Bulletin Board
Keep up with the latest news from in and around the diocese.
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FR. COSMAS IKIRODAH, MSP
1995-2025
On October 4, 2025, Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church in Deptford hosted a vibrant and memorable celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ikirodah’s priestly ordination, from July 1995 to July 2025. The event was a colourful display of gratitude and joy, featuring lively processions, heartfelt prayers, and uplifting hymns that reflected Fr. Cosmas’s dedicated service over the decades. Parishioners, clergy, friends, and family gathered to honour his spiritual journey, with decorations in bright hues that added to the festive atmosphere. The occasion was further enriched by testimonies of his impactful work and community involvement, culminating in a warm reception that celebrated three decades of his unwavering commitment to faith and service.
Online novena to Saint Jude 20-28 October 2025
Join on Zoom at 6pm each day and pray with the Carmelites: www.TogetherwithJude.org
Meeting ID: 890 3367 1545
Passcode: 327958
Feast of Saint Jude 25-28 October 2025
Whitefriars, Tanners Street, Faversham, Kent
Saturday 25th October
12.30pm & 2.30pm: Saint Jude Mass, followed by anointing
Sunday 26th October
12.30pm: Saint Jude Mass, followed by anointing
Tuesday 28th October
12.30pm: Saint Jude Mass, followed by anointing
All are welcome
Please call 01795 539214, visit www.stjudeshrine.org.uk, or email: shrineoffice@stjudeshrine.org,uk for more information.
Pray the Rosary with Archbishop John & The Mark 10 Mission
The Rosary Challenge invites you to pray a decade of the Rosary each weekday in October.
The Mark 10 Mission has created beautiful online videos for each mystery of the Holy Rosary, led by Archbishop John.
The challenge is to pray a decade of the Holy Rosary each weekday in October.
With the help of Archbishop John, The Mark 10 Mission have created videos to guide you through all twenty Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
To watch the videos and learn more, please visit www.themark10mission.co.uk or The Mark 10 Mission YouTube channel @themark10mission.
Bishop Hudson to be the new Bishop of Plymouth
Archbishop John congratulates Bishop Nicholas Hudson
Welcoming the news, Archbishop John Wilson said:
“I am delighted to hear the joyful news that our Holy Father Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Nicholas Hudson as the next Bishop of Plymouth. Bishop Nicholas brings great experience as a former priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark, Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome, and Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster.
“His personal gifts and passion for sharing the Gospel of Christ will bring encouragement to the clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Church in Plymouth. As Metropolitan, it is a special pleasure to welcome Bishop Nicholas to the Province. I thank Canon Paul Cummins for his outstanding service as Administrator and join with everyone in the Diocese in praying for Bishop Nicholas as he prepares to take up the honour of being their shepherd.”
Bishop Hudson, Bishop-elect of Plymouth said:
“I am deeply grateful to Pope Leo XIV for appointing me; and I do not take lightly the trust he has placed in me. I am aware how long the clergy, religious and laity of Plymouth Diocese have waited for a bishop. I come with a desire to listen and to learn. I hope we can apply all the strengths of synodality to discern together ways to deepen the diocese’s outreach, mission and presence to the people of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. I look forward greatly to meeting all who belong to the diocese.
“I ask their prayers for me as I prepare to be their bishop – as I most surely pray for them.”
The date for Bishop Hudson’s installation as Diocesan Bishop will be on the 29 November 2025 at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface, Plymouth.
Please join Archbishop John in praying for Bishop Nicholas and the people of Plymouth.
CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE
Each month the Southwark Catholic Youth Service runs a Young Adult Mass at St George’s Cathedral, followed by a social at Amigo Hall
On the first Sunday of every month, the Southwark Catholic Youth Service has a Young Adults Mass at St George’s Cathedral.
After the Mass, there is a social in Amigo Hall. All are welcome.
You can keep up to date with the Southwark Catholic Youth Service by following them on Facebook and Instagram @stgeorgesya or emailing youth@rcaos.org.uk.
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.
Italy
Travelling with St. Paul – in Rome 2026 – 6 days
Prices from £2,590 pp
Single Supplement £290
Next available tour: 31-10-2026
Tour leader: The Revd Dr Peter Walker
This is the fourth and final tour during 2026 which is being led for McCabe Travel by the Revd Dr Peter Walker, author of In the Steps of Saint Paul (Walkway Books, 2022). Passengers will have a copy of this book and will be able to engage with Dr Walker in lively conversations about the life and times of St Paul throughout the tour. Paul says that he had often longed to visit the capital city of the empire (Rom. 1:13), but eventually only reached it as a prisoner under guard, having appealed to be tried before the Emperor Nero. We know from Luke’s account in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 28) that Paul, together with Luke, entered the city along the Appian Way and that, in due course, he was allowed to stay in his own home for two years awaiting his trial. Almost certainly, he never left Rome a free man. Instead, according to reliable early Christian tradition, he was beheaded by Nero’s soldiers along the Ostian Way and his body eventually laid to rest in a cemetery now covered by the impressive church called ‘St Paul Outside the Walls’. Our tour, which will also include visits to the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and a papal audience (if available that week), will give you the time and space to imagine life in first-century Rome and to discover the full significance of those final months that Paul spent in the city and to consider his legacy in the Eternal City and indeed throughout the whole world.
So do please join us for this special opportunity to travel with St. Paul – in Rome.
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.
Italy
Southwark Diocese Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi – 8 Day
Prices from £2,350 pp
Single Supplement £460
Next available tour: Call for Details
Tour leader: Call for Details
This Ecumenical Pilgrimage for the Diocese of Southwark and the
Archdiocese of Southwark will be led by:
Bishop Christopher Chessun, the Bishop of Southwark
Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop for the Kent Area
of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark
The Very Revd Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Cathedral
Canon Michael Branch, Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Southwark
‘After I have been to Jerusalem, I must also see Rome’
(Acts of the Apostles).
In this pilgrimage we encounter some of the great saints who have shaped Western Christianity. We begin in Rome with four nights in the Eternal City where we focus on the city’s patron saints, Peter and Paul. A comprehensive programme of sightseeing is included featuring the major sites of ancient and imperial Rome.
We then head north and spend three nights in the medieval walled city of Assisi, home of St Francis, set amidst the peace and tranquillity of the Umbrian countryside. The bustle of Rome is contrasted with the peace of Assisi where visits include the famous Basilica of St Francis, the church of St Clare, Santa Maria degli Angeli and other pilgrimage sites in and around the town.
We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present. Please contact us if you would like to lead or join a tour.
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.
Mary is a guide in adoration. Canon Marcus Holden, Father David Howell, and Sisters of the Handmaid of Mary share why Eucharistic adoration is essential to our faith. Canon Marcus shared how the Blessed Virgin Mary is a powerful guide to drawing closer to Jesus in adoration. “Mary is a guide in adoration,” he said, “because she, more than any other human person, adored the Lord and that’s what adoration is: to adore the Lord”. |
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.