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SYNOD 2023 – Encouraging Participation 

The Synod, initiated by Pope Francis, is a process in which the Church encourages its people (you) to listen and learn and a vessel by which we can communicate to the Pope what WE believe is needed for OUR future Church.  This is an extremely important step and you, the parishioners of St Wilfrid and St George, are invited to take time to be part of it.

Our Bishop has been asked by the Pope to listen to your ideas, to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, bind up wounds, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will warm hearts and give strength to our hands.

Our Pope wants our Parish to listen and learn from everyone within it, young people who might have ideas on what the Church should do in the future, people who think that the Church ignores them, and from everyone on their faith journey.

YOU are invited to Speak Out

The Pope would like us to reflect on the following issues, and let him know our thoughts:-

Week 1 –  Our Companions on the journey. Communion.  Please see handout provided at Mass this week.

Week 2 – Listening – Participation, handout available from Sunday 23^rd January

Week 3 – Speaking out, Mission, handout available from Sunday 30^th January

Each week for the next three weeks so it is important we consider these issues, and respond as soon as possible for the Bishop.

Individual or Group responses can be handed in via the box at the back of Church – marked Synod.  Or you could attend one of the meetings detailed below, if you prefer.

Further information:

www.abdiocese/org.uk/synod – this includes the 24 page document prepared by the Diocese and an online easy to use survey where private responses can be provided.  Even if you do this survey though, which we wholly encourage, please also take time to respond to the Parish survey.

https://www.synod.va/en/documents/english-version-of-the-preparatory-document.html

Synod 2023 Week 1 –  Our Companions on the journey. Communion. 

All Parishioners are invited to consider this week’s theme together at either or both of the following meetings.

Wednesday 19^th January after 10am Mass – St Wilfrid’s Hall

Saturday 22^nd January 10am – St George’s Hall

‘God Knows’

That we are a work in progress; but to make that progress we rely upon His help.  The coronavirus is a constant reminder that there is a Kingdom of darkness.  It is constantly (indeed relentlessly) at work.  Seeking to destroy, particularly families and family life.  I recently heard from a priest, who was called to help one such family and it really is scary.  Even much more scary than the virus which is bad enough.  I have often heard of ‘the dark web’ but it was the first time I really realised how dangerous it is.

So returning to that constant need for prayer.  When I was young I heard it said “it is the mass that matters”.  Our celebration of this in our lives, deserves to be a high priority.  As part of this it is very important that we do our very best to progress ‘for a Synodal Church’, communion, participation and mission, Participants’ Guide.

We made an excellent start when a ‘core group’ met in the presbytery on Tuesday evening.  This important work calls for our best efforts and prayer.  Again two thing; where to begin? And how to do this.   After that we continue to develop our response as the seasons and years go on.  We have got off to a good start by giving the input this week your best attention, and also to bring it to the attention of anyone you know who would like to respond.

The Lord – the Word made Flesh – was born in this world riddled with difficulty, conflict and disease. We have celebrated His birth and, at the Epiphany, his manifestation to the world that He came to save. This Sunday, the Gospel takes us thirty years on – to His baptism in the Jordan by John. The Holy Spirit is seen and the voice of the Father proclaims Jesus as “the Beloved” on whom “favor rests”. This event marks the beginning of the Lord’s public ministry. After the hidden life of Nazareth, the time has come for the Lord to embark upon the three years of preaching, healing and teaching that would lead him to Passion, Death and Resurrection – all for our salvation; all out of love for us. All was done so that, in the words of St Paul in his Letter to Titus, “We should be justified by His grace, to become heirs looking forward to eternal life.”
 
Despite the circumstances in which we find ourselves – no matter how difficult they may be – we can be confident in the power of the Saviour Who has come. There must be something of John the Baptist about us, as we point the way for others towards the person of Jesus. Now is the time for us to listen to the Prophet Isaiah and to say, as John the Baptist said: “Here is your God.”  

This is a very difficult time for us oldies.  Many of us have ‘Good Reason’ to be anxious and worried.  We do not attend Mass, but thanks to Gary we can view it online.  We had to cancel our ‘Christmas Party’ but please God, we will be able to celebrate on Thursday 27th January at 2pm in our hall, £5 per person.   Please pass the information on to our friends, all are welcome, especially our friends from St George’s and our Non-Catholic friends.  To make it a great success, I need numbers for catering etc.  Please ring me on 07873390944. Thank you, Joan.

 Unfortunately we have had to cancel our monthly lunch at the Kings Head on Thursday 13th January.  Although they carry out the necessary Covid Rules, not many of us are prepared to risk dining out just yet.  So we have decided to try for Thursday 10th February, 12noon.  Details nearer the time.  Please inform anyone who normally joins us, but does not receive our newsletter.  Thank you.

On a lighter note our Christmas Lunch went ahead very successfully, 25 of us sat at three large round tables in the function room.  The food, service and atmosphere were great.  Fr Kieran and Fr Rory joined us with several of our friends from St George’s, what fun and laughter we had.  We really want to keep up this happy meal out once a month.  If you would like to join us or have a friend to come with us, you only have to be over 50 and enjoy good food and company and a good laugh.  Transport is not a problem, just let me know on 07873390944.  I do hope we can start going out for a meal again.  If you pray hard enough, I am sure the ‘Good Lord’ will help us.  Thank you, Joan.

The Parishioners at St Wilfrid’s  would like to express sincere THANKS to everyone who helped in any way towards our beautiful Christmas Services.  Under strict COVID rules, we enjoyed the Penitential Services with Fr Kieran helping Fr Rory.  It was very much in the modern idiom, so we could all connect old and young, especially the 1st Communion children.  We have to move with the times, but in our own simple way!

Without the help of; Altar Servers and David Hoad training them, Jean our Flower Arranger, Bob Waters our Health & Safety Officer, Gary arranging the Streaming of Masses, so we can see them on line.  Our Readers, especially the Young Ones, the Welcomers and Alan for their input, the team of tea/coffee makers after Masses on Sundays and Wednesdays.  The wonderful people who without fuss, just get on with the job of cleaning before and after Mass in accordance with Covid Rules, in order that we can attend Mass in a safe environment.  Annette & Sophie training our children for the liturgy etc.  They are the Future Members of Our Church and without them there will not be a Catholic Community.   When we are called to our Higher Place they, please God, will step up and take our places.  What a brilliant contribution they made to our Christmas Services under the guidance of Annette, Sophie, Angela and Teresa, who is now undergoing treatment after her operation.  We all wish her well and with God’s help she will regain her health and strength.  She made a difference and special input with our children and we miss her.  Sophie is working and living in London now, so it just leaves Annette who is a full time Night Sister in Hastings among many other duties.  Please God, Teresa will be up and running again and Angela will also be available.  Help is very much appreciated.  Do you feel you could help her?  Training will be given of course and much help all the way.  A very rewarding job indeed and very worthwhile for our return to church.

Jackie our secretary and general help and guidance on all sorts of problems.  She is a gem because she is so sincere and helpful with anything that crops up, always has a smile and cheery nature to put us at our eases.  A very big ‘Thank You’ Jackie from all of us, please continue to help and guide us throughout 2022,  Fr Rory would be lost without you.  The diary and telephone etc. are all kept up-to-date by you.  We do appreciate you.

Then we come to our lovely Ordained Priest, Fr Rory.  Who does the job he was ordained to do and more.  He is such a humble, yet sincere man.  We all know your faults and lack of practical skills, but they fade into insignificance when carrying out your duties for us.  Many of us have come to you for help and religious guidance, especially our sick and suffering parishioners.  You have been given a wonderful gift Father, don’t put yourself down, we all love you and appreciate you.  When saying Mass you have the ability to say it as if it was for each one of us individually, we are completely immersed and it’s a wonderful experience.  Please don’t ever change, God has given you to us and we thank you for it.  We are truly sorry if anyone who has helped us through this most difficult time or contributed to our lovely Christmas Services, have been left out, you know who you are and we do appreciate you.

for all my cards and gifts, they are very much appreciated.  Wishing everyone a Happy New Year,  Jackie.

It is with deep sadness that we learnt of the death of John Winter in December. John was primarily the organist for St George’s but had played also at St Wilfrid’s. John’s funeral will take place on 25th January at 12 noon in Tunbridge. The family have left an open invitation  to join them at the Mass and afterwards at the wake. Please contact Tim Winter on 07547 948067 if you are planning to attend. May he rest in peace.

to all my friends at St Wilfrid`s.  Thank you all for the Christmas cards and best wishes from all at St Wilfrid`s.  I wish every one of you a Happy New Year and I will remember you all in my prayers.  With love to you all. Ann

The Diocese has asked us to continue to sign in when we attend Mass and other events.  Please use the NHS App and our QR code, the pre-booking system on the church website, or fully complete the form at the church entrance. Please give a contact phone number and ensure that your name is legible.  You should continue to use the hand sanitiser and wear a face covering.  The Parish will continue to open all doors and windows to ensure good ventilation, so do wear warm clothes especially in the coming cold weather.

Tea and coffee is now being served in our hall at St George’s after Sunday Mass. Covid rules are being fully observed but it is wonderful to have a chance to meet again socially. Thank you to those serving and preparing the teas for us. Very much appreciated.