During the General Audience on Wednesday [23 February], Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused “great pain in my heart.”
“Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks,” the Pope said, “increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up,” with many people all over the world feeling anguish and pain. Read more>>> Cardinal Vincent Nichols has urged the Catholic community to pray for peace in Ukraine as Western nations warn that Russia could invade its neighbour at any time. Read more>>>
![]() Please pray for the safe and happy repose of the soul of Father Robert Ellis who passed away in Kingston Hospital on the morning of 29 October. He was the parish priest at St. Thomas Aquinus, Ham. The Ellis family were parishioners of St. Bart’s, and Robert was ordained in our church on 10 July 1982. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord…….
Decree on plenary indulgences for the faithful departed in the current pandemic situation31/10/2020
The Church’s senior tribunal, which handles all matter of the internal forum and indulgences, the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary, issued a decree on 22 October 2020 concerning the annual opportunity to gain indulgences for the souls in Purgatory in time of COVID. It is summarised as follows:
Archbishop John issued a Pastoral Letter, dated 11 June, in advance of the forthcoming first stage of the easing of lockdown restrictions placed on Places of Worship: click here to read the full message.
Click Here to download a PDF copy of the letter The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is calling for women and men to pray to God for an end to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
While recognising the role of science in fighting the disease, the Committee says, “we should not forget to seek refuge in God, the All-Creator, as we face such a severe crisis”. In calling for worldwide prayer, the Committee says, “Each one, from wherever they are and according to the teachings of their religion, faith, or sect, should implore God to lift this pandemic off us and the entire world, to rescue us all from this adversity”. Their call also emphasises the importance of asking God “to inspire scientists to find a cure that can turn back this disease, and to save the whole world from the health, economic, and human repercussions of this serious pandemic”. A day for prayers and supplications The Committee suggests Thursday 14 May, as a day “for fasting, works of mercy, prayers, and supplications for the good of all humanity”. The full text of this notification may be read on the Website of the Bishops's Conference of England & Wales HERE. NHS Prayer Buddies: Rebekah O'Keeffe, a catechist who works within the Diocese, will pair people up as prayer buddies placing each one by name into God's care. If you would like to accompany an NHS worker in prayer at this time, please email Rebekah O’Keeffe with your name and parish details (name and area only). No email addresses will be passed on at any point. An interesting short video, relevant to last Sunday’s World day of Prayer for Vocations, regarding life at Wonersh, our Diocesan Seminary The God Who Speaks: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have dedicated 2020 as a year of focus on the Bible and ‘The God Who Speaks’. Here you will find ideas to help you create a prayerful, scriptural and reflective time at home during this difficult period.
The Diocesan Vocations page on the website has some information on ordained ministry in Southwark, along with contact information for those seeking more information.
One of our recently ordained priests, Father Francis Murphy, has written a short reflection on his journey to priesthood: Click here to read more. The Diocese has several students in formation for the priesthood. Four of these students have written about their response to God's call. Click here to read more. The Diocesan Seminary, St. John's Seminary in Wonersh, annually produces a Seminary magazine. The 2019 edition has been made available to the Diocese. It can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here (205Mb file). Updated 5/4/2020
Whilst we are unable to attend Mass over coming weeks, the Archdiocese has issued a list of parishes that offer Masses online, and it may be found here. It is being constantly updated and indicates Mass times at each parish. Peace service to be led by Archbishop John Wilson in Streatham
![]() Please pray for the safe and happy repose of the soul of Father Tom, who very sadly passed away on Tuesday 5 November. Father Tom was a curate here at St. Bartholomew's from 2000 to 2003. He was an accomplished musician, and hugely supportive of the music in our parish. Requiescat in Pace. Archbishop Peter asks your prayers for the repose of the soul of Canon Francis Moran (Mortlake Parish), who died on 29 January. May he rest in peace.
The Funeral arrangements are as follows: Tuesday 19 February: 16:00: reception of the body at St Mary Magdalen's Church, Mortlake. 19:00: Vigil Mass at St Mary Magdalen's Church, Mortlake. Wednesday 20 February: 12:30: Funeral Mass at St George's Cathedral, Southwark. Thursday 21 February: 19:00: Vigil Mass at St Illtyd's Church, Dowlais, Wales. Friday 22 February: 12:00: Funeral Mass at St Illtyd's Church, Dowlais, Wales; followed by the burial service. Canon Francis' family are very keen to ensure that people in Southwark know they are very welcome to join them for the services in Wales. Eileen Cecilia McCarthy
“Eily” 11 July 1930 – 7 February 2019 It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Eileen has passed away following an illness of several months. She died in Croydon University Hospital. For those of you who would like to attend her funeral, the details are below. Venue St Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Ellison Road, Norbury SW16 5DE and then South London Crematorium, Rowan Road, Streatham SW16 5JG Eileen will be received into the church at 17:00 on Thursday 28 February 2019 and her Funeral Requiem Mass will be at 10:00 on Friday 1 March. At 11:00 she will be taken to the South London Crematorium for cremation and then guests are invited to join us at St. Bartholomew’s Church Hall in Ellison Road for refreshments. Donations, if wished should be made to: SPUC (Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) or CAFOD (Catholic Fund for Overseas Development) Both of these causes were very dear to Eileen’s heart. Indeed for many years she has volunteered at SPUC in an admin capacity. These can be made via the Funeral Director: Alfred Smith, 15 Rowan Road, Streatham SW16 5JF If you wish to send flowers, they have asked for them to arrive no later than 17:00 on 28 February. We know though that Eileen’s preference would be donations. As a further guide to prayer, we now have a Dedications page indicating the subjects that the Church suggests we focus on with our daily and monthly prayers. It is to be found under Thoughts and Prayers at the head of each page.
We acknowledge with gratitude the courtesy of Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman, in permitting us to share them with you. |
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