Category: Saint George’s latest news

There is a wheelchair available in both St  Wilfrid’s and St George’s.  We have noticed that our elderly people could do with a little help getting from car to church or hall.  Please take advantage of this service, it will help you.

Wednesday 10th January, 7.30pm in St Wilfrid’s Hall.  All are invited to come and put their ideas for Social and Fundraising Events

Bishop Richard has written a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese ‘The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission’. As society becomes more secular our parishes must be ever-clearer beacons of light guiding people to Christ. The new Plan       highlights how our community of faith can embrace this important time of renewal, forging diocesan parishes into communities of saints and strong, lively, and welcoming schools of discipleship. The Pastoral Plan can be found on the diocesan website:

www.abdiocese.org.uk/diocese/pastoral-plan  

“Jesus show us the way to the Father”

Bishop Richard has presented to us the outcome of the process of consultation to provide a pastoral plan for the future of our diocese.  This is now on the website and is available to all, and we are encouraged to study it.

I return to the most important focus of all “Jesus show us the way to the Father”.  I am greatly sad, and when I return to the sharing’s that were made at the beginning of the consultation concerning the life of the church after the 2nd Vatican Council.  Our responsibility to be aware of nearly all our seminaries closing, with a resulting shortage of priests, and our responsibility to God.   Jesus show us the way to the Father.  God our Father knows what is best.

A body is made up of many parts working together and very good work is being done to serve this.  Our celebrations over Christmas and our expectation for our future plans for working together is exactly what is needed.  Stephen and Martin are giving great leadership, and a most important date when we make our first step to meet our challenge is now announced for Sunday 21st January, 2pm to 4pm in St Wilfrid’s Church.  A very special and important date for our future.

Deacon John and Tessa wish to thank everyone for their cards, gifts and greetings for Christmas and the new year.

Deacon John and Tessa wish to thank everyone for their cards, gifts and greetings for Christmas and the new year.” Greetings and best wishes to you both for Christmas and the new year John and Tessa.

As I am sure many of you are aware, Catholic Priests do not receive a salary and rely on your generosity at Christmas and Easter as a thank you for all they do for us. It is also possible to claim gift aid on your donation if you are a UK taxpayer and that extra 25% will go directly to Father Rory. If you aren’t part of a planned giving scheme then please use the “one off” gift aid envelopes located in the porch. You can also contribute via the digital collection plate at     St Wilfrid’s or via the donations website link  (https://donate.mydona.com/st-wilfrids-church-hailsham )  using the “Christmas Collections” tab. 

8. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. 

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY.

“A saviour is born unto us, He is Christ Jesus our Lord”

As the psalm expresses;  “Though we walk through a valley of darkness, no evil should I fear.  You are there with your crook, your staff, with these you give me comfort”.  And we need that comfort.  We were fortunate in our seminary as I left full of hope that a new life of faith was possible.  My first introduction to parish life and the deanery meetings revealed how much of a challenge that was in store.  Yes, I could see signs that the writing was on the wall.  A sharp fall off in the numbers entering the seminary continued to take place.  A need to ask questions and to address the situation was required.

The focus of our celebration at Christmas is because our saviour Jesus has come into our world.  This brings light to our world, and we have been constantly blessed by the work that the children’s liturgy provides.  This work is            displayed in our windows and will hopefully find a good home on our website to provide the background to growth and development of the good news that they continue to present.  The parish carol service was a joyful experience, a  quality occasion.  The choir was remarkable and we were blessed by the quality of their performance.  The readings were very well presented by our younger generation and made for a memorable and special experience.  The hospitality in the hall is a continuing reflection of the efforts that are being made for us to grow together as communities.

Next year St George’s Church will be providing the hospitality for this event.  They will also facilitate our parish sponsored walk which has become very enjoyable and raises funds for good causes.  We hope to continue to support foodbank and the service that they provide, which is so important to many.  As we celebrate Christmas the essential is the news that has come into our world, and with the help of God it will bless our world and bless your Christmas, your home and your families this Christmas. 

I continue with my favourite focus; grace and peace, and please God, you may all have a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas.

Your church needs cleaning; at St Wilfrid’s we are looking for volunteers to be part of a rota to clean the church and hall.  Ideally this would be for a    couple of hours every 4-6 weeks. There will be an opportunity to sign up for this in the New Year, but in the meantime please speak to Maria Hills if you are able to put yourself forward to be part of this important team.