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2008

Parish Mission 1st-16th March 2008

THEME: OPEN EARS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” Hebrews 13 vs 2

Mission Timetable
Mission Poster
Mission Prayer

2007

Photographs of the new altar.

Parish Centenary Mass – Friday 26th October:The opening Mass for the Centenary Year took place on Friday 26th October, the Feast of St Chad. The main celebrant was Archbishop Kevin who was be joined by former priests who have served the parish. The new Altar, was blessed.

The “St Chad’s Centenary Book”

Summer Fayre – Thank You. A Big Thank you to all who supported the fair. We raised £5,300 approx to be split between the Parish and the school. Thank you.

Father William and Father Protus would like to thank you for your kind wishes and offerings over Easter. You remain in their prayers with grateful thanks.

2006

Father William and Father Protus would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Father William and Father Protus would like to wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas. Their prayers and blessings are with you all.

Father Joe, Father Eddie, Father Fergal and Bishop Pat would like to thank everyone for the wonderful farewell celebrations with the Mass and Presentation you gave them. It was a wonderful evening and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. As always you will remain in their prayers. Thank you.

Message from Fr William: I would like to sincerely thank everybody who helped in diverse ways to make my Induction Mass and Reception such a big success. May God richly bless you all. Father William.

Father William’s Induction Mass – This took place on Sunday 6th August at the 10.30am Mass and was conducted by Bishop Paul Hendricks. There was an enjoyable celebratory shared meal in the Church Hall after the Mass. We are pleased to welcome Father William Damah as our parish priest.

We welcome Fr. William Damah and Fr. Protus Nyatorley of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (The Spiritans). They joined the Parish as our new priests on Monday 26th June.

Fr. William Damah	Fr. Protus Nyatorley

Congregation of the Holy Spirit: More information is here and here.

A parting message from Bishop Pat, Father Fergal, Father Joe and Father Eddie:

'Sadly the day has come for the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts to leave St. Chad’s. In the two and a half years we have been here, beginning with Father Pat and Father Fergal and now with Father Joe and Father Eddie we have been so happy here with you all. You are a wonderful parish. We are sad to go but unfortunately our congregation does not have the priests to continue here.

We are sure that you will give the same welcome to Father William and Father Protus from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). Anyway a great big thank you to everyone for all you have done for us and all your kindness to all of us.

So on behalf of Bishop Pat, Father Fergal, Father Joe and Father Eddie, thank you all and please keep us in your prayers. You will be in ours. God Bless.'

Trinity Sunday – This was a truly wonderful day of celebration, the weather was hot and the atmosphere beautiful. This day could not have gone ahead without the help of so many people in our Parish. The Planning Committee would like to thank the children of St. Chad’s for their wonderful bidding prayers during Mass. The extremely talented choirs of the Parish who bought the Caribbean to life with the hymns and music. The Social Committee for running the bar. The pupils and staff of St. Thomas More Secondary School Steel Band who played an array of music. All those who helped on the day and the preparation leading up the Trinity Sunday. For all our visitors and parishioners who made this such a fantastic event. £208 was raised from the whole event. Thank you

A thought for today on World Day of Vocations

It is no good praying for vocations to priesthood and the consecrated life if we are always thinking that it is a member of someone else’s family who will hear that call. The local parish is a community of individuals and a community of families – we need to be open to the possibility that God’s call will come to one of our own, even to me. We should also remember today those who are considering a vocation to priesthood or consecrated life and those in formation. We also give thanks to God for all those priests and religious in our diocese who celebrate jubilees this year. May God bless them all.

On behalf of the Sacred Hearts Community, a very special “thank you” to all of you for the very generous Easter Collection. We pray that your generosity will be greatly rewarded by the Good Lord in many ways in your personal, family, social and working life. You all have a special remembrance in our prayers and at Mass. Again thank you and God Bless.

Father Joe and Father Eddie

A message from Bishop Pat:

Dear Parishioners

I would like to say a big “Thank you” for the wonderful farewell celebration on Saturday 1st April – The card, the best wishes and the many beautiful and generous gifts. I really did appreciate it very much. As I said before, my appointment came as a shock and has meant a huge change so do keep me in your prayers so I can continue the Lord’s work in this new ministry. St. Chad’s will always have a special place in my heart and I’m sure I will find plenty of excuses to return for special occasions.
With every blessing.

+Pat

Bishop Pat Lynch's Farewell Mass took place on Saturday 1st April. We were very pleased to welcome Bishop Pat back for a farewell Mass and a celebration in the hall afterwards.

For a few photographs, please click here.

Bishop Patrick Lynch ordained

My new address is:
Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 68 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8HG. The Church and presbytery is situated near Blackheath Common and opposite Greenwich Park. When I get settled in you are more than welcome to call in for a cup of tea, a bottle of super malt or a can of Guinness.

In the meantime do continue to keep Bishop Paul and myself in your prayers. Looking forward to seeing you at the 6.30pm. mass on Saturday April 1st.

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,

+ Pat

Ordination Video and Photos: Link.

We have received a lovely letter from Bishop’s Pat’s Mother and family. They all wish to thank St. Chad’s for all the help and kindness shown them at his Episcopal Celebration in February. They thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and wanted to give you their thanks and blessings.

Dear parishioners,

As I move this week to Greenwich once again I give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity of being part of your life. St. Chads’ is a wonderful parish – rich in faith, rich in generosity to those in need and rich in cultural diversity. I know that I certainly have been greatly enriched by part of this faith community even for so short a time. I would also like to add a very special ‘thank you’ to both Fr. Joe and Fr. Fergal. As Sacred Hearts Fathers we try always to work as a community and as a team and for me it was a joy to work with them here at St. Chads’.

I have already begun some Episcopal duties (eg Confirmations) and I will be moving from St. Chads’ on Thursday, March 2nd. I will then return for a farewell mass and celebration on Saturday April 1st at 6.30pm but I’m sure I will find plenty of excuses to return. My new address at least for the next nine months or so will be - Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 68 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8HG. The Church and presbytery is situated near Blackheath Common and opposite Greenwich Park. As of yet I have no Telephone line but my mobile no. is 07870797604. When I get settled in you are more than welcome to call in for a cup of tea, a bottle of super malt or a can of Guinness.

In the meantime do continue to keep Bishop Paul and myself in your prayers.

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,

+ Pat

Message from Fr Fergal

A huge big thank you to everyone who helped in any way in hosting guests, there were so many which we didn’t need to use, but are so grateful for the offer. To all who helped with the transport and to the wonderful Social Committee who worked so hard.
Many thanks.
Father Fergal.

Bishop Pat Lynch retrns to St Chad's - photographs:

Message from Bishop Patrick Lynch

Dear Parishioners,

I would like, first of all, to say a special ‘thank you’ to all who came to St. George’s on Tuesday for the ordination. For me personally it was a very powerful occasion to see so many friends and relatives, members of my religious community, parishioners of St. Chad’s and St. Thomas the Apostle and people representing the different parishes, schools and religious communities in the diocese praying for and with Bishop Paul and myself and our future ministry in the diocese. I would also like to say a big ‘thank you’ for your many letters and cards of congratulations and best wishes which I have received over the last few weeks and for the gift of the mitres and cassocks. Whenever I use them I will always remember the people and the parish of St. Chad’s. Finally, I would like to mention the tremendous help the social committee have given over the last few weeks as we were preparing for the ordination.

As I move on to my new ministry as auxiliary Bishop I give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity of being part of your life and being part of this parish even for so short a time. I have been greatly enriched by the joys and sorrows we have shared together, the friendships we have made together and the faith we have witnessed together here in St. Chad’s.

My Episcopal duties have already begun, nevertheless, I will stay on here at St. Chad’s until March 2nd. This will give me an opportunity to visit the sick and celebrate Sunday masses here this Sunday, Feb. 19th (8.30am and 10.30am) and next Sunday, Feb 26th (Sat. 6.30pm and Sun. 6.00pm). I will then return for a farewell mass and celebration on Saturday April 1st at 6.30pm. In the meantime do continue to keep Bishop Paul and myself in your prayers.

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,

+ Pat

New Auxiliary Bishops for Southwark: Report. Ordination Sermon.

Message from Father Pat

Dear parishioners,

For religious and priests leaving a parish although difficult can be a real moment of ‘grace’. On the one hand it is tinged with the sadness of parting but it is also a time when we experience in a very profound way the gratitude and goodness of people. I would like, first of all, to say ‘thank you’ for your many words, letters and cards of congratulations and best wishes which I have received over the last few weeks. I would like also to thank the parish for the gift of the mitres and cassocks. Whenever I use them I will always remember the people and the parish of St. Chad’s. Finally, I would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to the social committee for the tremendous help they have given over the last few weeks as we were preparing for the ordination on Tuesday. As I move on to my new ministry as Bishop I give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity of being part of your life and being part of this parish even for so short a time. I have been greatly enriched by the joys and sorrows we have shared together, the friendships we have made together and the faith we have witnessed together here in St. Chad’s.

After the ordination on Tuesday I will stay on here at St. Chad’s until the end of the February. This will give me an opportunity to visit the sick and celebrate Sunday masses here on Feb. 19th (8.30am and 10.30am) and Feb 26th (Sat. 6.30pm and Sun. 6.00pm). I will return for a farewell mass and celebration on Saturday April 1st at 6.30pm. In the meantime do continue to keep Bishop elect Paul and myself in your prayers but especially on Tuesday

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,

Fr. Pat.

Message from Father Pat

Many thanks for all your prayers and good wishes over the last two weeks. As you can imagine I am going to be very busy for the next few weeks making arrangements for the Ordination and finding time to do a retreat. I do, however, hope to visit all the sick before I leave.

All parishioners are invited to attend the ordination at St. George’s Cathedral on Feb. 14th. but most people will have to make their own way there. Two buses will be going from the parish on the day : one for the members of my family who are coming from Ireland and for those from the parish who are directly involved in the Liturgy (i.e. servers, singers, offertory procession) and the second will be for other parishioners. Obviously there will not be room for everyone on the buses so places will be allocated on a first come basis. Those going on the bus will be asked to gather at St. Chad’s at 10.00am and the buses will leave promptly at 10.15am and then return from the Cathedral at 3.30pm. The ceremony in the Cathedral will begin at 12.00 noon after which there will a reception in a marquee in the Cathedral car park. If you wish to book a place in the bus please call Tessa on 8653-7755.

In the meantime do continue to keep me in your prayers.

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,
Fr. Pat.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE AND NEW YEAR WISHES FROM FR. PAT

About ten days ago I received a telephone call from the Papal Nuncio asking me to visit him at the Nunciature in Wimbledon. He told me that I had been chosen as one of the two new auxiliary Bishops for the Diocese of Southwark. I was shell shocked so I asked the Nuncio if I could reflect and pray over the matter for a day. That night I hardly slept so the following morning I went to the church very early. All kinds of ideas went through my mind and all kinds of emotions surfaced in my heart. As a priest I have always enjoyed working in a parish and I have always felt tremendously happy and at home here in St. Chad’s but the gospel of that day was Luke’s story of the Annunciation - the story of Mary’s “yes” - to God’s call. Somehow I thought that was providential. So it is with a deep sense of hope and trust in the Lord that I accepted this call to serve the Archdiocese in this new ministry. The Archdiocese of Southwark is a wonderful diocese with a great richness and diversity of gifts, cultures, religious and ethnic communities so do keep me in your prayers during the coming year.

Many things have yet to be arranged and decided not least the question of who will replace me here at St. Chad’s. The date for the Episcopal ordination is Tuesday, February 14th. Be assured that the parishioners of St. Chad’s are uppermost in my mind. You have been a wonderfully welcoming community to me and to all the Sacred Hearts Fathers who have worked here or stayed here - Frs Joe, Fergal and myself, Frs. Santiago, Kristiano and Javier.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year,

Gratefully and sincerely yours in the Sacred Hearts,

Fr. Pat.

(The press release on Fr Pat's appointment is here.)

2005

Our Christmas Blessing and Best Wishes

As priests in the parish we give thanks for the privilege of serving the people of St. Chad’s. Being here with you has brought us so many blessings and joys. To all of you we say a heartfelt ’thank you’. We are always inspired by the way you try to live the Gospel in the day to day situation of life - raising a family, helping a neighbour or a fellow parishioner or living with an illness. We are especially grateful for they way people give so generously of their time and talents in serving and supporting the parish both in a direct and indirect way in the various groups, committees, communities and ministries in the St. Chad’s. It is a blessing to have so many involved in so many different ways.

Perhaps the best way to say ’thank you’ is to make the words of St. Paul our own: “Blessed be God the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of Heaven in Christ. Even before the world was made He chose us to be His adopted children in Christ. So we give thanks to God for the ways you show your love for God’s people. We ask (this Christmas) that our minds and hearts may be more and more open to see His light, to experience His love so that we will know the hope that He has promised. We pray that (during this Christmas season and during the coming new year) Christ will make His home in our hearts through faith so that our roots and foundations are in His love and that we will come to know how broad and long, how high and deep Christ’s love is for each one of us”.

Wishing you and your loved ones Christ’s special blessing over the Christmas season,

Your brothers in the Sacred Hearts,

Frs. Pat, Joe and Kristiano

Thank you from Father Fergal “I would like very much to thank each and every person for their kindness in coming to the wonderful leaving celebrations organised by the Parish on the 18th November and for your many gifts. It was great to see so many friends there and most affirming for me. This makes the parting all the more bitter sweet, as partings are. Please know that you are in my prayers and my many memories of St. Chad’s will stay with me forever. With grateful thanks and every good wish to you and yours, for Christmas and the New Year”. Father Fergal

Farewell Mass and Celebration for Fr. Fergal

Many thanks to all who attended and especially those who helped to prepare the mass and the celebration and make it such a memorable occasion - musicians and choirs, social committee and young people.

Parish Redevelopment Programme for the Parish Centenary in 2007. The next stage of our parish redevelopment programme in preparation for the parish centenary in 2007 will be painting the inside of the Church. We are obtaining estimates with a view to completing the work next summer.

Message of thanks from Archbishop Kevin: I wish to express my sincere thanks to all those who took part in the Diocesan Day of the Eucharist at Aylsford on Saturday Sept. 17th. It was a wonderful celebration. Over 7000 people from parishes from across the diocese came together as one family in a great spirit of joy and thanksgiving for the gift of the Eucharist. I wish to thank, in particular, the Carmelite Friars at Aylsford for their warm welcome and all those who helped to make the Day such a success. One young person said at the end of the Day “I felt proud to be a Catholic.” Indeed we all came away greatly encouraged and strengthened in our faith. This year of the Eucharist will reach a climax and draw to a close this month with the Synod of Bishops which is being held in Rome. I ask for your prayers for the Synod as the bishops reflect on the Eucharist. Archbishop Kevin.

On 25th September, we welcomed Fr. Kristiono Widodo ss. cc. to Sr. Chad's. Fr. Kristiono is from Indonesia and is following a course in Cliftonville, Kent preparing to work in the Sacred Heart seminary in Bangdung, Indonesia. From Mondays to Fridays he will reside in Cliftonville and then at weekends he hopes to join us in St. Chad's.

Farewell:

Fr. Fergal Maguire returned from holidays on Tuesday 13th September and will move to Nunhead at the end of September when he will take on the responsibility of administrator of the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle. While he will continue to be involved in the confirmation programme and youth activities here he will still be greatly missed.

Welcome:

Fr. Joe McGeady is beginning to settle in. St. Chad’s is a big change from Mozambique. He hails from Co. Donegal in Ireland and was a member of the parish team in Our Lady of Lourdes in Acton when I was there in the late eighties. I am sure people will give him a great welcome to the parish. Fr. Pat Lynch ss.cc.

Cologne World Youth Day Photographs are on the Croydon Deanery Project website.

World Youth Day 2005. The pilgrimage to Cologne was a wonderful success. See the notice board for the latest news, pictures and photos of the event.

• Official website.
• Vatican website.

There are some photographs on the Croydon Deanery Youth Project website.

Make Poverty History

Here's a photograph, taken by a CAFOD photographer, of the Saint Chad's Parish banner at the recent G8 march in Edinburgh. Please click the image to see an enlargement. The presence on the march of Mick Casha and Chris Henley from our parish was reported in a CAFOD press release.

Word Youth Day Concert: Photographs are here.

Summer Fair. Many thanks to all who helped with St. Chad’s summer fair last weekend especially those who served on the committee but also those who helped run stalls, those who gave prizes, those who sold raffle tickets or simply those who came along to support on the day. It was a great success socially and financially. The amount raised was over £9,000 which will be divided between the parish and the school.

Sponsored Walk. So far the money raised by the Sponsored Walk in May has amounted to £5,407.77. Once again thanks to all who participated or sponsored someone.

Farewell Celebration For Mrs. Liddiard In thanksgiving for her great service to St. Chad’s School there was a special Mass on Thursday 30th June at 7.30pm followed by a Reception in the Hall. Current pupils had their own celebrations in school with Mrs. Liddiard. We invited adults and past students to this Celebration Mass as we were limited to space. We made a memory books for Mrs. Liddiard. Past pupils and parents wrote down their memories of their time at St. Chad’s.

Parish Sponsored Walk - The amount raised so far is now £5,049.20. Many thanks to all who participated and those who sponsored someone. It was a fantastic effort.

Fr Santiago left the Parish on 23rd May after a year as part of our parish community at St Chad's, learning English.

He will be missed; we wish him well for the future.

We pray today for our Holy Father Benedict XVI as he begins his ministry as shepherd of the Catholic Church. We ask the Lord to be with him, to strengthen him and enable him to lead the Church in the years ahead.

World Youth Day Concert Many thanks to all our young people who organised the concert. It was a tremendous success financially and socially. The amount raised was £1,103.60 which included the proceeds of the raffle.

A selection of photographs is here.

Death of Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II: There will be a special Diocesan Mass at St. George’s Cathedral on Friday April 15th at 6.45 pm to celebrate his life and ministry.

As an expression of sorrow on the death of Pope John Paul II, parishioners are invited to sign our parish book of condolence. It will be left on the sanctuary during all masses and then sent to the Papal Nuncio as a gesture of our solidarity with the Church in Rome and throughout the world.

Prayers upon the Death of Pope John Paul II and the Election of his Successor:

A prayer card is available here.

"Many Thanks: We would like to express our gratitude for the generous way people gave of their time and talents during the preparation of the Holy Week Services. Many people were involved as readers and ministers, as sacristans and servers, as flower arrangers and church cleaners and decorators. We especially thank the young people who presented the Gospel so beautifully in drama on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Many thanks also for your most generous Easter collection. It amounted to £ 3224,50."
Frs. Pat and Fergal .

Special Congratulations to all who were Baptised, received into the Church or celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and Communion during the Easter Vigil last week: Lucy Enmin, Alexandra Cotter, Samantha and Michael Curran, Frank Babington, Gary Stannett, Dunevia Evaline Bapka, Lynn Amaobichukwu Egwu, Sue McDonnell, Vanessa Brady, Ayesha Owusu-Barnaby, Agnes Hazel Commey, Titi Beverley Alli, Suzanne Neroni, Lisa Smith, Stephanie D’Souza. Congratulations to Jumoke Salami who will be confirmed during the 10.30 am mass this Sunday April 3rd.

An Easter Message: "'REJOICE HE HAS RISEN AS HE SAID’ Today as we celebrate Easter Sunday we celebrate the central mystery of our faith. Christ did not die on Good Friday and then disappear forever. He rose again and lives within us and among us. For us as followers of Jesus this is the central truth of our faith, this is the reason for our hope and this is what inspires us to follow Him in love. Our special prayer during this holy season is that you and your loved ones will have a very happy and a blessed Easter."
Frs. Pat, Fergal and Santiago.

Many thanks to all who supported the disco for the victims of the Tsunami in the Indian ocean. Because of your great support the social committee have been able to send another £7,058.36 to CAFOD.

Collection for CAFOD. Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collection for those affected by the Tsunami earthquake in the Indian Ocean. The money collected so far has amounted to £4,908.36 This includes a cheque from the social committee for £408 and a cheque from the residents of Northwood Court. The money has been forwarded to CAFOD who in conjunction with their partners in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand will use it to help with the immediate relief work and also to help people rebuild their lives.

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