We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you”. Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!.
Category: Saint George’s latest news
Fr Rory Writes
“Moment by moment we continue to build the Kingdom of God”
We had a very successful celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation last Saturday morning at St George’s Church. The enrolment ceremony for the Altar Servers at St Wilfrid’s Sunday Mass, in conjunction with the first scrutiny can point us in the right direction. As our progress through Lent develops it will please God, prepare a platform for the most important events to come, the resurrection of our Devine Lord from the dead, the ascension into heaven and the greatest experience, Pentecost.
Then for the more down to earth events, parish finance council, parish meetings, but especially all our parish events like tea and coffee, where we share with one another the life God has given, bestowed upon us, so that we may continue to bear good fruit, fruit that will last.
A very special event on Wednesday evening, we had a visit from Katherine Bergin. Her work with the diocese, but especially her involvement with her parish, make her a rich source of contact. As we face the plans that Bishop Richard has laid out for our diocese, and will have great implications upon our future, certain aspects of it have been dictated, especially by the shortage of priests. But equally so, lack of baptism, lack of marriage, lack of involvement of people in the life of the church. So much of the focus has been on going to Mass and what we liked to happen there. We have a great challenge before us.
Parish Over 50’s Club
Our next afternoon tea will be Thursday 28th March at 2pm.
Thank you
Thank you for supporting CAFOD’s Family Fast Day Lunch and Lenten Workshop. A big thank you to all who supported our Soup Lunch and Lenten workshop. We had a wonderful time tasting a variety of wholesome soups and everyone enjoyed taking part in a range of activities. Thank you to all who made this such a successful event. As a result of your generous donations, given in love, you have raised an amazing 363.50! This will be enough to buy 3 GPS trackers for families like James the fishermen. You are keeping the fishermen safe and helping them to feed their families for good. You can still give online at cafod.org.uk
The Way of the Cross
As a thank you for fundraising this Lent, Maria will join her friend Lilia (a parishioner at St Joachim’s & fundraising separately) on a 14 mile Holy Saturday Walk of Witness across the South Downs. They will start with prayers at St Joachim’s and finish at St George’s (time TBC). Pausing every mile to reflect and pray a Station. Maria is not requesting sponsorship as this is her thank you. Maria does ask that you keep them in your prayers and any other youth/pilgrims going to Lourdes in July. Thank you.
Lourdes Lent Fundraising
Lourdes Lent fundraising as a parish we are fundraising this Lent to help pay towards the cost of Maria, Claudia and Laura, three of our youth parishioners, to be able to attend and help on the Lourdes pilgrimage. We have so far raised nearly £120 towards each ticket. The actual cost is £750 for each attendee and we are therefore hoping to raise more if we can. Both churches will have a pound cross. Also, our soup lunch next Saturday and the Palm Sunday breakfast donations will go towards this fundraiser. All are very welcome, invite family and friends. A big thank you to all who have supported us so far.
Race Night 26th April, 7pm
Race Night Date Confirmed as 26th April at 7pm: The race night leaflets already bought will be accepted as your entry on the night. More will be on sale over the next few weeks. 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.
Scripture Reading For Lent
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Good News from God, saying, “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News.” [Mark 1:12-15]
Family Stations
Family Stations – St George’s 11.30am Saturday 9th March – please make a special effort to bring your children, family and friends to this special devotion that will be followed by homemade soup lunch. Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place prior at 10.30am.
Fr Rory Writes
“Please God, Spring is started and new life is beginning”
Thanks be to God, we have signs of renewal. Now the most important aspect is to avail of the opportunity. We started on Saturday morning to make some fresh steps. At St Wilfrid’s alongside the sacrament of reconciliation we had veneration of the blessed sacrament and the divine office. At St George’s from 11.30am we had the service of reconciliation, all a very good start in the right direction. Speaking to my Sister Mary, in Ireland, due to age profile of the priests and shortage, there is now a greater urgency among the people to strengthen and nourish their faith. Life in the spirit seminars, veneration of the blessed sacrament and liturgies of the word and holy communion are a growing part of their response. Some years ago there was a great response to services of reconciliation and at times churches were packed for them.
Now please God, one day and one step at a time, we will develop and grow the ministries, with other devotions as important windows. These take time and years to develop and grow. The RCIA provide a great structure for guidance, but must become and will help us to sustain structures throughout the year, the year of life which our faith my provide.