Category: Latest News

‘Sharing the Church’s Story’ Conference – Saturday 17 September 2022 10am – 6pm

Catholic Voices and Word on Fire are hosting a one-day conference at Friends House, Euston Road, London called ‘Sharing the Church’s Story’. Come and join 1000 Catholics who are passionate about the renewal of the Church in the UK and a host of dynamic speakers including the internationally renowned speaker and author, Bishop Robert Barron. So, whether you are a volunteer, parent, catechist, clergy, religious, or just want a boost for your faith life, then this conference is for you. Register/find out more? W: www.sharingthechurchsstory.com   

Countdown to our Centenary Celebration

Preparation has taken place, and a lot of work has to be done for what I am sure will be a very important event for our parish.  The time and the date was dictated by the time that the first Mass was said in a church here in Hailsham 100 years ago.  The implications has been that it is not an ideal time, an inconvenient date for priests and ministers.  But I am sure that the outcome for our parish will be well served in that it prepares the way for a new generation.

When I was in the seminary fifty years ago, we thought that a time of great hope was on its way.  It did provide a window of great opportunity, with the emphasis of Pope John 23rd to open up the windows and let in a lot more light.  Unfortunately we find that the great majority of young people have lost touch with the church and are distanced from it.  They do not see it as a challenge with a great lot to offer.  The shock of scandals and especially the paedophile crisis has afflicted many, it is a great stain upon the church.   Unless there is a great response from our church, attitudes are not likely to change anytime soon.

But for us the great truth is “to whom shall we turn, you have the message of eternal life”.  Preparation for the Synod.  Many years ago we were presented with Renew.  We were in our parish with a team ministry, trying to put into place what I hope we now can do.  As a parish team we took on board the renew process with the renew “Acorn – Oak Tree” which all parishes received after a ceremony in Brighton & Hove Football Ground.  Ours is flourishing outside the church where we were serving i.e. St Paul’s Church in Haywards Heath.  I have yet to see another, but I am sure there must be some in our diocese.  Please God, with all my heart and my soul, I pray that we can do better this time.

The Relics of St Bernadette will be journeying to the UK for the first time this Autumn visiting 51 venues across England, Scotland and Wales. The sacred Relics will visit our Diocese and the Knights of St Columba are arranging a coach to visit Worth Abbey on Monday 24 October.  No times or costs are yet available but if you are interested in reserving a place on the coach please advise Bob on 01323 847014.

The Parish of Our Lady of Ransom, St Gregory and St Agnes (Eastbourne) is seeking to employ a Pastoral Assistant to begin in post in early September. This role will be 8 hours per week (£11ph). The role will be to support the parish in the development of pastoral and sacramental programmes, to oversee the coordination and resourcing of catechists and all those in the many lay ministries in the parish. If you would like further details or wish to apply for this role please contact Fr Kevin Dring (Parish Priest) by email via the Parish Office: [email protected] The closing date for applications is 9am on Friday 5^th August. 

Treasured Memories

In our preparations to celebrate the Centenary of the celebration of the first mass to be offered in church here in Hailsham, a memorial stone for those who have gone before us is help to our remembrance.  Many stand out for their contribution to our story, including     Dorothy Blake.  For me, June Bell stands out, as her husband, John, (still alive) has just celebrated (his centenary) 100th Birthday.  No more years driving his car; but just before the pandemic he was comfortable driving, with his doctors permission.  They have been particularly generous to us in their support .

Now we need a new generation and this has given us a great focus.  The leaders of our young persons liturgy are one of my joys and great hope.  So far, so good, the work that they do is so vital, inspiring and our best reason for hope.  They are laying out the foundations for the necessary building that has to be done if we are to have our churches here for our community.  There is a growing great bond between our churches here and the one at St George’s in Polegate.  Preparation for the Synod and developing relations are an essential factor for the future and their help with the celebration is an important factor.

We will continue to respond to the preparation for the Synod.  Recently I was given an inspiration from Teresa Palmer.  She brought to my attention the renew process which was adopted by the Diocese.  Their focus which I have been referring to is a seed, an acorn which when it grows becomes a great oak tree.  I have just received a photo of the Oak Tree that is now outside St Paul’s Church in Haywards Heath when we were there responding to the diocesan decision to adopt the renew process.  I often wonder where all the other oak trees are up and down the diocese.    To be continued …….

FOODBANK HELP WITH EVENING SUPERMARKET COLLECTIONS

Would you be able to help collect end of day food ‘waste’ from Hailsham Tesco and/or Waitrose?  It’s currently on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at around 8.15/8.30pm.  There is no expectation of commitment – you can just sign up to slots you are able to do.  It usually takes between 30-45 minutes.  If you are able to help or want more details please email [email protected].

The Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly takes place on 24 July with the theme: ‘In old age they will still bear fruit’ (Psalm 92:15). Pope Francis has requested that we use this day to honour those who have taken further steps on their life journey, particularly grandparents.
Pope Francis writes: “Along with old age and white hairs, God continues to give us the gift of life and to keep us from being overcome by evil. If we trust in him, we will find the strength to praise him still (cf. vv. 14-20). We will come to see that growing old is more than the natural decline of the body or the inevitable passage of time, but the gift of a long life. Aging is not a condemnation, but a blessing!”

:  We are hoping to form a choir to support the congregation at the 11am Mass on the 13th August.    We shall be singing hymns and parts of the New Celtic Mass.  There will be two evening rehearsals on August 3rd and 10th at 7.30pm to prepare for this.  You do not have to be able to read music, just love to sing.  Please contact Pat Gaglione or David Hoad at St Wilfrid’s and Shirley at St George’s for more information and any queries you may have.  We welcome your support.

Special Centenary Mass – Saturday 13th August 2022

St Wilfrid’s Church, Hailsham at 11am

Everyone is invited to this Mass, celebrated by Bishop Richard to mark the First Mass in the First St Wilfrid’s Church on 14th August 1922.  However, please put your name on the list in the church (or ring the parish office 841504), if you would like to stay for refreshments afterwards, to help with the catering.  Thank you.

Our next open Parish Meeting will be held after the 10.30am Mass at St Wilfrid’s on Sunday 31st July.