Saturday 21st January 2023 – Saturday 28th January 2023
- jonathonrouth
- Jan 21, 2023
- 4 min read
JANUARY IS THE MONTH OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
The Third Week of Ordinary Time
Dear parishioners,
WHITE FLOWER APPEAL 2023
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is holding its annual appeal this weekend. SPUC’s mission is to save the lives of unborn babies and protect women from abortion. Every new life is a wonderful gift from God and every baby is loved and cherished by God from the first moment of his or her existence. SPUC works to build a society which reflects this unconditional love that God has for every one of us. And it wants to create a society which cherishes motherhood and helps parents to do the best for their children.
SPUC wants a world where abortion is unthinkable, and is currently raising awareness of the widespread problem of abortion coercion.
It is helpful to remind ourselves of the clear teaching of The Church on Abortion. The killing of a baby in the womb breaks the Commandment of God ‘you shall not kill’, and this essentially includes the tiniest and most dependent human beings. Abortion is not ‘a question’ in Catholic teaching. A human being is not a human being just because an older human being decides it is, but when it is unwanted, then it is not and can be ‘terminated’. The same applies to all human beings of all ages. When we decide who is human and who is not, we make ourselves gods and so break the first command of God ‘you shall have no other Gods but me’ and this leads to the evils of slavery, euthanasia, ‘scientific racism’, wars and abortion. Increasingly, acclaiming the absolute value of human life in the world evokes hatred in the world. Even to stand silently outside an abortion clinic can lead to arrest…just for silently thinking a prayer, without even rosary beads in hand. But this is the destiny of those who bear witness to the Cross of Christ, who became one with us through his conception in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Christians, we remember that it is on the Feast of The Annunciation (25th March) we celebrate the great mystery of our Faith, the Incarnation, when Mary conceived the Lord in her womb, and not Christmas Day, when he was born. It is at the Annunciation, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us: this above all is why we believe that all life, from conception to the grave is sacred, because Jesus sanctified it from his conception to his death. Below is the teaching of The Church from the Catechism:
[2270] Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Psalm 22:10-11.
[2271] Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:
[2272] Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae," "by the very commission of the offense," and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society
[2273] The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation: "The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death." "The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined.... As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights."
[2274] Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.
[all paragraphs extracted from THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1994]
Tragically, the threats facing unborn children in our country are very great with over ten million babies having lost their lives since 1967, and now abortion is treated ever more casually. According to an independent poll, 87% of GPs are concerned that the Government's ''pills by post'' scheme leaves women vulnerable to coerced abortion. SPUC is calling on the Prime Minister to condemn this abhorrent tragedy.
Please let us support the work of SPUC by praying for them and give generously to support them. Contact SPUC on 02070917091 or visit their website.
God bless
Fr Jonathon
PARISH NOTICE BOARD
DIOCESAN DIRECTORIES.
If you ordered a Diocesan Directory, these are now available in the sacristy after mass.
FOOD BANK. Don’t forget the Food Bank collection crate in the Church Porch! People are not managing to afford the basic essentials of life. If you can contribute some long life milk, canned food, packets of pasta, toilet rolls or any other non-perishable basics, you will be helping our neighbours in great need.
PARISH EVENTS
PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES in October. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in joining us.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM.
We have now taken all the bookings and will be in touch soon.
Escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, 15th March 2023. £699.00 per person sharing. Price includes flight, all transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with full board. All entertainment and excursions included. Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Special St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Single supplement £150.00. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.
CANDLEMAS 2023
Buy candles now which you may be using for prayer in the year ahead and they can be blessed at the FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, 2nd FEBRUARY 2023 with the church candles; mass at 7.00 p.m.
JANUARY DEVOTION TO THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
With the Holy Rosary, hymns to the Holy Name, The Litany of the Holy Name and Benediction. Sunday 29th January at 4.00 p.m.
THURSDAY LUNCH CLUB takes place from 12.30 p.m. this Thursday.
PARISH YOUTH NOTICES
CHURCH for CHILDREN.
The ‘children’s liturgy’ takes place in the hall at the 9 o’clock mass this Sunday.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023. Session 4 on Saturday 28th January, 10.30 a.m. in the hall.
CONFIRMATION 2023. Attend Devotions to the Holy Name of Jesus with Parish Rosary & Benediction on Sunday 29th January at 4.00 p.m.
DEATHS
For all our brothers and sisters who ate the Body of Christ, the bread of Life, that they may be raised up on the Last Day. (Drawn from the intercession of the Funeral Mass)
Please pray for the soul of:
Michel Vidal, who died in France on Monday 19th December aged 62 and whose funeral requiem has been held in France. He will have a Requiem at St. Thomas More on Friday 27th January followed by the burial of ashes at Hillview Cemetery.
Teresa Bridget Crump who died on Thursday 29th December 2023, aged 77. Her funeral is at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 3rd February 2023 followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium.
Patricia Maureen Lee who died on Monday 2nd January 2023, aged 88. Her funeral is at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday 7th February 2023 with committal at Plumstead Cemetery.
Mary Etheridge, who died on 6th January 2023. Her Funeral is at 1.15 p.m. on Friday 3rd February.
Bernard O’Brien, who died on 15th January 2023.
May the divine assistance remain with her always, and may their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
MASSES AND INTENTIONS FOR THE THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "restoring all things in Christ."
Saturday 21st January St. Agnes, virgin & martyr. [T.C.]
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+ 10.00 a.m. [Latin 1962] Holy Souls
+ 6.30 p.m. THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (A) Bob Penny W.B.
Sunday 22nd January
8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+9.00 a.m. [SUNG] with ‘Children’s Liturgy’ in the Hall. The people of the parish.
+11.00 a.m. [SOLEMN. Latin with English. Missa Orbis Factor] Lucy Murphy R.I.P.
Monday 23rd January feria.
9.30 a.m.The Daily Rosary
10.00 a.m. Milla Goes W.B.
Tuesday 24th January St. Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor of The Church., memorial.
The Daily Rosary at home.
NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY
Wednesday 25th January The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, feast.
The Daily Rosary at home.
NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY.
Thursday 26th January St. Timothy & Titus, bishops, memorial.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Lucy Murphy R.I.P.
Friday 27th January St. Angela Merici, virgin.
9.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Requiem for Michel Vidal followed by the Burial of Ashes at Hillview.
6.00 p.m. Parish Choir Practice. New members welcome.
Saturday 28th January St. Peter Nolasco, confessor. [T.C.]
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+ 10.00 a.m. [Latin 1962] William Hart R.I.P.
+ 6.30 p.m. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (A) Muriel de Souza W.B.
JANUARY INVOCATIONS TO THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS.
THE LITANY OF THE HOLY NAME (one of the official litanies of the church for public recitation). If you are saying this litany on your own, say it slowly with the breath. Breathe in for the invocation and out at each response. You can listen to this litany on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgrzS9Kexrw and you will be able to join in a public recitation at St Thomas More at ‘An Hour in Peace with the Lord’ on Sunday 29th January at 4.00 p.m, concluding with Benediction.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy.
Jesus, Son of the living God, Jesus, Splendour of the Father, Jesus, Brightness of eternal light, Jesus, King of glory, Jesus, Sun of justice, Jesus, Son of the virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus most lovable, Jesus, most adorable, Jesus, most admirable, Jesus, the mighty God, Jesus, Father of the world to come, Jesus, Angel of great counsel, Jesus, most powerful, Jesus, most patient, Jesus, most obedient. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of chastity, Jesus, Lover of us, Jesus, God of peace, Jesus, Author of life, Jesus, example of all virtues, Jesus, zealous Lover of souls, Jesus, our God, Jesus, our Refuge, Jesus, Father of the poor, Jesus, Treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Good Shepherd, Jesus, True Light, Jesus, Eternal Wisdom, Jesus, Infinite Goodness, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus, Joy of angels, Jesus, Master of apostles, Jesus, Teacher of evangelists, Jesus, Strength of martyrs, Jesus, Light of confessors, Jesus, Purity of virgins, Jesus, Crown of all saints,
Be merciful to us: Spare us, O Jesus, Be merciful to us: Hear us, O Jesus.
From all evil, From all sin, From your wrath, From the snares of the devil, From the spirit of fornication, From everlasting death,
From neglect of your holy inspirations, Lord Jesus, deliver us.
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation, through your nativity, through your divine infancy, through your sacred life, through your labours, through your agony and passion, through your cross and dereliction, through your pains and torments, through your death and burial, through your glorious resurrection, through your ascension, through your joys and glory, in the day of judgment,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: Spare us, Lord Jesus. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: Hear us, Lord Jesus. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus.
Christ Jesus, hear us. Christ Jesus, graciously hear us.
V. May the name of the Lord be praised R. Now and forever.
Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, you said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Mercifully hear our prayers and give us your gift of divine charity ,that we may always love you with all our heart, and always praise your holy name; for you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.