News & Updates


​NEW DEAN OF CHATHAM DEANERY FROM 1/1/2026
We are proud to announce that the clergy in the Chatham Deanery have chosen Fr Arbo to be the new Dean with effect from 1st January until 31 December 2029.
“To foster pastoral care by means of common action, a Bishop may join together in special groups, several neighbouring parishes known as Vicariates Forane and appoint worthy Priests to the office of Vicar Forane, known as the Dean.”
 
MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
Remembrance candles are available in the repository area in the Church Porch at £4 per candle or 3 for £10.  Payment can be made in cash or via the Dona machine.  A Book of Remembrance is now in the Porch for you to add your notes of remembrance for your lost relatives and friends.
 
ROSARY FOR HOLY SOULS OF PURGATORY
During November we will be praying the rosary for the Holy souls of purgatory after 6pm mass on Tuesdays, we invite parishioners to join us to say the rosary. 

 
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES - CHRISTMAS PARTIES
This year we will have 2 separate gatherings:-
Adults  – 2pm - 5pm,  6th December in Carmel Hall
Families and all welcome – 6pm – 9pm, 13th December in Carmel Hall and O’Sullivan Centre.
Tickets are available for purchase from the Office or in church!!
 
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE TICKETS
Tickets for the Christmas Raffle are now available in the porch, please take only those you wish to purchase.  Envelopes are provided for you to return the completed stubs and cash or cheque to the office prior to date of draw. Thank you for your support
 
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Christmas Cards are now on sale in the Porch, all proceeds raise funds for the Church.  Thank you
 
VOTIVE CANDLES
Please note that the Votive Candles are now 50p. You can pay cash or by Dona Machine.
 
SACRED HEART PENS
There are some lovely pens for sale in Church, they are £3 each and to raise funds for the Church, please pay by Dona or by putting money in repository.  Thankyou 

AUGUSTINE CAMINO PILGRIMAGE
Sunday 16th November at 2pm - free, The Beheading of John the Baptist, Doddington.  Andrew Kelly - joint founder of the Augustine Camino pilgrimage route will give an introduction to this beautiful long-distance path which passes through Kingsdown, Doddington and Newnham.
Saturday  22nd November, meeting 9am Faversham station, cost £20 per person, bring a pack lunch - Guided walk from Faversham to Canterbury along the Augustine Camino (11 miles mainly through the woods).
Please find more information about these two events in the printed flyers
 
ALTAR SERVERS REHEARSAL/TRAINING SESSION
On Saturday 22nd November at 11am there will be an Altar Servers training Session in Church.  New Altar Servers are also welcome to join this training session.
 
SR DELIA R.I.P.
It is with great sadness we have to share the news that our dear Sister Delia died on Friday 7th November, she will be greatly missed.  The Requiem Mass will take place here at The Sacred Heart on Wednesday 3rd December at 12 Noon.
 
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 
The next First Holy Communion programme begins with a Parent Session on Wednesday 3rd December in the O’Sullivan Centre for 7-8pm.  It is not too late to register, if you wish to do so, please contact the office.
 
CONFIRMATION programme begins this week on 13th November in the O’Sullivan Centre with a parents evening.  If you have not already registered please complete the form on the website, under Sacraments/Confirmation.
 
SEASONAL APPEAL FOR PRIZES, FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES AND VOLUNTEERS
As the Advent Season approaches we will shortly be selling our annual fundraising Christmas Raffle Tickets and the Parish Party tickets will be on sale.  To enable these events to go ahead we appeal for volunteers to help with the events, also selling raffle & party tickets before each Mass.  We also ask for your kind donations of prizes for the Grand Prize Draw, and donations of soft and alcoholic drinks for use at the events. Any questions please contact the Office.
 
SAD NEWS – PETER DUCKWORTH R.I.P.
Further to last week’s notice that Peter had died, Peter’s daughter Ann has asked us to share funeral details with you, which is 18th November at 10.30am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Faversham and below is a link to the funeral service which will be streamed online. 
https://www.funeralfilming.co.uk/18th-nov-25

LUCKY NUMBERS
The Church Lucky Numbers renews in January, There are 4 cash prizes per monthly draw for each number that you pay for. Each number costs just £12 per year. If you are interested in supporting the Church and having a chance to win, please contact the office.
 

 
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SAFEGUARDING:
It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger. Further safeguarding information can be found on the parish website or click on QR code.  
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PARISH BANK NAME: RCAS SITTINGBOURNE
Sort Code: 60-19-25 Account: 55861970
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SACRAMENTS 2026

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION  The next First Holy Communion programme begins in November.  We have introduced electronic registration this year and would ask that you register your child via the form on the FHC page under Sacraments on our Website, if your child was baptised outside this Parish you must also submit a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate to the office.  [email protected]  Alternatively scan this QR code and it will take you to the Registration Form 
 
The confirmation programme begins 13th November and all candidates must complete the electronic registration forms on the Confirmation page under Sacraments on our Website.  Note** You must also register in person on Saturdays 6th, 13th and 20th September, between 10am to 11am in the Parish Office. If your child was baptised outside the Parish please remember to bring their proof of Baptism. Further dates for registration will be released in October if there is a need. Alternatively scan this QR code and it will take you to the Registration Form    
 

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A CATHOLIC! If you are interested in discovering more about the Catholic Faith, RCIA sessions (Journey in Faith Programme) these will begin on Tuesday 28th October at 6.30pm, please contact the office for further information and a registration form.  [email protected]


 
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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