Dear parishioner
REFURBISHMENT UPDATE
Please look at the three updated files at refurbishment
Payments may still be made as follows using Parish Centre as the payment
reference:
✔making a bank transfer to Nat West, RCAS
Sevenoaks, 60-19-02, 25782002
✔the Parish justgiving page justgiving
✔writing a cheque, payable to RCAS Sevenoaks
✔making a card payment using the machine in the
porch of St Thomas’s church
✔making a cash donation into a Mass collection in
the printed envelopes available in the four parish
churches.
Today’s Mass: CHRIST THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE & YOUTH SUNDAY (A)
As we approach the Solemnity of Christ the King, I want to share with you, especially the youth and the young, why this day is more than just a date on our liturgical calendar. It's a call to each of us, no matter our age, to recognise and celebrate the profound truth that Jesus Christ is not just a historical figure, but a living King, reigning over all aspects of our lives.
Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925, a time not unlike our own, full of uncertainties and challenges. The world was reeling from the aftermath of a devastating war, societies were in turmoil, and many felt a deep sense of hopelessness. Pope Pius XI saw the need to remind everyone, young and old, that despite the chaos, Christ reigns as an eternal King, a source of hope and guidance.
Why this matters for the young? You are living in and exploring a beautiful world, but one buzzing with information and misinformation, with opportunities and challenges. Sometimes, it might feel overwhelming to make sense of it all. But remember, you're not alone in this journey. Christ the King is not a distant ruler; He's a guide, a friend, and a source of strength, especially when things get tough.
Remember, that you have unique perspectives and ideas that are invaluable to our parish. Whether it's through joining parish groups, joining the ministry at the altar or participating in discussions, your involvement brings fresh energy and insights. Sometimes, faith might seem like an old tradition, disconnected from the modern world. But the truth of Christ's kingship is timeless. It's about finding peace, purpose, and joy in a world that often overlooks these values. Just as Christ brings light into our lives, you too can be a source of hope and positivity in your circles, whether at school, university, place of work, your own family, in your neighbourhood, or on social media.
Why this matters for us all? Our role in nurturing the faith of the young generation is crucial. They learn from our example, our words, and our actions. Weather you are a parent, grandparent, parish leader or a long-standing parishioner, there are at least three things you should embrace in making the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus present:
1) Motivate the young and the old to be active in parish activities and to explore their faith through different means like art, music, and community service.
2) Engage in open conversations about faith, possible doubts, and faith-inspiring ideas. Your willingness to listen can be incredibly affirming.
3) Be Role Models. Show people, especially the young, what it means to live out one's faith in everyday life. Our example is a powerful tool in guiding them on their spiritual journey.
As we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and the Youth Sunday 2023, let's remember it's more than acknowledging Christ's reign. It's about actively inviting Him into our daily lives, spreading His message of love and hope, and showing to the youth, that they are not just the future of the Church; they are a vital part of its present. Together, let's journey in faith, united under the loving reign of Christ the King, growing in love, wisdom, and service to one another.
TODAY’S SECOND COLLECTIONS
This Sunday (26th November) is National Youth Sunday, and the retiring collection will be for the work of the Southwark Catholic Youth Service, which is re-launching several activities in 2024 for those aged 10-35. For more details about what is on offer, please see our website tinyurl.com/scys1. Please also sign up to our network at tinyurl.com/scysnetwork to receive regular updates. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has produced further World Youth Sunday resources at worldyouthsunday.org/wyd2023.
ST THOMAS’ PTA NOTICE
Volunteers will be selling tickets for our Christmas raffle after Mass for the next three weekends. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 8th December. Money raised by the PTA is greatly appreciated by our parish school and there are some fantastic prizes to be won!
GIFT AID - QR CODE
Please consider supporting the Parish and enhancing your contribution through Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer.
You can sign up by scanning the QR code below. Simply complete your details, choose Sevenoaks Parish from the dropdown menu, select the email of the Sevenoaks Gift Aid Coordinator, and we will take care of the rest. Thank you for your generous support!
PREPARE FOR ADVENT
Next Sunday we will begin the holy season of Advent. Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. The first phase of Advent invites us to reflect on Christ's Second Coming, calling us to a state of vigilance and spiritual readiness. Beginning on December 17th, the second phase shifts our focus more directly to the Nativity of Jesus, deepening our preparations for celebrating His birth.
Blessed John Henry Newman beautifully articulates the essence of Advent: “Advent is a time of waiting, a time of joy because the coming of Christ is not only a gift of grace and salvation but also a time of commitment. It motivates us to live the present as a time of responsibility and vigilance.” This active waiting is a period for deepening our faith and preparing our souls.
Special Advent Events in Our Parish
Þ Taizé Evening: Please join us for a prayerful Taizé evening on Friday 1st December at St Thomas' church 6pm–6.45pm. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the porch and all donations will go to the Parish refurbishment project.
Þ Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: we continue with our regular Adoration times on Monday (8.30-9.30am) and Tuesday (6.00-7.00pm), with an additional session on Saturdays from 2nd December (10.00-11.00am).
Þ Sacrament of Reconciliation: Extra opportunities for reconciliation with a priest available on Monday 18th December (8.30-9.30am), Tuesday 19th December (6.00-7.00pm), and with two priests available on Saturday 23rd December (10.00-11.00am) .
Þ Rorate Candle Mass: On Wednesday 20th December at 7.30pm, we will hold a special Rorate Caeli Mass. This traditional Advent Mass, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated by candlelight, symbolizing Mary's role in bringing the Light of the World into our darkness. The Mass will include a reflection on the meaning of the Christmas Season.
These special events are designed to help us prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We warmly invite each one of you to join in these moments of prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, as we journey together towards the joyous celebration of Christmas.
