Please pray for the souls of all deceased parishioners, family and friends
- Angelo Michele Boffa – Requiem at St John’s Thurs 29th Oct at 12noon
May God console their families. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace
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Please pray for those whose Anniversaries occur at this time including…. May they rest in peace
- 11: Daniel O’Kane
- 12: Sister M. Joseph Francis, Kenneth Roy Starkey, Sister M. Xavier Gallagher, Henry Freeman, Gerard Aloysius Edward Porter, Alison Allen, Rosemarie Lynch, Pauline Margaret Joyce, Eric Clifford Irving, John Williams,
- 13: Kathleen Waller, Mary Slattery, Kay Frances Woollard, Charles Edward Arrows, Brendan Michael Edward Slattery, Dorothy May Fraher, Josephine Anne McEniff, Robert Vince
- 14: Lillian Phoebe Nelson, Maureen Therese Montague, David Rea
- 15: Mitzi Hollands, Fitzroy Kelly, Annie Cook
- 16: James Bradley, Edward Roper Davis, Frank Southward, Colin Noel Bates, Joseph Philbin, Joyce Kathleen Crotty
- 17: Angie Halson, Julia O’Haire, Irene Poulton, Pauline Mullan, Joan Thorpe, Olive Eileen Knell
- 18: Tibor Kiss, Brendan Peter Byrne, Norah Degiorgio, Roy Frederick Goulding
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Sick/housebound Please contact the parish office (01474 352415) and let us know of neighbours/family members who are unable to come to Church and would like to receive Communion. We remember in our prayers those who are sick, housebound or in hospital & those who care for them and their families. When on admission in the hospital or care home, volunteer the information of your faith as you won’t be asked ordinarily.
Parish Bazaar Saturday 28th November at St John’s Comprehensive School. We would be most grateful for any donations towards the Grand Draw prizes before we print the tickets.
October Devotions October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The Rosary will be recited 30 minutes before Mass Mon–Sat am and at 5.30pm on Sunday. Everyone is welcome, please join us. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
First Holy Communion Preparation Programme 26/27 St John’s Primary School. Application forms and letter are available at the back of the Church. Please return as soon as possible (the last date for applications will be 23rd Oct). The classes will start on Saturday 7th November at the School 9am-10am. Parents are invited to stay with their child if they need extra help. Please make sure you have your yellow attendance card (or ask one of the Priests). Thank you.
First Holy Communion Preparation for Children not at St John’s Catholic School Application forms and explanation letters are now available at the back of the Church. The Children will start their preparation classes on Saturday 10th Oct at the 10am Mass. Please make sure you have your yellow attendance card (or ask one of the Priests).
Appealing for Catechists We are looking for volunteers (even if it is once a month) to assist with the First Holy Communion programme. Training will be provided. Please speak to one of the Priests, or email your interest to gravesend@rcaos.org.uk Fr Emmanuel will hold a short meeting next Saturday 17th Oct 9am in the Church for all those who would like to help and for anyone who may be interested in finding out more.
James Gurney James will be ordained a Deacon at St George’s Cathedral on Saturday 31st October at 12.30pm by Archbishop John Wilson. A coach has been booked for this special occasion at the cost of £15 per person. We will leave the Church at 10am and leave the Cathedral at 4pm for the return journey. Please let James or the Parish office know if you are able to join us with a deposit of £10. There will also be a thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 1st Nov (All Saints) at 11am followed by a reception in the Conservative Club. We are encouraged to bring and share some food.
RCIA You are welcome to the Catholic Church Are you searching or want to review your faith or may be interested in joining the Catholic community, or wish to be Confirmed. Contact the office or speak to one of the priests. Forms and letter are available at the back of the Church.
Last weeks collections St John’s: £1,059.80, Cafod £287.71. St Mary’s: £236.39 Dona machine for September £1,122.00. This weekend is Prisoner’s Sunday. Envelopes are available at the back of the Church for donations. Next Sunday: World Mission: to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is young or poor. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Foodbank We will be collecting donations at all Masses this weekend 10/11 Oct. The most needed items are Tinned Rice Pudding/Fruit & Veg, Biscuits/Crackers, Peanut Butter, Coffee and Shampoo & Conditioner. Thank you for your support.
Come and Join Our Choir! Our choir sings at the Saturday 6pm Mass, usually twice a month and at Easter and Christmas, with a lively mix of traditional and modern hymns and rehearsals before Mass. We’d love to welcome new members of all ages — singers and instrumentalists alike. No previous choir experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love of music! Interested? Contact Mark on 07985 563063. Come along and make music with us!
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Christ is really present in the Blessed Sacrament; come and talk heart to heart with Him, either on Wed 10.00-12 or Sat after 10am Mass until 12.00pm; or 1st Friday 24 hour Adoration.
Baptisms We welcome into our parish family Andrew Olawusi and Zuriel Aiyede who were baptised this weekend. Application forms for Baptism are available from the Sacristy. Please see the Priest after Mass to ask for a form. Families need to attend a preparation session before the baptism. The next date is Mon 12th Oct at 7pm in the Church.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Commissioning Day at St George’s Cathedral will take place at St George’s Cathedral on Saturday 24 October.
School Forms The priest will be available to sign school forms this Wednesday between 1-2pm. Please ring on the Presbytery bell.
Youth day at John Fisher School Purley Sat 17 Oct 11–5.30pm . Cost £5. Free Coach transport from Dartford (Contact Fr Stephen Boyle). To book a place scys.org.uk/youth-under-18/youth-days-10-14-years/
The Book Club next meets Wednesday 14th Oct at 7pm for an hour in the church coffee bar. Everyone welcome. Free entry and free refreshments. Come and talk about your own choice of book. Enquiries: 07985 563063. Organised by Gravesham with Ebbsfleet Rotary.
Padre Pio Prayer Group meet each Tuesday straight after 9.15am Mass in the Cry Chapel. All welcome to join us in prayer. We especially remember our sick friends and family.
Divine Mercy Chaplet The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be online at 3pm Monday – Friday. Click here for how to join the online meetings as well as the prayers if you wish to say the Chaplet privately.
Come and Rest in Me is a contemplative group that meets around the Word of God on Wednesdays 8-9pm. Click here for the zoom link.
Mustard Seed Bible study every day @ 8.30pm; Lectio Divina on Fridays @ 7.30pm. Please click here for how to join