Category: Saint George’s latest news

Thank you to all those who prepared the church and hall for our Memorial Service last weekend and the Rosary Group who provided prayers incorporated into the Mass. It was disappointing that more people did not attend and missed out on a beautiful Mass and a lovely social gathering afterwards. Please, do try to support these events if you possibly can.

A special thank you to Lesley Crowe from St Wilfrid’s who came to our rescue when several of us were struck down with Covid and needed help getting the order of service together in time. It was so appreciated Lesley and demonstrates how well we can work together as one parish.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.   DO GOOD ANYWAY. 

Mother Teresa taught her young charges to love and respect for one another.

Remembrance Sunday – Yes we will remember them.

Help, I need help.  It is a constant need.  In the wider wilder story of life it is easy to acknowledge.  A good example for me is when coming to England, my first introduction to Remembrance Sunday.   The Sunday liturgy was well prepared for this event.  The question always remains, “how to do what is best”.  A body made up of many parts working together is most helpful, since I have come here Deacon John has always been a big help.

A parish community working together is a most important criteria.  The Synod as it takes place has a great importance.  How we address the future life of our church is critical.  Our present situation, with the dire shortage of priests in our diocese, brings to my mind what is most critical.  The failure of our response to the 2nd Vatican Council.  As part of our seminary training, we were greatly inspired by the council.  It remains a source of great inspiration.  The Holy Spirit at work in the laity.

This week we had a very welcome visitor from our diocese, her name is Cathy Bergin.  She looks forward to helping us, as we had a very fruitful meeting with her and members of the parish council and children’s liturgy.  Soon we will be beginning a new year with the lighting of the first Advent Candle – the candle of hope.  I have real hope that the first shoots of our work are beginning to emerge and with God’s help will develop and grow.

The first session in Rome has ended. A summary of proposals can be found at https://www.synod.va/en/news/a-synodal-church-in-mission.html

A big thank you to Joan and Annette for giving us such a wonderful monthly tea for the over 50’s.   So much work goes into making this event so enjoyable for us all.

Thank you to all who continue to support the last Sunday Charity breakfast at St George’s.  The October breakfast along with 50% of the months table sale has raised £124 for CAFOD.  Special thanks to Teresa’s friend Richard who offered to fill the role of chef and  enjoyed it so much he has volunteers to continue which is great. Him and his brother were also most welcomed at clear up doing some of the heavy work putting away all the tables.

When the idea of the breakfast developed over a year ago, it was always hoped it would be a full community event, not just for our Catholic parishioners.  We want to open our doors to all and so far it is proving to be just that.  If anyone has friends or family that may wish to attend future breakfasts do invite them along, it is open to all and a great way to socialise together and meet new   people on a Sunday morning.  The next breakfast will be held on Sunday November 26th at 10am in aid of Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.  

The second collection on 12th November will be for Christmas Flowers. It is possible to claim Gift Aid on this donation so please use a special second collection envelope or a one off Gift Aid envelope which can be found in the church porch.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Las Posadas – A Journey towards Christmas

The tradition of having figures of Mary, Joseph and a donkey travelling from home to home during Advent originated in Mexico where it is known as posada. During Advent our nativity figures take a journey around the Hailsham area. Would you be willing to welcome them into your home for the night? It’s a great way to prepare for Christmas and fun for the whole    family! Two families meet every day in December as part of our preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus, with one family handing the nativity over to another. It comes complete with suggested readings, prayers and Christmas hymns.

If you would like to be part, all you have to do is put your name on the list is in the narthex. The travelling nativity will be brought to you on this day. The following day you will deliver it to the next family on the list. You can agree the arrangements and the time to meet with the families yourself.

In Calcutta, India, there is a children’s home named Shishu Bhavan founded by Mother Teresa.  The home continues to be operated by her community, the Missionaries of Charity.  On the wall of the home hangs a sign which has eight  sayings about people in this world and follows each with instructions about how to cope with it. One will appear in the newsletter each week for you to think about.

1. People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centred.   LOVE THEM ANYWAY.

Mother Teresa taught her young charges that the challenges offered by this sign can be met only if human beings are motivated by a love and a respect for one another which looks beyond faults, differences, ulterior motives, success, and failure.