PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MESSAGE
As Father Antony has settled into our Parish, we are considering how our Parish Pastoral Council should evolve to support his pastoral plan for the development of our Parish ministries and activities; taking into account the emphasis that last year’s papal synod placed on the role of the laity in the church. We believe that is is important that we further develop the Council to:
make it more reflective of the Parish as a whole
bring greater visibility to the activities of the council
increase its accountability to Parishioners
We aim to take the first steps towards achieving this by Autumn 2024. A key objective of the Council will be to encourage and support the widest possible participation by Parishioners in the life and activities of our Parish. We would very much welcome your views on whether you support these objectives and any suggestions for improvements that you would like to see in the way the Parish Pastoral Council contributes to the running of our Parish. Please let us have your feedback via the Parish office email: cheam@rcaos.org.uk. Thank you.
YOUTH MASS AND SUMMER CELEBRATION SATURDAY 13 JULY 6PM - MASS, DRINKS, NIBBLES & QUIZ!
Once again we are focusing on our younger parishioners. This Mass will celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer holidays. The young people will be involved in the music, reading and taking up the offertory. After mass there will be a Summer Celebration in the hall with drinks and nibbles and a quiz. Please let us know if you can help in any way by contacting the Parish Office.
SUNDAY 14TH JULY - STELLA MARIS
Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. The number of crews abandoned by their employers is still at a record high. Conflicts around the world are compromising their safety, and many are experiencing stress and poorer mental health. Stella Maris is the maritime agency of the Catholic Church. It’s teams of chaplains provide practical help and pastoral care to seafarers and fishers in the UK and around the world. If you can help please donate via the second collection this Sunday or by using one of the Stella Maris Gift Aid envelopes provided in the church. Thank you.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY HELP
Do you have a few hours spare to help on a rota basis on a Sunday? The children’s liturgy team would love to hear from you as they enable the children to access the teachings of the Bible by listening, reflecting and responding to the Word of God. If this sounds like you please contact Violet de Souza via email on: violet.des@outlook.com
ONLINE PRAYER GROUP
An online prayer group has been set up that meets fortnightly to read through scripture from the New Testament and then discuss the meaning and impact in today’s world. It’s a small group from Parishes across Sutton Deanery and the next meeting is being held on Monday 15th July. There is also a WhatsApp group for interested parties. If you would like to take part or want further information please contact the Parish Office on cheam@rcaos.org.uk or call 020 3649 5994.
PARISH LEADS—AN OPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOUR PARISH
Parish Leads will be key members of their parish community who have accepted their Parish Priest’s request to be a principal point of contact in their parish for either Evangelisation (proclaiming Christ and his gospel by word and example), Catechesis (handing on the faith to children and young people) or Adult Formation (supporting continuing growth and development in the faith). Information about the role of Parish Leads is available from the Sacristy, and to find out more about ‘Some Definite Service’, the Archbishop’s vision to develop and grow as a missionary archdiocese, please visit https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/sds
ST RAPHAEL’S WELLBEING CENTRE
Have you been diagnosed, or are you caring for someone with a life limiting, progressive or chronic illness or are you recently bereaved?
The Wellbeing Centre offers social, therapeutic and advisory support for residents of Merton and Sutton, over the age of 18.
Come along to our bright, modern centre based in St Bede’s Conference Centre located in the same grounds as St Raphael’s Hospice.
We are open for morning and afternoon activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Our sessions are fun and friendly and are designed to empower you to live well with your diagnosis, offer peer support, promote independence and offer respite and relaxation.
The services are free of charge although donations are most welcome.
To find out more or to have a look around our Centre please call our Wellbeing Centre Team on 020 8099 1722 or email us on wellbeingcentre@straphaels.org.uk
You can also visit our website
for further information www.straphaels.org.uk/wellbeing-centre
Diocesan Directory
A searchable PDF of the 2024 Diocesan Directory can be found here: https://www.rcaos.org.uk/diocese/diocesan-directory/
Mass Online & Daily Liturgical Resources:
A weekly schedule of live-streamed Masses can be found on Church Services tv
Each day, Vatican News live-streams Pope Francis' 6am (GMT) Masses at Casa Santa Marta on
Facebook and YouTube
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham’s schedule of live-streamed Masses and services
The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales’ directory of churches streaming Catholic Mass on line can be found at cbcew.org.uk
Children's Liturgy can be watched on CAFOD’s website