Category: Fr Rory Writes

Fr Rory Writes:

White Flower Appeal 2020

White Flower Appeal 2020 – the Society for the Protection of Unborn children (SPUC) will be holding its  annual appeal on the weekend of 11th/12th January.

On 21st October 2019 the most extreme abortion regime in Europe was imposed on the people of Northern Ireland by the government at Westminster.  Abortion will now be permitted for any reason up until at least 24 weeks, and even beyond that.  The abortion lobby now want to introduce this in England and Wales.

Please be as generous as you can to help SPUC defend unborn babies and their mothers from this new attack.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS.

Thank you to everyone who helps organise and supports the wellbeing of our parish. All our love and blessings at this joyful season of Christmas.

Fr Rory Writes:

It is Gaudete Sunday.  Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice.  When our focus settles upon Our Lord Jesus then it is possible, but very difficult to keep this focus upon Jesus.  The difficulties and tragedies of life that take place affect our confidence and our trust.

It is very important to place our trust in God first and foremost, and then to discern God’s goodness in spite of the circumstances of life. Since last year when I was writing this, it certainly has been a challenge to me; and remains one.  Among the challenges has been not having any drivers licence and all this entails.  I could say it has helped in my carbon footprint, and helped me to use my time more constructively.  Also, to have a grateful heart for all those who have offered to help me.  So please God, it will be productive.

I am grateful for this trip to Ireland, and when I return I am hopeful of starting the process that will restore my license.  Please keep me and our parish in your prayers during this Holy time with Christmas approaching so quickly.

Fr Rory Writes:

Las Posadas at St George’s Hall last Sunday; what a treat.  It was a very special event last Sunday afternoon, especially the rosary.  It was just beautiful and meaningful, a real moment of great grace, that brings together 2000 years of Catholic Christian Faith.  It was great that Paul and Ann Sullivan turned up, coming all the way by bus.  Also the food was excellent, numbers……. well for people, another lost opportunity.  A great big thank you to those who prepared for and presented the event.  Also, thank you to those who helped clear up the cabin at St Wilfrid’s.

Year I, The Journey to 2030 – Year of the Cockerel, which Bishop Richard highlighted in his Advent message.  Please find in the church porch a magazine titled “The Journey 2030 – Year of the Cockerel”.  Please feel free to take one per family, or for a digital copy go to www.journeyto2030.org/themes/

Fr Rory Writes:

Having celebrated the Feast of Christ the King and Youth Sunday on a high note:  When God’s glory is revealed then our joy will be full.  So we continue our journey in this new year, conscious of the fact that we are called to be a body made up of many parts, working together to be the body of Christ in our world.

The celebration of Las Posadas with the young persons liturgy group this Sunday at 3pm, is a very good beginning.  Next Friday is the First Friday with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confessions, Benediction, Mass and Sacrament of Healing at 10am. The Children’s Liturgy at St Wilfrid’s will provide an excellent opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for all, on Saturday 7th December at 5pm at St Wilfrid’s Church.  A nice way to start the Christmas period by thinking about Jesus.  In the darkness of Advent during this winter month, we wait for your light, to heal the broken parts and shine on us. Let us prepare the way of the Lord by recognizing our sins and seeking forgiveness.

Fr Rory Writes:

The Feast of Christ the King

We look forward to His return in glory, when He will overcome the Kingdom of darkness and the dominion of evil.  We await a time of grace and peace.

The celebration last Sunday for the Link was very successful with a very good turn out from the town.  Please God, it will continue to be a witness for the Churches Together for sometime to come.   A big thank you to Ron and Kay and all the helpers for all the valuable work they have done over the years.

We are very blessed with our parish halls.  There was a very successful event on Thursday for the Wealden Dementia  Action Alliance, Hailsham Community Café.  This will take place every second Thursday of the month, 2pm to 4pm in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.  The hall at St George’s is very well used, and a very big thank you to Shirley and the team that helps.  It will host the election, and please, please God, it will have a positive outcome.  We must really pray for this.

Fr Rory Writes:

This time of the year has its share of highlights.  Beginning with All Saints and All Souls, and now on the horizon is the Great Feast of Christ the King.  It is also the Sunday of Youth-Gather, and even though it is a long time since I participated, from early memories of my priesthood I remember this event with affection.  So I am sure it is one of the many events like our Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which makes up for good life in our Diocese.  Bishop Richard has his plan for 2030, and part of it is developing a life of prayer.

So just over the horizon is Advent and Christmas.  Each year in preparation for Advent and Lent there is a booklet “Walk with Me”, which gives appropriate reflections and prayers in preparation to celebrate these great events.  At £1 a copy this is very good value indeed.

Again, it is time for those who may be enquiring, “how do I become a Catholic?”, to step forward and find out.  You are very welcome.

Fr Rory Writes:

A wonderful achievement; the Link Coffee Shop celebrates 25 years of witness and service for the Christian community here in Hailsham.  Lay people from different congregations, and with good leadership from St Mary’s or as they say “The Parish Church” and from us; especially Ann Fielder, is part of their story.

In order to further mark this event, there will be a service of celebration and recommissioning on Sunday 17th November at Hailsham Parish Church commencing at 3pm… followed by refreshments in the Church Lounge.  Everyone is warmly invited as they look forward to welcoming all volunteers and regular customers, past and present.  Our continued support is very important.  I go there regularly, in order to give it as much support as I can. 

Also, those who are hoping to be received into the church this year, please get in touch with me now.

Fr Rory Writes:

Gone before us marked with the sign of faith.  November has always been a special month to remember those who have died.  From the beginning; almost two thousand years ago they have played a most inspiring part in our Life of Faith.  From the first martyrs to all who have left a rich legacy of faith, these have been our greatest treasure and the greatest treasure in the life of our church.

I am sure we are all blessed with members of our families who have left memories to be treasured, and in this I have been very blessed indeed.  My brother, together with his wife and members of their family, are visiting me to celebrate a very special event.  Recently, it came to our attention that there is a very special person in the extended family.  Sr Celestine lost her life ninety years ago when the convent that she lived in caught fire.  She had successfully secured the children and returned to rescue the blessed sacrament, but sadly died in the process.  The family are invited to a special Mass to mark the 90th Anniversary of this event, so I am very pleased to join them.

It is very important that we continue this tradition of remembering all our loved ones who have died.   With it the importance of having prayers and Masses offered for them.  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace O Lord, Amen.

Fr Rory Writes:

Please God, Bishop Richard’s visit will have been a successful event for all of us; deepening our awareness of his pastoral plan for our Diocese.  A big thank you to those who helped with the preparation, and especially to those who have done all the hard work in providing a wonderful fayre that was so enjoyed by all.  A grateful thanks also to the music, the sacristans and readers for all their work.

Preparations of our children for Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion are underway and are off to a very good start.  We have a considerable number of children at St Wilfrid’s, so please sincerely pray for them.  A big thank you for those who are our catechists, as they are truly a God sent blessing to our parish.  We will try to support them in every way we can.

We have a number of adult enquiries, and as this is the time of enquiry, please be at ease to ask questions and to give it  proper attention.   For all of us the life of faith is God’s great gift.  If we receive an urge or just feel prompted to get to know more, then now is the time.  The life of faith takes place when we as a community regularly gather to listen to God’s word, and share in the eucharistic meal.  Formal instruction will begin in Advent and continue on until Lent, Holy Week, Easter and until Pentecost.  Again, grateful thanks to those who are prepared to help.