The Parish Priest writes:

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7 DECEMBER 2025  - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

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Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN

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THIS WEEKEND SECOND COLLECTION is for the Mission Appeal. Priests from the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSP) will come to our four churches to talk about the work of their missionaries. The MSP is a religious congregation working in different parts of the world, committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. You can donate by setting up a direct debit using the account details below. By supporting the MSP work, you also sponsor the training of their Seminarians. Some give to the Mission by going. Others go to the Mission by giving. Why not consider going to the Mission by giving. Account Name: The Missionary Society of St Paul; Sort code: 202963; Account No: 73306224

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NEXT WEEKEND SECOND COLLECTION is for our Parish Mission. It will help to cover the expenses, especially for the priests’ accommodation, living costs and ministry share. Please, continue to include our Parish Mission in your prayers.

With one week to the start of the Parish Mission on Monday 15th December, mission leaflets are available in our four churches to facilitate for parishioners to invite a family member, friend or neighbour to attend. Also there are mission posters to take away if you are able to request a local shop or public community space to display the poster on their noticeboard.

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THE CHILDREN'S CRIB SERVICE AND VIGIL MASS will be held on Christmas Eve starting at 4:00pm. Mass will follow the Crib Service at 5:00pm. Children in YR and above are invited to rehearse in the Church from 2:30pm. We will be looking for readers in Y4 and above. Younger children are invited to attend the Mass dressed as angels and shepherds. Please contact Catherine Bennett on 07712 702211 if your children would like to take part.

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HOLY SOULS. As November finished, we are very grateful for the Holy Souls envelope donations, from which a total of 156 Masses will be offered. The Masses wil be said in our four churches and outside our Parish as well by other priests who will be praying for the Holy Souls.

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SICK AND HOUSEBOUND. If you want a priest to visit you or someone you know during Advent for the Sacraments of Holy Communion, Confession or Anointing of the Sick, contact the parish office.

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RIDE AND STRIDE. Alex Sears (St Bernadette’s), Margaret Briggs (St Joseph’s) and Sarah & Charles Sexton (Most Holy Trinity) raised £1865 from sponsorship for their Ride & Stride efforts in September. Half of the money raised goes to Kent Churches and the other half will go to the participants church. Well done to all.

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CHRISTMAS CAKES. Like previous years, our church has been given the task of providing Christmas cakes to the Foodbank. This year, we have an extra challenge to also provide boxes of 6/8 crackers (not the biscuits). I am sure that we will rise to the double challenge and make sure that everyone in the Community have a happy Christmas. Isabelle Mercer.​

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CHRISTMAS CAKES. Like previous years, our church has been given the task of providing Christmas cakes to the Foodbank. This year, we have an extra challenge to also provide boxes of 6/8 crackers (not the biscuits). I am sure that we will rise to the double challenge and make sure that everyone in the Community have a happy Christmas. Thank you for your generosity. Isabelle Mercer.

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ST THOMAS' CHURCH ADVENT CLEAN. Christmas is fast approaching and it would be wonderful to give our church a deep Advent clean. Do you have just one hour to spare on Thursday 18th December from 10:00am to 11:00am or Saturday 20th December 12:00pm to 1:00pm? No experience required, just enthusiasm to present Our Lord’s House at its best for this most holy feast. Just turn up on the day. Contact James or 07917032024, if you have any questions.

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TRUTH SEEKERS SOCIAL. We invite the young people (ages 13-17), especially those who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation, for a social on Saturday 13th December after the 6:00pm Mass, in the parish centre. It will be an opportunity to welcome new people in our Truth Seekers youth group. Come, have a meal, make friends and have fun.​​

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COFFEE AND CAROLS. Join us for coffee, tea, cake and company every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:45am at the St Thomas’s parish centre. Kathleen Bouverie will be leading us in carols on the 18th December. All are welcome.

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ALTAR SERVERS. The Wintertime 2026 - Altar Servers Weekend Break will be from Friday 2nd January to Sunday 4th January, at Westminster Youth Ministry Retreat Centre, Pinner. This is for boys and girls servers aged 11- 15 of the Southwark Diocese. Activities include talks, prayer, daily Mass, as well as sport, and social time.This is an offshoot from the successful Summertime 2025. A coach will be provided from Dartford,at an extra cost of £20 return. The cost is £139 and includes board and lodging. Contact the parish office for an application form, which can also be downloaded here. For more information, call 01322 220075 or email dartford@rcaos.org.uk.

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CHORISTER OPPORTUNITY. We currently have a small number of places available for Year 4 choristers (ages 8–9) who could join after Christmas, and we’re also welcoming Year 3 and Year 4 boys (ages 7–9) interested in joining the choir in September 2026. All choristers attend Westminster Cathedral Choir School — a leading London prep school of around 270 pupils, of whom 20 are choristers. The school is academically strong, and leavers go on to excellent senior schools. Choristers receive a world-class musical and academic education with up to 100% off the fees. Boarding takes place Sunday to Thursday, with a warm, supportive environment and plenty of time for friendships, reading, and outdoor play — above all, chorister life is fun! Choristers sing daily in the Cathedral and tour internationally. Choristers come from a wide range of backgrounds and no prior musical training is required; we’re looking for bright, enthusiastic boys with musical potential and imagination. If you are be interested in finding out more, please do contact Rachel Bonnet at the Choir School: rbonnet@choirschool.com or 020 7798 9081. We would love to hear from you. For more information, click here.

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CHRIST CHURCH UNITED REFORM CHURCH is looking for a Financial Administrator. Hours are approximately 6-8 hours/week at the rate of £ 15. The address is Littlecourt Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2JG. Details are available on request from 22officechristchurch@gmail.com. Closing date for applications is Friday 12th December.

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PRISONERS. Prisons are in crisis and there are record numbers of people behind bars. Inspectors report instances of violence, self-harm and people in cells with nothing to do. At the same time, too many are released with no home, no job, no family and no hope. Pact is the leading Catholic charity and it supports prisoners, their families and children, offering them the chance to turn their lives around. If you can help, go to Pact's website.

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QUIZ AND CAROLS. Join us for coffee, tea, cake and company every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:45am at the St Thomas’s parish centre. On 27th November, there will be a fun table top quiz. And Kathleen Bouverie will be leading us in carols on the 18th December. All are welcome.​

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REPOSITORY SHOP TIMES THIS WEEK

Saturday 6th December: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 7th December: after 8:00am Mass; some cards will be available in the card stand; after 6:00pm Mass

Saturday 13th December: Repository NOT open after 6:00pm Mass, but some cards will be available in the card stand

Sunday 14th December: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Advent materials, including Sr Gemma Simmonds' book Donkey Roads and Camel Treks, and Christmas cards and gifts available now and throughout December, also in Borough Green and Otford. 

MAINTENANCE FUND. In 2025, our budget of £60,000 allowed us to undertake various urgent repairs at St Thomas’ Church and the presbytery. So far, we have carried out significant maintenance on the church roof, almost completed the electrical works, and replaced most of the presbytery windows. The refurbishment of both the presbytery and the church is well underway. All these costs have been covered by donations made to the Parish Maintenance Fund, for which we are extremely grateful.

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In addition to the ongoing refurbishment of the presbytery, the focus will now shift to flooring the sanctuary, sacristy, and porch of St Thomas’ Church, as well as fitting acoustic panels in the downstairs room of the parish centre. The anticipated 2026 budget is around £125,000. For details, descriptions of the works, cost breakdowns, and information on how to contribute, check the website or contact the parish office. We are very grateful for all contributions made so far. Every little helps as we care for the heart of our parish together.

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ST THOMAS’ SCHOOL. Be Part of the Fun – PTA Raffle Tickets! Help out our school and join the excitement! The PTA will be selling raffle tickets after Mass on the weekends of November 15th–16th, 22nd–23rd, and 29th–30th. Don’t miss your chance to support St Thomas' Catholic School.​​​

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MOST HOLY TRINITY. Starting on Thursday 6th November, Adoration at Most Holy Trinity (Otford) during the winter will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, which is half an hour earlier than usual.​​​

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TAIZE. The TAIZE - Advent Service will be on Sunday 30th November at 7:00pm, at St Thomas’s. Join un for an hour of stillness to reflect and pray with the option to join in singing. There will be refreshments afterwards. Donations are in aid of our parish building maintenance (recommended minimum of £ 5). All welcome.

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A NEW VISION FOR RUNNING YOUR HOME. SMART Home Management is a practical programme looking at how we can better run our homes and help our children to be positively involved too. It covers topics such as decluttering, meal planning, laundry, communication, roles and relationships within the home. Sessions will run on Mondays from 10:00am to 11:30am in the St Thomas’s parish centre. Come along on November 3rd to find out more. For details, email Mary Hunt  or 07890 229794.​​​

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MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 2026. After two most fruitful trips to Medjugorje in 2024 and 2025, we have booked a week’s pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 13th to 20th May 2026, where we expect Fr Piotr to be joining us. The cost is £768 per person which will include travel from London Gatwick, transfers from Split to Medjugorje, half board shared hotel accommodation, and a local guide to suggest a daily itinerary. The emphasis will be on daily Masses, Confession, Adoration, and an opportunity for the more physically able to climb Prdbdo and Krizevac. Our Lady Queen of Peace will show us what we must do to get closer to Our Lord. Please contact Barry Authers if you would like to join our group: 07773 658469.​​​

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AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANT. St Thomas Catholic Primary School is looking for a person to assist the After School Club leader in supervising children attending After School Club, providing activities, encouraging co-operation, securing safety, monitoring well-being and behaviour. This role is from Tuesday to Thursday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm term time only. Starting date: ASAP. If you are interested please e-mail office@st-thomas- sevenoaks.kcsp.org.uk

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UKRAINIAN CANDLE APPEAL. In recent years, we had a wonderful response to our request for candles for Ukraine. The candles, unused or used, are melted down and reconstituted in tins to be sent to the Ukrainian troops to heat their food during winter. Candles are still needed and contributions will be gratefully received. There is a box in each church. Thank you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK WHATSAPP CHANNEL. For the latest updates in the Archdiocese of Southwark, including reflections and homilies from Archbishop John Wilson, as well as prayers and music, join our WhatsApp channel. Our channel aims to help you draw closer to the Lord Jesus through engaging and prayerful content, so please subscribe and share. Join via this link​​​​​​​

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​ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 7:30 with refreshments, praise and worship, followed by reflection and prayer. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the Parish Centre for an evening of fellowship and spiritual enrichment. Over the coming months, we’ll reflect on the lives of Blessed Carlo Acutis, St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and St John Henry Newman. If you have a favourite Saint and would like to lead a reflection, please contact Deacon Neil. We look forward to welcoming you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

ALPHA YOUTH. Our Parish Truth Seekers (TS) programme for teens aged 13 to 17 is on Saturdays from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The weekly meetings are social, engaging, fun and include games, quizzes, great films, challenging series, interesting speakers, BBQs, refreshments and more. It's a space to share food, friendship and faith. If you have a friend that is new to the faith, he or she is most welcome to join us. We are currently running the Alpha Youth series. For information contact the parish office.​​

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CHRISTMAS. We are looking for 2 or 3 more helpers to distribute Parish cribs to local shops & businesses. Email Pat Harman or 01732 453902.

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QUIET EVANGELISATION: send Christian cards rather than snowmen and reindeer. Buy Christian stamps at the post office: you may have to ask for them. Add parishioners in our local care homes to your card list to make them feel cherished and remembered this Christmas.

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MARRIAGE HELP. Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or already divorced? If you are open to try again, Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Retrouvaille is a marriage ministry, run by Catholics, to support marriages. The programme helps couples find hope and healing in their relationship. Call to find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk or 0797 338 0443.​​​​​

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BEREAVEMENT. The Bereavement Support team welcomes anyone who would like to meet to be listened to in a safe, friendly and confidential environment, on an individual basis at a convenient time for them. If you would like to make an appointment, contact the Parish Office.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist

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MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.

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RECENTLY DIED​​​

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Eileen Stanley (Lynne)

Funeral on 8th December at 12:00pm, West Kingsdown

Elizabeth Sherratt

Internment on 10th December at 11:30am, Greatness Cemetery

Imelda Jane Gibbs

Funeral on 12th December at 12:30 pm, St Thomas’

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

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ADVENT SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONS

Walk through Advent with your Bible open and your heart awake​

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7 December — Isaiah 7:14

King Ahaz faces political collapse and panics instead of trusting God. Into this fear, Isaiah announces a sign: a child called Emmanuel - God-with-us. The prophecy reaches its fullness in Christ, who enters our fears from within. Advent reminds us that God’s nearness is not abstract; He stands in the midst of our anxieties and tight spaces. This text assures us that God’s closeness is strongest where our courage is weakest.

Today’s question: What fear do I need to face with Emmanuel at my side?

8 December — Isaiah 9:1–7

Isaiah speaks into a land drowning in darkness and oppression. He promises that a child will bring light, justice, and peace. These words give hope to people who could see no way forward. Christ is that light - not removing all darkness at once but shining steadily within it. Let this promised light encourage you to look for even the smallest glimmer of hope in your own darkness.

Today’s question: Where do I most need Christ’s light to shine today?

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9 December — Isaiah 11:1–10

The royal line of David appears cut down to a stump - lifeless, hopeless. Isaiah dares to proclaim that a new shoot will rise. God brings life where we see only endings. Christ comes into our own “stumps” - disappointments, failures, losses - and grows something new. This promise reminds us that God’s new beginnings often start exactly where we have stopped believing anything can grow.

Today’s question: What looks lifeless in my life that I need to entrust to Christ’s renewal?

10 December — Isaiah 40:1–11

Israel in exile feels forgotten, abandoned, and exhausted. God speaks comfort - not empty reassurance, but a promise of return and restoration. He carries His people close to His heart like a shepherd. Advent invites us to allow God to comfort the places we rarely admit are tired. His tenderness reminds us that we are never beyond His reach or His desire to restore us.

Today’s question: Where do I most need God’s tenderness today?

11 December — Isaiah 42:1–7

Israel expects a powerful warrior, but God speaks of a Servant who will heal gently, strengthen the bruised, and set prisoners free. Christ fulfils this image perfectly. He works quietly in our hearts, never forcing, always healing. This gentle Servant invites us to trust that God does His deepest work not through pressure but through love.

Today’s question: What fragile part of my heart do I need to let Christ touch gently?

12 December — Isaiah 53:1–12

Isaiah foresees a Servant who will carry our griefs and heal us through His own wounds. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in Christ’s Passion, where love transforms suffering. It invites us to bring our own wounds to the One who truly understands them. This vision of the suffering Christ assures us that no pain we carry is wasted when placed in His hands.

Today’s question: What pain or sorrow do I need to let Christ hold with me today?

13 December — Jeremiah 23:5–6

Jeremiah watches his nation crumble morally and politically. He sees exile approaching and yet speaks of a righteous King who will one day restore justice and safety. Christ is this Shepherd-King who gathers the scattered and heals the broken. Jeremiah’s hope in devastation teaches us that God’s promises remain trustworthy even when everything around us shakes.

Today’s question: Where in my life do I long for Christ’s restoring justice?

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TRUTH SEEKERS SOCIAL. We invite the young people (ages 13-17), especially those who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation, for a social on Saturday 13th December after the 6:00pm Mass, in the parish centre. Come, have a meal, make friends and have fun.​​​​

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Alpha Youth is a globally recognised series of interactive and accessible sessions that introduce the basics of the Christian faith. Each one includes a short video and time for open discussion in small groups, creating a safe and respectful environment where participants can explore who Jesus is, what Catholics believe, and how faith impacts everyday life.

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The core themes include the identity of Jesus, his death and resurrection, the role of the Bible, prayer and the Holy Spirit. It's a unique programme because it offers an informal and relaxed setting where teenagers can be themselves and feel comfortable asking questions.

In a world full of uncertainty, the biggest gift religion can give is a pathway through the chaos, a light in the dark. As a participant of Alpha puts it: “Hope is the main thing I get out of my faith. You’re never alone, no matter how much you may feel it. And that’s beautiful”.

If you would like to know more about Alpha Youth, click here.

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DIOCESAN NOTICES
 

​​​​​​​​​Hope in Adoration. As part of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop John is encouraging people to turn to the Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and have their hopes “fulfilled by Christ”. The campaign, Hope in Adoration, will share testimonies from parish priests and laity throughout the year on how Eucharistic Adoration has helped them build a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Resources will also be made available for free and there is a comprehensive list of times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes across the Archdiocese. Find out more about the campaign at rcaos.org.uk/hopeinadoration​​

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​St Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.
St Edith of Kemsing, pray for us.

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Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks

12 Granville Road     email

Sevenoaks               01732 454177

TN13 1ER