Category: Saint George’s latest news

Deacon John Writes

The first reading this weekend  tells us how God shows His mercy to His chosen people. How did he do this?  He gave them Moses as their leader and liberator. Then God reveals His name as Yahweh (“I AM Who I AM”) and renews His promise to the to give them a “land flowing with milk and honey.” The Psalm reminds us of God’s unfailing mercy: “The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.” The second reading warns us that our merciful God is also a disciplining God. Paul reminds the Christians of Corinth that they must learn from the sad experience of the Israelites who were punished for their sins by a merciful God, one who is also a just God, so we must be careful and not fall into sin. The Gospel invites us to repent of our sins, to renew our lives, and to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The parable of the poor fig tree, warns us that the merciful God will not put up with us indefinitely. Yes, God is patient and waits for sinners to repent, assisting them with his grace to do this, but, He will not wait forever. We must always remember that our time on earth may run out and we really should realise that repentance is necessary before this happens! 

Have you ever wondered why we say “God Bless You” when someone sneezes? Jewish sages tell us that it has to do with an ancient belief that the Lord just blessed that person with another day here on His earth. Another day in which we can repent of our sins – a day of grace!

Fr Rory Writes

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee,

blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb

Jesus

As we walk through this valley of darkness, at this time it is very hard to see light at the end of the tunnel.  Having read; and I will read again and again “THE SUGGESTION PUT FORWARD FOR THE DEVELPMENT OF THE PARISH” as an outcome to the synodal process.  It brings me back to the very beginning of this year when we lit the first Advent Candle “the candle of hope”.  I remember then the value of that candle, “hope is the one thing we can always cling on to”.

Right now as times are so grim, it is something good to have to hold on to.  I have to come to terms with a deep sense of hopelessness, because of the number of times I have failed to improve.  Re-reading the suggestions brings hope.  One of the important suggestions is core groups and the sense of working together and empowering ministries.  So let us continue to try again.  The Queen’s Jubilee and the Centenary of the church are promising events.

Light at the end of the tunnel always helps us with hope.  So again, (with the help of God) two things: 1) Easter and 2) The very promising words from the early development of the church “The day of Pentecost came”.  Yes, more than anything else “when the day of Pentecost came”, my great hope is that this year we will have a real experience of Pentecost. 

So far our masses, our prayers and all our efforts are flowing in the right direction. Let us look forward to Easter.

Children’s Liturgy Fundraising during Lent 2022

Join us to support Tiny Tickers 

For more information on the work Tiny Tickers does visit www.tinytickers.org Registered Charity No: 1078114

During Lent we are asking our children and families to raise money for Tiny Tickers.  1 in 125 babies is born with a serious heart condition. Tiny Tickers helps to fund pulse oximetry monitors in maternity wards and for use at home births.  Early detection of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) is key to saving lives.  Our local NHS Trust has committed to having these monitors and all funds raised by our children will go to help make this happen.  Please support our children in their efforts through taking part in the below activities, if you can, and with your prayers and generosity.

The Great Bake & Raffle –  Sunday 20th March after 9am Mass

Please join us in the St George’s church hall at 9.45am (therefore before or after mass depending on Church attended) for tea and coffee with home baked treats and take part in our raffle.

(NEEDED – Suitable Raffle items, new gifts or bottles/boxes of chocolates – please pass to Children’s Liturgy team or leave at back of church marked Raffle – thank you)

Sponsored – Walk, Talk & Picnic – Jevington to Alfriston

Sunday 3rd April 12noon (picnic approx. 1.30pm)

Our parish Children, their families and children’s liturgy leaders are planning a sponsored walk from Jevington to Alfriston, 3+miles (and some will also walk back).  Everyone is welcome to join us on this lovely South Downs walk, however we realise the terrain is not ideal for all. For those who can’t manage the walk you are invited to join us for our picnic at Alfriston, in the Church grounds.  Even if you are not able to join us, you can help us by sponsoring the children, forms are now available at the back of church. If you can gift aid please do.  Reserve date April 10th – contact Sandra on 07791 627368 or email [email protected] for further information.

Thank You

Margaret and John Forde wish to say a sincere thank you to all who attended their Diamond Wedding Celebration Mass on 24th February.  A big thanks to all who helped in the planning of our lovely Mass celebrated by Fr Rory.  Thank you Father, and thank you to Jean for the flowers, Gary for the music and streaming, Bob for reading, Loretta in preparation of the Altar and Lesley & Ephram who got us to church and later to the reception in Eastbourne.

Stations of the Cross

On Sunday 20th March,3rd April, and 10th April there will be a Holy Hour for peace in the world and end to the war in the Ukraine, it will include Stations of the Cross in St.George’s at 3pm. On Passion Sunday, 10th April, Stations will be followed by Benediction.

The Rosary

During these very traumatic times the Rosary is a powerful tool. We are so lucky to have had a Rosary Group at St George’s for decades quietly bringing together our pleas for intercession and help. This group meets in St George’s Hall on a Monday afternoon at 2.00 pm to pray the rosary and finish with a cuppa and some biscuits. Everyone is welcome to join and never have we needed the help of our Blessed Lady more than now.

Platinum Jubilee

We will be celebrating the Queen`s Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5th June with a United Nations Lunch. Please put your name on the list in the church porch with the dish you can provide. If possible the dish would be able to serve approximately 15 people with a small bowl of food. If you are unsure what to provide please see Teresa Bradley or Loretta Fry.  Thank you.  After Mass today (13th March) there will be a Parish Meeting in the Hall at St Wilfrid’s for anyone who would like to help/donate food for the United Nations Lunch on Sunday 5th June 2022.