19th April, 2015 Vol. 22 Issue 17 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (B) Canon Luke writes . . . In St Luke’s Gospel his narrative of the resurrection is built around the theme of journey; a theme dear to the evangelist: for example he portrays our Lord’s journeying to Jerusalem throughout the second half of his gospel. However this physical journey always reflects a deeper, spiritual journey. Today’s gospel continues the famous story of the walk to Emmaus: St Luke tells of two of the Lord’s disciples coming away from Jerusalem full of disappointment and lacking in understanding. On their journey they are enabled to see things differently by the Risen Lord, whom they only finally recognise at the breaking of bread; their fears, doubts and misunderstanding are dissipated by the presence of Him who alone enlightens their hearts and minds. Similarly, in the gospel today Our Lord leads his apostles from fear and doubt to new sight and new purpose: ‘He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.’ St Luke was initially writing for a pagan audience who had never encountered our Lord in the flesh, and who probably thought that it was easier for those who had seen and heard Christ, to believe; however the evangelist powerfully encourages whoever picks up his gospel to see that the Risen Lord is encountered in the scriptures and in the ‘breaking of bread’ no less really than he was in the flesh. Each of us is called to a resurrection faith, one walks with our Lord from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, recognising that the Old Testament promises have been fulfilled in His passion, death, and resurrection. We are invited to understand through our prayerful reading of the scriptures and the events that occur ‘on the road’ of our own lives that the risen Lord walks with us and reaches out to us, especially when we gather to share in the Mass. The fact that this is an ongoing work within the hearts and lives of believers is beautifully expressed in the Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs and Occasions ‘You are indeed Holy and to be glorified, O God, who love the human race and who always walk with us on the journey of life. Blessed indeed is your Son, present in our midst when we are gathered by his love, and when, as once for the disciples, so now for us, he opens the Scriptures and breaks the bread.’ PARISH WEB SITE: www. stfrancisparish.org.uk The Risen Lord stands in our midst offering His peace, leading us to deeper and deeper faith and understanding, strengthening us to be his faithful witnesses. He wishes to turn our fears into joy. Like the disciples our initial reaction to His presence is often fear, not joy; our eyes, like theirs, have to be opened before we can savour the joy of the Lord’s presence. Jesus explains how all that happened to him was in the plan of God, it was the manifestation of His infinite love. God’s love is to be found in every event, past and present, and can fill every fearful and restless heart with joy, if we only have the courage to embrace it, or perhaps more correctly allow ourselves to be embraced by it! As St Augustine of Hippo exclaims: ‘Happiness is to rejoice in Christ, for Christ, because of Christ’. May Christ truly be your peace and joy Canon Luke REPOSITORY First Communion items are available: cards, rosaries, medals, prayer books, gift sets, bookmarks, rosary bracelets, and a variety of prayer cards all at reasonable prices. DEANERY MASS FOR THE SICK On Sunday, 3rd May (3pm) the deanery will come together for the annual Mass for the Sick with the celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at The Friars, Aylesford. Please make a special effort to enable sick or housebound members of your family or of the parish to attend. Canon Luke will preside at the Mass and Fr Damian Cassidy O.Carm, the Prior at Aylesford, will be preaching. DIOCESAN WEBSITE: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk NOTICEBOARD Page 2 THE FRIENDSHIP GROUP St Francis Quiz Night This will be on Saturday, 16 May, 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church Hall in Week Street. Tickets will cost £6 p.p. We would appreciate donations of raffle prizes, but unfortunately we cannot accept items containing alcohol. Raffle items may be brought to the Presbytery. Of course, you will be able to bring your own alcohol (and nibbles) to consume on the night. FFI and to reserve a table for your team (of up to 8 people), contact Mary Adam. Dates for your Diary Monday, 20 April 1.30 - 3.30pm: Scrabble in Hospice Coffee Shop. Wednesday, 22 April 10-12 noon: Line Dancing followed by coffee in Society Rooms. Thursday, 23 April 12noon: Lunch in the Society Rooms to celebrate St George’s Day. Monday, 27 April 1.30 - 3.30pm: Scrabble in Hospice Coffee Shop. Wednesday, 29 April FUTURE DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday, 23 May: FAMILY DAY (2pm - 9pm) will be at Holy Family Parish Hall and grounds, Parkwood, Maidstone. The day comprises separate activities and games for children and young people, and workshops for parents. A crèche will be available for under 5s. There will be a family BBQ and games, followed by Mass, which will take place outside if the weather is kind. Please see one of the clergy or musicians for a letter and form. Places are limited so please book early. Sacrament of Confirmation All young people in Year 9 or above are invited to join this year’s Confirmation programme which will begin at the 6pm Mass on Sunday 7th June. Application forms (which include the programme timetable) are available from the Church Porch and should be returned to the Parish Office by 23 May. If there are any adults in the parish who wish to be confirmed, please speak to one of the clergy. CHURCH ROOF FUND Currently we have raised £16,057.00 NB the £30,000 legacy of Teresa De Franca has been allocated to this fund Thank you for the recent donations towards this fund; all your contributions really make a difference. A collection taken at the Polish Mass on Easter Monday raised £320.00 and a share of the proceeds from the Easter Sunday Cake Sale added a further £130.00. Many thanks to all involved. I know there is a long way to go but it is so heartening to see what has been achieved in so short a time . BIBLE STUDY GROUP: Please note that there will be no Bible Study on Monday, 18 May. Otherwise, Bible Study (led by Fr Paul) will continue as normal on Mondays in the Presbytery (Grove House), following 10.00am Mass PARISH COLLECTIONS AND LOTTERY Last Weekend - All Masses: 1st Collection: £1,732 - 28 Good Friday: £1,318 - 05 Kiltegan Fathers Mission *This figure does not include standing orders etc. which average £352 a week. Many thanks for your generous support. 10-12 noon: Line Dancing followed by coffee in Society Rooms. FFI contact Mary Adam. New Tasks for Donate8 1. Have you ‘Calligraphy’ talents? The First Holy Communion certificates need writing! 9 certificates need to be ready by 3rd May and 31 certificates for 9th May - can you help? 2. Collection of lottery subscriptions in the porch for 30 minutes before Mass for three consecutive weekends in June and December at the Saturday and Sunday night 6pm Masses. Any help will be received gratefully. 3. Construction of a ‘Fund Raising’ barometer to help visualize how fund raising for the roof is progressing. Also St Mary the Virgin Church, Nettlestead - help is needed to prepare for Mass at Nettlestead. Laundry of the altar cloths and linen also needed on an infrequent basis, as and when required. If you can help with above, please fill in a task card and place it in the RED box (church porch) or email us at:[email protected] Footnote: Have you considered a donation to the roof fund instead of another charity as an alternative to flowers at a funeral or even a legacy to St Francis Church? No amount is too small. MISSIO (Red Mission Boxes): Since the last Local Secretary moved away, the Red Box Scheme to support the great work of Missio has fallen into abeyance. I am delighted that Mrs Maureen Lunghi has taken on the role. However, we have no record of who holds a Red Box. If you have a Red Box or would like a new one, please let the Parish Office know or email: [email protected] Later in the year, Missio will visit the parish to give a presentation on their work and invite people to join the Scheme. Easter Sunday’s Collection: St George’s Cathedral Next Sunday’s 2nd Collection: Ecclesiastical Education Parish Lottery Winner: Week 16: No. 36 - Mrs M Connaughton – £20 NOTICEBOARD Page 3 ALTAR SERVERS RALLY 2015 is on May Day Bank Holiday: 4 May at Aylesford Priory. Sung Mass is at 11.30 am and Bishop Hendricks will be principal celebrant. All servers, families & friends are welcome. FFI email: [email protected] (Downloadable posters, programmes and special award forms are available at www.rcsouthwark.co.uk by clicking on the Future Events tab. ) Mass in Celebration of Marriage this year will be at St George’s Cathedral on Saturday, 20 June: If you are celebrating your 1st, 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th+ wedding anniversary this year and would like to attend this special Mass, please give your name to the Parish Office by 30 April, so that you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop. Booking essential. Southwark Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (with the Catholic Association): in conjunction with Tangney Tours (01732) 886666 will take place from Friday, 21 to 28 August. Basic price £770 by Air, £705 by Train. Young helpers (17 25) £513 by Coach: contact John Toryusen 01227 272900 or [email protected]. www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/Lourdes.htm. FFI contact Canon Perera 020 8399 9550 or [email protected] Common Objections to Catholicism: a series of talks addressing popular objections to the Catholic faith, and how to answer them. Venue: Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral; Time: 7.30 - 9pm. Remaining Programme: 23 April: ‘The Catholic Church is anti-women and anti-gay’ - Mrs Joanna Bogle; 30 April: ‘Faith and reason are irreconcilable’ - Mr Sebastian Morello 7 May: ‘The Catholic Church is unbiblical’ - Dr Mark Nash; 14 May: ‘An all-male priesthood is sexist and an anachronism’ - Fr Ignatius Edet; 21 May: ‘The Catholic Church is stuck in the past.’ - Ms Marie Mann. These talks will be of interest to: RCIA / Confirmation catechists; those Baptized/Received at Easter; members of Parish Evangelization Teams; all who wish to pass on the faith to others. No charge; please register at the CCF ([email protected] or 020 8672 7684) The 47th anniversary of the Abortion Act coming into force in England and Wales is on Monday, 27 April. Please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia. Pray especially that ‘bubble zones’ will not be introduced around abortion ‘clinics’. With over 190,000 abortions each year, your prayer and fasting is urgently needed. www.goodcounselnetwork.com” Milk Appeal: Many thanks to all who have donated milk - it has been much appreciated by all those who use the Day Centre. Please continue to bring milk, either longlife or fresh, to the presbytery, and it will be delivered regularly to the Day Centre. ORDER OF SERVICE - Sung Liturgy Entrance Kyrie Gloria Psalm Gospel Acc. Offertory Sanctus Acclamation Great Amen Our Father Agnus Dei Communion 9.00am Mass 891 St Catherine’s Mass 10.30am Mass 322 sung * sung * sung (Psalm 4) 32 v.2 499 sung (422) 32 v.2 781 sung * sung * 952 sung * 379 898 745 sung 585 St Francis’ Mass Children: God loves me Recessional 728 *Mass of Christ the Saviour Hymn Boards: Many parishioners have noticed that these are missing. They have been sent to Germany for repair and will be back, hopefully ready for next weekend’s Masses. FLAME YOUTH GROUP: The next meeting of the group for 11 - 14 year olds from all schools will be on Saturday, 25 April from 6 - 8pm at the Howard de Walden Centre (signposted the Children’s Centre) in Bluett St, off Wheeler Street (ME14 2UG). New members are welcome. PHOENIX YOUTH CLUB This Club for young people 15 to 18, including those who have been confirmed, meets every Friday from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in St Simon Stock School, where we meet friends, play pool and table tennis. Check web page: www.stfrancisparish.org.uk/phoenix.html . CELL GROUP: This group is for over 18s and meets fortnightly on a Sunday evening at 7pm in the Presbytery (Grove House next to the church). New members are always welcome - see one of the clergy for further details. Justice & Peace Spring Assembly Saturday, 25 April (10.30am - 4pm) in the New Barn, Aylesford Priory. From prayer to action and back again. Group facilitators from CAFOD, JRS, London Citizens and Columbans. All welcome Invitation: Parishioners are invited to the Commissioning Service for Maidstone Street and Prayer Pastors on Sunday, 17 May (3.30pm) at St Paul’s Church, Boxley Road (ME14 2AN). Maidstone Election Prayer 2015: is on 24 April (7.30 - 9pm) at Maidstone Leisure Centre (ME15 7RN). Maidstone churches are hosting a special evening for Maidstone residents to pray for the future in the lead up to the general election. There will also be an opportunity to hear from the candidates. PRAYER INTENTIONS For the sick and housebound of our parish: Rachel Allen, Cody Barker, Eric Braconnier, Jean Carley, Pat Cassidy, Luke Collins, James Dowling, Sirpa Edwardes, Lars Fare, Kath Harvey, Kathleen Homewood, Mel Lacey, John McElroy, Mark Pearson, Mark Quijano, Pauline Sexton, Margarette Ruaux, Coleen Sargeant, Rebecca Sharp, Enid Swan, Clare Watts, Baby Joseph & family, Kathleen Buckman, Lek & Eleanor, and for those in our local hospice, hospitals and nursing homes. For recently dead and for those who mourn them: John Maskell For those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Thomas Duffy, Sybil Collie, Thelma Burke, Maria Martignetti, John Janur, Terence Baldock, Fr George Le Bosquet, Peter Pugliese, Teresa Crawford, Kathleen Rowe, Alan Everett, Peggy Norfolk, Martin Cody, Margaret O’Malley Ward, Clara Collins, Derek Hopkins, Vincent Gryszan, Sarah Flaherty, Josephine Luscombe, Dorothy Thorne, Peggy Cronk, Bernard Kennedy, Jim Banyard, Florence Best, Aubrey Sidwell, Robert Greer, Catherine Quinlan, Ashley Hampson, Dorothy Rogers, Carmel Hart, Sister Helen, Patrick Heaney, Elizabeth Tunks, Cecilia Hart-Davies, Wendy O’Hara, Gerald Shepard and James Kenny. Parish Diary & Mass Intentions Page 4. SUNDAY 19th April Thursday 23rd April Third Sunday of Easter (Year B) Solemnity of St George St Francis Patron of England 6.00pm (Saturday) Anne & Terence Coghlan RIP 9.00am Kevin Maher RIP 9.15am 10.30am 2.00pm 10.00am Myra Angeles RIP 12.30pm Flaherty Family (Mass led by Fledglings Children) Mass in HMP Maidstone: People of the parish 4.30pm Mass HMP Maidstone: Holy Souls Friday 24th April 10.00am Carmel Hart RIP 12.30pm Carmel Hart RIP 8.00pm Holy Souls Stefania Swierczynska RIP with Baptism of Caitlin Amelia Morling Baptism of Aidan Stevens 6.00pm John Roache RIP St Luke’s Chapel Preston Hall 8.30am Mr Castanié RIP 11.30am Divine Mercy; for peace in the world Saturday: 25th April Nettlestead: 10.00am Holy Souls 10.00am Harry O’Donnell RIP Wateringbury: 11.00am Ordinariate Mass: Donor’s Intentions Monday 20th April 10.00am Susan G Simmons RIP 12.30pm Romano Buschini RIP 9.30am 12.00noon Baptism of Grace Rose Chapman 2.00pm Baptism of Kaya Głowa 3.00pm Wedding of Anthony McEwan & Sinead Corbett Sunday 26th April St Francis 6.00pm 9.00am St Anselm 9.15am 10.00am Paulo Mongkol Limanpai RIP 12.30pm Private Intention Mrs Mbala Wednesday 22nd April 10.00am In reparation for abortions carried our this week in Brewer Street 12.30pm Doreen Boylan RIP Exposition, Lection & Benediction Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year B) World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Good Shepherd Sunday Tuesday 21st April 7.30pm Feast of St Mark the Evangelist (Saturday) Maria Emerson RIP Kevin Maher RIP Mass in HMP Maidstone: People of the parish 10.30am Laura Arnez RIP 5.00pm Evening Prayer & Benediction 6.00pm Josie Gleeson RIP St Luke’s Chapel Preston Hall 8.30am Gemma Simmonds - Intentions 11.30am Julie Born Nettlestead: 10.00am Jane Livesey - Intentions Wateringbury: 11.00am Ordinariate Mass: Donor’s Intentions SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Monday - Friday: 12.00 noon Saturday: 10.30 - 11.15 am; 5.00 - 5.30 pm EXPOSITION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT: Wednesday evening 7.30pm - 8.30pm Friday: between Masses 10.30 - 12.30pm EVENING PRAYER & BENEDICTION: Usually the last Sunday of the month 5.00pm HOLY ROSARY: Prayed after the 10.00am and before 12.30pm Weekday Masses THE PARISH OF ST FRANCIS Grove House, 126 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1RH Telephone: (01622) 756217 Fax: (01622) 690549 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.stfrancisparish.org.uk Parish Priest: Canon Luke Smith Assistant Priests: Fr Bartłomiej Dudek & Fr Peter Kucharski Ordinariate Priest: Fr Paul Gibbons Parish Deacons: Rev. Tom Coyle & Rev. Ian Black PARISH SCHOOLS St Francis’ Catholic Primary School. Queens Road, Maidstone, ME16 0LB. Telephone: (01622) 771540 St Simon Stock Catholic School. Headteacher: Mr Brendan Wall Oakwood Park, Maidstone ME16 OJP Telephone: (01622) 754551
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