News & Updates

  
OTHER PARISH Events/Programmes this week  
Every Saturday: 10am-10:45am - Fr Arbo Surgery (unless stated otherwise)  
Saturday 17th May - Surgery This Week
 
Sunday 18th May
10.30am – Tea & Coffee in the O’Sullivan Centre
11.00am FHC Children Presented to Parish
12 Noon – FHC Celebration in Carmel Hall
 
Monday 19th May
2.00 – 4.00pm SHJ Seniors in Carmel Hall
 
Tuesday 20th May
3.00 -4.00pm Bereavement Support Group in Gabriel Room
 
Wednesday 21st May
6.00 - 7.00pm – Deeping Faith Group in Gabriel Room
 
Thursday 22nd May
5.00pm - 6.30pm - Kingdom Youth Group in O’Sullivan
7.00 - 8.00pm - Gospel Prayer Group -Gabriel Room
 
Saturday 24th May - Surgery This Week


POPE LEO XIV
About 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide have a new spiritual leader: Pope Leo XIV.
The election of Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV, as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church marks two historic firsts. Leo is the first-ever U.S.-born pope to lead the church and the first pope from the Augustinian order.
On Thursday, the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and delivered a short speech. His opening words were "Peace be with all of you!"

ORDINATION OF STEPHEN TRAFFORD
Stephen Trafford's Ordination to the Priesthood has now been officially confirmed and will take place at 12:30pm on Saturday 19th July, at St George's Cathedral, Southwark. All are very welcome to attend. There will be an open reception afterwards in the Amigo Hall.
A coach will be going from Sittingbourne and if you want to travel by coach it is imperative you contact the office to secure a seat and for instructions on how to make your payment of £25 per person. The coach will pick us up from the bus stop outside the Cab Office next door and drop us off at St George’s Cathedral and will bring us back afterwards. (Please note Ordination is at St George’s Catholic Cathedral, Southwark, not Westminster Catholic Cathedral in Victoria!)

Stephen will celebrate his first Mass here at the Sacred Heart at 4pm on Sunday 20th July. He will hear confessions between 2pm and 3pm. There will be a reception after the Mass.  Numbers of places at the reception after Mass will be very limited as Stephen’s family, friends and Priests from other Parishes will be attending.  To attend please ensure you book by sending an email [email protected] . We will send a confirmation that you are on the list if places are still available.  Note you do not have to book to just attend the Mass.

IGBO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Please join us for a vibrant cultural gathering of the IGBO Catholic Community, under the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy of England and Wales, on Sunday May 25th.  This event will take place at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Rainham, Kent ME8 7RH, starting with the IGBO Mass at 1pm.  Bring along your family and friends to partake in this wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members. We’ll continue with festivities and entertainment after Mass. God Bless.

PARISH PILGRIMAGE
Following a very successful pilgrimage to Medjugorje a further pilgrimage is planned for next year.
Knock seemed a popular choice and dates being looked at are Mid May 2026.  May, as its the month of Mary.
As its early days the programme and costs are being worked on.  If you are interested or would like an input please register your interest with the office.
 
CARMEL HALL – re-decoration
Are you, or do you know a professional painter to decorate the Carmel Hall?  There is only a short window of opportunity during the summer break when the hall is not in use. The dates hall unused are varied during summer holidays, so please contact the office for further details in you are interested.

SOUTHWARK ARCHDIOCESE JUBILEE 2025 CELEBRATION DAY at The Friars, Aylesford 7 June 2025. Led by Archbishop John Wilson, we will gather as an Archdiocese at The Friars, Aylesford for a day of prayer, reflection, celebration, and fun. There will be lots of activities, for children as well as for adults. This will be the centre-piece event of the 2025 Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There will also be a walking pilgrimage from St George’s Cathedral in Southwark to The Friars (2-6 June 2025). The event itself is free.
Due to limited interest we possibly won’t put on a coach for the day itself, as so many have expressed a preference to drive.  However (subject to suitable numbers) we may be able to organise a minibus or similar, please contact the Parish Office [email protected] . You can find out more about the event, including how to join the walking pilgrimage, and the wider Jubilee Year plans in the Archdiocese at rcaos.org.uk/jubilee2025. 

PARISH FEAST DAY BBQ
SAT 21ST JUNE
An international cultural day. Showcasing the best of the parish including.
•            Traditional attires/dress
•            ⁠International food stalls
•            Various traditional music and dance
•           Family friendly games and activities
 Artisan crafts or displays representing your heritage.
 
Would you like to take part? Host a cultural stall, run a game, or organise a performance that reflects your heritage. Want to be involved?
 Please read article below.

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PARISH BANK NAME:  RCAS SITTINGBOURNE
Sort Code: 60-19-25
                                       Account: 55861970


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Last year we had a very successful food bank and were able to help many families in need.  This year might be even harder for some in our parish and local community. If you are able, could we ask for your generosity to be extended again this year. Any non-perishable items would be gratefully received. Please leave them in the porch.
We also have a parishioner who is visiting the homeless on the streets in Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Faversham. They are in need of toiletries, socks, scarves, sleeping bags etc.
Equally, if you are struggling and in need, you can contact Fr Arbo in confidence.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please leave any donations in the porch or in the office.
FOOD BANK
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