Recently Fr. Michael was asked to take part in a webinar – an online seminar about the ‘Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham’

The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham was established in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI to allow Anglicans to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church whilst retaining much of their heritage and traditions. It now has the full support and blessing of Pope Francis.
They exist to promote the unity of all Christians with the Apostolic See, and faithfully to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the rich treasures of their Anglican  traditions.

In the Archdiocese of Southwark we have two parishes that our run by the Ordinariate, one in London – the Borough and one in Kent – Mongeham & Sandwich. In addtion there are other groups based in Croydon, Deal, Folkestone, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.

Please see enclosed Fr. Michael’s Account of the evening.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The joyous Christmas season is approaching! The season is filled with love, family and, most importantly, God.

As you may be aware, the Sisters from the St. Elisabeth Convent (Minsk, Belarus) are unable to participate in annual Christmas markets in our region due to travel restrictions. Nevertheless they have found a great way to spread the Christmas joy, love and deeds of mercy.

They are launching the very first Online Christmas Market this year, so that people from all over the world can purchase Christmas presents and souvenirs made with love and continuous prayer. Please click here to participate: https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/christmas-market

Through purchasing beautiful Christmas gifts each one of us will be able to serve the poor, sick, homeless and lonely people. Because every item purchased at the Online Market is a donation towards one of the Convent’s ministries.

The Online Christmas Market of St. Elisabeth Convent offers a range of unique handmade items that will make memorable Christmas gifts, including:

• Traditional hand painted Christmas ornaments
• Wooden toys and souvenirs
• Santa Claus and Father Frost figures
• Handcrafted Christmas tree baubles
• Nativity scenes and sets
• Christmas themes ceramics and glass products
• Orthodox Nativity icons
• Russian matryoshka dolls and much more.

The Sisters are sending their prayers and blessings from Minsk. Throughout the pandemic and shutdowns, the Sisters were able to continue running and supporting their multiple social ministries that care for the vulnerable and sick nearby the Convent. Their biggest inspiration has been St. Elisabeth who helped the sick and those in need during her lifetime.

Please remember that you are always more than welcome at our Convent.

With love in Christ,
Sister Olga

The First Holy Communion course will begin on 28th November and end on 1st May. There will be 15 sessions in all on Saturday mornings. In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions the course will be limited to 10 children in Year 3 or above. Acceptance will be on a first come first served basis with priority given to St Raphael’s parishioners.

Download the application form here. Completed forms along with a copy of the child’s Baptism Certificate and the course fee of £10.00 must be handed in to the Parish Office by the 31st October.
In November (date to be announced) there will be a introductory meeting for all parents in Alexander House. Please keep an eye on the Parish Newsletter for details.

Please contact Ginette Howell on 07815919530 or galhowell@gmail.com or Kate Freeman on 07757031310 for further details.

Deacon Peter was ordained to the Priesthood by His Grace Archbishop John Wilson on 25th July in St. Georges Cathedral.

Sadly, because of the current situation numbers were strictly limited and by invitation only. However, when things get back to normal we will invite Fr. Peter back to St. Raphael’s for a special Mass and a parish celebration.

In the meantime, you can enjoy the wonderful capture of this holy day by the Catholic Church of England and Wales at this gallery (click to view).

Here are Deacon Peter’s thoughts and feelings as he approached his ordination.

To act in the person of Christ in helping our brothers and sisters on their journey to God – this is an awesome responsibility. Fortunately, it is carried by the Holy Spirit – I am there to be God’s servant and the servant of his people. Year after year I have wanted to be an ever more fervent witness to the truth and love of our dear Lord Jesus, truly God and truly human. His truth and love are inseparable. That is so real to me. We are all called to be a witness to this truth and love, and this is how God is calling me.

I have served as a Permanent Deacon for the last five years. That has already been a wondrous privilege and blessing. I have been encouraged and nurtured by so many priests, deacons, parishioners and friends. In that calling I have benefitted from the love and support of my dear late wife, my children and their spouses, my grandchildren and my entire extended family. As I take this next step to priesthood, I leave nothing behind of my life to this point. All my experiences have been God given. My head and my heart are fully engaged in responding to God’s call. I feel bathed in God’s love and I feel Christ’s warm embrace. How can I do anything else but be his priest to serve his people?

“Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love”

(Wisdom 3:9)