Enriching Our Catholic Faith

ENRICHING OUR CATHOLIC FAITH” – OUR LADY OF RANSOM (EASTBOURNE):  A series of talks  to enrich and deepen our    understanding of our faith. All are welcome to all or any of the talks.

–           Thursday, 17th Feb.  The simplicity of Prayer – speaker: John Kimberley

–           Thursday, 3rd March – Can War ever be Just?   – speaker: Fr Kevin.

–           Thursday, 17th March – The Second Vatican Council (reasons for and consequences) – speaker: to be confirmed

–           Thursday, 31st March – Making use of scripture in prayer. – speaker: Caroline Rother.

Sessions last an hour and start at 7.30pm in the Our Lady of Ransom Parish Hall (accessed via car park), – with a break halfway for refreshments.

Synod 2023

Synod – Parish Response

Thank you so much to everyone who recently took part in the Synod consultations, we estimate that over a third of our Church attending parishioners have provided responses either in the boxes at the back of church or through attending one or more of the eight meetings we have now held.  

All responses given in by 4th February have been submitted to the Diocese and those as well as all those provided after that date will be included in the Parish report to all Parishioners. We will provide a summary of responses as quickly as possible.

After that the more difficult  work starts – What action do we have to take locally?

Lourdes Pilgrimage – Second Collection 13th February

As you may know, the Pilgrimage manages our Diocesan Pilgrimage, and takes around 700 people each year to Lourdes, of whom around 140 are Assisted Pilgrims who are frail, elderly, disabled or sick.  The Pilgrimage relies on the efforts of volunteers and generous donors to enable it to offer financial support to the Assisted Pilgrims who join us, and to some of those who will care for them whilst we are in Lourdes.  If you would like to support this appeal on-line please follow the instructions below:-

Go to the Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage website using this link: A&B Lourdes Pilgrimage Website or the website  address https://www.abdiocese.org.uk/lourdes/home Click on the donate button on the right-hand side of the screen. Please then click on the donate button in the middle of the page and follow the instructions.  If you have any questions, please contact the A&B Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, either by email on [email protected] or call 01403 740110

Deacon John Writes

Do you believe the Bible? Recently this article appeared in a cutting sent to me from America;

“Sometime before she died, someone had the audacity to ask St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), “Why do you spend so much energy on the poor, the hungry, and the weeping of those in Calcutta?” She responded, “Jesus says the poor are the blessed ones. I take him at his word. I treat them as the royalty of God’s kingdom, because they are.” — To grow into becoming a Christian is, in no small part, to be converted into seeing the world as God sees it. It is to be given new eyes to look upon people and events from an eternally loving perspective. When that begins to happen, you begin to see that God has an opinion about how life should be lived, what Churches should be doing, and how people should act. You begin to see that the future belongs to those whom God blesses. They include the poor, the hungry, the hopeless, the damaged, and those whose only salvation is found in the God who comes to redeem.

Vacancy: Facilities Officer

We have an opening for a Facilities Officer who is able to carry out minor repairs and organise the process of obtaining quotes for more complex projects. If you are interested in undertaking this paid role please contact Jackie at [email protected] providing brief details of your availability and experience in relevant trades . Closing date for initial responses is Friday 18th February. Interviews will be held shortly after this time.

Urgent Notice:

If there is someone you have not seen at Mass either Sunday or weekdays, who would normally attend.  Please get in touch with them yourself or inform Fr Rory asap.  It has been so easy for people to go unnoticed during Covid lockdown.  Perhaps we could arrange for them to join us for tea/coffee in our hall after Sunday and Wednesday Mass, for a social chat and to get to know other members of our community.

Over 50’s Activities:

Thursday 10th February (this week) Lunch at the Kings Head, Horsebridge, 12noon.  Yes we are going ahead with our friendly social event.  We are able to have the much reduced OAP’s meal, 2 courses for £12., which comprises of either starter and main course or main course and dessert.  Drinks will be ordered and paid for separately.  I have included a tip in the price and would be happy if you would pay when putting your name and telephone number on the list please.  If you would like to stay and have tea/coffee with us after the meal, you will be very welcome.  Also, if you need transport, please ring me asap to arrange it Tel: 07873 390944, thank you.  Look forward to meeting up with you after a covid break!!!

Our next Afternoon Tea will be Thursday 24th Feb at 2pm in our Hall.  Everyone is welcome at this very friendly and happy occasion, bring your friends and invite anyone you think would benefit from  a “Happy Social Event”.  The cost is £3 and you will be surprised at what you will be offered!  Do come along and enjoy yourselves, don’t let Covid win anymore!!  Look forward to meeting up again, Joan.