Arise Once More - Reviving Catholic Britain

St Anthony Communications have produced a DVD called "Arise Once More" to offer an encouraging and hopeful look at Catholicism in Britain today and to encourage Catholics to revive the faith by their example, teaching and witness.

The film gives a summary of the history of Catholicism in Britain, beginning with St Alban and the beginning of Christianity in these isles, following the great cultural, artistic and educational achievements of the middle ages, looking at the tragedy of the Reformation, and the Second Spring which brought new life to the Church. The last section of the film focusses on the need for a revival of Catholic life and the steps necessary to achieve it. I have just watched the film through and I think it is an excellent resource for parishes, offering an upbeat response to the dismal secularist propaganda about the Catholic Church that can be discouraging to ordinary Catholics.

The commentary is provided by James and Joanna Bogle, Fr Marcus Holden, Fr Andrew Pinsent, Fr Thomas Crean, Fr Nicholas Schofield, Fr Brian Harrison, and Sister Mary of the Trinity.

St Anthony Communications are arranging a series of public screenings next weekend, with one at Blackfen on Saturday evening.

The DVD will be shown in the Small Hall at 7.15pm (Sat 28 November). There will be light refreshments available in the Hall after the 6pm Mass.
The running time of the film is 33 minutes.

Here is the link to order a copy of "Arise Once More" online.

Cheese and Wine tasting in aid of Breast Cancer Care

A Cheese and Wine tasting afternoon will be held in the Large Hall on 5 December 2-5pm. £5.00 per ticket. Mulled wine, mince pies and hand made Christmas Cards will also be on sale (soft drinks will also be available) All proceeds to go to Breast Cancer Care. Tickets on sale after all Masses weekends of 21st and 28th November.

Raffle tickets are available with some amazing prizes.

• 1st prize: Aeroplane flight over Kent with own pilot!
• 2nd prize: a London Walk of your choice for you and up to 20 friends conducted by a Blue Badge Holder
• 3rd prize: fitness assessment and one to one session with personal trainer.

The draw will be conducted at the Cheese and Wine tasting . Tickets £1 each or 10 for £5.00.

Cathy Edwards will be selling tickets after Masses this weekend.

John Simpson RIP

Of your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul John Simpson who died recently.

The body will be brought to the Church on Wednesday 9 December at 4.30pm.
The Requiem Mass (Latin) will be on Thursday 10 December at 10.30am, followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium.

Confirmation 2010

Bishop Patrick Lynch will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in the parish on Thursday 25 March 2010 at 7.30pm Mass. The programme of preparation will begin after Christmas. The initial meeting for parents and candidates will be on Monday 18 January at 7.30pm in the Church.

Green registration forms (for young people in Year 8) are available at the back of the Church. Please read the information carefully and return the forms as soon as possible.

First Holy Communion

There are yellow forms at the back of the Church for those children in Year 3 whose parents wish them to prepare for their First Communion next year. Please return the form to the presbytery as soon as possible. Children preparing for first Communion should be coming regularly to Mass every Sunday.

The first of the parents’ evenings will be on Monday 11 January 2010 at 7.30pm in the Church. It is very important for parents to attend this session. General advice regarding the dress code for first Communion will be given at the first meeting. There will also be two further meetings on Monday 22 February at 7.30pm and on Friday 16 April for parents of first Holy Communion children to help you to support your child in their faith.

Classes will be arranged for the children from January to May on Mondays at 5pm and on Thursdays at 4.15pm. If there is a serious reason why any particular time would be impossible, please let us know on the attached form. However, it is important that the first Holy Communion classes are given priority over other activities.

The first Holy Communion Masses will be on Saturday 8 May and Saturday 15 May. Parents may also opt for their children to receive their first Holy Communion at the sung Latin Mass on Saturday 1 May.

Children preparing for first Holy Communion must have already been baptised. It is essential that they are coming to Mass regularly every week. Children will also be prepared for their first Confession which must be made before first Holy Communion.

Please return the form before Christmas. Children will not be admitted to the programme after it has started in January.

Talk on the Priesthood

As part of our Bexley Deanery Mission Year, (an our celebration of the Year for Priests) the second of our talks on the priesthood will be held at the Church Hall of St John Vianney, Bexleyheath.

On Friday 20 Nov at 7pm, Fr Marcus Holden, author of Evangelium will be speaking on the Priesthood. After the talk there will be refreshments and a chance to meet the speaker.

Children's Crib Service

Our Children's Crib Service will be on Sunday 20 December at 3pm. This is an informal celebration with Nativity pageant with carols and readings especially for children. All children are welcome to come, dressed simply as shepherds, angels or kings.

Carol and Memorial Service

Our Parish Carol Service will be on Sunday 6 December 3pm. At this Service, held in co-operation with Ashdown Funeral Services, we will also remember those who have died. It offers an opportunity for us to welcome non-Catholics to the Church, offering our prayers and charity.