News & Updates
OTHER PARISH EVENTS/Programmes this Week
Sunday 21st
10.30am – Rise n Shine Group in O’Sullivan Centre
Monday 22nd
2.00pm – SHJ Seniors in Carmel Hall
Wednesday 24th
7.00pm Gospel Prayer Group in Gabriel Room:
The group focuses on the Scripture and prayer. All are welcome to just turn up or call the office for more info.
7.00pm FHC Parents Session in O’Sullivan Centre
Thursday 25th
5.00pm - 6.30pm Kingdom Youth Group in Carmel:
Young people between 12 and 18 are welcome.
6.30pm – 7.45pm Confirmation Group in O’Sullivan
Saturday 27th
10.00am-10:45am Fr Arbo’s Surgery in Parish Office
6.30pm – Parish Bingo Night
Sunday 28th
10.30am -11.30am FHC Children’s Session in Carmel Hall
________________________________________
BINGO NIGHT – 6.30pm 27 April 2024
Our next Bingo Night Fundraising Event takes place on Saturday 27 April. Tickets are now available in church, or from the office during office hours. £10 for adults, £5 for children, this is always a fun night and we look forward to seeing you there!
ASCENSION - Thursday 9 May
Thursday 9 May is Ascension and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be at 10am and 7.30pm. The ascension symbolizes transcendence, a journey beyond the physical realm into the divine. It is a testament to the power of faith in God revealed in Jesus.
GIFT AID ENVELOPES
The new 2024/2025 Gift Aid envelopes are ready for collection from the Parish Office between 10.30am and 11am on Sundays, or from the office during office hours. For those that give by standing order, there are sets of envelopes for the various Special Collections throughout the year.
CAR PARKING **A NOTICE TO ALL USERS**
As you are all aware our Car Park only has 16/17 spaces, two of which are specifically designated as disabled bays. We would ask that from now on the spaces are left for people who are elderly and less mobile or those with mobility impairments. Can we therefore ask that those of you that are able bodied, park in the surrounding streets; Cockleshell Walk car park or Lidl, (which allows 1.5 hours free parking if you pop in and buy something and scan your receipt at the screens behind the tills). It is becoming dangerous in the car park when people arrive late for Mass and park just anywhere; blocking everyone in and causing a potential safety risk should emergency vehicles need to attend the halls or Gabriel Room/Parish Office.
We thank you for your compliance with this request.
Fr Arbo
PARISH BEREAVEMENT GROUP
It was felt that there is a great need to support families and individuals in this great time of need. Everyone is welcome to join. Please call Parish Office for further information. The coordinator of the group is Sue Bunce.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE
For some time we have been exploring the possibility of the Parish going on a Pilgrimage together. If you are interested in the possibility of going in the Spring of 2025 please let the office know and your preferred destination i.e. Fatima, Lourdes or Knock or any other suggestions.
WHY IS MAY THE MONTH OF MARY?
Mary the Mother of Our Lord Jesus, is an undisputed symbol of fertility, bloom and blossom. Through her, Jesus was born and blossomed to save and bring us hope.
The ways Mary is honoured in May is as varied as the people who honour her. The church encourages us to ask for Our Lady’s intercession by praying private and family rosary every day. As a parish we will continue to pray a rosary every Saturday from 4pm - 4:45pm.
In addition to the above, during the month of May, there will be prolonged Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament on 4th and 18th May from 1pm until 4.45pm. To enable us to achieve this there needs to be at least two people in the Church in front of The Blessed Sacrament. So please let the office know if you can commit any amount of time or just turn up.
MEDWAY CATHOLIC MEN’S GROUP
Saturday 4 May - Men's Marian walking pilgrimage.
Take part in this Catholic men's walking pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady on Saturday 4th May. Starts 10.30am outside Rochester Cathedral, arriving at the Carmelite Marian shrine of Aylesford for Holy Hour 2-3pm (led by Fr Thomas Lynch). Walk back to Rochester for pub dinner/drinks for 6/6.30pm. Car parking suggestions available. Closest train station is Rochester.
Email to attend and book dinner: medwaycatholicmen@outlook.com
Friday 10 May - Special event with Bishop Paul Hendricks
Catholic men of the parish are invited to a special evening hosted by the Medway Catholic Men's Group on Friday 10th May, with Bishop Paul Hendricks as guest of honour. 7-7.30pm Eucharistic adoration and Rosary, 7.30-7.45pm welcome drinks, 7.45-8.30 talk on 'faith and science' by Bishop Paul, then dinner together, ending at 10pm. St Michael's parish, Chatham. Car parking available. Chatham train next door. No cost to attend. Please consider bringing a bottle or fish/vegetable Indian dish to share at dinner. Email: medwaycatholicmen@outlook.com
SHJ SENIORS -Growing Strong!
The group aims to provide a space for friendships, social gathering, teas, etc. The next session is Monday 6 May from 2-4pm in Carmel Hall, Ufton Lane, ME10 1JB.
For more info contact:
KENT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
-TEACHER TRAINING SCHEME
SCSP have partnered with Teach First to set up SCITT (School Centered Initial Teacher Training) from September 2024. They are offering 25 places for potential trainees, who will teach 4 days a week in one of their secondary schools. The trainees will receive mentor support and training over the year and will be awarded QTS and a PGCE.
For further information, please visit:
Train to Teach/Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP.org.uk) or contact Deborah Wakelin at office@KCSP.org.uk or on 01622 232 662
MASS IN CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE JULY 13TH 2024 AT ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL
If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than May 31 2024, providing the following details: your names in the format John and Mary Smith, your home address, the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass. Spaces are limited. Email us at mflkent@rcaos.org.uk As the title of your email, please write your parish location e.g. Maidstone St Francis.
MASS INTENTIONS
We currently have availability for Mass intentions, so please remember you are able to book a Mass Intention for repose of the soul, the wellbeing of a family member or friend or a birthday or anniversary and in thanksgiving. Please contact the office to arrange, bookings for weekend Masses should be made well in advance if you want a particular date remembered. Thank you.
TEA & COFFEE now also after Mass on Saturdays
We now have some volunteers for Tea & Coffee after Mass on Saturdays unless there is already another event in the hall, so please keep an eye on the newsletter.
PARISH BANK NAME: RCAS Sittingbourne
Sort Code: 60-19-25 Account: 55861970
Parish You Tube Channel: Live Streaming
www.youtube.com/@sacredheartsittingbourne
Facebook
www.facebook.com/sacredheartsittingbourne/
Sunday 21st
10.30am – Rise n Shine Group in O’Sullivan Centre
Monday 22nd
2.00pm – SHJ Seniors in Carmel Hall
Wednesday 24th
7.00pm Gospel Prayer Group in Gabriel Room:
The group focuses on the Scripture and prayer. All are welcome to just turn up or call the office for more info.
7.00pm FHC Parents Session in O’Sullivan Centre
Thursday 25th
5.00pm - 6.30pm Kingdom Youth Group in Carmel:
Young people between 12 and 18 are welcome.
6.30pm – 7.45pm Confirmation Group in O’Sullivan
Saturday 27th
10.00am-10:45am Fr Arbo’s Surgery in Parish Office
6.30pm – Parish Bingo Night
Sunday 28th
10.30am -11.30am FHC Children’s Session in Carmel Hall
________________________________________
BINGO NIGHT – 6.30pm 27 April 2024
Our next Bingo Night Fundraising Event takes place on Saturday 27 April. Tickets are now available in church, or from the office during office hours. £10 for adults, £5 for children, this is always a fun night and we look forward to seeing you there!
ASCENSION - Thursday 9 May
Thursday 9 May is Ascension and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be at 10am and 7.30pm. The ascension symbolizes transcendence, a journey beyond the physical realm into the divine. It is a testament to the power of faith in God revealed in Jesus.
GIFT AID ENVELOPES
The new 2024/2025 Gift Aid envelopes are ready for collection from the Parish Office between 10.30am and 11am on Sundays, or from the office during office hours. For those that give by standing order, there are sets of envelopes for the various Special Collections throughout the year.
CAR PARKING **A NOTICE TO ALL USERS**
As you are all aware our Car Park only has 16/17 spaces, two of which are specifically designated as disabled bays. We would ask that from now on the spaces are left for people who are elderly and less mobile or those with mobility impairments. Can we therefore ask that those of you that are able bodied, park in the surrounding streets; Cockleshell Walk car park or Lidl, (which allows 1.5 hours free parking if you pop in and buy something and scan your receipt at the screens behind the tills). It is becoming dangerous in the car park when people arrive late for Mass and park just anywhere; blocking everyone in and causing a potential safety risk should emergency vehicles need to attend the halls or Gabriel Room/Parish Office.
We thank you for your compliance with this request.
Fr Arbo
PARISH BEREAVEMENT GROUP
It was felt that there is a great need to support families and individuals in this great time of need. Everyone is welcome to join. Please call Parish Office for further information. The coordinator of the group is Sue Bunce.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE
For some time we have been exploring the possibility of the Parish going on a Pilgrimage together. If you are interested in the possibility of going in the Spring of 2025 please let the office know and your preferred destination i.e. Fatima, Lourdes or Knock or any other suggestions.
WHY IS MAY THE MONTH OF MARY?
Mary the Mother of Our Lord Jesus, is an undisputed symbol of fertility, bloom and blossom. Through her, Jesus was born and blossomed to save and bring us hope.
The ways Mary is honoured in May is as varied as the people who honour her. The church encourages us to ask for Our Lady’s intercession by praying private and family rosary every day. As a parish we will continue to pray a rosary every Saturday from 4pm - 4:45pm.
In addition to the above, during the month of May, there will be prolonged Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament on 4th and 18th May from 1pm until 4.45pm. To enable us to achieve this there needs to be at least two people in the Church in front of The Blessed Sacrament. So please let the office know if you can commit any amount of time or just turn up.
MEDWAY CATHOLIC MEN’S GROUP
Saturday 4 May - Men's Marian walking pilgrimage.
Take part in this Catholic men's walking pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady on Saturday 4th May. Starts 10.30am outside Rochester Cathedral, arriving at the Carmelite Marian shrine of Aylesford for Holy Hour 2-3pm (led by Fr Thomas Lynch). Walk back to Rochester for pub dinner/drinks for 6/6.30pm. Car parking suggestions available. Closest train station is Rochester.
Email to attend and book dinner: medwaycatholicmen@outlook.com
Friday 10 May - Special event with Bishop Paul Hendricks
Catholic men of the parish are invited to a special evening hosted by the Medway Catholic Men's Group on Friday 10th May, with Bishop Paul Hendricks as guest of honour. 7-7.30pm Eucharistic adoration and Rosary, 7.30-7.45pm welcome drinks, 7.45-8.30 talk on 'faith and science' by Bishop Paul, then dinner together, ending at 10pm. St Michael's parish, Chatham. Car parking available. Chatham train next door. No cost to attend. Please consider bringing a bottle or fish/vegetable Indian dish to share at dinner. Email: medwaycatholicmen@outlook.com
SHJ SENIORS -Growing Strong!
The group aims to provide a space for friendships, social gathering, teas, etc. The next session is Monday 6 May from 2-4pm in Carmel Hall, Ufton Lane, ME10 1JB.
For more info contact:
- the Parish Office and/or
- Margaret Mayes on 07708 142646 or
KENT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
-TEACHER TRAINING SCHEME
SCSP have partnered with Teach First to set up SCITT (School Centered Initial Teacher Training) from September 2024. They are offering 25 places for potential trainees, who will teach 4 days a week in one of their secondary schools. The trainees will receive mentor support and training over the year and will be awarded QTS and a PGCE.
For further information, please visit:
Train to Teach/Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP.org.uk) or contact Deborah Wakelin at office@KCSP.org.uk or on 01622 232 662
MASS IN CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE JULY 13TH 2024 AT ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL
If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than May 31 2024, providing the following details: your names in the format John and Mary Smith, your home address, the anniversary you are celebrating, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass. Spaces are limited. Email us at mflkent@rcaos.org.uk As the title of your email, please write your parish location e.g. Maidstone St Francis.
MASS INTENTIONS
We currently have availability for Mass intentions, so please remember you are able to book a Mass Intention for repose of the soul, the wellbeing of a family member or friend or a birthday or anniversary and in thanksgiving. Please contact the office to arrange, bookings for weekend Masses should be made well in advance if you want a particular date remembered. Thank you.
TEA & COFFEE now also after Mass on Saturdays
We now have some volunteers for Tea & Coffee after Mass on Saturdays unless there is already another event in the hall, so please keep an eye on the newsletter.
PARISH BANK NAME: RCAS Sittingbourne
Sort Code: 60-19-25 Account: 55861970
Parish You Tube Channel: Live Streaming
www.youtube.com/@sacredheartsittingbourne
www.facebook.com/sacredheartsittingbourne/
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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