Welcome
to
Southwark

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark covers the London boroughs south of the Thames,
the County of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority

Our Archbishop is
Archbishop Peter Smith
who was installed
at Saint George's Cathedral on 10th June 2010

 

Please click on this picture for our diocesan prayer

 

The Papal Visit

Please click on this logo for
the Papal Visit official web site


Please click on the logo for
the Southwark Supplement


Please click on this logo to
replay the visit
on the Papal Visit Web Site

Please click on this logo for
the Southwark 'Legacy' section

Homilies and Speeches
from the Official
Papal Visit Web Site

Photos
from the Papal Visit's
Photostream on Flick'r

Vatican Web Site
coverage

 

Please click on this logo for
the Vatican's YouTube channel

 

 

Please click on this logo
for the Parish Directory


Please click on this logo -
a direct link to the maps


Please click on this logo
for our Lourdes 2012 pages


Please click on this logo for
our 'New Translation' pages


Please click on the logo
to visit Southwark's
JustGiving page


Please click on this logo
to visit the CCEW faith site


Please click on this logo for
Southwarkvocations.com


Please click on the logo
to visit the OGF web site


Please click on this logo to
visit the International
Eucharistic Congress
web site


Please click on this logo to
visit the CBCEW web site


Please click on this logo
to visit the CCEW news site


Please click on this logo
to visit the CCF web site

Please click here
to read the CCF On Offer
booklet online
or download the .pdf file

Please click on this logo for the Marriage and Family Life section


Please click on this logo for
Southwark's JPIC web site


Please click on this logo for
the Catholic Agency for
Overseas Development web site


Please click on the logo
to visit Missio's web site


Please click on this logo for
our WYD 2011 section


Please click on this logo for
our 'Vision' section
 

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Permanent Deacons on retreat at Merville

From Friday, 11th May, to Sunday, 13th May 2012, eleven Permanent Deacons accompanied by ten wives attended an annual Retreat led this year by Father Peter Hall, OFM, who gave talks on the five Solemnities from The Ascension of the Lord through to The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Peter and the retreatants are pictured in the grounds of Maison Diocesaine d’Accueil at Merville in France enjoying the early evening sunshine between talks.

One of the retreatants remarked that Father Peter's talks were both enlightening and inspiring especially when considering a homily for any of the Solemnities!

Next year's Retreat in Merville is already booked and the dates for Deacons dairies are Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2013 further details will be available at a later date from the Reverend John Greenwood our Director of Diaconal Ongoing Formation.

(posted 16-05-12)

 

  

'Big Reunion' at St Edmund's School, Dover
50th Anniversary Open Day

On Saturday, 12th May 2012, exactly 50 years to the day that St Edmund’s Catholic School, Dover, opened its doors to its first set of students, the school played host to a reunion day for former students and staff.

Some families attended with as many as three generations of former and present students.

Paul Cannons and Mike Prebble

With no formal schedule, guests were invited to walk through the school at their leisure, allowing memories to flood back from their school days. Tours were led by long serving members of staff Mike Prebble and Paul Cannons, as well as the schools’ Executive Headteacher, Chris Atkin. A familiar face greeted everyone as they entered the school, signing in with another long serving member of staff, Sharon Zelenczuk.

Mrs Huntley (teacher from 1962) looks at a picture of recent staff

Laid out in the main hall were photographs from across the five decades.

Class of ’62 (first ever year) look back at their class photo

Colleagues reunited

Chris Atkin, Executive Headteacher, said: ‘It is great to reminisce – all round a really enjoyable day.’

Visit St Edmund's School web site

 

Southwark Civic Awards presented at the Cathedral

Saint George's Cathedral was chosen as the location for the Borough of Southwark's Civic Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 12th May 2012.

Among those receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Southwark was Sir Michael Caine, who grew up locally at Elephant and Castle.

The Worshipful Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Lorraine Lauder MBE, made the presentations.

Others honoured with the Freedom of the Borough were:
Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC,
Harriet Harman QC MP, Simon Hughes MP, Tessa Jowell MP, Barry Albin Dyer,
Stephen Humphrey MA
and Coral Ann Newell.
 

Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC receives the Freedom of the Borough

Report on the Southwark Council web site

  

Legion of Mary honours Edel Quinn at Aylesford

Photo: Aylesford Carmelites

On Saturday, 12th May 2012, Bishop Paul joined the Legion of Mary on pilgrimage at The Friars, Aylesford, to celebrate the memory of Edel Quinn, Ireland's 20th century apostle to Africa.

Edel Quinn was born in County Cork in 1907. She wanted to become a Poor Clare, but was prevented by advanced tuberculosis. At the age of 20 she joined the Legion of Mary in Dublin and devoted herself to helping the poor in that city.

When she was 29, in spite of her illness, Frank Duff chose her to be a Legion of Mary Envoy to establish the organization in the vast territories of East and Central Africa.

She established hundreds of Legion Branches in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Mauritius, engaging thousands of Africans in the Church's work of evangelization. Edel died in Nairobi in May 1944, aged 36.

The cause for her beatification was introduced in 1956 and she was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on 15th  December, 1994. The cause continues.

Photo: Aylesford Carmelites

 

Bishop John confers the Ministry of Reader

On Sunday, 13th May 2012, Bishop John offered Mass at St Francis' Church, Maidstone, during which he conferred the Ministry of Reader on two men who are studying for the Permanent Diaconate:
Ian Black, Maidstone parish, and Wayne Tuckell, Margate Parish.

The conferral of this Ministry is one of the steps on the path to ordination. Bishop John presented each of them with a copy of the Bible.

Photos from RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Wayne Tuckell (left) with members of his family, Fr Luke Smith, his parish priest, and friends from the Margate parish before the Mass in Maidstone

   

Southwark Altar Servers' Rally

On Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2012, Archbishop Peter celebrated Mass at The Friars, Aylesford, for the altar servers of the diocese, many of whom are members of the Guild of Saint Stephen.

Many of the servers were young, but also present were members of the Guild who have dedicated decades of their lives to service on the sanctuary.

Father Stephen Boyle, Southwark chaplain to the Guild of St Stephen

Archbishop Peter with those who served the Mass

And after lunch ... football.

More photos of the Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

(posted 09-05-12)

  

Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers
of Holy Communion at Aylesford

On Saturday, 5th May 2012, Bishop Patrick commissioned ninety new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in St Joseph's Chapel at The Friars, Aylesford.

The new ministers came from eighteen parishes around the diocese: Abbey Wood, Ashford, Barnes, Bexleyheath, Bromley Common, Canterbury, Dartford, Faversham, Maidstone, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Petts Wood, Plumstead Common, Purley, Sheppey, Sydenham Kirkdale, Tenterden and Westerham.

A session with Monsignor Matthew Dickens, Vicar General

Bishop Patrick gives the new ministers their certificates during Mass

Concelebrants at the Mass were Monsignor Matthew Dickens and
Father Paul Connelly, parish priest of The Holy Cross, Plumstead Common

(posted 09-05-12)

 

Diocesan Diaconate Day - the annual Mass

On Saturday, 5th May 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at Mass in the Cathedral on Diocesan Diaconate Day. During the Mass our Permanent Deacons renewed their commitment to diaconal service and four men who are studying for the diaconate were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders.

Father Peter Edwards, the Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate, concelebrated at the Mass.

Those to be admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders are presented
to the Archbishop ...

... who hands a crucifix to each of them

After Mass: the Archbishop with those newly admitted to Candidacy

More photos of the Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

(posted 09-05-12)

 

Extension at Saint Francis School, Maidstone, blessed

On Wednesday, 2nd May 2012, Archbishop Peter visited St Francis Primary School, Maidstone, to bless the new extension to the school buildings.

Archbishop Peter with Mr D. Bray (Headteacher), Mrs A. Black (Chair of Governors) and Canon John Clark (Vice Chair and local parish priest)

More photos of the occasion on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Visit St Francis' School's web site

(posted 09-05-12)

 

Saint Joseph's School, Dockhead, celebrates 100 years

On Tuesday, 1st May 2012, Archbishop Peter was welcomed at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Bermondsey: Dockhead, to offer a Mass in celebration of the Centenary of St Joseph's Primary School, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912.

Pupils from the school read the Bidding Prayers

Archbishop Peter presents a commemorative plaque to the Headteacher, Mr Mark Macauley, and the Sisters of Mercy

After Mass the celebrations continued with a Centenary Parade along local streets and a Celebration Fair in the school grounds.

More photos of the Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Visit St Joseph's Primary School's web site

(posted 09-05-12)

 

Human Trafficking Conference in Rome

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Photos of the Conference on Human Trafficking held in Rome on Tuesday, 8th May 2012, have been uploaded to the CCEW Flickr page.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Bishop Patrick, Chairman of the Office for Migration Policy of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Julie Etchingham, Co-presenter of ITV News at Ten - Moderator of the Conference - with Cardinal Turkson and Bishop Patrick

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Mr Liam Vernon Deputy Director, United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre, Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland, Specialist Crime Directorate SCD9 Human Exploitation and Organised Crime, Metropolitan Police, UK, and Mr Steve Harvey Europol Netherlands

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Cardinal Turkson with Mr Nigel Marcus Baker OBE MVO,
Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Holy See

More photos on the CCEW Flickr page

Reports on the CCEW News and Media web site

 

Mass for Migrants in honour of St Joseph the Worker

On Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2012, over 2000 Catholic migrants living and working in London attended a special Mass for Migrants at Westminster Cathedral. This was the seventh annual Mass for Migrants organised by the dioceses of Westminster, Southwark and Brentwood and again the occasion reflected the tremendous diversity of London’s Catholic community.

Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood was the principal celebrant and the homily was given by Bishop Patrick, who praised the contribution that migrants make to British society, and asked Catholics to 'proclaim a message of hope that God is close to the poor, the vulnerable, the exploited, those seeking asylum and those who are undocumented'.

The music came from across the globe: a choir for the Mass was provided by the Nigerian community and a liturgical procession and dance was carried out by young people from the Vietnamese Community.

Those attending the Mass included MPs Jon Cruddas and Jim Dobbin, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Westminster, the Mayors of Richmond, Kensington and Chelsea and Brent, and ambassadors from the EU and other countries including Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bolivia and Poland.

Full text of Bishop Patrick's homily (.pdf available)

Report on the Diocese of Westminster's web site
(with link to an audio file of Bishop Patrick's homily)

More photos on Catholic Westminster's Flickr page

 

Human Trafficking under the spotlight in Rome

Bishop Patrick, Chairman of the Office for Migration Policy at the Bishops' Conference, will attend a conference in Rome next week on combating human trafficking.

The Conference has been organised by the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales in collaboration with the Pontifical Councils for Justice and Peace and the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Those attending will include Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, with representatives of the FBI, London's Metropolitan Police and the Polish Police Force.

The aims of the Conference are:

• to continue to make people aware of the tragedy of trafficking
• to build a network where all concerned agencies communicate with each other to respond to the needs of those who are trafficked and work towards prevention, providing pastoral care and re-integration.
   

The Church is well placed to contribute to these aims: its parish structure ensures that pastoral workers, priests and religious are present at the ground level and it has, on the global level, an established network of communications.

Bishop Patrick said: 'Those who are trafficked are the most vulnerable and most exploited in the world today. It's an area which we can not only focus on but we can harness a lot of agencies in the Church and outside the Church to make a significant contribution.' 

Press release on the CCEW News and Media web site

Speakers at the Conference on the CCEW News and Media web site

  

Consecration of Cemetery in Crayford

On Friday, 27th April 2012, Bishop Patrick and Bishop James Langstaff, the Anglican Bishop of Rochester, consecrated the graveyard and blessed the new Memorial Gardens at St Paulinus Church, Crayford.

(posted 01-05-12)

  

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Sunday, 29th April 2012, is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The Church is encouraged to pray earnestly for an increase of priestly and religious vocations. In Southwark, the day also gives the opportunity to contribute to the Ecclesiastical Education Fund for the training of priests.

And vocations was on the agenda of the Bishops' Conference meeting in Leeds last week ...

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Archbishop Peter, the Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, chaired the Press Conference at the conclusion of the bishops' meeting at Hinsley Hall, Leeds.

One of the initiatives approved by the bishops which he announced is the National Vocation Framework - a three-year vision to proclaim the universal call to holiness by promoting a culture of vocation. The plan was outlined by Father Christopher Jamison OSB, Director of The National Office for Vocation. It will be launched at various centres throughout England and Wales: for London and the South the launch will be at St George's Cathedral on Wednesday, 7th November 2012.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

In essence, the Framework invites those who have been called to call others. This involves outreach to the unbaptised and the lapsed, as well as enabling those active in the Church to respond to their particular vocation. There are a variety of vocations through which the faithful may be sanctified, among them ordained ministry and consecrated life, marriage and single lay life.

Read more about the National Vocations Framework (.pdf)

News report on the CCEW News and Media web site

Visit the National Office for Vocations web site

At the Press Conference, Archbishop Peter also reported on the other issues which had been discussed by the bishops during their meeting. Audio files of his overview and the question and answer session can be found on the CCEW News and Media web site.

Press Conference following the BCEW meeting on the CCEW web site

More photos of the Press Conference on the CCEW Flickr page

 

  

Parish celebrates St Elphege's Millennium

Bishop Paul, Fr Paul Hough, parish priest, Mr Jacques Lambert
and some of the pupils and staff of St Elphege's Primary School

On Sunday, 22nd April 2012, Bishop Paul presided at Mass at St Elphege, Wallington, the only church in the diocese dedicated to the saint, to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Elphege at Greenwich on 19th April 1012.

Among those present were members of St Elphege's Primary School.

Bishop Paul receives the gifts from the children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop Paul gives the homily

Bishop Paul with the children around the altar for the 'Our Father'

(posted 27-04-12)

   

Confirmation at Marymount International School

On Friday, 20th April 2012, Bishop Paul conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on eleven students at Marymount International School in  Kingston. Among those present were the school Chaplain, Fr Chris McAneny, who concelebrated at the Mass, families, staff and pupils. Music was led by the School Schola.

Bishop Paul, Fr Chris and the newly confirmed young people

Bishop Paul, Fr Chris, Mr Jacques Lambert (Bishop’s Private Secretary)
and the altar servers

(posted 27-04-12)

   

John Fisher School, Purley: Easter Week in Rome

Twenty-one boys, aged 12 - 17, from The John Fisher School, Purley and three members of staff including the Head Teacher, Mr Mark Scully, and School Chaplain, Fr James Clark, celebrated Easter Week on pilgrimage in Rome.

In a full programme, they offered Mass at St Peter's Basilica, St Paul's Basilica and at the Venerable English College; they toured the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and the four Major Basilicas. They prayed as they climbed the Scala Santa.

They sat very close to Pope Benedict during the papal audience and, as it was only a few days before his birthday, they sang "Happy Birthday" to him, he turned and thanked them.

Inside St Peter's Basilica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outside the Basilica of
St Paul Outside The Walls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Church of the Venerable English College

(posted 26-04-12)

  

Clergy Appointments and News

 

 

Archbishop Peter has made the following appointments:
 

Father Michael Leach as Parish Priest of Ss Philip and James, Herne Hill;
 

The parish of Our Lady of Grace, Charlton, has been entrusted to the care of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans) with

Father Uche Njoku, CSsP, as Parish Priest
Father Michael Ezenwammadu, CSsP, and Father Jude Nwachukwu, CSsP, as Assistant Priests;
 

Father James Campbell, SJ, as Assistant Priest at The Sacred Heart, Wimbledon.

____________________
 

The following Jesuit students have recently been ordained to the diaconate and will exercise their ministry in the diocese:

Deacon Jerri Melwin Dias, SJ, to the Jesuit Community in Wimbledon to exercise his ministry in the parish and among the Indian communities in Southwark;

Deacon Quoc Trieu Nguyen, SJ, to the Jesuit Community in Wimbledon to exercise his ministry in the parish;

Deacons John Du Hyun Kim, SJ, and Deacon Xavier Tharamel, SJ, to the Jesuit Community in Brixton Hill.

____________________
 

Father Ugochukwu Nnaji, MSP, is resident at The Assumption, Deptford, while awaiting a new appointment.

____________________
 

Father Shaju Varkey's Presbytery address at Our Lady of the Crays, Cray Valley, is now

2A Kent Road
St Mary Cray
Orpington
Kent
BR5 4AD
The Presbytery telephone number is 01689 331489

____________________
 

The Korean Catholic Chaplaincy is now established in new premises in Sutton:

Korean Catholic Chaplaincy
104 & 106 Benhill Wood Road
Sutton
Surrey SM1 3SR

The Chaplain Father Damien Lim resides at
106 Benhill Wood Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 3SR
Telephone number: 020 8644 5204
Email: londoncatholic@gmail.com
www.londoncatholic.net

____________________

 

Bishops' Conference meets in Leeds

The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales are meeting from Monday, 23rd, until Thursday, 26th April 2012, at Hinsley Hall in Leeds. Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, will address them during the meeting.

It is expected that, among the topics that will be discussed, a National Vocations Framework - a plan to develop a culture of vocation - will be on the agenda, together with the Catholic involvement in the London Olympics.

  

Jesuit Missions Marathon team raises thousands

Congratulations to the team supporting Jesuit Missions who ran the London Marathon on Sunday, 22nd April 2012.

Of the 27 runners, supporting Jesuit projects across the world, Olly de Montfort (left) was first to cross the finishing line. Olly is the nephew of the late Tony Montfort, who was the Director of Jesuit Missions for almost 40 years. The oldest member of the team, Father Daniel O'Connor, a Columban priest, ran the course in less than three-and-a-half hours.

Among the runners were friends and relatives of the Wimbledon-based Jesuit Missions office - including four Wombles who live, of course, on Wimbledon Common!

Source: JM Marathon

 

Sevenoaks Deacon ordained for the Ordinariate

Deacon James Bradley, who was received last year into full communion with the Church as a member of the Sevenoaks Ordinariate Group, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Alan Hopes, Auxiliary in Westminster, at St Patrick's Church in Soho on Saturday, 21st April 2012 in the presence of Monsignor Keith Newton, his Ordinary.

He was one of the two former Anglican deacons - the other being Deacon Daniel Lloyd of the Oxford Ordinariate Group - who were not previously ministering as priests in the Anglican Church.

Fathers James and Daniel with Bishop Alan Hopes
and Monsignor Keith Newton

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

Fathers James and Daniel give their first blessings to Mgr Andrew Burnham and
Mgr Keith Newton

Father James has been ministering as a deacon at The Holy Ghost, Balham, while continuing his studies for the priesthood. On Sunday, 22nd April, he offered his First Mass in that church. The parish priest, Father Stephen Langridge, gave the homily. Father James will continue to reside at Balham until the Summer.

We congratulate Fathers James and Daniel on their Ordination to the Priesthood and wish them every blessing and happiness.

Photos: Fr Ed Tomlinson and the Marylebone Ordinariate Group

   

Carmelites gather at Aylesford for AGM

©Johan Bergström-Allen / www.carmelite.org

The British Province of Carmelites held its Annual General Meeting at The Friars, Aylesford, during Easter Week from Tuesday, 10th until Friday, 13th April. About fifty members of the Carmelite family gathered. Bishop Patrick was invited to facilitate their discussions.

©Johan Bergström-Allen / www.carmelite.org
Bishop Patrick with Father Wilfrid McGreal OCarm, Prior Provincial

©Johan Bergström-Allen / www.carmelite.org
A plenary session

©Johan Bergström-Allen / www.carmelite.org
Enjoying a meal in the Pilgrims' Hall

©Johan Bergström-Allen / www.carmelite.org
Father Wilfrid presented Sylvia Lucas with a gift to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of her profession as a member of the Carmelite Third Order. Sylvia is the Schools Leadership Adviser on our diocesan Schools Commission. She is the Convenor of the London Carmelite Spirituality Group Carmel in the City.

Report of the AGM on the British Province of Carmelite Friars web site

Many more photos of the AGM on gbcarmelite' Flickr page

(posted 20-04-12)

 

Bishop Richard calls for more Military Chaplains

In response to a real shortage of military chaplains in all three Armed Services, Bishop Richard, the Bishop of the Forces, has asked servicemen and women and serving chaplains to fervently pray that more priests come forward to serve as chaplains.

He has written a pastoral letter to be read in service communities, and prayer cards have been distributed members of the armed forces, their families and chaplains.
 

Visit the Bishopric of the Forces web site to download Bishop Richard's pastoral letter and to read the prayer.

(posted 20-04-12)

 

Wallington at St Elphege's Millennium Celebrations

Photo: london se1 community website

Representatives from St Elphege's parish, Wallington, joined Bishop Patrick at Southwark Anglican Cathedral for the celebration of the millennium of St Elphege's martyrdom on Thursday, 19th April 2012.

 

Millennium of the martyrdom of Saint Elphege

Martyred at Greenwich on 19th April 1012

Saint Elphege is one of the many saints closely associated with the diocese of Southwark.

He was born in 954, at Little Weston, two miles from Bath. He entered the Benedictine monastery of Deerhurst in Gloucestershire and became a hermit at Glastonbury. He was appointed Abbot of Bath by St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 976.

He was made Bishop of Winchester in 984. The Danes and Norwegians invaded Britain. Elphege was sent to King Olaf of Norway and confirmed him. Olaf promised not to invade again and returned to Norway. The introduction of Christianity to Norway is largely due to him.

In 1006 Elphege became Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1011 the Danes returned and sacked and burned Canterbury. St Elphege was taken captive to Greenwich. His captors demanded a ransom of £3000, but Elphege refused to allow his ravaged people to raise the money. When his captors demanded gold he is reported to have said to them 'The gold I give you is the Word of God.' His captors, drunk with wine and enraged at the ransom being refused, pelted Elphege with bones of oxen and stones, until one of them dispatched him with an axe. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral and 11 years later, on the orders of King Canute, his body was taken for reburial at Canterbury. He was canonised by Pope Gregory Vll in 1078.
 

Celebrating the Millennium
 

On Thursday, 19th April 2012, Bishop Patrick will attend a service at Southwark Anglican Cathedral opening the Millennium celebration. A later service will be held at St Alfege Anglican Church in Greenwich, at the site of the martyrdom, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will preach.

On Sunday, 22nd April 2012, Bishop Paul will preside at Mass at St Elphege, Wallington, the only church in the diocese dedicated to the saint. Mass will be offered in the local Anglican church of St Mary's, Beddington, on the actual feast, 19th April.

The Bishops of Winchester owned land and premises at Beddington and it is probable that by the late 9th century a wooden Saxon church existed on the site of St Mary's, so St Elphege will have known the area and offered Mass there. His predecessor as Bishop of Winchester, St Ethelwold, died at Beddington.

Masses to mark the Millennium will also be offered at St Thomas of Canterbury, Canterbury, and in the Greenwich parishes of Our Ladye Star of the Sea and St Joseph.  
 

A final word ...
 

St Thomas a Becket, when facing his own martyrdom in 1170, is reported to have said: 'I commend myself to God, to holy Mary, to blessed Denys, and St Elphege.'

Saint Elphege - pray for us

 

Clergy Appointments and News

 

 

Archbishop Peter has made the following appointments:

 

Father Paul Mason as the Director of Ongoing Formation of Priests. The Archbishop has also approved his appointment as Pastoral Director at Allen Hall Seminary, Chelsea;

Father Jesmond Pawley OFM Conv as Judicial Vicar;

Father Thomas Udie as Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Surrey Docks;

Father Shaju Varkey as Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Crays, Cray Valley;

Father Kevin Fitzgerald as Parish Priest of St Dunstan, Hersden;

Father Francis Lynch as Parochial Administrator of St Gertrude, Bermondsey;

Father Luke Marappillil as Parochial Administrator of St Osmund, Barnes;

Father Georges Mampillil MST as Chaplain to King's College Hospital;

Father Salvador Nicolas Bilono III and Father Eugene Britto IVD as Assistant Priests at St Anselm, Tooting Bec.

____________________
 

Archbishop Peter has also:

Merged the parishes of Margate and Cliftonville to form the new parish of Sts Austin and Gregory with St Anne, Margate, where Father Luke Smith is Parish Priest;

Established St Anselm, Pembury, (formerly part of the parish of St Justus, Paddock Wood) as a quasi-parish, where Father Edward Tomlinson, a priest of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, is Priest in Charge.

____________________
 

Father Dominic Allain is taking a sabbatical break.

____________________
 

Father William Agley has been seconded to the Vatican Curia to work in the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy. He was formerly the Diocesan Judicial Vicar and Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Crays, Cray Valley, and is now resident in Rome.

____________________

 

Six new Deacons for the Society of Jesus

On Saturday, 14th April 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at a Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon, during which he ordained six members of the Society of Jesus to the Diaconate.

Fr Dermot Preston SJ, the Provincial of the British Province of the
Society of Jesus, presents the candidates to Archbishop Peter

The candidates prostrate themselves during the Litany of the Saints

The candidates kneel as Archbishop Peter prays the Prayer of Consecration

The newly ordained deacons are presented with the Book of the Gospels

Deacon Jerri Melwin Dias SJ thanks all those involved on behalf of the newly ordained

Archbishop Peter with the six new Deacons

We congratulate the new deacons and keep them in our prayers:
Jerri Melwin Dias SJ, John Du-Hyun Kim SJ, Vincent Mulenga SJ,
Quoc Trieu Nguyen SJ, Juan Carlos Pallardel SJ and Xavier Tharamel SJ.

Many more photos of the Ordination on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

(posted 16-04-12)

  

 

For those in peril on the sea ...

INSPIRIT on BBC London 94.9
on Sunday, 15th April 2012, from 6:00 am until 9:00 am

This Sunday marks the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic and on this programme the Apostleship of the Sea will be reflecting on what life is like for modern day sailors and their chaplains.

Father Paul Mason has recently returned from an Apostleship of the Sea cruise chaplaincy. He will be interviewed during the programme at 8:40 am.

   

 

An Easter Message from Archbishop Peter ...

 

Fra Angelico
Resurrection of Christ and Women at the Tomb
Fresco - 1441 - Convento di San Marco, Florence

 

When we Christians celebrate Easter, we celebrate the fact that Christ is risen from the dead and that he lives in our hearts and minds through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, who is the Lord and giver of Life. In celebrating Easter we are celebrating life itself and life to the full. From the darkness of his death, the light of eternal life shone out in all its brightness when Jesus, the Light of the world, was raised to new life.

Our Easter faith is a joyful and exultant proclamation that there is a real meaning to life, a vitality to every day, a purpose to those efforts of loving which can at times tire our hearts and distress our spirit. We believe that the whole meaning and purpose of life lies in the gift of love - that
self-giving love which was at the heart of Christ's own life - a love that will never end.

We will know that Easter is real, that Christ lives, when we allow him to make our own lives sources of light and life for others; when our words heal and encourage; when our hearts come alive with compassion; when we stand firm for the value of life in all its aspects. Easter becomes a reality in our own lives when people are healed, consoled and strengthened by the life-giving love we show to each other, and especially to those in need. Easter is real when we become living signs and symbols of the presence of the risen Christ in our world, and of the values which he taught during his life on earth.

May the presence of the risen Christ in your lives bring you happiness and renewed strength this Easter.

With my blessing and an assurance of my prayers,

Archbishop of Southwark

 

Easter Morning Mass at the Cathedral

On Easter Sunday, 8th April 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at the
10:00 am Mass in St George's Cathedral. Canon John O'Toole, the Cathedral Dean, concelebrated. Music for the Mass was sung by the Cathedral Girls' Choir.

 

Canon John O'Toole reads the Gospel
 

Archbishop Peter gives the homily
 

Archbishop Peter presents Anthony,
one of the Cathedral's senior servers,
 with a merit award from the Guild of St Stephen
 

Archbishop Peter gives Easter eggs to 'God's little people'
  

Archbishop Peter with Anthony wearing his Merit medal
 

Full text of Archbishop Peter's Easter Sunday homily (.pdf available)

More photos of the Easter Morning Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

 

On Holy Saturday, 7th April 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at the Easter Vigil in St George's Cathedral. He baptised ten adult catechumens and received one candidate into full communion with the Catholic Church. He confirmed them and two additional adults.

The Blessing of the New Fire
 

The Preparation of the Paschal Candle
 

The Easter Proclamation - The Exultet
 

 

The Archbishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation
 

Full text of Archbishop Peter's Easter Vigil homily (.pdf available)

More photos of the Easter Vigil on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

  

Holy Saturday afternoon

On Holy Saturday afternoon, there was the traditional blessing of Easter food for the Polish community in Purley by Fr Gregory Verissimo. It was the first time this had taken place at St John the Baptist, Purley, and there was a good turn out of Polish parishioners and a few from other parishes in the area.

Families brought their baskets containing eggs, bread and festive baked goods, meat, sausages and other foods: bread - in memory of the bread with which Jesus fed those who listened to him and which he shared with his apostles at the Last Supper; meat and sausages - in memory of the Paschal lamb; eggs - a sign of the new life we share with the risen Christ.

 

Holy Saturday morning

Holy Saturday 7:30 am at St Mary's, West Croydon

 

 

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world

 

On Good Friday, 6th April 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at the Celebration of the Lord's Passion at St George's Cathedral.

 

 
 
This is the wood of the Cross ...
 

 
Veneration of the Cross
 

More photos of the Good Friday Liturgy on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

  

 

The Mass of the Lord's Supper

Thursday, 5th April 2012
Saint George's Cathedral

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Archbishop Peter presided at the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday evening at Saint George's Cathedral. The concelebrants were
Monsignor Matthew Dickens, Vicar General, Canon John O'Toole, Cathedral Dean, Father Philip Glandfield, Father John Diver and Father Chukwuemeka Nnaji.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Father John Diver proclaims the Gospel

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
The Washing of the Feet

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Monsignor Matthew Dickens and Father Philip Glandfield

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Canon John O'Toole

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Procession to the Altar of Repose

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
At the Altar of Repose

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Adoration at the Altar of Repose

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
 

More photos of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on the CCEW Flickr page

  

24/7 screening from St Mary's, Croydon ...

The church of Our Lady of Reparation ('St Mary's'), West Croydon, has installed a camera focused on the sanctuary which provides live streaming 24/7 across the world wide web. It will therefore broadcast all services in the church. There is a short advert at the start of each viewing session.

Please click on the screen above to view the coverage. You will need Adobe Flash Player installed.

This is of great value to those who are unable to attend the Holy Week services or Sunday Mass. But in such a richly multi-cultural parish, it also enables relatives and friends who are abroad and are unable to attend in person to share in the baptisms, marriages and funerals of those close to them.

Holy Week Services at St Mary's:
Maundy Thursday: Mass of the Lord's Supper at 8:00 pm
Good Friday: Solemn Afternoon Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at 3:00 pm
Taizé Time of Prayer from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm
Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm (please note that the Blessing of the New Fire will not be covered as it takes place outside the church).

Sunday Mass times can be found in our online directory - please click here

   

... and from Lourdes

Please click on the screen above to view the coverage.

The camera is usually trained on the grotto 24/7, however other services are broadcast - especially the International Masses in the St Pius X Basilica.

There is a schedule of services on this page, but please remember that  Lourdes is an hour ahead of London, so it is necessary to log in an hour earlier than advertised. The coverage needs renewing every 15 minutes.

  

 

Wednesday, 4th April 2012
Saint George's Cathedral

Archbishop Peter presided at the Chrism Mass at Saint George's Cathedral on Wednesday, 4th April 2012. Of all liturgical gatherings, the Chrism Mass most eloquently expresses the unity of the whole diocese - lay people and religious, bishops, priests and deacons - with the Archbishop.

In the dining room of Archbishop's House, the deanery oil stocks
are ready to be filled after the Mass

During the Mass, over two hundred priests from diocesan parishes and religious communities renewed their commitment to priestly service.

Renewal of commitment

Archbishop Peter consecrated the Oil of Chrism and blessed the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick - oils which will be received in each parish in the diocese during the Mass of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. They symbolise the pastoral and sacramental care which is at the heart of the Church's ministry. They will be used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders and in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

The Eucharistic Prayer

A few words from the Archbishop before the final blessing

The deanery oil stocks are filled. They will be taken back  to the
deaneries where the oil stocks for each parish will be filled.

After the Mass, the Archbishop hosted lunch for the clergy in the Amigo Hall.

Full text of Archbishop Peter's homily (.pdf available)

More photos of the Chrism Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

 

Ordinariate Receptions at St Mary's, Croydon

Monsignor John Broadhurst, representing Monsignor Keith Newton, the Ordinary of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, presided at the Mass of Reception at St Mary's, West Croydon, on the evening of Tuesday, 3rd April 2012.

Mgr John, a former Anglican Bishop, received into full communion with the Catholic Church members of the Croydon Ordinariate Group, led  by Father Donald Minchew, former vicar of St Michael and All Angels with St James, Croydon. He was joined by his assistant priest, Father Ken Berry, and about 40 members from the St Michael's congregation and local parishes.

Fathers Donald and Ken are looking forward to their Ordination to the Priesthood within the Easter season.

The new Catholics were welcomed by Provost Joseph Collins on behalf of the priests and people of the parish. We add our own welcome and will keep them in our prayers.

More photos on the Personal Ordinariate Flickr page

 

 

On Palm Sunday, 1st April 2012, Archbishop Peter presided at the
11:30 am Mass at St George's Cathedral.

The Reading of the Passion
 

 

 
More photos of the Palm Sunday Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

  

The Diocesan Chancery

Southwark's Diocesan Chancery has revised and added information to its page on this site.

The Chancery forms for Marriage, Reception into full communion with the Church and the Commissioning of Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are now available for priests and deacons to download from this page.

Please click on the logo above to visit this page.