Category: Saint George’s latest news

Deacon John Writes:

Some thoughts about inviting friends to have a meal with us by an unknown author: “When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food and drink for their bodies. We offer them friendship and fellowship, we offer them good conversation and intimacy, and closeness. When we ask them to help themselves, to take some more, not to be shy, and maybe to have another glass, we offer our guests not only our food and drink, but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows between us, and we become like food and drink for one another. This happens in another way, when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. This can help us as we try to live in his way.”

Here is a follow-up prayer that comes from CAFOD which may help us to make sure that we also think of people in all parts of the world, and for whom finding food and drink is a daily struggle: “Generous and loving God, creator of the world we share, we ask you to give us today our daily bread. But as we store the crops and fill the barns, as we stack the shelves and pile high the tins, and wander the aisles of supermarket choice, show us how to see the world through the eyes of the hungry and thirsty. Teach us how to share our daily bread with all people, and to treat each other as members of one family.” With my love and prayers for you all

Please pray for Benjamin and Toby who will be welcomed to our communities this Sunday prior to being baptised at St George’s next Saturday.

Fr Rory Writes: 

Thanks be to God for a special moment of grace.  There was an ecumenical service in memory of Judith Kinnison Burke, at All Saints Church in Herstmonceux on Monday.  The large church was full to the brim, a tribute to Judith and her commitment to life and faith.  She played a large part in “renew” thirty years ago, when she was new to life in our church.  The Requiem Mass that was part of the ecumenical service is possibly the first said since the reformation.  She was a great friend to many.

Next Tuesday at St Wilfrid’s Church, at 12noon, we will celebrate with a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of William O’Rourke.  This occasion will also have many persons wanting to attend.  Car parking is likely to be difficult, so if alternative arrangements can be made, this will be helpful.  The Knights have offered to help with parking.   Deep sympathy is a prayer that we all make, because of the great loss that Bill is to our church and his family.

Deacon John Writes:

Recently, in a series of writings by Fr Barry Anderson, he described how a prayer by Frank Topping helped him.  It is a prayer on the theme of sheep and shepherd.  Frank Topping said: ”Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that I am known to God, that the Good Shepherd knows my name, and, more, sees my distress, knows my doubts, hears my questions.  It is at times like these that I use the following prayer: 

“Good Shepherd, when the events of my life worry, disturb, or even frighten me, when anxiety makes it difficult to think straight, let me hear your voice. Lead me beside the still waters of your peace. Remind me that even in the presence of those I might call enemies, you are with me.  Be with me throughout this day, and all the days of my life.” I hope that this prayer may prove helpful to you if a similar occasion occurs in your life and you feel the need for some help. With my love and prayers for you all.

Hailsham Foodbank:  Urgently need volunteer cooks and helpers for the Holiday Shack for the following dates:  1st, 5th, 8th and 19th August – serving lunch at 12.15 each day.  They have a kitchen available at the Children’s Centre in Vega Close, Hailsham which has an excellent gas cooker, fridges and cooking utensils.  They are looking to cater for around 50 people.  For more information, please contact 01323 398358.

The Foodbank has also had a particularly busy week where they gave out 26 food parcels feeding around 70 people, their stocks have hit an all time low.  If you would like to contribute in anyway, please leave donations in our church porch suitably labelled “Foodbank”.   Thank you.

Mothers Prayers.  Your local group has been running for nearly a year. We would like to share with some new Mothers, the work that Jesus is doing for our Children. We have been so amazed at the love and care for our Children even our grown up offspring, we would like to share our group with others. Please ring if you are interested Polegate 487688 Cathy All is most confidential.

St George’s Film Club: 

Next showings: 28^th July (1993) Disney film about two dogs and a cat in their  journey home.  11^th August (1958) Ingrid Bergman stars in the story of a courageous woman leading a group of orphans to safety in China during Japan’s occupation.  25^th August (1959) with Audrey Hepburn. All showings start at 3 pm.

Deacon John Writes:

Last week I started a story about a small child who saw three people walking down a country road. Each was carrying two sacks. One on their back, one in front of them. The child asked each person what was in the sacks. If you wish to read what the child said to the first two people you can find it on the Parish Internet site at www.saintsgeorgeandwilfrid.co.uk. The story continues: When the child looked to ask the third person, she discovered that they were way ahead in the distance, and it took some time before she was able to catch up with them. She noticed that this person was also carrying two sacks, one of which seemed to be very light, and the other seemed to be very heavy. She asked what was in them.

The third person replied: “In the sack on my back, are all the unkind things that I hear other people have done or said; but the sack has a hole in it, so that they all fall through, and get lost, so I have no weight to drag or slow me down. I cannot see them, and I soon forget that they were there. In the sack in front of me, are all the kind and funny things, all the wise and helpful things, that I hear other people have done or said. When the time is right, I take some of them out, and think about them, or tell anyone willing to listen. It helps to encourage them and me, and to cheer us up. The sack is very full, and to you it might seem heavy, but although it is very big, it does not drag or slow me down. It is like sails on a ship, and instead of being a burden, it carries me on my journey through life. I hope you all have sacks like these!

St Wilfrid’s Children’s Liturgy has now broken up for the summer holidays and will  restart in September.

This Sunday the Mass is being offered for Brian Winter RIP.  It is the second anniversary of his death, but his contribution to our parish and for the church project means that he will be long remembered, with his name in our Garden of Remembrance, a fitting tribute.

Another loss through bereavement has been for us, Judith Burke.  A big event in our history was “Renew” and as a young person she played a big part.  So we will have a special Mass for her on a Wednesday morning, to be published later.