Category: Latest News

‘I Found’

The opening prayer for the first week in the new year was incredibly fit for purpose and worthy of all our attention.

                            “Attend to the pleas of your people with

                             heavenly care, O Lord, we pray,

                            that they may see what must be done

                            and gain strength to do what they have seen.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Hearing about the situation of the church in France, now what is happening in Ireland, all the signs are that this will be our situation.  Reality is a shortage of priests and if we continue as we are, this is not going to change any time soon. I find it so so sad.  When we were in our seminary, we were so inspired (though this may not have been the same in every seminary) with the work of the Second Vatican Council, and what the Holy Spirit was saying to the church.  This is what I find so summed up in that opening prayer.

I am greatly impressed by the support that I am receiving here in our parish.  Our meeting on Tuesday evening was excellent and the work being done by the team was inspiring.  We will be hearing from them as they present their plans in conjunction with the work that is being done by the Synod.  This will be presented to our two communities in the weeks to come.

Tea/Coffee mornings after Mass on Sundays and Wednesdays are being well attended.  It is now a good place to meet new friends and old ones.  There is much conversation and laughter, a “Good Tonic” in these hard times.  Please do join us.

The hall was decorated beautifully, music for all, pass the parcel for grown ups as well as children was hilarious.  The buffet was laden with so many goodies, we had enough to have another party after Sunday Mass!  A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped in anyway to make this a great parish get-together.  We must  have one perhaps at Easter with our friends from    St Georges who are always welcome.

St Wilfrid’s Last Sunday in January 29th:  In our hall after Mass we will have 2 tables full of prizes for a raffle, men, women and children are catered for, so do please come along and join in the fun.  Also, tea/coffee/biscuits and cakes.

A box is in the church porch for your unwanted gifts etc. please.  The money will go towards future activities in our hall which will benefit us all.  If you would like to reserve tickets early they are £1 per strip from Joan on 07873390944.  Thank you.

Next Afternoon Tea is  Thurs 26th Jan at 2pm till 4pm.  As “Burns Night” falls on the day before, we are going to make the theme “Scottish”, so party time again!  This time you may wear anything Tartan if you wish, men don’t forget your sporran!  Price is £5 each please.  All welcome.

Parish Meeting:  at St Wilfrid’s, 11.30am on the 8th January.

This week we have many to thank for their time and effort throughout the past year at St George’s: It is the beginning of a new year and we are grateful to those over the past twelve months who have helped our parish grow. Let us pray this    parish continues to build on the good work throughout 2023. We say a big ‘Thankyou’ to our Altar Server Alan and welcome our new server, Austin. Our Sacristans: Cathy, Angela and   Martin. Eucharistic Ministers, Kelly, Sandra, Angela, Martin, Marie, Anne and Mary.  Readers: Anne, Joanne, Liz, Alona, Cathy S, Shirley, Jean, Margaret, Bridie, Kelly, Angela, Gill, Judy and Martin.  Children’s Liturgy and Sacramental Preparation: Sandra, Mary B, Mary, Merce, Cathy, Bernadette, Maria and Anne.  Counters, Anne and those who assist. Welcomers:  Philomena, Stella, Lou, Christian, Jane, Phyllis, Sandra, Mary and Anne. Flowers: Cathy, Mary B, Mary, Marie and Anne.  Synod Core Group Reps: Martin, Anne and Sandra. Bidding Prayers: Dominic, Kelly, Lesley, Judy, Deacon John, Anne and Martin. Music during mass and singing: Shirley, our organists and singers.  Rosary Group: Frances, Martin, Jean, Margaret, Bett, Mary and Letty. Fire Wardens: Shirley and Anne.  Church maintenance: Shirley, Anne and Kelly.  Cleaners:  Shirley, Kelly, Sandra, Thomas, Mary and Anne.  Tea’s and Coffee’s:  Sandra, Maria, Jean, Jeannie, Letty, Marie, Mary B and Mary.  Social Events:  Sandra, Shirley, Kelly, Anne, Mary B, Merce and Mary.  Foodbanks: Mary.  Churches Together: Anne.  Cards: Andrea.  CAFOD: Kelly.  Order of Knights of St Columba: Gerhard.  Health and Safety: Dominic.  Safeguarding: Kelly. Finance:  Gerhard, Shirley, Kelly, Anne and Dominic. And of course,        Fr Rory and Deacon John.  A Big Thank You to everyone and anyone who has not been included with apologies if this is you. 

“Stripped Bare”

While sitting in the church at St George’s to say my prayers, I could not help but admire this years Advent and     Christmas decorations.  They were really great.  Sincere thanks to those who work so hard to get this done.  This is also so true for St Wilfrid’s.  Then suddenly the churches are stripped bare; and all their work is gone.  As this is a    reality in the life of the church, so it is in life.  We are always in need of renewal, and be a fresh work in progress.

With the help of God we begin a new year in our life of faith.  We join others who continue to develop and grow the work that has begun.  This week we have received a very good report from St George’s and last week from St Wilfrid’s.  The work that is done for the children’s liturgies, and the work in progress in response to the Synod provide a good framework.  As in nature; the seasons of the year, Spring will follow winter, so for us Lent will follow the Christmas  season.  So please God, we will develop and grow.

For many the institution of the church receives most attention, with the death of Pope Benedict there is a focus upon the politics of power, and who will be the next one to replace Pope Francis.  While this is understandable, it is often very far from the life of Christ, and the reality of the cross.  The words of Christ to His disciples is to encourage them to take up their cross every day in order to follow him.  In following him there are key moments; like on the night he was betrayed, he took bread, blessed and broke it and said, “do this in remembrance of me”.

Parish Over 50’s Club:  Don’t forget Thurs 29th Dec at 2pm till 4pm, our “Pre New Year’s Party” wear something sparkly if possible, £5 please.  Music, quiz, picture bingo, prizes and small sales table.  We look forward to seeing you all and please feel at ease to bring a friend, a good opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and make friends.  It going to be a great party!!

Last Hour Rescue Bid for the Link Coffee Shop in   Hailsham:

A last hour rescue bid is underway as Sussex Charity Computers for Charities launches a public appeal to safeguard the future for numerous adults with  learning difficulties, living in the Hailsham area. Time is running out, support is urgently needed today to protect all concerned. To that end donations can be made via Just Giving 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Linkcoffeeshop?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=campaign/Linkcoffeeshop&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=495cc415799b4824bd76ed836fa845ab

If you have never been to the lunches served Mon to Sat 11.45am-1.45pm, please try them out.  Main course £6, pudding £2.25 very good value served by friendly helpful staff.  Also, coffee served with warm cheese scones or homemade cake served Mon to Sat 9-11.45am, highly recommended.