AUGUST IS THE MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time.
Dear parishioners,
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS!
Photo of Canon Victor Darlington (Episcopal Vicar for South –East London) and confirmation candidates in prayer as we asked for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What our Lord Jesus Christ gives to each one of his own people in the Sacrament of Confirmation is greater that the all the gifts of kingship that God gave King Solomon. Because to all who ask for confirmation, God the Holy Spirit is given. Confirmation requires us to open ourselves to the Lord and by sending us the Holy Spirit, so strengthening our commitment to his service.
And with the Holy Spirit, God gives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit too. These are:
1. Wisdom
2. Understanding
3. Counsel
4. Knowledge
5. Piety
6. Fortitude
7. Fear of the Lord
In last Sunday’s first reading, King Solomon asked only the first of these, but we ask for all seven! There are riches in these gifts which cannot be measured, more than King Solomon knew to ask for. We do indeed ask God for our daily bread to sustain our bodies, but if we ask God for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit we will have the inner resources to manage when life is hard. Such spiritual wisdom is the treasure we draw from in the great losses of life. It is these we need for the strength to cope with the many demands of existence; it is these gifts which will help us carry the Cross and follow the Lord.
What is more, when we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we receive the Holy Spirit’s consolations too within us. Love, Joy and Peace are among the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and with them a sense of the kingdom of heaven we long for. This is treasure indeed.
May God, the Holy Spirit bless our Confirmandees and give them the gifts they need to truly be and live as Catholics in a hostile and sinful world.
God Bless
Fr. Jonathon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ST THOMAS MORE GOLF DAY to be held Thursday 21st September 2023 at Birchwood Park Golf course, Swanley. Anyone interested in taking part please contact Tony Brooke. 07833707016. There will be the usual charity raffle attached to the day in aid of taking sick / disabled to Lourdes. You will be offered a chance to be involved in the raffle in early September.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES. Monday 23rd October to Friday 27th October 2023. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in joining us.
ESCORTED PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, Ireland, 2nd October 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. Single supplement £150.00. Contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.
A DAY WITH MARY at St. George's Cathedral, Lambeth Road, Southwark from 10.15 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. Please bring packed lunch. Tea and coffee provided.
PARISH NOTICES
SPUC NOTICES
DEATHS
MASSES AND INTENTIONS FOR THE EIGHTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
AUGUST PRAYER
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