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

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Please click on the logo
to see the diary of events
    

Please click on the box
for the Liturgy Music Planner

  

Please click on the box
to download the weekly
schedule

 

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
to visit our Year of Faith page


Please click on this logo
to find details about
Southwark's Holy Land
Pilgrimage


Please click on this logo
for our Lourdes 2012 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 CCEW news site


Please click on this logo
to visit the CCF web site


Please click on this logo
to visit the EPS web site

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
 

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Archbishop Peter: Please pray for Christians in China

Earlier this month Archbishop Peter received a letter from Cardinal Joseph Zen SDB, the Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong, asking for prayers for Christians in the People's Republic of China.

The Cardinal wrote: 'The situation of the Church in China is getting more and more difficult. The enemies of the Church are trying all efforts to enslave our bishops and priests in order to strengthen a Church independent from the authority of the Pope.'

In 2007, Pope Emeritus Benedict asked the whole Church to pray for the Church in China, especially on 24th May, the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, and composed a prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan, who is venerated at her shrine in Shanghai.

The image is of Our Lady of Sheshan.

Please download Pope Emeritus Benedict's prayer (A4 .pdf) 

 

St Anselm's, Canterbury, hosts 'Year of Faith' Day

On Friday, 3rd May 2013, staff and students at Saint Anselm's Catholic School, Canterbury, hosted a day to celebrate the Year of Faith.

Six local Catholic primary schools were invited to take part.

The day started with the celebration of Mass attended by almost four hundred pupils. After Mass, they participated in a day of arts and crafts reflecting the Year of Faith.

Full report and more photos of the day

   

St Anselm's School, Canterbury, honours its patron

 

On Thursday, 25th April 2013, Saint Anselm's Catholic School in Canterbury celebrated the Feast Day of its patron with Mass in Canterbury Cathedral.

Bishop John presided at the Mass which was concelebrated by the local clergy. The Mass was attended by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Councillor Robert Waters, and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Sally Pickersgill.

Music was led by the St Anselm's Choir and instrumentalists.

St Anselm was born in 1033. He was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 and died there in 1109. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1720 by Pope Clement XI. 

Full report of the occasion (.pdf)

Visit St Anselm's Catholic School web site

(posted 17-05-13)

   

Archbishop Peter interviewed by Vatican Radio
on the Catholic Response to Poverty

As a prelude to the Caritas Social Action Network Conference at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, on the 12th and 13th June 2013, Archbishop Peter has given a short interview to Vatican Radio on the poverty experienced by families in the United Kingdom.

Listen to the interview on Vatican Radio's web site

Download details of the Conference from our Future Events page 

  

   

Archbishop opens Bonus Pastor's new premises

On Friday, 3rd May 2013, Archbishop Peter visited the Bonus Pastor Catholic College in Lewisham to officially open and bless the College's new premises.

The College was founded in 1958 and has moved into the recently completed new buildings.

The Archbishop presided at Mass in the hall to bless the future of the College.

The Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, gave an address about the new school buildings.

The Principal, Mrs Ruth Holden, said: 'The Grand Opening of the school’s new buildings was the best event I have ever seen at the school, a really dignified and lovely occasion.'

Archbishop Peter gives his homily during Mass

More photos of the Official Opening on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Visit the Bonus Pastor Catholic College web site

(posted 10-05-13)

   

Mass in support of London's migrants

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

On Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May 2013, the annual Mass in support of London's migrant workers was offered in Westminster Cathedral.

Over 2,000 people filled the Cathedral for the Mass at which Archbishop Vincent Nichols (Westminster), Bishop Thomas McMahon (Brentwood) and Bishop Patrick represented the three dioceses which together cover the London area.

First held in 2006, the Mass is always a vibrant and colourful expression of faith which reflects the tremendous diversity of the Catholic community, with music from across the globe.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

In his homily, Archbishop Vincent spoke of strain on family life caused by  immigration policies: 'Economic and time-period thresholds recently established for non-EU families to be united here are putting great strain on the vital unit of the family and could be seen as actually putting a price-tag on the value of family unity. Given the proven importance of the family for social stability, surely it is for the common good that immigration policies must be more sensitively shaped in such matters.'

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Bishop Patrick with members of the Syro-Malabar Church after the Mass

Full report (with full text of the homily) on CCEW News and Media site

Many more photos of the Mass on CCEW Flickr page

(posted 09-05-13)

 

Bishop Richard - Freedom of the City of London

Congratulations to Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of the Forces, for being granted the Freedom of the City of London.

The ceremony took place at the Guildhall on Wednesday, 1st May 2013.

In February, Bishop Richard was admitted to the Freedom of the Skinners' Company. He said: 'The City Livery Companies are involved in a great deal of charitable work and have close links to the Armed Forces. It is an honour to receive the Freedom of the City and to be associated with the great historical traditions of the City of London.'

The first Freedom is believed to have been presented in 1237.

Source: CCEW News and Media site

(posted 09-05-13)

 

Archbishop Peter: 'tackle poverty in our communities'

In the face of rising levels of domestic poverty, with 350,000 families now using food-banks, 3.6 million children living in poverty and almost five million people earning below the living wage, the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) has announced a seminal conference to strengthen and develop the Catholic Church’s response to the poverty crisis.

Archbishop Peter has led the call for Catholics to engage directly with the issue of domestic poverty in this vital conversation:

'The Holy Father Pope Francis has called us to be a Church for the poor. This conference offers a timely opportunity to develop our answer to his call here in England and Wales. With a growing number of families struggling to meet even the most basic standard of living, the Church’s mission to tackle poverty in our own communities is now more important than ever.

'Poverty cannot be viewed solely through an international lens; it exists in a variety of manifestations on our doorstep. Poverty in the UK may be less visible, but for the families and individuals in insecure accommodation, struggling to meet living costs and foregoing meals, it is just as real.'

Details of the Conference on the CSAN web site

Full report on CCEW News and Media site

(posted 09-05-13)

   

Commissioning of new
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

On Saturday, 4th May 2013, Bishop Patrick led the Day of Commissioning for 47 new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion from seventeen parishes in the diocese. The day was held in Saint Joseph's Chapel at The Friars, Aylesford.

The day included a period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, talks from Monsignor Matthew Dickens and Bishop Patrick and Mass with the distribution of certificates.

Bishop Patrick's homily during the Mass - seated behind the altar
are Monsignor Matthew Dickens (right) and Deacon Malcolm Turner

Bishop Patrick presents the new ministers with their certificates

A new minister supported by his family

More photos of the Commissioning Day on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

 

   

First Counsellor at the Nunciature ordained bishop

His Excellency Archbishop Brian Udaigwe

On Sunday, 5th May 2013, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Peckham, the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy of England and Wales and Bishop Patrick joined Nigerian-born Archbishop Brian Udaigwe to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for his Episcopal Ordination which took place in St Peter's Basilica on 27th April.

Archbishop Udaigwe was formerly the First Counsellor at the Apostolic Nunciature in Wimbledon. He has been appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Republic of Benin in West Africa.

  

Altar Servers gather at The Friars

On Bank Holiday Monday, 6th May 2013, altar servers from around the diocese gathered at The Friars, Aylesford, for their annual rally.

Bishop Paul was the Principal Celebrant at the Mass.

The altar servers from Ss Austin and Gregory with St Anne, Margate, were chosen to be the main servers at the Mass.

The Entry Procession

 

   

Confirmation in the Thanet Deanery

On Sunday, 5th May 2013, Bishop John conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on young people of the Thanet Deanery at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Broadstairs.

Fr Paul Connelly (Holy Family, Birchington and Westgate), Fr Luke Smith, Dean, (Ss Austin and Gregory with St Anne, Margate), Fr Philip Seed (Our Lady Star of the Sea, Broadstairs), Bishop John and Fr Marcus Holden (Ramsgate and Minster)

More photos on the Thanet Deanery web site

   

   

 
Please click on the box for the job description (.doc)

   

Please click on the box

  

Bishop John baptises Kimberley

Bishop John is pictured with Kimberley, her parents (left), Fr Luke Smith, parish priest, Kimberley's godmother, Sylwia Kwiatkowska, and godfather, Tomas Wieczorek

During his parish visitation of Ss Austin and Gregory, Margate, over the weekend 27th/28th April 2013, Bishop John baptised Kimberley Maruszszak during the 11:30 am Sunday Mass.

 

Sister Mary Jude's Diamond Jubilee

The parish of St Andrew, Thornton Heath, came together on Saturday, 27th April 2013, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of parish sister, Sister Mary Jude's profession of vows. Sister Mary Jude is a Daughter of Mary and Joseph, she has been in the parish for 16 years.

She was joined on the night by two of her nephews with their families, her fellow sisters of The Daughters of Mary and Joseph, along with a church full of parishioners. Bishop Paul was the Principal Celebrant and there were seven other priests concelebrating. At the reception, Sister Mary Jude was joined by her life-long friend since her school days, Bishop Howard.

Sister Mary Jude is still active in the parish, she organises baptismal catechises she takes communion to the housebound, she reads at Mass and runs the repository. Previously she had taught at both Coloma Prep and St Anne's Prep Schools. The party went on till quite late as so many had come to show their affection for this much adored lady.

   

   

 Confirmation at the Sacred Heart, Camberwell

On Friday, 26th April 2013, Bishop Patrick was welcomed to the parish of the Sacred Heart, Camberwell, where he presided at Mass and confirmed 56 parishioners.

  

   

 
Thursday, 25th April 2013
 

We have started to upload the photos and diary entries that are reaching us from the Holy Land.

Please click on the Holy Land Diary box above to visit the linked page.

Monday, 29th: Father Philip Glandfield continues his diary and adds more photos ...

 

St Mary's, Croydon, hosts ACN Event

Ann Widdecombe, Father Michael Scanlon and Bishop Paul

On Tuesday, 23rd April 2013, Father Michael Scanlon, parish priest, and the parishioners of St Mary's, Croydon, hosted an evening on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need.

Over 200 people gathered to listen to Ann Widdecombe, the guest speaker, call on them to lobby UK parliamentarians for action to stop the persecution of Christians abroad. She noted the potential strength of Britain's leverage as a  major provider of overseas aid to countries reportedly responsible for some of the worst acts of oppression.

Bishop Paul and Father Michael, who is also the Chairman of Southwark's Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, joined the panel.

The evening was was organised by parishioner Malcolm Fernando and chaired by Neville Kyrke-Smith, ANC's UK National Director. A choir from St Mary's performed at the event.

Read a fuller report on ANC (UK) web site with the opportunity of downloading a recording of Ann Widdecombe's address

  

Chapter Mass on the Feast of Saint George

On Tuesday, 23rd April 2013, Canons of the Cathedral Chapter and Honorary Canons celebrated the Feast of Saint George, Patron of the Cathedral Church, at a Mass offered by Bishop John.

In his homily, Bishop John said: 'This is very much the message of the Book of Revelation - the fight goes on but the victory is certain because it is already won by the blood of the Lamb. It expresses total confidence in the power of the risen Christ, who has defeated sin and death. We have nothing to fear but everything to gain by insisting on the full message of the Good News - and our all-powerful tool is that of sacrifice and love.'

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

  

In the footsteps of the Lord ...

 

On Monday, 22nd April 2013, Southwark pilgrims - a group of 74 - flew to Tel Aviv on the first leg of the Southwark Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage is part of the diocesan Year of Faith programme.

Archbishop Peter is leading the pilgrimage, which is being conducted by Father David Gibbons.

Pilgrims will spend three nights in Jerusalem, three nights in Bethlehem and two nights in Tiberias in Galilee.

We join the pilgrims in spirit and unite our prayers with theirs.

 
Follow the pilgrimage itinerary on this linked page

 

Safeguarding Office Administrator

We are looking for an experienced administrator to join our Safeguarding team in London, initially on a fixed term contract of 6 months. The role is primarily concerned with taking up Disclosure and Barring Service checks (formerly CRB disclosures) and maintaining appropriate filing and databases. Some secretarial support to the rest of the Safeguarding team will also be required. The ideal candidate will have previous experience of administering disclosures and/or experience of working in a safeguarding environment. Good secretarial skills and experience of email, Word, Excel and Access are also required, as is a methodical and detail-oriented approach. A good command of English is essential. The hours are 30 - 35 per week over Monday to Friday. The full time salary will be £21,000pa - pro-rated as necessary.

We are an equal opportunities employer who welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you would like to apply for this role please send your CV to sarah.wood@finance-rcdsouthwark.org and please DO NOT apply if you do not currently have permission to work in the UK. Closing date for applications is 10th May 2013.

   

Bishops meet Pope Francis in Private Audience

Wednesday, 17th April 2013

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

After the General Audience the Holy Father held an impromptu Private Audience for the bishops of England and Wales.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

During the meeting Cardinal Cormac told the Pope that his election and the first weeks of his papacy had 'brought fresh hope to the Church'. Each bishop then individually greeted the Pope.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
Archbishop Peter greets Pope Francis

More photos of Pope Francis meeting the bishops on CCEW Flickr page

  

 

Bishops join the General Audience in St Peter's Square

Wednesday, 17th April 2013

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Welcoming the English-speaking pilgrims, Pope Francis said: 'I offer a cordial welcome to the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and I assure them of my prayers for their episcopal ministry.'

More photos of the General Audience on CCEW Flickr page

   

Bishops offer Mass at the Tomb of Saint Peter

Wednesday, 17th April 2013

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Early this morning the bishops of England and Wales travelled from Palazzola to St Peter's Basilica where they offered Mass at the Tomb of St Peter.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

More photos of the Mass at St Peter's Tomb on CCEW Flickr page

 

Happy 86th Birthday to our Pope Emeritus

Today, Tuesday, 16th April 2013, is the 86th birthday of Pope Emeritus
Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis offered Mass for him this morning. At the Mass he said: 'Today is the birthday of Benedict XVI. Let us offer Mass for him, that the Lord might be with him, comfort him, and give him much consolation.'

Later in the morning, Pope Francis telephoned Benedict to offer him best wishes on his birthday.

The German Embassy to the Holy See will be hosting a party at which a new portrait of the former pontiff (left), painted by German artist Michael Triegel, will be unveiled.

We add our own prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict on his birthday.

   

Bishops celebrate Mass with Cardinal Ouellet

Cardinal Marc Ouellet
© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

On Sunday, 14th April 2013, the bishops of England and Wales opened their retreat by celebrating Mass with Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, in the church at Palazzola. The Mass was attended by the Rector, staff and students of the Venerable English College.

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

In his words of welcome before lunch, Mgr Nicholas Hudson, Rector of the Venerable English College, recalled the audience that the College had with Pope Benedict last December:

'In these days - and especially in this place - I’m sure we all find ourselves thinking of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI just across the lake from us. It was a joy to have the company of so many of our Bishops that historic day last December when Pope Benedict received the whole College in private audience to mark the 650th Anniversary of our Foundation.

When I presented our students to the Holy Father, I told him three things:

• that we were a College with 43 seminarians representing 20 dioceses;
• that the students manifest a profound loyalty to the Successor of St Peter;
• and that they give me real hope for the future of the Church.
  And he looked deeply moved.'
   
  

© Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Please click on the image for a larger version of the group photo

More photos of the Mass on CCEW Flickr page

Cardinal Ouellet's homily on the CCEW News and Media site (.pdf available)

   

Bishops' Conference in Rome for Retreat and Meeting

From Friday, 12th April, until Saturday, 20th April 2013, our bishops, together with all the bishops of England and Wales will be resident at Palazzola, the Venerable English College's Summer residence 18 miles south of Rome, for their retreat and biannual meeting.

Following two days of meetings they will remain at Palazzola for a six-day retreat. They will take this opportunity to meet with students training for the priesthood at the Venerable English College (where Southwark has five students), who will visit Palazzola on Sunday, 14th April. The bishops also hope to meet Pope Francis at his General Audience in Saint Peter's Square on Wednesday, 17th April.

We keep them in our prayers.

The Cloisters

Villa Palazzola, a 13th century Cistercian monastery, was bought as a Summer residence for the Venerable English College in 1920 by Mgr (later Cardinal) Arthur Hinsley, a Southwark priest for 13 years, who was rector of the VEC from 1917 - 1929. Students at the VEC in those days would return home only once during their seven-year course. This residence on the shores of Lake Albano was a welcome retreat from the Summer heat in the centre of Rome.

Brief history of Palazzola on their web site

Today, the Villa is popular as a centre for retreats and conferences and as holiday accommodation.

The Church at Palazzola

Overlooking Lake Albano

Visit Villa Palazzola's web site

   

Women of Faith

Sr Dr Finbarr Coffey, CH, gave the first in the series of talks for the Year of Faith on Thursday, 11th April 2013. Her ‘Woman of Faith’ was Sr Bernarda Heimgartner, the foundress of her Religious Institute. Sr Finbarr is the Pastoral Director and Lecturer in Metaphysics at the the diocesan Seminary at Wonersh.

Next Thursday (18th April) Sr Sheila Moloney, DMJ (Chaplain at Croydon University Hospital) will speak on ‘Women in the New Testament’. The talk begins at 7:30pm, in the Amigo Hall. Contact the Centre for Catholic Formation for further information.

   

A Question of Faith

A Study Day for the Year of Faith, organised by EPS and the CCF, was held on Thursday, 11th April 2013, at the Centre for Catholic Formation in Tooting Bec.

The Day was led by Canon Michael Cooley, Canon Theologian of the diocese, and talks were also given by Fr John Deehan, Dr Anne Inman, and Fr David Gibbons. Some 25 people met and discussed the faith by which we believe.

   

Induction of Parish Priest at Plumstead

Father Richard makes his profession of faith

On Friday, 5th April 2013, Bishop Patrick presided at the induction of Father Richard Mway Zeng SDS as Parish Priest of Saint Patrick's, Plumstead.

Bishop Patrick leads Father Richard to the presidential chair

The Eucharistic Prayer

Joyful parishioners

More photos of Father Richard's induction on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

 

John Fisher School's Pilgrimage to Rome

During Easter Week, Fr James Clark and Mr Tomlin took 24 students from the John Fisher School, Purley, to Rome for the annual four-day trip. This year the group was joined by one of our diocesan seminary students, Mark Wharton. On the Wednesday morning they joined a crowd of 50,000 people to see Pope Francis at his General Audience in St Peter’s Square.

The group also visited the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel. the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. They celebrated Mass at the tombs of St Peter and St Paul, and also at the Venerable English College, which houses the painting of St John Fisher which hangs in their school chapel.

Full report on the John Fisher School web site

   

Vatican unveils Pope Francis' Coat of Arms

 

Symbolism focuses on the Holy Family

 

Pope Francis has chosen to keep the crest he had as Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, with modifications to better express the symbolism.

Please click on the image to visit a linked page which explains the symbolism and the relevance of his motto.
   

An A4 (.pdf) copy is available.

   

   

    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.