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Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Fr Rory wrote a few weeks ago about two deaths that had occurred recently in our communities. The following are two articles which are about how we might cope with tragedies in our own families. I hope you find them helpful and give food for thought: The first is Sister Joan Chittister’s response to a reporter who asked her how she kept going after her family tragedy: “Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them? Mourning what we have lost in life only obscures the beauty of what remains.” Sr.Joan is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author and speaker. She has served as co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

On the same theme, the Right Reverend Monsignor Roderick Strange, a Visiting Professor at St Mary’s University, having previously been rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, wrote: “We never get over the wounds we have received; our defeats are always defeats. However, if we allow ourselves to become completely absorbed in our own misfortune, if we cut ourselves off, then the defeat creates a crippling selfishness, and is death-dealing indeed. But if we resist the whirlpool of selfishness, and turn outwards, determined to show care and generosity and love where it is needed, if we keep our hearts open, then the transforming change can and will take place.”       

Hailsham Foodbank

Hailsham Foodbank:  The Foodbank has been particularly busy and their stocks have hit an all time low.  If you would like to contribute in anyway, please leave donations in our church porch suitably labelled “Foodbank”.   Current urgent needs include: Tinned Fruit, Tinned Carrots, Peas or Sweetcorn, Tinned Tomatoes or Pasta Sauce, Instant Mash, Tinned Meat, Tuna and Toilet Rolls.  Thank you.

Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Last week I concluded with a prayer from CAFOD which ended with this plea: “Teach us how to share our daily bread with all people, and to treat each other as members of one family.” This leads me to remind you that we already have the answer to this as we collect goodies for those in need of support in Eastbourne and Hailsham through the Food Banks. There is a basket in the porch at St George’s into which you may put any items for this cause. It is emptied regularly and the Food Bank arrange a monthly collection of the goods we have collected.  (See the separate article in this newsletter about the Hailsham Food Bank for more details at St Wilfrid’s.) Current urgent needs include UHT milk, cereals, tinned meat, tinned fruit, tinned rice pudding/custard, tinned vegetables, pasta sauce, tinned fish,  instant mashed potato, long life apple and orange juice, pasta, coffee, tea, biscuits, peanut butter, chocolate spread, marmite, baby food, nappies, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant. [Currently they have plenty of baked beans and spaghetti] Please ensure all items are within use-by date. I wish to thank you for your support of this venture and if you haven’t supported it to date I invite you now to consider doing so if you possibly can. Thank you.

With my love and prayers for you all.

A priest settled into a chair in a lawyer’s office.  “Is it true,” said the priest, “that your firm does not charge the members of the clergy?” “I am afraid you are misinformed,” stated the lawyer.  “People in your profession can look forward to a reward in the next world, but we lawyers have to take ours in this one.”

Diocesan Mass for Altar Servers

Diocesan Mass for Altar Servers:  on Saturday 14th September, at 12noon, with Bishop Richard presiding.  For all who have served, are serving and anybody who would like to.  Please bring cassock/cotta or alb.   Light refreshments will follow (bring a packed lunch if you wish).