The
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed on an
annual basis between 18th to the 25th January: the octave of St. Peter
and St. Paul.
This year online resources have been prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The chosen theme is, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”,
which is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses Grandchamp Community’s
vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the Church and the
human family.
Churches
Together in Britain and Ireland are featuring these resources on their
website: they range from posters and themed pamphlets to powerpoint
presentations and a short service which can be held at home or
online with the parish community. Download resources here.
In
addition, Bishop Paul Hendricks, Chairman of the Southwark
Christian Unity Commission, will be offering a special message on their
new website and
short prayer service will take place on YouTube this Friday, 22nd January 2021 at 7.30 pm, led by Commission
members. Please visit the new Southwark CUC website for full
details.
Finally,
Southwark Christian Unity Commission is now on Twitter,
which offers a highly accessible opportunity to find out more
about their work. Please visit them at @SouthwarkCUC
during Christian Unity Week to view their greetings to a wide
variety of other Christian denominations and take a moment to welcome
them to this social media platform.
“Abide in me and you shall bear much fruit”
(based on John 15. 1-17)
Peace Sunday 2021
Sunday 17th January
On Sunday 17th January the Church will celebrate Peace Sunday, when we
are asked to explore the theme chosen by Pope Francis: 'A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace'.
The Catholic Bishops Conference
and Pax Christi have kindly prepared number of resources, with
ideas for schools, parishes and individuals. In addition, all are invited to
join Pax Christi on Zoom betweeen 6 - 7 pm on Saturday 16th January to
unpack Pope Francis' message and explore what this practically entails
for Christians as people of peace.
On
6th January the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany, or as we
might think of it in England, 'Twelfth Night'. The Feast commemorates
the visit of the wise men, or Maji, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, to
the new-born Jesus, guided by a star to the place of his
birth in Bethlehem.
In many cultures, especially in
Europe and South America, this day is celebrated as a glorious Church
Feast which also includes sharing Christmas gifts and
treats. In Southwark we are blessed with significant cultural
diversity and 2017 this Feast was restored in full by the Catholic
Bishops' Conference in order to reflect the universality that Catholics
share in marking the same feasts around the world. As such, if you are
in good health, please consider attending Mass in your parish on this
Holy Day of Obligation, as Southwark churches continue to maintain a
COVID secure environment, or make time to attend and participate in a live-streamed Mass.
This year a number of recources have been produced and we are pleased to share some below:
CAFOD
Thought provoking resources for young people
based on Oscar Romero, with a range of activities. We
particularly like the 'Jar of Hope' project which encourages the young
mind to stay positive at this challenging time.
Catholic Icing
An creative website for the young Catholic, with instructions for baking crown shaped treats to celebrate the Three Kings, making stars and instructions on how to complete a door blessing.
New National Lockdown in 2021
A
new lockdown covering England will come into force on at 00.01 on
Wednesday 6th January 2021. We are generally encouraged to stay
at home, but in recognition of the importance of faiith the goverment
are alllowing churches to remain open for communal worship, with
necessary santisation and social distancing guidelines in
place.
Speaking of the new Lockdown, Cardinal Vincent Nichols stated:
“The
regular practice of our faith in God is a well-established source of
both personal resilience and dedicated service to those in need. Such
resilience and enduring service are vital in these difficult
circumstances.
“I
am glad that no measures have been introduced that would obstruct or
curtail this essential source of energy for the common good. Catholic
parishes will continue to serve the needs of their local community.
“In one parish, for example, the provision of food for the needy has increased by 400% since March last year.”
The Guidance for Places of Worship published at this time states:
You
can leave home to attend or visit a place of worship for communal
worship, a funeral or event related to a death, a burial ground or a
remembrance garden, or to attend a wedding ceremony.
You should
follow the guidance on the safe use of places of worship and must not
mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when
attending a place of worship.
Weddings, funerals and religious,
belief-based or commemorative events linked to someone’s death are all
subject to limits on the numbers that can attend, and weddings and
civil ceremonies may only take place in exceptional circumstances.
You must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble if you do attend a service.
No
defined date for the end of Lockdown has been given, but it is
likely to last until mid-February and will be subject to review. Download guidance for churches on the new National Lockdown from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
After a celebration of Christmas
Day in restricted circumstances, due to Covid 19, we come to this
beautiful Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The home life of the
Lord Jesus, of His mother, the Virgin Mary, and of His foster father,
St Joseph, teaches us the importance of ‘compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience.’ We want to love as they
love, to sit in the classroom of the Gospel and learn from Christ,
inspired by the fidelity of Mary and Joseph. These qualities are the
sure coordinates to guide us forward.
The images we sometimes see of the
Holy Family make everything look so perfect, as if there were never any
problems, or moments of anxiety, and not that much joy and laughter
either. How can any family flourish without joy? How can any family
blossom without laughter? No, the Holy Family was a real family. ‘Tears
and smiles, like us,’ they knew, each in their own way. All our
experiences of family, and of our relationships within them, form a
school where our understanding of holiness can deepen, where, modelled
on Christ, we are trained how to love evermore generously.
Of course, we know family life is
not always easy. Every family needs help, especially when its members
face difficulties and struggles. Above all, each of us, no matter what
our age or circumstances, needs to know that we are loved and that we
belong. This is why the Church matters, as a family for everyone, a
place to find and know God’s love, a place to discover our true home in
Christ and with each other.
St Luke retells an important event
in the life of the Holy Family. Forty days after His birth, the Christ
Child was presented by His parents in the Temple in Jerusalem, in
accordance with the Law of Moses. This humble couple accepted the
precious vocation God gave them as parents. This call from God is alive
today. Parents are to protect and nurture new life. They are ‘the first
teachers’ of their children ‘in the ways of faith.’ They are also to be
‘the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say
and do.’ This is both a gracious invitation and an awesome
responsibility. As they prepare for the baptism of their child, every
mother and father should be given a copy of the Gospel with the words:
‘Receive the Gospel of Christ whose teacher you now are. Believe what
you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.’
The family remains the primary place for living, teaching, and sharing
the Gospel. Daily evangelisation is part of every home centred on
Christ. The need for witness to our Catholic faith about, and within,
the family is as great as it ever was.
I want to thank every Christian
family in our parish and school communities for your faithfulness to
Christ. Thank you to wives and husbands who encourage each other to
live the Gospel, ‘for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer.’ Thank
you to mums and dads, to grandparents, aunts and uncles, for passing on
the faith to your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Thank
you to older brothers and sisters for the good example of faith you
give to your younger sisters and brothers. They look up to you and need
you. Thank you to clergy and religious, and to parish catechists and
school staff, who support families in handing the faith to new
generations. Please make sure that our communities are welcoming and
supportive to all families, not least those new to our country or area,
those going through brokenness or separation, and those facing poverty
and hardship.
The home of the Holy Family of
Nazareth was a loving space where the Lord Jesus grew to maturity,
filled with wisdom. May our families, and the family of the Church,
enable the message of Christ, in all its richness, to dwell within us
so that we always speak and act with love.
I assure each one of you, your
families, and your loved ones, of my prayers as 2021 opens before us.
Whatever this New Year brings, let us step out with ‘compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,’ united as members of one
body. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts and in
our world.
With every blessing
Yours devotedly in Christ
Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark
Image of the Holy Family from St John's Seminary, Wonersh
'They all ate and were satisfied'
Matthew 14.20
Offering pastoral support, food & toiletries to lorry drivers stranded in Kent
On
Christmas Eve a special food delivery was made to lorry drivers at
Manston Airport and those on the M20 who found themselves stranded in
Kent over the Christmas Period. Approximately 4500-5000 people were
given freshly baked bread, buns, donuts as the Polish Community in the
UK remembered the season of goodwill by offering sustenance and
pastoral support to others.
The mission to Kent was led by
Fr Bartosz Rajewski, a Polish priest in charge of the local Polish
Catholic Mission at South Kensington (Little Brompton Oratory) and Fr
Dawid Jasiński, who is in charge of the local Polish Mission in
Lewisham. Describing a moment of realisation at the plight of the
lorry drivers, Fr Bartosz explained:
‘I
was deliberating on the significance of the issue and contacted the
Embassy of the Republic of Poland, asking for assistance to make it
possible for the drivers at Manston Airport to receive pastoral
ministry. It was necessary to establish contact with the local and
national authorities and this could only be achieved by the Embassy’.
At this point Fr Jasiński agreed to join a delegation to Manston Airport, pending permission:
“we had to give the drivers the possibility of Confession at Christmas
and opportunity to talk with a priest. In Poland, Christmas is an
extremely family-orientated occasion. Being away from home during these
holy days is very hard to bear”.
The Embassy’s application was
successful and on Thursday 24th December 2020 a group, led by Fathers
Bartosz, Father Dawid were able to travel to Manston. Many people who
belong to the Polish Catholic Community assisted in preparations, with
groups making sandwiches, arranging toiletries and organising
groceries. A number of individual donors, shops and bakeries were
also involved in the venture and overnight from Wednesday 23rd to
Thursday 24th December both The Polish Bakery and Polish Village Bakery
undertook to provide fresh bread as well as over two thousand cakes and
doughnuts, in readiness for distribution. This was all coordinated by
the Polish journalist Artur Kieruzal, who is based in London, whilst
transport was provided by Polish transport companies and taxi
drivers.
On arrival, the priests offered
pastoral support to everyone they encountered with Christmas Blessings,
prayers and also the chance to receive Opłatek (the
blessed Christmas wafer) which is traditionally shared with loved ones
in Poland at the Christmas Eve meal. At the same time a group of
helpers distributed festive bread, pastries and much needed practical
items to drivers. Marcin Mazur who is a member of the Catholic Polish
Community in London and joined the delegation as the photographer for
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, spoke of the
traditions of the Polish people at Christmas:
‘There is tradition in Poland at that dinner we keep one empty space on
the table for someone who might join us, and we always should welcome
that person. In Dover, the Polish community brought food to those that
needed it, as such, filling that empty space at the dinner table.’
Since Christmas Eve the backlog
of lorries and trucks at Manston Airport has been cleared and the
situation on the M20 is now being managed. Although the aim of the
mission to Kent was largely to help the Polish community, those
involved in the mission also encountered Spaniards, Italians,
Romanians, Slovakians, Ukrainians and people from across all of
Europe. Asked what memory will stay with him Fr Bartosz recounts
a particular incident where one particular van had run out of goods and
they had nothing to offer the Polish driver that approached them:
‘a
Ukrainian driver overheard our conversation. and shared the contents of
his bag equally with the Polish driver. The moment had particular
significance as he broke the bread in half. This was the true
spirit of Christmas’.
In a situation which resonates with the Gospel story of the Feeding of the 5000,
four vanloads of food remained after the journey to Kent, which has
since been offered to the needy and homeless. Fr Dawid remarked
“the
gospel words have been fulfilled ‘They all ate and were satisfied, and
the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were
left over’. This is a lesson for us all: we cannot be indifferent in
such circumstances, preoccupied solely with ourselves. We must act and
go out to people.”
We pray for the ongoing safety
and welfare of drivers that have missed celebrating with family due to
the unforeseen circumstances in Kent, and give thanks todays for the
generosity of the Polish people in London towards our stranded brothers
and sisters. We also thank parishes in Southwark that have quietly
assisted in bringing pastoral and practical help to drivers in
different ways during this unforeseen crisis.
Offering Christmas Blessings to drivers at Manston Airport
A Message for Christmas 2020 from the Archbishop of Southwark
Dear friends
I wonder what might be your
overriding sense of 2020? It has been a year unlike any other we have
known in peacetime. Locally, nationally and globally, we are marked by
the impact of Covid 19 and the measures imposed to try and curtail the
pandemic.
For some, 2020 has been
devastating, with loss of life, loss of loved ones, loss of
livelihoods, and even loss of hope. Yet, through uncertainty and
sadness, we have also witnessed the triumph of kindness, in great and
little things alike. Our NHS and caring professions, our emergency
services, our food and utility providers, to name just some, have
ensured support in essential ways. To all those who have sustained the
life of our communities, we extend an enormous ‘thank you.’
Despite the challenges, the past
year has brought forth so many remarkable examples of the very best in
our humanity, and not least from within our Catholic community. Our
parishes and schools have served with distinction, something we can
rightly be proud of.
Even in restricted circumstances,
Christmas 2020 recalls again the great kindness God has shown humanity
in Christ. A Saviour is born for us, for you and me. God’s loving
kindness placed a foot on our planet in person, through the tiny
imprint of the baby of Bethlehem. Forevermore, we share news of great
joy, a joy of God’s love for every person, and for the whole world. God
is with us. We are never alone.
May the Christmas gift of God’s
kindly love fill your heart as we step forward with hope in Christ. May
God bless you, and those you love, this festive season and throughout
the coming New Year.
+ John Wilson Archbishop of Southwark
Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Canon Frank O'Sullivan
who died peacefully on Tuesday 22nd December 2020
Funeral details to follow
May he rest in peace
Christmas Masses at St George's Cathedral
Parishes
in Southwark are generally open over the Christmas period: please check
your parish website for details. A number will also be offering
live-streams given the present COVID-19 situation in the South East of
England and St George's Cathedral will be live-streamng two Masses this
Christmas.
The
first service will be the 10 pm Vigil Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord
on Thursday 24th December 2020. The service will be celebrated by
Archbishop John Wilson with the Cathedral Clergy and Choir present.
On
the morning of Christmas Day Archbishop John will also celebrate the
Family Mass at 10 am. This uplifting service is ideal for all
those with young people at home who want to participate in giving
thanks for the arrival of Jesus.
Should you wish to seach for other parishes in Southwark that are offering live-steams. you can do so here.
Please remember to check individual parish details over the
Christmas period, since they may differ from the usual schedule.
Two New Deacons for Southwark
Southwark
Diocese requests the prayers of clergy and parishioners on Saturday
19th December 2020 for David Hunter and Matthew Donnelly, two Southwark
seminarians who will be ordained as Deacons by Bishop Richard
Moth
at St John's Seminary in Wonersh.
The Diocese gives thanks for their calling and wishes them every
blessing as they embark on this important step towards priesthood in
2021.
Matthew
Donnelly and David Hunter
Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Father Michael
Gwinnell
who died Sunday 13th December 2020
May he rest in
peace
Funeral details: Tuesday 12th January at 12 noon in St Joseph’s RC Church, New Malden celebrated by The Most Reverend Kevin McDonald
----------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that there will be a restriction on numbers due to the present situation with COVID-19
Sea
Sunday
This Sunday, 20th December,
is Sea Sunday, when the Church prays for all those who live and work at
Sea. Seafarers and fishers are among the heroes of the pandemic,
working to ensuring that food, medicine and other essential supplies
continue to reach us
Please consider
supporting Stella Maria (Apostleship of the Sea) during the second
collection after Mass this weekend. In doing so you can help the
Church's official maritime welfare agency to continue its work in
supporting seafarers on both a spiritual and pratical basis.
Alternatively you can donate by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate
or text SEA to 70460 to give £5.
Archbishop John Wilson and
the Choir of
St George's Cathedral, Southwark invite everyone to join them for a
Christmas Meditation of Music and Word at 7.30 pm on Thursday 17th
December.
This service replaces the regular Cathedral Carol Service and is
intended to be an opportunity to reflect in preparation for the coming
of Christ. All are very welcome to join us, either in person
at
the Cathedral, or online.
The National Office for Vocation has recently produced a video series
on different states of life. Over a number of weeks during Advent it
explores the
single and consecrated / religious life as well as marriage and
ordination. Each interviewee speaks openly about their their journey
and personal experiences.
In the third week of Advent, Fr Joe Owusu-Ansah, who currently serves
as a priest
at Birchington and Westgate parish in Thanet, Kent, speaks about his
motivation to be ordained, the fulfillment he experiences in witnessing
transformation in people and the joy of sharing our common Christian
calling to holiness. He ecnourages anyone considering a
vocation to the priesthood to share their thoughts with someone
trusted, and to be bold in exploring the possibility.
To read more about vocations in the Archdiocese of Southwark, or to
speak to someone about exploring the possibility of ordained life,
visit: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/vocations.htm
This year's winner of the
Education
Commission Christmas Card Competition is Ashira Perrera from St Thomas
More Catholic Comprehensive. The competition was held earlier in the
Autumn Term. The Education Commission had many entries on three themes:
The Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Tuesday 8th December 2020
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Archbishop John Wilson has
sent a letter to the Religious of Southwark Diocese, in which he
reminds them of the immense diffference they make by their consecration
to Christ, as a beacon for God's Kingdom.
On Saturdays 5th and 12th
December 2020,
Archbishop John Wilson will lead Advent Services of Reconciliation at 3
pm in St George's Cathedral, Southwark.
During the service he will offer a reflection and lead the congregation
in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, after which there will be several
members of the clergy available to hear confessions. The
service
will end at approximately 4.15 pm and all are very welcome to attend as
part of their Advent preparations.
Reflecting on Vocations in
Advent
Homily for the Second
Sunday of Advent Matthew Donnelly, Deacon
Elect
This Advent, Southwark is delighted to collaborate with the final
year students of St John's Seminary in Wonersh in order to offer weekly
video
homilies for each of the Sundays in this season of
prepartion. Visitors to the Serminary's
YouTube Channel can see new uploads each Sunday or visiit Southwark
diocesan Facebook page.
The seminarians are also producing an online version ofThe Evangelist,
their annual magazine, which is normally printed and dissemiated to
parishes
every summer. Current content includes:
• the charities the seminarians are
supporting this year and how to buy their Christmas Cards
• Fr Kevin Dring, their Pastoral
Director, writes about the search for the "New Normal"
• an interview with Canon Tony Churchill
about his many years of ministry.
Please keep all those on their vocation journey in your prayers as they
grow clloser to the Light of Christ, most
especially our seminarians who arepreparing to be
ordained as
deacons during Advent.
Homily for the First Sundat in
Advent
Stephen O'Brien: Deacon Elect
--------------
If you would like to find out more about vocational discernment or
consider giving a gift towards the ecclestiastical education of our
seminarians please visit http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/vocations.htm
The Retirement
of Bishop Patrick Lynch SS.CC
Following Bishop Patrick
Lynch’s
submission of his resignation to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we have
received news from Rome that this has now been accepted, allowing
Bishop Pat to retire.
We are grateful to the Holy Father for granting this request and for
the support of Archbishop Gugerotti, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great
Britain. We thank the Religious Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary for the gift of Bishop Pat to the Archdiocese of
Southwark, first as a priest and then as a Bishop. As he now steps back
from the formal office of Auxiliary Bishop, we are delighted that he
will be retiring in the Archdiocese where he has made his home and has
so many friends.
Bishop Pat has served the Archdiocese with distinction and generosity
as a true shepherd to clergy, religious, and laity alike. His pastoral
mission here for the past twenty-two years, the last fourteen of those
as an Auxiliary Bishop, has been marked by passion for the Gospel, deep
sensitivity, and a special care for migrants and ethnic chaplaincies
and communities. Along with pastoral responsibility for the parishes of
South East London, Bishop Pat has also exercised oversight of Catholic
education, working faithfully with four Archbishops. Added to this has
been his important collaboration with the Bishops’ Conference of
England and Wales, and the Holy See, in working to combat human slavery
and trafficking.
Bishop Pat’s joy as a disciple and a pastor, always quick to encourage
and affirm, has been such a blessing to so many people. We extend to
him our immense gratitude for all he has given to our Archdiocese and
the Church in England and Wales. As soon as it is practically possible,
we will arrange for the celebration of Mass in St George’s Cathedral to
mark Bishop Pat’s retirement.
On hearing the news from Rome, Bishop Pat wrote: “For
the last twenty-two years I have been privileged to have served the
Lord here in the Archdiocese of Southwark – in the parishes of Nunhead
and South Norwood, as Vicar for Religious and as Auxiliary
Bishop. Unfortunately, however, the after effect of surgery
nine
years ago is now limiting my ability to carry out some pastoral
responsibilities. I am, therefore, grateful to our Holy
Father
and to Archbishop John for their understanding and for accepting my
wish to retire from active ministry as an Auxiliary Bishop. As I begin
the transition to retirement I give thanks for the many ways the Lord
has blessed me over those years: through the kindness and wisdom of
Archbishops Michael, Kevin, Peter and John; through the support and
dedication of the priests, deacons and religious of the Archdiocese;
and through the prayers and witness of so many lay people. Do remember
me in your prayers in the weeks and months to come. I extend to you
every good wish and blessing.”
We offer Bishop Pat our sincere thanks and love as he moves into a new
expression and pace of ministry. We very much look forward to him
continuing to be part of the life of the Archdiocese and assure him of
our heartfelt prayers and support.
+ John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark
28 November 2020
Awaiting the Return: #28
Days
As we come within sight of the end of a second period of national
lockdwn, the photographer of the Catholic Bishops' Conference has been
visiting parishes in London throughout this period and the result is a
unique photographic project called Awaiting
the Return: #28Days, which conveys the celebration of Mass
in closed churches.
These striking daily black and white photos, which will doubtless
become a valuable historic record in the years ahead, demonstrate the
emptiness of our parishes without the people - the body of
Christ
- present to join in collective worship.
The images also show us the faithfulness of our priests in continuing
to celebrate Mass each day during this period. Although parishioners
have not been able to attend services, they have been continually held
in prayer, and our clergy have strived to bring God’s Light into the
world through the celebration of Mass at all times.
Throughout the Autumn 2020 lockdown, Archbishop John Wilson has been
concelebrating Mass with the Clergy of St George's Cathedral.
Recordings of each Mass and a variety of homilies, as well as messages
to various sections of our diocesan community, can be found
here, including his latest homily for the First Sunday of
Advent.
The First Sunday of Advent
Archbishop
John
Wilson will celebrate 10 am Mass via livestream from St George's
Cathedral, Southwark, for the 1st Sunday of Advent (29th November
2020). Join the service via https://youtu.be/xlYw2PZDrYI
We are beginning an Advent season like no other, leading up to a
Christmas celebration that may be quite different from previous years.
To help everyone focus on daily prayer the Southwark Spirituality
Commission is offering a brief reflection each day during
Advent. The reflection will look at one of the readings of the
day
and be delivered by email for use at a time to suit.
At the end of this challenging time of year the weeks may feel even
darker than usual. However, this presents an opportunity to discover
Advent in a new and deeper way: waiting for a light to grow in the
darkness, longing for the coming of our Lord, and of God’s Kingdom. It
is a time to embrace the darkness and loneliness and allow them to open
us up to a deeper longing .
Officials of the MHCLG have
asked for
individual Catholics to respond to this open consultation on the way
that the Government engages with faith communities. The link
to
the online submission can be found
here.
#Red Wednesday
On 25th November 2020 Aid to the Church in Need will be hosting an
online version of their well-known #Red Wednesday event, which seeks to
stand in solidarity with Christians who are persecuted for the peaceful
practice of their faith.
All are invited to join ACN as they launch an important report entitled 'Set Your Captives Free',
which explores the issue of Christians who are unjustly
detained.
This live-streamed event will take 4.30 pm and be chaired by Rehman
Chishti MP. Guest speakers will include Archbishop Kaigama of Abuja,
Nigeria, former MP Rob Flello and Maira Shahbaz, whose case of
abduction and terror is explored in the report. If you wish
to
join the event, please register in advance via this link:https://acnuk.org/event/redwednesday-digital-event/
Following the live-streamed report, Farm Street Church will be
broadcasting Mass, celebrated by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, at 6 pm.
During the Mass the online congregation will be led in prayer
for
Christians who have been kidnapped, attacked or killed, as well as
those who face discrimination or abuse on different levels because of
their faith. Please
register here in advance if you wish to attend the Mass
All are welcome to join
Archbishop John
Wilson for the celebration of Mass on the Solemnity of Christ
the
King at 10 am on Sunday 22nd November 2020. The
service
will be live-streamed from St George's Cathedral from the Diocesan
YouTube account.
Following
the Plenary Meeting of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
between 16th -19th November 2020, a Statement on Safeguarding has been
issued. Read
/ download a copy.
At the same time an independent review of the Catholic Church’s
safeguarding structures and arrangements in England and Wales.
Ian Elliott was the Independent Chair of the Review and the
resulting report was published on 20 November 2020. Mr
Elliott is an experienced safeguarding professional who has worked
across the world in the safeguarding field.
Many people in England are currently concerned as
to what form their Christmas celebrations might take, with
many
of us apprehensive as to whether we will get to spend time with loved
ones or join in a meaningful Church service. It is a disconcerting time
and we can only put our hope and trust in God that better days are
ahead.
Regrettably, our Christian brothers and sisters in Bethlehem
are
also facing a
Christmas season like no other. In ordinary circumstances the
Holy Land would be looking forward to welcoming approximately 1 million
pilgrims, many of whom would normally be seeking to visit the Church of
the
Nativity in the approach to the birth of Our Lord. However,
this
year the
hotels are largely empty, and with 80% of people in the area relying on
tourism, be they hoteliers, shop keepers, tour guides or taxi
drivers to name a few, the present worldwide health
situation has
proved devastating. There is no furlough scheme in the West
Bank,
so many workers have lost their jobs or had their hours seriously
reduced. Some have been fortunate to find other work, but the pandemic
has left many struggling to cope with the basic everyday costs of life.
Therefore, Southwark is asking parishoners to consider whether they
could lend their support to the Friends of the Holy Land through a gift
within their means, so that as fellow Christians we can offer
hope
and comfort to those in a vulnerable position in Bethlehem at
Christmas. This may be the only lifeline that Christians in
Bethlehem receive until life returns to normal.
In this short recording Archbishop Wilson encourages us all to
pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land also
informs us how we can help on a pracitcal level.
CYMFed: Come ‘Together’ For
Youth Funday and National Youth Sunday
After a year when so many of us have been separated from loved ones,
the theme “Together” has been chosen as schools are invited to the
first-ever National Youth Funday on Friday 20th November 2020.
Youth ministry teams from across England and Wales will host this
exciting live-streamed event, leading young people in prayer and fun
activities throughout the day. Cardinal Vincent Nichols will
start the event in prayer and music will be led by Joe Wells of One
Hope Project.
National Youth Funday is part of the build-up to National Youth Sunday,
which this year is on Sunday November 22, the feast of Christ the King.
This annual celebration is an opportunity to explicitly recognise young
people’s important contribution to the life of the local and universal
Church.
CYMFed, the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, is
behind both celebrations and has produced resources for this NYS on
behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
“The way we live, work,
study, play and pray have all been changed by the pandemic,”
says CYMFed project officer Dominque Finn.
“The most significant
change has been
not being able to do many of those things together. This year's theme
recognises what it means to be together, with ourselves, with others
and with God.
Pope Francis expresses
this
beautifully. ‘To come out of this crisis better than before, we have to
do so together; together, not alone. Together. Alone no, because it
cannot be done. Either it is done together, or it is not done. We must
do it together, all of us, in solidarity’.
With imposed distance
from others, we
may have felt an increasing distance between ourselves and God.
However, amid all these trials and hardships, God calls us to new
opportunities and a life of hope. We look forward to a time where we
can freely get together with family and friends.”
National Youth Funday starts at 9.45 am and ends with a closing liturgy
at 2.10p m. It will be live-streamed on CYMFed’s YouTube Channel, youtube.com/cymfed.
Those who wish to take part should register at nationalyouthsunday.com/nyfd.
Follow @NationalYouthSunday on social media for more details.
Mass for the
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Archbishop John Wilson will
celebrate Mass for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time at 10 am, live from
St George's Cathedral. All parishioners and those beyond the
Diocese are most welcome to join him this Sunday (15th
November) for this live-stream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SDhh-QQ8q8g
A list of readings and an Act of Spiritual
Communion can also be found below.
For those who find themselves unable to join Archbishop Wilson at 10
am, a variety of Masses will be taking place around Southwark during
the day: full details of the times of services and stream links can be
accessed here http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/streaming.html
Interreligous Greetings for
Deepavali
The Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue has today offered its greetings on the
occasion of Deepavali (Diwali), which is observed on 14 November
and marks a 5-day period of celebration.
Known widely as the
Festival of Lights, it is iintended to dispel fear and worry
with the light of friendship, respect, peace and love, clearing out the
dust of the past to make room for purity and new beginnings.
The Pontifical Council is charged with promoting interreligious
dialogue and interfaith cooperation. In their 25th annual
message the Council seek to maintain and cherish the positive things
present in both religious traditions, thereby promoting
Hindu-Christian dialogue and harmony at a variety of levels.
To read the full message from the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue, click
here.
St John's Seminary
Christmas Cards
St
John's Seminary Christmas Card
Each year the seminary student body at St John's Seminary in Wonersh
choses a number of charities to pray for and raise money towards. The
student team that coordinates this is called the One World Group.
This year the Group have chosen to support the following:
Mary's Meals
- A charity that provides meals for children in situations of
deprivation.
The Good
Counsel Network - A charity that supports women in
pregnancy to give birth to their children, and also campaigns against
the practice of abortion.
As St John's Seminary will be closing at the end of this academic year
and
our seminarians joining with those at Allen Hall (Westminster Diocese)
to complete their training and formation, this will be the last
opportunity to purchase St John's Seminary Christmas cards.
The cards are offered in packs of
10 and the text inside the card reads: 'May you be
richly
blessed with the peace and joy of Christmas'. The cost is
just £6 per pack plus postage.
Please send your request for these unique Christmas cards to oneworldgroup@wonersh.org and
support two excellent causes
in the process.
Nativity Christmas Card
Chief Operating Officer for
Birmingham Diocese
The Catholic Archdiocese of
Birmingham's
mission is to serve the people living within the Archdiocese,
supporting parish priests and the people in parish and school
communities, to worship and live according to Gospel values and to
evangelise within their local communities through the witness of their
lives.
The Diocese is home to five million people and serves a
Catholic
population of approximately 450,000 through a network of 217 parishes
and some 240 schools. While some congregations are shrinking,
others are seeing significant growth. Ensuring the Archdiocese manages
its resources to enable it to deliver its Mission is vital, and this is
the responsibility of our Chief Operating Officer (“COO”).
Working closely with the Archbishop, Area Bishops and the Vicar
General, the COO is responsible for the lay workforce, and the
financial and property resources of the Diocese. He or she will play a
lead role in developing and implementing the Diocesan Plan, modelling
principle of Co-Responsibility in the Archdiocese’s leadership between
the clergy and laity.
Key details:
Job title: Chief Operating Officer – Archdiocese of
Birmingham
Location: Birmingham
Contract tenure: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 p.a.
If you are interested in
finding out further details relating to this position please
click here.
Statement from the Catholic
Bishops' Conference of England and Wales on the Publication of the
IICSA Report
The
Catholic Church in England and Wales welcomes the Report from the
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse relating to the
institutional response of the Church in its duty of care to protect
children from sexual abuse and exploitation. We thank the
IICSA
Panel for their work. The Report will now inform the ongoing
reform and improvement of safeguarding in all aspects of the Church’s
life.
An important aspect of the Inquiry’s work was
the voice given to victims and survivors of abuse, including the
accounts which they gave of their subsequent engagement with the
Church. Listening attentively to their witness testimony has
brought into sharp relief the extent of the damage this sexual abuse
has had on their lives. We apologise to all victims and
survivors
who have not been properly listened to, or properly supported by
us. By listening with humility to those who have suffered, we
can
contribute to the healing of the wounds of abuse, as well as learn from
those most directly affected how we must improve the Church’s
safeguarding standards, policies and procedures.
This
is an ongoing task and one to which we are wholly committed. Child
sexual abuse is a crime. It is a crime that requires committed
vigilance and strict procedures to ensure reporting to the statutory
authorities. This is the Church’s policy. It is also why our
safeguarding work needs to be continually reviewed and
improved.
Where there have been failings and inconsistency in the application of
our safeguarding procedures, we acknowledge these and commit to actions
which will bring about improvement.
Abuse is an evil
act against the most vulnerable; it must never be excused or covered
up. Abuse committed against children and the consequent
damage to
people’s lives cannot be undone. For this, we apologise
without
reservation, and we are committed to listen attentively to the voices
of those who have been abused.
This report is an
important moment in our safeguarding journey in the Catholic Church in
our countries. It will now be considered in detail by us, the
Bishops, at our Plenary Assembly beginning next week so we can explore
how to integrate the findings of this important Inquiry into the life
and work of the Church in order to consistently safeguard children and
the vulnerable.
Press Enquiries
should be directed to Alexander Desforges (Director of News
for the Bishops’ Conference) email: alexander.desforges@cbcew.org.uk
National Catholic
Safeguarding Commission Reporting Policy
If
you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not
delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is
believed to be in immediate danger.
It is the policy
of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations
of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse
occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is
living or deceased.
If you are in any role within the
Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations
directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious
congregation, or directly to the Police. The Southwark Safeguarding
Office can be reached at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to
the police and also to the safeguarding
office in your diocese;
(the details of other diocesan safeguarding offices can be located
using the interactive map on the links page of the CSAS website – www.csas.uk.net
- contact details will be shown when you click on the relevant area of
the map). You can also contact CSAS by telephoning 07855 123398 or via
email at admin@csas.uk.net
CAFOD: Faith into Action
Building a better world after the pandemic
How can we build a better
world after
the pandemic: one where we respond to Pope Francis’s call and ensure
plans for recovering from the crisis tackle issues of poverty,
inequality and the climate emergency? This is
just one of
the questions that CAFOD will be asking on 14th November 2020 between
11 am - 4 pm, when they invite everyone to join them for a day of
online discussion and workshops led by practical theologian, Sam Ewell,
alongside climate campaigners from around the world.
CAFOD will look at how we can turn Pope Francis’s most recent call to
action into a reality, learning about his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti.
Participants will also hear from CAFOD’s Director of Advocacy, Neil
Thorns, on the crucial global talks the UK is hosting next year and
discuss the practical steps we need to take to rebuild our common home.
This event is open to everyone who is interested in campaigning with
CAFOD, whether new or experienced.
As we make our way through a second lockdown it is regrettable that we
cannot attend Mass in Church. However, it is still possible to enter
our churches for private prayer.
Lockdown has been challenging for many of us, and during this second
phase our clergy will be continuing to meet our needs through prayer,
phone calls, e-newsletters, live-streaming and parish zoom groups so
that we can continue to stay together as a spiritual family.
Southwark is fortunate to have a number of men in training for the
priesthood
and is very aware of the need to support their formation so that the
Archdiocese can
continue to meet our spiritual needs and provide excellent diocesan
priests into the future.
If you are interested in finding out more about the ecclesiastical
education and formation of our Southwark serminarians, you can
read about the inspiring calling of one recently ordained
young priest and his journey to Ordination. In addition, we
are pleased to offer
information about how you can support other men who are yet to complete
their training.
At 10 am on Sunday 8th November, Archbishop John Wilson offered
a live-streamed Requiem Mass for those who have died in
conflict, and
conducted an moving online Act of Remembrance in St George's Cathedral.Although
it is regrettable not to be able to share a Mass in person due to the
pandemic and government guidelines, it is possible to watch the service
by acccessing the Diocesan YouTube account or
by clicking here,
Whilst the service is beautiful and features some truly stunning
plainchant
sung by St George's Cathedral Choir, it is over 1 hour in length. For
this reason Southwark is delighted to share the Archbsihop's
Homily for Remembrance Sunday below, which is approximately 10
minutes in length. In his homily he outlines the fact that as
Christians we always have hope and he quotes Pope Francis:
Violence is not answered with
violence. Death is not answered
with the language of death. In the silence of the
Cross, the uproar of weapons cease and the language of
reconciliation, forgiveness,
dialogue and peace is spoken.
The new Apostolic Nuncio to
Great
Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, paid a courtesy call upon
Archbishop John on 29th October 2020
Archbishop John welcomed Archbishop Claudio warmly to the Archdiocese
of Southwark.
COVID-19 National Autumn
Lockdown
The
Prime Minister has indicated that churches will be required to forgo
public worship between Thursday 5th November - Wednesday 2nd December
2020 with the exception of Remembrance Sunday, when services
can take place in the open air (only) and with social distancing and in
place.
Churches may also open for private prayer during the Autumn lockdown
period.
For full details regarding the national autumn lockdown and worship
visit the CBCEW
website or to find out more about the wider situation with
regard to the pandemic in England visit GOV.UK
Letters by Archbishop John
Wilson
Archbishop John Wilson has written two letters to the Clergy
of
the Archdiocese of Southwark as the Church celebrates the
Communion of Saints.
The first is a Letter
to Clergy on the Feast of All Saints,
which is being shared publicly as a source of comfort to all in these
uncertain times. Archbishop John seeks to offer reassurance and
guidance by encouraging us all to fix ours hearts and minds on our
unchanging God in these turbulent tiimes.
The second, published below, concerns
the proposed closure of
churches for public worship as
England faces a
second national lockdown. This is a communication for every
Catholic to reflect and act upon in terms of asking our Government to
be accountable and consider the wider spiritual well-being of its
citizens.
-----------
Dear Father, Dear Deacon
The President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Cardinal
Nichols, and the Vice-President, Archbishop McMahon, released a
Statement responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement of further
widespread restrictions in England beginning on Thursday 5 November. In
that televised statement, there had been no formal announcement
concerning Places of Worship; however, the guidance later published on
the Government’s own website stated that places of worship will be
required to end all acts of collective worship from that date, with the
exception of funerals.
As has been made clear in the Bishops’ Statement, Faith communities
have played, and continue to play, a vital role in offering support in
diverse and essential ways to hundreds of thousands of people in all
sections of the community, especially the most vulnerable and
marginalised; and that this “critical service towards the common good
of all is created and sustained by communal worship and prayer”.
For Catholics, loving our neighbour and loving God are realised
perfectly in our celebration of the Eucharist, through which the Lord
Jesus shares himself in his risen life. This is the loving mystery
which we, as disciples of the Lord Jesus, take out in service to the
world.
In order that we might do as the Lord has commanded, Catholics have
acted with great care and responsibility in the way churches have
reopened, thus enabling the essential worship of God to be celebrated
in a safe and organised way.
As
the President and Vice-President make clear in their statement,
the Government has a profound responsibility to show why it has taken
this particular decision to prohibit the public celebration of the
Liturgy; to do otherwise, would risk losing the good-will and unity
needed at this difficult time.
The draft legislation is due to be brought before Parliament on Monday
2 November. In this short timeframe I would urge all priests and
deacons to encourage the faithful to raise this matter with their
constituency MPs, asking that questions be raised in the House
regarding the publication of the data which has driven this regrettable
decision to cease public common worship.
With every blessing
Yours sincerely in Christ
Most Rev John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark
Ordination of David Daly
Many congratulations to
David Daly, who was ordained as a
Permanent Deacon for Southwark in St George's Cathedral on Saturday
31st October 2020. We wish him every joy and many
blessiings in his ministry at St John Fisher parish in Kidbrooke, where
he will serve.
On
Sunday 1st November we celebrate the Feast of Alll Saints, which is a
Holy
Day of Obligation. The celebration of All Saints' Day, and
subsequently, All Souls (2nd November) arises from
the belief that there is a spiritual link between those in heaven -
termed the
"Church Triumphant" - and the living - the "Church Militant".
In the early 8th Century Pope Gregory III transferred the
Feast
of All Saints from its former day of May 13th to November 1st.
This was to conincide with a
new chapel in St Peter's Basilica which he dedicated to all the saints
in heaven, both known and unknown. The Feast celebrates those
who have reached Heaven, and these individuals are honoured throughout
the Universal Church, whilst on All Souls' Day we pray for those still
on their journey to Heaven (the Church Suffering). If you wish to attend Mass on All
Saints' Day or All Souls' Day, please visit our Southwark
Directory to
find your nearest church and their service times. http://directory.rcsouthwark.co.uk
Some Catholics may be uncertain about the relation of Hallloween, which
falls on 31st October and is known more traditionally as 'All Hallows
Eve', to this special time of remembrance in the Church's year. To
offer some context,
it was customary in historic Catholic Europe to hold pious celebrations
the day before a solemnity. This comes from a time when people’s lives
generally moved in tandem with the liturgical calendar. All Hallows Eve
would have been kept as a vigil the evening before All Saints Day and
the current secular interpretation of Halloween is not in resonance
with its true origin. This three-day period of All Hallows Eve, the
Solemnity of All Saints and the Feast of All Souls is
essentially intended to be a beautiful celebration of the Communion of
Saints.
For those who are seeking some creative alternatives for children
on All Hallows Eve, Southwark recommends Colour
and Shape on Facebook.
Ideas for Children include painting or dressing up as a favourite
Saint, or holding your own vigil and going for a lantern-lit
family walk.
Remembering loved ones
at home and online
Although
it is always preferable to attend Mass in person if you are able and
well enough to do so, those that cannot attend may interested to know
of two opportunities to remember loved ones online through
two Southwark based charities.
Jesuit Refuge Service UK: A Prayer Vigil of Witness and Solidarity Monday 2nd November at 5
pm
On the Feast of All Souls why not take some time to join with others in
an online community in order to to remember loved
ones? In
particular, JRS UK will be remembering the lives of
those who
died in the English Channel this week whiilst seeking safety and
refuge.
“Newman 101: Why Newman Matters”
– an online colloquium celebrating the 10th anniversary of
beatification and 1st of canonisation. Leading Newman scholars will
present short papers on different themes from Newman’s legacy. This
event will take place at 4pm on Saturday 31st October.
Father John
O'Callaghan
who died on Friday 16th October 2020
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday 18th October 2020 at
St John the Baptist Carriganimma
followed by burial at St Colman's Cemetery, Macroom, Co. Cork
May he rest in peace
World Mission Sunday
Sunday 18th October 2020
World Mission Sunday is the
one day in the year when the global Church comes together in support of
Mission, this year with the theme 'Here I am, send me'. This
special day is celebrated in every Catholic Community in the world, it
is a moment of grace to express solidarity with others in our community
who are living in situations of poverty, violence and
oppression
As Catholics we are called to support overseas mission through
prayer and
financially through Missio. On World Wission Sunday
2020, we are asked to honour the brave and selfless women and men
already making a huge difference around the world.
In his message for World Mission Sunday he says 'The Church continues
the mission of Jesus and send us everywhere so that through our witness
and the procalmation of the Gospel, God may continue to manifest his
love and transform hearts, societies and cultures'.
This World Mission Sunday please join Missio in helping missionaries
assist vulnerable communities so that we can bring the light of God in
situations of darkness.
As it is not possible to collect with red Missio boxes this year, the
charity has made it possible to donate online.
A gentle
reminder that all are invited to attend the second of three online
talks by Fr Nick
King on Wednesday 14th October between 7.30 pm and 9.15 pm.
This week's talk is on Discipleship and numbers already
indicate that it will be very popular.
If you would like to join Orpington Parish and the Agency for
Evangelisation and Catechesis for this event please register in advance
at Opington@rcaos.org.uk.
Please sign up by Tuesday evening if possible so that the
organisers can send you the handouts prepared by Fr Nick in
advance.
October is traditionally the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the
organisers of Rosary on the Coast wish to extend an invitation to
Catholics to join them in an intensive Rosary Whirlwind Mission for the
spiritual well-being of the British Isles and for its preservation from
degeneration, sickness and war.
Rosary Whirlwind is intended to invoke the intercession of Our Lady of
the Rosary, inviting a whirlwind of Heavenly Grace to blow where it
will across our nations.
The events will
take place from wherever you are
1. Every Night: An
invitation to a nightly online Rosary at 8 pm led from a different
Marian Shrine, Cathedral or Parish
2. On Tuesday October 13th: All
are asked to remember of Our Lady of Fatima (read about the Miracle
of the Sun)
You are invited to undertake the Rosary Whirlwind from wherever you
are. If you wish to do so you can siign-up your location on the Map at www.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk
Please remember to follow all local and government guidelines in
respect of COVID-19 at this time if you decide to meet as a group.
'The
more Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that
on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven"
- Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis was born in
London in 1991
to Italian parents, who moved to Milan shortly after his birth. He had
a deep faith from an early age with a special love for Our Lady,
frequently praying the rosary. He also had a great devotion to the
Eucharist and a routine of weekly confession. After celebrating his
First Holy Communion, at the age of seven, he rarely missed an
opportunity to receive the Eucharist at daily Mass.
He was highly gifted with
computers and
put his talents to good use by creating a website which catalogued
Eucharistic Miracles. Having developed leukemia, he offered his
suffering for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church, saying to his doctor
when asked if he was in pain "there are people who suffer much more
than me". His Eucharistic Miracles project was completed just
months before his death in 2006.
In 2013 a miracle took place involving a young boy from Brazil who
suffered from a rare pancreatic disease. The miracle was
attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis. The Holy Father
confirmed this miracle in a decree on 21 February 2020, enabling the
beatification of Carlo, which will take place this Saturday 10th
October 2020 at 4 pm (3pm BST) in the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi.
With
grateful thanks to CYMFed
CAFOD Harvest
As many families face chronic
food shortages, malnutrition and poverty as the result of coronavirus,
particularly in poorer countries around the world, CAFOD are
launching a series of online events around Family Fast Day between 8-11
October so that people can join together online and help to those who
are
most in need. Highlights will include:
Friday 9th October at 11 am: Fast Day Talk Live
Register here
Find out how CAFOD and the international Catholic Church
community are responding to the crisis and how can we all help
others survive, rebuild and heal.
Friday 9th October at 6
pm: Fast Day Mass Celebrated by the Rt Rev. Peter Brignall, Bishop of
Wrexham, from St Mary’s Cathedral. Register
to attend here.
Saturday 10th October at 12 noon: Global Family Food Event
Register here
Try some delicious food from around the world (for example, Malawian
Chocolate Slab or Sri Lankan Cashew Curry) and raise funds to transform
the lives of people overseas. Share recipes, have fun and hear about
CAFOD's work in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic around the world.
Saturday 10th October at
7 pm: 'Harvest like no other' quiz Register
here
Join CAFOD's 'Harvest Like No Other' Quiz: get competitive and help to
transform the lives of people in poverty.
Sunday 11th October at 10
am: Children's Liturgy
Reigster here
Join CAFOD on Sunday morning for a virtual Children's Liturgy of the
Word, when
they will be sharing a Bible reading, song, reflection and prayer.
Sunday 11th October at 7
pm: Prayer and Reflection
Reigster here
Bishop John Arnold, Chair of CAFOD’s Board of Trustees, will reflect on
the lessons of Pope Francis’ new catechesis, Healing the World, and
consider the significance of the new encyclical, Fratelli tutti..
Orpington
Parish
have organised three talks with the esteemed speaker, Fr Nick
King SJ, throughout this October.
These were originally intended to be parish or deanery based, but
with the present pandemic to be considered, increased
awareness of digital technology and with support from the new
Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, it has been possible to
transfer all
of the talks online.
The theme of
the talks, which will take place between 7.30 pm - 9.15 pm, will be as
follows:
7th
October: Evangelisation
14th
October: Discipleship
21st October: Fellowship
Each session will include a talk of approximately
one our
with a question and answer period of 30 minutes
afterwards. Handouts, which have kindly been prepared by Fr
Nick, will also be available in advance.
Should you wish to attend one or all three of
the webinars please register by emailing
orpington@rcaos.org.uk.
Pope Francis signs his
new Encyclical 'Fratelli tutti' in Assisi
On Sunday 4th October 2020, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the
Vatican released 'Tutti Fratelli', Pope Francis' latest
Encyclical which centres on social friendship. It is through
fraternity that the Holy Father encourages us all to form a new vision
for society in order to create a more just and peaceful world,
where war and indifference no longer have a place.
The title, offered in Italian rather than Latin, may be translated as
'Brothers and Sisters All' since it is written in a universal manner,
and takes its inspiration from St Francis' Admonitions:
'Let us
all, brothers, consider the Good Shepherd who to save His sheep bore
the suffering of the Cross.”
In recent weeks, we have considered the extensive needs of the
environment, creating a sustainable ecology and healing the Earth of
the various imbalances that humanity has sadly created. Thie new
Encyclical is, in many ways an extension of that healing to humanity
through love and fraternity. Pope Francis asks us to consider
how
we might do more than heal our common home, post-pandemic. He
encourages us through this global letter to imagine a more
congruent world where we we can live in harmonious relationship with
the earth, with each other and with our Creator.
A long summary of Fratelli Tutti can be found
here, courtesy of Vatican News
A Prayer to the Creator
Lord, Father of our human famiily,
you created all human beings equal of dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter
dialogue, justice and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war.
May our hearts be open
to all the people and nations of the earth.
May we recognise the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects,
and shared dreams. Amen.
- Pope Francis Fratelli tutti
Stella Maris Centenary Mass
This year Catholic charity Stella Maris
(formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is celebrating 100 years of
its support to seafarers, fishers, and their families. To mark the
beginning of their centenary year they will be holding a live-streamed
Mass direct from Glasgow.
Please join Stella Maris online to share in this very special
celebration on Sunday 4th October 4th at 3pm. The Mass will be streamed
live at www.stellamaris.org.uk/centenarymass
Ten years ago...
Visit of Pope Benedict to the UK
2010: 16 - 19 September
Ten years ago, Pope
Benedict the XVI visited the United Kingdom from the 16th September to
19th September. Starting in Scotland and then travelling to England the
four-day event was a memorable occasion, not only for Catholics but
also for many others in our country.
The Visit was much in the news at the time and one decade on it is
possible to reminisce on the events of those four days. The Bishops’
Conference have a special Papal Visit website: thepapalvisit.org.uk
and our website too has the pages that has were created at the
time: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/papal_visit_10_visit.html.
During the Visit Pope Benedict visited the diocese, on day three, when
he went to St Peter’s Home, Vauxhall, the care home run by the Little
Sisters of the Poor.
Later that day he travelled to Hyde Park, where Archbishop Peter Smith
greeted him on behalf of the thousands of people gathered to join him
in Prayer.
A series of Flickr Albums
of visit are available online - Click
here to visit.
Also the Bishops' Conference Flickr site will over the next few days be
loading an album of photos of the visit: Click
here for details.
Agency for Evangelisation
and Catechesis
Vacancies: Evangelisation
and Outreach Advisor & Local Leadership Resource Co-ordinator
The
new diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis is looking to
appoint an Evangelisation and Outreach Advisor to join its team.
Together with the advisors for Catechesis and adult Formation, they
will support the parishes of the Archdiocese through the development of
resources and the recruitment and training a broad team of volunteers.
The
post holder will have had significant experience in evangelisation and
an informed understanding of Church teaching. They will need to be
proficient in putting such teaching across in an intelligible and
accessible manner and guiding people in practical terms.
The
post holder will be required to travel throughout the diocese and
occasionally work evenings and weekends. A DBS check will be required
for this post.
This is a full-time, home-based role, 35
hours per week including evenings and weekends, though job share is a
possibility. Salary £34,000-38,000 depending on experience. Click here for PDF of Job
description.
The
Agency is also seeking to recruit a Local Leadership Resource
Co-ordinator whose responsibilities will include the support and
development of the volunteer network, the management of data held by
the Agency and working with the advisory team to develop resources for
parish support.
The candidate must have outstanding skills
in data management and presentation of information for various
audiences, all informed by a sense of responsibility as a person
working in a professional capacity for the Church.
This full-time role will be based at either Bowen House (London) or
St
Edwards House (Orpington) and may require limited travel around the
diocese. A DBS check is required for this post. Salary £25,000-28,000
depending on skills and experience. Click here for PDF of Job
description.
For more information and the full job descriptions please email marknash@rcaos.org.uk
or to apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahwood@rcaos.org.uk.
Closing date for applications to both posts:
Wednesday 23rd September 2020
Agency for Catechesis and
Evangelisation
Today (3rd September)
is the Feast of Pope St Gregory the Great, whose work in the spreading
of the Good News of Jesus Christ included sending Augustine and his
monks as missionaries to England in 596 AD. The mission of spreading
the Good News continues today continues through the people, parishes
and schools of our Diocese. Therefore, it is wholly
appropriate
that today the Archdiocese announces the establishment of the new
diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis.
The new
Agency, which succeeds the Centre for Catholic Formation, will feature
an advisory team based around the three areas of evangelisation,
catechesis and formation. The team will work in an ongoing pattern of
consultation and collaboration with individual parishes and explore new
patterns of work in the coming months. The Agency’s primary
focus
will be on deepening working relationships with parishes and the many
apostolates in existence in the Archdiocese to better support, extend
and improve the works of evangelisation, catechesis and formation
already taking place.
Some of the key routes forward will be
to enhance online delivery and the development of a broad team of lay
volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your gifts
to
the Diocese on this basis, please get in touch with the Agency Director
by email: aec@rcaos.org.uk.
Additionally,
two new roles will be advertised shortly; Evangelisation and Outreach
Advisor and Local Leadership Coordinator. The latter role is designed
to support the volunteer network mentioned above. A PDF version of this statement
can be downloaded here.
World Day of Prayer for the
Care of Creation
Today, 1st September, is
the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Pope Francis inviites
us to prayer for our world which Gid has placed into our care as
stewards. In his Angelus address on Sunday Pope Francis spoke of this
World Day of Prayer and said "...from
this date [1/9],
until 4 October, we will celebrate, along with our fellow Christians of
different Churches and traditions, the 'Jubilee for the Earth'."
This month is a time of eccumenical partnership referred to as
the Season of Creation.
"The Season of Creation is
a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation
through repenting, repairing, and rejoicing together. During the Season
of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family
in prayer and action for our common home."
Papal Prayer Intention for September:
"Respect for the Planet’s Resources"
We pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered,
but shared in a just and respectful manner.
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Canon John McNamara who
died on Monday 31st August 2020
Funeral arrangements to follow.
May
he rest in peace
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Father
Charles Briggs who
died on Tuesday 25th August 2020
Funeral arrangements to follow.
May
he rest in peace
Lourdes 2020
At this time of the year
the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes would be taking place.
Southwark joins the annual Catholic Association Lourdes
Pilgrimage together with several other dioceses and other groups
travelling on the penultimate Friday of August and returning a week
later.
With the regulations, restrictions and quarantine requirements that the
COVID-19 pandemic have led to, the decision was made not to travel.
However, a "virtual pilgrimage" has been organised...
BE PART OF THE MIRACLE:
CA Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes
"For all who love Lourdes — particularly when coming
with people who are elderly, sick or who have disabilities — the
pilgrimage is a very personal and spiritual experience. As many of you
already know, in lieu of being able to be altogether in France this
year, The Catholic Association, along with relevant participating
groups and dioceses, including Southwark, will help to bring Lourdes
directly to you."
"With a selection of Masses, prayer-time and reflections available
online throughout the week, it will be as if we’re right there in the
Domain, as usual, between the 21st – 28th August 2020."
"The online pilgrimage will include adapted versions of many of our
usual Masses and devotions, along with reflections from a number of
pilgrims, young and old, sharing their experiences of Lourdes over the
years. You can see the full schedule and take part online by visiting www.bepartofthemiracle.co.uk"
"The first event will be an
opening address at 7.30 pm on Friday 21st August by the
Chair of the CA Pilgrimage, Bishop Paul Hendricks, who is also the
Auxiliary Bishop for the South West Area of Southwark."
"We particularly hope that you will join with people from all of the
Dioceses of the Catholic Association, on Monday 24th August at 7:30pm
for a Live Gathering on Zoom. This will be a chance to hear highlights
from previous trips together and enjoy some music too. We
would love for you to bring your own Miracle Moment to the Gathering
– a memory of a past pilgrimage – to share with the
group. You can either share your Miracle Moment live in the online
Gathering, or download and fill in the E-postcard below, sharing with
the CA Virtual Pilgrimage Team on social media (Twitter, Instagram
or Facebook,
using the hashtag #BePartOfTheMiracle)
or sending to hello@catholicassociation.co.uk."
"We will also be posting some mementos of last year's pilgrimage
throughout the week on Southwark social media, to remind us of a very
happy week last year in Lourdes in 2019.
If you or a friend are unable to access the schedule online or would
like some guidance on how to access the virtual pilgrimage, please do
get in touch and somebody will gladly assist or send a schedule.
We want everybody to be able to get involved so please don’t hesitate!"
Email: contact@catholicassociation.co.uk
or dco@rcaos.org.uk
Enjoy the Pilgrimage!
Livestream Mass: St Oscar
Romero
Saturday 15th August
A 12.30pm Mass will be
livestreamed from St George's Cathedral on Saturday 15th August to mark
the 103rd anniversary of the birth of Saint Oscar Romero. Join Mgr
Canon John O'Toole, the celebrant for the Mass, via YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5pOWykDRh4v042c7n_vYA
Congratulations
Archbishop
John Wilson
Archbishop John celebrated
his silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood on the 29th July
a few days after the first anniversary of his installation as
Archbishop of Southwark. Although he was unable to mark his jubilee
with a public Mass he streamed a Mass from the Cathedral. The Mass is
available to rewatch on Youtube:
Part one - youtu.be/ljRkwUnz2ZA
& Part two - youtu.be/PDITyg-T-iA
Four
Newly Ordained Priests
During July Archbishop John
ordained four men to the priesthood. Due to the current restrictions
they were ordained at separte Masses over two weekends and only a
limited number of guests could attend. The Diocese welcomes to the
Presbyterate of Southwark:
Father Giovanni Prandini,
ordained 17th July
Father John Howard, ordained 18th July
Father Peter Sebastian, ordained 25th July
Father Dermott O’Gorman, ordained 26th July
Archbishop John was delighted to be able to ordain these men for the
Archdiocese, and they were the first priests he had ever ordained.
The homilies Archbishop John gave at the Masses are available online at
his site "The
Hope Within You", click here to visit. Marcin Mazur, the
photographer from the Bishops' Conference, was able to attend
three of the ordinations and a selection of photographs are online - a
professional photograher and member of Father John Howard's family was
able to take photos for him. Links to the other albums are here: Fr
Giovanni, Fr
Peter, and Fr
Dermott.
The newly ordained will take up their first priestly pastoral
appointments after the summer. Please pray for them as they begin this
next stage of their faith journey:
Father Giovanni Prandini,
appointed to Balham Parish
Father John Howard, appointed to Canterbury Parish
Father Peter Sebastian, appointed to Croydon West Parish
Father Dermott O’Gorman, appointed to the Cathedral Parish
Monsignor
Canon John O'Toole
Many congratulations to
Canon John O’Toole, the former Dean of
St George’s Cathedral, and now Episcopal Vicar for Kent, who has been
given the honoury appointment as a 'Chaplain to His Holiness' by
Pope Francis, and so may use the title ‘Monsignor’. This appointment
is in recognition of his work in the service of Dialogue and
Unity at the Bishops’ Conference.
Vacancy: Safeguarding
Officer
The Archdiocese is seeking to appoint a Safeguarding Officer on a fixed
term contract, to join our team supporting the operation of our
safeguarding provision across the diverse area that the Archdiocese
supports. The post will be based in Southwark, but will require travel
across the region. As part of the Safeguarding Team the sucessful
applicant will be responsible to the Head of Safeguarding in responding
to concerns or complaints affecting the safety and welfare of young
people and Adults at Risk. The role is primarily
responsibile for progressing safeguarding plans, completing
risk assessments, case reviews and data input. The successful
candidate will be degree educated with a professional qualification in
safeguarding/child protection and broad ranging safeguarding experience
including advising on a range of safeguarding issues and making
referrals to statutory agencies. Outstanding communication skills are
also essential. The post holder will be required to travel
throughout the Diocese and occasionally work evenings and/or
weekends/be on call.
This is initially a 6 month fixed term contract. 35 hours per
week including evenings and weekends. Salary c. £33,000
depending on experience.
Archbishop John Wilson to
celebrate Mass marking his Silver Jubilee of priestly ordination
On Wednesday 29 July
Archbishop John Wilson celebrates the twenty fifth anniversary of his
ordination as a priest, his Silver Jubilee. In the evening of the 29th
he will be celebrating Mass in St George's Cathedral at 7pm. The Mass
will be livestreamed via the Diocesan YouTube Channel, and will be
accessible via the following link: https://youtu.be/ljRkwUnz2ZA
Due to restrictions it is not possible for Archbishop John to celebrate
his Jubilee in person with family, friends, former parishioners and
people from the different dioceses that he has served in. He hopes that
the livestream Mass will enable many people to join him in thanking God
for the gift of priesthood and the many other gifts that the Almighty
has given to him.
Ad Multos Annos.
Livestream Mass for the
Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers
and those working in Social Care
The Bishops' Conference of
England and Wales have organised a series of Masses broadcast on the
internet on Thursday evenings over the past several weeks. The next
Mass, Thursday 2nd July, will be celebrated by Archbishop John at 7pm
from St George's Cathedral. It will be broadcast via YouTube. Visit
the Diocesan YouTube Channel by Clicking here.
The direct link to the Livestream is: https://youtu.be/i9E6KwpYD08
Please Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Livestream Mass
for Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
Archbishop
John celebrated Mass at 10am on Sunday 28th June, marking the
solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Mass was live streamed from
St George's Cathedral, Southwark.
"On Tuesday we heard the
announcement that, from the 4th July this year, places of worship will
be able to reopen for prayer and services. We welcome this news with
great joy... Now, in our churches, and with our people, we can look
forward again to celebrating the central mysteries of our faith in the
Holy Eucharist."
"We want to thank everyone within the Catholic community for sustaining
the life of faith in such creative ways, not least in the family
home..."
"With the easing of restrictions on worship with congregations, we
tread carefully along the path that lies ahead... We must now rebuild
what it means to be Eucharistic communities..."
"It is important to reaffirm that, at present, the obligation to attend
Sunday Mass remains suspended. A significant number of churches may
remain closed as they are unable to meet the requirements for opening
for individual prayer. Fulfilling these
requirements is a precondition for any church opening after the 4th
July for the celebration of Mass with a congregation."
"We ask every Catholic to think carefully about how and when they will
return to Mass... Given there is no Sunday obligation, we ask you to
consider the possibility of attending Mass on a weekday. This will ease
the pressure of numbers for Sunday celebrations and allow a gradual
return to the Eucharist for more people."
"As we prepare to gather again to worship, let us, respectful of each
other, come together in thanksgiving to God for the immense gift of the
Holy Eucharist.
Yours devotedly in Christ
✠ Vincent Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
✠ Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool
✠ Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham
✠ John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark"
Livestream Mass
for 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Archbishop John will be
celebrating Mass at 10am on Sunday 21st June which will be live
streamed from St George's Cathedral, Southwark.
The Mass will be on YouTube via this link: https://youtu.be/0nZp2ll6TvE,
an order of service is available by clicking
here.
Please subscribe to our YouTube
channel
"No Place for Racism" A Message from your Bishops to
the Young People in Catholic Schools in the
Archdiocese of Southwark
Archbishop John, Bishop Pat
Lynch, Bishop Paul Hendricks and Canon John O'Toole, have prepared a
message addressed particularly to the young people. Below are two
extracts from the message:
"Racism is incompatible with
the Catholic Faith. Whether expressed by the attitudes or behaviour of
an individual, or the behaviour of a group, or through unjust
structures in society that exclude and discriminate, there is no place
for racism at any time or in any place. We say this again: there is no
place for racism."
"Dear young friends, we want you to use your passion for justice to
make a difference to your schools and parishes, your neighbourhoods and
communities. Make them places where the gifts and skills, the
experience and heritage, of all people, of every background, are
honoured, valued, cherished and celebrated. There is no place for
racism. Let us work side by side to make it part of our history, not
part of our present or of our future together."
Early in June a
statement was issued on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' of
England and Wales "We
stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the USA as they
challenge the evil of racism and the brutal killing of George Floyd."
(click
here to read the full statement).
At the request of Archbishop John, Fr Victor Darlington, Parish Priest
of Sacred Heart Parish, Camberwell, recorded a pastoral response
reflecting on the evil and injustice of racism. The video is
below and also on our YouTube Channel - clcik here to view in
YouTube.
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Archbishop John, continuing
his live stream broadcast of Masses, on Sunday 14th June celebrated a
10am Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi from St George’s
Cathedral, Southwark. The Mass is available to watch again via
YouTube with this link: https://youtu.be/fKQzTmkTMDk
An order of service can be downloaded by clicking here and
the text of the homily is available online Here
on Archbishop John's 'The Hope Within You' site.
At the end of Mass Archbishop John processed with the Blessed Sacrament
to the balcony over the West Door of the Cathedral and gave a
blessing to the diocese. A short video of this blessing can be viewed
by Clicking Here:
https://youtu.be/mlfRsTAB7Jo
Corpus Christi Live Stream Mass
Blessing after Mass from the entrance door balcony.
Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Pastoral Letter
Concerning the Reopening of Catholic Churches
for Individual Prayer
"...As we know, places of
worship, including Catholic churches, were closed by the Government to
control the spread of the Coronavirus infection and save lives. As the
restrictions have begun to be relaxed, we are very grateful that
permission has now been given for places of worship to reopen for
individual prayer from Monday 15 June. This can only happen, however,
if all the necessary hygiene and social distancing measures have been
put in place. We welcome this first step towards the restoration, in
due course, of public liturgical celebrations with a congregation..."
"...For any church to open from 15 June, strict requirements must be
put in place which have been communicated to every parish in the
Archdiocese. To be allowed to open their church, each parish will need
to satisfy all the necessary conditions outlined. This means that not
every church will open immediately, and some churches may remained
closed for the time being. The days and times which churches can open
will also vary..."
"...We all look forward to being able to gather again in our churches,
especially for the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. Until this is
possible, as best we can, we will open our churches for individual
prayer."
On Tuesday the 9th June,
Archbishop John celebrated a livestream Mass in the Cathedral on the
Memoria of St Columba, the patron of the Knights of St Columba. Having
been contacted in May by Mr Bertie Grogan, the
current Supreme Knight, Archbishop John was pleased to be able
to say Mass for them. The Mass is available on YouTube - Click here to watch.
A copy of the text of the homily is online - click
here to visit the page on Archbishop John's "The Hope Within You"
website.
Solemnity of
the Most Holy Trinity
The first Sunday in
Ordinary Time after Easter is always a celebration of the Most Holy
Trinity. Archbishop John will be celebrating Mass in the Cathedral at
10am, 7th June, on this Solemnity. This Mass will be live streamed on
YouTube at the this link: https://youtu.be/L44BrD7SdCs
An order of service is available to download by clicking
here.
Please subscribe to our YouTube
Channel
Video Message
to Catechumens and Candidates
Archbishop John recorded a
special message to all the Catechumens and Candidates, people who had
been preparing for the Sacraments of Initialion or to be received in to
the Church during the Easter season. During the Pentecost Sunday Mass
Homily he spoke particularly to them, but also made this video:
Letter to Prime
Minister from Archbishop John
Wilson
Archbishop John wrote to
the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, this week expressing his
understanding of "a
growing sense of dissatisfaction" particularly as our
churches are not yet permitted to open where a growing number of retail
outlet will soon open their doors.
"Religious faith can
help support people, both directly and indirectly, with respect to
their wellbeing. Access to places of worship is integral to this." Archbishop John also wrote to all MP's with constituancies
in the Diocese.
Archbishop John will
livestream his 10am Mass from the Cathedral on YouTube, via the
following link: https://youtu.be/L8cYujY5u4M
An order of service is available via this link: https://bit.ly/2XiMH2B
Text of Archbishop John's
homily available by clicking
here.
National Rosary Rally 9am to 9pm
(3pm: Southwark's allocated hour)
Pope Francis is encouraging
Catholics to pray the Rosary in their homes during the month
of May, especially when the Pandemic is making us aware of the value of
our families and making it possible for us to pray together in lockdown
at home. He encourages simple Rosaries and joining online Rosary
initiatives to pray to Our Lady for deliverance from Covid-19 and he
has composed two prayers for this intention. We are invited to
join in an initiative that follows on the Pope’s request, the Pentecost
Sunday National Rosary Rally, from 9.00am to 9.00pm across Scotland
England and Wales. Our Diocese has been asked to pray a
Rosary Hour at 3pm and Archbishop John warmly invites us to take part.
Timetable for the Dioceses
09.00am Arundel & Brighton,
Northampton and HM Forces
10.00am Birmingham, Nottingham &
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy
11.00am Brentwood & Plymouth
12 Noon Cardiff, Portsmouth &
Dunkeld
1.00pm Clifton, Salford & St.
Andrews & Edinburgh
2.00pm East Anglia, Shrewsbury, Aberdeen
3.00pm Hallam, Southwark
4.00pm Hexham & Newcastle,
Wrexham, Ordinariate OLW, Galloway
5.00pm Lancaster, Westminster, Argyll
& the Isles
6.00pm Leeds, Polish Catholic Mission
& Glasgow
7.00pm Liverpool, Middlesbrough &
Motherwell
8.00pm Menevia, Paisley & Syro
Malabar Eparchy
9.00pm Rosary Rally will end with a final
online Rosary & Blessing
from
Bishop John Keenan at St. Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisely.
(It does not matter what time
during the specified hour that the Rosary is
prayed.)
Come Holy Spirit
& Renew the Face of the Earth
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Father
Francis Hartley
who
died on Thursday 28th May 2020
Due to the
suspension of public worship, a private liturgy will take place. In due
course an In Memoriam Mass will be arranged.
May
he rest in peace
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Father
Edmund (Ed) Hartley
who
died on Tuesday 26th May 2020
Due to the
suspension of public worship, a private liturgy will take place. In due
course an In Memoriam Mass will be arranged.
May
he rest in peace
May - the month
of Mary
Archbishop John invites
everyone in the Diocese to join him for a special online gathering on
Wednesday 27th May. He will be leading a live streamed May
Devotions, including a Scriptual Rosary at 7pm from the Catherdral. At
this time when we are asked to be more isolated than usual it is an
opportunity to "spiritually gather" together.
Archbishop John celebrated
a live streamed Mass for the Seventh Sunday of Easter in the Cathedral
on Sunday 24th May. The recording, divided into two parts can be
watched on YouTube via the following links: https://youtu.be/7zos2U0S97M
then https://youtu.be/n6n50g5mhR0
Archbishop John has made the text of his homily available online. Click
here to visit the homily page.
The Ascension of the Lord
21st May 2020: Today is the
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, when the Church marks Jesus
Christ's physical return to the Father 40 days after His resurrection.
Archbishop John will be celebrating a live streamed Mass for the
Solemnity from St George's Cathedral at 7pm. The Mass will be
broadcast via YouTube, accessible via this link: https://youtu.be/8iIhKL4YA7o
an order of service has been prepared and is available as a PDF using
this link: https://bit.ly/3cXVOeF
- the text of the homily can be read online by clicking
here.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Archbishop John celebrated a
livestream Mass in the Cathedral for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. A
recording of the Stream can be accessed on YouTube by clicking here
or viewed below.
Updated: Mass for Ascension Thursday will also be live streamed at 7pm from the
Cathedral - use this link to set a reminder on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8iIhKL4YA7o
- Please also subscribe to our YouTube channel "RC Southwark"
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Archbishop John celebrated Mass
in St George's Cathedral for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, which was live
streamed on YouTube. The recording of the Mass is available below or
via by clicking
here.
Next Sunday, 17th May, the Mass
Archbishop John will celebrate at 10am will also be live streamed via
YouTube.
This link: https://youtu.be/lmLlFN3u3rc
will take you to the scheduled live stream page where a reminder can be
set.
Please subscribe to our Diocesan
YouTube Channel: RC Southwark.
Vocations Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of
the Easter Season, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is the international
World day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.
Although we remain in lockdown, we are encouraged to pray for
Vocations. We pray for all who have heard God’s invitation to ordained
ministry and religious life, most especially those who are on their
formation journey to ordination or solemn profession. We also pray for
all those who are discerning if God is calling them or who have yet to
recognise His call.
Pope Francis has written a message for Vocations Sunday, entitled
"Words of Vocation" - click
here for the full text in English.
He reflects on the "the
remarkable experience of Jesus and Peter during a stormy night on the
Sea of Galilee" from St Matthew's
Gospel (14:22-33), using the image of the disciples
crossing the lake to evoke our own life’s journey.
The "Diocesan Vocations"
page on the website has some information on ordained ministry in
Southwark, along with contact information for those seeking more
information.
One of our recently ordained priests, Fr Francis Murphy, has written a
short reflection on his journey to priesthood: Click here to read
more.
The Diocese has several students in formation for the priesthood. Four
of these students have written about their response to God's call. Click here to read more.
The Diocesan Seminary, St John's Seminary in Wonersh, annually produces
a Seminary magazine. The 2019 edition has been made available to the
Diocese. It can be downloaded in PDF format by
clicking here (205mb file)
Archbishop
John will celebrated a Live Streamed Mass from the St George's
Cathedral for the Third Sunday of Easter, 26th April.
A this Mass is available to watch by clicking this YouTube
link: youtu.be/AdN5cFM-6nw. Please subscribe to our
YouTube channel.
At the end of the Mass Archbishop John informed those watching that he
would celebrate a 10am Mass livestreamed from the Cathedral on
the following Sunday, 3rd May.
A message of Joy
The
Staff of Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Folkestone, have worked
together to send a series of messages to the children of their
school, joined together in a video.
Although directed at the local children, Archbishop John when he saw it
wrote: "It’s very
uplifting and should be shared". Click
here, or on the picture below, to visit the
website of the Stella Maris School to watch.
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Father
Gerry Flood
who
died on Sunday 19th April 2020
at
the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.
Due to the
suspension of public worship, a private liturgy will take place. In due
course an In Memoriam Mass will be arranged.
May
he rest in peace
Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday
Archbishop John celebrated a Live Streamed Mass from
the St George's Cathedral on Sunday 19th April, the Second Sunday of
Easter. A recording of this Mass can be viewed by clicking
this YouTube link: youtu.be/DC9wzn4Wu-k .
Easter Sunday of the
Resurrection of the Lord
Christus Resurrexit! Christ is Risen!
Following the Easter Vigil Mass in the Cathedral, Archbishop John
recorded an Easter Message for the people of the Archdiocese. The video
is above and a PDF version of the text is available by Clicking Here
During the Vigil Archbishop John
blessed and lit the new Pascal Candle.
Good Friday
Archbishop
John has recorded a short video for Good Friday particularly for young
people, especially for all those who will be at School on this day and
for the staff who are helping them.
Holy Week 2020
The
Wednesday of Holy Week is the day when 'normally' the Archdiocese of
Southwark would gather to celebrate the Chrism Mass. During this Mass
the Archbishop would bless the Holy Oils and the priests would renew
the promises they made at the Ordination. 2020 is, sadly, an exception
to the norm, due to the restrictions in place to limit the spread of
COVID-19. The Chrism Mass has been postponed, not cancelled, and will
hopefully take place later in the year.
Archbishop John has written a letter to the priests in the Archdiocese,
including a reflection on the readings which would have been heard at
the Chrism Mass. He has asked that this letter be made available on the
website - Click
Here for PDF copy of the letter. He includes with the letter
a "Personal Renewal of Priestly Commitment" which he invites all
priests to prayerfully say before the Blessed Sacrament.
Archbishop John will be celebrating the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum
and Easter in the Cathedral. We are all invited to pray at home with
our Parish communities during this most holy of weeks. Where possible
look up the times of liturgies for the next few days on you Parish
website and spiritually join the priest in the celebrations. Several of
the Parishes will be live-streaming their services: visit our Streaming page HERE for
details of churches were the Diocese has been told this is happening.
Although the Cathedral is unable to live-stream the closed liturgies
that Archbishop John will be celebrating and parishioners are unable to
attend, the times are: Maundy Thursday
- Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7.00 pm Good Friday
- The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord - 3.00 pm Holy Saturday
- The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night - 8.30 pm Easter Day
- Mass during the Day of the Resurrection - 10.00 am
Little Retreat for Holy Week Day
three - conclusion
Archbishop
John has prepared a series of three short meditations to form "A Little
Retreat for Holy Week". The third and final of these videos is
now available (see below). Below the video are links to all
three videos.
Join
Archbishop John for the final day of a
A Little Retreat for Holy Week
Archbishop John celebrated the
Palm Sunday Mass in the Cathedral today. He has recorded a reflection
video of his homily for the Mass:
Please subscribe to our
YouTube Channel
Following the instructions for
Cathedrals in the Vatican Decree,
Archbishop John blessed the Palms at the start of the Mass. These will
be made available to the Cathedral Parish when the restrictions are
lifted.
Blessing Palms
Archbishop John walks to
the Sanctuary through the empty Cathedral
Prayers at the Altar
Archbishop John will be celebrating Mass in the Cathedral during the
Triduum. Please pray with him from your homes. The Masses, in the
closed Cathedral, will be:
Maunday Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7.00pm
Good Friday - The Passion of the Lord - 3.00 pm
The Easter Vigil - Saturday night - 8.30 pm
Easter Sunday Mass - 10.00 am
Live Streaming
A number of Parishes
are providing Live Streaming (or close recordings) of Mass online. Click here to visit a list
of those Parishes that the Diocese have been told are using this useful
tool.
Day of Prayer for
Survivors of Abuse
Friday 3rd April 2020 is set
aside as a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of
Abuse. The Bishops of England and Wales have chosen the Friday
of the Fifth Week of Lent to annually be especially marked for this day
of prayer.
A Prayer for Healing &
Reconciliation
Praise to you Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ the source of all
consolation and hope. Be the refuge and
guardian of all who suffer from abuse
and violence.
Comfort them and send
healing for their wounds of the
body, soul and spirit. Help us all and make us
one with you in your love for justice as we deepen our
respect for the dignity of every human life.
Giver of peace, make us
one in celebrating your praise, both now
and forever. We ask this through
Christ our Lord. Amen
Prepared by
Northampton Diocese
Burial Liturgy for
Archbishop Peter Smith RIP
The Burial of the Most Reverend Peter Smith, Archbishop emeritus of
Southwark, took place on Monday 30th March. Due to the restrictions in
place to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the liturgy had to be
carried out in private. In keeping with diocesan custom the coffin of
Archbishop Peter was buried in the Cathedral Crypt.
Archbishop John places a Mitre on the Coffin of Archbishop Peter Smith
Archbishop John Wilson
preached during the liturgy and a copy of his text (in PDF format) can
be downloaded by clicking
here.
A recording of the homily, accompanied by some photographs, is
available on YouTube:
A collage of items
relating to Archbishop Peter, his life, faith & ministry
A small number of other photos are on the Diocesan Flickr
page. Click here to view.
Re-dedication of England as
Dowry of Mary
Join Archbishop John in this
YouTube video as, joining Bishops and others all over the country, he
re-dedicates England as the Dowry of Mary:
Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi
blessing
by Pope Francis
The Vatican have announce that
Pope Francis will lead a special prayer service from the Vatican, to be
broadcast around the world on Friday
27th March. This service will include the Urbi et Orbi blessing - to
the city and the world. This blessing, in recent years, is usually only
given at Easter and Christmas, and is a special outreach by the Holy
Father at this time when the world is suffering the effects of the
coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis says: “I
invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of
communication” Writing earlier he wrote that "We want to respond to the virus
pandemic with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness.
Let us stay united."
"Behold2020"
Rededication of England
as the Dowry of Mary
Archbishop
John speaks about the invitation to join in the Rededication of England
as the Dowry of Mary. This moment of prayer is planned for 12noon on
Sunday 29th March. For more information visit: www.behold2020.com
Statement from Archbishop
John Wilson
To the Catholic Church in
the Archdiocese of Southwark
following the Prime Minister’s Address to the Nation concerning the
Coronavirus
In his
Address to the Nation the Prime Minister outlined the necessary steps
that we must now take to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The
Government has mandated the ‘closure
of all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and
electronic stores, and other premises including libraries, playgrounds
and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.’
This means that, until
further notice, and with immediate effect, all the churches and chapels
within the Archdiocese of Southwark, together with their associated
halls, must now close their doors to the public. This policy must be
implemented without exception. It is imperative that we, the clergy,
consecrated religious, and laity of the Archdiocese of Southwark,
comply fully with these directives. This is an essential component of
our contribution to fighting the Coronavirus and living out the Lord
Jesus’ commandment to ‘love
our neighbour.’ (Mk 12:31)
Given that our priests
live adjacent to their churches, there will still be the private
celebration of Mass each day, but there must be no additional people
present other than the priest himself. The doors to all our churches
and chapels must remain permanently locked until these restrictions are
lifted.
The Prime Minster also
stated that all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other
ceremonies, but excluding funerals, must cease. The Catholic Bishops of
England and Wales have already put in place restrictive measures in
relation to baptisms, marriages and funerals which must continue to be
followed.
Although we are
socially isolated from each other, we are not isolated from Christ. Now is a time to
strengthen our spiritual bonds of connection through personal prayer
and the intensification of our inner relationship with Christ. We will
continue to use social media to sustain our communal online presence, with
the live-streaming of Mass and devotions from different churches
within our Archdiocese and beyond. For the time being, our buildings
must close; but our hearts must open wider, expanding with love for
Christ and others.
Dear friends, the
yearning in our hearts for the Eucharist and for fellowship with one another must
sustain us until we come, once more, to gather at the altar to offer
together the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We take inspiration from the
Apostle St Paul writing to the first Christians in Rome: ‘…hardship develops perseverance,
perseverance develops character, character produces hope and hope does
not disappoint, since the love of God has been poured into our hearts
by the Holy Spirit given to us.’ (Rom 5:3-5) We are people
of profound hope. We will remain firm in faith and generous in charity,
through Christ the 'hope
of glory,’ alive within us.
(cf. Col 1:27)
Let
us pray for all those working to overcome the effects of the
Coronavirus and all those affected by it. Please also be sure of my
prayers for you, for your families and for your loved ones. And,
please, pray for me and all your bishops, priests, and deacons, who
hold you in their hearts and prayers.
With every blessing Yours devotedly in
Christ +John
The Most Reverend John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark
Given at Archbishop’s
House, Southwark, 23 March 2020
Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
Recorded in
the Lady Chapel of St George's Cathedral, Southwark
Archbishop John gives a
refelection on the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (John 9:1-41)
and sends his prayers to all mothers.
Message for
those involved in Catholic Education in the Archdiocese
Resources
for Catholics
Recorded in
the Archbishop's Private Chapel on the Feast of St Joseph
As we face together the unusual situation in England and Wales of not
being able to attend public worship due to the present health crisis,
we would like to offer parishioners in Southwark and beyond a number of
helpful resources to continue their prayer life and connect to the
Catholic community.
Several Parishes within
the Archdiocese live-stream Mass each weekend. We have compiled a list
of those that currently do so, along with links to each
stream. Please check the times of services since these may
change from the normal advertised routine in the present circumstances.
The Catholic Centre
for Formation have also produced the following graphic of
suitable prayers. we may say these, and make a spiritual communion at
any point. Please download
here.
CAFOD
Children's Liturgy
Young people are
perhaps most comfortable with the internet and social media.
Whilst we cannot gather together physically, we are still
able to come together as a community in prayer. To this end we are
pleased to share that CAFOD are holding a Children's Liturgy of the
Word, via a webinar, each Sunday between 10 - 10.15 am
Our
Southwark Catholic Youth Service are currently working on a
project to be revealed shortly, but they have some encouragement and
positive advice for young people. Why not visit their Instagram page?
Stations of the
Cross
In
these difficult times it is often helpful to turn to time-honoured
practices of prayer in the Catholic tradition. For centuries
Catholiics have united their sufferings with the Passion of Christ
through praying the Stations of the Cross. Our Vicar General,
Monsignor Matthew Dickens, wrote these meditations in 2009 and they
were subsequently published by the Carmelite Press in 2012. Monsignor
Dickens has kindly offered them as a source of comfort and reassurance
in the weeks and months ahead. Download
here.
Social Media
We willl be sharing
daily readings, Gospel passages and reflections on the Diocesan Facebook page and highlighting various
resources, opportunities and news about life in the Diocese on Twitter and Instagram. You may also like to
visit our You
Tube page to
revisit some homilies from various services throughout the past year.
And finally...
Whilst we are all
required to practice social distancing during the current health
crisis, we are not on our own and are still a family and community of
faith. Please speak to your priest by telephone if you are facing
difficulties (please see the Southwark Directory above).
Please also remember that many parishes will endeavour to be open at
specific times so that those who wish to do so can pray before the
Blessed Sacrament.
Update on Funeral Liturgies for Archbishop Emeritus Peter
Smith
With great sadness the
Archdiocese of Southwark must announce that the Funeral Liturgies of
the late Archbishop Emeritus Peter Smith, which are due to take place
on 29th and 30th March, will no longer be open to the public due to
current public health concerns.
It is hoped that it
will be possible to hold a Mass In Memoriam later this year. Please
continue to pray for the repose of the soul of our much loved
Archbishop Emeritus: may he rest in peace.
Concerning Measures
to be put in place regarding Public Worship and the Celebration of the
Sacrament in relation to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic.
Pastoral
Letter from Archbishop John Wilson
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
'Our help is in the name
of the Lord, who made heaven and earth'
I wanted to write to you personally as we face the threats
posed locally, nationally and internationally by the COVID-19
Coronavirus. For so many people, including those in our
parish and school communities, this situation brings uncertainty and
fear. It has the capacity to bring out both the best and
worst of our human nature. Working together, in the strength of God's
grace, we must seek to ensure that the very best of our common humanity
triumphs, especially for the health and well-being of the weakest, the
poorest and the most vulnerable.
The Lord Jesus commanded us to love one another and to serve after his
example (Jn 13:12-15; 13:34). Now is the time for our love to be
displayed more deeply and our service to find heightened expression.
Our calling as disciples is to be salt and light to the world (Mt
5:13-16) in witness to the Gospel of Christ.
Few of us will have witnessed circumstances such as those we are
presently experiencing. It is crucial that we take the necessary
measures to maximise the welfare of every person and follow the
guidance and requirements of our Government and Statutory Agencies.
The Bishops of England and Wales have implemented changes in how we are
to practise our faith as we move forward. Details of this can be found
below and on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.
I ask every member of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese
of Southwark to abide by these measures until they are amended or
withdrawn. They will be kept under review in the light of
expert health and hygiene advice. To continue
reading Archbishop John's Pastoral Letter, click
here.
------------------
Information and Guidelines
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many aspects of our
lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly
express our faith. It is very clear that, following official
advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the
NHS, at this time we must not gather for acts of public worship in our
churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until
further notice.
Please find attached the full statement from the President and
Vice-President on behalf of alll at the Bishop's Conference. Click
here.
We regret to announce that due
to public health concerns the Archdiocese of Southwark, in conjunction
with The Romero Trust, have decided to cancel the 40th Anniversary Mass
which was due to take place at 12.30 pm in St George's Cathedral this
Saturday.
Should it be possible to hold a service or event later this year, we
willl circulate details in due course.
The Late
Archbishop Emeritus Peter Smith
Funeral
Liturgies
Updated
following suspension of public Worship in England and Wales
Following the death
of Archbishop Emeritus Peter Smith, funeral arrangements have been
organised as follows:
The Reception of the
Body and Committal will take place at St George's Cathedral, Southwark,
but
will now be a private service.
Monday
30th March: The Burial
in the Cathedral Crypt will take place during the day while the
Cathedral is closed. Please especially pray for Archbishop Peter on
Monday 30th March either in your own home or privately in your local
Church.
-----
Please pray for for the
repose of the soul of Archbishop Peter Smith and pray for his
family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral
Mass - Diocesan Choir
Updated
following suspension of public worship in England and Wales
Archbishop John
thanks the Diocesan Choir for the offer of supporting the Funeral
Liturgy of Archbishop Emeritus Peter Smith. He looks forward to an
opportunity later in the year for the Diocese to come together for a In
Memoria Mass.
Catholic
Bishops' Conference of England and Wales - Photographic Tribute
The
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales have compiled a
moving photographic tribute to the life and work of the late Archbishop
Emeritus Peter Smith as 10th Bishop of Southwark.
The
Most Reverend Peter Smith RIP
Emeritus Archbishop of Southwark
It is with great sadness that I
write to inform you that Archbishop Peter Smith, our beloved Archbishop
Emeritus, died peacefully just before midnight yesterday, Friday 6
March 2020, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea.
Archbishop Peter had
received the sacraments and prayers of the Church, and his former
secretary, Fr Philip Glandfield, was with him when he died. I was able
to visit him earlier that evening, together with the Vicar General, Mgr
Matthew Dickens, and the Hospital Chaplain, Fr Joseph McCullough. Mr
John Toryusen, the Director of the Archdiocese of Southwark Youth
Service, accompanied Archbishop Peter during his illness and his time
in hospital. Archbishop Peter was visited in hospital by family and
friends, and by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster.
Archbishop Peter’s illness
progressed very quickly following his diagnosis of cancer just a few
weeks ago. He was a much loved brother, uncle, and friend; a priest of
the Archdiocese of Southwark, Rector of St John’s Seminary, Wonersh,
Bishop of East Anglia, Archbishop of Cardiff and Archbishop of
Southwark until his retirement in July 2019. While Archbishop of
Southwark, he also served from 2014-2015 as Apostolic Administrator of
the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. So many good wishes have been
passed to him in the past few weeks, and prayers and Masses offered.
Thank you for all of these.
Our gift to Archbishop
Peter now is to pray for the repose of his soul, and to remember
prayerfully his family, friends and loved ones at their time of loss.
Please pray for Archbishop
Peter in your parish intercessions at the Masses this weekend and also
offer Mass for him as soon as possible. I would be grateful if you
could let any religious in your parish know of Archbishop Peter’s
death, and also ask the prayers of your parish and school communities.
In a ministry that spanned
almost fifty years, Archbishop Peter made an outstanding contribution
to the Catholic Church across three dioceses, and nationally through
his service on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
Most importantly, he was a disciple who witnessed to Christ with
straightforward, splendid faith and radiant joy. Together with the
other dioceses in which Archbishop Peter served, we mourn him with
enormous affection and deep gratitude for all he gave so willingly and
selflessly to so many people.
We are grateful for the
care Archbishop Peter received from the staff at the Royal Marsden
Hospital.
We now entrust our friend
and brother to the Lord whom he served with such faithfulness,
generosity and gentleness. May Archbishop Peter rest in peace and rise
in glory.
More information about the
funeral arrangements for Archbishop Peter will be forthcoming, along
with more comprehensive appreciations of Archbishop Peter’s life of
service.
May the saints and
angels welcome him to paradise. Yours devotedly in
Christ
+
John Most Rev John Wilson Archbishop of
Southwark
Please pray for the repose of
the soul of
The
Most Reverend Peter Smith,
Emeritus Archbishop of Southwark
who died on
Friday 6th March 2020
in The Royal
Marsden Hospital, Chelsea
May he rest in
peace
Please pray for the repose of
the soul of
Father
Henry Reynolds
who died on
Friday 6th March 2020
in St Peter's,
Vauxhall
Due to the suspension of public worship, a private liturgy will take
place. In due course an In Memoriam Mass will be arranged.
May he rest in
peace
Rite
of Election & Continuing Call to Conversion
Archbishop
John welcomes members of the congregation
The annual service of the Rite of Election and Continuing Call to
Conversion took place in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, on Saturday
29th February 2020. During this service the Church
acknowledges the readiness of Catechumens who, over a period of time,
have received instruction and preparation for the Sacraments of
Initiation, that is, Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Archbishop
John Wilson presided, assisted by Bishop Pat Lynch, Canon John O’Toole,
Canon Richard Hearn and Deacon Giovanni Prandini, who will be ordained
as a Priest later this year.
The Book
of the Elect is brought forward
The Archbishop requested that the Book of the Elect to be brought
forward, in which 198 Catechumens had earlier expressed their written
desire to receive these sacraments.
Canon
John O'Toole, Episcopal Vicar for Kent, reads out the names of
the Elect
Bishop Pat, Canon O’Toole and Canon Hearn duly presented the
catechumens, with each name being read out by parish.
Canon
Richard Hearn, Dean of St George's Cathedral, reads out names of the
Elect.
The Elect rose to stand with their Godparents as they were affirmed as
being ready to take part at the next major celebration of these
sacraments, which will take place at Easter.
In this combined
service, 167 Candidates also had their names read out during the Rite
of the Call to Continuing Conversion. Between now and Easter
they will continue their preparation to come into full communion with
the Catholic Church and to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and
Confirmation.
Bishop
Pat Lynch, Auxiliary Bishop for the South East Area of Southwark
Diocese, reads out the names of Candidates
Archbishop John
thanked those responsible for enabling the service to take place,
including the Director of the Centre for Catholic Formation, Dr Mark
Nash and his team, the Cathedral Dean, Canon Richard Hearn and all the
Cathedral clergy.
Archbishop
John and Peter Morrissey, the Deaf Service Coordinator, spell out 'Deaf
Service' in British Sign Language
He also thanked Peter
Morrissey, Coordinator of the Southwark Deaf Service who provided
British Sign Language throughout the occasion, the excellent Diocesan
Choir, led by Canon Alan McLean and the altar servers who, this year,
were seminarians from St John’s Seminary in Wonersh.
Seminarians
from St John's Seminary in Wonersh
At the
end of this special service Archbishop John shared that his greatest
joy was the fact that he was in the presence of so many disciples of
Jesus Christ, some new and some not so new. He also gave us
all a challenge - as disciples of Jesus we should come back next year
to the Rite of Election and bring somebody new with us - that neighbour
who asks us where we go on a Sunday morning, that family member who has
become distant from the Church, that work colleague who asks us why we
are a Christian, bring them along.
'Bring
somebody new'
The service was a pertinent reminder that all of us are called to
conversion and renewal, not just those seeking initiation.
The Diocese would like to congratulate the newly Elect and Candidates
as they enter their final period of preparation to receive sacraments
this Easter. It also wishes to extend grateful thanks
to Godparents, Sponsors, family and friends for their personal
support.
Archbishop
John meets the newly Elect and Candidtates after the service
More photographs of the service are now available from on the diocesan
Flickr page. Click
here for access.
Archbishop
Peter Smith
Request
for Prayers
Archbishop John
writes:
...you may have heard, Archbishop Peter has recently received a
diagnosis of cancer and is currently in hospital. This has come at
short notice and is obviously a source of great sadness. We await the
results of further medical investigation to gain a sense of what the
future holds. Archbishop Peter is conscious, but very tired. Please
keep him in your prayers, along with his family and friends…
Archbishop Peter is very dear to all of us, as a former priest and
Archbishop of Southwark, and as a much loved friend. We ask the Lord to
bring him comfort, strength and healing.
Archbishop John has since written an update:
Very sadly, the medical team have advised that, given Archbishop
Peter’s diagnosis of cancer, there are no treatment options available.
They will, however, ensure that he is kept comfortable through
palliative care. I was able to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of
the Sick to Archbishop Peter on Monday and I have assured him of our
love and prayers.
Please keep Archbishop Peter, and his family and friends, in your
prayers at this time. Please also sustain the prayers in your parishes
and ask members of your community to pray for him. In himself,
Archbishop Peter is completely at peace and very grateful for all the
messages of prayer and support.
+ John
Most Rev John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark
CAFOD: Family Fast Day
Friday 6th March 2020 is Family Fast Day, when we are asked by
CAFOD whether,
by having a simple meal or giving up a treat, we could save the money
and donate this to help support and train their amazing global family
of local experts, such as Sr Consilia: a former malaria sufferer who
trained as a pharmacist and now treats others with the same condition.
For example, just £6 (a couple of coffees or a bottle of wine) could
train a health worker to check babies for malnutrition. Your small
sacrifice could positively impact a child's wellbeing, not
just now, but also going forwards into their teen years and adulthood.
The Southwark
Metropolitan Tribunal is responsible for managing applications for
marriage annulment for the Archdiocese of Southwark.
The administrative team prepares all of the applications prior to them
going to judgment before the Judicial Vicar / Presiding
Judge. We are now looking for an Administrator to manage this
team. Reporting to the Judicial Vicar, the Administrator is
responsible for managing the administrative team to ensure the
efficient preparation and conclusion of cases. The
Administrator of the Tribunal is automatically a notary for the
Tribunal, to see that acts of the tribunal are properly drawn up and
sent, according to the mandate of judge and Judicial Vicar, and are
preserved in the archive. This role will not only allocate cases to
each court but also act as the PA for the Judicial Vicar.
Based at
the Centre for Catholic Formation in Tooting Bec, 21 Tooting Bec Road,
SW17 8BS, this role will provide regular feedback to the Judicial Vicar
on the progress of cases, identifying obstacles to completing cases and
proposing solutions. The ideal candidate will have broad
ranging administrative/office management experience and be a competent
people manager.
Excellent communication and IT skills and thorough knowledge of the
workings of the Catholic Church are essential. Hours of work 0900 –
1700 Monday to Friday. Salary range £27,500pa - £30,000pa
depending on skills and experience.
To apply
please email a copy of your CV to HR@rcaos.org.uk
by the closing date of 16th March 2020.
Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Holy
Land
Between 3rd and 10th
March the Anglican and Roman Catholic Dioceses of Southwark will be
embarking on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Directing the pilgrimage will be Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary
Bishop of the South West Area of the RC Diocese of Southwark and Bishop
Christopher Chessun, the Anglican Bishop of Southwark. In
addition, the Deans of Southwark and St George's Cathedrals will be
assisting in leading the journey.
The aim of this
unique voyage is to travel in the footsteps of St Francis. In 1219
Francis travelled to the Holy Land and met the ruler, Sultan Malek
al-Kamil. The result of that meeting was that the Franciscans
became the custodians of the Holy Places associated with Jesus.
During this week those taking part will be sharing the pilgrimage
entirely in common, apart from Holy Communion, which remains the goal
of the wider ecumenical journey. Participants willl,
nonetheless, be willl be praying together in some of the most sacred
places in the Holy Land.
Southwark Anglican
Diocese will providing a 'virtual pilgrimage' experience and
you can follow this special ecumencal journey by visiting their website:
On Tuesday, 3 March
the SVP Young Vincentians team will welcome hundreds of young people
from schools and parishes across the country for their first Youth SVP
and B-Attitude Mass in St George's Cathedral.
The Mass will
recognise the hard work young members, aged 11-18, do to help in their
local communities and beyond. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most
Reverend Archbishop John Wilson and concelebrated by Fr Ged Walsh, as
well as other clergy.
All are invited to
attend! To find out more about the Mass or to RVSP, please email:
youngvincentians@svp.org.uk
Coronavirus Guidelines UPDATE
The Catholic Bishops'
Conference has issued UPDATED guidelines about the
Coronavirus in order to enable Catholic churches and organisations to
find relevant information. At the time of writing, the risk to the
public from coronavirus remains low in England and Wales.
Because this is a
rapidly changing situation, these guidelines may evolve as the
situation changes. In the meantime, it is very important to read these
guidelines and to check the latest guidance from Government.
Hygiene Measures The CBCEW guidance
focuses on the hygiene measures needed to disrupt the spread of
coronavirus should we get a number of cases in England and Wales.
Please note this
guidance clearly has three stages to it 1. Current - no cases
in the parish - VERY few in the UK - where we are now 2. A number
of cases in local communities or parish community 3. Many cases in
local parishes
The Vatican has
released Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2020, in which the Holy Father
invites the faithful to embrace the paschal mystery, that is Jesus’
Passion, Death and Resurrection, as the basis for conversion.
Those who wish to
attend Mass on Ash Wednesday and receive the imposition of ashes are
welcome to explore our Southwark
Parish Directory in order check times of services
via parish websites. Direct access to parishes by area name can be found here.
Archbishop John
Wilson will preside at the 6 pm Mass in St George's Cathedral on
Wednesday 26th February 2020. All are most welcome to attend.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that photographs will be taken during this service: please
inform a member of clergy if you do not wish to appear in these
photographs, which may be published online or in print. Thank you.
Lent
2020 Reflections
The Southwark
Spirituality Commission and Stewardship Team have prepared daily
reflections for the seasons of Lent and Easter, beginning today, 24th
February 2020.
Sign up to receive
receive these short reflections in your email inbox:
Based in Westminster
Bridge Road, London, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is
currently
looking for an administrator to join their Safeguarding team.
This is initially a fixed term contract of 6-9 months, with the
possibility to extend or make permanent. It is a varied role
covering the following
key areas of work:
•
Administration of the DBS disclosure application process. •
Maintenance of national and local database records and manual files. •
Administrative support to the Safeguarding training programmes and
assistance in delivery of
training as necessary (some occasional travel
within the UK maybe required) •
Maintaining and updating of policy documents, forms and procedures
in relation to safeguarding
policies. •
Administration of safeguarding meetings and secretarial support.
The ideal candidate
will be committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk
and will have previous experience of administering DBS disclosures
and/or experience of working in a safeguarding environment.
Good administrative skills and experience of email, Word, Excel and
Access are also required, as is a methodical and detail-oriented
approach. Previous experience of training administration
and/or delivery would also be very useful.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
The hours are 35 per week over 5 days.
Salary £23,000pa – £25,000pa depending on experience.
To apply please email
a copy of your CV to HR@rcaos.org.uk
Application deadline: 9 am, Monday 9th March 2020
Ecumenical
Commemoration for Modern Martyrs
A number of
ecumenical dignitaries gathered on Saturday 22nd February in
St George's Cathedral, Southwark, in order to commemorate modern
martyrs who have given their life for their faith.
Among
those joining Archbishop John Wilson and the Cathedral Clergy were His
Eminence, Archbishop Angaelos, Archbishop of London in the Coptic
Orthodox Church, who gave the homily in which he reminded the
congregation that is God, and not people, who are in charge.
Also
present were Bishop Christopher Chessun, the Anglican Bishop of
Southwark and Archbishop Emeritus Archbishop Kevin McDonald.
Staff
and pupils from local Anglican and Roman Catholic schools read out the
names of martyrs from different geographical areas. They had also
designed and constructed some magnificent commemorative crosses in
order to represent those who have given their lives from the Americas,
Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and Europe.
Thank
you to all who generously collaborated in order to help bring this
service about, which is the first of its kind in Southwark, and which
we hope to continue to share with our ecumenical friends in future
years.
His funeral Mass will be on
Saturday 22nd February 2020
in Guadeloupe
City, Peru
Statement from Bishop Pat
Lynch on Immigration System Changes
“Through
the work of the Santa Marta Group, we know that one of the most serious
challenges concerning modern slavery in England and Wales is the
exploitation experienced by seasonal agricultural workers. “The government’s
planned immigration changes leave many unanswered questions about how
these workers will be protected under the new system and what steps
will be taken to prevent traffickers exploiting any labour shortages
that arise. “We urgently need to
see more details, particularly around processes for inspecting
recruiters, working practices and living conditions. “Traffickers will
seek every opportunity to abuse new immigration policies, so the
government has a responsibility to ensure that the proper safeguards
are in place. “I also urge the
Catholic community to continue helping identify modern slavery in the
agricultural sector, support the Church’s initiatives to tackle this
grievous crime, and report any concerns to the police.” Rt
Rev Patrick Lynch SSCC Bishop for Migrants,
Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Behold
2020: Re-dedication of England
Many parishioners in Southwark will have read recently about the
Re-dedication of England as the Dowry of Mary and in particular,
visited the Dowry Tour in St George's Cathedral, Southwark during 2019.
As part of this country-wide Re-dedication, we are all invited on Friday
21st February 2020 to take part in a 33-day act of consecration to
Jesus through Mary by following the example of St Louis
De Montfort: a method which has been updated for our contemporary times
by Fr Michael Gaitley MIC.
If you wish to take part in this act of consecration, please visit https://www.behold2020.com/prayer
to complete a brief online form which will enable you to receive the
33-days to Morning Glory prayers. The prayers may be said
individually or communally, but please
do sign up as soon as possible, as it may not be feasible after 21st
February. A plenary indulgence is offered to
those that choose to take part in the Re-dedication: please click here
for further details.
Please do also take a few minutes to visit the Behold 2020
website for more details about the Re-dedication,
which is intended to be a personal promise by the people of England and
a renewal of the entrustment vows made by King Richard II during a
period of political turmoil in 1381.
The Re-dedicaton itself will take place on 29th March 2020 and will be
fulfilled by an act of commmunal prayer across the country through the Angelus Promise
and Act of
Entrustment. Southwark parishioners are also most welcome to
join Archbishop John Wilson and the Cathedral Clergy for Mass in St
George's Cathedral at 11.30 am that day.
For those that were unable to visit the Dowry Tour in 2019, having
visited all Cathedrals in England, it will make its final visit to
Westminster Cathedral between 19th-22nd March 2020. The Slipper Chapel
in Walsingham will remain the home of the Our Lady of Walsingham Statue.
ACN
Mass for Persecuted Christians
Archbishop John Wilson has made an urgent call for action to support
persecuted Christians saying helping them “is not somebody else’s
business: it’s our business”.
Speaking at a Mass on
Tuesday, 18th February at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sutton,
Surrey, Archbishop John spoke out against complacency in the face of
persistent reports of anti-Christian persecution. The Mass took place
ahead of the Archbishop’s visit to the Sutton-based UK national offices
of Aid to the Church in Need and in his homily Archbishop Wilson
praised the Catholic charity for its work supporting suffering
Christians.
The Archbishop said
persecution of Christians “is so frequent that we are now used to it.
It has become acceptable for Christians to be persecuted for their
faith. It is not acceptable.”
The Archbishop went
on: “I want to thank Aid to the Church in Need – and all those who
support and work for it – because you put before the world, to our
individual churches and governments, the importance of standing up and
speaking up for the freedom to believe, to gather for worship, to be
able to live and act without suffering persecution.” He also
encouraged members of the congregation to say a decade of the Rosary
every day for the persecuted Church and to share information.
Welcoming the Archbishop to the church was parish priest Father Jim
McGillicuddy and present were ACN (UK) National Director Neville
Kyrke-Smith, chaplain Father Dominic Robinson, members of the UK board
of directors, staff and volunteers.
After refreshments in the parish hall, Archbishop Wilson was welcomed
to the nearby ACN (UK) national offices where he led the Angelus before
receiving a briefing about the charity and its present project
priorities.
For more information about the work of Aid to the Church in Need visit:
www.acnuk.org
Archbishop
John Wilson appointed as Vice President of PACT
We are delighted to announce that Archbishop John Wilson has agreed to
become the new Vice-President of the Prison Advice Care Trust.
Welcoming the news,
PACT CEO, Andy Keen-Downs said:
we are honoured that since the time of Cardinal Bourne, PACT has been
supported by the Cardinals and Archbishops of Southwark as our
President and Vice President respectively. Whilst these are
essentially honourary titles, they signal to the Catholic community,
and the world, the unbroken relationship of solidarity and support
between the Catholic Bishops, the community of faith, and PACT's work
with and for people of all faiths and none in the prisons of England
and Wales, and in our local communities.'
Archbishop John
Willson commented:
'Having worked as a prison chaplain I know first-hand something of the
realities of life in prison. I am pleased to support the mission of
PACT as a Catholic charity which helps prisoners and their families to
make a fresh start. Putting the Gospel into practice, PACT works to
strenthen family life, enable people to make a contribution to society
and protect our communities. This is vital work in helping to change
lives for a better future for all.'
PACT
works in several prisons in Southwark Diocese, in London HMPs Belmarsh,
Isis, High Down, Downview, Wandsworth and Brixton, and in Kent HMPs
Stamford Hill, Swaleside, Elmley, Rochester and East Sutton Park. To
find our more about PACT and how they are helping prisoners and their
families in the Diocese visit: www.prisonadvice.org.uk
We are also delighted
to announce that PACT will be holding a Diocesan Justice Roadshow event
on Saturday 10th October in Amigo Hall, directly next to St George's
Cathedral, Lambeth Road, London SE1.
To find out more
about PACT's work, or to register interest in attending the PACT
Justice Roadshow, please email: parish.action@prisonadvice.org.uk
Lent
Talks at Aylesford Priory
Behold:
Rededication of England
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 blessing of the icon of Our Lady of Walsingham by Pope
Francis is a great encouragement to us all as we prepare for 29 March
and our act of Rededication. I assured our Holy Father of our prayers
and affection and thanked him for his blessing.”
Mgr Armitage said:
"Yesterday was a truly blessed day, when the Holy Father blessed the
new Dowry Painting in Rome which was presented to him by Cardinal
Nichols. The painting, which will visit every Catholic Church in
England, was then taken to the tomb of St Gregory the Great in St
Peters Basilica, the Pope who sent St Augustine to evangelise the
people of England. Before his tomb we prayed for his intercession to
strengthen our faith to continue this mission to the people of England."
St John's Day at Wonersh
Seminary
Archbishop John talks to seminarians currently in formation
at St John's
On 4th February 2020
Archbishop John joined a signifcant number of Southwark clergy in order
to celebrate St John's Day at the seminary in Wonersh, near Guildford.
All gathered in the morning for Mass at which the Archbishop
presided, whilst Canon Luke Smith gave a memorable homily.
Clergy, reglious, seminarians, staff and guests then gathered in the
Seminary dining room for the Patronal Feast. Towards the end
of lunch, Bishop Declan Lang, who celebrates the 45th Anniversary of
his ordination as a priest this year, shared his experiences of serving
Our Lord, including amusing anecdotes about one or two
occasions when things hadn't gone quite as planned!
Please pray for all those who have been called to religious life, that
they may receive all the graces that they need to walk ever-more
closely with the Lord, and for the clergy and laity that are guiding
their steps in holiness, training and formation.
Archbishop
John Wilson is encouraging schools, parishes and youth organisations
across Southwark Diocese to become involved with the Million Minutes
siLENT Campaign during Lent this Year.
The raison d'etre of this Campaign is that by taking time to give up
the things that fill life with noise and restlessness, young people wil
not only allow time for healthy silence, but they can also raise
sponsorship which can make a real difference to other young
people without a voice, for whom silence isn’t a choice.
Instead of cutting
out sugar or some other treat, we would like to challenge individuals
and communities of young people to cut out the noise in their
lives this Lent: for example, you might go without your smart
phone and stay silent for a day, or you might give up using social
media for the whole of Lent!.
Please help Southwark
and Million Minutes to do something amazing for young people. All of
the money raised from siLENT goes directly into their Grants fund which
gives money to youth led social action projects across the country,
helping young people change their life and their world!
GET
STARTED WITH siLENT 1. Sign up and let Million Minutes know
how you plan to take part. 2. You'll then be
invited to set up your online fundraising. 3. Raise
money the old fashioned way. Download
the siLENT sponsor form.
Archbishop
John Wilson, the Dean of St George's Cathedral and The Romero Trust
warmly invite everybody to join them on 21st March at 12.30 pm
in St George's Cathedral, when Mass will be offered for the Feast of St
Oscar Romero. We will also be remembering his Martyrdom in
San Salvador 40 years ago.
The statue of Oscar
Romero over the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey may be the
best-known monument in Britain to the martyred archbishop. But only a
mile away, just across the river, St George’s Cathedral, Southwark is
the home of the beautiful Romero Shrine, the twin memorial to this
contemporary saint.
In December 2019,
Archbishop John Wilson approved Statutes for the Shrine in accordance
with Canon Law. This official Diocesan Shrine now has a clear
and explicit mission and purpose. The Shrine is not to be seen as an
exotic colourful museum piece; rather as the powerful presence of
courageous sanctity inspiring us to become ever more authentic
disciples of Jesus Christ. In following St Oscar
Romero, the mission statement of the Shrine is intended to become a
dynamic focus in the diocese for a prayerful spirituality which
embraces an active commitment to the poor and disadvantaged. It could
be said that the Statutes constitute a charter of evangelisation for
the local Church.
The Rector
of the Shrine is the Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Canon Richard
Hearn. He manages the Shrine as an integral part of the life of the
Cathedral. Additionally, Archbishop Wilson has appointed four
‘Guardians’ of the Shrine to assist the Rector in fostering devotion to
St Oscar Romero and promoting the mission of the Shrine. They are Mgr.
John O’ Toole, Canon Alan McLean, Kathleen O’Brien, and Julian
Filochowski. Prior to the approval of the Statutes, the
Archbishop Romero Trust transferred ownership of the relics to the
diocese. The Shrine of St Oscar Romero is therefore the sole property
of the Archdiocese of Southwark.
We look forward to
welcoming everyone who wishes to attend the Mass for the Feast of St
Oscar Romero on 21st March.
Commissioning of Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion at the
Cathedral
On Saturday 1st February 2020
Bishop Paul Hendricks commissioned 125 people as Extra Ordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion
Bishop
Paul started the day with a talk on the Eucharist and this special
Ministry
Bishop Paul presided at a period of adoration before the Blessed
Sacrament
After lunch Deacon Michael
spoke of the role of the Extraordinary Minister and the rubrics,
including the service of administering Holy Communion to the Sick and
the DBS checks that need to be taken before staring this ministry and
so therefore bringing together all the training that had been given in
every parish, with questions
Bishop Paul presided at the Commissioning Mass and was joined,
Father Tony Kelechi Oleh MSP, parish priest of Kingston,
Deacon Micheal and the Cathedral MC, Father Philip Andrews.
During which he commissioned the new Extraordinary Ministers
and presented their certificates. Bishop Paul also thanked
all the new Extraordinary Minsters from their commitment in answering
the call to serve.
The Ministers came from 29 parishes around the Archdiocese
- Abbeywood,Ashford,Balham,Bermondsey - Melior
Street,Bromley,Canterbury,Catford,Clapham,Colliers
Wood,Croydon,Earlsfield,Gillingham,Hartley,Kidbrooke,Kingston,Margate,Morden New
Malden,Norbury,Norwood South,Norwood West,Old
Coulsdon,Rotherhithe,Sanderstead,Sidcup,Thanet,Thornton Heath,Waddon
and Wallington
The Catholic Bishops'
Conference has issued guidelines about the Coronavirus in order to
enable Catholic churches and organisations to find relevant
information. At the time of writing, the risk to the public from
coronavirus remains low in England and Wales.
Because
this is a rapidly changing situation, these guidelines may
evolve as the situation changes. In the meantime, it is very important
to read these guidelines and to check the latest guidance from
Government.
Hygiene
Measures The
CBCEW guidance focuses on the hygiene measures needed to disrupt the
spread of coronavirus should we get a number of cases in England and
Wales.
As
Catholics we reiterate the commitment of the Church to health care
ministry. Ensuring we disrupt the spread of the virus is key.
Government
Advice The
UK Government has released its information for the public on the
outbreak of coronavirus in China, including the current situation in
the UK and information about the virus and its symptoms.
Last
Saturday, 8th February 2020, Archbishop John joined the parishioners of
English Martyrs RC Church in Streatham for a Peace and Unity Service,
which was also open to the wider community. The occasion followed a
terror attack in the locale on the previous Sunday (2nd February),
which ignited the desire for people in the area to come together during
the morning in prayer.
Later iin the day faith
communities based in Streatham came together and their various leaders,
including Fr Gregory Verissimo, Parish Priest of English Martyrs,
offered prayers for peace as well as healing for those injured in the
attack. All present committed themselves firmly to unity and
harmony.
Faith leaders join together in
Streatham to pledge peace and unity
The
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan also joined this gathering, greeting the
faith leaders individually and stating how proud he was of the
community in Streatham for showing the world how to come together in
the face of adversity.
To see photographs of the morning service at English Martyrs and
afternoon gathering outside Streatham Odeon, click
here.
Feast
Day of St Josephine Bakhita
Patron Saint of Human
Trafficking Survivors
On
Saturday 8th February we celebrate the Feast Day of St Josephine
Bakhita, Patron Saint of Human Trafficking Survivors.
Modern
slavery, where people are forced into low-grade work for little or no
pay has been called 'an open
wound on the body of contemporary society' by Pope
Francis. It is estimated that 40 million people are vicitms
of modern slavery and that the profits generated from human trafficking
amounted to in excess of £25 billion per annum in 2018.
The
Santa Marta Group, which was formed in 2014 by the Catholic Bishops
Conference of England and Wales, seeks to eradicate this evil by
bringing together police chiefs and bishops from around the world. They
combine their expertise to defeat modern slavery with a a view to
practically and pastorally assisting victims. One of the
projects of the Santa Marta Group is GrowEDO: an initiative to create
awareness, training and jobs in the locale of Edo State in Nigeria,
with a view to preventing human trafficking and the subsequent danger
to life and wellbeing.
Bishop
Pat Lynch, the UK Chairman of Santa Marta, alongside Fr Mark Odion,
having been offeriing presentations to parishes throught the last year
and are very pleased to offer their first newsletter in order to update
the generous donors and supporters in Southwark about the progress of
the GrowEdo project.
To read more, watch a video and
see additional photographs of this project click
here.
St Josephine Bakhita
Born
in Darfur (Sudan) in approximately 1869, she experienced a happy early
life with a large, well respected family, where her uncle was the
village chief. In the early part of 1877, she was abducted by Arab
slave traders and forced to walk almost 1000 km to El Obeid, being sold
twice before reaching this destination.
During
the next 12 years she was sold three more times and given away once,
serving both cruel and kind masters: she was once beaten so badly for
dropping a case that she couldn’t move from her straw bed for a
month!
Eventually
her last owner, Augusto Michieli, acquired a large hotel near the Red
Sea and decided to sell his property in Italy and to move his family to
Sudan on a permanent basis. It took sometime for transactions to be
processed and his wife wanted to visit him in Sudan before everything
was ready. Their family villa in Zianigo was already sold and therefore
Josephine Bakhita and their daughter, Mimmina, needed a temporary place
to stay. They were given to the care of the Canossian sisters in Venice.
Having
previously been forced to convert to Islam, Bakhita encountered
Christianity for the first time. When Mrs Michieli returned to retrieve
her daughter and maid, Bakhita flatly refused to leave. A legal wrangle
ensued, but In 1889, an Italian Court ruled that it did not recognise
slavery and therefore Bakhita had never lawfully been a slave.
Bakhita
went on to be baptised in 1890 and entered the Novitiate in 1893 with
the Canossian Sisters. She took her Vows in December 1896. She was
noted for her gentleness and sanctity. She was canonised by Pope John
Paul II in October 2000 and Pope Benedict XVI offered her life story as
an outstanding illustration of Christian hope in his encyclical letter,
Spe Salvi (In hope we were saved).
May
we too, find our way to hope and freedom through Christ. We pray
especially for those enduring the evil of human trafficking at this
time, and for those endeavouring to eradicate this blight on our modern
society
Day
of Prayer for Unity and Peace
Peace
service to be led by Archbishop John Wilson in Streatham
Following the terror
attack in South London last Sunday, English Martyrs RC Church in
Streatham have organised a Day of Prayer for Unity and Peace on
Saturday 8th February 2020.
The Most Reverend John Wilson will lead a Service for Peace at 10 am
and the church itself will be open between 9 am - 12 noon for those
that wish to light a candle privately and to pray for peace in our
world and in our communities.
It is both saddening and
shocking that, yet again, there has been a terrorist attack on innocent
bystanders on a street in
London. A normal Sunday afternoon in Streatham became the
scene for a violent attack.
For those who think
that terrorism can achieve anything we commit ourselves with
determination to saying ‘no’ to violence on our streets and within our
communities.
Our thoughts and
prayers are with those who have been injured and with their families,
and with all affected by this senseless assault. We thank our emergency
services for their support and response.
We will continue to
stand together as a community. We will not allow this event, terrible
though it is, to divide us. We are from different countries and
religious beliefs, but we are united in our common humanity and our
shared desire for a peaceful coexistence where every person is
respected and can live in safety.
As the Catholic
community in Streatham we will continue to build good relations and
work for the common good of all those who call this part of London
their home. Violence solves nothing. We are, and remain, a people
united for peace.
The Most Reverend
John Wilson Archbishop of
Southwark
Consecration of a new Church
St
Joseph's RC Church, Borough Green
Celebrating
Mass in the new Church
On Saturday 1st February 2020, Archbishop John performed his first
Consecration of a Church and Altar at the new church of St Joseph’s,
Borough Green, Kent. St Joseph’s is a Chapel-of Ease in the
Parish of St Thomas of Canterbury, Sevenoaks.
Placing
the relic in the altar
The Archbishop was assisted by three Deacons – including the Deacon of
the relic vested in red (because the relic placed under the Altar is of
St Timothy, a martyr) – and several concelebrating Priests, as well as
Fr Philip Glandfield, the Archbishop’s Private Secretary and Master of
Ceremonies, as well as Paul Moynihan, Master of Ceremonies for
Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Anointing
the new altar
The ceremony included
the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water, the Depositing of the Relic in an
aperture under the Altar, the Prayer of Dedication, Anointing of the
new Altar and of the walls of the church, and lighting of the Altar
candles and the Consecration candles.
The relic was sealed in by the stone mason, Adrian Powell. Various
guests were present, including Tom Tugendhat, MP, the local MP.
Anointing
the walls of the new church
Historically speaking, the earliest stone altars were in fact the tombs
of martyrs, over which the Mass would have been offered during the
persecutions of the Church. Prior to the Second Vatican Council,
sealing a relic into an altar was intended to recall the use of
martyrs' tombs as places of Eucharistic celebration. In contemporary
times, Canon 1237 §2 states that 'The
ancient tradition of placing relics of martyrs or other saints under a
fixed altar is to be preserved, according to the norms given in the
liturgical books'.
The relic placed within the altar at Borough Green is considered a
'first class relic' by the Church; consisting of a small fragment of
bone from St Timothy.
We wish the clergy and congregation well as they settle into their
beautiful new Chapel-of-Ease within the wider parish of Sevenoaks.
For more photographs of
this special occasion, click
here.
Many
Congratulations Bishop Tripp!
Bishop
Howard Tripp celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his Episcopal
Ordination with Archbishop John and fellow clergy
The Diocese would like to offer its warmest congratulations to The
Right Reverend Bishop Howard Tripp, who celebrated the 40th Anniversary
of his Episcopal Ordination on Thursday 30th January 2020.
Bishop Howard was
appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark by Pope St John Paul II
on 20th December 1979 and given the titular see of
Newport. He was ordained alongside Bishop John Jukes OFM Conv
in a ceremony at St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark on 30th January 1980
by Archbishop Michael Bowen, assisted by Bishop Anthony Emery; the
Bishop of Portsmouth and Bishop Charles Henderson; Auxiliary Bishop of
Southwark.
BishopTripp in Lourdes during
the 2011 Catholic Association Pilgrimage
Bishop
Howard was appointed as the Area Bishop for the South West Area of the
Diocese and from that date until his retirement in 2006 he worked
tirelessly, visiting the parishes, schools and the religious
communities in his area. He also was a member of the Bishops
Conference of England and Wales and was Chairman of the Committee for
Public Life. During his time he also served as the Liaison Bishop for
Prisons and was the ecclesiastical advisor to the Catholic Union and
the Knights of St Columba.
Following his
retirement as Auxiliary Bishop, which came at the age of 86
years, Bishop Howard took on pastoral work in the parish of
Saint John Fisher, Merton, where he continued until a few years ago.
He 2012 also chaired the Clergy Support Fund Campaign in
Croydon, which was initiated for the care of sick and retired priests
within the Diocese.
The Archdiocese gives
thanks to God for such a faithful servant, who in this 40th Year of his
Episcopal Ordination and the 68th year of his priesthood still is a
true shepherd, a faithful pastor, and a good friend.
Ad Multos Annos Bishop Howard.
Mayor's
Event to Support London EU Citizens
Southwark's
Justice and Peace Commission would like to highlight an event that will
be held by the Mayor of London at City Hall this Friday, 31st January 2020 between
5-8 pm (speaker at 6 pm), to support London’s EU
citizens in their application for settled status under the EU
Settlement Scheme. This is important information for all EU
citizens.
The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme is 30th June
2021. This is to give EU citizens either settled or
pre-settled status protection according to UK laws after the UK leaves
the EU. The type of status awarded will depend on how long
the person has lived in the UK. For more information see gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Advice and assistance with applications is also available at centres
throughout London, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable
families. Go to http://www.eurights.uk/
for the local advice centre.
Please make this information known to anyone who could be affected.
Tilling
the Soil
A course at the Centre for
Catholic Formation on pre-evanglisation
Those involved in evangelisation and catechesis might like to consider how they
'prepare the soil' to receive the Seed of the Word so that it can
flourish.
This Saturday, 1st February, the Centre
for Catholic Formation will hold a training event
between 11 am - 4 pm, which will expore pre-evangelisation,
the cause of faith in the soul, and how this relates to catechesis and
the wider ministry of evangelisation.
The training day is particularly suitable for catechists, evangelists
and any Catholic looking to gentle evangelise family and friends.
Tickets: £10 per
person, which can be purchased
here:
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Sunday
of the Word of God
26th January 2020
Pope
Francis has invited Catholics across the world to deepen their
appreciation of the Word of God this year. The aim is that,
in doing so, we will become increasingly open to transforming our
hearts and entering into closer relationship with Him.
As part of this
special year of celebration, the third Sunday in Ordinary Time (January
26th 2020) will be devoted to “the
celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God”.
As Archbishop
Salvatore Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting
New Evangelization explained, the Pope has entrusted this celebration
to the whole Church so that "the
Christian community may concentrate on the great value that the Word of
God occupies in its daily existence" (Aperuit illis 2).
In
addition, he stated that by establishing this special day the Pope
intended “to
respond to the many requests that have come... so that throughout the
Church the Sunday of the Word of God may be celebrated in unity of
purpose.”
The Pope will
celebrate Mass this Sunday of the Word of God at St Peter's
Basilica, commencing with the enthronement of the Lectionary that was
used in all the sessions of the Second Vatican Council.” You
can watch this ceremony by accessing our Facebook
page on
Sunday morning at 9 am.
The Bishop's Conference of England and Wales have put together some
excellent resources for the Sunday of the Word of God, which you can view
here.
In the meantime, visitors may also wish to view a range of events and
services around the Diocese which are connected to celebrating the Year
of the Word, starting this weekend. Please visit the Southwark God Who
Speaks webpage.
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of
Monsignor Anthony
George Stark Prot.Ap KCHS Master of the Guild of Ransom
who died on Monday 8th January 2020
peacefully in the Whittington Hospital
May he rest in peace
Monday 3rd February
2020
Reception of the body Westminster Cathedral - Lady Chapel
Vespers will follow at 5pm
Mass 5.30pm
Tuesday 4th
February 2020
Funeral Mass 11am
Bishop Hudson will preside
Burial in Birmingham
Notice for all Liturgists
The
new liturgy planner, which runs between 26th January and 17th May 2020,
has now been posted on the left hand bar of the website
(underneath the Diocesan Prayer).
Episcopal
Vicar for Kent
We are
delighted to announce that Archbishop John Wilson has
appointed Canon John O'Toole as Episcopal Vicar for Kent
until a new Auxiliary Bishop is appointed by the Holy See.
Canon John
has served as National Ecumenical Officer and Secretary to
the Department for Dialogue and Unity at the Catholic
Bishop's Conference of England and Wales during the
past five years. Previously he served as Dean of
St George's Cathedral.
In a
statement made at the Catholic Bishop's Conference of England
and Wales, Archbishop Wilson said:
Canon
John brings a wealth of experience to this new role,
which he will take up at the beginning of February 2020. He
has also
fostered warm and fruitful dialogue with
members of other Christian traditions and people of
other faiths in his role at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England
and Wales. I ask you to support him in his new role and to keep him in
your prayers.
The Archbishop also
thanked Monsignor Matthew Dickens for his tireless work in supporting
the parishes of Kent: a role which he has undertaken in addition to his
duties as Vicar General since Bishop Paul Mason's appointment as Bishop
of the Forces in 2018.
We wish Canon O'Toole
as he commences his new role.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Between 18th - 25th
January 2020 we willl be marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The longing for unity and wholeness is deeply rooted in the
human psyche. Even in the face of past history, personal
fears, tradition and cultural expectation, we can deeply desire to be
heard and achieve a sense of communion with others.
From a biiblcal
perspecive, Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one, that the world
might believe (John 17:20-21). His voice of hope
continues to echo through the centuries, encouraging us to
reach for something higher and greater than our own personal
aspirations, so that we might work in unity with each other to bring
the love and peace of Christ to our world, along with the Good News of
our salvation.
The Bible has special relevance for the shared life of the churches in
Malta because the Gospel first came to the island in the events that are told in the Acts of
the Apostles, chapters 27-28. In these verses, St Paul and
his shipmates (who are prisoners) encounter unusual kindness
from the inhabitants, having been shipwrecked. In the same way, we are
called to consider when have encountered unusual kindness from others
during the storms of our own lives, without hope of repayment or
reciprocation. This may have enabled us to see our worth in the eyes of
others and of God, simply by dint of existence.
In St Paul's account, we read that excess grain was thrown overboard in
order to lighten the ship (Acts 27.38). Likewise, we are
encouraged to put our own 'baggage' aside for the greater good. In this
way we are able to travel together in faith and bring about the healing
and wholeness of God's perfect creation in order to reflect His light
to others.
To read more and to download resources for this important week, please
see the relevant link on the left hand bar (underneath social media).
Please also pray for our Christian brothers and sisters of all
denominations, that we may be as one.
Peace Sunday 2020
This year, Peace
Sunday is designated to take place on Sunday 19th
January.
In his World
Peace Day message for 2020, given on 1st January, Pope
Francis spoke of the need for dialogue and renewed relationships of
reconciliation, communal solidarity and hope in the future.
He reminded 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' .
He also encouraged us all to embrace hope in the face of obstacles and
trials and to see peace as a journey of hope.
Pax
Christi,
the international Catholic Movement for Peace, is
committed to non-violence and to the Pope’s challenge to 'set aside
every act of violence in thought, word and deed'.
Their liturgical booklets have been sent to every parish and they have
a number of additional
resources online, including prayer cards and an excellent
short talk about how to work alongside their peacemaking efforts: this
talk can be given by a parish volunteer on the day.
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 may forget evil and
so be healed.
Please
pray for peace across our world, that we may individually be willing to
personally deepen the sometimes challenging commitment to bring the
peace of Christ into our own lives and into the lives of others.
Central
London Talks on Mary
A number of Southwark clergy have organised the above talks, which
mainly take place during Lent. They will focus on Mary, our Mother.
All are welcome to attend, especially young adults and those who are
new to the faith and wish to nuture it further.
Light refreshments willl be provided.
Holy Land Coordination 2020
Final Communique on behalf of the Bishops
of the Holy Land Coordination 2020
Overlooking Jerusalem
We must not ignore the voice of people in the Holy Land!
Every year we come to encounter and hear the people of the Holy Land.
We are inspired by their enduring resilience and faith in a worsening
situation.
In their recent powerful message, the local Catholic Bishops lamented
the international community’s failure to help realise justice and peace
here in the place of Christ’s birth. Our governments must do more to
meet their responsibilities for upholding international law and
protecting human dignity. In some cases, they have become actively
complicit in the evils of conflict and occupation.
The local Bishops also warned that people are facing further
“evaporation of hope for a durable solution”. We have witnessed this
reality first-hand, particularly how construction of settlements and
the separation wall is destroying any prospect of two states existing
in peace.
The HLC20 Bishops at a
Kindergarten School, with the Separation Wall in the background
In the same message, the local Bishops have sounded the alarm about
living conditions becoming “more and more unbearable”. This is
painfully clear in the West Bank where our sisters and brothers are
denied even basic rights including freedom of movement. In Gaza, the
political decisions of all sides have resulted in the creation of an
open-air prison, human rights abuses and a profound humanitarian
crisis. We were welcomed by families whose focus is now day-to-day
survival and whose aspirations have been reduced to bare essentials
such as electricity and clean water.
Amid these circumstances, we are moved by the sacrifice of religious
sisters, lay people and priests who are reaching out with respect to
every side, in order to build a better future for all. They offer vital
services, especially education, job opportunities and care for the most
vulnerable people. We give thanks for their witness.
We encourage Christians in our own countries to pray for and support
this mission. The increase in people making pilgrimages to the Holy
Land is encouraging and we call for those who come to ensure they
encounter the local communities.
At the same time, we implore our governments to help build a new
political solution rooted in human dignity for all. While this must
ultimately be shaped by the peoples of the Holy Land in dialogue, there
is an urgent need for our countries to play their part by:
Insisting upon the application of international law;
Following the Holy See’s lead in recognising the State of
Palestine;
Addressing the security concerns of Israel and the right of
all to live in safety;
Rejecting political or economic support for settlements;
And resolutely opposing acts of violence or abuses of human
rights by any side.
In taking these steps the international community can
meaningfully stand in solidarity with those Israelis and Palestinians
who are refusing to give up their non-violent struggle for justice,
peace and human rights.
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Bishop Declan Lang
(Chair of the Holy Land Coordination)
England and Wales
Diocesan
Fundraising Volunteers Required
We
are looking for two fundraising volunteers to be based in the Diocesan
Finance Office (London SE1) in order to support the Fundraising Team.
Both roles will suit
those who are looking to get hands on experience in fundraising or an
office environment, or could bring their office experience and skills
to support the team. In return, voluinteers will gain an understanding
of how a fundraising department works.
This role will
involve tasks such as organising the legacy gifts files, inputting data
onto a CRM database, mail-merging thank you letters, general
administration, scanning and filing, helping to organise events,
printing and mailing materials.
The
Holy Land Co-ordination 2020 (HLC20) 11-16
January in support of the local Church
The Chapel at St
Jerome's Cave, The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Bishops from across
Europe and North America will meet in the Holy Land over the coming
days to promote dialogue and peace, with a pastoral focus on Christians
in Gaza, East Jerusalem and Ramallah.
This annual visit was
set up over 20 years ago at the invitation of the Holy See with the aim
of visiting and supporting the Holy Land’s local Christian communities
as they experience the political and socio-economic realities of living
in Israel and Palestine. The
bishops will be based in Ramallah with an overnight visit to Gaza. This
year the HLC20 will celebrate Sunday Mass on 12 January with the small
Christian community in Gaza. This Christmas, the Israeli government
prevented Gazan Christians from visiting Bethlehem or families and
relatives in the West Bank so the bishops were determined to go to Gaza
and remind the small Christian community that they are not forgotten as
Christians from the bishops’ home countries continue to pray for all
Gazans and for an end to the conflict.
This visible act of solidarity will be followed by a visit to the House
of Peace run by the Missionaries of Charity; meetings with young
people, visits to Christian parishioners and a pastoral visit to the
sick in the community.
The bishops will also
meet with young people in both Jerusalem and Ramallah to listen to
their hopes and experiences as they grow up in this divided society.
Archbishop Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator to the Latin
Patriarchate, and Nuncio Archbishop Girelli will meet with the bishops
to discuss the current situation.
In addition to planned meetings with Palestinian and Israeli officials,
there will also be visits to East Jerusalem and the Comboni sisters in
Bethany, as well as the school and parish in Ramallah.
Please pray for our Bishops as they seek to make good relations with
Palestinian and Israeli authorities and aim to bring hope to Christians
in Gaza, East Jerusalem and Ramalllah in the coming week.
Catch Up on Christmas
Did you join us recently for Midnight Mass at St George's Cathedral on
Christmas Eve, either in person or via BBC Radio 4?
Would you like to hear Archbishop John's inspiring homily, the
Cathedral Dean blessing the Crib or the immensely gifted musicians of
the Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Consort once again? If so,
you can do so by tuning into BBC Sounds:
Pastoral
Letter
for the Feast of the Holy Family 2019
Archbishop John has written his first Pastoral Letter as Archbishop of
Southwark, to be read at all Vigil and Sunday Masses over the weekend
of 28/29 December 2019, the Feast of the Holy Family
...I
want to begin by offering you, your families, and your loved ones, my
very best wishes for this Holy Season of Christmas. In what are
changing and sometimes challenging times, we, nonetheless, renew our
faith that a Saviour has been born for us who is Christ the Lord. May
He bless you this Christmas and give you His peace.
Whether in church or at home, it remains a beautiful tradition for our
families, andeach one of us, to pray before the Christmas crib. In
doing this we return spiritually to Bethlehem. But what do we find
there? In the words of the French poet Paul Claudel, we find ‘three
poor people who love one another and will change the face of the
earth.’
Image of Archbishop John Wilson
courtesy of M. Mazur
Dear friends
The holy celebration of Christmas invites us to remember what really
matters in life. At the centre of Christmas is the birth of a child,
the Son of God, defenceless and vulnerable. This new-born is totally
dependent on those around him to provide love, food and shelter.
We share the responsibility of providing for each other, especially for
our weaker brothers and sisters. We all need protection in one way or
another. Someone has to love us enough to speak up for us. We are all
vulnerable, carrying our hurts and in need of healing. None of us is
wholly self-sufficient, even when we think we are tough enough to cope.
In short, whoever we are, whatever our situation, our differences or
our difficulties, we need each other; more than this, we really do
depend on each other.
God showed us how much we are loved when he sent his Son into the
world. The Gospel that Christ brings is not simply a manifesto for
living well. It is a call to change our hearts, to realise who we are
and who God is. The Lord Jesus does not simply call us to goodness. He
invites us to holiness, to live in close relationship with God the
Father so our lives can mirror his love for every human life and for
the whole of creation.
This essential Christmas perspective on life is not just for the 25
December, but for each day. Without it, we might be tempted to
prioritise and prize success, power, and wealth above everything else.
When we do this the weak and the poor always suffer most.
But the tiny Christ-child of Bethlehem, the Prince of Peace, points to
another way, a better way. ‘As I have loved you,’ said the Lord Jesus,
‘so you must love each other.’ Whatever our religion, our politics or
our philosophy, the basic demand of our common humanity is to love
others, especially the weakest and the poorest, the neglected and the
abandoned. When we do this, Christ is born in us anew and, through us,
into our world. We can hear this and ignore it. Or we can hear it and
bring about change.
At Christmas and into the new year, our communities and country need
the unity and harmony taught by the nativity. There is a space in the
stable for everyone, with no exception. Each of us has an active part
to play in loving others and it begins in the simplest ways. If we want
a better society, country, and world, then we have to start by loving
the people around us. This is the example of the Lord Jesus. It
sustains our hope that a new future is possible.
Will all our festive babble die out with the pine needles that drop off
our trees? Or will the Christmas perspective of love be planted in our
hearts, to grow and shape who we are and how we live? We each have a
choice to make. Love can be all around us, but only when it begins
within us.
Dear friends, may the love of God, made flesh in the birth of Christ,
find a new place in you this Christmas. May God give us new courage to
love those we find difficult, those who are different, who do not look
or think like we do. And may God bless you, your families, and loved
ones, this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
+ John Wilson
Archbishop of Southwark
Listen
to the Gospel & Homily at Midnight Mass
given by Archbishop John
Wilson: 24th December 2019 St George's
Cathedral, Southwark
BBC
Radio 4 Broadcast of Midnight Mass
Christmas Eve from St George's
Cathedral, Southwark
Archbishop John Wilson and the Dean of St George's Cathedral, Canon
Richard Hearn, warmly invite you to join them for Midnight Mass on
Christmas Eve at St George's, either in person or by tuning into BBC
Radio 4 at 11.30 pm that evening.
During Mass
the Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Consort will be singing a collection
of stunning music under their Director, Jonathan Schranz. This will
include a Mass setting by Neil Cox, plainchant, congregational carols
and beautiful motets, including the moving Bethlehem
Down by
Peter Warlock. Canon Hearn will bless the Crib at the beginning of the
Mass and Archbishop John will offer the homily as well as being the
main Celebrant.
Please do join us in
Southwark for this special service, whether near or far, and welcome
our newborn saviour on Christmas Day.
The
Crib at St George's Cathedral awaiting the birth of Jesus
New Website
for St George's Cathedral
It's
been few months in development, but we are thrilled to announce that St
George's Cathedral have unveiled a stunning new website in time for
Christmas!
The contemporary
design is thanks to the excellent work of Glow New Media and the
Cathedral Staff, with brilliant images by Marcin Mazur and Seb
Budner, the latter of whom is also one of our talented Cathedral Choir
Lay Clerks.
As
you might expect, it contains details about all services and events,
including the forthcoming broadcast of Midnight Mass (from 11.30 pm)
this Christmas Eve on BBC Radio 4, as well as parish news, choir
details, information about the history of the Cathedral and how to get
in contact or hire the Amigo Hall.
In his welcome to website
visitors, Canon Richard Hearn, Dean of the Cathedral, explains:
'
'The Cathedral website allows us
to be in touch both with you, and with far larger numbers of people
than our predecessors could ever have imagined, with an immediacy and
reach that is astonishing. Whether this is your first visit, or you
regularly come to this site, I hope that we are able to provide the
information that you are seeking. This site also enables us to welcome
virtual visitors from all over the world, who are unable to visit us in
person; if this describes you, then I hope we shall see you here one
day.
Please pray for the
Soul of Father Kenneth (Ken) Berry A priest of the
Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham
who
died on Thursday 28th November 2019
May he rest in
peace
Funeral
Details Thursday 19th
December at 1 pm Our Lady of
Reparation RC Church (St Mary's)
Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 2AR
The
Mayor's Christmas Carol Service
Archbishop
John Wilson gives the homily
A chilly Monday evening may not seem the obvious day to hold a festive
celebraton, but on 16th December, Southwark Cathedral, located next to
London Bridge, hosted the Mayor's Christmas Carol
Service.
Approximately 300 VIPs were present, including ambassadors, high
sheriffs, mayors from various boroughs and senior officers of the
emergency services. In addition, many seniior clergy attended,
iincluding the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark, the
Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark and the Most
Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark and Metropolitan.
A number of people who had made a special contribution to
London society read during the service and the congregation enjoyed a
rich programme of excellent music, provided by the London International
Gospel Choir and Olasumbo Aigoro, a young student who received
scholarship from the London Music Fund in 2018 (of which the Mayor is
Patron) and subsequently receives violin lessons from Newham Music.
Archbishop John offered the homily, in which he spoke of the need to
slow down at Christmas and enjoy the present moment.
At the beginning of the Order of Service, the Mayor of London wrote:
It is more important
than ever that as we move into 2020 we attempt to
focus on what unites us rather than
what divides us. This festive season must
be a moment when we reach out to one
another
– with open
minds and open heart.
In resonance with this opening statement, Bishop Christopher Chessun
led the congregation in a moving Faith and Community Declaration:
We pledge our determination as
Londoners to ensure that this great city shall continue to be a
place of welcome, generosity and equality, with respect for all.
We condemn and oppose prejudice
and distrust and will work unceasingly for tolerance and the common
good.
We
abhor all examples of exclusion based on ethnic identity that mar
relationships between neighbours of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.
We stand in solidarity with
those in London who are mistreated or held in contempt because of who they
are or where they have come from.
We affirm that our diversity is
a source of strength and that we are committed to learning from one
another.
We commit to living out this
Declaration in our own lives, in our teaching and preaching and in our
community engagement
Finally,
Sadiq Khan thanked all present for joining him in during his
personal Christmas Message and the service was concluded with a rousing
rendition of 'Hark the Herald Angel Sing.
The
Dean of Southwark (Anglican) Cathedral, Leaders of the Emergency
Services and friends
As a community, we
pray that we will cherish our diversity; making room for all and
creating space for understanding, dialogue and friendship. May the
coming presence of God's Light inspire song and great
celebration in each of our hearts this Christmas.
Bishop
Christopher Chessun
Caring
for Southwark's Sick and Retired Priests
a Christmas update on the Clergy
Support Fund Campaign
In recent weeks Cardinal Vincent Nichols urged Catholics to
support elderly people within the Church community as he
launched a report issued by the Church's Social Action Network called
'Care In Time'. Shortly afterwards, the Chief Executive of Caritas
pointed out during an interview that
'Our Society is ageing and
ageing Catholiics form an increasing share of
practising Catholics in England and Wales',
It is apparent that supporting our aging population and meeting their
needs is an issue of concern across the board, particularly for the
Church..
In Southwark, we are
equally cognisant of the needs of our much loved sick and retired
clergy, who often continue to support the work of the Diocese in a
variety of ways beyond active ministry. It is an
encouraging sign that we are all living longer and healthier lives due
to improved awareness and advances in our health service. In the
Diocese of Southwark, that good news also come with the
honour of sustaining and caring for our priests who have
served us so well and now need our support. In the words of Cardinal
Nichols, as he spoke of the elderly, they are 'a treasure to be nutured'.
Please
pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Tomas
Creagh-Fuller
who died on Tuesday 5th November 2019
May he rest in peace
Tuesday 17th
December 2019
7pm Reception of the Body followed by a Requiem Mass
St Willliam of York RC Church
Forest Hill, London SE23 1PS
Wednesday 18th
December 2019
12 Noon Funeral Mass
St Edmund of Canterbury RC Church
20 Village Way, Beckenham BR3 3NP
Purple Diocesan
Vestments
The
Third Sunday in Advent
As
we travel toward the birth of Our Lord, it is good to take time aside
from our busy schedule of shopping, cooking, decorating and
wrapping to prepare our hearts and minds for the miracle of Christ's
manifestation on earth. One way to do so might be to take a few moments
each day to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and consider how that
impacts our daily Christian journey.
The Southwark Spirituality Commission and Stewardship Team have kindly
prepared a series of short daily reflections for the Advent and
Christmas seasons, which everyone can sign
up to receive in their email inbox.
This particular weekend we celebrate 'Gaudete' Sunday, with the Latin
word meaning 'Rejoice'. Although Advent has a largely
penitential theme - it was once known as the Lent of St Martin when
people use to fast for 40 days before Christmas - we light the
pink candle on the Advent Wreath this Sunday in joyous aniticipation of
the nearness of our redemption through the birth of Jesus.
Like John the Baptist in this Sunday's Gospel passage, we may also
watch in hope as we witness the Light of God gently overcoming darkness
through healing:
'Go back
and tell John what you hear and see; the blind
see again and the lame walk, lepers
are cleansed and the deaf hear,
and the dead are raised to life, and the
Good News is proclaimed to the poor;
and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.'
Matthew
11. 4-6
-------
Gaudete is the first word
of the introit at Mass this Sunday:
Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.
Modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus enim prope est.
Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione et obsecratione cum
gratiarum actione petitiones vestræ innotescant apud Deum.
Benedixisti Domine terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Jacob.
Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I say, rejoice.
Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand;
have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.
Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of
Jacob."
Philippians 4:4–6; Psalm 85
(84):1
We wish
you a joyous Gaudete Sunday
Photograph
by Seb Budner
Statement
by Cardinal Vincent Nichols
on
the General Election
“This
result offers a fresh start with some clarity, but it has to be fresh
in more ways than politics. A lot of damage has been done over the past
few years. It has been toxic, dominated by blame.
We have to put that behind us, look each other in the eye and see the
good in the other.
As we approach Christmas it is the birth of Christ, the embodiment of
God’s goodness, that we celebrate. It is that streak of goodness
written in every person that we have to see and rediscover.
Concentrating on the good in every person is the fresh start we should
seek.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster
Statement
on the General Election from CBCEW
given by Archbishop John Wilson 29th November 2019
The Lord Jesus said: ‘I have come so that they
may have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10)
This General Election
is profoundly important to the United Kingdom. Catholics cannot simply
“watch from the balcony.”[1] Conscious of the common good of every
person and our society as a whole, we ask everyone to engage with the
election and vote. Honest political
activity depends upon integrity. We urge all in public life to
recognise that telling the truth, not making vindictive and abusive
comments or unattainable promises, are essential.[2] The question of the
United Kingdom’s place in Europe continues to dominate political
discourse. In whatever way our future relationship with our closest
neighbours develops, Britain must be committed to a positive engagement
as a key international partner in promoting peace, security and
responsible stewardship of the planet. As Pope Francis reminds us,
“good politics is at the service of peace.”[3] Citizens have a duty
to emphasise and help shape a politics rooted in the service of human
rights and peace. The test of any policy should be its impact upon
human dignity, particularly for the most disadvantaged in our society.
In making judgments about how to vote, please consider carefully the
following and ask your candidates how they would uphold:
• The innate dignity of every human being; defending both the child in
the womb, the good of the mother and an
understanding of the
immeasurable good
of a child not yet born?
• The dignified care for those who are terminally ill and dying while
resisting
the false compassion of assisted suicide or euthanasia?
• The needs of those who are frequently neglected or discarded by
society
such as people with disabilities, Travellers, older people, those
who are homeless, those in prison and
those trapped in modern
slavery?
• The process of integration of migrants and refugees who have made
their homes here[4], challenging the
global rise of xenophobia and
racism that is so radically incompatible
with our faith[5]?
• The rights of those in our own communities and overseas who “can
see no end to the tunnel of extreme
poverty,”[6] providing them
with assistance and confronting the
structural injustices that
compound their suffering?
• Care for our common home and tackle the climate emergency which
threatens the future of our entire human
family and is already having a profound
impact upon the world’s poorest people[7]?
• Freedom of religion and belief, ensuring that everyone has the right
to exercise their conscience and
practise their creed freely without
fear?
• The cherishing of marriage, recognising the essential place of the
family in
the service of life and of society?
• The right of parents to educate their children in accordance with
their faith and support the
work of Catholic schools in their
contribution to society and their promotion of the common good? Jesus tells us “I
have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” Informed
by the work of our parishes, schools and charities, we should all
approach this election as an opportunity to promote life, dignity and
human flourishing for all.
We call on all
Catholics to pray for the wellbeing of our society. May the Holy Spirit
guide our choice as we seek together, and for all, “life to the full.”
Copyright:
CBCEW / M. Mazur
__________________________ [1] Pope Francis:
Address to the Community of Christian Life – Missionary Students’
League of Italy (30/4/15) [2] Cf: "loving the
truth means not only affirming it, but rather living it, bearing
witness to it in your work.” Pope Francis: Audience with
National Council Order of Journalists (22/9/16) [3] Pope Francis:
Message for the 52nd World Day of Peace (1/1/19) [4] Pope Francis:
Message for the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (14/1/18) [5] World Council of
Churches and Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development:
Message from the conference on Xenophobia, Racism and Populist
Nationalism in the Context of Global Migration (20/9/18) [6] Pope Francis:
Message for the 3rd World Day of the Poor (17/11/19) [7] Pope Francis:
Address to meeting on the energy transition and care of our common home
(14/6/19)
To listen to the full
post-Plenary Conference at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England
and Wales, please
click here.
Alternatively watch the video
below about the Plenary (excluding the
General Election):
What the
Catholic Bishops of England and Wales discussed at their November 2019
meeting
St Fidelis Catholic Primary
supports the Homeless at Christmas
Pupils
gather to raise money and understand the reasons for homelessness
On
Friday 29th November, the majority of the children who attend St
Fidelis Catholic Primary School in Erith, Kent, went to their warm
homes and beds. However, fifty-nine Year 5 and 6
children returned to school to give up their time to raise money for
London’s homeless, at the school’s annual ‘Homeless Sleepover’.
The evening started with discussions around the definition of the word
‘homeless’ and understanding that there are many types of situations
that can lead to someone being without a home. Later on, the children
were encouraged to make a shelter from cardboard for protection around
their sleeping bag, but at the same time having to bear in mind that
anti-homeless spikes might be on the pavement where they had chosen to
settle or that at any time an angry shop owner (aka staff member) might
move them on from the location they had chosen to sleep in!
The St Fidelis Soup Kitchen opened at 9:00pm, serving hot chocolate and
biscuits and children had to be patient while they queued and waited
for their turn. The next morning, the children wrote their own
Christmas wish for the homeless on a silver star; the stars now hang on
a Christmas tree in our main corridor.
All in all, a huge £740 was raised for St Teresa’s Missionaries of
Charity in London. Congratulations to all involved in this
magnificent school effort to help the homeless this Christmas.
We would like to encourage all in the Diocese to remember those who
have no place to stay or call home this Christmas, and support them in
action if you are able. We invite you to say the prayer that
was close to Mother Teresa's heart:
Fragrance Prayer
(by
St John Henry Newmam, adopted by St Teresa of Calcutta)
Dear Jesus, help me
to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with
Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess
my whole being so utterly, That my life may only
be a radiance of Yours.
Shine through me, and
be so in me That every soul I
come in contact with May feel Your
presence in my soul. Let them look up and
see no longer me, but only Jesus!
Stay with me and then
I shall begin to shine as You shine, So to shine as to be
a light to others; The light, O Jesus
will be all from You; none of it will be mine; It will be you,
shining on others through me.
Let me thus praise
You the way You love best,
by shining on those around me. Let me preach You
without preaching, not by words but by my example, By the catching force
of the sympathetic influence of what I do, The evident fullness
of the love my heart bears to You.
Amen.
Admirabile Signum: The
Importance of the Nativity
Many
Catholics consider the presence of a crib scene as essential to
celebrating the seasons of Advent and Christmas in their home.
In the past week Pope Francis has written an Apostolic
Letter: Admirabile Signum, on the meaning and importance of the
nativity scene, which continues to inpsire and amaze people of all
ages. You
can read his letter here.
Nativity
Scene at St George's Cathedral in 2018
St George's Cathedral
Carol Service & BBC Radio 4 Broadcast of Midnight Mass on
Christmas Eve
Alll
are welcome to attend this free Carol Service at St George's Cathedral
on Thursday 12 December 2019 at 7.30 pm, at which Archbishop John will
preside. Our nation will be concerned with the General
Election that day, but once voting has been undertaken we can't think
of a better way to focus our minds away from the earthly matters, and
towards the joy of Christmas.
BBC Radio 4 Broadcast of
Midnight Mass
Midnight Mass will be broadcast on Christmas Eve this year from St
George's Cathedral at 11.30 pm. The service will be
celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson and sung by the combined choirs of
St George's Cathedral and the Cathedral Consort. Alll are
very welcome to attend.
Statement on the London
Bridge Terror Attack
by
Archbishop John Wilson 29th
November 2019
I was deeply shocked
and saddened to hear of the attack that took place on London Bridge on
Friday evening, causing loss of life and injury. On behalf of the Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of
Southwark I assure all those affected of
our prayers, those who have died and those who suffered injuries,
remembering also their families and loved ones.
We also offer our
sincere gratitude to the emergency services for their decisive action
and we thank members of the public who moved swiftly and courageously
to protect others without thought for themselves.
London is home to
people from so many different countries, cultures and religions. We
must never allow incidents such as this to divide us. Violence never
solves anything. In the wake of such an awful assault on human life and
dignity, we remain committed to sustaining our common life together in
respectful tolerance and peace, working always for the common good of
every person and our society as a whole.
Young
People Supporting the Homeless
As the evenings draw darker and chillier, many of us turn our attention
to Christmas plans and festivities with family and friends.
At St Fidelis Catholic Primary School, in Erith, Kent, in amongst the
preparations for Christmas, the children will once again be taking
active steps to help improve the lives of others. The school
will once again host its “Reverse”
Advent Calendar throughout December, when the children are
encouraged to bring in items for the local Foodbank. Last
year more than 40 boxes of food and toiletries were collected and
delivered to the Foodbank in Erith town centre, in time for Christmas.
In addition, a large
number of children from Years 5 and 6 will go one step further, giving
up their warm, comfy beds for the night to sleep on the floor of the
school hall with nothing but cardboard and a sleeping bag.
During the evening, the children will be presented with newspaper
articles to understand more about the different types of homelessness
and the
issues faced by those who find themselves in these
situations.
As a school that has
achieved the Rights Respecting School Award at Gold level, we will
consider how these particular issues relate to the UNICEF Convention on
the Rights of the Child and encourage the children to think about how
they can use their voices to make a difference to others in the world
who are perhaps not as fortunate as themselves. This, the
fourth homeless sleepover to be held at St Fidelis, has more children
than ever signed up for the event, with the money raised from the event
being donated to St Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
Million
Minutes
YOUNG PEOPLE GATHER TO
TRANSFORM THE WORLD
Over National Youth Sunday weekend nominees from previous ‘Celebrating
Young People Awards’ gathered for a young adults alumni gathering in
Central London, for a weekend of celebration, formation and networking.
The event was powered by Million Minutes in partnership with the
Columbans UK.
Anna Fraine, who was part of CAFOD’s delegation to COP24, the UN
climate summit that took place this time in Katowice, Poland, and
Martins Banjo, the 2016 Joseph Cardijn Award Recipient who identified
solutions to social disadvantage caused by low awareness, were in
attendance.
The event brought together young people aged 17-25 years, celebrating
their achievements and commitment to social action. The young nominees
included eco-champions, volunteer youth workers, a youth safety
ambassador among others. The weekend involved hands on activities,
periods of reflection and time to plan projects aimed to inspire them
in their on-going activities to transform society.
Catholic social teaching principles - including promoting peace,
building community and caring for creation – were at the heart of the
weekend. These values came to life in two immersive experiences
provided by Jesuit Refugee Service and Pax Christi UK. The young people
experienced peace-making in the past, present and future with visits to
the Edith Cavell Memorial and St Martin-in-the-Fields in Central
London, in addition to partaking in a workshop that focused on building
awareness of detention in this current climate. Immediate actions that
the young adults took part in included creating a Peace banner in
Leicester Square and writing Christmas cards to those who find
themselves in detention centres, which for many will be the only
Christmas card they receive over the festive period. The hope is that
these actions and others will be built on over the coming year.
Million Minutes’ co-founder, Danny Curtin, said: We’ve celebrated 1,000
young people since launching the Celebrating Young People Awards and
each and every one of them are inspiring. This weekend we’ve been
heartened to see that young people continue to be committed to finding
ways to put the values of our Catholic social teaching into practice,
seeking a more just, peaceful and equal world.”
The weekend closed with Mass ahead of National Youth Sunday.
For more information about the Million Minutes Award click here.
Red Wednesday
On Wednesday 27th November 2019 Aid to the Church in Need ask us to
stand in unity with persecuted Christians and other faith minorities
who suffer unjustly for their peacefully-held beliefs. During the day churches,
schools and other public buildings are encouraged to light up red in
order to highlight the persecution of Christians and other
faiths. During the evening Westminster Cathedral will be lighting up in
red and holding an event at 6.30pm with guest speakers and live music.
Entrance is free and all are welcome.
Throughout the day
prayers will be offered for those who have died as well as those who
are being persecuted for their faith at present. Southwark would like
to add its own heartfelt prayer that those who are guilty of
persecution will realise the gravity of their actions and seek a new
way to resolve differences. May we learn to tolerate matters
on which we hold divergent beliefs and, as people of faith, understand
that this calls us to discussion, understanding and harmony rather than
oppression.
For some excellent
resources offered by Aid too the Church in Need, click
here.
Southwark Advent
Reflections
This
year's Southwark Advent Reflections, provided by the Southwark
Spirituality Commission and Stewardship Team, begin on Monday 25th
November, and will focus on the readings for the Sundays of Advent.
Each day there
will be a different reflection: Monday and Tuesday will focus on the
first reading, Wednesday on the psalm, Thursday and Friday on the
second reading and Saturday and Sunday on the gospel.
The reflections will draw us deeper into the Advent season and allow us
to hear the readings anew, looking at where they resonate in our own
lives and how they can draw us nearer to God.
To sign up for daily Advent Reflections posted direct to your inbox
visit: Advent
Reflections
National Youth Sunday
“For
him you have worth; you are not insignificant. You are important to
him, for you are the work of his hands” (Christus Vivit, 115)
National Youth Sunday, which
takes place this year on 24th November (the Feast of Christ the King)
is an opportunity to recognise
young people as a gift in the Church, enable the parish
community to celebrate young people and affirm the
contribution of young people and those who work with them
This year the
theme is ‘Significance’, inspired by the Flame Youth Congress that took
place earlier in the year at Wembley Arena, as well as the incredible
Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit.
The
theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor message is “The hope of the poor shall not
perish forever”, taken from the Book of Psalms. Marking
the 3rd World Day of the Poor on 17 November 2019, the Fratello
Association, whose aim is to serve by meeting the poor and giving them
their rightful place in the Church, has invited believers to spend four
days in Lourdes with socially excluded people.
In a video-message to those gathered in Lourdes, the Pope explained
that God loves and hears the prayers of those who suffer want and who
are abandoned.
Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor in his Apostolic
Letter, Misericordia et Misera, to celebrate the end of the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
In his message, Pope Francis points out that there is “no one so poor that they have
nothing to give”, going on to explain that God wants us to
be the vessels through which love flows. He concluded by
asking all Christian communities to “to help ensure that this World
Day of the Poor will encourage more and more people to cooperate
effectively so that no one will feel deprived of closeness and
solidarity.”
On
Saturday 16th November 2019 at 12.30 pm in St George's Cathedral, the
Diocese will be holding a special Mass in thanksgiving for the many
years of devoted episcopal ministry given by Archbishop Peter Smith.
In addition,
Archbishop John will be celebrating a Memorial Mass on Friday 22nd
November at 12.30pm in St George’s Cathedral for the repose of the soul
of four diocesan priests whose funerals took place outside the diocese
during 2019: Father Alexander
Fraser; Father Seamus Hetherton; Father Patrick (Paddy) Murtagh; Father
James (Jim) Kirby.
All are very welcome
to attend.
Friends of the Holy Land Tenth Anniversary
On Thursday 14th
November 2019 Archbishop John attended a celebration for the Tenth
Anniversary of The Friends of the Holy Land. The Friends were formed in
2009 as a means of offering help to Christians in the area, which
account for less than 2% of the population today. After a
decade of colllaboration they have been able to successfully help
hundreds of Christians and their families by providing medical and
social care. This enables Christians in the West Bank, Gaza, Israel and
Jordan to feel at home and part of a thriving community in the
birthplace of Christianity.
Nearly 200 people gathered at the Temple Church in central London to
celebrate the FHL 10th Anniversary. The key purpose for the celebration
was to pray together for their mission whilst also launching a major
campaign to raise awareness in UK of the plight of fellow Christians in
the Holy Land.
Present at this ecumenical event were Archbishop John Wilson and
Archbishop Suheil Dawani of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem.
Archbishop Dawani will now go on to lead further ecumenical services in
Coventry and Glasgow on 15th and 16th November.
To find out more
about The Friends of the Holy Land, their mission and the 10th
Anniversary Celebrations, click here.
To see more
photographs of the event, click
here.
With thanks to M.Mazur / CBCEW
Divine Chaplet Mercy Film
"Love and Mercy:
Faustina”, is a docudrama on Divine Mercy and the mission of Sr.
Faustina Kowalska. It reveals previously unknown facts and recently
disclosed documents that shed new light on the truth of the Divine
Mercy message.
As many will know,
the Divine Mercy is a devotion to Jesus Christ associated with the
apparitions of Jesus to Sr. Faustina in Poland in the 1930s. Jesus
urged Sr. Faustina to paint an image according to the pattern that she
had seen, and requested to have the image venerated, first in the
sisters' chapel, and then throughout the world.
The film will be
shown in a number of locations on 18th November, some of which are
within Southwark. If you are interested in seeing the film
visit this link for details: www.loveandmercyfilm.co.uk/tickets/
Memorial Mass in
Shooters Hill for
Father Jim Kirby and the
39 Vietnamise victims of people trafficking
On Sunday 3rd November 2019
the Vietnamese Community in Shooters Hill parish held a Memorial Mass
for the 39 victims of people trafficking who arrived in Essex on the
23rd October and the former parish priest, Father Jim Kirby who died on
the 21st October
The
Mass was celebrated in Vietnamese by Fr Paul Huynh Chanh, assisted by
Fr Sabarmalai Sebanesaratnam, also present were Bishop Patrick
Lynch and Fr Mark Odion
Fr Mark (who works at the Santa Marta Group which was developed by the
Catholic Bishops of England and Wales) and Bishop Pat spoke about the
misery of the trafficking of people and how we should all raise our
awareness of this crime
‘
"Human trafficking is a global crime that affects every country. It is
a criminal activity that aims to dehumanise the human person. The Holy
Father describes it as “a wound in the contemporary society”. The fight
against the evil of trafficking is close to the heart of the Holy
Father. Pope Francis highlighted that the Church intends to intervene
in every phase of the trafficking of human beings because she wants to
protect them from deception and solicitation, she wants to find them
and free them when they are transported and reduced to slavery, she
wants to assist them once they are freed. In Vietnam,
criminal Mafia exploits innocent people under the false promises of
better jobs. One of the ways to fight this evil of trafficking is the
constant awareness-raising in parishes, schools and social groups"
A collection was taken for
Father Jim’s mother who was a constant visitor to the parish
Eugene Iyoha, a local farm
manager in Edo, feeds 2000 fish
GrowEdo is a project
supported by the Catholic Bishops' Conference in England and Wales
which has also been adopted by Southwark. Its aim is to educate people in Edo
State, where 90% of trafficking from Nigeria originates, about
the dangers of modern slavery. The project also serves to
provide local skills and work opportunities, often in agriculture or in
cottage industries, so that the lure offered by traffickers to
'find
good jobs abroad'
is significantly diminished.
The International Labour Organisation has estimated that 40 million
people are victims of modern slavery and that, in one year alone, human
trafficking may currently be generating profits in excess of £25
billion.
It is a cruel cycle, but one that each of us can help to put a stop to.
Find
out more
Exploring
our Catholic Culture
at the
Centre for Catholic Formation, Tooting Bec J.R.R. Tolkein
The
Centre for Catholic Formation continues with their exciting Autumn /
Winter programme. The scribes of our world are taking precedence at
this time, with lectures on the work of Tolkein and the life of Saint
John Henry Newman.
On Tuesday 10th December the Director of the Centre for Catholic
Formation, Dr Mark Nash, will be leading reflections on Advent and
Christmas readings with associated art. This evening of seasonal
catholic culture is one not to be missed. Visit the website to book
tickets (link below)
Tolkien’s World and Evil
Monday 11th November 2019 (7pm for 7.30pm) The
second of two talks by diocesan formation adviser, Sebastian Morello
(will be live-streamed on Facebook: facebook.co.uk/ccfsouthwark)
Advent with St John Henry Newman
5 December 2019 (7 pm for 7.30 pm) An
evening talk with Bernard Dive, author of John Henry Newman and the
Imagination, published by Bloomsbury
Reflections on the Advent and Christmas Readings with Art
10 December 2019 (7 pm for 7.30 pm) Art and
scripture reflections with Mark Nash at the Centre for Catholic
Formation. A later date in Kent will arranged, see ccftootingbec.org.uk
for latest update.
Music Workshop Postponement
We regret to inform
Southwark parishioners that the Music Committee have had to postpone
their Workshop 'The God Who Speaks' due to be held on Saturday 23rd
November. A refund of the fee is available upon request, or it will be
held in credit for when this Workshop will be presented. Email the organiser.
We
will remember them
This Sunday morning people across the world will mark
Remembrance Day, which offers us all a chance to pray for those who
have fallen in conflict.
Catholic chaplains
played a vital role in the two world wars. Many became soldiers or found themselves
comforting the sick and dying in unimaginable and extreme
circumstances. Without first-hand experience,
it is hard to comprehend the level of self-righteous belief that would
choose to impose such harm on fellow human-beings. It is from
those that do remember that we must continue to learn if our society is
to evolve.
There were those, such as Frank Buchman who tried to morally and
spiritually reinvigorate people and nations in a bid to avert WWII, but
regrettably it was not to be: his efforts to bring reconciliation were
only possible after significant loss of life at the end of six dark
years of conflict.
In our contemporary society we can perhaps choose to honour the fallen
by adopting a considered Christian response to discord and by
learning how to constructively resolve everyday conflict through
personal choices.
A Remembrance Service
will commence outside St George's Cathedral at 10.50 am, followed by
11.30 am Mass in the Cathedral this Sunday, 10th November
2019. All are very welcome to attend. We offer our
deep gratitude to those who have given their their lives
fighting for peace, and pray for their eternal rest.
On Friday 8th November 2019, Archbishop John Wilson gave a short
reflection at the City Hall Remembrance Service.
‘As I have loved you, so
you must love each other. There is no greater love than to lay down
your life for your friends.’
Dear friends, whoever we are, these words of the Lord Jesus speak to
every human heart. Love is both something given and something received.
The gift of love, the power of love, the sacrifice of love, creates a
bond between persons, an eternal bond. And sometimes love pays the
ultimate price. It really does love to the very end.
So many of those who died in war carried with them photographs of those
they loved, their families, their friends, their sweethearts. The
devastating lists of fatalities from two World Wars, and from
subsequent conflicts up to our present day, are all made up of unique
individuals. Each one irreplaceable, each one loved.
Emily Chitticks, writing in 1917 to her fiancé Private William Martin,
concludes her letter: ‘...
Well darling I don't know much more to say now, so will close with
fondest love and kisses from your loving little girl. Emily. P.S. Cheer
up darling, and don't worry about me. I am quite alright, only anxious
to get your letters. There is good news in the papers. Love from Mum
and Dad.' Emily wrote on 28th March, not knowing that the
day before Will had been killed in action.
How could we not remember so many lives, so many loved ones, lost
because of war? Our annual remembrance remains for some a daily
struggle, their pain very much alive on the battleground of recovery.
To quote famous words, 'those
who cannot remember the past, those who fail to learn from history, are
condemned to repeat it. How slow we have been, how slow we
are, to remember and enact the commandment ‘you must love each other.’
This year we mark the seventy-fifth anniversaries of the D-Day Landings
and the Battle of Normandy, as well as the Battles of Imphal and Kohima
in India. As we remember the bravery and sacrifice of every person who
laid down their life to combat aggression, ours is an inclusive
remembrance. We refuse to forget anyone. We will remember, we do
remember, each and every victim of warfare.
But our acts of remembrance can never just be about the past. They
compel us to ensure that our present activity safeguards our common
future inheritance. Authentic
peace is more than the absence of war. Authentic peace is more than a
balance of power between enemies. Authentic peace can never be brought
about by dictatorship. Authentic peace is ‘an
enterprise of justice,’
where every person matters.
‘As I have love you, so
you must love each other.’ Justice demands this. Peace
depends upon it.
Southwark
Spirituality Commission: Your Word is Life
This Saturday in St
John Fisher parish, Bexley, the Southwark Spirituality Commission will
be holding a special day in which they will explore different ways of
praying. No matter our age or how new or old we are to the Christian
faith, all of us can benefit from dicovering new ways to refresh our
prayer life.
All are very welcome
from 10.30 am onwards.
Please book in advance:
details are listed in the poster below.
The
Funeral of Archbishop Michael Bowen
at St George's Cathedral
During
the late afternoon of Sunday 3rd November 2019 the body of the Late
Archbishop Michael Bowen was received at St George's Cathedral. A
Requiem Mass was said for him during the Cathedral Parish 6 pm service,
celebrated by Archbishop Kevin McDonald, who was Archbishop Bowen's
immediate successor. During the homily he spoke of Archbishop
Michael as a good man, a person devoid of any pride or self-importance
and one who did as he was called to do. Read
Archbishop McDonald's homily here.
Archbishop Bowen's funeral took place on Monday 4th November 2019 at
12.30 pm. Archbishop John Wilson was the Principal Celebrant and
Archbishop Peter Smith conducted the Final Commendation and Committal.
The service was also attended by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Edward J.
Adams, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, several senior clergy from
around the UK as well as Southwark Clergy.
Among their number was the Right Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of
Arundel and Brighton, who served as Archbishop Bowen's private
secretary between 1992-2001 and gave the homily during the service.
Bishop Moth spoke
fondly of Archbishop Bowen, remembering him as 'a
second father' who held many responsibiilities and titles,
and also navigated significant changes in the Church during
his tenure as the Eighth Bishop of Southwark. He went on to
explain that Archbishop Bowen was a man of humility and simplicity and
recalled that, on a personal level he greatly valued his family and was
fond of a good practical joke!
You can watch the
full sermon below.
Archbishop
Bowen was a great supporter of the Diocesan Music Committee and for
this reason the Diocesan Choir was very pleased to convene
under the baton of Canon Alan McLean in order to lead singing during
the service. There were many beautiful moments, but perhaps none more
so than the full congregation singing Salve Regina
unaccompanied whilst the sun streamed through the Cathedral windows.
After
the
Committal, Archbishop Bowen's body was interred in the Crypt of the
Cathedral.
Following the service, Archbishop John Wilson met with those that had
come to pay their final respects. In addition to Southwark
parishioners who are local to London, many had travellled some distance
to be present. Refreshements were also made available in
Amigo Hall.
The service was a fitting farewell to a much loved Archbishop of
Southwark, who died peacefully at St Peter's Residence, Vauxhall on
17th October 2019. He will be very fondly remembered (as has been often
cited by those that knew him well) as 'a gentle man and a gentleman'.
A
full congregation in attendance at the Funeral of the Late Archbishop
Michael Bowen. May he rest in peace.
Archbishop
Michael Bowen RIP
The Late Archbishop
Michael Bowen - May he rest in peace -
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with
great sadness that I have to inform you that Archbishop Michael Bowen
died at 12.30 am this morning, 17th October, at St Peter's Home,
Vauxhall. I saw Archbishop Michael on Tuesday evening in St
Thomas' Hospital and although somewhat tired he was in good spirits.
He was a faithful servant of the Church and especially of the
two dioceses of which he was the chief shepherd. Please do pray for him
and his family.
I have asked all
parishes in the diocese to arrange for a Mass to be celebrated for the
repose of his soul as soon as is practical and that Archbishop Michael
be remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful.
Funeral details are now in place
and are listed below.
With prayers, yours sincerely in Christ,
The Most
Reverend John Wilson
Funeral
Arrangements
The Liturgies will take place at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, and
are as follows:
Sunday 3rd November:
5 p.m: Reception into St George's Cathedral
6 p.m: Cathedral Mass: Archbishop Kevin McDonald to preside.
8 p.m: Vigil Service, after which the Cathedral will close.
Monday 4th November:
7 a.m: Cathedral opens
7.30 a.m: Cathedral Mass
12.30 p.m: Funeral Mass: Archbishop John Wilson to preside.
Burial in the Cathedral Crypt at the end of the Mass
All are welcome to join us for
the respose of the soul of
Archbishop Bowen and to pray for his family.
May he rest in peace
Funeral Mass - Diocesan Choir
The Late Archbishop
Michael Bowen was a great supporter of the Diocesan Music Committee, so
it is a fitting tribute that the Diocesan Choir have been asked to
support the Funeral Mass on Monday 4th November.
If you are able to sing
with the Choir on Monday 4th November, AND attend the rehearsal at The
Most Holy Trinity Church, Dockhead on Saturday 2nd. November (10.30 am
start), then please respond as soon as possible by completing
and returning this form.
Thank you for your
support.
Remembering our loved ones
On 1st November we
celebrate the Feast of Alll Saints, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. The celebration of All Saints'
Day, and subsequently, All Souls on the following day (2nd November)
arises from the belief that there is a spiritual link between
those in heaven - the "Church triumphant" - and the living - the
"Church militant".
All Saints' Day
celebrates those who have reached Heaven, and these individuals are
honoured throughout the Universal Church. On All Souls' Day
we pray for those still on ther journey to Heaven.
If you wish to attend Mass on All Saints' Day / All Souls' Day, please
visit our Southwark
Directory to find your nearest church and the service times.
The Diocesan Chancery
Southwark's
Diocesan Chancery has revised and added information to its page on this
site.
The Chancery forms for Marriage, Reception into full
communion with the Church and the Commissioning of Extra-ordinary
Ministers of the Eucharist are now available for priests and deacons to
download from this page.
Please click on the logo above to visit this page.
For news prior to this entry please visit the News Archive
Reporting abuse
If you are concerned
about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in
contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be
in immediate danger.
It is the policy of the
Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse
to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred
recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or
deceased.
If you are in any role
within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer
allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or
religious congregation, or directly to the Police.
If you are a member of
the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to
the Safeguarding Office in your diocese. You can also contact the
Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Office by telephoning 020 7261
1606 or via email at safeguardingoffice@rcaos.org.uk
The page for Diocesan
Organisations and Agencies has links to those working in the
Diocese in education, catechesis, youth work and the administration of
the Diocese.
The Parish
Websites page lists all those parishes that have a website.
The general Catholic
information page gives a few links to major Catholic Websites.
The Bishops
page tells you a little about our area Bishops and our
Archbishops and Bishops Emeriti.
The Nullity
of Marriage page gives a brief introduction, answering some
common questions about the process.