Lesnes Abbey Blessed Sacrament Procession

The annual Blessed Sacrament Procession for Bexley and Greenwich Deanery took place this afternoon in glorious sunshine. There was a large group of children who had recently made their first Holy Communion; they had another opportunity, as Fr Scanlon, the Dean of Bexley put it, to "dress up for Jesus." The recently confirmed were also gathered together today, to reflect on this year's theme of "Discipleship". The choir and the readers led us in suitable hymns and gospel passages related to the theme and to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. As is our custom, a collection was taken up for the Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice.

The numbers were down this year: when we fixed the date of the procession, we did not know that it would coincide with England playing Germany in the World Cup. Nevertheless, those who came enjoyed a beautiful occasion of the praise and worship of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Here is the text of the sermon I preached for today:

Disciples of Christ
May I give a special welcome to all the children who have recently made their first Holy Communion and to all the young people who have recently been confirmed. Today, we gather together in this beautiful place with God’s creation smiling on us and his sunshine making everything bright.

We could imagine that we are like those five thousand people who were sat around to listen to him and to marvel as he fed them all with the five loaves and the two fish that the little boy brought for his packed lunch. We can think of the times that the disciples sat and listened to his wonderful teaching which he gave them with great authority because He was the living God, present among them as a man.

We are also gathered around Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He is truly present in the Eucharist, our Holy Communion, as you learnt when you prepared for your first Holy Communion.

But that is difficult to understand, isn’t it? As you know, in September, we will have a very special visitor to our country. Pope Benedict is going to come and see us. We will see pictures of him on the television. Some of us will go to wave to him as he goes by in his special car which people call the “Popemobile”. Some lucky people will be able to go to the special events where he celebrates Mass or says prayers with people and speaks to them about our Catholic faith.

One time in Rome, Pope Benedict met with some children who had just made their first Holy Communion. They were invited to ask the Pope questions. One of them, called Andrea, said to the Pope:

In preparing me for my First Communion day, my catechist told me that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. But how? I can’t see Him!

The Pope kindly explained to Andrea that there are many things that we do not see but we know they are there – like our minds which we use to think, our souls which we use to love others. We can’t see thoughts or love. We can’t see electricity but we know it is there because the light is on.

So with Jesus – we do not see Him with our eyes but we see that wherever Jesus is, people change, they improve. Often the most important things are what we do not see.

Then another child, called Adriano asked the Pope:

Holy Father, they’ve told us that today we will have Eucharistic Adoration. What is it? How is it done? Can you explain it to us? Thank you.

The Pope said that we can see something of what adoration is because everything has been prepared, as it has been today. We say prayers, we sing, kneel down and place ourselves in the presence of Jesus.

Then he explained what adoration is – he said that it is to recognise that

“Jesus is my Lord, that Jesus shows me the way to take, and that I will live well only if I know the road that Jesus points out and follow the path He shows me. Therefore, adoration means saying: “Jesus, I am yours. I will follow you in my life, I never want to lose this friendship, this communion with you”. I could also say that adoration is essentially an embrace with Jesus in which I say to Him: “I am yours, and I ask you, please stay with me always”.

So today, yes, we are just like those disciples of Jesus – Peter, James, John and the other apostles; Mary, Salome, Mary Magdalen, Joanna, Susanna and many others. They felt the power of the personality of Jesus which attracted them to listen to him, to love him, to follow him and to remain true to him all their lives.

Those of you who have been recently confirmed have taken that further step forward in faith as disciples of Jesus. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit you are given power to stand up for your faith, to stand up for Our Lord as a loyal friend.

Dear children and young people. We all learn from you. Your faith reminds us adults of how we need to grow in faith – but also how we need to be simple, heartfelt, devoted and humble in our faith. Adoring him in the Blessed Sacrament and receiving his blessing, we ask him with confidence to draw us closer to him as his disciples – as his friends.

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.

First Holy Communion - congratulations!

Congratulations to the children who have recently made their first Holy Communion in the parish. Congratulations also to all their families.
Many thanks to our team of catechists for all their hard work and dedication in preparing the children to receive the sacraments.

PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Hope at Kent Photonews

First Holy Communion

If your child is in Year 3 and you would like them to make their first Holy Communion in May 2009, please collect a form from the back of the Church. Please return the form as soon as possible before the parents’ meeting on Monday 15 December at 8pm in the Church.

It is very important that those preparing for the sacraments should be coming regularly every week to Mass.

First Holy Communion II

The second of our first Holy Communion Masses was celebrated today at Our Lady of the Rosary. May God bless all our children who have now received our Blessed Lord for the first time.

Once again, God blessed us with a beautiful day so that the photographs could be taken outside in the sunshine.Here are some examples:

First Holy Communion I

The first of our first Holy Communion Masses was celebrated today at Our Lady of the Rosary. There was a large congregation with standing room only in the Church. God blessed us with a beautiful day so that the photographs could be taken outside in the sunshine.

May God bless all our children who received our Blessed Lord for the first time today.

The second of our first Holy Communion Masses will be next Saturday at 12.30pm.

First Communion programme

The first Holy Communion programme will begin after Christmas. This programme is open to children in Year 3 of school. There are forms available at the back of the Church. Please return these as soon as possible and certainly before Christmas.

The initial meeting is for parents and will be in the Church at 8pm on Friday 11 January.

Families who wish their children to receive their first Holy Communion should be coming to Mass regularly every week.