catholic church of st. edmund of canterbury …saintedmunds.net/.../2017/11/12november2017.pdf ·...
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Fr. Steve Wymer Parish Priest 020 8650 3390 Deacon Sean Murphy 020 3490 5693 [email protected] [email protected] Fr. Ashley Beck Assistant Priest 020 8650 4117/ 020 7998 5949 [email protected] Fr. Simplicio D’Souza Assistant Priest 020 8650 7533 [email protected]
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. EDMUND OF CANTERBURY
NEWSLETTER 12 November 2017, Thirty-second Sunday (A)
The Presbytery, 20 Village Way, Beckenham BR3 3NP Parish Office 020 8650 0970
Open Monday to Friday 9 - 1pm
Email [email protected]
Website: www.saintedmunds.net
Salesian Sisters 25 Village Way, BR3 3NA 020 8650 6313 [email protected]
Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver 89 Shortlands Road BR2 0JL
020 8313 3915 [email protected]
Our second collection is for the Archbishop’s Fund for Diocesan Administration St Mary’s PTA will be selling raffle tickets for their school fair after all Masses
WELL known verses from the second chapter of
the book of Isaiah (repeated in the book of Micah)
are sometimes used as a canticle in the Divine
Office, in Morning Prayer which we say at the
beginning of Mass in our religious communities:
‘They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks’ (Isaiah 2:4).
This overall passage, portraying a future vision of
peace centred on the mountain of the Lord, is
always worth remembering at this time of year, and
on this weekend of both Armistice Day and
Remembrance Sunday. The prophet is looking
forward to a time when weapons designed to kill
people will be converted into agricultural use. Remembrance
Sunday is a time when we are able to recall how far we are from
the vision coming about. We are a bit nearer: both the Church and
many parts of the world are, at least on paper, more negative about
war and fighting wars than in the past. Part of the reason for this is
the horrific character of modern warfare, particularly as it has
developed in the last century or so. As human beings have found
ways of killing more people more quickly (and often more cheaply)
this does cause a certain amount of revulsion; but there is a very
long way to go.
It occurred to me recently, and I remarked on this in a homily a few
weeks ago, that there is one image associated with ‘remembrance’
which is profoundly disturbing and symbolic of the way in which
war can still dominate our culture. In many war memorials
constructed after the Great War a century ago, as shown here, it
was decided to superimpose a large medieval sword on the Cross.
Apparently this is sometimes called the ‘Cross of Sacrifice’ - the
picture here is from Ypres. On one level it must have been some-
one’s stroke of genius, noticing that they are more or less the same
shape. The Cross is of course originally a weapon of torture and
execution, of a particularly gruesome kind. For Catholics it usually
bears the image of the body of our Saviour, who by his death on the
Cross redeemed humanity and changed the course of human
history: for some other Christians an empty Cross without his Body
is preferable. Because, through the event of the crucifixion, evil
and sin are defeated, for Christians this symbol of torture and
violence has become a badge of triumph, a symbol which we kiss
and venerate, and display profusely in our churches and homes; we
sign ourselves with the cross as a reminder of our faith, as a sign of
our identity as Christians.
HOW TO GET THINGS WRONG
In the cross bearing a sword something else
happens. The sword, far from being beaten into a
ploughshare, displaces the Saviour. The God of
peace who saves us by his blood disappears; the
original sign of torture and violence is joined by
another symbol of death, a sword designed to kill
people. How, a hundred years ago, did Christian
leaders stand by and let this happen, presumably
blessing war memorials of this kind?
For on Remembrance Sunday symbols are
important - they speak volumes. In the study of
worship and liturgy it is often said that a symbol
which needs to be explained ceases to be effective
- you shouldn’t have to do so; it should be recognisable. What that
also means is that when you try to understand or question a symbol
you often come up against irrationality. A recent feature of
Remembrance Sunday and the weeks leading up to it, which I
don’t remember at all when I was a child in the 60s and 70s, is the
hysteria and intolerance surrounding the wearing of red poppies
sold by the British Legion, and the accusation that those of us who
choose not to wear one, or who wear a white poppy, are somehow
dishonouring those who have been killed in war. In my experience
trying to argue about this with people doesn’t get you anywhere -
reasoned discussion becomes yet another casualty of war. You can
see how the sword stuck on top of a Cross does its work.
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are important. For
Catholics, the most important thing to do this weekend is to pray
for the souls in purgatory of those killed in the wars of the last
century, both servicemen and women and civilians. It also needs
to be about peace (like Peace Sunday in January, a curiously less
popular observance) and proclaiming Christian teaching, which
has become sharper in the last century, that war is evil and wrong,
and not glorious or noble. It is because much of the symbolism
and ritual of Remembrance Sunday gives a very different message
that many Christians and others feel distanced from how badly so
much of it is done - the marching, the gun salutes, the display in
the Albert Hall, and some of the hymns and prayers which are
used. Like the sword stuck on a Cross, much of this does not
impart the Christian message; and it’s a bad way to honour the
dead or pray for them. As we pray for those who have died in war
this weekend it’s essential that we are primarily loyal to Christian
teachings.
PARISH NOTICES
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Sunday 3 December Please donate bottles, books, CD’s and DVD’s,
raffle prizes, toiletries, good quality saleable items, sweets and chocolates, home made preserves and cakes.
Please bring donations to the Parish Office - any weekday
morning - or leave at the back of the Church.
Start bringing your bottles now!
VOLUNTEERS We need lots of help to make this event a success. If you
have any time to spare please contact Sue Owen 07828 132921 or
DIARIES Our pocket size St Edmund’s diaries for 2018 are at the back of the church. Please put your £2 in the slot marked PAPERS in the porch.
BLESSED OSCAR ROMERO We are delighted to welcome RISE Theatre, a professional Christian theatre company, who will be performing their original play ‘Romero – Heartbeat of El Salvador’ at St James, Petts Wood on Sunday 26 November at 7.30pm. The production tells the true story of Blessed Oscar Romero and his heart for the oppressed people of El Salvador. Romero chose to challenge those in power and stand up for social justice. He demanded respect for
human rights. Come and experience this exciting new play, performed with energy and passion by the RISE
Theatre team - www.risetheatre.co.uk “A challenging and moving production about the life and legacy of this great man of justice.” Bridget Fenwick, CAFOD For tickets please contact St James’s Parish office on 01689 827100, [email protected] or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/risetheatre
ST EDMUND’S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Every year St Edmund’s Parish dedicates one of its Masses to bereaved parishioners, their families and friends. We would like to invite everyone who has arranged a funeral here this year and all those who also wish to remember a deceased family member or friends, to attend the Mass which will be held this year on
Saturday 18 November at 10.00am. After the Homily the names of the deceased will be read out and you are invited to place a lighted candle, which will be provided, in front of the altar. The names of those who have died this year will be read out and all parishioners are invited to request that the names of other deceased family members and friends also be included. Please contact the Parish Office by 12 noon on Friday 17
th November to add a
name or names. It would be helpful if rather than phoning you write down the names and put them through the Office letter box or email them to the office. Unfortunately we cannot offer refreshments on this occasion
BEREAVEMENT TREE Our Bereavement Tree by the font at the front of the Church is now covered in the names of those who are remembered by
parishioners. We have decided that at the end of
November all the names will be retained and they will be taken on the next parish pilgrimage and offered up at a holy place.
CONTEMPLATIVE SATURDAY 18 November
11.15 am to 12.15 in no11 We are gathering slightly later as the 10 am Mass that day may
be slightly longer than usual.
Our parish SVP group is organising a Christmas lunch on Monday 11 December in the Church Hall. The lunch is from 12.30-3pm and transport will be available for anyone who needs assistance. There will be no charge, but if you are able to make a contribution for your lunch, this would be gratefully received and would help preserve our charitable funds for those in need. A primary objective of the SVP is to befriend and visit those who may be somewhat lonely and isolated so, even if they have not had contact with the SVP, other parishioners are welcome to come and enjoy this festive meal with us. Please contact Fiona Ross on 020 8460 2322 or email [email protected]
YOUTH
CLUB NEWS Saturday 25 November is
bowling at the Pavilion in Bromley Meet 7.15pm for 7.30 start. 9pm pick up
Tickets are £8 and include food For this event we need to know definite
numbers, so please book your place now (deadline 20 November) by
contacting Angela on 07905 617 932 or [email protected]
Further information from Facebook.com/SNYClub
CONFIRMATION 2018 Enrolment forms for the next Confirmation programme can
be completed and the enrolment fee paid online at https://stedmunds.churchsuite.co.uk/events/mdhhfoa3
The form is also available to download from the parish website. Completed applications must be received by the
office by 3 December so the Confirmation group administrator can complete the paperwork and arrange the
groups before Christmas.
ST. EDMUND’S CHILDREN’S ADVENT SERVICE Sunday 10 December at 3.00 pm
This is a lovely service and we are looking for lots of children to get involved. We will need readers, musicians and singers for the choir, as well as little ones coming dressed in nativity costumes. As well as lots of angels and shepherds, we would also like to have Mary, Joseph and the Three Kings, so if you think your children could play one of these (walk-on) roles, then let us know. Readers only will need to attend a rehearsal at the church on Sunday, 3 December at 3.00pm. To help us plan the service and allocate readings, please contact Maria Crow at :[email protected]
ST. EDMUND'S CHRISTMAS DINNER & DANCE
Friday 8 December
Cost: £25 per person - to include a two course meal & coffee
Vegetarian option available.
The Sterling Suite, HSBC Sports Ground, Lennard Road, Beckenham, BR3 1QW
Contacts: Monique 020 8658 4829
& Maria 0794 654 3278
Tickets must be purchased by Friday 24 November
FOLK CHOIR
The folk choir sings at 5:30pm Sunday Mass and is actively looking for new members. Practices are held weekly on Thursday evenings and we are keen to welcome anyone with enthusiasm and an enjoyment of music. Singers would be particularly welcome and no musical knowledge is required. We are frequently learning new songs as well as our older much loved material and we will soon have our new books ready. Whilst we try to make music of a high standard we are also a fun and social choir.
If you are interested then please speak to a member of the choir after mass or contact us at:
Marion on 020 8658 3942 or Sarah on 020 8650 5389
CHRIST THE KING YOUTH DAY
18 November 2017
Are you in Yr 7 or above? If so, you are warmly invited to Christ the King Youth Day at St Joseph’s Church, Bromley from 12pm until 6pm. Preparations are under-way for a day packed with fun, music, art and reflection led by the Southwark Catholic Youth Team and will be followed by a Youth Mass at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Tickets cost £2 and can be bought on the day. If you would like to get involved with the music, please bring your instruments. So tell your friends and invite them along to enjoy a fantastic, youth-led celebration for the Feast of Christ the King. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information on this event, see our website:
http://www.bromleydeanery.org/christ-the-king-youth-day-18th-november-2017/
ST PAUL’S CHURCH Brackley Road
Saturday 18 November at 7.30 pm Concert featuring St Paul’s Community Choir and
participants from other CTiB churches.
Admission is free, with a retiring collection. Refreshments served at the interval
ST ED Does anyone have any ideas or contributions for the
Advent issue of St Ed? If you do please email them to the office by 24 November
for the editor to look at - [email protected]
8 AM MASS
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND READERS ROTAS The Eucharistic Ministers and Readers rotas for 2018 are cur-
rently being drawn up. If you no longer wish to be included on the list or would like to offer your services as a reader or as an Extraordinary Minister at this Mass please
would you let me know by 19 November.
SALESIAN SISTERS
Wednesday November 22, 4-5pm Our Mother General, Sr Yvonne is visiting England for the
first time. She will be with our community during the afternoon of 22 November. We would like anyone who is
able to pop in for a cup of tea from 4-5 pm as she would love to meet you all.
CATHOLIC LEGACY WEEK Gifts in your Will are a wonderful way you can continue to
support the Church’s ministry and mission and help meet the needs of future generations. Do please consider gifts to the Church and Catholic charities next time you update your Will. For more information pick up a leaflet from the porch or go to
www.yourcatholiclegacy.org.uk
CAROL SINGING AT WAITROSE Keep Saturday 9 December free. Singers from churches in Beckenham will be singing carols outside Waitrose. Come along to join Fr Steve in bringing Christmas cheer to weary shoppers. More details will follow.
Fr Steve recently received this letter which he wanted to share
with us. It is from a Sister of the Daughters of Charity of St
Vincent de Paul. This is just a little note to say ‘thank you!’
Recently I was in hospital for 3 months after a cancer operation
with complications and I’m now recuperating at home. Just
recently I discovered your Sunday Mass on my i-pad. It is a real
joy to be with you now each Sunday. What really impresses me is
the number of altar servers you have and how confident and
competent they all are. Their reverence and concern for one
another - especially for the young ones is really impressive. They
contribute so much to the beauty of your liturgy as do the choir
and your Eucharistic Ministers. It is good to see you and your
vibrant parish in action. Thank you once again for making it
possible for me to join you. At the Sign of Peace, I pray for you
and all your parishioners,
Yours very gratefully
MASSES AND INTENTIONS Sunday 12 November Thirty-second Sunday (A) Remembrance Day 8.00 am Church For the people 9.30 am Church Arthur Donnolly RIP 10.55 am Church Julia & Mick Mockler RIP 5.30 pm Church Maria and Phil Shine 7.00 pm Church Mena Croke - birthday ints.
Monday 13 November Feria (St Frances Xavier Cabrini) 8.15 am 27 V Way Connolly & Nast families 10.00 am Church Mary Burrows RIP 11.30 am Church Requiem for Rita Hankin
Tuesday 14 November Feria 8.15 am Claver Monica Grima RIP
10.00 am Church David Norman RIP Wednesday 15 November Feria 8.00 am Challoner Peter & Barbara Oke RIP 8.15 am Claver Fr John Lavery RIP 10.00 am Church Monique Galloway RIP 7.30 pm Church Mary Cronin - birthday ints. (vigil Mass for Solemnity of St Edmund) Thursday 16 November St Edmund of Canterbury 8.15 am Claver Anna Murphy - wellbeing. 10.00 am Church Edward Mayungbe (anniv) 5.00 pm Church Reception of the body of Geoffrey Burnham 8.00 pm Claver Adoration and Benediction Friday 17 November Feria (St Hilda or St Hugh) 8.15 am Claver Tang Family - ints. 9.00 am Challoner Private intention 9.10 am St Mary’s Wellbeing of Iris 10.00 am Church Maria Zygalska RIP 11.30 am Church Requiem for Geoffrey Burnham Saturday 18 November Feria (Our Lady) 8.15 am Claver John Henegan RIP 10.00 am Church Mass for the Bereaved
Confessions from 10.30 - 11 am & from 5.00 - 6.00pm
6.00 pm Church Angelica & Dante RIP
(vigil)
Sunday 19 November Thirty-third Sunday (A) 8.00 am Church The Liell Family 9.30 am Church Tom McCormack RIP 11.00 am Church Ellen McCarthy RIP (Latin) 5.30 pm Church Rene & Hilda Panglose RIP 7.00 pm Church For the people
Please pray for the housebound, and the sick, and others who have asked for our prayers.
Peter Appleyard, Mary Atsu, James Bekoe, Kim Benardis, Christopher Browne, Edith Campos,
Vienna-Marie Carpenter, John Colling, Tony Cox, Ruby Desmond, Giacomo Dillon, Kate Dillon, John Dillon,
Rita Dixon, Elizabeth, Ann Elmer, Martin Farquhar, Margaret Fennessy, Luigi Ferrara, Suzette Fox,
Barry Gardiner, Baby Megan May Gavey, Isabelle Ghawi, Philomena Guard, Hans Halpin, Eileen Hayes, Pat Hibberd,
Norman Holland, Frank Holmes, Dave Hustwayte, Dawn Hutchinson. Kathy Jobson,
Alabooso Joe-Jim, Victoria Jovanov, Zara Kadi, Fr Peter Kelly, Grace Knight, Peggy Lake, Dot Leaver, Anita Leslau, Sarah Lister, Mim Lodge, Neelam Malik, Kathleen McGeehan, Dominic McGrath, Jim McGrath, Natalie McGrath, Mickey McGuigan, Paul McQuinny
and family, Patrick Metters, Eddie Mitchell 18 months, Gaynor Mullane, Dominic Nash, Sean O’Connor,
Josephine O’Hagan, Valerie Parr, Dorothy Pask, Leonard Pope, John Quaife, Kieran Quinn (13 Months), Baby Isaac Ratinckx,
Louise Ridge, Gabriella Rolls, Sandra Sekulic, Claire Shelton-Jones, Brigitte Savreux-O’Driscoll,
Marie-Therese Sinon, Mike & Eileen Slemen, Jo Subieta, Eleni Symeou, John Sylvester, Sarah Thornton, Barry Thorp, Katie Toone, Jeanne Tadier, Barbara Tucker, Shirley Turner, Annette Virdee, Hilary Walker, Louise Walters, Patricia Weal,
Terry Weal, Emma Winch, Freda Wukolz, George Wukolz, Maureen Young, Fred Wye and Ziggy Sobolewski.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOVEMBER Meditation - Every Monday in no11 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm Monday 13 - Law Surgery in no11 at 7pm Saturday18 - Mass for the Bereaved 10 am Saturday18 - Contemplative Saturday from 11.15 -12.15 in no11 Friday 24 - Prayer Meeting - 7.30 pm no11 DECEMBER Meditation - Every Monday in no11 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm
Sunday 3 - Christmas Fair
Friday 8 - Christmas Dinner and Dance
Sunday 10 - Children’s Advent Service
Monday 11 - SVP Christmas Lunch
Saturday 16 - Parish Advent Carol Service
The collection last Sunday raised £2436.85 with a further £900+ donated electronically
The second collection for Aid to the Church in Need raised an amazing £2049.33
Please remember in your prayers those whose
anniversaries occur at this time. James Hussey, Michael Sullivan,
Sylvester (Cyril) Cunningham, Frank Bond, Elsie Callaghan, Brian Cardell, Margaret Feagan, Robert Reed,
Edward Mayungbe, John Newcombe, Charlie Doyle, Andrew Doran, Thomas Widdowson
Please pray for those who have died recently.
Geoffrey Burnham, Marguerite (Rita) Hankin, Ronnie Douglas, Marcus McDougall, Dorothy Appleyard and
Harry Leamon
Readings for Thirty-third Sunday (A) Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Psalm 127 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30