Please pray for the souls of all deceased parishioners, family and friends
Margaret Jablonska died 29th July – Funeral at English Martyrs, Strood (date to be confirmed)
Please pray for those whose anniversaries occur around this time
- 9: Bridget Carroll, Gaetano Alexander Manzi, Austin Pearton, Ivy Alexandra Izod
- 10: Hilda Perkins
- 11: Maria Gasparutti, Daniel Kiely, Margaret Ellen Muggivan
- 12: Anne Cussons, Leslie Charles Day, Angela Theresa Bishop, Cyril Brennan, Mary Theresa Kathleen Flynn
- 13: George Martin, Mary Josephine Bailey
- 14: Jeremiah Crowley, Thomas Gibson, Iris Rodgers
- 15: Mary Byrne, Maurice Chick, Francis Robert Bogan, Sean Patrick O’Gorman, William Clair, Ivan Rozier, Joseph McNally, Paul Anthony Mannion
- 16: Geraldine Jennings, William O’Bryan, Vincenzo Gerardo Boffa
May God console their families. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace
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.
First Holy Communion Preparation Programme 26/27 including St John’s Primary School. Fr Emmanuel would like to hold a meeting for all parents of children making their First Holy Communion next spring 2027. The meeting will take place on Sunday 6th September straight after the 11am Mass for a short talk. Your individual child’s Mass Attendance card will be handed out.
First Holy Communion Preparation for Children at Non Catholic Schools Application forms and explanation letters are now available at the back of the Church.
Baptisms We welcome into our parish family Evangeline Cherry, Aria Osasere Omonuwa and Albert Coyle who were baptised this week. 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 Monday 14th September at 7pm in the Church.
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.
Last weeks collections St John’s: £880.55, St Mary’s: £238.04, St Katherine’s: £77.00. July standing orders £1,989.00. July Dona machine £1,509.00. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Youth Group Thank you for supporting the young people’s coffee and cake sale. £375.84 was raised!
Children’s Liturgy The Children Liturgy is suspended during the summer break.
The Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm for an hour in the church coffee bar. All are welcome. Free entry and free refreshments. Next meeting 12th August; why not come and talk about your own choice of book? Organised by Gravesham with Ebbsfleet Rotary.
Foodbank We will be collecting next weekend 14/15 Aug. The most needed items are tinned rice, custard, baked beans, tinned fruit, peanut butter and honey. Thank you.
Fundraising for Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage. From Bishop Paul. One of the trustees of our Lourdes pilgrimage has been doing a sponsored walk to raise money to help disabled pilgrims to go to Lourdes. He will be in parts of Kent and SE London this week. If you would be willing to contribute, he has a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/calourdes125sw
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.
Marriage: If you are planning to get married whether in the parish or outside, talk to one of the priests at least six months before your wedding.
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, on Monday 31 Aug from 10:30 am to 4pm. The reflection day will include teachings on the Message of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All welcome.
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 are available at the back of the Church.
Parish Summer Picnic We had a lovely afternoon by the river. Thank you to everyone who came and those who bought food and refreshments.
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.
Archbishop John on new assisted suicide plans ‘A law whose ultimate purpose is to end human life’. Take action ahead of the vote on 11 September and write to your MP and ask them to oppose the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Right to Life’s website makes this action very easy: righttolife.org.uk. There are some letters from Archbishop John at the back of the Church.
Date for your diary: International Mass Sunday 27th September 11.00am at St John’s Comprehensive (we will have a meeting soon to discuss ideas).
~~~~~~
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
Happy Holiday to everyone! However, the church is not on holiday.