Author: Jacky

Fr Rory Writes

As this year draws quickly to a close, it is time for a quick and timely review.  Two funeral celebrations; one for Margaret and one yet to come for Sue.  In these circumstances they give us a good context to make this review as we celebrated the Feast of all the Saints and Holy Souls.  Life has great difficulties or challenges.  I have to acknowledge that in my life I have been very fortunate, well provided for, and tend to make mountains out of mole hills.  But in my ministry I am very aware that this is not the case for many, and life can have great suffering and loss.  My best response remains “these are the trials through we triumph, by the power of Him who loves us”.  Margaret Piegrome’s funeral service was a very good expression of this.  Remembrance of all her contributions to our lives, her willingness to use all her talents and to embrace every occasion to the best of her ability, enriching her and our lives, was her great achievement.

As we draw so close to the end of our year in faith, it is inevitable that we are going to die.   We should look forward to the glory of God. For me, I settled for meeting my mum, Maura, that I was so privileged to have as my mum, with my dad who provided for eight children, sent some off to boarding school and lived with great pain and affliction, supported by his faith, and as mentioned his special devotions to the Stations of the Cross.

I am sure that they share the glory of heaven.

The over 50’s Club:

We have decided to venture out, our very first trip is a coach from St George’s and St Wilfrid’s to the very pretty village of Headcorn in Kent.  Monday 7th Nov, £12 pp, first pick up St George’s, 9am, then onto      St Wilfrid’s, 9.30am where the hall will be open for a toilet call before we board the coach.  Then on to Headcorn where we are booked in for tea/coffee, 10.30am.  Please don’t be tempted to purchase a large slice of homemade cake because we are booked in for lunch at the Village Tea Room, 12noon.  Homemade food at very reasonable prices.  When you book your seat on the coach, I will be   asking for £12 pp and give you a menu to choose your meal and hand back to me please, as they need to have our orders at least one week beforehand.  We will probably take about 2 hours, they have a “Secret Garden” – plenty of room for us all.  The main high street through the village has plenty of different shops you can browse and buy?  There are no hills its all on the flat, okay for chairs and      wheelers.  Leaving about 3pm. Back to St Wilfrid’s and St George’s between 4 – 4.30pm.

Any queries please contact Joan 07873390944.  You are invited to bring a friend if you wish.   

Preparing for Advent Family Workshop

Saturday, Nov 19th, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, St Wilfrid’s Hall. This is an opportunity for families to come together and have fun, be creative together and prepare for Advent.  There will be variety of Christmas   related activities, relevant to all ages, followed by a short time for worship and shared meal. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult, Please register your interest at the back of church and collect a tear off slip for your small contribution to bring to  the shared meal.

St George’s Monthly Charity Breakfast

we will hold our newly introduced last Sunday charity breakfast Today, 30th Oct after mass.   It is open to all parishioners and their friends/family/neighbours. Those joining don’t have to have been at mass it’s open to all from 10am.  This month the nominated charity is Royal British Legion and we will be cooking up Sausage/Bacon Baps and lighter snacks for those less hungry.  (Helpers needed please volunteer if you can for this or a future breakfast). 

Fr Rory Writes

“Gone before us, marked with the sign of faith”

The time gives way from October the month of the Rosary; to November when we remember the Holy Souls. Each year this has been a source of graces strengthening our faith.  It offers a fresh source from which we can renew and strengthen our faith.  My dad who suffered a great amount of constant pain, had great devotion to the Stations of the Cross.  Always for Lent and Easter, but also through the year, especially during the month of November when devotions allied to indulgencies are great incentives to the admonition “pray constantly and never loose heart”.

The temptation to loose heart at this time is very real.  I have been greatly helped by the endeavours of our two communities to try to renew and build up our parish after the pandemic.  Those who have gone before us still play a real part.  We have two funerals at this time for those who have died, Margaret and Sue have really strengthened and enriched my faith and they have left a tangible legacy.  When caring for them I felt a sense of real tragedy of death  giving way to the bright promise of eternal life.  The gift of life is now real to them and they were well prepared for eternal life, yes we walk through this valley of darkness and at this time it is very real.  With so many persons like Margaret and Sue gone before us, let us lift up our hearts and continue on our journey with great hope.

Pact -Just People Invitation

Pact (Prison Advice & Care Trust) invites you to join them at a JustPeople Workshop taking place at St. Pancras Catholic Church, Lewes, on Saturday 12th November, 11am – 5pm.  Free to attend, it offers an opportunity to reflect upon Scripture, Church Teaching and Catholic Social Teaching through the lens of people affected by imprisonment.  Register here: JustPeople Workshop | Prison Advice and Care Trust  For more information, contact Marie on            [email protected] or call 07581 194907