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Fr Rory Writes

Treasured Memories

In our preparations to celebrate the Centenary of the celebration of the first mass to be offered in church here in Hailsham, a memorial stone for those who have gone before us is help to our remembrance.  Many stand out for their contribution to our story, including     Dorothy Blake.  For me, June Bell stands out, as her husband, John, (still alive) has just celebrated (his centenary) 100th Birthday.  No more years driving his car; but just before the pandemic he was comfortable driving, with his doctors permission.  They have been particularly generous to us in their support .

Now we need a new generation and this has given us a great focus.  The leaders of our young persons liturgy are one of my joys and great hope.  So far, so good, the work that they do is so vital, inspiring and our best reason for hope.  They are laying out the foundations for the necessary building that has to be done if we are to have our churches here for our community.  There is a growing great bond between our churches here and the one at St George’s in Polegate.  Preparation for the Synod and developing relations are an essential factor for the future and their help with the celebration is an important factor.

We will continue to respond to the preparation for the Synod.  Recently I was given an inspiration from Teresa Palmer.  She brought to my attention the renew process which was adopted by the Diocese.  Their focus which I have been referring to is a seed, an acorn which when it grows becomes a great oak tree.  I have just received a photo of the Oak Tree that is now outside St Paul’s Church in Haywards Heath when we were there responding to the diocesan decision to adopt the renew process.  I often wonder where all the other oak trees are up and down the diocese.    To be continued …….

Foodbank Help

FOODBANK HELP WITH EVENING SUPERMARKET COLLECTIONS

Would you be able to help collect end of day food ‘waste’ from Hailsham Tesco and/or Waitrose?  It’s currently on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at around 8.15/8.30pm.  There is no expectation of commitment – you can just sign up to slots you are able to do.  It usually takes between 30-45 minutes.  If you are able to help or want more details please email [email protected].

Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

The Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly takes place on 24 July with the theme: ‘In old age they will still bear fruit’ (Psalm 92:15). Pope Francis has requested that we use this day to honour those who have taken further steps on their life journey, particularly grandparents.
Pope Francis writes: “Along with old age and white hairs, God continues to give us the gift of life and to keep us from being overcome by evil. If we trust in him, we will find the strength to praise him still (cf. vv. 14-20). We will come to see that growing old is more than the natural decline of the body or the inevitable passage of time, but the gift of a long life. Aging is not a condemnation, but a blessing!”

St Wilfrid’s Centenary Celebration

:  We are hoping to form a choir to support the congregation at the 11am Mass on the 13th August.    We shall be singing hymns and parts of the New Celtic Mass.  There will be two evening rehearsals on August 3rd and 10th at 7.30pm to prepare for this.  You do not have to be able to read music, just love to sing.  Please contact Pat Gaglione or David Hoad at St Wilfrid’s and Shirley at St George’s for more information and any queries you may have.  We welcome your support.

Special Centenary Mass

Special Centenary Mass – Saturday 13th August 2022

St Wilfrid’s Church, Hailsham at 11am

Everyone is invited to this Mass, celebrated by Bishop Richard to mark the First Mass in the First St Wilfrid’s Church on 14th August 1922.  However, please put your name on the list in the church (or ring the parish office 841504), if you would like to stay for refreshments afterwards, to help with the catering.  Thank you.

Fr Rory Writes

Help……… Help ……… help is truly needed as we respond to the real challenge of this time.  At the same time please God, we have a great window of opportunity as we respond to our process of preparation for the Synod, and also our Centenary Celebration on Saturday 13th August at St Wilfrid’s.

The challenge of our time is truly great.  It is coming from many directions and there is no escape.  Our first priority must be the future for our parish communities, and our life of faith which is our greatest treasure.  With the help of “God’s grace” must be our constant prayer.  In all ages and at all times, life has its difficulties.  The term sometimes heard “life is no rose garden”.

Good news for me is that my sisters Mary and Freda are hoping to join us for our Centenary Celebrations.  The liturgy for the occasion and the social entertainment are beginning to take good shape.  Our gratitude is great to those who are planning and making preparations.  Obviously there will be expenditure, but we have made a decision that there will be no charge on the day.  Good suggestions have been made to raise some money and I ask you to support this.

Retrouvaille:

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