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 at this time including….
- 16: Geraldine Jennings, William O’Bryan, Vincenzo Gerardo Boffa
- 17: William McDaid, Brian John Hafner, Miroslav Horvath
- 18: George Maynard, Edward R. Taylor, Sister M. Juliana McColctan, Henry Walsh, Simon Dike, Kevin James Alexander Revington
- 19: Fr. Michael O’Sullivan, Jerry Sheehan, Sister M. Phylomena Downing, Fr. Edward Bovington, Gladys Mary Williams, Kitty Costello
- 20: Audrey Esther Mary Clark, Victor Degiorgio, Gladys McCloud, Patrick Meaney, Sister M. Catherine O’Brien, Patricia Lilian Kelly, Donald Philip Evans, Catherine Carey, Richard Varadi
- 21: Matthew Alan Thomas, Pierina Boffa, Christina Ross, Vera Sell, Peter Roland McClean,
- 22: Brian O’Neill, Lillian Berlin Carter
- 23: Julianna Nyene, Thomas Magee, John O’Rourke, Constance Dalton, Brendan Patrick O’Hara
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.
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.
Dona Machine Our Dona machine has been upgraded so when using the machine you will have to enter your details again. Thank you for all your support.
Baptisms 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: £959.27, St Mary’s: £182.70. July standing orders £1,989.00. July Dona machine £1,509.00. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Children’s Liturgy The Children Liturgy is suspended during the summer break.
Foodbank We will be collecting this weekend 14/15 Aug. The most needed items are tinned rice, custard, baked beans, tinned fruit, peanut butter and honey. Thank you.
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.
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.
Mass Intentions Requesting Mass for a Particular Intention It is a long-established and laudable Catholic custom to ask that Mass be offered for a particular intention. Every Mass is offered for the glory of God and the salvation of the world; nevertheless, the priest may also offer the Mass for a specific intention. In this parish, Mass intentions are usually published in the newsletter. Anyone may request that Mass be offered for a particular intention. Masses are commonly offered for the welfare of an individual or family, in thanksgiving, for a special need, or for the repose of the soul of someone who has died. When requesting a Mass, it is customary to make an offering as a sign of one’s particular participation in the offering of the Mass and in support of the Church’s ministry. This offering is not a payment for the Mass, and no one is obliged to make one. The suggested offering is £10; some give less, some give more, and some are unable to give anything. Please never feel that a Mass cannot be offered for your intention because of financial difficulty. The grace of the Mass is never bought or sold. Its true price has already been paid for us in the saving death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Mass intention envelopes are available at the entrance to the church.
Dates for your diary:
International Mass Sunday 27th September 11.00am at St John’s Comprehensive (we will have a meeting soon to discuss ideas.)
Parish Bazaar Saturday 28th November at St John’s Comprehensive School
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.