St Wilfrids & St George

Fr. Rory writes:

churchadmin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:22:23 +0000

ST. RICHARD’S NEEDS YOU!

Once again, East Sussex County Council is seeking to change the existing ‘homes to school’ transport policy with a view to “withdrawing discretionary denominational travel support with effect from January 2011″.

It is imperative that as many people as possible register their opposition to this change which in effect would see the vast majority of our Catholic families having to pay for their children’s travel costs to and from our Catholic Schools, including St. Richard’s. For those families living outside Bexhill this would have a big financial impact. Please make sure you respond. If you would like to read a copy of the proposal document, this can be found on the ESCC website at the following link: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay

This proposal will affect existing and future pupils so make your voice heard!!!

Clearly the Council has forgotten the basis on which St. Richard’s was opened when the Catholic Church came to its rescue in finding a new secondary school at a time the council couldn’t/wouldn’t fund one itself. Encourage as many people as you know to write to the Council expressing your views and, we hope, opposition to the proposed funding withdrawal. Do this now so that the Council is in no doubt about the weight of concern about negative school transport policy.

There are copies of a letter, from the head Teacher, Miss Cronin, available in St. Wilfrid’s Church Porch which gives a lot of information to assist you.

Deacon John writes:

churchadmin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:13:07 +0000

Last weekend Fr. Marek spoke about prayer and our need for prayer in our lives. The Gospel this weekend is also about prayer. the following is a prayer I was sent recently which I have slightly adapted.
“How good of God that he should choose to give you to me as friends. He is also the one who caused our paths to cross, our circumstances to intertwine, our minds to spark against each other – so that when we talk there are so often fresh ways of thinking, new insights into love, life and faith.

Thank you for being there on the dark days and in the sunshine: available, ready to listen, to laugh, to weep with me and to pray with me. Thank you for an arm on my shoulders, a funny card, a bunch of flowers, a cake. You know when to sympathise and when to haul me back to my feet and give me a push in the right direction. Thank for sharing your joys, problems, pleasure and pain with me. Thank you for letting me know that I am important to you, that my contribution counts. You are special! Thank you for being my friends.

St. Wilfrid’s Church Project

churchadmin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:07:45 +0000

St Wilfrid’s project committee have met with the architect to discuss the Diocese’s reservations on costing and funding. The meeting was very positive and there is definitely an air of optimism that we can overcome their concerns. The next stage is for the architect to revisit the plans and proposals and to produce a detailed plan and costing based on what we have discussed, which includes how to maximise the money to be raised from the land/presbytery and also to provide a residence for Fr. Rory.

We will be meeting again with the architect in September when we should be able to make decisions on how to progress. In the meantime we thank you for your continuing generosity, please keep up the good work and remember, your prayers are still vital for the success of the project.

For further information please see any of the Project committee members: Bob Waters, Brian Winter, Mary van Breda, Ann fielder, Geoff Stone, Deacon John and Fr. Rory.

Open Garden Success

churchadmin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:54:57 +0000

The last event of our Open Gardens season, held at the beautiful garden of Lady Shawcross was a great success, raising £204.50. Our thanks to Lady Shawcross for hosting the afternoon and also to those who supported it. In total the three Open Gardens held this year raised £610.50 in aid of St. Wilfrid’s Development Fund. Congratulations and thanks to all the hosts, Caroline and John Chatfield, the Wake family and Lady Shawcross, also to Doris and Karl Jung the organisers and all who visited the gardens.

Open Garden, St. Wilfrid’s

churchadmin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:17:04 +0000

The first Open Garden for St. Wilfrid’s, held on 20th June at Caroline and John Chatfield’s home, in aid of St. Wilfrid’s Development Fund, raised £173.70. Our thanks to them and to all who supported this splendid afternoon.

Fr. Rory writes

churchadmin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:10:54 +0000

Fifteen months ago I said “Go Go Go” for the project in Hailsham. Now Bishop Kieran has recently agreed for us, in principle, to proceed with the project to build a new church and hall subject to some conditions. Unfortunately, we think the delay has cost us thousands of pounds, not least from Dr. Ismay Crotty who would have loved to have donated generously to the project. It was a great frustration to her that we “could not get on with it”! The good thing is that the money has gone to charities in the developing world and the better news is that she has joined the chorus of “our loved ones gone before us” and we are sure that their prayers join with ours to see the launch of the project for a new church and centre.

We have the privilege of undertaking a very good worthwhile project for future generations and we must now “get on with it”. We now need plenty of prayers and good neighbours and friends in our surrounding parishes. In the meantime please feel free to raise any questions you may have with the sub-committee, whose members are: Bob Waters, Brian Winter, Mary van Breda, Ann Fielder and Geoff Stone
God bless and keep you always, Deacon John and Fr. Rory

Papal Visit Invitations

churchadmin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:58:31 +0000

INVITATIONS FOR THE PAPAL VISIT – 18th or 19th September

As you know, our Parish will soon be allocated some invitations to attend the Pope’s Beatification of Cardinal Newman at Coventry airport on Sunday 19^th September. It would be very useful for the coordinators of this trip from this diocese to have an idea of numbers of interested parties from each Parish. This will make the allocation of invitations and coach places easier in July, when they are announced. Although the Mass begins at 10.00 am, the journey and entrance will involve a very early start. It will however be a very memorable experience.

Please sign your name on the sheet at the back of the church if you are interested in attending either the Coventry event or the London event on Saturday 18^thSeptember, where the Pope will not be saying a Mass but rather a fairly brief appearance in Hyde Park early evening, having travelled through London (route to be announced) in his popemobile.

Deacon John writes

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:40:51 +0000

Two weeks ago Fr.Rory read a letter to us all from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales concerning child abuse in the Catholic Church. They asked us all to make the Fridays in May special days of prayer, asking God for healing, forgiveness and a renewed dedication. We are asked to pray for all who have suffered abuse; for those who have mishandled these matters, and for those who have committed these sins of abuse. We pray also for Pope Benedict for his leadership in the Church. We pray for, and give thanks to, those who are involved in the work of safeguarding. We pray for the many laity, priests and clergy who devote themselves with energy and generosity in their service in parishes, in schools, youth ventures and the care of the sick and elderly. In all this work the Holy Spirit guides those who strive to show their love and generosity towards those in need.

With this in mind Fr.Rory and I propose that the remaining Fridays of May be devoted to special prayer. Next Friday there will be Stations of the Resurrection at 9.30am. On Friday 21st May the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The last Friday of the month, May 28th, will be devoted to a special Rosary for the prayer intentions asked for by the Bishops. These events will all be at St.George’s at 9.30am before Mass.

We also wish to mark these intentions in St.Wilfrid’s by having the Church open from 10am to 4pm on Friday 14th, 21st and 28th May thereby giving many the opportunity to pray before the Lord in the Tabernacle. We hope that as many parishioners as possible will take advantage of these opportunities to pray for the intentions requested by our Bishops.

With my love and prayers for you all.

Knights of St Columba

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 11:57:44 +0000

Following the appeal for more members last weekend, nearly 10 men expressed an interest in learning more about the KSC. An information meeting is therefore being held in the Presbytery at 7.30pm on Tuesday 4th May. All men are invited.

Latest News:

Two parishioners, Barry Megan and Brian Sullivan, will be joining the Order of the Knights of St. Columba during a ceremony to be held during the 8.45am Mass at St. George’s on Sunday, 11th July. We congratulate them and thank them for volunteering to serve the Church in this way.

Gardening Enthusiasts

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 11:56:49 +0000

With the arrival of May our minds often turn to planting wonderful vibrant garden. To help you on your mission in just a couple of weeks time there will be a large variety of young vegetable plants and flowering plants available for you to buy. Please be patient.