Author: Jacky

Easter Celebrations at St Wilfrid’s

Easter Celebrations at St Wilfrid’s:  We started at 10am, Good Friday “Stations of the Cross” led by Teresa and our children, a very simple version enjoyed by us all.  Then into our hall for hot cross buns and tables of activities for the children.  3pm “Veneration of the Cross” led by Deacon John, well attended and moving.  Next our Easter Vigil, Sat at 7pm, starting in the hall then outside, lighting of new fire and decorating the two Easter Candles for both churches.  Then into the darken church, each one holding a lighted candle to begin the lovely service we always look forward to and enjoy.  Easter Sunday Mass absolutely packed out.   Thank Goodness the sun didn’t shine until later, so the “Egg Hunt” got away without melting.  The bag sale was very successful and many of you came in for tea and refreshments, especially the 2 large cakes decorated by Anne.  A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped in anyway towards making our Easter Celebrations so successful.  It is the many willing helpers we have that make these occasions so special.  If you would like to join us, please do let us know, we need you.  Last, but by no means least, Fr Rory, who is the one person who gives meaning to all our services and celebrations, thank you Father.

Holy Week at St George’s

A most beautiful start to Holy Week with the Mass of the Last Supper at St George’s. Our EM’s from both communities renewing their commitment to this vital role. Good Friday poignant and respectful. Easter Sunday renewing our baptismal vows together. Thank you to everyone who put time and effort into supporting Fr Rory and producing meaningful, prayerful and well attended services.

Race Night – 26th April

Race Night, 26th April at 7pm:  The race night leaflets already bought will be accepted as your entry on the night.  More are on sale now and on the door on the night. You will need to bring your own alcoholic drinks and nibbles. Tea ,Coffee & soft drinks will be available. The tote will be at £1 a ticket. This is a fun night for all, hope to see you on the night. 

Fr Rory Writes

Hail Mary full of grace, The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women, Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Having celebrated the event of Easter we look forward to experiencing the fruits of the Holy Spirit when we celebrate Pentecost.

Deacon John has provided a focus for our preparations:-

Let us have the courage of our Christian convictions to share our Faith as St Thomas did, and to recognize the “nail marks.”  We are not to keep the gift of Faith locked in our hearts, but to share it with our children, our families and our neighbours, always remembering the words,: “Every believer in this world must become a spark of Christ’s light,” spoken by Pope St. John XXIII. “We all have scars from our own Good Fridays that remain, long after our own experiences of resurrection.  Our ‘nail marks’ remind us that all pain and grief, all   ridicule and suffering, are transformed into healing and peace in the love of God that we receive  from, and   extend to others. The “nail marks” of Jesus are all around us in the lives of those living out their own Calvary’s.  Jesus calls us to be willing to place ourselves in the pain and struggle of others and bring the joy and peace of Easter into hearts, entombed in winter cold and darkness.”

St Wilfrid’s Palm Sunday

Began in our hall where Fr Rory blessed our palms, then we proceeded back to our church for Mass.  After mass we celebrated two birthdays, Maeve and little Rosemary, who gave up chocolate for Lent, but informed us that you are   allowed to eat it on Sundays, so two very chocolatey cakes were devoured! It was great to see so many people joining in and talking to other parishioners. Great celebrations this week, Easter Sunday.  Easter egg hunt after mass for the children, whilst they are hunting we will be having the “bag sale” in the hall whilst we celebrate in our usual way!  Happy Easter to everyone and a big thank you to all who helped make all the celebrations very special, including Fr Rory.  More volunteers are always welcome.

The Gift

An Eastertide series of 6 inspiring sessions on the role and gifts of the Holy Spirit. A great way to prepare together for all the important changes as the Deanery becomes a single new Parish in the coming months. Rooted in Scripture, Church Teaching and reflections from Pope Francis. Weekly on Thursdays from 11 April – 16 May, in Our Lady of Ransom Parish Hall (Eastbourne) from 11.45am – 1.15 pm, with refreshments, after the 11.00 am Mass. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Fr Rory Writes:

Holy Week, when we journey through the sacred events:

The Son of God Jesus laid down His life to establish God’s salvation, and restore His Kingdom here on earth.  After over two thousand years it is very apparent that it is not a work of magic, but is completely reliant upon our response.    Being open to His grace and mercy and dependant upon the Holy Spirit to guide our responses and support our actions; the corner stone of this is to become communities of faith.   It presents us with an overwhelming challenge as we focus upon the future guidelines that were provided by the diocese with the expression, “we have a plan”.  We will keep this before us as we build upon the good work that is taking place at this time in our parish.

I am confident that great efforts have been made, and please God, then greater support will be provided during the coming weeks, months, and because time passes so quickly, years.  The parish council, particularly the children’s     liturgy and the growing number of activities that with the help of God, lead us faithfully through the coming years.  Alongside this; bodies like the bereavement support group, also focused upon the ministries of the church and the ongoing worship of Him who loves us will bear fruit …… fruit that will last.  Most of all, and this could not possibly have a more appropriate time than now, when we focus upon the Resurrection and Ascension of our Divine Lord into    heaven (our destination).  Above all, we prepare for Pentecost so that we may become more and more open to the Holy Spirit, God’s greatest gift to us while on earth.