Category: Saint George’s latest news

Fr Rory’s 75th Birthday

Fr Rory celebrates his 75th birthday on September 24th and what better way to   celebrate this than by joining us for a sponsored walk along the Cuckoo trail on Sun Sept 29th? You may recall that Fr Rory had hoped we would all walk with him along this trail that links our two churches together as part of his golden Jubilee celebrations.  Sadly, this event was postponed due to the closure of the Cuckoo trail for that weekend.  We will set off at 3pm from St George’s Car Park Polegate and walk via the Cuckoo Trail to St Wilfrid’s Hailsham (approx. 3miles). At St Wilfrid’s we will be greeted with warm hospitality and a delicious birthday tea.  Sponsor forms will be available soon at the back of church. Please gather as many sponsors as you can from friends and family.  We are raising funds for CAFOD. If you are unable to walk please come and celebrate the birthday tea with us at 4pm . 

St George’s Hall

Mon 26th August 10am – 5pm – Board Games Enthusiasts Fair.  This is a group who enjoy all board games from across the decades.  They have an annual fair where like minded people meet play and buy/sell games.  They are holding the fair as a charity event for Demelza, the children’s hospice.  All welcome.

St George’s Fire Drill – Sunday 15th September

The Diocese recommend that we have a fire drill at least annually.  Although we are giving notice of it, to   ensure it is as authentic as possible, following      consultation with Fr Rory, it will take place during Mass, prior to the offertory procession.  Appointed fire stewards will ensure prompt evacuation of both the church and hall where children’s liturgy will be taking place. The evacuation assembly point is on the pavement, Eastbourne Road, right in front of the church. Afterwards, we will return to the church and continue with Mass. It is very important that as a community we know how to evacuate safely. The weekend before, during the notices announcement slot, there will be a short talk on the fire drill.

First Holy Communion Programme 2024-25

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2024-25

First Communion Preparation: Parents are invited to enrol their children for our First Holy Communion Programme 2024 – 25 (those entering Year 3 or above). Application forms to join the programme are available at the back of the church and on the parish website. The course will begin with an introductory meeting for parents on September 25th at 6.00pm in St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.  Deadline for enrolment is September 15th. For more information, please     contact Teresa Palmer. 07951082592, [email protected]

St Wilfrid’s, Teas & Coffees after Mass on Sunday

Usually Ann Hoad makes the teas/coffees, sets up tables etc., but currently she has shingles.  Ladies and gentlemen stepped up to help for which we thank them.  As Ann will be absent for a while we would be very pleased if other people could help out please.  Lulu very kindly cleans away for us each week and we take this opportunity of thanking her so much.  If you can help please, just slip away before the last hymn and get the kettle on, it will be all set up for you.  Thank you in advance.

Please say a prayer that Ann will return as soon as she is able.  We send our best wishes to you Ann.  Sophie says “Thank You” to all who helped celebrate her birthday last week after Mass. The very large cake was gone in a flash!

Volunteer Catechists & Children’s Liturgy Assistants (St Wilfrid’s)

As we are about to commence our new year of Children’s Liturgy and sacramental preparation, we give thanks to all those who freely give of their time to support this most valuable ministry. We would like to give a special thanks to   Angie Squizzoni who is now stepping back from her role        following her recent retirement. Her enthusiasm and dedication will be greatly missed.

Our Sacramental preparation programmes and Children’s Liturgy sessions are dependent on the number of volunteers available. Going forward, we only have 2 catechists available at St Wilfrid’s to run both of these programmes and without     further support it may not be possible to offer a Children’s Liturgy session every Sunday in term time. One DBS checked adult catechist is needed for every eight children to meet the child safeguarding regulations.

If you are willing to give a little of your precious time, want to learn more about your faith and share it with others, then please email Jackie at [email protected] or speak to Teresa or Annette. We would especially like to encourage parents to consider joining our team so that we can continue to offer this service to your children.  Prior experience is not necessary, support and training will be provided.

Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

Laura, Claudia and Maria can not thank you all enough for your generosity in raising funds to send them on the Lourdes Pilgrimage last week. Claudia went as a redshirt (school year10/11) and was guided along with 100 others by some amazing youth leaders and chaplains, they led prayers in   hotels, provided welcoming and other ministries at all masses, including the red carpet wave and high five or two, putting smiles on all faces and warmth in our hearts. Maria a purple shirt (Year11/12), helped her assisted pilgrims daily, pushing wheelchairs, attending masses, music concerts, tours and having lunch at the hotel with them etc. Laura was a  younger (20s) helper in the Accueil, a nursing facility for those assisted pilgrims with the highest needs. Laura supported them all daily with love, kindness and care. She said half way through the week “I am blessed to be here, and I am so thankful to Our Lady for bringing me here and our parishes for the  financial support”. Out of all of us, Laura’s helper experience was really the ‘in at the deep end one’, but after, something she shared she did while on shift, I know she made the biggest difference of all to those she cared for and it gave her so much hope and faith in our Lord and herself to be there and do just that. 

As a group we will prepare a presentation in October for you all where we can share photos, videos and details of our combined experiences and encourage many more of our parish (assisted and non assisted pilgrims, helpers and youth) to join the pilgrimage with us next year. 

Masses for our deceased parishioners and our parishioners intentions have been requested and candles lit. Thank you and God bless you all for your prayers and generosity.