Eureka moments are rare but we have had one.

In times past, parents often believed that it was the job of the parish to “teach their child about religion” and we the parish believed it was our job to teach the children about faith.

In doing so both sides missed out; first of all the families missed a richness of sharing faith between parents and children, and for the parish a sense that what we were doing was not enough to help children and parents grow in faith and understanding became an increased frustration.

The Church has come to understand that if a child has any chance at all of growing up with faith, it’s because of the parents.

Even then, children grow up and become their own people, with their own minds.

We can only do what we can do, and the rest is a bit of a guessing game, but we also have to add God’s grace into that mix.

For parents, helping their children grow up Catholic is part of their great work – or being married to one and practising their faith!

We also know the modern problem of too much going on in family life. These days single parents have even more to do!

If one of the parents is not Catholic, then the “Catholic part” of all this is a little foreign and possibly even a little strange in some cases.

We don’t know what it’s like with all families but we have seen the pressures of having a household to run, a job or two to keep up with, shift work, the wider family to keep track of, the favourite television programmes people like to watch, not to mention keeping food in the house, taking out the rubbish and the mad dash to swimming club or Beavers!

So, when the parish calls with a request or sometimes a demand that parents most take part in their child’s program, we understand if it is considered a low priority.

And yet – this is a time of tremendous bonding between parents and child.

This is a time for God’s grace and a chance to grow together, a chance for the whole parish to grow in love with the Holy Mass.

Having faith and growing in our faith brings some wonderful happiness to our life: forgiveness, generosity, hospitality, a sense of hope, and most of all, closeness to God and his Church.

Dear Friends, this will last a lifetime!

Don’t skip this process or cut it short because we are all too busy now.

All too soon, the time will pass and our children will be beyond our reach.

The First Holy Communion forms will be made available from the last week in August and the closing date for handing in the forms will be the first weekend in October.

There will be a parents’ meeting in October – dates to be confirmed.

With Prayers – The Parish Team.

 

Sunday 27th July

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year

Year A

Readings:

First 1 Kings 3:5.7-12

Psalm 118

Second Romans 8:28-30

Gospel Matthew 13:44-52

Psalm Response

Lord, how I love your law

Retiring Collection:

A Day for Life – Gift Aid if using envelope provided by the Charity.

Sunday Evening Prayer: 7pm in St. Clare’s Chapel

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer: Dominican Convent, Gossops Green, 5.30pm

The Coming Week

Monday 28th July

Requiem Mass

Friary 12.15pm Jean Claude Francis R.I.P followed by cremation at Surrey & Sussex Crematorium

Tuesday 29th July

St Martha

Thursday 31st July

St Ignatius of Loyola

Wedding

Friary 2pm Colin Belcher & Susan Mussard

Friday 1st August

St Alphonsus Liguori

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Christ the Lord 9.05am – 10am

Friary: after the 12.15pm Mass followed by Benediction at 4pm

 

General Notices

 

Adoration

There will be no Adoration at the Friary on Wednesday mornings until 10th September.

Retreat & Eucharistic Healing Service

Saturday, 9th August St Bernadette’s Church, 12.15pm – 4pm. For further information contact 561321.

Eucharistic Ministers’ Retreat

Advance notice of day retreat at Wonersh on 18th October – invitations to be sent out after summer break.

Friary Car Park

-Priority is for 12.15pm Mass goers from 12 noon Monday to Friday. (Please revisit your regulations).

-Permits for 12.15pm Mass goers – (who do not have full permits) are for this Mass only; they do NOT include shopping time. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation.

Advance notice – Car Park Closure Monday 28th July:

12.15pm Mass and funeral. Thursday 31st July: 12.15pm Mass and wedding.

Sunday Evening Prayer

There will be no formal evening prayer on Sunday evenings in the Friary Church throughout August. This devotional activity will continue each week at 7pm from Sunday September 7th.

The Crawley Christian Aid Committee

are pleased to announce that the Crawley collection this year amounted to £8,575.00 This sum includes the house to house collection and various other fundraising activities, including collections at Three Bridges and Crawley Railway Stations during Christian Aid Week.

Many thanks to all who contributed and especially to those who assisted in collecting, counting and accounting for the charitable offerings of the people of Crawley. If you are able to volunteer your services next year, please contact Steve Innes Cr.534863 steveinn@ msn.com

SVP Furniture

We appeal for a wardrobe, a washing machine and an electric cooker. If you are able to help, please call 07500 484058.

Groceries for those in need

Thank you to those who give regularly.

Families in food poverty still need help.

If you are able to donate, tinned/dried food or toiletries, please leave in the SVP boxes in all Churches.

Pilgrimage to Walsingham

We are planning a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham from 2nd – 5th September 2014. We have 30 places available and will travel by coach and stay in the pilgrims’ house at the Anglican Shrine. The price is £215 which includes breakfast, evening meal and return coach journey from Crawley. If you are interested, please let the office or Fr. Gerard know. A deposit of £60 will be required by 5th July. Please make cheques payable to ‘St. Francis & St. Anthony Church’.

Journey into Faith

This group meets at The Presbytery, St. Bernadette’s in Tilgate with a break during the summer. The group is for adults wishing to know more about the Catholic Faith and includes adults preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into the Church. Forthcoming dates are as follows: 7.30pm, 3rd September and 1st October. Alternate fortnights, we combine with the Adult Formation Group for a teaching evening (see below). Contact Fr. Chris for further information.

Adult Formation Group

This group meets with the Journey into Faith Group at St. Bernadette’s and in a 24 month programme of monthly meetings looks at all aspects of the Catholic Faith. It is ideal for all adults wishing to learn more about the Churches teaching. Forthcoming dates are as follows: 16th July, 17th September and 15th October. Contact Fr. Chris for further information.

Winners of the 3rd Draw – 100+Club

The winners of the third draw are as follows: No 30 – Mrs H.M. Leahy (£25), No 90 – Mrs H.S.Bell (£20), No 71 – Mr Jim Warren (£15) and No 70 – Mr Brian Sleigh (£10). Congratulations!

Gift Aiders – Second Collection

When the Newsletter states that a particular second collection e.g. ‘Gift Aid if using envelopes provided by the charity’ or similar wording, please do NOT submit a purple second collection envelope nor white envelopes numbered 500 plus, as the Diocese cannot reclaim the tax. Thank you for your continued support.

Advance notice of Eucharistic Ministers’ Autumn Retreat

Would all Eucharistic ministers please put into their diaries the planned retreat day at Wonersh on Saturday, 18th October. Further details and invitations will follow in the summer

Masses for Young Adults and Teenagers

The Sunday 5.30pm Mass at the Friary Church in Crawley has a special welcome and ministry towards younger Catholics (15-30, or thereabouts).

After Mass, we all go to a cafe together for some food and a chance to get to know each other. There is also a great music group every other Sunday which anyone is welcome to join. New people are always made very welcome. See Facebook.com/CrawleyCatholicYouth for more details.

Groceries for those in need

SVP thank you for your continued generosity.

From February 2013 to May 2014 we have supported 56 families with over 1,250 food parcels.

We ask everyone to consider if they are able to give a little every week. All the food is distributed weekly as we find more families needing help. It is very much needed and appreciated.

English

If you are finding it difficult to feed yourself or your family, please call the Saint Vincent de Paul Society on : 07500 484058. All calls are completely confidential

French

Si vous ne pouvez pas nourrir vous et votre famille nous pouvons vous aider appel SVP sur 07500 48 40 58 tous les appels absolument confidentiel

Polish

Jeśli nie jesteś w stanie wyżywić siebie i twojej rodziny możemy ci pomóc tel kontaktowy 07500 484058. Gwarantujemy całkowitą anonimowości.

Portuguese

SE VOCÊ NÃO ALIMENTE VOCÊ OU SUA FAMÍLIA PODEMOS AJUDÁ-LOLIGUE NO 07 500 48 40 58
ABSOLUTAMENTE TODAS AS CHAMADAS CONFIDENCIAIS

We welcome new members. If you are interested or want to know more of the work we do please call 07500 484058.

Are you aware Hospitals/Homes do not contact us now

If you are a Catholic admitted to them. If you know of anyone who has gone into hospital or a home, please advise the Friary (524176) as soon as possible and let us know whether you would like us to visit.

Next Sunday 3rd August

Eighteenth Sunday of the Year

Year A

Readings:

First Isaiah 55:1-3

Psalm 144

Second Romans 8:35, 37-39

Gospel Matthew 14:13-21

Retiring Collection:

Caritas / CAFOD

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer: Dominican Convent, Gossops Green, 5.30pm

 

 

Dates for your Diary:

 

October 25th – Dinner Dance

November 14th – Christmas Fayre

Please keep these dates free and let’s aim at maximum support and attendance.

November 29th – SVP Dance

 

St. Edward’s Social Club

REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS

BINGO

Every Thursday Evening (8.15pm)

MEAT RAFFLE
Every Sunday Lunchtime (1.15pm)

 

2014

Saturday 2nd August

QUIZ NIGHT
(8.00 pm – £2.00 pp)

Saturday 9th August

PRIVATE PARTY

Saturday 23rd August

GOLF SOCIETY PRESENTATION
(from 6.00 pm)

Monday 25th August

LATE SUMMER HOLIDAY
CLUB CLOSED

Saturday 31st August

PRIVATE PARTY

Please pray for the sick:

If you know of anyone who has gone to hospital, please advise the Friary (01293 524176) as soon as possible and let us know whether you would like us to visit.