MASSES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Please visit the Mass Times page for more information on Mass times and other events, or click here.
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
The parish office opening hours are from 8.15am to 12.15pm Tuesday to Friday. Closed on Bank Holidays. The office will be closed from Tuesday 29th July to Friday 1st August.
REFLECTION
This Sunday we hear again Christ’s immortal parable about a man lying wounded by the roadside, and how two people passed him by while a third stopped and helped him. Let us stop for a moment and call to mind the number of times we have passed by someone who needed help. Can I be a Good Samaritan? Often, we never know exactly who it is we are meeting in the person of our neighbour. In the year 1880 in Paris a rather poorly dressed priest showed up at a presbytery, looking for a night’s lodgings. He had come all the way from Turin in Northern Italy and was trying to raise funds to build a church. The visitor’s name was John Bosco. The resident priest put him in the attic. Many years later when John Bosco was canonised the priest said: “Had I known who it was, I wouldn’t have put him in the attic I would have given him the best room in the house”. Often, we know even less of the true identity of those we come across who are in need of help. But it shouldn’t matter. All that matters is that we see in each of them a wounded human being, and that we do our best to bind up their wounds.
JUBILEE REFLECTION - GOOD SAMARITANS
In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be Pilgrims of Hope - people who bring light into dark places and show mercy in action. The Jubilee reflection on the Good Samaritan calls for a transformation of heart and a commitment to actively loving and serving all those in need, mirroring the boundless mercy and compassion of God. The parable of the Good Samaritan emphasises that love is demonstrated through actions, not just words, and our reflection encourages a shift from passive sympathy to active compassion, inspiring tangible expressions of love and care for others. That is exactly what our SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) group does, as will all of us in our parish support today of Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea). Both bring hope to those who feel forgotten, reminding them they are not alone. The parable highlights the Samaritan's willingness to help despite social and religious barriers, demonstrating a commitment to loving one's neighbour unconditionally, breaking down the barriers that divide people, fostering inclusivity and recognising the inherent dignity of every individual. Reflecting on this during this Jubilee year, calls for active involvement in addressing the practical needs of others, whether through direct service, financial support, or advocacy for social justice.
​
Over the past year, Stella Maris supported more than 100,000 seafarers in UK ports, and many more worldwide. But the need is growing because more crews are being abandoned, and many seafarers still aren’t allowed shore leave. Mental health is worsening. In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear about the love and care that the Good Samaritan showed to the stranger that he found upon the road. For seafarers and fishers, Stella Maris is that Good Samaritan. Its chaplains and volunteers in ports all over the world offer friendship and support to seafarers and fishers, in good times and in bad. As Pilgrims of Hope, let us do our bit to support them in the second collection this Sunday 13th July.
SECOND / RETIRING COLLECTION
The second/retiring collection for Sunday 13th July is for Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea. Please read the Jubilee Reflection on this page to find out more. You can make your donations in the usual way after each Sunday Mass and also online here.
PRAYER AND FASTING FOR LIFE
Please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia on Thursday 24th July, the Vigil of the Feast of St James. These days seem quite dark, what with Parliament voting to partly decriminalise abortion and voting to legalise euthanasia. Please invite others to join us in praying and fasting for life, you can do so with the link here.
REFLECTION DAYS AND WORKSHOPS
Douai Abbey are offering a number of reflection days and workshops, and a list of what is available for the next few months can be viewed and downloaded here.
VOCATIONS PRAYER
Loving and generous God, it is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the love and Service of our Church as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's mission of love and justice. Bless this parish by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends, who will serve Your people as Sisters, Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ministers. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance, and grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE
The Holy Father has designated that 2025 is a year of Jubilee, something which happens every 25 years. This is a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. The theme for this jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope” and is a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis. The following shrine churches have been chosen by Bishop Philip as particular places of pilgrimage within our diocese: St Thomas, Jersey; Bournemouth Oratory; St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth; St Edmund’s, Southampton; St James and St William of York, Reading; St Joseph’s, Guernsey. You can find information and resources for the year from CAFOD here and from the Bishops Conference of England and Wales here.
PARISH DAY CELEBRATION
Our Parish Day this year was celebrated last Sunday (13th July) in glorious sunshine, with many parishioners braving the heat to attend. Just before the offertory, the cheques for the money raised from our Lenten projects were presented to representatives of our two chosen charities, who expressed their deep gratitude to all parishioners for our contribution to their charitable work. After Mass many stayed to socialise and enjoy the marvellous barbecue on offer. Many thanks to everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of this day. You can see some photos in our parish blog here.
CELEBRATE FESTIVAL
If you are looking for a fun, faith time away as a family this summer, why not join in the very popular CELEBRATE festival in the beautiful West Sussex countryside at Worth School, West Sussex, from Saturday 16th - Wednesday 20th August. There are an amazing number of things to do - for all ages. This event gets booked up very quickly, so to find out more and make a booking please visit their website here. It’s going to be a fun, family and faith-filled event with a Festival Big Top! There will be eight children’s and youth groups for all ages from babies in the creche to the Joel’s Bar youth (16-22 years). There’s on-site full board accommodation OR camping on the festival field. Come and CELEBRATE this Jubilee year individually or as a family!
SCHOOL'S JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE
​
St Edmund's School completed a Jubilee pilgrimage in Abingdon on 3rd July, with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. With children and staff and the support of some parishioners to lead the children at the prayer stations, the event was a great success and you can read about it on our parish blog here.
As a parish, we encourage you to please continue to support the Abingdon Food Bank. However, for practical reasons, and because nearly all supermarkets now have collection points as you leave their premises - making it easier for you to place your donations, please do not leave your contributions in our church. Other collection points are at:
Abingdon Community Fridge fights food waste by redistributing surplus food from local businesses and members of the community. The Abingdon Community Fridge is open to all. For more information visit their Facebook page here, or email info@abingdoncommunityfridge.org.uk
They are located at Hadland Road Community Centre, OX14 3YH and open on:
-
Mondays: 4.00-4.30pm
-
Thursdays: 1.00-2.00pm
-
Saturdays: 10.30-11.30am
The Community Fridge is in need of funding to continue its work (hire of hall, insurance, food safety training for volunteers, etc.). To donate, please use this link here, or contact margaretdhancox@gmail.com
PARISH NEWSLETTERS
Items for the newsletter should be sent to the parish office (abingdon@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk) by the Wednesday of each week please. Copies are available in the church and on this website here. Please keep contributions as brief as possible and please take newsletters home with you. Thank you.
​
DIOCESAN NEWS
​
To keep up to date with the news of the Diocese and the Bishop please follow on:
-
E- News: use the link here. (subscription service available)
-
Facebook: @PortsmouthRC
-
Twitter: @PortsmouthRC
-
The Diocese website: https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/
If you would like to share news with the rest of the Diocese, please contact: communications@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
GIFT AIDING YOUR MONETARY DONATIONS
If you aren't doing so already, please consider gift aiding your donations – it makes them all the more worthwhile, because if you tell us that you pay tax in the UK, then we can claim back 25% from the Government - that's 25p for every £1 you give! You can do so by filling in the yellow form available at the back of the church or online on our website here. Thank you.
SUMMER CAMP FOR BOYS
The Diocesan Don Bosco Boys' Camp will once again be held this summer for boys who are currently in Year 6 Primary school to Year 11 Secondary school. It will take place at St. Cassian’s, Kintbury. There will be plenty of sport, outings, competitions and fun and games to ensure that boys will have a fantastic time. This will continue to take place within the context of the celebration of the Catholic Faith, including daily Mass and morning prayer. The cost of the camp is £230 (part bursaries may be available on application). For more information please see here or email dbcamps@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
JOB VACANCIES IN OUR DIOCESE
All current vacancies in the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth can be viewed here.
'YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES' PRAYER
O Lord, graciously look down upon us your servants and upon our work to build Your Holy Church here in this place. Enlighten our minds and lead us into all truth as we seek to do Your will. Abundantly bless our labours, that Your Holy Church may serve You ever more faithfully to the glory of Your Holy name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
OPEN DOORS
Open Doors takes place on Mondays from 11am to 2pm in the Parish Centre and runs every Monday, except Bank Holidays. We offer tea/coffee, lunch (served at 12.15pm) and friendly conversation to anyone in the Parish or local community who is on their own or would like more company. ​​
​
However, please note that Open Doors sessions will be fortnightly instead of weekly during the forthcoming school summer holidays. Also, there will therefore be NO Open Doors sessions on the following dates:
-
Monday 28th July
-
Monday, 11th August
-
Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday)
​
Can you spare a few hours on a Monday on a rota basis to support our parish Open Doors initiative? We need volunteers to help at the sessions or to cook lunch. If you can help, please contact Berny Pratt on 01235 525257. Thank you.
ARE YOU IN NEED OR WANT TO HELP OTHERS?
For nearly two centuries the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has been seeking and finding those in need and responding in love. As well as visits, we can offer practical and financial help where possible. We always maintain confidentiality. Our SVP members meet every fortnight on a Wednesday evening. If you are in need or know someone who is, do contact our parish SVP group via the parish office and we will see what we can do to help. Equally, if you would like to get involved in any way, please do contact us.
LITURGY WEBSITE AND UPCOMING COURSES
The Diocese now have a Liturgy website, which provides reflection, guidance and a chance to ask questions. You can access by clicking on the image above.
NEW TO THE PARISH? OR CHANGED ADDRESS?
We warmly welcome all new parishioners who have joined our parish in the last year. Please do make yourselves known if you have not already done so, and also let us know if you would like to contribute to parish life in any way. If you have already registered with us, but have changed your address or contact details, please also let us know. Forms and other information are available on our website here to register. Forms and other information are also available in the porch at our church. You can view and download our welcome booklet here.
