Category: Saint George’s latest news

“The Devine Life of God in Heaven, Father, Son and Holy Spirit”            

The Devine life of God on earth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. 

Through our baptism we share in the life of Christ.  The purpose of our parish meeting last Sunday guided by our parish council was how we respond and play a living part in the life of the church.  After the opening prayer I began by opening up the profile of each ministry beginning with welcoming.  You will find a guidance for this ministry of welcome at the back of the church as we begin our journey.

Gerry Palmer highlighted Bishop Richard’s guidelines for the future development of parish life, and brought to our attention when our deanery will have its meetings i.e. in the harvest time of this year.  We have taken an important  initiative which is essential.  An example of this is when we had persons sharing their name with those near them seated in the church, a small step for a good beginning.

The input of our Children’s Liturgy Groups from our two churches, and there is no doubt that they are leading the way, giving us great example.  The carol service was highlighted because of the quality of the reading.  So it highlights the challenge that is necessary to develop this ministry.  Obviously diction and clarity of delivery is important, but there is much more entailed.  A suggested initiative has been brought to my attention for a Lectio Divina Group to  focus on scripture.  Thanks be to God for new saplings and ideas that are happening to develop.

Day of Reflection for Ministers of the Eucharist, Sat 10 Feb. Free of charge.  Bishop Richard will lead a day of reflection and formation for Ministers of the Eucharist at St Michael’s, High Salvington, Worthing 11-4pm. The day will include theological & practical talks, Eucharistic Adoration and mass. Please register using the link Day of Reflection for Ministers of the Eucharist (10-Feb-2024) · ChurchSuite Events

Please donate items such as unwanted gifts, stationary, books, jigsaws, nearly new toys or anything suitable for the St Georges Table Sale?    Donations are needed urgently as stock is low,    money raised is split between charity of month and parish youth activities/resources. Please leave labelled for St G Table Sale in the back of either church for collection. Or place under table or on it if space permits.

Our next afternoon tea will be Thursday 25th January 2024 at 2pm.  As this is “Burns Night” we shall have a Scottish theme plus Haggis! Of course.  See you there.  This is an excellent occasion for our parish and is much appreciated.  Your support and funding helps so that it remains a blessing to our parish.

Parish Quiz Night Friday April 12th 7pm – get your teams ready and the date in your diary for the second of our bi-annual quiz nights this time held at St Georges. Teams of 6 under children not included in team numbers. More details to follow.

Lourdes Diocese one week pilgrimage July/Aug 2024 – 50th   anniversary of the Diocese led pilgrimage. All our Parish youth school years 10-13 are encouraged to consider attending. We would also like all others in our parish to consider joining as able Helpers, medical support or pilgrims who may need support to attend. We will have a launch meeting in February to form a parish group of attendees and consider our Lent Fundraising which we plan to undertake to help pay towards our parish attendees. To have our own Redshirts/youth group in advance of going this year will be amazing so please do    consider it, we have three signed up already. If your children are younger their are family options also. Further details of the pilgrimage can be found on the Diocese website at ….(please can you insert link). To find out more about fundraising in our parish email [email protected] or text/call 07791627368.

              “With the Help of God”

we focus our care and attention on Bishop Richard’s outline plan for the future of parish life in our diocese.  Our response must be positive, helpful and worthy of our responsibility at this very important time with our Holy Father, Pope Francis.  Through his initiative focused upon Synodity, the outcome is of critical importance to the life of our church.

Looking forward to working more closely together so that we can make real progress.  Our meeting after the 10.30am mass last Sunday reflects this.  Our awareness of being a body made up of many parts working together is key to our future.   Our meeting this Sunday is a sign of progress.  Frequently I have referred to two considerations for our    attention.  1) The work that goes into the foundations 2) The process that goes into development.  We now have time of great importance as we progress life within our communities.

Summing up, our meeting this Sunday is a big sign of willingness to become what the church is called, “to be a body that is made up of many parts, working together growing into God’s Kingdom”.   Jesus came down from heaven to establish.  As the psalm expresses “though I walk through a valley of darkness, no evil would I fear, you are there by my side, with this you give me comfort”.

A RACE NIGHT on the 16th February at St Wilfrid’s is our next parish social/fund raising event. Sale of horses will start this weekend at £2 each. If you have a business you can sponsor a race for £10 as can any one else. Once the horses are all sold the race cards will go on sale at £5 each which be your entry ticket. This is a fun evening so please put the date in your diaries.

People living on their own, especially the elderly:  Please make sure you have given a friend/close relative your mobile as well as your landline number. We never know when we might have a fall etc, taken to hospital, but no one knows.  This has happened to one of our parishioners, Agnes, no one knew and we were desperate to find out where and how she was.  Now we know, please say a prayer for her that she is back among us soon.

“For our future, our first focus is God’s Providence”

which is His willingness to provide and given the opportunity, he provides with abundance.  As I was reading the prepared handout for our parish training, I became aware that it is like a skeleton for the structure that will have so much responsibility.  As that structure comes to life and carries on the flow of life in our parish it will come to fruition.  A constant criteria established by Jesus “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.

Soon Lent (Lent means Spring), a most important season.  As in the beginning of Spring, new shoots, new plants and new flowers coming to life.  The development of ministries will be the reward for the fruits of labour.  Please God, this time they will continue to develop and grow.