscar Romero Award will support your school in realising and living the unique calling of a Catholic school to become an evangelising …
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FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession - A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back to himself. They will examine the sacrament from the perspective of both he priest and the penitent, and will explore the …
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 2nd February 2020 till the 29th February 2020

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

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays - Father Marcin

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin

Father Marcin is teaching Polish to our children on Saturdays from 11:20am to 1:00pm in the St Swithun’s Youth Club room; Classes cover Polish Grammar, History & Catechism for Polish children (age from 5 to 10) Session Dates: Have your children learn their Polish  culture…. Learn Polish naturally. Enjoy learning Polish. Have fun learning Polish.  …
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Ascent Group - Events 2020 Timetable

Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable

Robert Steward and his wife Eileen are the joint leaders of the Ascent Group (Life Ascending) and it will be our 10th year as such in 2020. There is printed blurb available on the Ascent Groups purpose but sufficient to say that it is a Catholic-Christian Fellowship Group for those in their later years for friendship, fellowship, interesting talks, outings and devotional readings, hymns and prayers. All of our group are pensioners and generally frequent daily mass attendees. The Table below show all our activity for next year in general outline. In Outline – For 2020 there is no meeting …
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Parents Toddlers Group

St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday  Have you pre-school children? Why not come and join our happy Parent and Toddler Group which is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) from 9.15 to 11.15 am. Singing and playing for the children and a cup of tea for you the parent or carer. Look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. Baby and toddler groups are a great place to meet mums with children your child’s age, and your child can make new friends too. The groups are run by volunteers and provide a great play opportunity for you child and a …
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Sunday School

Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents

TO ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD Sunday School this year for 2020  – give a chance to your children to enjoy their confidence in their faith. Our SUNDAY SCHOOL for the children from 5 to 10 years old.  We’ll will always meet after The Holy Mass at 10.15am from 11.30am to 12.15pm. So ,after Mass at 10:15am, all the children who would like to participate in this special way of our Sunday school are asked to come to the church hall, to the small room in the back and start your journey of Catholic …
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Hear Gods Voice

Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church

On Tuesdays, from 7.40pm to 9.00pm we are coming back to our SCRIPTURE MEETINGS – ‘HEAR GOD’S VOICE’. All of our meetings are shown in the table below This time we will focus on the words of St Mark’s Gospel – This time we will focus on the Mark 5, 1-3; This is a very special and different way to read God’s Word – we continue the journey with St Mark’s Gospel. We ask The Holy Spirit to lead us, to open us for the things which He would like us to notice, to focus on, to put into the …
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates - 2020

Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020

Our Youth, very inspiring People, a huge hope for the future. Thank You Girls & Boys for every minute spent together this year . With You it is such an Adventure Our Youth Club will meet every week, on Tuesdays – from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Meetings Dates to Note for 2020 The meetings will be also dedicated for all the Confirmation Candidates (those who are AT LEAST 13 years old). The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on the Pentecost Sunday 31st May 2020. Dear Children and our Dear Youth Our special room which will be dedicated for the meetings …
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Films about Jesus

JOIN US IN ANOTHER WAY OF THE NEW EVAGELIZATION IN OUR PARISH

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

Here’s the next session: is 10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins”– the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –

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 preparation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020:  The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.

Date Time Programme Location
13th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
9th March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
23rd March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass”
Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session.

 St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th March 2020 FRIDAY 6.15pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th April 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
11th May 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
31st May 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
7th June 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
12TH June 2020 FRIDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
13TH June 2020 Saturday 11.30am FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday 11:45am FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
21ST June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
22ND June 2020 MONDAY 5.00pm to 6.30pm Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
28TH June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27TH September 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea

SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.

Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020

Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.

 Download The Baptism Registration form here:

 

RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):

if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.

 

Prayer of the Month – February 2020

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

Pope’s prayer intention for February: Listen to the migrants’ cries

An urgent and tragic aspect of human life today is the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters who have been forced to become refugees. A particularly harrowing dimension of this tragedy is illegal human trafficking. In his prayer intention for February, Pope Francis asks us to ‘Listen to the Migrants’ Cries: we pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.’ Each month, the Pope entrusts his intention to the faithful, and to all people of good will, through his own prayer group, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. These monthly …
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Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2020 – Listen to the Migrants’ Cries

Listen to the Migrants’ Cries We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) addresses the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the Church. We pray and work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope in his monthly intentions, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.” What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer intentions? The faithful from around the …
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and for those in Our Own Parish…..

Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Jo Cutler; Robert Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Piam 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, Jo Wheeler and Josephine Butler.

And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 2nd February 2020:  Shirley Parker, Winifred Peggie Budzan, Peter Mendonca de Sousa, Emma Edmundson, Patricia Mary Groom, Barbara Margaret Sprott Kathleen McDonald, Mary Kennedy, Violet Coomber, Lily Westcott, Johanna O’Connor, Blanche Feeney, Alfred Holmes, Mary Teresa Hoile, Edith Mary Padian, Cometesse Noel de Robien, Elizabeth Lilian Beales, Catherine Mary Rooney, Rose Bailey, Ronald Joseph Moore, James Thomas Perren, Patricia Lily Mo, Margaret Sutton, Winifred Eileen Mary Bailey, Bridget Scanlan, William Boyle, Dominic Cosgrave, Johanna Chappell, Matthew Robert Eyton, Kenneth William Forteath, May Ellen Stevens, Winifred Bailey, Alice Rosina Sheppard, Gerald Peter Pollard, Thomas Anthony English (“Tony”), Marion Madden, Irene Gladys Bailey, Robert Barrett, Maud Andrews, Gladys Mary Miller, Maria Andrews, Bernard Joseph Browne, Mary Rayner, John Ernest Sargent, Anthony John Woodiffe, Mary Kennedy, John Oxton, Albert William English, William Henry Donkin, Kath Scott, William George Hunter, Eileen Patricia Milford, Christopher Alexander MacDonald, John Waller, Judith Mackay, Hilda Kathleen Vincent, Elizabeth Duxbury, Jane Hammond, William Jarrot, James Joseph Brennan and Winifred Mary Ault,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.

Plug into Prayer

Morning Prayers by Text

THANK YOU SO MUCH to John Mason, who made for our church a beautiful rosary beads, which we can find hanging on the benches. They are used by many to pray the rosary, but also we are very welcome to take them, if we wish to use them in our daily life for this such powerful prayer through the intercessions of Our Lady, Mother of God. Because one of the resolutions for the New Year 2019 in our parish is to remember about Morning Prayer, it is good to know, that John also is active in this way for us, …
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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 …
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homeless-600x450

St Swithun’s Homeless Mission

Our Roman Catholic Church of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes two years ago decided that we had to start helping our homeless brothers and sisters along the Albert Road. Hence our Homeless Mission was born. A couple of volunteers Diana Clark and Lisa Butler started out by just making some sandwiches and some flasks of tea and coffee and taking these to the homeless they found on the street. We saw the increasing numbers of people sleeping rough in Portsmouth and Southsea, alongside other towns and cities in Britain. They are clearly visible in the doorways and car …
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helping the sick

HELPING THE HOUSEBOUND and SICK AT HOME

I would like to inform you about one of our very important Pastoral Works, which will be a connection between Jesus Christ’s altar and our home’s tables – if You are sick, elderly or housebound, or You have any family members or friends who are in such a state, I will be very happy to celebrate Holy Mass at their homes, flats if they only wish. Please, let me know and we will organise everything. Thanksgiving for the invitation and all the Family, who care of it and they going to be present there. God’s Blessings from Father Marcin …
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Children' Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy & Sunday School from Sept 2019

Children’s Liturgy St Swithun’s will run again our CHILDREN’S LITURGY for our Sunday Masses at 10.15am starting back on 8th of September. If any of the Parents would like to join a team of so dedicated people for this time with the smallest children during the Holy Mass, please be in touch with our Dear Anne Worden – 02392 817586, or email: anne.worden@port.ac.uk We need your help so much, so the children can be sure, that their special Liturgy will take place very Sunday. Children’s Liturgy Volunteers Our children enjoy taking part in the Liturgy of the Word which is …
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Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. The special devotion which proposes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of virtue of all Christian households began in the 17th century. It started almost simultaneously in Canada and France: the Association of the Holy Family was founded in Montreal in 1663, and by the Daughters of the Holy Family in Paris in 1674. This devotion soon spread and in 1893  Pope Leo XIII expressed his approval of a feast under this title and himself composed part of the Office. On account of the flight … Read more here
Titian_-_The_Holy_Family_with_a_Shepherd_-_WGA22730

Imitation of the Holy Family

The Holy Family models for us what family life should exemplify. It is a school of virtue for both parents and children. There we find God, and learn how to connect with God and with others. The family is where love is freely given without self-interest. It is where we learn to love, to pray and to practice the gift of charity. Pope John Paul II has said, “The family, more than any other human reality, is the place in which the person is loved for himself and in which he learns to live the sincere gift of self” (Nov … Read more here
Holy Family

The Hidden Life of the Holy Family

The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus—the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and indispensable condition of mind, revive in us…A lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character…A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the Carpenter’s Son, in you I would choose to understand and proclaim the severe and redeeming law of human work. — Paul VI at Nazareth, January 5, … Read more here

Hymn for the Holy Family Catholic Telugu Song

This is a song from the Catholic Telugu song range. This is an Indian style. Why not listen … Read more here

Confession is a Place of Victory - Father Mike Schmitz

Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz

God’s invitation It has many names – the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Sacrament of Confession – but it’s all the same sacrament. Confession.  Are you waiting in church right now to confess your sins to a priest? Are you panicking because it’s been awhile and …
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Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

 

Our Parish Finances – we need your Help 02-02-2020

 

OFFERTORY:

Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection. The total amount was £1492.78 (57,3 % Gift Aid).  As always, your generosity is much appreciated. Your donations make the life and work of the Parish possible.

Thank all of You who make our church, our Parish so beautiful and alive!

Download Newsletter PDF -02-02-2020

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE ! Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 2nd February 2020 – The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

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

HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Let people know and come join in the conversation online!
LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: St Swithuns Page
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @FrMarcinD
@St_swithun

A big THANK YOU to our sponsors who contribute to our Parish costs

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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

Newsletter: 26th January 2020 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later. But all the posts and more can be found below with links , videos and much more if you like too.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 26th January 2020 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

It is marked each year on the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. In 2020 we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God on 26 January.

The Holy Father proposed the idea at the conclusion of the Year of Mercy when he wrote of a desire to institute a “Sunday given over entirely to the Word of God, so as to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and his people.”
How to celebrate the day

The document provides a summary of the Church’s teaching on Scripture and the place of Scripture within the Liturgy.

 

It also suggests a number of ways that the day might be marked:

• In the Eucharistic celebration the sacred text be enthroned, in order to focus the attention of the assembly on the normative value of God’s word.
• It would be particularly appropriate to highlight the proclamation of the word of the Lord and to emphasise in the homily the honour that it is due.
• Bishops could celebrate the Rite of Installation of Lectors or a similar commissioning of readers, in order to bring out the importance of the proclamation of God’s word in the liturgy.
• Renewed efforts should be made to provide members of the faithful with the training needed to be genuine proclaimers of the word.
• Pastors can also find ways of giving a Bible, or one of its books, to the entire assembly as a way of showing the importance of learning how to read, appreciate and pray daily with sacred Scripture, especially through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Year-long not Yearly

Pope Francis says that, although the Church now has a day to celebrate the gift of Scripture, it’s important that the Word of God is at the heart of our lives each and every day:
“A day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event but rather a year-long event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, who continues to speak his word and to break bread in the community of believers.”
The God Who Speaks

The first Sunday of the Word of God happily coincides with the Bishops of England and Wales declaring 2020 a Year of the Word.

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

 

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back …
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How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

LectioDivinaLight “Lectio divina is an authentic source of Christian spirituality recommended by our Rule. We therefore practice it every day, so that we may develop a deep and genuine love for it, and so that we may grow in the surpassing knowledge of Christ. In this way we shall put into practice the Apostle Paul’s commandment, which is mentioned in our Rule: “Let the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, live abundantly in your mouth and in …
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Sunday of the Word of God: making the Scriptures part of our everyday lives

Pope Francis elevates the Book of the Gospels during Mass

A press conference in the Vatican details the many aspects of the newly established ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ to be marked on 26 January. Pope Francis will celebrated Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the occasion.
Pope Francis is inviting Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and his Word.
That’s why, as established by a papal decree – the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 26 this …
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Pope Francis: Midwives might have the most noble of all professions

Francis asks for prayers for nurses and midwives as 2020 has been designated their year

Pope Francis on January 19 applauded the designation of 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.”He suggested that “midwives carry out perhaps the noblest of the professions.” And nurses, he said, are not only the most numerous of health care workers, but also those “closest to the sick.” The Holy Father has often mentioned his esteem for health care professionals, …
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10 Reasons Why the Rosary Is So Powerful

Satan hates God. Satan hates you. And Satan hates the Rosary.

Saints say it. Popes say it.
The Rosary is a powerful weapon against evil. But have you stopped to figure out why? Here are 10 reasons why the Rosary prayer is the most powerful and how you can use it most fully. 1. It Engages Your Will. The human will is powerful because it is a sharing in God’s power. He gives us the will to choose …
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The hardest part of taking little kids to Mass

What can you do to encourage families with young children to keep coming to church?

It was a Holy Day of Obligation and my husband was at work, so there was no one to help me at Mass with our three kids, then ages 4, 2, and newborn. I didn’t just “have” to be at Mass; I wanted to be there. I wanted my children to know that we go to Mass because we love Jesus, because we want to …
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Follow Me Casting Crowns

Hymn for Today: Lyrics – Casting Crowns – Follow Me

Casting Crowns – Follow Me BEHIND THE SONG  “I think some of the most confusing times for me, as a believer, have been trying to understand God just from what I know already or what I’ve heard… instead of getting into His word for myself. When you try to understand God’s forgiveness without getting into God’s word, all you’ve got is a reference. The forgiveness around you won’t add up. If you are trying to understand God’s love, how much He’s going to stay with you, and His patience with you, but you’re not in the word…all you’ve got to …
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History Redeemed: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Liturgy gives us a lesson in ancient Israelite geography and history. Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s First Reading is quoted by Matthew in today’s Gospel. Both intend to recall the apparent fall of the everlasting kingdom promised to David (see 2 Samuel 7:12–13; Psalm 89; 132:11–12). His Gospel of the Kingdom includes not only the twelve tribes of Israel but all the nations—symbolized by the “Galilee of the Nations.” Calling His first disciples, two fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, He appoints them to be “fishers of men”—gathering people from the ends of the earth. They are to preach the Gospel, Paul says in today’s Epistle, to unite all peoples in the same mind and in the same purpose—in a worldwide kingdom of God.

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 26-01-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading Today’s Gospel describes the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (called the Synoptic Gospels), Jesus’ public ministry begins after his baptism by John the Baptist and after his retreat to the desert where he was tempted by the devil. When Jesus returns from the desert, he hears that John has been arrested. The first part of today’s Gospel places Jesus’ ministry in the context of the writings of the prophet, Isaiah. Matthew wants to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies given to the people of Israel, and he refers to Isaiah to do so. Isaiah says that the Messiah will begin his ministry in Galilee, the land of the Gentiles. When Jesus begins to preach in Galilee, Matthew points to his ministry as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, proof that Jesus is the Messiah. When …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 26-01-2020

Gospel Reading : Matthew 4:12-23 He went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled Children,  Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and went with him. Matthew 4:19-20 (NLT) Do you enjoy fishing? Have you ever caught a fish? Fishing is a great sport, and if you have ever been fishing and have caught a fish, you know that there’s a great feeling of excitement when you catch a fish. One of the things that makes fishing such a great sport is that it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old…you can still be good at fishing. What does it take to be good at catching fish? First of all, you need to be properly equipped. You can’t just get a piece of string, put …
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Update from the St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference

Update from the St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference

The Homeless/Prisoners The St Swithun’s St Vincent de Paul Society Conference continues to support the parish’s homeless mission by helping out with the Open Churches Project and appealing directly to retailers to provide us with factory seconds to be used by our homeless guests and anyone else who may be in need. We are working with the Chaplain for Winchester Prison and have identified 7 current inmates who are from Portsmouth and are at risk of homelessness when released. Through working directly with the homeless and these prisoners, the local council and other support agencies, we are looking to firm …
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Diocesan Day of Reparation for the Sins of Sexual Abuse - 1st March 2020

Diocesan Day of Reparation for the Sins of Sexual Abuse – 1st March 2020

I’d like to invite the whole Diocese to join me at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent, 1st March 2020 for a Day of Prayer and Reparation for the sins of sexual abuse by members of the Church. I will lead the Day together with the Cathedral clergy, and assisted by Fr. Dominic Allain and Antonia Moffat of the organisation From Grief to Grace. The purpose of the Day is to beg God’s forgiveness and God’s healing as well as to make reparation for the sins and crimes of sexual abuse that have taken place within the Church by …
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Pope's Message to the Sick - 11th February 2020

Pope’s Message to the Sick – 11th February 2020

The Holy Father has just released a special message for the 28th World Day of Prayer for the Sick, which is to be held on 11th February 2020, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In it he says: Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28) point to the mysterious path of grace that is revealed to the simple and gives new strength to those who are weary and tired. These words of Christ express the solidarity of the Son of Man with all those who are hurt and …
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Caritas.org logo

Caritas “Open Church” Night Shelter Project 

Caritas “Open Church” Night Shelter Project  (Please Note: St Swithun’s will be participating in this project as we always do.) Kevin Gallagher, Director of Caritas Portsmouth tells us about another exciting project coming this winter… Walk down any high street, in any city in the UK, and you are guaranteed to see rough sleepers in doorways begging for money. Although it goes without saying that this is a scandal in a country as wealthy as our own, and something which demands government attention, whose heartstrings are not pulled when seeing our fellow sisters and brother living under such conditions? Maybe we are …
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Year of the Word: Workshops for Readers - St John's Cathedral

Year of the Word: Workshops for Readers – St John’s Cathedral

More on the Year of God’s Word The Year of the Bible, called ‘The God who Speaks,’ will be an opportunity for all of us in the Diocese to promote the Bible and renew the place the Word of God at the centre of our Catholic life and faith. It is a national campaign, and soon I will be sending out a brochure to parishes, with more details, ideas, resources, and a timeline. It is up to each parish to decide how best to celebrate this Year of the Word. In our Diocese, the Year will form the first phase …
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 25th January 2020 till the 29th February 2020

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

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays - Father Marcin

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin

Father Marcin is teaching Polish to our children on Saturdays from 11:20am to 1:00pm in the St Swithun’s Youth Club room; Classes cover Polish Grammar, History & Catechism for Polish children (age from 5 to 10) Session Dates: Have your children learn their Polish  culture…. Learn Polish naturally. Enjoy learning Polish. Have fun learning Polish.  …
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Ascent Group - Events 2020 Timetable

Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable

Robert Steward and his wife Eileen are the joint leaders of the Ascent Group (Life Ascending) and it will be our 10th year as such in 2020. There is printed blurb available on the Ascent Groups purpose but sufficient to say that it is a Catholic-Christian Fellowship Group for those in their later years for friendship, fellowship, interesting talks, outings and devotional readings, hymns and prayers. All of our group are pensioners and generally frequent daily mass attendees. The Table below show all our activity for next year in general outline. In Outline – For 2020 there is no meeting …
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Parents Toddlers Group

St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday  Have you pre-school children? Why not come and join our happy Parent and Toddler Group which is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) from 9.15 to 11.15 am. Singing and playing for the children and a cup of tea for you the parent or carer. Look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. Baby and toddler groups are a great place to meet mums with children your child’s age, and your child can make new friends too. The groups are run by volunteers and provide a great play opportunity for you child and a …
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Sunday School

Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents

TO ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD Sunday School this year for 2020  – give a chance to your children to enjoy their confidence in their faith. Our SUNDAY SCHOOL for the children from 5 to 10 years old.  We’ll will always meet after The Holy Mass at 10.15am from 11.30am to 12.15pm. So ,after Mass at 10:15am, all the children who would like to participate in this special way of our Sunday school are asked to come to the church hall, to the small room in the back and start your journey of Catholic …
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Worship Together Programme - Healing and Prayer Ministry

Worship Together Programme – Healing and Prayer Ministry

On MONDAYS Our Parish has “OUR PRAISE & WORSHIP TIME” together  (from 7.30pm to 9.00pm) – See below for dates and full programme. The Praise & Worship nights will be held every month at various venues IT WILL BE OUR PARISH’s ECUMENICAL TIME DURING OUR MONDAY’S EVENING OF WORSHIP, PRAYER AND HEALING   It IS THE best time to format a group of people with all the Christian Charisms to share, and to receive; to increase and to deepen. ALL ARE VERY WELCOME!!! . …
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Hear Gods Voice

Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church

On Tuesdays, from 7.40pm to 9.00pm we are coming back to our SCRIPTURE MEETINGS – ‘HEAR GOD’S VOICE’. All of our meetings are shown in the table below This time we will focus on the words of St Mark’s Gospel – This time we will focus on the Mark 5, 1-3; This is a very special and different way to read God’s Word – we continue the journey with St Mark’s Gospel. We ask The Holy Spirit to lead us, to open us for the things which He would like us to notice, to focus on, to put into the …
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates - 2020

Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020

Our Youth, very inspiring People, a huge hope for the future. Thank You Girls & Boys for every minute spent together this year . With You it is such an Adventure Our Youth Club will meet every week, on Tuesdays – from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Meetings Dates to Note for 2020 The meetings will be also dedicated for all the Confirmation Candidates (those who are AT LEAST 13 years old). The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on the Pentecost Sunday 31st May 2020. Dear Children and our Dear Youth Our special room which will be dedicated for the meetings …
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Films about Jesus

JOIN US IN ANOTHER WAY OF THE NEW EVAGELIZATION IN OUR PARISH

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

Here’s the next session: is 27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” – the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –

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 preparation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020:  The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.

Date Time Programme Location
13th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
9th March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
23rd March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass”
Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session.

 St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th March 2020 FRIDAY 6.15pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th April 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
11th May 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
31st May 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
7th June 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
12TH June 2020 FRIDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
13TH June 2020 Saturday 11.30am FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday 11:45am FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
21ST June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
22ND June 2020 MONDAY 5.00pm to 6.30pm Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
28TH June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27TH September 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea

SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.

Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020

Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.

 Download The Baptism Registration form here:

 

RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):

if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.

 

Prayer of the Month – January 2020 

For the Holy Father and all Catholic Christians, each new calendar year begins with a heartfelt plea for peace.

For the Holy Father and all Catholic Christians, each new calendar year begins with a heartfelt plea for peace.

Pope Paul VI proposed that January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, be dedicated to the cause of universal peace, and so this day of prayer was first observed on New Year’s Day, 1968. Each year since, the pontiffs have issued important statements and messages for this day. Pope Francis has continued this custom, also making his first prayer Intention of 2020, “That Christians, followers of other religions and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.” He has given his intention to his prayer network, his own prayer group and the largest in … Read more here
Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2020 – Promotion of World Peace

Promotion of World Peace We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) addresses the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the Church. We pray and work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope in his monthly intentions, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.” What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer intentions? The faithful from around the … Read more here

 

and for those in Our Own Parish…..

Please pray for those who are ill especially:  Jo Cutler; Robert Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Piam 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, Jo Wheeler and Josephine Butler.

And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 26th January 2019 :  Shirley Parker, Winifred Peggie Budzan, Peter Mendonca de Sousa, Emma Edmundson, Patricia Mary Groom, Barbara Margaret Sprott Kathleen McDonald, Mary Kennedy, Violet Coomber, Lily Westcott, Johanna O’Connor, Blanche Feeney, Alfred Holmes, Mary Teresa Hoile, Edith Mary Padian, Cometesse Noel de Robien, Elizabeth Lilian Beales, Catherine Mary Rooney, Rose Bailey, Ronald Joseph Moore, James Thomas Perren, Patricia Lily Mo, Margaret Sutton, Winifred Eileen Mary Bailey, Bridget Scanlan, William Boyle, Dominic Cosgrave, Johanna Chappell, Matthew Robert Eyton, Kenneth William Forteath, May Ellen Stevens, Winifred Bailey, Alice Rosina Sheppard, Gerald Peter Pollard, Thomas Anthony English (“Tony”), Marion Madden, Irene Gladys Bailey, Robert Barrett, Maud Andrews, Gladys Mary Miller, Maria Andrews, Bernard Joseph Browne, Mary Rayner, John Ernest Sargent, Anthony John Woodiffe, Mary Kennedy, John Oxton, Albert William English, William Henry Donkin, Kath Scott, William George Hunter, Eileen Patricia Milford, Christopher Alexander MacDonald, John Waller, Judith Mackay, Hilda Kathleen Vincent, Elizabeth Duxbury, Jane Hammond, William Jarrot, James Joseph Brennan and Winifred Mary Ault,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.

Plug into Prayer

Morning Prayers by Text

THANK YOU SO MUCH to John Mason, who made for our church a beautiful rosary beads, which we can find hanging on the benches. They are used by many to pray the rosary, but also we are very welcome to take them, if we wish to use them in our daily life for this such powerful prayer through the intercessions of Our Lady, Mother of God. Because one of the resolutions for the New Year 2019 in our parish is to remember about Morning Prayer, it is good to know, that John also is active in this way for us, …
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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 …
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homeless-600x450

St Swithun’s Homeless Mission

Our Roman Catholic Church of St Swithun’s and Our Lady of Lourdes two years ago decided that we had to start helping our homeless brothers and sisters along the Albert Road. Hence our Homeless Mission was born. A couple of volunteers Diana Clark and Lisa Butler started out by just making some sandwiches and some flasks of tea and coffee and taking these to the homeless they found on the street. We saw the increasing numbers of people sleeping rough in Portsmouth and Southsea, alongside other towns and cities in Britain. They are clearly visible in the doorways and car …
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helping the sick

HELPING THE HOUSEBOUND and SICK AT HOME

I would like to inform you about one of our very important Pastoral Works, which will be a connection between Jesus Christ’s altar and our home’s tables – if You are sick, elderly or housebound, or You have any family members or friends who are in such a state, I will be very happy to celebrate Holy Mass at their homes, flats if they only wish. Please, let me know and we will organise everything. Thanksgiving for the invitation and all the Family, who care of it and they going to be present there. God’s Blessings from Father Marcin …
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Children' Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy & Sunday School from Sept 2019

Children’s Liturgy St Swithun’s will run again our CHILDREN’S LITURGY for our Sunday Masses at 10.15am starting back on 8th of September. If any of the Parents would like to join a team of so dedicated people for this time with the smallest children during the Holy Mass, please be in touch with our Dear Anne Worden – 02392 817586, or email: anne.worden@port.ac.uk We need your help so much, so the children can be sure, that their special Liturgy will take place very Sunday. Children’s Liturgy Volunteers Our children enjoy taking part in the Liturgy of the Word which is …
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12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

12 Short prayers invoking the name of Jesus

These prayers are easy to memorize and can be said throughout the day. Jesus said, “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). The name of Jesus is a powerful prayer in itself, and Jesus asked us to use it frequently whenever we pray to him. While we can simply say the name “Jesus,” the Church also has many other brief prayers that use his name and can be prayed throughout the day in … Read more here
The Cross Symbol

The Holy Name of Jesus – The Cross as a Symbol

Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: d) The Cross as a Symbol for the Divine Name. The similarity between the Chi-Rho symbol and the Cross is so apparent that it was not long before the two became related artistically. The Cross and the divine Name serve as symbols of redemption, and as a means of protection against … Read more here
Ichthys Symbol

The Holy Name of Jesus – The Ichthys (Fish) Symbol

Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: c) Ichthys. The early Church loved another monogram for our Saviour’s name, the widely-used ICHTHYS. Christ’s full title was (in Greek): Iesous Christos Theou Yos Soter, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. The initial letters of these five words form the Greek word ICHTHYS, which means fish. For this reason Christ … Read more here
The IHS Symbol

The Holy Name of Jesus – The IHS Symbol

Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: b) The IHS Symbol. The familiar abbreviation IHS is a symbol of the Name Jesus which has retained its popularity down through the centuries. It owes its spread to Saint Bernardine of Siena, who had it placed on his banner, surrounded with twelve rays of the sun and surmounted by a … Read more here
Chi-Rho Symbol

The Holy Name of Jesus – The Chi-Rho Symbol

Monogram for the Holy Name According to the ancient mind, a person’s name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Saviour’s Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms: a) The Chi-Rho Symbol. The oldest monuments bearing this symbol date to the third century, the first being found on a burial inscription of a consul from the year 369. From the third century we have the following authentic forms: (1) the separate letters; (2) the superimposed letters; (3) the monogram … Read more here
jesus child murillo

The Holy Name of Jesus – History of the Feast

This feast originated towards the end of the fifteenth century, and was instituted by the private authority of some bishops in Germany, Scotland, England, Spain, and Belgium. The Office and the Mass composed by Bernardine dei Busti (d. 1500) were approved by Sixtus IV. The feast was officially granted to the Franciscans 25 February, 1530, and spread over a great part of the Church. The Office used at present is nearly identical with the Office of Bernardine dei Busti. The hymns “Jesu dulcis memoria“, “Jesu Rex admirabilis“, “Jesu decus angelicum“, usually ascribed to St. Bernard, are fragments of a very … Read more here
Most Holy Name of Jesus

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: 3rd January

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, at least at local levels, since the end of the fifteenth century. The veneration of the Holy Name was extended to the entire Roman Catholic Church on 20 December 1721, during the pontificate of Pope Innocent XIII. The celebration has been held on different dates, usually in January, because 1 January, eight days after Christmas, commemorates the circumcision of the child Jesus; as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he … Read more here

Confession is a Place of Victory - Father Mike Schmitz

Confession is a Place of Victory – Father Mike Schmitz

God’s invitation It has many names – the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Sacrament of Confession – but it’s all the same sacrament. Confession.  Are you waiting in church right now to confess your sins to a priest? Are you panicking because it’s been awhile and …
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Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

Bishop Barron: Where the Church Can Play a Role in Today’s Social Media

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

How to do Lectio Divina (Holy Reading)

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

 

Our Parish Finances – we need your Help 26-01-2020

 

OFFERTORY:

Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection. The total amount was £1447.78 (58,3 % Gift Aid).   As always, your generosity is much appreciated. Your donations make the life and work of the Parish possible.

Thank all of You who make our church, our Parish so beautiful and alive!

Thank You for our Advent Second Collection for the homeless: £1440.46.
Thanksgiving to the Polish Community for their raising money for our new, moving set of Christmas Crib for the next year – £794.77

This weekend we take the annual second collection in support of our Cathedral in Portsmouth.

Envelopes are available at all masses for those who do not have gift aided planned giving envelopes for second collections. This collection is the only support our Cathedral receives from the wider Diocesan family.

 

Download Newsletter PDF 26-01-2020

WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE ! Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 26th January 2020 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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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Newsletter: 19th January 2020 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later. But all the posts and more can be found below with links , videos and much more if you like too.

Download this week’s Newsletter here:  Newsletter – 19th January 2020 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

 

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

Peace Sunday in England and Wales is on 19 January. Each year Pax Christi, the UK branch of the international Catholic peace organisation, promotes the Pope’s World Peace Day message. This year, the message of Pope Francis is, ‘Peace as a Journey of Hope: Dialogue, Reconciliation and Ecological Conversion’.

In his World Peace Day message for 2020, Pope Francis speaks wise words challenging us to dialogue and renewed relationships of reconciliation, communal solidarity and hope in the future.

He reminds the world that “peace and international stability are incompatible with attempts to build upon the fear of mutual destruction or the threat of total annihilation.”

Pax Christi is committed to non-violence and is committed to the Pope’s challenge to “set aside every act of violence in thought, word and deed, whether against our neighbours or against God’s creation.”

Prayer

O God of peace, who are peace itself
and whom a spirit of discord
cannot grasp,
nor a violent mind receive,
grant that those who are one in heart
may persevere in what is good
and that those in conflict

with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik

 

Why do priests drop a piece of host into the chalice?

The symbolism of this act recalls the unity of the Church and the spiritual connection between each celebration.

During Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church you may have noticed that the priest will break a small part of the consecrated host and drop it into the chalice of consecrated wine. It is a silent ritual, one that is easily missed as it happens so quickly.While it is a very brief action, the symbolism behind it …
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Bishop Barron: The movie that Benedict XVI really deserves

The new and much-ballyhooed Netflix film The Two Popes should, by rights, be called The One Pope, for it presents a fairly nuanced, textured and sympathetic portrait of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) and a complete caricature of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). This imbalance fatally undermines the movie, whose purpose, it seems, is to show that old, grumpy, legalistic Benedict finds his spiritual bearings through the ministrations of friendly, forward-looking Francis. But such a thematic trajectory ultimately does …
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POPE FRANCIS – WORLD PEACE SUNDAY—19th JANUARY 2020

The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to keep this Sunday as a day of prayer for world peace and to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the annual World Peace Day (yet to be announced). The day has a particular ‘flavour’ this year because we pass so many significant anniversaries in the coming months: the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, marked by Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January; the 75th anniversary …
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9 Saints to inspire all the aspects of the pro-life movement

There are many needs in the battle for life, and many heroes of the Church who have dedicated themselves to human dignity.

The fight to protect the unborn is a multifaceted one, with some pro-lifers counseling women in crisis pregnancies, others fighting for changes in the law, and others working for affordable healthcare and housing. As we seek to make abortion not just illegal but unthinkable, there are many holy men and women whose lives can inspire us as …
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Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict and the ‘Secret Magisterium’

COMMENTARY: Why is it assumed by some of the Catholic press that the Pope Emeritus is undermining the Pope on priestly celibacy when he agrees with him?

Father Raymond J. de Souza
A vigorous agreement has broken out in Rome, and there is rancor and recriminations all round. The new book by Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah — or latterly by Cardinal Sarah with Benedict XVI — has occasioned much debate about authorship. Edward Pentin …
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WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 18TH TO 25TH OF JANUARY 2020

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. However, some areas observe it at Pentecost or some other time The theme of the week this year is “Unusual Kindness” and has been prepared by Christians form Malta and Gozo. On 10th February many Christians in Malta celebrate the Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul, marking and giving thanks for the …
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Hymn for Today: Worthy is the Lamb Hillsong with Lyrics

Hymn for Today: Worthy is the Lamb Hillsong with Lyrics

Hillsong United (stylised as Hillsong UNITED or UNITED) is a worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church. Formed in 1998 as part of Hillsong’s youth ministry, the band consists of several rotating worship leaders from the church, including Brooke Fraser, Joel Houston, Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson. Due to several songs written by the youth ministry, Hillsong worship leader Darlene Zschech recommended that they record an album, which resulted in their debut extended play, One, which was released alongside the Hillsong Worship album Touching Heaven Changing Earth. Since then, the group has released eleven annual live albums, as well as four studio albums. The band composes songs and performs in church services as …
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Perfect Offering: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus speaks through the prophet Isaiah in today’s First Reading.

He tells us of the mission given to Him by the Father from the womb: “‘You are My servant,’ He said to Me.” Servant and Son, our Lord was sent to lead a new exodus—to raise up the exiled tribes of Israel, to gather and restore them to God. More than that, He was to be a light to the nations, that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (see Acts 13:46–47). Only Jesus could make that perfect offering of Himself. And through His sacrifice, He has given us ears open to obedience, He has made it possible for us to hear the Father’s call to holiness, as Paul says in today’s Epistle.

Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 19-01-2020

Background on the Gospel Reading This Sunday we break from our reading of Matthew’s Gospel (the primary Gospel for our current liturgical cycle, Cycle A) to read from John’s Gospel. We heard Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism last Sunday, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Today, we hear John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus as found in John’s Gospel. John’s Gospel differs from the other Gospels because John does not describe Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Instead, John the Baptist announces that he knows that Jesus is the Son of God. In today’s reading, John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching and cries out, giving witness about who Jesus is. In John’s testimony he says that he saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus. By this sign, John the Baptist knew that Jesus was the one who is to come after him. John the Baptist uses two titles …
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 19-01-2020

Gospel Reading :  John 1:29-34 ‘Look: there is the Lamb of God’ Children,  John the Baptist had the honour of preparing the way for Jesus. Because of John’s preaching and baptising, the people’s hearts were ready for Jesus, who John referred to as the Lamb of God. John was helped by God to recognise Jesus as God’s chosen one through his life of prayer, studying God’s Word and preaching. Sometimes our days are so busy. What can we do to listen more closely to Jesus in our lives? John gave a testimony (a statement of truth) about Jesus. What would be your testimony about Jesus and/or your experience of Him? At every Mass we pray to Jesus, the Lamb of God three times. Then, just before He comes to our hearts and souls in the Holy Communion, we hear the words: ‘This is the Lamb of God who takes away the …
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St Swithun’s Primary School Alumni - Colin Mowbry

St Swithun’s Primary School Alumni – Colin Mowbry

As a primary school teacher, you never know what seeds you sow or, where your inspiring teaching may lead I received a card last week from Sonia, a former pupil and deputy headteacher of St Swithun’s, who had spotted an obituary in the Daily Telegraph. Colin Mawby was in the same class as Sonia. She remembers he had an interest in music but lost touch with him. She was surprised to read in the paper that he had become a renowned conductor, composer and organist, playing for The Queen, for President Kennedy and for two Popes at St Peter’s in …
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Classical Concert at St Swithun's Church - Saturday 25th January at 7:30pm

Classical Concert at St Swithun’s Church – Saturday 25th January at 7:30pm

You are invited to attend a classical vocal concert where Mr Robert Jaroslaw Kossakowski will perform for us. Robert is a countertenor  with a beautiful singing voice. (the highest male adult singing voice whic is sometimes distinguished from the,male pure tone) The concert takes place on SATURDAY 25th January 2020 at 7.30PM St Swithun’s Church Waverley Rd, Southsea. ALL ARE VERY WELCOME! Here are some of his beautiful singing found on YuTube: Ave Maria- Gulio Caccini – Wykonanie Robert Jarosław Kossakowski Nie wierz mi, nie ufaj mi – Anny Jantar – Wykonanie Robert Jarosław Kossakowski …
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Diocesan Day of Reparation for the Sins of Sexual Abuse - 1st March 2020

Diocesan Day of Reparation for the Sins of Sexual Abuse – 1st March 2020

I’d like to invite the whole Diocese to join me at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent, 1st March 2020 for a Day of Prayer and Reparation for the sins of sexual abuse by members of the Church. I will lead the Day together with the Cathedral clergy, and assisted by Fr. Dominic Allain and Antonia Moffat of the organisation From Grief to Grace. The purpose of the Day is to beg God’s forgiveness and God’s healing as well as to make reparation for the sins and crimes of sexual abuse that have taken place within the Church by …
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Pope's Message to the Sick - 11th February 2020

Pope’s Message to the Sick – 11th February 2020

The Holy Father has just released a special message for the 28th World Day of Prayer for the Sick, which is to be held on 11th February 2020, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In it he says: Jesus’ words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28) point to the mysterious path of grace that is revealed to the simple and gives new strength to those who are weary and tired. These words of Christ express the solidarity of the Son of Man with all those who are hurt and …
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Caritas.org logo

Caritas “Open Church” Night Shelter Project 

Caritas “Open Church” Night Shelter Project  (Please Note: St Swithun’s will be participating in this project as we always do.) Kevin Gallagher, Director of Caritas Portsmouth tells us about another exciting project coming this winter… Walk down any high street, in any city in the UK, and you are guaranteed to see rough sleepers in doorways begging for money. Although it goes without saying that this is a scandal in a country as wealthy as our own, and something which demands government attention, whose heartstrings are not pulled when seeing our fellow sisters and brother living under such conditions? Maybe we are …
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Year of the Word: Workshops for Readers - St John's Cathedral

Year of the Word: Workshops for Readers – St John’s Cathedral

More on the Year of God’s Word The Year of the Bible, called ‘The God who Speaks,’ will be an opportunity for all of us in the Diocese to promote the Bible and renew the place the Word of God at the centre of our Catholic life and faith. It is a national campaign, and soon I will be sending out a brochure to parishes, with more details, ideas, resources, and a timeline. It is up to each parish to decide how best to celebrate this Year of the Word. In our Diocese, the Year will form the first phase …
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year

Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 19th January 2020 till the 29th February 2020

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

Summary of What's on in Our Parish This Week

Summary of What’s on in Our Parish This Week

You can find more detail of what’s on in our parish this week by checking our events calendar. You will also find more details about the events themselves in our weekly newsletter sections. Here’s a quick summary for this week Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event  here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/ …
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FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession - A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession – A Course for Lent 2020

FORGIVEN: The Transforming Power of Confession has been carefully designed to help Catholics more deeply encounter the great gift of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and to help this sacrament become a regular part of their spiritual journey. This series will explore the profound effects and healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this series, participants will discover the merciful way that God seeks us out when we have sinned and calls us back to himself. They will examine the sacrament from the perspective of both he priest and the penitent, and will explore the …
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Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays - Father Marcin

Polish Lessons for 5-10 years Old on Saturdays – Father Marcin

Father Marcin is teaching Polish to our children on Saturdays from 11:20am to 1:00pm in the St Swithun’s Youth Club room; Classes cover Polish Grammar, History & Catechism for Polish children (age from 5 to 10) Session Dates: Have your children learn their Polish  culture…. Learn Polish naturally. Enjoy learning Polish. Have fun learning Polish.  …
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Ascent Group - Events 2020 Timetable

Ascent Group – Events 2020 Timetable

Robert Steward and his wife Eileen are the joint leaders of the Ascent Group (Life Ascending) and it will be our 10th year as such in 2020. There is printed blurb available on the Ascent Groups purpose but sufficient to say that it is a Catholic-Christian Fellowship Group for those in their later years for friendship, fellowship, interesting talks, outings and devotional readings, hymns and prayers. All of our group are pensioners and generally frequent daily mass attendees. The Table below show all our activity for next year in general outline. In Outline – For 2020 there is no meeting …
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Parents Toddlers Group

St Swithun’s Parents and Toddlers Group 2020

Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday  Have you pre-school children? Why not come and join our happy Parent and Toddler Group which is held on Tuesday mornings (term time) from 9.15 to 11.15 am. Singing and playing for the children and a cup of tea for you the parent or carer. Look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays. Baby and toddler groups are a great place to meet mums with children your child’s age, and your child can make new friends too. The groups are run by volunteers and provide a great play opportunity for you child and a …
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Sunday School

Sunday School after 10:15am Mass for all Children and Parents

TO ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD Sunday School this year for 2020  – give a chance to your children to enjoy their confidence in their faith. Our SUNDAY SCHOOL for the children from 5 to 10 years old.  We’ll will always meet after The Holy Mass at 10.15am from 11.30am to 12.15pm. So ,after Mass at 10:15am, all the children who would like to participate in this special way of our Sunday school are asked to come to the church hall, to the small room in the back and start your journey of Catholic …
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Worship Together Programme - Healing and Prayer Ministry

Worship Together Programme – Healing and Prayer Ministry

On MONDAYS Our Parish has “OUR PRAISE & WORSHIP TIME” together  (from 7.30pm to 9.00pm) – See below for dates and full programme. The Praise & Worship nights will be held every month at various venues IT WILL BE OUR PARISH’s ECUMENICAL TIME DURING OUR MONDAY’S EVENING OF WORSHIP, PRAYER AND HEALING   It IS THE best time to format a group of people with all the Christian Charisms to share, and to receive; to increase and to deepen. ALL ARE VERY WELCOME!!! . …
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Hear Gods Voice

Hear God’s Voice Tuesdays in the Presbytery – St Swithun’s Church

On Tuesdays, from 7.40pm to 9.00pm we are coming back to our SCRIPTURE MEETINGS – ‘HEAR GOD’S VOICE’. All of our meetings are shown in the table below This time we will focus on the words of St Mark’s Gospel – This time we will focus on the Mark 5, 1-3; This is a very special and different way to read God’s Word – we continue the journey with St Mark’s Gospel. We ask The Holy Spirit to lead us, to open us for the things which He would like us to notice, to focus on, to put into the …
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Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates - 2020

Parish Youth Group & Confirmation Candidates – 2020

Our Youth, very inspiring People, a huge hope for the future. Thank You Girls & Boys for every minute spent together this year . With You it is such an Adventure Our Youth Club will meet every week, on Tuesdays – from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Meetings Dates to Note for 2020 The meetings will be also dedicated for all the Confirmation Candidates (those who are AT LEAST 13 years old). The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on the Pentecost Sunday 31st May 2020. Dear Children and our Dear Youth Our special room which will be dedicated for the meetings …
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Films about Jesus

JOIN US IN ANOTHER WAY OF THE NEW EVAGELIZATION IN OUR PARISH

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Programme

Here’s the next session: is 27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” – the session for the First Communion children and their Parents –

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 preparation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020:  The new programme is published below – You will need to book an appointment with Father Marcin as well as fill in a form which will appear on line shortly or can be got from the parish office.

Date Time Programme Location
13th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session IX- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th January 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session X- “SACRAMENT of CONFESSION – practical guide” & “FIVE necessary conditions for a good Confession” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
10th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XI – “SACRED HEART DEVOTION – 9 First Fridays of the Month” “Behaving in the confessional”, “ways of confessing sins” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
24th February 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 1 – (Measuring children for First Communion robes) St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
9th March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIII- “INSIDE THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST part 2” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
23rd March 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XIV-“Structure and the meaning of the particular parts of the Holy Mass”
Receiving and getting familiar with the Mass & Prayer Books which children receive during the session.

 St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th March 2020 FRIDAY 6.15pm STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN THE CHURCH St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27th April 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session XV – “The Holy Body & Precious Blood of Christ” St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
11th May 2020 MONDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Session only for parents/carers – Theology of the Body St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
31st May 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
7th June 2020 Sunday after 10:15am Mass Rehearsals of the First Confession & The First Holy Communion Celebration St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
12TH June 2020 FRIDAY 5.30pm to 7.00pm Final Rehearsal Followed by the Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
13TH June 2020 Saturday 11.30am FIRST SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION FOR CHILDREN St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
14TH JUNE 2020 Sunday 11:45am FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
21ST June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Receiving the Certificates of the Holy Communion St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
22ND June 2020 MONDAY 5.00pm to 6.30pm Session XVI – Following Jesus Christ & the ways to be involved St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
28TH June 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Thanksgiving Mass together with the previous year First Communion Children St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea
27TH September 2020 SUNDAY 10:15am Mass Inaugaration of the new Preparation for the First Communion. Thanksgiving Mass and receive a special gift from Fr Marcin St Swithun’s RC Church Southsea

SHORT REMINDER FOR THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION CHILDREN – Please, attend the sessions with your children, because they are organised on the way to make your life a little bit easier do not create another, separated sessions just with the Parents. All the Parents should stay for the sessions with the children, please, please.

Baptismal Preparation Sessions for 2020

Please, notice that it is expected from the Parents & God -Parents to practice their faith, which also means to attend Sunday Mass regularly.

 Download The Baptism Registration form here:

 

RCIA – (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):

if You are and adult and think to be baptised in the Catholic Church, or You are baptised in another Christian denominations, but would like to become Catholic, or You wish to be confirmed, please contact Fr Marcin for more details.

 

Prayer of the Month – January 2020 

For the Holy Father and all Catholic Christians, each new calendar year begins with a heartfelt plea for peace.

For the Holy Father and all Catholic Christians, each new calendar year begins with a heartfelt plea for peace.

Pope Paul VI proposed that January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, be dedicated to the cause of universal peace, and so this day of prayer was first observed on New Year’s Day, 1968. Each year since, the pontiffs have issued important statements and messages for this day. Pope Francis has continued this custom, also making his first prayer Intention of 2020, “That Christians, followers of other religions and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.” He has given his intention to his prayer network, his own prayer group and the largest in … Read more here
Pope Francis Jan 2019

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions January 2020 – Promotion of World Peace

Promotion of World Peace We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world. Prayer WHAT IS THE POPE’S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK? The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) addresses the challenges facing humanity and assists the mission of the Church. We pray and work to meet the challenges of the world identified by the Pope in his monthly intentions, while walking a spiritual path called the “Way of the Heart.” What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer intentions? The faithful from around the … Read more here

Please Pray for Frank Ireland McGuire RIP – Mass on Wednesday 22nd January at 10am

+ Frank Ireland McGuire RIP passed away on Christmas Day 2019. The funeral service will be held at The Oaks Havant Crematorium on Wednesday 22nd January 2020 at 1pm. He will be missed greatly by all his family and friends. His wife