Do Born Again Christians Observe Palm Sunday
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My Dearest Parishioners, Visitors, Friends – Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ
Today, the Holy Mass starts with the palms blessing and the procession to go into the temple. Thus, Palm Sunday evokes the "triumphal" entrance of Christ the King in the Holy City, shortly before his Passion. It is his last and final ascent to Jerusalem: this ascent which will culminate in the Cross. A few days before, the Master had resurrected Lazarus and in the city there was a great expectation.
Today Jesus is presented in his capacity as a King. This time, He does permit people to acclaim Him as a King. Good Friday will confirm his royal condition before Ponce Pilate, the highest civil authority of the place. But his kingdom is not of this world. He pointed it out to the governor, and this is how He today explains it to us.
He is, indeed, the King of the indigent: He arrives "riding on an ass", as the prophet Zechariah had announced (Zech 9:9). "He did not arrive in an ostentatious royal carriage or on horseback like the great figures of the world, but on a borrowed donkey" (Benedict XVI). And this is because God always acted smoothly: when He was born in this world (a stable, a manger, some diapers); when he "left" this world (a donkey, a cross, a sepulchre). Everything very daintily as if to avoid worrying us or troubling our liberty.
With this King "He shall proclaim peace to the nations" and "the warrior's bows shall be banished" (Zech 9:10). Yes, Christ will transform the cross in a "broken bow": the Cross will not be anymore an instrument of torture, of scoff and slaying, but a throne where to reign from by giving life to all others.
Finally, the crowds met Him by acclaiming Him: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 19:38). That day there were a few thousands; in the 21st century there are many millions of voices that "from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of earth" (Zech 9:10) sing it in the "Sanctus" of the Mass: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest".
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the townspeople threw palms (a symbol of peace and victory) in front of Him. This was a sign of homage and a customary practice for people of great respect.
 | with Blessings Father Simon |
REFLECTION:
Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to pray well in order to be able to accept the kingdom you offer instead of the kingdom I desire.
Encountering Christ:
The Moment of Triumph: Jesus entered Jerusalem as a Jewish king arriving for his coronation. Passover was the traditional day for Jewish kings to be crowned. When entering a city the king would ride a donkey—the traditional royal mount (horses were only ridden by a conqueror entering a vanquished city). According to tradition, the Messiah would come from the east, from the direction of the Mount of Olives. Jesus entered Jerusalem with a large crowd of pilgrims coming from Galilee for the feast of Passover. Many in Galilee already considered Jesus to be the Messiah and when they saw all this, they began to proclaim him Messiah and cover the road with palm branches and their cloaks for him to ride over. Jesus clearly entered Jerusalem as the Messianic king riding to his coronation.
What Kind of King?: The Apostles were excited. Things were finally working out as they had hoped! Almost everyone expected the Messiah to begin a new Jewish empire. He would come in, be crowned as king, raise an army and drive out the Romans—perhaps even conquer the whole Roman Empire and establish a Jewish Empire in its place. They knew Jesus was the Messiah and they were the ones closest to him. They would have the top posts in the new empire! Everything was going great! They had forgotten Jesus's triple warning about his impending death in Jerusalem. They had forgotten what he said in the beatitudes. They were not prepared for what would happen this week. When Jesus needed them the most, all except John would come up short.
It's Hard to Be a Citizen of Jesus's Kingdom: Unlike the Apostles, I know what kind of kingdom Jesus is preparing. In spite of the glory of his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, it will be a kingdom of struggle and sacrifice. It will be a kingdom that will never be fully accepted by this world. In spite of its many members, it will remain invisible without borders or territory, because it is a kingdom that exists in peoples' hearts. The Apostles weren't ready for this, so they failed when Jesus was crowned on Good Friday. If I am looking for a kingdom of this world, I will fail too.
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, it would be great to remain in the glory of Palm Sunday, to enjoy being a citizen of a kingdom of this world. But that is not the kind of kingdom you offer. Your kingdom opposes the glory of this world and so it will always be opposed. Please help me to love and desire to be a member of your kingdom because, in the end, your kingdom is much better than the world's, in spite of the difficulties I encounter.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make some small sacrifice as a sign that I belong to your kingdom, a kingdom of sacrifice and struggle, and not one of glory, comfort, and fame.
For Further Reflection: The Eight Doors of the Kingdom: Meditations on the Beatitudes by Jacques Philippe.
Catholics have honored the last week of Jesus' life since the Apostles. Holy Week, stretching from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, is a time to reflect on all that Jesus suffered for us. It is a time to worship him as our king, and remember the light he brings to a dark world.
| Date | Location | links to readings and Services |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 10th April 2022 Palm Sunday, Cycle C | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 10-04-2022 |
| Monday 11th April 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 11-04-2022 |
| Tuesday 12th April 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 12-04-2022 |
| Wednesday 13th April 2022 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 13-04-2022 |
| Thursday 14th April 2022 - Maundy Thursday | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 14-04-2022 |
| Friday 15th April 2022 - Good Friday | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 15-04-2022 |
| Saturday 16th April 2022 - Easter Vigil | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 16-04-2022 |
| Sunday 17th April 2022 Easter Sunday | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 17-04-2022 |
CLICK TO OPEN – A Guide To Holy Week
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| Download this week's Newsletter here: | Newsletter: 10th April 2022 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion Cycle C |
Service Updates from Fr Simon
If you would like to book a Mass dedication for someone, please contact Father Simon or the parish office with the name and date.
Please be aware of the change of Daily Mass Times due to parish commitments,. As soon as Covid allows, I am hoping to leave the church open after Mass until 4pm each day, in order that people can return to private prayer.
Saturdays Mass will be at 9am and confessions will start after Mass at St Swithun and on Saturday evening in Our Lady of Lourdes from 17.15 – 17.45 or at any other time by appointment
Read today's Readings here
Children – Read today's Holy Readings here again 10-04-2022
Catholic Kids Media TPalm Sunday and the Passion, for kids. Adapted from the Gospel of Mark. Parental guidance is suggested. This is the 2022 updated version! Support this channel on Patreon! Or on Venmo: @catholickidsmedia Contact us at: catholickidsmedia@gmail.com Gospel Reading Luke 22:14-23:56Jesus says If we have faith in Jesus and follow his way of love, we will also be with him in paradise. Children, This week we celebrate Holy Week. This is the holiest week in the Church year because during this week we remember Jesus' death on the cross for our salvation. On Palm Sunday we hear two Gospel readings. The first Gospel tells us how Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was greeted by the crowds who shouted praise to God because they thought Jesus was coming to save them from their political oppressors. In the second Gospel reading for this Sunday, which is also called Passion ...
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Thoughts on Today's Gospel and Readings for the Week -10-04-2022
Background on the Gospel Reading - Luke 22:14—23:56 (shorter form:Luke 23:1-49) From the cross, Jesus speaks words of forgiveness and promises that the good thief will be with him in paradise. This Sunday, called Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are called the Triduum, three days that are the highlight of the Church year. There are two Gospels proclaimed at today's Mass. The first Gospel, proclaimed before the procession with palms, tells of Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Riding on a borrowed colt, Jesus was hailed by the crowds as they shouted blessings and praise to God. This event is reported in each of the four Gospels. Luke's Gospel is the only one to report the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Jesus' response shows that this event, and those yet ...
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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 10-04-2022
Passion of the Christ: Scott Hahn Reflects on Passion Sunday "What is written about Me is coming to fulfillment," Jesus says in today's Gospel (see Luke 22:37). Indeed, we have reached the climax of the liturgical year, the highest peak of salvation history, when all that has been anticipated and promised is to be fulfilled. By the close of today's long Gospel, the work of our redemption will have been accomplished, the new covenant will be written in the blood of His broken body hanging on the Cross at the place called the Skull. In His Passion, Jesus is "counted among the wicked," as Isaiah had foretold (see Isaiah 53:12). He is revealed definitively as the Suffering Servant the prophet announced, the long-awaited Messiah whose words of obedience and faith ring out in today's First Reading and Psalm. The taunts and torments we hear in these two readings punctuate the Gospel as ...
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Commentary on Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56
AFTER FIVE WEEKS of preparation we now enter the climax of the Lenten season and what we call Holy Week. In a way, the whole week from today until Easter Sunday should be seen as one unit – the presentation of what we call the Paschal Mystery. This Paschal Mystery includes the sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension of Jesus into glory and the sending of the Spirit on the disciples of Jesus to continue the work he began. Although it is, for liturgical and catechetical reasons, spread over a period of seven weeks, it should also be seen as an indivisible single experience. This week sees the climax of the mission of Jesus Christ in which the deepest meaning of his life is unfolded and in which his teaching becomes incarnated in his own words and actions. Today's celebration (for, strange to say, the terrible happenings we are about to listen ...
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – Easter Service Times 2022 – St Swithuns & OLOL Parish
Dear parishioners please find a breakdown of the service times for Holy Week between April 10th and Sunday 17th 2022. Please observe all of the Covid safety measures as you attend these services at St Swithun's RC Church Southsea. We very much hope you will join us to celebrate this important time of the Lord's Passion and glorious Resurrection. with blessings - Fr. Simon
All St Swithun's Southsea Service Times
Today, the Holy Mass starts with the palms blessing ...
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Fr Simon – Going to Confession during Holy Week
Fr Simon writes: CONFESSION had been missed off the bulletin over the last few weeks, which I had not noticed. Mea culpa. Confession times are on Saturday morning after Mass at 9.45am, and at 5.15-5.45pm at Our Lady of Lourdes. Confession is available after most Masses in the morning if I am not otherwise engaged, or can be by appointment if you wish. I do not want anyone to think that there is no opportunity for this most healing ...
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Lenten Reflections for Holy Week 2022
A Shocking Contrast! Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (Year C) "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Luke 19:38 In today's Liturgy, we face quite a contrast of experiences and emotions. We begin our celebration listening to the story of Jesus being welcomed into Jerusalem with great joy and exultation! "Hosanna!" they cried out. "Hosanna in the Highest!" Jesus was treated as He should have been treated. People ...
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An Invite to join the Bishop – Chrism Mass Tuesday 12th April 2022
The Chrism Mass takes place this year at 11am on Tuesday 12th April here in the Cathedral. I'd like to invite you and everyone – clergy, religious and laity – to join us for this diocesan Mass. The Chrism Mass is the special Liturgy in Holy Week at which the Bishop blesses the three Holy Oils used in the sacraments: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Blessing of the Sick and the Oil of Chrism. The blessing ...
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A 7 Step Survival Guide for Returning to Confession
Maybe you have been thinking of going to Confession soon but you don't know where to start. If so, welcome back! The following is especially for you.
If you're thinking of going to Confession, but it has been a while, this post is for you. Going to Confession is never pleasant or enjoyable, but it is always worth it . However, it can feel so much worse if you've not been in years. Maybe it has ...
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Maundy Thursday
Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood. The holy day falls on the Thursday before Easter and is part of Holy Week. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. Christ would fulfil His role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by His final sacrifice.
The ...
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Good Friday: The Meaning of the Cross
Many people wonder, and even become angry, about God's ways. In this video for Good Friday, Fr. Mike explains why God's answers often seem like contradictions to us. While Jesus dying on the Cross makes no sense according to human wisdom, according to God's perfect wisdom, the Cross answers all our most burning questions in a way only God can answer them ...
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Fr Simon – THE PASSION READINGS DURING HOLY WEEK:
Fr Simon writes...... During Passion Sunday and Good Friday, the proclamation of the Passion Event is long.By tradition it has often been read using three voices to break up the reading and to give it a greater effect whilst it is actively listened to by the congregation. The parts in the reading attributed to the 'crowd' are not for the congregation to join in. This is read by one voice only. It was never intended to be said by ...
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Hymn for Today: It Is Finished // Passion // New Song Cafe
Keith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. In re-inventing the traditional hymn form, they have created a catalogue of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk and contemporary composition which are sung the world over. Watch the acoustic performance, hear the story behind the song 4:23, and learn how to play "It Is Finished" by Passion 7:32. Get free charts, lyrics, and resources here: https://www.worshiptogether.com/songs... Worship Together is the #1 online resource for worship leaders. We give free weekly resources such as chord ...
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Hymn for Today: Lyrics – The Passion – Hillsong Worship
Hillsong Worship // The Passion // New Song Cafe "The Passion" is the third track on Hillsong Worship's annual live album, recorded at the Hillsong Worship & Creative Conference in Sydney, Australia. In Christianity, the Passion (from Late Latin: passionem "suffering, enduring") is the short final period in the life of Jesus covering his entrance visit to Jerusalem and leading to his crucifixion on Mount Calvary, defining the climactic event central to Christian doctrine of salvation history. The accounts of the Passion are found in the four canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Lyrics: Hillsong Worship // The Passion Verse 1 The passion of ...
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Pope Francis' schedule of events for Holy Week 2022
After two years of pandemic restrictions during Holy Week, Pope Francis will once again return to the Colosseum to preside over the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. The Vatican has published the pope's schedule for Holy Week and Easter, confirming that he will preside over large liturgical celebrations in St. Peter's Square for the first time since 2019. On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis will offer Mass in St. Peter's Square on April 10 at 10 a.m. local time. The last time that this liturgy was held in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican said that more than 40,000 people ...
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5 Triduum Traditions To Help Your Family Celebrate Holy Week
In Holy Week, the Catholic Church invites us to experience the most critical moments in history. In the business of daily life, the repetitive nature of the liturgical calendar, and the extended season of Lent, it's easy to miss the power of these days. If you are looking for ideas on how to bring this week alive, check out this video: Again let's take an opportunity to accept these final days of Lent in joy and experience all the Lord has in store for us, our families, and our children. Here are the top five tips for celebrating Holy Week! ...
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The Stations of the Cross
Opening Prayer ACT OF CONTRITION O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again. Stations of the Cross - First Station: Jesus is condemned to death Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee. All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. After meditation: I love You, Jesus, my love above all things; I repent with my whole heart of having offended ...
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Fr Mike Schmitz – Turn Your "No, But" into a "Yes, And"
When was the last time you said "yes" to God? In improv, there's a practice where participants are encouraged to never respond with "no, but" and to instead offer a "yes, and…" This allows for not only growth in the scene but in the actors as well. Similarly, God is always offering us different "scenes" to get us to sainthood. How are we responding? Turning our "no, but" into a "yes, and" opens our life to Christ's will, and is the quickest path to sanctification. Today, Fr. Mike explains how we can practice a better relationship with God by just ...
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Philip Kosloski – 7 Palm Sunday traditions at Mass and their symbolism
A brief look at a few popular Palm Sunday traditions celebrated in the Roman Rite. Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of preparation before the feast of Easter.In the Roman Rite, the celebration of Mass has particular traditions that make it look much different than a typical Sunday Mass.Many of these traditions are centuries old, having roots in the early Church, based on the events that occur in the Gospel passages. The differences are meant to enrich our celebration of Jesus' Passion, immersing us into the events in a unique way to ...
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Fr Alain Bandelier – Why is Easter on a different date every year?
Unlike feasts such as Christmas, Easter is a movable holiday -- here's why. Easter is a movable feast — its date varies from one year to the next. This can be quite troublesome in terms of practicality, but it's also an occasion to remind ourselves that Christian practices are rooted in Jewish tradition. The day when Christian Easter stopped coinciding with the Jewish Passover Before becoming a Christian holiday, Passover was an Old Testament feast that originally celebrated nature. In a nomadic culture, the year began in spring. People greeted the lambing season that ensured the future of the flock ...
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The Pascal Candle
The Paschal candle is a rich symbol of our faith. It reaches its pinnacle at Easter. Each year during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl, called a brazier (bray'-zhur). From the brazier comes a "new" and blessed fire that lights the Paschal candle which is carried in procession into the dark church. The "new" fire serves as an image of the Resurrection. The candle, which represents Christ himself, is placed on a special Paschal candle stand near the altar. Five grains of incense are inserted into the candle to recall ...
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Holy Week – The Most Important Week for Christians
Holy Week should be the most important week of the year for all Christians. It should be the week in which we give of ourselves to the fullest in order to fully receive Christ during the Easter celebration. That's the ideal. However, we all know that sometimes life just gets in the way. Work or school, various activities, and even our family responsibilities can keep us from making the most of the week that should be set apart from all others. Other times it's not our busyness that prevents us from living out Holy Week, it's our laziness. Maybe we've ...
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What does INRI mean?
The letters are frequently found on the top of crucifixes and are straight out of the Bible. In the the first three Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, it is narrated that after Jesus is nailed to the cross, the soldiers "placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37). The Gospel of John expands on this particular part of the Passion story of Jesus, explaining how the Jewish leaders protested against this sign. Pilate is the one who orders the sign and ensures that it is written in multiple ...
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Palm Sunday – Bishop Barron on Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. Palm Sunday is known as such because the faithful will often receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the reenactment of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a young donkey, and to the lavish praise of the townspeople who threw clothes, or possibly palms or small branches, in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect ...
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The Easter Vigil Mass
The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. This walks through the Easter Vigil, and includes the words to theExsultet. DIRECTIONS Although celebrated Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter vigil liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master's return with our lamps full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (cf. Luke 12:35). All Catholics should try to attend this beautiful service. The vigil is divided into four parts:
- Service of Light,
- Liturgy of the Word,
- Liturgy of Baptism, ...
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Easter Sunday – Bishop Barron on the Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the be-all and the end-all of the Christian faith. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, all bishops, priests, and Christian ministers should go home and get honest jobs, and all the Christian faithful should leave their churches immediately. The Resurrection isn't just a subjective event or symbol. It's a stunning, disturbing fact that opens up the divine life to everyone. Bishop Barron reflects on the film about the Resurrection of Our Lord When I saw the coming attractions for the new filmRisen—which deals with a Roman tribune searching for the body ...
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CONFESSION TIMES: Saturday morning after Mass at 9.45am at St Swithun's, and 5.15pm at Our Lady of Lourdes. Confession is available after most Masses in the morning if I am not otherwise engaged, or can be by appointment if you wish. I do not want anyone to think that there is no opportunity for this most healing of the sacraments.
 | MARRIAGE CARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Could you support the team at Marriage Care? They are looking for volunteer Marriage Preparation Facilitators to help prepare couples for marriage and Trustees to join the national board. Find out more about how you could help support couples: www.marriagecare.org.uk volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk | |
 | UKRAINE: The Diocese and Caritas are working to keep parishioners informed as to the current situation. Please look at the Caritas website https://caritasportsmouth.org.uk | |
 | CLEANING St Swithun's Catholic Church: Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to support our wonderful team of cleaners. I am grateful for their support so thank you all. |
Keep up with what's Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 10th April 2022 till the 31st May 2022
Flower Arranger's Rota and volunteers Needed
Flowers for the Altar Updated 06-02-2022 If you like to see the flowers on the altar would you like to volunteer to join the flower team please. Please consider joining the creative group who dress the altar for our Lord Jesus Christ and his parish. Call Rosemary Devonald 02392 750867 or 07792857828. And welcome to a new member of our flower team Chloe and farewell to two valued and long term members, Orisa and Julia. We wish them well and thank them profusely. Flower Arranger's Rota and volunteers - Update 17-10-2021 Thank you so much to all who have shown ...
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URGENT APPEAL – FOOD PARCELS FOR OUR HOMELESS NEEDED IN PORTSMOUTH
Dear Friends, as You know – we try our best to help homeless (and the poor) in many ways. One of them, very important and popular is providing the lunch on Sundays, with an incredible generosity and sacrifice from St Vincent de Paul's members of our Parish. We need your help in this difficult times, to make by yourself 45 packed lunches or to provide us with the products or donation, so we can make it by ourselves. Each packed lunch includes: - 2 sandwiches; - At least 1 fruit; - Something to drink (a juice, water) - Something sweet ...
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CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER
CONFIRMATION: This has been scheduled for 14th May 2022 this year.
I am sorry that I have not been able to organise the preparation for this. The only opportunity for any instruction is limited and unsatisfactory. Due to the short notice I can only consider those who are committed in their attendance. If you would like to be considered there is no form at present, so please give me your details before Easter Day. I can be contacted at: streloar@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME SCHEDULE – Now till June 2022
Click here: Please find the full schedule here for the 2021-2022 First Holy Communion Programme. If you worship in this Parish please be sure to check this newsletter for further information. Attendance at Mass is an expectation and requirement.
Many thanks Fr. Simon
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022: The Applications to register for the preparation for The First Sacrament of Confession & Holy Communion are available in the sacristy after Sunday Masses
Note the form will appear online shortly (The 2021-22 programme is open only to children born on or before 31.8.2014)
UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS & CLASSES
Baptism classes can be arranged with me via the parish office. Please call at front door at the front door of 105 Waverley Road. You can also email me at: streloar@portsmouthdicoese.org.uk
Please complete the baptism form and bring it to the parish office as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Blessing Father Simon
- If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
- If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.
For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:
– Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
– Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
– Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;
Fr. Simon – First Communion Programme 2021-2022 Schedule
First Communion Programme for 2021-2022 Schedule - (see below for links to resources) We are pleased to announce that the First Communion programme will start on November 27th 2021. We plan to meet at St Swithun's in the Church on Saturdays at 1:30p,m for those children who are being prepared for this wonderful sacrament. Brian & Linda McCreesh will be leading the programme for the Parish. You can find their contact details below. There will be a WhatsApp group started for parents once the programme gets underway. You can register your child for the programme by either contacting the parish ...
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Fr. Simon – House Bound and Communion of the Sick:
This is available if requested to those who are unable to attend church as they would have normally done. We would like to keep and improve this important link for those who are ill. Volunteer will need to have Safeguarding approval and training will be given. We are keen to have more volunteers for this worthwhile ministry. Please leave your details with the priest or office by email where possible. Thank you. God's Blessings from Father Simon Email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk ...
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Fr. Simon – Baptism Preparation Programme 2021-22
Baptism Classes for St Swithun's & Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Update: 22-10-2021 Baptism classes had a nil attendance last week, which was disappointing. I will be available from 1800 at the presbytery this coming Tuesday 26th October, so if you have given me a form for baptism, please ensure you attend or notify me with your apology. Update: 17-10-2021 There will be classes for those wishing to have their child baptised beginning at 6pm on 19th October at the presbytery, please ensure that you have completed and returned your form prior to the meeting. Further details can be found ...
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Universal intention – For health care workers
We pray for health care workers who serve the sick and the elderly, especially in the poorest countries; may they be adequately supported by governments and local communities.
Prayer of the Month – April 2022
Lord our God, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, hear us!
Amen
Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.
And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 10th April 2022: Diana Clark, David Best, Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
Community Pray:
House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God's blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/
The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit and the Holy Eucharist are both at the heart of what being Catholic is all about. We believe in the Holy Spirit and the transformation of bread into the Body of Christ. There are many symbols used to represent the Holy Spirit, but the two most notable are fire and the dove. Fire is cleansing. Where there is fire, something imperfect is destroyed and something new arises. It indicates an intense and powerful energy capable of transforming the soul. The dove on the other hand, is used repeatedly to signal the touch of the invisible omnipresent God ...
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Name and Titles of the Holy Spirit
The Proper Name of the Holy Spirit "Holy Spirit" is the proper name of the one whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. The Church has received this name from the Lord and professes it in the Baptism of her new children. The term "Spirit" translates the Hebrew word ruah, which in its primary sense, means breath, air, wind. Jesus indeed uses the sensory image of the wind to suggest to Nicodemus the transcendent newness of him who is personally God's breath, the divine Spirit. On the other hand, "Spirit" and "Holy" are divine attributes common ...
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Symbols of the Holy Spirit
Water. The symbolism of water signifies the Holy Spirit's action in Baptism. Anointing. The symbolism of anointing with oil also signifies the Holy Spirit, to the point of becoming a synonym for the Holy Spirit. Fire. While water signifies birth and the fruitfulness of life given in the Holy Spirit, fire symbolises the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit's actions. Cloud and light. These two images occur together in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The seal is a symbol close to that of anointing. "The Father has set his seal" on Christ and also seals us in him. The ...
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The Holy Spirit and Our Spiritual Life
Everything depends on the Holy Spirit's operation in us. The more fully we allow ourselves to be drawn and guided by the Holy Spirit, the closer we shall come to Jesus and His mysteries and graces. The Holy Spirit must draw us to every good thought, word and deed. Every act of faith, of hope and of love for God requires the inspiration and help of the Holy Spirit. If our virtues and our deeds are to be truly perfect and worthy of God, they need the special and continual touch of the Holy Spirit. Even though we are endowed ...
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Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest)
One of the most widely used hymns in the Church, Veni, Creator Spiritus, is attributed to Rabanus Maurus; (776-856). It is used at Vespers, Pentecost, Dedication of a Church, Confirmation, and Holy Orders and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it. A plenary indulgence is granted if it is recited on January 1st or on the feast of Pentecost. Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O comforter, ...
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Signs and Symbols
The signs and symbols used in the Church's liturgy provide us with a great opportunity for reflection. These simple elements of everyday life invite us to reflect on the mystery of our faith. Most of them are also found in our own homes: oil, bread, light, water, wine, and white clothing. They are simple, basic and very accessible to us. These simple elements of everyday life invite us to reflect on the mystery of our faith. We need symbols that speak to us of the sacred. In our present age we are confronted with so many flashing images and shrill ...
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The Holy Spirit and the Holy Eucharist
The Holy Spirit and the Holy Eucharist are both at the heart of what being Catholic is all about. We believe in the Holy Spirit and the transformation of bread into the Body of Christ. There are many symbols used to represent the Holy Spirit, but the two most notable are fire and the dove. Fire is cleansing. Where there is fire, something imperfect is destroyed and something new arises. It indicates an intense and powerful energy capable of transforming the soul. The dove on the other hand, is used repeatedly to signal the touch of the invisible omnipresent God ...
Read more here
Bishop Philip – Come, Follow Me: A Ten-Year Strategy
Currently, we are developing a ten-year mission Strategy for the Diocese, and following the Clergy Gathering last November, we have been consulting other 'stakeholders'. Key to this consultation are the views of the laity of the Diocese and various opportunities have been provided to enable people to feed into the ...
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OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday's Collection.
SECOND COLLECTION: For the Holy Places 2022
Every year on Good Friday, a collection is taken up in Catholic Churches around the world to support the work of the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land who have the unique responsibility of maintaining the Holy Places and preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Please be generous in supporting this important service to the universal Church.
The offerings collected by the parishes across the world are sent by the Commissars of the Holy Land to the Custody of the Holy Land. Because of the pandemic and the multi-faceted challenges it entails, the Holy Land has also been affected with the lack of pilgrims and the lack of jobs to local Christians, among other things. Nonetheless, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land has continued in its mission of service it has been entrusted.
Prayers have been intensified for the whole world at the Holy Sepulchre, in Gethsemane, in Bethlehem, in Nazareth and in the other shrines. Moreover, in the parishes, the Franciscans continue to take care of Arabic, Hebrew and Greek-speaking Christians, migrant workers and refugees. In fact, through the Terra Sancta Schools, around ten thousand children, teenagers and young people are able to benefit from a good education. In light of the situation, the Custos appeals for generosity from Christians all over the world. "Please help us again this year, according to your possibilities, according to the generosity of your heart, so that we can continue to help those in need."
Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd's Bank'): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes' & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.
Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!
You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here
Standing Order and other useful Information
Download Standing Order Form (PDF)
Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453 ( Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun)
with Blessings Canon Simon Treloar
 | Thank you as always for all the gifts, food and toilets for our HOMELESS people, who our Parish minister for. Thank You for all your care and generosity. Please, leave your gifts and donations in the sacristy of the church. Thank You. |
NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD
Read More on our Renewal Pages here
Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines
Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
Ventilation: In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a 'COVID secure environment' the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.
Please remember the advice is to wear a mask inside closed areas and churches.
Click this link for any questions you might have found on our website.
Source: https://stswithuns.org.uk/newsletter-nl_10042022/
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