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Volume 25 Issue No 5 May - June 2014

CATHOLIC PARISH OF RAINHAM PARISH MAGAZINE

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church 61 London Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 7RH

Parish Website www.rcrainham.co.uk

Fr. Justin Daanaah - 2 Century Road, Rainham, Gillingham,

Kent, ME8 0BG Telephone 01634 232972

Deacon Alan Boxall - 51 Hickory Dell, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3SL Telephone 01634 360637

Deacon James Coleman - 248 Lower Twydall Lane, Gillingham, Kent ME8 6QP Telephone 01634 306558

St. Thomas of Canterbury School, Romany Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 6JH

Telephone 01634 234677!

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Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen) This Easter was a witness to a unity in the Christian world that to a large extent went unnoticed. Despite using differing liturgical calendars the Churches in both the Eastern (Orthodox) Rite and the Western (Latin) Rite celebrated the great feast of Easter on the same day. The Holy Spirit bringing about a unity in worship; which despite the differences caused by the Great Schism of 1054 (too long an explanation for this article) that severed the relationship of the Churches in the East and the West, united all Christians in the joyful celebration of the Risen Christ. It was during this time that I was attending a seminar on the Liturgy and we were comparing the Eastern (Orthodox) Rite and the Western (Latin) Rite. The lecturer was a priest from one of the Greek Orthodox Churches that is in full Communion with Rome and together we immersed ourselves into the prayers, chants and rubrics of both rites. We were surprised at the similarities and marvelled at the differing richness of our respective liturgies. But it was the session that came directly after the Easter break that gave all of us a moment of uplifting joy. One of our members, arriving late, walked in and said “Happy Easter” to which all of us replied “and to you”. It was then that this Greek priest interrupted and told us about a custom that is part of the Easter celebrations in the Greek Orthodox Church. He said that they do not greet each other normally, in the family or socially, as much as we do in the West. Terms like “How are you” or “Greetings” are hardly ever used. But at Easter, in the Eastern Churches, the Resurrection is so important that you hear everyone greeting each other, throughout the whole of Eastertide, with the words Christos Anesti, to which the reply is Alithos Anesti (Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed). How limp does it make our greeting “Happy Easter” sound and that usually disappears by Easter Monday. The richness of the message that Christos Anesti invokes is superlative in its Christian witness. By comparison the phrase “Happy Easter”, like “Happy Anything”, marks an event to celebrate and rejoice over but fails in its message to the

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- 2 - outsider. Those very people that we, as an Easter people, must be a witness to. Pondering deeper on the phrases Christos Anesti and Alithos Anesti this priest then told us about a discussion he had with others in the Western Churches about its translation. The dispute was whether it should be translated as “Christ is Risen” or “Christ has Risen”. This was his reply, “The Resurrection is not a past event, and it is an event that is happening now, every day of our lives. Through our Baptism we live the Resurrection, so when we say “Christ is Risen”, we are saying that we are living our Baptism every moment of our lives”. That is the message we all must be a witness to at Easter. The cornerstone that the builders rejected is alive and living in us (c.f. Matthew 21:42). A foundation on which we grow in confidence to “go into the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole of creation” (Mark 16:14). I am always saddened when I see that the attendance of the faithful can differ so much over the three days that form the Triduum. Our Lenten journey culminates in these three days. Yet many still see them as three separate services. These most important days in the Liturgical calendar bring alive our Baptism in the sure and certain hope of Eternal Life. We witness again the great sacrifice that God, through his Son, has made for our salvation. The gift of the Body and Blood as life giving nourishment, the agony and pain that washed away our sin and concludes with the great light, a light that has banished all darkness and embraced us with a forgiving love. A love that can never be surpassed. The readings that follow from Easter Sunday tell us once again how the Early Church developed. The coming together of the faithful in the Temple followed by the breaking of bread in their homes. How thy listened to scripture, sang psalms and prayed together. A community that came together to praise and worship God. To give thanks to a God who had sacrificed himself to save mankind (c.f. Acts 2:46). We, like those before us, gather together on a Sunday for one reason only. To bear witness that

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God is at the forefront of our lives. It is he alone who must be at the centre of our praise and worship. We should be looking with adoration at the sculpture of the ascending Christ on the wall behind the high altar and with one voice proclaim “Christos Anesti”.

God Bless

Deacon James !

“CANCER RESEARCH UK NORTH DOWNS WALK DATE – Sunday, June 22nd 2014. VENUE – Harrietsham Village Hall, Church Road – ME17 1AP. START FROM – 8.00am. LAST REGISTRATION – 11am. WEBSITE – www.wealdofkentrotary.org.uk FOR FURTHER DETAILS – Phone the North Downs Walk-line on 01622 890650 For 29 years the Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent has organised this event, which offers the option of a 3, 6 or 9 mile walk across the beautiful North Downs. On completion all walkers are given a free Ploughman’s Lunch, strawberries and are entertained by a local Jazz Band. See the website for Maps/Poster/Route Details/Registration Forms etc. all of which may be downloaded. Apart from the beautiful scenery the event has the added bonus that walkers may retain 50% of their sponsorship money for their own charity/church/school etc. with the remainder going to CRUK. Alternatively, you may register at the Hall on the day for a minimum donation of £15 per person. To-date this Walk has raised over £440,000 for local & national charities, with over £210,000 for CRUK alone.

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PUZZLE PAGE

????????

1 In the TV advert which actress would share her chocolate

orange?

…………………………………………………………… ……….

2 What is the middle colour in a rainbow?

…………………………………………………………………….

3 Who had an infamous illicit affair with the wife of diplomat

Sir William Hamilton?

…………………………………………………………………….

4 Which alcoholic drink has a Gaelic name meaning ‘the

water of life’?

…………………………………………………………………….

5 What breed of dog is a Scooby Doo?

……………………………………………………………………

6 In which London borough is the 02 Arena?

…………………………………………………………………....

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News from St Thomas’ May 2014 We have been back in school for 3 weeks so far and already we are all working hard in St Thomas’ school but still having fun!

Firstly, I would like to welcome Mrs Tong back to the school as she has returned from maternity leave this term. She will be covering some of the teacher planning sessions each week. It is wonderful to have her back with us again!

This term is a very important one academically for the children. Especially those in years 6, 2 and 1. Year one have their annual Phonics screenings whilst year 2 and 6 have their SATS exams. In fact, as I write this, the year 6 children will be starting their first exams tomorrow morning. As I am sure you remember, examinations are a stressful time no matter what age you are so we ask you to keep the children in your prayers.

In sporting news, 15 year 4 children took part in a racket sports festival at Medway Park on Thursday 24th April. They were accompanied by Miss Crafter and Mrs McDowell. I understand that the children had a wonderful time and took part very well. They all received a certificate for taking part. Well done year 4.

Our school has always been one to “do it’s bit” for charity but in recent weeks, I think we have surpassed ourselves! To start with 5 year 6 girls organised their own cake sale to raise money for an epilepsy charity. The children organised, advertised, baked and even remembered to organise their own float all by themselves. They then sold the cakes to their classmates in years 5 and 6 and raised over £30. It is so wonderful to see the giving, generous nature of the children in our school. Well done girls! We are very proud of you!

On Friday 9th May the PTA organised a superhero day to raise

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- 6 - money and awareness of autism. The children all came in dressed as superheroes for the day and took part in a sponsored fun run. In conjunction with this, parents were invited to a coffee morning in the school hall. At present, we do not have the final figure of how much was raised but I shall update you in the next article. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the day, our cooks Lesley and Amelia for washing up the mugs, everyone who sponsored the children and also the children themselves for getting into the spirit of the day and taking part in the fun run.

Finally last night (10th May) 12 members of staff travelled up to London to take part in the annual moonwalk to raise money for breast cancer. The school and parish have been affected by this disease and as such it is a cause very close to our hearts. The ladies walked 14½ miles through the night starting at 10 to midnight and finishing just before 5 the next morning! I was one of those who took part and it was a fantastic (but painful!) experience. Many of our school families sponsored us and we have managed to raise over £2,000. Our thanks to everyone who sponsored and supported us.

Theresa Bigwood

Editor’s Note:

Thank you to all who have contributed to this month’s magazine, please do keep sending your articles in

The Chaplaincy at Medway Maritime Hospital are looking for volunteers to play the piano/keyboard at their Sunday services. If any one can help please contact me for the telephone number of the Chaplain.

The copy date for the next magazine is the end of June.

Alma Payne – Editor

Telephone No 01634 362896

e-mail: almapayne1@gmail.com

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- 7 - Wind & Solar Power Dried Our Clothes Checking out at the store the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own shopping bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this back in my earlier days.”

The cashier responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.

She was right – our generation didn’t have

the ‘Green’ thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, pop bottle and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilised and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn’t have the 'Green’ thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every shop and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300 horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand me down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

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But that young lady is right. We didn’t have the

‘Green’ thing back in our day.

Back then we had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the county of Yorkshire in the kitchen. We blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the post, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so that we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she’s right we didn’t have the ‘Green’ thing

back then.

We drank water from a fountain or a tap when we were thirsty instead of demanding a plastic bottle flown in from another country. We accepted that a lot of food was seasonal and didn’t expect that to be bucked by flying it thousands of air miles around the world. We actually cooked food that didn’t come out of a packet, tin or plastic wrap and we and we could even wash our own vegetables and chop our own salad.

But we didn’t have the ‘Green’ thing back then.

Back then people took the tram or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their mothers into a 24 hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerised gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the

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nearest pizza joint.

Isn’t it sad that some in the current generation lament how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the ‘Green’ thing back then.

PRE JUNE 2013

The Perfect Dress

Jennifer’s wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement – not even her parent’s divorce. Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week later Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new, young, wife Dolly had bought the exact same dress! Jennifer asked Dolly to exchange it but she refused. “Absolutely not. I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I’m wearing it,” she replied.

Jennifer told her mother, who graciously said, “Never mind sweetheart, I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day. “A few days later, they went shopping again and did find another drop-dead gorgeous dress.

When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother “Are you going to return the other dress? You really do not have another occasion to wear it.” She just smiled and replied, “Of course I do, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner!”

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From the Registers

Baptisms:

23.02.2014 Saxon-Rye Griffiths 23.02.2014 Ravern Mackenzie Griffiths 20.04.2014 Isabella Marie Simmonds 20.04.2014 Ava Alice Julian Funeral: 31.03.2014 George Doyle 22.04.2014 Luigi Lovarini Anniversary List: 05.05.08 Margaret Kelly 05.05.11 Mary Woolley 08.05.12 Charles Long 23.05.12 Pat Carroll 31.05.11 Elizabeth Smyth 01.06.10 Reginald Fisher 03.06.11 Andrew Long 09.06.10 Matthew Stephens 10.06.11 Declan Melia 19.06.10 Tina Horan

To THOSE who believe in thee O LORD

LIFE is but changed – not taken AWAY

(Preface: Mass for the Dead)

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- 11 - Be wise – Be careful what you say A World War 2 poster reads, ‘Careless words cost lives.’ So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself four questions. First, is it true? ‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour is of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions!

Until you’re certain it’s true, say nothing. Wait; time always reveals the truth.

Second, is it confidential?

Did you hear it as a result of someone else having broken a confidence? If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence?

Third is it helpful? Will it tear others down or build them up? Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it? Finally, is it necessary? Stop and ask yourself,

What do others and the cause of Christ gain by my saying It, or lose by my not saying it?

Always keep this in mind; you’re more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn’t.

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Fr Jim Petry MBE Father Jim was a priest-in-charge at Rainham for 18 months between 1961 – 1963. His time spent in this parish was recorded by Dorothy Morris in our parish history published in 2000. Rod and some parishioners remember him from this time. He introduced the Offertory promise campaign into Gillingham and Rainham parishes. This led to the establishment of our parish. He was a well liked priest and very popular with the young parishioners. Father Jim left Rainham on 12 May 1963 and an ‘Australian’ style social was held to bid him farewell on this travels to Western Australia. For services in Korea he received the MBE and was also a chaplain on ships sailing to Australia carrying passengers on £10 assisted passages. ‘Ten Pound Poms’ as they were called. When we first visited our son and family in 2000, a year after they emigrated to Perth, W Australia, we contacted Fr Jim and visited him at his parish of St Mary’s, West Leederville, a suburb of Perth, he was still a very active priest of 76 years. Over lunch at a restaurant he told us about his experiences as a priest serving in parishes in the south of Western Australia and in towns north of Perth. He was a keen tennis player and walker, meeting other priests on Mondays for tennis matches. He loves cricket and had a season ticket for matches at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth. He takes a keen interest in the fortunes of the England Test Cricket Team!!!

On August 22nd last year a Mass and special morning tea was held in the Cathedral in Perth to celebrate Fr Jim’s 90th birthday. Present were Archbishop Timothy Costello S.D.B.,

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Archbishop Emeritius Barry Hickey, Bishop Donald Sproxton, Monsignor Michael Keating and many priests who had for years played tennis with Fr Jim. 174 people including relatives of Fr Jim gathered to pay their respect to this well loved friend and priest.

Fr Jim has spent the last 10 years at Wilson Parish, a retirement village. This parish held 2 special farewell Masses for him last July. At these gatherings many people showed their love and respect in which Fr Jim has been held in many parishes over the years. Through it all, and despite many limitations that advancing years has put on his activities, he has retained a keen sense of humour. Rod and I look forward to seeing him, when we visit our family in Perth, later this year. Jill & Rod O’Neill ‘How much does a snowflake weigh?’ “A snowflake weighs almost nothing.” “A snowflake is so insignificant, it carries almost no weight at all. How could you possibly weigh a snowflake?” “Oh, I disagree, once I sat here counting the snowflakes as they fell. I watched them setting on a pine tree branch, covering the pine needles with a blanket of whiteness. I got as far as two million, four hundred and ninety-two thousand, three hundred and fifty-nine.” “And then – when the very next snowflake fell and settled on the branch – the branch dropped right down to the ground and all the snow slid off. So a snowflake does weigh something. It does make a difference!” “Perhaps, it really is true that just one little voice can make a difference.”

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Many thanks to everyone who supported the

coffee morning fundraiser on Monday 7th April 2014 in the Parish Centre. To all those who came, brought friends, made cakes or helped

clear up, your support was truly appreciated. We raised £222 for Adoption UK a charity

supporting adoptive families.

Another big thank you goes to Phoebe, Mollie and Rebecca from the parish youth group who came along to supervise the children’s craft

activities. As a parish, we should feel proud that we have such polite and reliable young

people around who are prepared to give up their time to help others. Even though they didn’t know me, they were willing to come and help out. And on the first day of their school

holidays too.

Charlotte Foot

Our real journey in life is Interior; it is a matter of growth, Deepening, and of an ever greater Surrender to the creative action Of love and grace in our hearts

Thomas Merton

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April 2014 newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers

May I take this opportunity to wish all our families a very pleasant Eastertide and share with you some words of hope.

"The great gift of Easter is hope - Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in

his goodness and love, which nothing can shake."

Basil C Hume, (1923-1999)

Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster

As we approach May, we enter examination season with the first public examination being on the 9th May. With this in mind, we will not be authorising any requests for leave for any students in examination years. Our students need to remain focussed at all times and take every opportunity in school being offered to them. You will have also seen in our March newsletter that we do not utilise a programme of study leave but continue to teach students right up until their examinations. Focussed revision sessions and support are also in place before and after school, these will continue up until the public examination has taken place. Our students are working extremely hard and we ask for your support in ensuring they have a good balance of sleep and healthy food during this very stressful time for them.

A summary of examinations can be found in this newsletter via the school website. If you have any questions about exams please do not hesitate to contact our examinations officer Ms McRea.

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An Easter prayer for teenagers

Jesus, you have overcome death And conquered every fear I could imagine

Help me to live each day remembering that You are alive That You are bigger than anything or any situation

And that Your power is real Jesus, you're my hero and I'm walking with you.

Amen.

God Bless Catherine Burnett

Support The Wisdom Hospice Summer Fayre

The Wisdom Hospice has set the date for its annual Summer Fayre. Taking place on Saturday 5th July in the hospice grounds from 10am to 2pm, The Friends are inviting the local community to come along and help raise vital funds for hospice care whilst enjoying the sunshine. This great day out for the family will include a tasty BBQ, Vintage Tea Rooms, fun Games, a Grand Summer Raffle, Face Painting, Lively Music, delicious Cupcakes & Home-Baked Treats, as well as a visit from The Friends' Mascot, Olly the Owl! Information stands will be on display during the day if visitors wish to learn more about the services that The Wisdom Hospice provides. The Tea Rooms will be a new addition for 2014, where supporters will be able to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea experience inside the newly renovated hospice Education Centre. The Tea Rooms are part of The Friends’ Big 30 Tea Party campaign, encouraging members of the community to hold a tea party and raise funds in their 30th Anniversary Year. Also featured at the event will be a Wisdom & Heart Charity Pop-Up Shop, a Knit & Natter stall following the recent success of The Friends’ Easter Knitting Appeal, and performances from The Hawaiian Islanders Band and local dancers, including the Chatham-based Street Academy of Dance.

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The Blessed Sacrament When training new Altar Servers (and at odd times thereafter) I always advise them that we BOW when crossing the High Altar but we GENUFLECT (EVERY TIME) when passing the Tabernacle. (Excused if carrying Processional Cross or Candles - in procession - and of course infirmities allowing). I also ask servers to stand and bow if the Blessed Sacrament passes in front of them (as after Holy Communion). Recently one of the mothers (a professed non catholic) commented that she had noticed some people genuflect towards the High Altar and some do not. Even fewer appear to address the Tabernacle and the Blessed Sacrament. She enquired if her child would feel embarrassed by performing an act that a majority of the congregation does not follow. My only recourse in this event was to say, quite firmly, “In this case WE are right and everyone else is wrong.” I am constantly amused/irritated by the numbers of people who genuflect towards the High Altar and the “abuse” at the Blessed Sacrament chapel where groups of people stand around or sit in the front pews chatting like they would in a market place completely oblivious to the sanctity of the area and anyone wishing to pray quietly. It could be that this is one of the ‘little’ things but I feel that respect for the Blessed Sacrament should be paramount in our religious lives. Yours in Christ, Tony (Roberts)

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???????? STILL PUZZLED ???????? 1 In the TV advert which actress would share her chocolate

orange?

= Dawn French

2 What is the middle colour in a rainbow?

= Green

3 Who had an infamous illicit affair with the wife of diplomat

Sir William Hamilton?

= Horatio Nelson

4 Which alcoholic drink has a Gaelic name meaning ‘the

water of life’?

= Whiskey

5 What breed of dog is a Scooby Doo?

= Great Dane

6 In which London borough is the 02 Arena?

= Greenwich

?????????????????

VILLAGE FETE – St Thomas’ School PTA will be hosting a Village Fete at the school on Saturday 14 June between midday and 4pm. Entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children. There will be plenty of games and entertainment for the whole family. Food and drink as well as other goodies will be on sale. They look forward to welcoming you on the day.