Register
23 Apr 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45 - Janet Clare Magic
23 Mar Noon Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
28 Apr 7:30 pm Tue
St Thomas - Padre Pio Prayer Group
29 Apr 7:30 - 900 pm Wed
St Thomas - Bible Study - Opening up the Word
30 Apr 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45
30 Apr Noon Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
01 - 03 May
Aylesford - Men's Retreat - Who do you say that I am?
13 - 20 May
Medjugorje - Pilgrimage
21 May 07:30 pm Thu
St Thomas - Confirmation Program Welcome evening
19- 21 Jun Fri -Sun
Aylesford - Women's Parish retreat
12 Jul Noon Sun
Parish Summer Party
The Parish Priest writes:
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19 APRIL 2026 - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St Thomas’ parish,
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In the Gospel this Sunday, the disciples are leaving Jerusalem disappointed and confused. They say it plainly: “we had hoped…” (Luke 24:21). Everything, in their eyes, has fallen apart. And yet Christ is already there—walking with them, speaking to them, explaining the Scriptures. The problem is not His absence. The problem is that they do not recognise Him. Only later, at the table, “in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35), their eyes are opened. First the Scriptures, then the Eucharist. That order matters. Christ forms their understanding before He allows Himself to be recognised.
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Saint Peter speaks with clarity in the first reading: “it was not possible for him to be held by death” (Acts 2:24). His fact changes everything, because if death does not hold Christ, then it does not define us either. The resurrection is not comfort—it is direction. And that reality was visible, in a very concrete way, in our parish this Easter.
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I want to thank all of you who worked—often quietly and without attention—to make our celebrations worthy, prayerful, and beautiful. Across all our churches, so many gave their time to clean, prepare, arrange flowers, organise, and take care of details that most people never see, but everyone benefits from. Thank you also to our altar servers and sacristans, organists and singers, welcomers and church stewards.
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A very particular word of thanks must go to our music group and choir at Sevenoaks. What you gave was not just music, but real service to God that reached our hearts. Thank you for the time, discipline, and care you put in that truly helped all of us to pray.
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I am grateful to Fr John, Fr Shaju, and Deacon Neil—for support, for advice, and for taking responsibility for so many things that otherwise would not happen. And to Fr John Tabor for his generosity, readiness to step in wherever needed, and his friendship.
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Last Sunday’s Divine Mercy Hour carried that same spirit. It was simple, prayerful, and focused—exactly what it should be. Thank you to all who prepared it and to those who came to pray.
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Now the Church moves forward. We look towards the Ascension, and we begin to ask again for the Holy Spirit. Not as an idea, but as a real gift. Without the Holy Spirit, nothing grows. With Him, everything becomes possible.
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So let us ask—clearly and deliberately—that the Holy Spirit may come upon our parish. That our faith may not remain at the level of words, but become something lived. And that, like those disciples on the road, we may learn to recognise Christ where He is truly given to us.
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With priestly blessing,
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Parish Priest
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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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SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEK is for The Little Sisters of the Poor. In their home in Vauxhall (St Peter's Residence), they offer care for elderly people of low income and retired priests. Their mission is not limited by faith or background; they welcome individuals from all walks of life, ensuring they receive the dignity and support they deserve. With a focus on alleviating loneliness and suffering, the Sisters provide a safe and nurturing environment, accompanying them with compassion until their final days.
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SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK is for the Priest Training fund, which helps to meet the costs of training students for the priesthood and the permanent diaconate. There are currently 9 men in formation in our Archdiocese. The priesthood has always been at the heart of the church. Pray for vocations and support the PTF.
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CHURCH REFURBISHMENT. St Thomas’ church sanctuary floor renovation will take place from Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May. All Masses that week will be at 8:00am and the church will be closed for the rest of the day. The same will happen in the week from 11th to 16th May, this time from Monday to Saturday. Please, note that on Thursday 14th May, Ascension Day (Holy Day of Obligation), there will be no 9:30am or 12:00pm Mass. And on Saturday 16th May there will be no confessions after the 8:00am Mass.
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ADORATION. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a quiet meeting with Christ truly present — a time to rest with Him, to speak, or simply to be. It is a moment where faith becomes personal. It is heartbreaking to see some of our Holy Hours so lightly attended, especially on Tuesday evenings at St Thomas. Please consider coming, even for a short time, each Tuesday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. More Holy Hour times across our churches can be found at the back of the Newsletter.
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HELP NEEDED WITH ALTAR LINEN WASHING. We are looking for additional person to assist with laundering the small altar linen. This involves a monthly commitment to wash and iron the linen used during the preceding week and return it within a few days. This is not an onerous task, but it would be a great help, especially over the summer months. If you are able to assist, please contact: sevenoaks@rcaos.org
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EASTER QUIET DAY. You are invited to an Easter Quiet Day of Reflection on Saturday 9th May at The Barn, Poult Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, TN11 9QU (entrance opposite North Frith Farm) from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Through the use of poetry, prayer, music, scripture and nature, the day will be an opportunity for quiet contemplation some of the Easter gospels and how they speak to us today. The day will be led by Gilly Fenner who has worked as a spiritual director for over 23 years. Please bring a bible, a packed lunch and a change of shoes as part of the day can be spent outside. Suggested contribution is £5. If you would like to attend please email Gilly​
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LAST CALL FOR CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2026. For all those currently in Year 7 or above, the registration for the Confirmation Programme is now open. Register online here. A welcome meeting for parents, candidates and catechists will be held on Thursday May 21st from 7:30pm-9:00pm at St Thomas’ church. Closing date for registration is on Friday April 24th.
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CATECHISTS. We are also looking for catechists to help with the delivery of the Confirmation Programme. If you can help, email Gabrielle Ellis ​​​
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. The Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage will be on 11th July, at St George’s Cathedral. If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year, contact us at mflkent@rcaos.org.uk providing names in the format John and Mary Smith, home address, parish, and the anniversary, so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows. As the title of your email, write your parish location; e.g. Tenterden, Gillingham.​
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AFTER SCHOOL CLUB ASSISTANT. St Thomas' Primary School are looking for a person to assist in supervising children attending After School Club. Duties include providing appropriate activities, encouraging co-operation, securing their safety, monitoring well- being and ensuring good behaviour. This role is from Monday to Thursday, 3:00pm to 6:00pm term time only. Starting date: Monday 20th April. If interested please email office@saintthomas.co.uk.
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GIFT AID. Parishioners who use weekly and 2nd collection envelopes will find them at the back of all 4 churches. Please take them home. As the use of online payments has increased, many people no longer use envelopes. Over the last 2 years, envelopes not collected were discontinued as the parish is charged for them. If you don’t yet Gift Aid, please email sevenoaksgac@rcaos.org.uk. The benefit is that everything you gift to the parish is increased by 25%. Sean Corrigan
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THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING. There is a series of events scheduled during the Thursday Coffee Mornings (10:00am to 11:45am), in the parish centre at St Thomas’ church. All events start at 10:30am.
23rd April - A little magic on St George’s day, Janet Clare (a magic circle magician)
28th May: Bradbourne Lakes, John Ingram
25th June: Talk about Racet (The rural Africa children’s education trust), Deirdre Trapp and Adetunji Adeleye
23rd July - Poetry as prayer, led by Gilly Fenner
WIDOWED, SEPARATED AND DIVORCED. Beginning Experience is a peer ministry to the widowed, separated and divorced led by trained volunteers. Their work is carried out at special weekend gatherings, which encourage participants to deal with the natural process of grief and loneliness. The next weekend is on 8th to 10th May, at Worth Abbey, West Sussex, RH1 4SB.For details, contact Mary on 07730 884315 or email beginningexperience.soe@gmail.com.
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CARITAS SOUTHWARK IN ACTION. Please continue to support the Loaves and Fishes foodbank, either through donating goods (collection point in the Tom Quinn porch, underneath the television screen) or by financial donation. Current priorities are: microwave rice, Pasta 'n' Sauce, pot noodles (any flavours!), tinned chicken or beef, and biscuits. Further information on appropriate goods and bank details can be found on the Loaves and Fishes Sevenoaks Foodbank website. Just an extra item or two in your shopping trolley on a regular basis would really help! Thank you. https://www.sevenoaksfoodbank.co.uk/
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CAFOD. Stand with Sudan. Give monthly. On the third anniversary of the war in Sudan, Kayode Akintola, CAFOD’s Head of Region for Africa, asks for your help: “So many of our sisters and brothers in Sudan are facing increasing violence, hunger, and disease. That is why today, I’m asking you to consider setting up a monthly gift to support families who are fleeing the violence – with food, safe water and other vital support. Monthly gifts are an act of steady love for our neighbours, a way of saying: we will not abandon you, we will stand with you until peace is restored.” Donate HERE.
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MOTHERS PRAYERS. The St Thomas’ Mothers Prayers group meets on Thursdays, after the 12:00noon Mass. We start at 12:45pm, in the parish centre, and we finish by 1:30pm. Mothers Prayers is for ALL women, even if you are not a biological mother. Age is not important either or whether you have young or adult children. We have grandmothers who pray for their grandchildren too. You can check the MP website here.
For dads, there is a Fathers Prayers movement. And the one for children is called Children of Faith, which helps children to pray for anyone or something they may be concerned about. For information, email the parish office
SICK AND HOUSEBOUND. In order to prepare for Holy Week, if you want a priest to visit you, someone in your family or a friend for Confession and/or Holy Communion, speak to the priest after Mass or email or call the parish office.
ALTAR SERVERS RALLY and TRAINING. The 48th annual rally for Southwark Altar Servers is taking place at The Friars, Aylesford Priory, Kent on Monday 4th May (bank holiday). The Principal Celebrant will be Bishop Paul Hendricks. All Welcome to worship, witness, pray, picnic, play football with other servers.
We warmly invite Altar Servers from our 4 churches to join Fr John on Saturday 9th May after the Vigil Mass (6:00pm) at St Thomas’s for training updates. This will be followed by pizza. Session will finish by 8:00pm. Parents of the servers can join from 7:30pm for pizza too and to discuss ways forward for training. If you are able to assist on the night with setting up, email Fr John .
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PARISH SUMMER PARTY. Save the date of Sunday 12th July, from 12:00noon onwards for the Parish Summer Party. You won’t want to miss it!​​​
DIVINE MERCY. Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet every Thursday, starting at 11:40am, just before the 12:00noon Mass, at St Thomas’ church. All are welcome.
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VOCATIONS. Vocations Weekend for Women (20s and 30s) - Discerning God's Call in your life. 15th - 17th May, Liverpool. The weekend is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). Jesus invites each of us to 'Come and See' - this weekend will give the opportunity to explore the vocation to religious life and to reflect on God's call to you. If you are wondering if God is calling you to religious life and would like to find out more why not come along? There will be opportunity for prayer, reflection and input, chance to live alongside the religious community and to ask questions and to meet others who are also wondering where God is calling them. For information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or click here. To register, go here.
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RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLOR. Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care. Would you like train in relationship counselling and provide couples with professional, effective support, that makes a real difference? Benefits: Full training with certified trainers; Ongoing supervision and CPD; Be part of a community of like-minded relationship professionals within a historic and diverse organisation.Marriage Care’s next Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) training course will begin in March 2027 with a deadline of 30th June for applications. Marriage Care believe that supporting couple relationships is a matter of social justice. Their relationship counsellors enable those in need to access professional counselling – regardless of their ability to pay – by providing two counselling sessions per week on a voluntary basis.Marriage Care are looking for those who are empathetic, understanding and have an enthusiasm for supporting adult relationships. Whilst you do not need experience as a counsellor for this role, self-awareness and having the time and space to commit to all that the training and role entails is essential.Please note that there are costs associated with training on the CRC, including a non-refundable registration fee of around £175. These costs, which are outlined on the website below, are subject to minor changes and are far lower than with alternative training providers. In line with Marriage Care’s ethos as a charity, no one is excluded on the basis of their ability to pay. For more information please visit Marriage Care or email volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk
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PARENTS OF TEENAGERS. Catholic CELEBRATE are offering free of charge 2 webinars: "Confident parenting in a world of screens", on 29th April at 8:00pm; and "Raising teenagers in a Catholic family, on 2nd June at 8:00pm. To book a place contact info@celebratetrust.org.
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A DAY WITH MARY PILGRIMAGES. Pilgrimage to Fatima (8th to 15th July); closing date 28th April. Pilgrimage to Italy (1st to 10th September); closing date 23rd June. Further information is available here.
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YOUTH MINISTRY GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY. Do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is looking for a new challenge? The Diocese of Lancaster has a Youth Ministry team based in Keswick in the Lake District. They run retreats at Castlerigg Manor and also work in Churches and schools around the area. The ‘Youth Ministry Internship’ scheme comes with high quality training, experience, and recognised qualifications and gives young people the chance to join a welcoming community and a vibrant team doing some amazing work. Interested? Contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk or click here and on "join the team".
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ROSARY. Every Saturday, after the 9:30am Mass, you are invited to pray the Rosary at St Thomas’ church. At the same time, there are also Confessions.
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TRAINING FOR BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY. The next day of formation for Bereavement Support Groups will be on Saturday May 9th, in the Walden Room, Aylesford Priory. For information, email mflbereavement@rcaos.org.uk.
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MEN’S RETREAT - Who do you say that I am? Our Parish Retreat for men will be in Aylesford from 1st to 3rd May. It will be a weekend of exploration, prayer and encouragement. Clare Cameron, who facilitated our women’s retreat last year, will lead us again. She is a spiritual director and retreat facilitator working at the Jesuit Centre St Beuno’s in North Wales. The cost, including full board, is £250. If interested, please fill up a registration form available in the back of the church or download it from the parish website Retreats page. Lift shares to Aylesford will be organised. Any questions, email Catherine Rodger or at 01732458852. The registration form and non refundable deposit of £20 must be returned to the Parish Office in an envelope marked PARISH RETREATS .
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WOMEN’S RETREAT - “Rejoicing and hearing the voice of the bridegroom” John 3:2. Our Parish Retreat for Women will be in Aylesford from 19th to 21st June. If you have never been on a retreat before, maybe this is the time? We are fortunate to be led by Canon Luke Smith. He is currently based in Rochester as well as teaching at Allen Hall. Canon Luke is well versed in spiritual accompaniment and some years ago he was a priest in our parish. The cost, including full board and lodging, is £250. If you would like to attend, pick up a registration form from the back of your church or download it form the parish website Retreats page. Lift shares to Aylesford will be organised. Any questions, email Catherine Rodger or at 01732458852. The registration form and non refundable deposit of £20 must be returned to the Parish Office in an envelope marked PARISH RETREATS by the 30th April.​​​​​​​
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AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST. The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as "Is Jesus God?" or “Does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please click here.
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SAVE THE DATE. The renowned choir, The Sixteen will be returning to St Thomas Church to perform on the evening of Friday 19th June. Make sure to include the event in your diaries.​
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FORMING CATHOLIC STUDENT LEADERS (YEARS 12 AND 13). Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst is offering two summer courses exploring faith, ethics and leadership for sixth form students. Join us for 6 days in the beautiful Ribble Valley to explore themes linked to The Common Good (Year 12, 10th to 15th August) and to The Human Ecology (Year 13, 5th to 10th July). Meet new friends, discuss and share with peers, tutors and academics, learn new skills, develop your relationship with Christ, build your character. For information click here.
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CALLED TO LOVE is a retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend with input, prayer, discussion and social, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded others! This year's retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. Runs from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, with the option of staying Friday night.For information, click here.​​​​​​​​
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PORTUGUESE CAMINO to Santiago de Compostela. We are planning another walking pilgrimage for 10 days towards the end of September. We plan to fly to Porto, Portugal, then walk the last 120 or so km to Santiago. If you are interested, please contact Margaret on 01732 885295 or Brother David on 07821 049827.
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REPOSITORY SHOP TIMES THIS WEEK
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Saturday 18th April: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 19th April: after 8:00am & 6:00pm Mass
Saturday 25th April: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 26th April: after 8:00am, 11:15am and 6:00pm Mass.
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Cards, gifts and reading materials available. Pick it up from the baskets at the entrance of the church and pay using either of the SumUp machines. Thank you for your support.
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HOME VISITS. We would like to come closer to you by visiting your homes to chat about how we can improve our ministry. Sign-up forms are available in the porch to schedule a priest’s home visit. Think of a day and suitable time when you could receive a priest for a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly conversation (no longer than 45 minutes). If you wish, we can also bless your home. Visits will continue throughout the coming year, until next Christmas.​​​​​
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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. For any queries, please contact Deacon Neil. We look forward to welcoming you.
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RETROUVAILLE. Does your marriage need some TLC? Need help with communication and trust? Retrouvaille helps marriages. It can bring hope and healing to relationships.
For information, go to www.retrouvaille.org.uk or call 07887 296983.
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LISTENING TO YOU. The 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 want to make an appointment, contact the Parish Office.​
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SEVENOAKS COUNSELLING is a professional service offered by Christians to the whole community. We have provided a trusted, affordable counselling service to Sevenoaks and the surrounding district since 1983. We are welcoming and non-judgemental to everybody. We provide counselling which is professional and caring; confidential; tailored to individual needs, either short term or long term and offered by qualified and experienced therapists. Click on the website for information.
We are also looking for new trustees. If interested, email rev.annebourne@gmail.com.​​
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​MARY'S MEALS WALKING PILGRIMAGE. Would you like to join a Mary’s Meals walking pilgrimage this year? Details of all the pilgrimages can be found here: https:// www.marysmeals.org.uk/get-involved/charity-events/walk-for-hope. Options include the Augustine Camino from Rochester to Ramsgate via Aylesford Priory, Canterbury Cathedral and Minster Abbey from 5th to 11th September, and The Way of Our Lady of Consolation from West Grinstead to Storrington and onto Arundel Cathedral from 8th to 9th May. You are very welcome to join us for a single day, for several days, or for a whole pilgrimage. Come on your own or as a group. For information, check the website or contact Roy Peachey .
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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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RECENTLY DIED​​​​​​​​
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Colin Graham John Higgins
Funeral on Thursday 7th May at 12:30pm at Bluebell Cemetery
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Valerie Anne Wilden
Funeral on Monday 11th May at 11:00am at Most Holy Trinity
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Marc Thomas Wray
Funeral on Thursday 28th May at 1:30pm at St Thomas’
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
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ST EDITH OF KEMSING
The statue of St Edith is on the main altar (Altar of the Monarchs- Altar de los Reyes) of Mexico City Cathedral of the Blessed Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This altar is a monumental 28 carat gilded wooden altarpiece located in the apse featuring 12 canonised royals: 6 canonised Kings and 6 canonised female royals. St Edith is named as "Princesa" as she is the daughter of King Edgar. The Cathedral was built by the Spanish Conquistadors over the site of the main Aztec temple.From Ben & Catherine visiting Mexico City
Pray for Peace and Pope Leo XIV
In these days, when so much of the world is marked by uncertainty, conflict, and quiet anxiety, the call to pray for peace becomes not just important, but necessary. It is easy to feel distant from what is happening, or unsure what difference we can make. Yet the Church is very clear: peace is not something left only to leaders or nations. It begins in the heart, and it is sustained by prayer. As St Augustine reminds us, “peace is the tranquillity of order” (De Civitate Dei, XIX, 13), a harmony that comes from God and must be received before it can be shared. This is why the Church teaches that “peace is not merely the absence of war… it is rightly and appropriately called an enterprise of justice” (Gaudium et Spes, 78). Peace is something we are all called to build through our lives, our choices, and above all, through prayer.
When we pray, we do not step away from the world; we bring the world before God. We stand with Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, allowing His peace to take root in us. For this reason, Archbishop John Wilson invites us to unite in prayer for peace and for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who continues to speak with clarity and courage in the face of war.
Our Holy Father has been courageously advocating for peace, stating clearly that the message of the Gospel cannot be "abused" and that he "will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace".
In a statement of support and solidarity for our Holy Father and his courageousness in promoting peace, Archbishop John said:
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“Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV is showing the world that in the face of war, God demands peace. As Pope Leo has made clear, we cannot stand by and allow the message of the Gospel to be abused. (…) As bishops, we are not politicians, nor statesmen, nor do we pretend to have all the answers. But as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we know that each of us is called to be a beacon of His peace. We know that in the face of war, where so many innocent lives will be lost, we must be clear that God demands peace.
Let us take to our hearts the appeal of Archbishop John, to join him in praying for peace and for Pope Leo XIV: “May we all be as courageous as our Holy Father in proclaiming the truth that God demands peace”.
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V. Let us pray for Leo XIV, our Pope.
R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
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Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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O God,
shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favourably on your servant Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those
over whom he presides so that,
together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Bible Study: Opening up the Word
​Join us on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the St Thomas’ parish centre
St Jerome famously said: Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. While as Catholics, we are privileged to hear a fair amount of Scripture if we attend Sunday Mass (even more if we go daily), there is still much of, and about, the Bible to be explored. Our priests have only limited time to open up the riches of God’s Word in their homilies. With this in mind, the group Bible Study Opening up the Word will meet every two weeks, on Wednesdays in the St Thomas’s parish centre, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
The aim is to give attendees a better knowledge and understanding of the Bible as a whole, as well as going into more depth on individual books and themes. The choice of books/ themes will be based, at least in part, on feedback from the participants.
This group is for those who are interested in finding out more about one of the bedrocks of our Catholic Christian faith – and please don’t worry that it will be too academic. It's open to all, regardless of where they are at in their faith journey. Paul Boyle, who has experience running a Bible study group for at least twelve years, will lead the discussions.
As St Jerome also said: The Holy Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for theologians to swim in without ever reaching the bottom.
The first meeting is on 29th April. If you are interested, or would like to find out more before committing, please email Paul Boyle .
Some of our Altar Servers at Sevenoaks
​​​​​​​​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