Holy Days of Obligation 2026

Sunday 16th August - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday 1 November - All Saints Day 
Friday 25th December - Christmas Day

Moveable Feasts
Sunday 22 November - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Sunday 29 November - First Sunday of Advent  

News & Updates

​CONFIRMATION MASS – Saturday 20th June
Please pray for the young people who were confirmed on Saturday, 20th June by Bishop Paul Hendricks. Pray that they will remain faithful to the message of Jesus through the Catholic Church, and that as they go out into the world, will use their faith in Christ to make a better place for all.
“May they know the peace of Jesus, the Light of his Love and His Joy”
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OTHER PARISH Events/Programmes this week


Note: There will be no Surgery sessions during August & no tea & coffee after Mass now until September

Saturday 8 August
6.00pm UCM in Gabriel Room
 
Monday 10 August
2.00 - 4.00pm SHJ Seniors in Carmel Hall (Cream Tea)
 
Wednesday 12 August
7.00 – 9.00pm – Deepening Faith Group in Gabriel Room
Thursday 13 August 
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5.00pm - 6.30pm – Kingdom Youth Group – Carmel Hall only
 
Note: No Gospel Prayer group until 3rd September.
 





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A WARM WELCOME TO OUR VISITING PRIESTS 
This week we are lucky to have Fr Michael Ryan here Tuesday, Fr Geoffrey Pointer on Wednesday & Friday. Deacon David will be offering a Eucharistic Service on Thursday.  On Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th we are lucky to be joined by Fr Etienne Caruana. We thank them all for their help covering during Fr Arbo’s home leave. 

PARISH PILGRIMAGE 2027 - ASSISI
Following two very successful pilgrimages this year and last, the planned destination is Assisi in 2027.
Leaving early evening on 10/5/2027 and stopping in Assisi and leaving on Friday 14/5 where our last visit will be to the tomb of St Carlo Acutis. The price including flights, hotel on a half board basis and all trips during our stay is £1,320.  Deposit of £300 payable by 11/9 and can be paid in instalments to Pilgrimage People. A full itinerary can be emailed or collected from the office.

NEW CHURCH CARPET REPLACEMENT PROJECT!
The new Church carpet will be replaced the week beginning Monday 17th August, so this will mean that the Church will be closed on Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th August. Mass will resume on Friday 21st August celebrated by Fr Geoffrey Pointer


O’SULLIVAN CENTRE – CLOSED FOR KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT From 22/7/26 – date tbc
During the refurbishment, the kitchen and the hall will be closed to all.  Teas & Coffees after Mass will stop for the summer as usual after this Sunday and will resume in September.  We take this opportunity to thank all those that help serve the teas and coffees after Mass and provide refreshments at various events throughout the year. 

MASS INTENTIONS AND OFFERINGS
Parish Priests have been asked, to remind parishioners of the laudable Catholic custom of requesting that Mass be offered for a particular intention. Although every celebration of Mass is offered for the glory of God and the salvation of the whole world, a priest may also apply the Mass for a specific intention, whether for the living or the dead.
It should be made clear that the customary offering associated with a Mass intention is not a payment for the Mass, nor may anyone be denied the opportunity to request a Mass because they are unable to make an offering. The suggested offering in the Archdiocese is £10; however, a person may give more, less, or nothing, according to their circumstances.



STAINED GLASS WINDOW PROJECT
Phase 2 is to replace the three windows facing the A2 with stained Glass windows which will be eliminated from the inside. It will be a witness of a living church, enhance the beauty of the neighbourhood and present a welcoming atmosphere. We continue to pray for and thank those who are donating for this project. The fundraising is ongoing, so please give what you can. See the night illumination of the windows. 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMMES 2026/27
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 
Registration for the next First Holy Communion programme is now on. If you have a child who will be in year 3 and above next September, please register her or him 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.

CONFIRMATION 
If your child will be 13 years old by next June, please prepare to enrol him or her on to the Confirmation programme 2027. More details will be out after summer break.

EVER THOUGHT OF BECOMING A CATHOLIC!
If you are interested in discovering more about the Christian Catholic Faith, RCIA (Journey in Faith Programme) will begin in the Autumn. The enquiry period starts on Tuesday 27th Oct after 6pm Mass in the O’Sullivan Centre until Easter. For more information, please contact the office. We would be delighted for you to join us.

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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