R E F L E C T I O N
THE WAY AHEADThe prayer for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress held in Ireland in 2012 still shows us the way:
Lord Jesus you were sent by the Father to gather together those who are scattered .. You came among us, doing good and bringing healing, announcing the word of salvation and giving the bread which lasts forever. Be our companion on life’s pilgrim way.
May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts, enliven our hope and open our minds, so that together with our sisters and brothers in faith we may recognise you in the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.
May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body and lead us to walk humbly on the earth in justice and love, as witnesses of your resurrection.
In communion with Mary may all praise, honour and blessing be to the Father through you, in the Holy Spirit and in the Church, now and forever.
This prayer calls for action! The Father, Son and Spirit transform us, bring us to life and gather us as one. Plenty of work for the Trinity there!
We in turn are to allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit. We are to go out into the world as living witnesses of the Resurrection. We are to love everyone as Jesus did, and we are to be committed to social justice as he was. Plenty of work still to be done!
Extract from ‘Sacred Space
- Daily Prayer from the Irish Jesuits’
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
The Holy Father’s Intention for July that sports may always be occasions of human fraternity and growth; George Spong baptised last week; the sick of the Parish, Molly Cliff, Mary Scanlon, Audrey Burke, Alexander Moore, Eileen Bradley, Betsy Bawdelly-Smith, May Easterling, David Simpson, Liza Stanford, Michael Lada-Walicki, Ann Connolly and Annette McGuckian; Wladyslaw Adamek recently deceased and David Dixon, Josefa Orlinska, Jock McKenna, Peter Casey and Agnes Grey whose anniversaries occur at this time.
FEASTS/MEMORIALS THIS WEEK
Mon St Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest & Doctor of the Church
Tue St Mary Magdalene
Wed St Bridget, Religious & Patron of Europe
Thu St Sharbel Makhluf, Priest
Fri St James, Apostle
Sat Sts Joachim & Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
P A R I S H N E W S
NEXT SUNDAYCollection for
A DAY FOR LIFE
CHILDREN'S LITURGY
The Children’s Liturgy group are always in need of more helpers, so if you think you might like to help run a session and would like to find out more, please contact Laura Burnett . The commitment is usually to run one to two sessions (max) a term at the 10 15 a m Mass in Milford. Books and useful websites are given to help prepare the sessions. They are especially in need of help from September when Frances Blackett and Ali McAully both step down. They have been the backbone of the group for many years, but now that their children are growing up, they have understandably decided to move on to other commitments. Huge thanks go to them both for their dedication over the years.
Please note they are also looking for someone to take on the admin side of organising the termly rota, etc. This can be someone who is already running sessions, but doesn't have to be. If you're happier sorting things out behind the scenes, this could be for you! Again, please contact Laura if you think you can help.
Many children enjoy and benefit from the Children's Liturgy groups, but they relypurely on volunteers and the more volunteers they have, the less there is for everyone to do.
SPUC PETITION
Most abortions are authorised because it is claimed that continuation of the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s mental health, but the latest medical evidence confirms that aborting an unborn child does not lead to better mental health for women. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is promoting a petition call on the Secretary of State for Health to ensure that doctors do not misinform or mislead women by authorising abortion on invalid mental health grounds. Parishioners will be invited to sign this petition over this weekend.
THE PASSAGE
David Dimbleby will be appealing on Radio 4 on behalf of The Passage – the homelessness charity based in Victoria – at 7 55 a m and 9 26 p m on Sunday, 27th July and at 3 27 p m on Thursday, 31st July. Do listen to hear more about the work of this Catholic Charity.
Farncombe Mass
Whilst Rev James Rattue's service is still in progress, many of our Parishioners arrive and wait in the narthex. Could we please remind you that silence should be maintained until St John’scongregation are finished their service.
Have you heard about Group 2?
They are a HCPT Easter pilgrimage group based in Guildford, who offer disabled and disadvantaged children and young people the chance to go on a fun pilgrimage holida y to Lourdes. Each Easter they take around five children in School Years 6 - 9/10 for a weeks “holiday with Mary”, where they visit the sights in Lourdes, go up into the mountains and have a few ice creams, hot chocolates and crepes along the way too!
They are open to children from all faith backgrounds, and are now looking for children who might want to go with them in 2015. If you know a child who would benefit from a trip like this, please contact Group 2 via email or speak to our group leader, Jude Darby on 07929 433138
For further information about HCPT you can visit the website www.hcpt.org.uk and you can see videos on YouTube - just search HCPT.
Holy Hour with Rosary
Rev Jeremy Oliver now does a Holy Hour with Rosary and Benediction at St Joseph’s on Friday evenings from 6 30 p m.
Confirmation 2015
If you are in School Year 10+ and areinterested in joining the ParishConfirmation Preparation Programme that begins this autumn please contact Andy Poulsom on /420206 or Bernadette Thatcher on /421072.
Date for Your Diary
The SVP will be having a Curry and Quiz Night on Saturday, 11th October at St John's Church Room in Farncombe. Tickets will be on sale for £10 a head from the end of August. Make up your own team of up to eight people, or just come and make new friends.
Thank you!
Dear friends, thank you all very much for your kindness towards me when I was with you in Godalming last week. It was lovely to see you all again. Thank you for looking after me and feeding me so well. Thank you for the gifts and donations you gave to me – they were all very much appreciated. Thank you for helping me and so many by being generous towards Les Amis – your donations make a huge difference to many lives. I leave you with my warmest blessings and will keep you in my prayers, as you will keep me in yours I hope. Father Lambert Sawadogo
Marriage Help
Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi) has helped tens of thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. This programme can help you too. There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about Retrouvaille or to register for the next programme commencing with a residential weekend on 19th to 21st September, please visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk,call or text 0797 338 0443 or email .
THE CELLAR
The Cellar Café invites you to an evening with Paul and Fiona Jones at Clock Barn, Hambledon Road on Thursday, 4th September, 7 for 7 30 p m. Light refreshments and fully licenced pay bar. Tickets £20 from The Cellar in Crown Court, Nathan’s, Queen Street or Record Corner. Paul Jones is a broadcaster, singer and musician from the 60’s group Manfred Man, and the Blues Band. Fiona is a singer and actress who has worked in all areas of show business and starred in West End musicals. They will provide an entertaining and thought-provoking evening talking and singing about their faith.