Bulletin Board
Keep up with the latest news from in and around the diocese.
A Pastoral Message from Archbishop John Wilson to Catholics from Nigeria, or with Nigerian Heritage, in the Archdiocese of Southwark
Archbishop John Wilson’s has written a message to parishioners of Nigerian descent following a visit to Nigeria where he was invited to the ordination of 10 priests for the Missionary of St. Paul of Nigerian. Click here to read the full message.
The Pastoral Message can be found on the Archdiocese of Southwark website here: https://rcaos.org.uk/diocese/archbishop-john-wilson/archbishop-wilson-s-letters/pastoral-letters/pastoral-message-to-nigerian-catholics/
The news story, which links both photos and the message, can be found here: https://rcaos.org.uk/news-events/news/archbishop-john-visits-nigeria-to-ordain-priests/
Pilgrimmage to Italy
Date: Wednesday 4th September to Thursday 12th September 2024
Destination: Italy
Deposit of £300 is required by 5th July 2024
Programme
S. GIOVANNI ROTONDO (2 nights): SHRINE OF S. PIO * MT. S. ANGELO (visit): SHRINE OF ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL * LANCIANO (visit): SHRINE OF THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLE * ROME (3 nights): ST PETER’S BASILICA COMPLEX AND VATICAN CITY v S. MARY MAJOR BASILICA AND/OR OTHER CHURCHES v CATACOMBS v Free time to explore the VATICAN CITY and ‘old Rome’, shopping * LORETO (visit): THE HOLY HOUSE OF OUR LADY * MOUNTAIN SHRINE OF LA VERNA (3 nights): 1,283 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, NEARLY 4,000FT (ST. FRANCIS RECEIVED THE STIGMATA HERE). GUIDED TOUR. FREE TIME. CHAPEL OF THE STIGMATA AND OTHER ST FRANCIS PLACES AND RELICS. ROOMS WHERE ST BONAVENTURE AND ST ANTHONY LIVED, CHAPEL WHERE JESUS APPEARED TO ST FRANCIS. LOCAL FOREST, STUNNING LANDSCAPES. * ASSISI (visit). * A Catholic priest will accompany this pilgrimage as spiritual director t Spiritual conferences, Daily Mass, Rosary * A detailed daily programme will be provided.
Please complete booking form to reserve your place.
Pilgrimmage to Lourdes with Archbishop John
Date: 23rd to 30th August 2024
Place: Lourdes, France
The Archdiocese of Southwark, led by Archbishop John Wilson, will be going on pilgrimage to Lourdes in August along with the dioceses of Northampton, Clifton and East Anglia.
Pilgrimages to Lourdes are a wonderful opportunity to pray and journey together as you seek a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus. Lourdes provides healing and peace, strengthened by the prayers of Our Lady and St Bernadette as pilgrims seek comfort in Christ our Lord.
More information can be found on the diocesan website Archbishop John to lead pilgrimage to Lourdes: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcaos.org.uk)
All Nations Catholic Charismatic Group (ANCCG)
Date: Friday 16th August to Sunday 18th August
ANCCG is organising a long weekend family and youth residential retreat in Brampton, Oxfordshire. There will be opportunities for private and group prayers, talks on spirituality, family, health and finances and a social/ fun day with barbeque. You can join the event by filling out this application form. Click here to view poster.
Summer Camp for Young Catholics
Date: 27th July to 1st August 2024
Place: Westminster Youth Ministry Retreat Centre, Pinner
Altar Servers Trip to Westminster Pastoral Centre, £189. For aged 11-16. We commend this excellent residential trip for altar servers and those who regularly attend mass on the weekend. In an event that has now gone on for more than 20 years, it is a few days for deepening one’s catholic faith, in a great social atmosphere, including football, sports and visit to Thorpe Park. For more details of how to get to the venue, with a coach laid on at St. Anselm’s Dartford, see your parish priest for a form, or contact Fr. Stephen Boyle, chaplain to the Guild of St, Stephen dartford@rcaos.org.uk, Tel:01322 220075.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage at St. George’s Cathedral
Date: Saturday 13th July 2024
Place: St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark
If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than May 31, providing the following details: your names in the format John and Mary Smith, your home address, the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass. Spaces are limited. Email us at mflse@rcaos.org.uk. As the title of your email, please write your parish location e.g. Clapham, Beckenham.
Westminster Cathedral Chorister
Date: Wednesday 19th June @ 6:30pm
Place: Zoom
Every year up to six boys join Westminster Cathedral Choir School as choristers in Years 4 or 5. Becoming a chorister offers boys the opportunity to sing in, and tour with, a world-famous choir, and to join a top school for boys age 4 – 13, with up to 100% off fees.
A warm welcome awaits families who would simply like to explore what it means to be a chorister. We’ll take you on a behind-the-scenes look at chorister life and explain why being in a top choir is such a joyous experience. Families sign up for the Zoom session here.
Days of Formation with Dr. Bill Keimig
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has been a part of diocesan life for over 30 years. Thousands of people have followed the RCIA process to Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist since its introduction. over this time, new catechists have become involved and patterns have become embedded in the life of the parish.
We are delighted to be able to offer two days (one for clergy and the other for all) to explore RCIA, examine pastoral implications, and to revitalise our practice in preparing adults for the Sacraments of Initiation. There will be an overall focus on the three key aspects of RCIA – Liturgy/Catechesis/Pastoral.
Our speaker will be Dr Bill Keimig, who has served for nine years as the Director of the Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM), which assists US dioceses in training clergy and laity to do RCIA ministry, and was the managing editor of ACM’s series of RCIA texts. He is also the Deputy Director of the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.
Book your place for 28th June Day for Clergy with Bill Keimig (28-Jun-2024) · ChurchSuite Events
Book your place for 29th June Day of Formation with Bill Keimig (29-Jun-2024) · ChurchSuite Events
Newsletter of the Commission for Promoting Racial Justice and Cultural Inclusion 10th Edition
10th newsletter for the Commission for Promoting Racial Justice and Cultural Inclusion. It is intended to circulate this newsletter 6 times a year.
This issue is dedicated to the relevance of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception who we venerate in this month of May.
Click to view newsletter.
SVP & CAFOD working together for the General Election
We pray for our Catholic family as we approach the General Election, that God may guide us to listen deeply in our polarised world. As we seek peace and justice, may the Spirit empower us to act together for the common good. Lord, in your mercy…
As we now know that a General Election will take place on 4 July, we are writing to let you know that SVP and CAFOD are working together so that the combined voices of Catholic parishioners will be heard by parliamentary candidates in the coming weeks. It’s so important that the voices and experiences of the most vulnerable are at the heart of our thoughts and decisions as we move towards an election.
We have resources for parishioners to assist them in their discernment: cafod.org.uk/encounter and svp.org.uk/encounter
A prayer
Mary, model of encounter,
you heard God’s call.
Teach us to listen deeply
in our polarised world.
Mary, woman of courage,
you sang joyfully of God’s justice.
Inspire us to challenge inequality
and call for fulness of life for all.
Mary, seeker of sanctuary,
you fled violence and persecution.
Be with us as we seek peace
and respect for human dignity.
Mary, mother of community,
you joined the disciples at Pentecost.
Pray that the Spirit will empower us
as we act together for the common good.
Amen.
Pilgrimmage to Fatima 2024
Pilgrimage to Fatima
Date: 7th to 14th June 2024
Cost: £870.00 (twin room), £950 (single). All ensuite. Deposit £570/£650 to be paid by 10th April 2024
Booking form: www.adaywithmary.org
Daily Mass (some in Capelinha) and Rosary l Tour of Fatima Shrine, Aljustrel Village, places of the apparitions of the Angel of Fatima l Free time l Exhibition in Postulation Office (causes of St. Francisco and St Jacinta) l Guided tour of the Shrine’s excellent ‘Luz et Paz’ Exhibition l Basilica with tombs of St. Jacinta, St. Francisco and Sr Lucia ● Shrine’s official celebrations 12 & 13 June and international Mass l Processions of Our Lady and of the Blessed Sacrament in Shrine, International Rosary and procession l Outdoor Stations of the Cross and Holy Hour at St. Stephen Chapel (Hungarian Calvary) l Day tour by coach to Batalha, Alcobaza and Sitio (Our Lady of Nazarè) A Catholic priest will accompany this pilgrimage.
View brochure here.
Pastoral Message on Assisted Suicide
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Our world is beautiful, but it is also troubled. We are witnessing an increasing number of threats to the dignity of the human person. These range from violence and war to poverty and disease. Our global climate is in crisis. Some of these threats may seem distant to us. They happen to other people in other countries; but the human family is one. We are our brothers and sisters keeper. We share a common home and share one humanity. There are, however, some direct threats we face at home, threats to human life at its earliest beginnings through abortion, and threats to human life at its end through assisted suicide. These threats are not only physical. They are also moral and spiritual. They may involve individuals, but their impact is much more extensive and challenges our very understanding of the value and dignity of human life. Threats to human life, at whatever stage of existence, undermine our claim to uphold equality in a most fundamental way……..
Click here to view full message from Archbishop John Wilson.
A Day with Mary 2024
Download poster for full schedule here.
Date: Sunday 12th May 2024
Place: Walsingham National Catholic Shrine. View poster for travel information.
Date: Saturday 13th July 2024
Place: Westminster Cathedral, Westminster.
Date: Saturday 27th July 2024
Place: St Anselm, Tooting Bec.
Date: Saturday 24th August 2024
Place: St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark.
Date: Saturday 12th October 2024
Place: Westminster Cathedral, Westminster.
Date: Saturday 14th December 2024
Place: St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark.
Please check www.adaywithmary.org or www.eventcatholic.com for times.
FUTURE-FIT HOMES: A NEW HANDHOLDING SERVICE TO HELP HOMEOWNERS MAKE THEIR HOMES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Selce has been awarded funding to support Lewisham and Greenwich homeowners to access the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme to make their homes more comfortable, cheaper to heat and better for the planet.
Our Future Fit Homes team will provide a personalised, end-to-end service to make greening the home easier to navigate, including:
- an over the phone funding eligibility assessment;
- a home assessment from one of our expert team, checking where your home is losing heat and what measures could help;
- identifying local contractors who could complete the work;
- acting as a single point of contact with contractors and the local authority (where necessary).
This service is completely free to homeowners eligible for ECO funding and offered at cost price for those who are ineligible. To register for a call back for yourself or someone in your community by completing this form.
If you think members of your community would benefit from knowing about this service, we can come and speak to your group about the service, deliver a Future-proof your home workshop, or bring our stall to one of your events.
Contact community@selce.org.uk to book in a visit.
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Events in the Archdiocese
Young Adult Events
St George’s Cathedral hosts a monthly Young Adult Mass at 6:00 pm on the first Sunday of every month, followed by a social gathering (for those aged 18+). There are also weekly events and socials on Thursday evenings. Details can be found on the RCAOS website, Facebook, and Instagram @stgeorgesya.
Flame 2025
Flame is the largest Catholic youth event in the UK, featuring guest speakers, award-winning musicians, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, and much more! The event is open to those from school year 9 to university age.
The Archdiocese has purchased a block booking. Group Leaders from schools, parishes, and universities can book at www.tinyurl.com/flame25
The early-bird price is £29, which is payable by 1 August 2024
- To receive regular updates on youth and young adult activities, please sign up to our Youth Network at www.tinyurl.com/scysnetwork
- For details of forthcoming youth days, youth retreats, training, and other events, please visit www.tinyurl.com/scysevents
- Please direct any enquiries to youth@rcaos.org.uk.
- ‘Beginning Experience’
Beginning Experience provides peer support for Separated, Divorced, and Widowed persons, so as to facilitate the grief resolution process, and enable those wounded by grief to rediscover love for themselves, others, and God. Facilitated by trained peer ministers, grief resolution programmes take place in nine countries on three continents, including here in the south of England.
The poster gives details of the weekend 12-14th April 2-24. Click here to download.
Foster Carers with Chrysalis Care
Have you ever considered being a foster carer, or know someone who has space in their life and a spare bedroom to help transform a child’s life? You could become a foster carer and give a child in need a secure home.
Chrysalis Care was establised in 1997. We are a family-owned high quality foster caring agency with a purpose to transform the lives of children and young people.
Contact Chrysalis Care at:
Email: info@chrysaliscare.org
Tel: 0208-298-2800
www.chrysaliscarefostering.org
Retrouvaille: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
Download poster here.
Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 8 – 11 February 2024 or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14-16 June 2024, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com – or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk.
Retrouvaille – Do you need in your marriage? Retrouvaille has helped many couples find new hope, nourishment and growth in their marriages. If you want to uncover or reawaken the love, trust and commitment that brought you together and work through difficult times in your marriage contact Retrouvaille confidential for more information about our 2024 programmes. There is no group therapy or group work. Our next programme commences with a Virtual weekend on 8 – 11 February 2024 or there is a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14-16 June 2024. Call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443, email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com – or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
Catholic Youth Ministry Internships
Castlerigg Manor (The Lancaster Diocese Retreat Centre) is looking for young Catholics aged 18-25 to join their Youth Ministry Internship Programme. The scheme gives participants wide ranging experience, skills, training, and qualifications as well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team based in the English Lake District. For more information contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk
Girls Self Defence classes in Lewisham
Lewisham Housing are delighted to announce that Clarion have organised new Free Self-defence sessions for girls aged 13 -16 years running every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Orchard Gardens Community Centre, SE13 7LQ.
Participants can expect:
- Professional & Experienced Trainer
- Improved Confidence
- Equipment Provided
- Increased Fitness
Participants will learn:
- Self Defence Techniques
- Sparring
- Grappling
- Situation Awareness
These sessions will focus on self-defence techniques while incorporating open discussions in a safe environment.
For more information please contact info@savingsouls.org.uk or call 07572143835
Courses and Pilgrimmages offered by the London Jesuit Centre
Visit the website for all courses and dates at October Events at the London Jesuit Centre (mailchi.mp)
Discover Ignatian Spirituality
Date: 3 October- 28 November
every Tuesdays 6.30pm-8pm
Website: Discover Ignatian Spirituality (03-Oct-2023) · ChurchSuite Events
Spiritual Exercises Ignatius of Loyola
Date: 26th June to 30th July 2024 (30 days retreat)
Place: The Spirituality Centre, Ignatius
The Spain of St Ignatius Loyola: A Pilgrimage
Date: 27th July—3rd August 2024
Price: £775 or EUR890
Website: https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk/pilgrimagespain.html
Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England & Wales – Decree on the minimum age for marriage
In November 2022 at the Catholic Bishop’s conference Plenary Assembly unanimously agree to increase the minimum age for marriage for both sexes from 16 to 18. Click here to view full decree.