Author: Jacky

A priest settled into a chair in a lawyer’s office.  “Is it true,” said the priest, “that your firm does not charge the members of the clergy?” “I am afraid you are misinformed,” stated the lawyer.  “People in your profession can look forward to a reward in the next world, but we lawyers have to take ours in this one.”

Diocesan Mass for Altar Servers

Diocesan Mass for Altar Servers:  on Saturday 14th September, at 12noon, with Bishop Richard presiding.  For all who have served, are serving and anybody who would like to.  Please bring cassock/cotta or alb.   Light refreshments will follow (bring a packed lunch if you wish).

Holy Spirit Evening

Holy Spirit Evening

Led by Sehion UK Catholic Ministries on Monday 19th August 2019, 6pm to 9pm, St Wilfrid’s Church, Hailsham.  Speaker, Fr Soji Mathew Olikkal (Parish Priest of St Gerard’s Catholic Church, Castle Vale, Birmingham).  He is an International Preacher and director of Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries. Preaching Word of God, Prayer for Healing and Holy Mass and Adoration

Deacon JohnWrites

Deacon John Writes:

Some thoughts about inviting friends to have a meal with us by an unknown author: “When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food and drink for their bodies. We offer them friendship and fellowship, we offer them good conversation and intimacy, and closeness. When we ask them to help themselves, to take some more, not to be shy, and maybe to have another glass, we offer our guests not only our food and drink, but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows between us, and we become like food and drink for one another. This happens in another way, when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. This can help us as we try to live in his way.”

Here is a follow-up prayer that comes from CAFOD which may help us to make sure that we also think of people in all parts of the world, and for whom finding food and drink is a daily struggle: “Generous and loving God, creator of the world we share, we ask you to give us today our daily bread. But as we store the crops and fill the barns, as we stack the shelves and pile high the tins, and wander the aisles of supermarket choice, show us how to see the world through the eyes of the hungry and thirsty. Teach us how to share our daily bread with all people, and to treat each other as members of one family.” With my love and prayers for you all

Fr Rory Writes

Fr Rory Writes: 

Thanks be to God for a special moment of grace.  There was an ecumenical service in memory of Judith Kinnison Burke, at All Saints Church in Herstmonceux on Monday.  The large church was full to the brim, a tribute to Judith and her commitment to life and faith.  She played a large part in “renew” thirty years ago, when she was new to life in our church.  The Requiem Mass that was part of the ecumenical service is possibly the first said since the reformation.  She was a great friend to many.

Next Tuesday at St Wilfrid’s Church, at 12noon, we will celebrate with a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of William O’Rourke.  This occasion will also have many persons wanting to attend.  Car parking is likely to be difficult, so if alternative arrangements can be made, this will be helpful.  The Knights have offered to help with parking.   Deep sympathy is a prayer that we all make, because of the great loss that Bill is to our church and his family.

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Recently, in a series of writings by Fr Barry Anderson, he described how a prayer by Frank Topping helped him.  It is a prayer on the theme of sheep and shepherd.  Frank Topping said: ”Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that I am known to God, that the Good Shepherd knows my name, and, more, sees my distress, knows my doubts, hears my questions.  It is at times like these that I use the following prayer: 

“Good Shepherd, when the events of my life worry, disturb, or even frighten me, when anxiety makes it difficult to think straight, let me hear your voice. Lead me beside the still waters of your peace. Remind me that even in the presence of those I might call enemies, you are with me.  Be with me throughout this day, and all the days of my life.” I hope that this prayer may prove helpful to you if a similar occasion occurs in your life and you feel the need for some help. With my love and prayers for you all.