Fr. Steve Wymer Parish Priest 020 8650 3390 Deacon Sean Murphy 020 3490 5693 frswymer@gmail.com skmurphy@hotmail.co.uk Fr. Ashley Beck Assistant Priest 020 8650 4117/ 020 7998 5949 ashleybeck88@hotmail.com Fr. Simplicio D’Souza Assistant Priest 020 8650 7533 sipu29@gmail.com

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. EDMUND OF CANTERBURY

NEWSLETTER 29 October 2017, Thirtieth Sunday (A)

The Presbytery, 20 Village Way, Beckenham BR3 3NP Parish Office 020 8650 0970

Open Monday to Friday 9 - 1pm

Email stedmundsparish@btconnect.com Website: www.saintedmunds.net

Salesian Sisters 25 Village Way, BR3 3NA 020 8650 6313 patdevine13@gmail.com

Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver 89 Shortlands Road BR2 0JL

020 8313 3915 sspc.echo.uk@googlemail.com

The Claver Sisters will be selling their 2018 calendars after all Masses this weekend. Next week there will be a speaker from Aid to the Church in Need and the second collection will be for their work.

These are extracts from a statement issued last week by the

Bishops of England and Wales and of Scotland to mark the

fiftieth anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act:

‘Over the last fifty years, the bishops of our countries, along with

many other people, have spoken consistently in favour of the

intrinsic value of human life and both the good of the child in the

womb and the good of the mother. This anniversary provides an

opportunity to lament the loss of life due to abortion and seek a

change of minds and hearts about the good of the child in the

womb and the care of mothers who are pregnant.

Fifty years ago, few envisaged the possibility that there would be

almost 200,000 abortions in Great Britain in 2015. Every abortion

is a tragedy and few consider that abortion is the desirable or best

solution to a pregnancy, which may be challenging on account of

many different factors. The complex set of conditions in which a

woman finds herself pregnant and may consider having an

abortion may limit the exercise of freedom and diminish moral

culpability. When abortion is the choice made by a woman, the

unfailing mercy of God and the promise of forgiveness through the

Sacrament of Reconciliation are always available. There is always

a way home to a deeper relationship with God and the Church, as

recent Popes have emphasised, which can heal and bring peace.

Today the language of 'choice' dominates discourse about

marriage, gender, family and abortion. This needs further

exploration. Choice has come to mean doing whatever I feel to be

right for me - a very subjective view of the good - rather than

taking into account a wider set of fundamental values. This is a

very inadequate understanding of free choice, which requires an

education in important truths about what is truly good and the

possibility of other options. In this case, these must include the

good of the unborn child, care and support for pregnant mothers,

and the responsibility of the father....

...Over these last fifty years, we, the Catholic Bishops of Scotland,

England and Wales, have spoken consistently in favour of the

intrinsic value of human life and of the good of the child in the

womb and the good of the mother. The lives of both are precious,

valued and to be protected. This position differs considerably from

that of those who hold that the freedom to choose in the question

of abortion must focus on the good of one of these lives alone. During these fifty years, the appeal to freedom of choice in our

society has become increasingly centred on the resolution of

dilemmas and difficulties according to their emotional impact and

THE ABORTION ACT 1967

our immediate desires. This is a very narrow understanding

of choice which ignores any reference to more fundamental

values. In this, a subjective desire is often claimed to be a

rightful choice. This inadequate interpretation has become

a dominant factor which shapes our society's conversation

about marriage, gender, family and indeed abortion. Follow-

ing slogans is never a firm basis for good decisions. Rather,

we hold that such decisions require a grounding in good

formation and sound perspectives which both adhere and

aspire to important truths about what is genuinely good.

In making choices, we should always seek to do that which

upholds human dignity in the service of human life. Our

choices should be the fruit of mature consideration, fully

informed of the consequences and implications of our

action. We have the gift of free will and also the capacity

and responsibility to exercise it well, unless something

inhibits our freedom. Good decisions and choices are

difficult to make if we are under pressure, frightened, alone,

and deeply unsure about what to do. Each individual's

choice must take into account the wider ramifications of

their decisions which, inevitably, have a profound effect

beyond the person making them. In the case of abortion,

decisions and choices need to acknowledge the duty to

cherish human life and to foster its flourishing beyond the

circumstances of any one person, however challenging these

may be.......Deciding to have an abortion is a grave decision.

The process of decision making occurs in diverse

circumstances and is influenced by different considerations:

a perceived threat to mental or physical health; not knowing

how to cope with the situation of being pregnant; being

alone or pressurised; not knowing where your support will

come from; the diagnosis of disability for the child in the

womb; knowing that a child will bring extra financial

burden on already stretched means. The issue of abortion

not only has consequences for mothers, but also affects

fathers, both in terms of taking responsibility to protect and

care for the children they have conceived and in coping with

the impact of abortion. In such situations, the capacity to

exercise choice can be compromised with a consequent

limitation on a person’s mortal culpability ......’

The full statement can be downloaded from

www.cbcew.org.uk and it is also on the noticeboard in the

porch.

mailto:skmurphy@hotmail.co.ukmailto:ashleybeck88@hotmail.commailto:stedmundsparish@btconnect.com

PARISH NOTICES

Thank you to all those who attended the follow-up meeting to the Life in the Spirit Seminars. There were a number of sug-gestions and ideas to consider. One thing I can say at this stage is that the monthly Friday Prayer Meeting will resume on 24th November starting at 7.30 pm in no 11. This is a time for prayer, praise and listening to God. Please bring a bible.

CHRISTMAS FAIR Sunday 3 December.

The next planning meeting for the Christmas Fair is on Tuesday 7 November in no11 after 10 am

Mass. All are welcome to attend. If you cannot make the meeting but are keen to help please contact

Sue Owen 07828 132921 or at sueowenwolf@gmail.com

Please take a flyer from the back of the church to see

what we need from you to make our fair a success.

ANNUAL DAY OF RECOLLECTION For Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and Readers

Bishop Thomas Grant School 11 November

Please return applications by Friday 3 November

CHURCHSUITE Don’t forget to log onto ChurchSuite to keep up to date with the latest parish news, view the calendar of events, make on-line donations, manage GiftAid, keep track of parish correspondence and update your own data. We are also sending out copies of the newsletter via ChurchSuite. If you would like to receive a digital copy on a Friday please ensure that we have your email address. This can be added to your ChurchSuite account so please let the parish office know so you can be added to the list. To register for ChurchSuite please go to

http://saintedmunds.net/index.php/new-parishioners

DIARIES Our pocket size St Edmund’s diaries for 2018 are at the back of the church. Please put your £2 in the slot marked PAPERS in the porch.

CALENDARS The Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver are outside the Church after all Masses this weekend to sell their Mission calendars. Having a Mission calendar is a way of reminding ourselves all the year round of our duty to sustain the missions by our prayer and sacrifices. Please help the Sis-ters generously.

ST EDMUND’S BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Every year St Edmund’s Parish dedicates one of its Masses to bereaved parishioners, their families and friends. We would like to invite everyone who has arranged a funeral here this year and all those who also wish to remember a deceased family member or friend, to attend the Mass which will be held this year on

Saturday 18 November at 10.00am. After the Homily the names of the deceased will be read out and you are invited to place a lighted candle, which will be provided, in front of the altar. The names of those who have died this year will be read out and all parishioners are invited to request that the names of other deceased family members and friends also be included. Please contact the Parish Office by 12 noon on Friday 17

th November to add a

name or names. It would be helpful if rather than phoning you write down the names and put them through the Office letter box or email them to the office. After the Mass there will be light refreshments in the hall.

Please join us there. We look forward to welcoming you on 18 November.

BEREAVEMENT TREE During November we will have a Bereavement Tree in the Church.

On the offertory table there will be tags on which you are invited to write the names of those you wish to remember. Please write

their name on a tag and leave it in the basket. We will secure it to the tree where it will remain

until the end of the month.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Our next open door session will be on

Wednesday 1 November, 10.30 to 12 noon at 11 Village Way.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

9.30 am Sunday Mass Following the meeting last Saturday it has been agreed

that in future the rota allocation sheet should be finalised before Mass begins.

This means that if you are not signed in before Mass starts then your place will be reallocated to another

Extraordinary Minister. We hope that all will understand the need for this change,

(less disturbance to all concerned), and try to be in Church a few minutes early on their duty days.

Our winners for October are: £100 - no 141 - Ann Marie Reilly £75 - no 30 - Mrs Catherine Cook

£50 - 302 - Mrs Celia Doran £25 - 309 - Mrs Maria De Souza

http://saintedmunds.net/index.php/new-parishionershttp://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjHytPW2dnOAhUM8RQKHcUcCYMQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bethlehemccnhgolf.com%2F2016%2520Pages%2F2016_300club.html&psig=AFQjCNFrpm09gpkxIfEOz8aYEOkIQ-mscQ&ust=1472

CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL 2017 Please bring your filled shoeboxes to the Parish Office or leave them at the back of the Church by November 5 at the latest. Any later than this and they will have missed the collection. Boxes can also be dropped off at

the school office at Bishop Challoner before Friday 3 please. If you have any questions, please call Susie or Lucienne –

0208 778 3101 or 07884 184 534

AUTUMN DANCE for our silver parishioners

Friday November 10 6-10pm

St Edmund’s Hall Tickets £5 to include

canapés and a cocktail.

Tickets from Monica after 10am Mass on Tuesdays or contact the Parish Office

DIVINE MERCY RETREAT

Sunday 12 November 2.15 - 5.30 pm

The Divine Mercy Apostolate run by the Marian Fathers is organising this retreat at: The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord

165 - 169 Kirkdale Sydenham LONDON SE26 4QL

The Mass for the Sick and the Housebound which was held last Saturday afternoon was very well attended. Many thanks to our SVP members and our other volunteers for giving their

time to this.

ST EDMUND’S WALKING GROUP Next walks

Saturday 11 November - morning Long walk suitable for experienced walkers. Walking boots

required Saturday 16 December - morning

Gentle stroll around Kelsey Park followed by mince pies and mulled wine at

69 Kenwood Drive

SWAP A BOOK A growing number of parishioners meet in no11 after 10 am Mass each Tuesday for a drink and a chat. We have now added a book corner. You can bring a book you have enjoyed and leave it for someone to read. If you wish to take one home a small donation towards church funds is welcomed. A couple of parishioners have suggested that we have a book appreciation session once a month and the first one will be on Tuesday 7 November after Mass. So bring along a book you have enjoyed, talk about it if you would like and pass it on, if you can part with it. Let’s give this a try and see if it takes off. Mavis Alagar

ST. EDMUND'S CHRISTMAS DINNER & DANCE PARTY

Friday 8 December

Cost: £25 per person - to include a two course meal & coffee

Vegetarian option available.

The Sterling Suite, HSBC Sports Ground, Lennard Road, Beckenham, BR3 1QW

Contacts: Monique 020 8658 4829

& Maria 0794 654 3278

Tickets must be purchased by Friday 24 November

CHARISMATIC RENEWAL IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Day of Renewal

Golden Jubilee Celebration St George’s Cathedral Saturday 4 November

9.45am-4.45pm Praise and Worship - Reconciliation Testimony - Healing Service - Mass

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr Steve.

FATIMA PILGRIMAGE There is an account of the second Pilgrimage to Fatima available at the back of the church - please take a copy.

MASSES AND INTENTIONS 29 October - 5 November

Sunday 29 October Thirtieth Sunday (A) 8.00 am Church For the people 9.30 am Church Tom Knell RIP 11.00 am Church Anna Newton RIP (baptism) 5.30 pm Church Erika and Paddy Curtin 7.00 pm Church John McAvoy RIP

Monday 30 October Feria 8.15 am 27 V Way James Hanley RIP 10.00 am Church Cathy Shields - birthday

Tuesday 31 October Feria 8.15 am Claver Gloria Jean Pheby RIP 10.00 am Church Anne Elizabeth Leach RIP 7.30 pm Church Paul McCarthy RIP (vigil) Wednesday 1 November ALL SAINTS SOLEMNITY 7.30 am Church Michael Finnegan RIP 9.10 am St Mary’s Wellbeing of Diane & Des Brelu Brelu 10.00 am Church Ronald and Eileen Furlong RIP 12 noon Church John Murnane and his family 8.00 pm Church Nora & Sean Moriaty RIP and family Thursday 2 November The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed ALL SOULS DAY 8.15 am Claver For the promoters and benefactors of the Claver Sisters 10.00 am Church Parents and relatives of Maria & George 8.00 pm Claver Adoration and Benediction Friday 3 November Feria (St Martin de Porres) 8.15 am Claver Shipsey and Davis families 9.00 am Challoner Private intention 9.10 am St Mary’s Trevor Binley RIP 10.00 am Church Adorers Adoration and Benediction Saturday 4 November St Charles Borromeo, Bishop 8.15 am Claver For the dec’d Claver Sisters 10.00 am Church Welfare of Justin Allegretti

Confessions from 10.30 - 11 am & from 5.00 - 6.00pm

5-5.30 Church Fatima - First Saturday

Devotions

6.00 pm Church Bessie Boudville RIP

Sunday 5 November Thirty-first Sunday (A) 8.00 am Church Antonio & Maria Antonia RIP 9.30 am Church For the people 11.00 am Church Dec’d relatives and friends of the Elias & Sylvester families 5.30 pm Church Mick Byrne RIP 7.00 pm Church Stan Ziolek RIP

Please pray for the housebound, and the sick, and others who have asked for our prayers.

Dorothy Appleyard, Peter Appleyard, Mary Atsu, Iris Beck, James Bekoe, Kim Benardis, Christopher Browne, Edith Campos,

Vienna-Marie Carpenter, John Colling, Tony Cox, Ruby Desmond, Giacomo Dillon, Kate Dillon, John Dillon,

Rita Dixon, Elizabeth, Ann Elmer, Martin Farquhar, Margaret Fennessy, Luigi Ferrara, Suzette Fox,

Barry Gardiner, Baby Megan May Gavey, Isabelle Ghawi, Philomena Guard, Hans Halpin, Eileen Hayes, Pat Hibberd,

Norman Holland, Frank Holmes, Dave Hustwayte, Dawn Hutchinson. Kathy Jobson,

Alabooso Joe-Jim, Victoria Jovanov, Zara Kadi, Fr Peter Kelly, Grace Knight, Peggy Lake, Anita Leslau, Sarah Lister, Mim Lodge, Neelam Malik, Dominic McGrath, Jim McGrath, Natalie McGrath,

Mickey McGuigan, Paul McQuinny and family, Patrick Metters, Eddie Mitchell 16 months, Gaynor Mullane,

Dominic Nash, Sean O’Connor, Josephine O’Hagan, Valerie Parr, Dorothy Pask, Leonard Pope, John Quaife,

Kieran Quinn (13 Months), Baby Isaac Ratinckx, Gabriella Rolls, Sandra Sekulic, Claire Shelton-Jones, Brigitte Savreux-O’Driscoll,

Marie-Therese Sinon, Mike & Eileen Slemen, Jo Subieta, Eleni Symeou, John Sylvester, Sarah Thornton, Barry Thorp, Katie Toone, Jeanne Tadier, Barbara Tucker, Shirley Turner, Annette Virdee, Hilary Walker, Louise Walters, Patricia Weal,

Terry Weal, Emma Winch, Freda Wukolz, George Wukolz, Maureen Young, Fred Wye and Ziggy Sobolewski.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOVEMBER Meditation - every Monday in no11 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm Wednesday 1 Bereavement Open Door 10.30 -12 in no 11 CWL Lunch for All Saints Day -12.30 - 2pm Saturday 11 - Annual Day of Recollection for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and Readers Monday 13 - Marguerite (Rita) Hankin - Requiem Mass Monday 13 - Law Surgery in no11 at 7pm Saturday18 - Mass for the Bereaved 10 am Saturday18 - Contemplative Saturday from 11-12 in no11 Friday 24 - Prayer Meeting - 7.30pm no11 DECEMBER Meditation - every Monday in no11 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm Sunday 3 - Christmas Fair

Friday 8 - Christmas Dinner and Dance

Sunday 10 - Children’s Advent Service

Sunday 16 - Parish Advent Carol Service

The collection last Sunday raised £2568.16 The second collection for Missio came to £1131.32

Thank you to the parishioners who choose to make their offerings by Standing Order or GoCardless (via

ChurchSuite). A weekly average of £931.56 is donated in this way and this figure is growing.

Please remember in your prayers those whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Patricia Forsyth, Joan Conrath, Sadie Keegan, John McKeon, Michelle Kuhn, Patricia Furlong, Kathleen Roche,

Fr Martin Breen

Please pray for those who have died recently. Geoffrey Burnham, Marguerite (Rita) Hankin Readings for Thirty-first Sunday (A)

Malachi 1:14 - 2:2, 8-10 Psalm 130 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 Matthew 23:1-12