The Lent/Easter issue of the deanery newsletter is now available to download on our website, for those who have not received by email. If you didn’t get an email but want us to send items like this to you please complete the consent form at the back of church.
Latest News
Deanery Reconciliation Service with Bishop Richard
Thurs 3 April, 7pm at Our Lady of Ransom Church, Eastbourne. The Bishop, to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope, will be leading a Lenten Service of Reconciliation in every Deanery. Please come and support this important prayer opportunity as we move together towards becoming a new Single Parish.
16th March 2025
Fr Rory Writes: “Life Goes On”
Actually it was Gerry who was responsible for my piece last week. So it is a good sign that we are singing from the same page, and it is really important to recognise this. There is a reason why we are in our present situation, and we did not have a meeting of our Parish Finance Committee that was scheduled.
The Parish Pastoral Plan was launched over a year ago, with plans for our new parish, “Eastbourne and St Leonards,” set to begin in November 2024, led by our parish Moderator, Father Kevin Dring from OLR.
In January, Father Kevin introduced a Parish Development Plan outlining the goals for the next six months. A Parish Leadership Group, including clergy and lay members, was formed and began meeting in February. For administrative purposes, the new parish will be split into two leadership hubs: Eastbourne (seven churches, including St George & St Wilfrid’s) and St Leonards (eight churches from Battle to Rye). At this level we looked at developing the goals up to June.
This is a long-term process, and all parishioners are encouraged to contribute. Father Kevin opened last week’s PLG meeting with a reading from Ephesians: “Out of his infinite glory, may he give you the power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong.” Let’s all grow strong together to make this plan a success.
CAFOD Family Fast Day – Friday March 14th
By praying, eating simply and giving to CAFOD we will be helping to support CAFOD in their vital work helping local experts to provide simple, effective solutions to the toughest problems facing many of the poorest peoples around the world. This year’s focus is on helping to train communities in creating drought resistant vegetable gardens in East Africa following the devastating effects of drought. Envelopes are available at the back of church. Please return them with your donations on March 16th. If you are able to Gift Aid your donation, please sign the back of your donation envelope. The government will add an additional 25%. Thank you.
Flame 2025
Please pray for the 87 youth and leaders from our deanery on their Pilgrimage of Hope to Flame 2025 Catholic Youth Congress on Saturday, March 15th.
A heartfelt thanks for your generous support—£610 raised at St. George’s quiz and £340 at the OLR breakfast. We hope to raise more with a future event at CTK. Donations are welcome via envelopes marked “Flame Fundraiser” in the collection. Any surplus will support future youth pilgrimages.
St George’s Parish Meeting
St George’s Parish Meeting – Sunday, March 16
Join us in the hall after the 9am Mass for a parish update on ministries, activities, and social plans. This will be the first of our planned quarterly meetings to strengthen collaboration in our parish community.
Parish Pilgrimage to Arundel Cathedral – Corpus Christi, June 19th 2025
We plan to arrange a coach trip with Lynns Travel for the Feast of Corpus Christi, returning after the 5:30 pm Mass, procession, and benediction. Estimated cost: £21 per person.
Interested? Provide your name, number of seats, and contact details to Jean (St. Wilfrid’s) or Sandra (St. George’s). Final details to follow based on interest departure expected approx 11am return 8pm.
Parish Over 50’s Club
Lovely to have our normal numbers back after all the illnesses. Our Next Meeting has unfortunately had to be cancelled. Please await further notice for the next date.
Lent has begun
Perhaps an extra weekday Mass, quieter than a Sunday; plus tea/coffee in the hall to get to know each other. Many of our parishioners need your prayers please, many illnesses and operations amongst us. Thank you.
Pilgrims of Hope for CAFOD – Saturday March 29th
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis invites us to be Pilgrims of Hope, journeying in faith and solidarity. Join us for a day of prayer and walking as we take part in the Big Lent Walk for CAFOD.
The day begins at 10:00 am at St. Wilfrid’s Church with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession, followed by our 5km walk along the Cuckoo Trail to St. George’s. There, we’ll share a simple soup lunch before our youth lead us in a Family Stations of the Cross.
Together, we aim to walk 200km, so we need 40 walkers—please join us! To sign up or sponsor, visit:
🔗 CAFOD Walk Link
If you can’t walk, your prayers and sponsorship are greatly appreciated. Sponsor forms are available at the back of the church. Thank you for being a Pilgrim of Hope!