Our Faith on SundayGOSPEL REFLECTION

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON

I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord.Should they cry to me in any distress,I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.

THE COLLECTO God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Lawupon love of you and of our neighbour,grant that, by keeping your precepts,we may merit to attain eternal life.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

FIRST READING A reading from the book of Wisdom 2:12.17-20

The godless say to themselves,‘Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us

and opposes our way of life,reproaches us for our breaches of the lawand accuses us of playing false to our upbringing.Let us see if what he says is true,let us observe what kind of end he himself will have.If the virtuous man is God’s son, God will take his part and rescue him from the clutches of his enemies.Let us test him with cruelty and with torture,and thus explore this gentleness of hisand put his endurance to the proof.Let us condemn him to a shameful deathsince he will be looked after – we have his word for it.’

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

PSALM Ps 53:3-6,8. R.v6

R) The Lord upholds my life.

O God, save me by your name;by your power, uphold my cause.O God, hear my prayer;listen to the words of my mouth. (R)

For proud men have risen against me,ruthless men seek my life.They have no regard for God. (R)

But I have God for my help.The Lord upholds my life.I will sacrifice to you with willing heartand praise your name for it is good. (R)

SECOND READINGA reading from the letter of St James 3:16-4:3

Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony,and wicked things of every kind being done; whereas thewisdom that comes down from above is essentially somethingpure; it also makes for peace, and is kindly and con siderate; itis full of compassion and shows itself by doing good; nor is thereany trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. Peacemakers, when theywork for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.Where do these wars and battles between your selves first

start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your ownselves? You want some thing and you haven’t got it; so you areprepared to kill. You have an ambition that you cannot satisfy;

so you fight to get your way by force. Why you don’t have whatyou want is because you don’t pray for it; when you do pray anddon’t get it, it is because you have not prayed properly, you haveprayed for something to indulge your own desires.

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia! Cf. 2 Thess 2:14Through the Good News God called usto share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.Alleluia!

GOSPEL Mark 9:30-37

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.Glory to you, O Lord.

After leaving the mountain Jesus and his disciples made theirway through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know,because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them,‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; theywill put him to death; and three days after he has been put todeath he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what hesaid and were afraid to ask him.They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he

asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ Theysaid nothing because they had been arguing which of them wasthe greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said,‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all andser vant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them,put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who wel -comes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me;and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the onewho sent me.’

The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS

Receive with favour, O Lord, we pray,the offerings of your people,that what they profess with devotion and faithmay be theirs through these heavenly mysteries.Through Christ our Lord.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Jn 10:14

I am the Good Shepherd, says the Lord;I know my sheep, and mine know me.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Graciously raise up, O Lord,those you renew with this Sacrament,that we may come to possess your redemptionboth in mystery and in the manner of our life.Through Christ our Lord.

Power! We human beings likeit and – sadly – easily misuseit. The disciples of Jesus wereno exception to thisweakness. “Which of them wasthe greatest?” they were

arguing. Not surprising thatthey were mystified by OurLord’s prediction of his deathand resurrection – theirminds were miles away! SoJesus introduces them – andus – practically and visually,to his values and the values ofhis Father. “Little children”represent dependence, notpower, though in their ownway they exercise power; theirvery dependence makesdemands. That is perhaps thepoint. We who are created by

God, created out of nothing,are, in fact, nothing. We haveno power over God, noauthority, we can make nodemands – and yet, our verynothingness and dependenceon our Creator, our“littleness” makes its owndemands. We have a Creatorwho tells us to call himFather– even ‘daddy’ (abba),and he assures us, “Does awoman forget her baby at thebreast..? Yet even if theseforget, I will never forget you.”

20th September 2015 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) Divine Office: Week 1/Proper

20th September 2015 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B)

www.catholicprint.co.uk 0161 873 7457 © 2015

Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. The Psalms: A new Translation © 1963 The Grail (England)published by Harper Collins. Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

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At the end of today’s Mass, the Prayerafter Communion reminds us that it isnot enough for us to come to Mass: whatwe learn and experience at Mass mustmake a difference in our day-to-day lives.The prayer asks that we may ‘come topossess your [God’s] redemption both inmystery’- that is, understand and bemoved at Mass by what God has donefor us through the selfless death andconsequent new life of Jesus his Son. Wethen go on to pray that we may come topossess God’s redemption ‘in the mannerof our life’, that is, that we may make itthe pattern of our own lives, or ‘that we[may] live no longer for ourselves but forhim who died and rose again for us’ asthe Fourth Eucharistic Prayer puts it.

Monsignor Bruce Harbert – Thoughts on today’s Mass

III. THE NEW EVANGELIZATIATION FOR THETRANSMISSION OF THE FAITH15 (cont’d).A second area is that of “the baptized whose livesdo not reflect the demands of Baptism”,12 who lack ameaningful relationship to the Church and no longerexperience the consolation born of faith. The Church, in hermaternal concern, tries to help them experience aconversion which will restore the joy of faith to their heartsand inspire a commitment to the Gospel. Lastly, we cannot forget that evangelization is first andforemost about preaching the Gospel to those who do notknow Jesus Christ or who have always rejected him. Manyof them are quietly seeking God, led by a yearning to seehis face, even in countries of ancient Christian tradition.All of them have a right to receive the Gospel. Christianshave the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excludinganyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations,they should appear as people who wish to share their joy,who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others toa delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing that theChurch grows, but “by attraction”.1312 BENEDICT XVI, Homily at Mass for the Conclusion of the Synod of Bishops (28October 2012): S 104 (2102), 890.13 BENEDICT XVI, Homily at Mass for the Opening of the Fifth General Conferenceof the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops (13 May 2007), Aparecida, Brazil: AAS99 (2007), 437.

EVANGELII GAUDIUM(JOY OF THE GOSPEL)

CROSSLINK CHURCHES TOGETHER, HAILSHAM POLEGATE CHURCHES TOGETHER

Contact: Ann Fielder 01323 843361 Contact: Margaret Piegrome 01323 870990

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sat 19th 5.30pm St Wilfrid’s - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation Sat 19th 6.00pm St Wilfrid’s - Sheila Maria Pickett RIP TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Home Mission Sunday) Sun 20th 9.00am St George’s - Parish Communities’ Intention 10.30am St Wilfrid’s - Gordon Lawley RIP Mon 21st 2.30pm St George’s - 2.30pm Rosary Group, every Monday except Bank Holidays Tue 22nd 10.00am St Wilfrid’s - Terry Fitzpatrick RIP Wed 23rd 10.00am St George’s - Kitty Baker RIP Thur 24th 10.00am St Wilfrid’s - Dermot Nealen RIP Fri 25th 10.00am St George’s - Holy Souls’ Intention Sat 26th 5.30pm St Wilfrid’s - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation Sat 26th 6.00pm St Wilfrid’s - Mrs V Almeida Intention TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Special Collection next Sunday for CAFOD Harvest Fast Day (Friday) Sun 27th 9.00am St George’s - Dr Chris Intention 10.30am St Wilfrid’s - Parish Communities’ Intention 1st Friday of the month: 9.30am St George’s - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Reconciliation

Parish Priest: Fr. Rory Kelly South Road, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3JG

Tel: (01323) 841504 (Answerphone service available)

Email: ssgeorge.wilfrid@btinternet.com Website: www.saintsgeorgeandwilfrid.co.uk

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those who are unwell: Lily May, Maureen Barnard, Jennifer Duder-Rumsey, Edna Andrews, Julliette Lusted, Jennifer Piskac, Agnes Galt, Margaret Gearing, Joshua Hardy, Betty O’Hora, Peter & Teresa

Zurenkas, Anne & Harry Holt, David Thomas, Michael Bradley, Josephine Coleman, Elizabeth Osbourne, John Dodson, Irene Boulstridge, Mary Scales, Margaret, Tom and Elizabeth Woodrow-Spencer and Enza Riddiford.

PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER THOSE NAMED IN THE BOOKS IN OUR CHURCHES

ST WILFRID South Road Hailsham

ST GEORGE Eastbourne Road

Polegate

St Wilfrid’s Planned Giving Contact (01323) 847014

St George’s Planned Giving Contact (01323) 870990

St George’s & St. Wilfrid’s Finance Committee Treasurers Charles Piegrome & Brian Winter Chairperson of the Finance Committee Peter Dromgoole

ALL CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE ABOVE VIA THE PRIEST’S HOUSE PLEASE Polegate Hall Hire.............................. Tel: (01323) 509047

Prayer Line .......................................Jean Barham Tel: (01323) 842824

USEFUL PARISH INFORMATION

PARISH COMMUNITIES OF

IMPORTANT: Going into hospital? Would like a visit from the Catholic Chaplaincy? Ring 417400, ext 4145 and leave a message for the Catholic Chaplain. Please also let Fr Rory know. Catholic Mass in the hospital Chapel every Friday at 3pm.

St. Thomas a Becket Infant School: Tel 01323 726004 St. Thomas a Becket Junior School: Tel 01323 737221 St Richard`s Catholic College, Bexhill: Tel 01424 731070

Newsletter items: Please send to Jackie at ssgeorge.wilfrid@btinternet.com, tel.841504 or by hand marked NEWSLETTER, to Fr. Rory’s House by 9am Wednesday.

The Arundel & Brighton Diocesan Trust is a Registered Charity No. 252878

New to the Parish or would like to get back in touch but not sure how? Please complete the welcome form available in the porch and/or make yourself known to Fr. Rory. It would be great to get to know you and offer any help.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Mon 21st Sept St Wilfrid’s Fundraising Meeting, St W’s Cabin, 7.30pm Wed 23rd Sept St Wilfrid’s Choir Practice, St Wilfrid’s Church, 7pm Sat 26th Sept St George’s Choir Practice, St George’s Church, 10am Wed 30th Sept St Wilfrid’s Choir Practice, St Wilfrid’s Church, 7pm Fri 2nd Oct BINGO for Children with Cancer, St George’s Hall, 7pm Wed 7th Oct St Wilfrid’s Choir Practice, St Wilfrid’s Church, 7pm Wed 14th Oct Mother Teresa Group Mtg, St George’s Hall, 2.30pm Wed 14th Oct St George’s Leaven Group Mtg, St G’s Hall,

COLLECTIONS: (12th/13th September) St George’s £189.10 Weekly ave./Monthly D/D £176.50 St Wilfrid’s £351.23 Weekly aver. of DD £209.60 Attendances: St W’s 155 St G’s 100 Thank you for your continued generosity

Bonus Ball: Sat 12th September No 44 Sheila Bree Wed 9th September No 3 David Hoad

Fr Rory Writes: Next Sunday sees the return of our Parish “Bash”, with a special service for our church project at St Wilfrid’s – I draw your attention to the Order of Service that we have prepared, for a time of Adoration and Thanksgiving. The service sets out five crucial statements for our future as Catholics “as living stones”, which make up the body of Christ. Based on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary i.e. our life of grace through the sacraments. The first mystery - Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordon, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him”. This not only focuses on baptism, but the necessity to hear the word of God and respond to it. The ministry of the word (readers) take a special responsibility for this. The second mystery - Wedding Feast at Cana, Mary said: “Do whatever He asks”. This not alone celebrates our marriage vows, but directly involves us and calls us to focus on our God-given human dignity. Under Adam, each unique human person can focus upon their God-given dignity, and one day through Jesus to enjoy its fruits in the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Pausing for reflection, acknowledging our God given talents and dignity, how at ease are we in the light of God’s love for us, revealed in Jesus on the cross:- ”How willing am I to take up my cross every day?” Maybe it will inspire us to experience the great Sacrament of Reconciliation, a deep deep peace, knowing that as far as the east is from the west. So far does he remove our sins.......... to be continued next week.

Special Party - 27th Sept: Fr Rory has requested that a special Party be organised for 27th Sept. in the Civic Centre, Hailsham, to celebrate the completion of the construction of St Wilfrid’s new church. The event is as follows: Children’s Event - 2.30-4pm for fun, games and prizes. Welcome drinks and buffet from 3.45pm, from 4pm - Irish Dancing, song and dancing to music by Dom & Flash Company, Presentation - details of our new church, tombola and roll-a-pound. This event is open to all the Parish and friends. Tickets - £10. but families please see Fr Rory. We hope to welcome you there. There will also be a special Service in St Wilfrid’s Church, based on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, from 2-3.30pm.

Diocesan Mass: There is a Diocesan Mass for all Altar Servers on Saturday 26th September at 12 midday at Arundel Cathedral. Please contact David Hoad to confirm that your child will be attending. Phone 01323 849909. Servers are requested to bring their Albs'. Mass will be followed by light refreshments in the Cathedral Hall. Transport arrangements will be confirmed nearer the time subject to numbers.

St George's Harvest Festival Mass will take place on Sunday 4th October at 9am.

CAFOD Fast Day will be on Friday 2nd October with a collection in special envelopes on Sunday 4th October. We are asked to pray and donate especially for the people of Niger, a very poor African country formerly enjoying a rich and plentiful harvest but now devastated by drought followed by flooding caused by climate change. CAFOD is supplying tools, seeds and knowledge to help the people sustain themselves under the threat of climate changes and to remain in their homelands rather than make hazardous journeys to Europe. At St George’s we will celebrate Harvest Festival on the same day when we are asked to bring food for the Food Bank to help local people in their difficulties here at home. Thank you for your usual generous response to these good causes.

Donations by St George’s Church: As Parish Priest I am aware that the Charities Commission is becoming more vigilant in the examination of the use of funds by charities. The church is part of a Charitable Trust and this comes with a responsibility to support those in need in order to maintain our charitable status. The Committee propose that a one-off donation could be made to chosen charities. An alternative is to give 5% of our income as our (annual) charitable donation. A most important aspect of this decision is for the community to agree which charities we should support. Therefore I am asking the community to consider this and to present your suggested charities to the Leaven Group for their consideration before their next meeting, on the 14th October. Please hand your suggestions to Father Rory, Charles or Margaret Piegrome, or Shirley McCann.

The Friday Group’s next Coffee morning will be on Friday, 25th Sept. at 10.30am in the Cabin. If you have been bereaved, have recently moved into our community or wish to meet more people with similar experiences then come and join us. Members from the Bereavement Care Team will be present if you wish to discuss a problem or find answers to questions. We look forward to meeting you.

Songs of Praise – Churches Together, Polegate, The annual Songs of Praise Service is being held on Sunday, 20th September, (this Sunday ,) in Polegate Community Centre, at 6.30pm. Shirley McCann is singing for St George’s Church at what promises to be an uplifting evening of worship and song.

BINGO will take place in St George's Hall on Friday 2nd October in aid of Children with Cancer Fund. Doors open at 7 pm and play commences at 7.30pm. We hope you will join us.

Diocesan Wedding Anniversaries Mass: 12noon on Saturday 17th October at Arundel Cathedral. Booking essential, contact Tel: 01293 651152 or e-mail katherine.bergin:@dabnet.org