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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Dear Friends,

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This Sunday, the Gospel speaks with beautiful clarity: “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). These are not mere words of comfort, but a commandment that challenges us to love with Christ’s own heart — a love that is self-giving, protective, and deeply faithful.

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This week, across our Archdiocese and in our parish, we mark Safeguarding Sunday. It is an opportunity to reflect on how we put Christ’s commandment into action — especially in how we care for the most vulnerable among us. Safeguarding is not only about policies and procedures, but about the kind of Church we are striving to become: one that is safe, trustworthy, and transparent; a community where all, especially children and vulnerable adults, are cherished and protected.

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We give thanks for all in our parish who support this work: our Parish Safeguarding Representative, volunteers, catechists, clergy, and so many who ensure our parish is a place of welcome, responsibility, and integrity. Safeguarding is everyone's mission. As Archbishop John writes in his Pastoral Letter this weekend, “If we want to be genuine in our discipleship, we need to ensure our parishes are places of integrity, accountability, and healing.”

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At the same time, the Word of God this Sunday speaks to a greater vision: “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). As we look around, we see this promise being fulfilled in the life of our parish: in the young people beginning their Confirmation preparation this weekend, and in the children preparing for their First Holy Communion next month. Their faith reminds us that the Church is indeed alive and growing — not just in numbers, but in grace.

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Please pray for these children and young people. Pray also for their families and catechists, that this time may be filled with joy, learning, and above all, an encounter with Christ’s love in the sacraments.

 

Let this week be a time to renew our commitment:
 

  – to love with Christ’s love,
 

  – to safeguard with Christ’s care,
 

  – and to proclaim with Christ’s boldness that His kingdom is for all generations.

 

With every blessing for the week ahead,

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Fr Peter

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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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VISIT TO ARUNDEL. You are warmly invited to join the coach outing organised by the Arts Society Sevenoaks to Arundel on Thursday 19th June. We shall visit Arundel Cathedral and see the Carpet of fresh Flowers laid out in the nave each year for Corpus Christi. There will also be opportunities to visit the Castle and Gardens with the Fitzalan Chapel and the parish church. For details email Andrew Pembroke or 01732 450197.

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FUNERAL. We are seeking another 8 or 9 helpers for the Funeral Support Group rota at St Thomas's. You will be helping bereaved families by greeting their loved ones and friends, and offering them refreshments in the Parish Room. We only help when families ask us and you are likely to be called no more than six times per year. Contact Pat on 01732 453902 to find out more. "You helped lighten the load on a very bleak day".

 

ALTAR SERVERS. We will be celebrating The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ on Thursday 29th May and need 4 Altar Servers at each Mass at St Thomas’s. The Mass times are at 8:00am, 12:00 noon and 8:00pm. Email Catherine Ingram if your child can serve.

 

SUMMER CELEBRATION. The annual Altar Servers Summer Celebration will be held at St Thomas' on Saturday 12th July from 09:15am to 12:30pm. All our Servers from our 4 Parishes are warmly invited to join in. Further details of the day will be communicated nearer the time. It will be a fun filled day! Save the date and email Catherine (email above) to confirm attendance.

 

SAVE THE DATE. Our Parish Summer Party is on Sunday 6th July, 12:00noon onwards, in the Presbytery Garden. This is our biggest social event. Make sure to include it in your diaries. Last year, it was a huge success with free food, drinks, children’s games and entertainment. All are welcome. If you have ideas on how to make our Parish Summer Party better, contact us. We need donations and volunteers. Can you help? Would you like to run a stall at the party? Or maybe help to run/donate to a stall or for the raffle? Or contribute with some food. It can be savoury, salads, deserts or a national dish. All the proceeds go to the parish. Please contact Ben Andradi if you can help.

 

MARRIAGE. 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.

 

REPOSITORY SHOP OPENING TIMES THIS WEEK

Saturday 17th May: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 18th May: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 11:15 Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Tuesday 20th May: after 9.30am Mass

Thursday 22nd May: during Coffee morning; 10:15am-12:00pm and after 12:00pm Mass

Saturday 24th May: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 25th May: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

 

We have cards (Mass cards, birthday, get well, etc), a varied stock of spiritual books, rosaries and gifts for different occasions like Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation. You may also ask for special orders. Any queries, email Esther Ford.

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JOIN THE TEAM. The Repository Shop team of St Thomas' Parish is keen to open the shop at more weekday Masses and after each Sunday Mass at St Thomas'. It is important that there is a Repository presence in all our churches. We are inviting anyone who can help by opening the Repository at a particular Mass, on a regular basis or occasionally, or be the Repository contact. The commitment would be 10-15 minutes after the end of your usual Mass. Speak to Esther Ford or Silvana; call 01732451588 or WhatsApp 07846671335.

 

YOUTH MEET. Young people (over 11 years old) are invited to a special YOUTH MEET on Saturday 26th July from 9:30am to 12:30pm at St. Lawrence Church, Edenbridge, TN8 5AQ. It will be a joyful gathering to hear inspiring voices from leaders in politics, sports and film industries. The event will highlight the importance of Christian leadership and of living as witnesses of Christ. There will be sharing, prayer, fun and food. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship. For details, email Fr Vipin at or call 07436 371485.

 

Our TRUTH SEEKERS youth programme has sessions every Saturday from 7:00pm to 8:15pm in the St Thomas’ Parish Centre. Encourage your young person to come. They can also bring friends. All are welcome. For information, email Silvana or call the office at 01732 454 177.

 

SAINTHOOD. How do we raise children to be saints? How do we become saints? Fr Carter Griffin, author of Forming Families, Forming Saints, will present a webinar on Wednesday 18th June at 7:30pm. The purpose of parents is to raise children to be saints, while pursuing this for themselves. Fr Griffin will consider the work of formation in the family and highlight the key virtues for our children's human, intellectual, spiritual and apostolic growth. It is aimed at parents, grandparents, priests, catechists and anyone interested. Tickets cost £5. Register here: https:// aecsouthwark.churchsuite.com/events/twnvalra

 

CARLO ACUTIS. St George’s Cathedral will be visited by a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. On Thursday 26th June, an evening of adoration and veneration of the relic for young adults is taking place. On Friday 27th June, Archbishop John will preside at the 6:00pm Solemn Mass of the Sacred Heart, which will include the veneration of the relic. On Saturday 28th June, there will be a “morning with Carlo Acutis”, which will include Mass, adoration, rosary and a talk on the relic. An exhibition will also be on display at the Cathedral from 19th June to 7th July. Visit here for information.

 

THE GOD WHO SPEAKS. If you are curious about the Bible, you will find great resources, activities and ideas to help you deepen your faith and love of the Scriptures on the God Who Speaks webpages

 

DAY FOR LIFE. The Day for Life is a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year it will be on 15th June, Trinity Sunday. Ahead of it, we invite the faithful to join in prayer through the Novena for Life. This will run up to the Feast of the Visitation, between the 23rd and the 31st of May. Prayers for each day can be found here

 

MARY. Like Mary, be a Eucharistic disciple says Archbishop John. For the Month of Mary, Archbishop John is calling on us to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary and be a man or woman of the Eucharist. You can watch or read his message.

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PILGRIMAGE GUIDE. For the Year of Jubilee, in which we are called to be ‘pilgrims of hope’, the Southwark Spirituality Commission has created a guide for parish pilgrimages. The detailed guide, which includes editable Word versions, is available to download for free. The pack provides background on pilgrimages, including helpful tips on what to think about before you start planning a pilgrimage. Download, for free here

 

JUBILEE FOR ALL. This is a new resource from CELEBRATE Trust. It was developed for families, especially those with additional needs, to enjoy pilgrimage in their local diocese in the Jubilee Year of Hope. Find short creative activities that families can choose from to enable them to draw closer to Jesus. To download it for free, click here and then on 'Jubilee for All'.

 

MEDJUGORGE PARISH PILGRIMAGE - There are just two places left in our pilgrimage to Medgugore from June 2nd with Fr Biju. Medjugorje is an inspirational place where you will feel the presence of Our Lady leading you closer to Our Lord. The price for 7 nights half board is £756 which includes flights and transfers from Gatwick and a local guide. Contact Barry Authers at 07773 658469.

 

FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES. In this year of Jubilee, connect with other families and people of all ages for a time of fun, faith and friendship at CELEBRATE festival. It will be from August 16th to 20th at Worth School, West Sussex. Camping and residential accommodation options are available. Listen to inspirational speakers, attend Mass and worship. It might just be the summer holiday you never knew you needed. Info here.

 

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA. There will be a walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella from September 20th to 29th. It is suitable for all levels, covering the 116km of the Camino Ingles at a gentle pace over 8 days with an additional day in Santiago. Email Br David or 07821049827 - evenings, or email Margaret Briggs ,07703 798967)

 

BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE (BABM) – Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. To celebrate Jubilee 2025 a one day Building a Better Marriage opportunity will be held in the following 9 Southwark deaneries during 2025.

 

The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm and is free to attend. The day will be open to other deaneries in 2026 who have not experienced the event To join one of these day’s please email Carole or 07983 524 727 .

28 June – St Raphael Church, Kingston Upon Thames

5 July - St Thomas More, Dulwich

13 September – Southwark Cathedral, London

4 October – Holy Cross, Catford

1 November – St James the Great, Petts Wood

 

PENTECOST. Pilgrimage to Pentecost is a course, published by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and the Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal team, designed to guide participants on a spiritual pilgrimage towards Pentecost. You can join a group in person at one of the "Hub" locations around the Archdiocese or on Zoom; or follow the course on your own at home. The course has already been a huge hit with over 1,000 copies of the book sold, hundreds of views on YouTube, and almost 30 parishes signed-up to take part. Find out more here

 

EVANGELIUM 2025 conference will be from 15th to 17th August. This is a conference on Catholic faith, life and culture to help make faithful young Catholic adults effective for Mission. Over the years, hundreds have ignited their faith through Evangelium. Guest speakers include Fr Marcus Holden and Fr Mark Wharton. Booking and more details can be found here.

 

WALSINGHAM. Archbishop John will be leading the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 28th June. If any parish would like to organise coaches, please contact Fr James Clark .

 

WE BELIEVE. This festival of Catholic Life celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, with parishes and families in mind, will be from 25th to 28th July. It will be four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray & many more. Pilgrim-attendees can choose to attend for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or for a day for £40. Early Bird Tickets available.

 

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

 

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.

 

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. This is a prayer group for those discerning and practicing discipleship in our parish led by Deacon Neil which meets in the Parish Centre from 7:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, and includes time of fellowship over tea and coffee, praise & worship led by musicians, consideration of Church teaching and prayer. For more information please contact Deacon Neil.

 

RECENTLY DIED

Peter Marchal

Requiem Mass 23rd May 2025 at St Thomas’, Sevenoaks

Ann Stevens

Requiem Mass on 27th May 2025 at St Thomas’, Sevenoaks

Patricia Josephine Peters

Requiem Mass on 5th June 2025at St Thomas’, Sevenoaks

May they rest in peace​​​​​​​

 

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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ARCHDIOCESAN JUBILEE CELEBRATION DAY at The Friars, Aylesford 7 June 2025. Led by Archbishop John Wilson, we will gather as an Archdiocese at The Friars, Aylesford for a day of prayer, reflection, celebration, and fun. There will be lots of activities, for children as well as for adults. This will be the centre-piece event of the 2025 Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There will also be a walking pilgrimage from St George’s Cathedral in Southwark to The Friars (2-6 June 2025). The event itself is free. You can find out more about the event, including how to join the walking pilgrimage, and the wider Jubilee Year

plans in the Archdiocese at: rcaos.org.uk/jubilee2025.​​​​​​

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​​​Archbishop's Pastoral letter on Safeguarding.
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus speaks words to us which strike directly to the heart of our Christian calling: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love is not a mere sentiment, but an action. It is a way of living that demands our full faithfulness to Christ. And today - when we consider the role Safeguarding plays in the life of the Church - we are reminded that one of the clearest and most necessary ways we live out this love is by ensuring the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of the most vulnerable amongst us.

The Church, entrusted with proclaiming the Good News, must be a place where the vulnerable are safe; where the wounded are heard, and where all are welcomed with compassion. The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is not a peripheral

issue. It is central to our faithfulness as disciples of the Lord Jesus. It is a sacred responsibility — and one that I, as your Archbishop, carry with deep humility and vigilance.

Paul and Barnabas encouraged the early Christian communities to remain faithful through their tribulations; and indeed, the Church continues to endure trials — including the painful reality of abuse that has harmed countless lives. But from such suffering, we are called to remain faithful to the authentic message of God’s love.

With repentance and resolve, we must commit ourselves to renewal, endeavouring to make the Church a sanctuary where trust is restored, the Good News preached without fear, and Christ’s love is made visible in our care for one another.

 

Our beloved late Holy Father, Pope Francis, made safeguarding a priority of the Church’s mission, reminding us that people who suffer abuse “are the Lord’s wounded flesh.” They must be met with justice and mercy. To this end, he urged every diocese in the world to establish clear systems of accountability, transparency,

and accompaniment for survivors.

 

In the Archdiocese of Southwark, we have committed wholeheartedly to this vision. Our diocesan safeguarding structures are grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Clergy and Parish Safeguarding Representatives work with our central safeguarding team — a group of dedicated and experienced professionals who ensure safer recruitment, manage concerns, and support survivors with care and discretion. We collaborate closely with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, statutory bodies, and safeguarding charities to ensure our practices are both rigorous and responsive.

 

Safeguarding is not the work of a few. It is a shared responsibility for us all. Each of us — clergy, volunteers, parents, parishioners — is called to remain vigilant and informed, and committed to the well-being of every member of our community.

 

Part of being a faithful Catholic today entails being someone who safeguards. If we want to be genuine in our discipleship, as followers of the Lord Jesus, we need to ensure that our parishes are places of integrity, accountability, and healing. It means

taking safeguarding training seriously. It means reporting concerns without fear or delay. It means supporting survivors with prayer, compassion, and tangible care. As the Psalmist reminds us today, we are called to reflect the divine mercy of God by creating communities where no one is overlooked, silenced, or left behind.

 

In September this year — on the 24 September at 6pm, to be precise — we will come together for our annual Archdiocesan Service for Those Harmed by Abuse at St George’s Metropolitan Cathedral. It is a moment of prayer and solidarity, a public

expression of our deep sorrow and our hope for healing. I invite all who can to attend. Let it be a sign that this archdiocese listens, and that it stands with those who suffer.

 

We also continue to make practical support available to anyone affected by abuse, whether it has occurred within the Church or elsewhere. Our safeguarding team is ready to offer a compassionate response, rooted in the message of love proclaimed

in today’s Gospel.

 

And so, let me return to that Gospel: “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This commandment calls us to more than private devotion. It challenges us to become a Church of justice and protection, a place where Christ’s love is manifest in action.

 

Our faithfulness is measured by how we care for the most vulnerable. Our discipleship is revealed in the courage to confront wrongdoing, to support those who suffer, and to build a future where the Church is safe for all.

 

May the Risen Christ, who is making all things new, bless our Archdiocese, and everyone within it, with the grace to continue this mission of safeguarding with humility, courage, and hope.

 

With an assurance of my prayers, and with every blessing

 

Yours devotedly in Christ

+ John

The Most Reverend John Wilson

Archbishop of Southwark

 

​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​​​