Register
29 Sep 7:30 pm Tue
St Thomas - Padre Pio Prayer Group
9 Oct 7:30pm Wed
St Thomas - Bible Study -- next meeting -- 09 Sep
The Parish Priest writes:
27TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY
Dear Friends,
One of the things I like about this Sunday’s Gospel is that Jesus does not give us two perfect sons as an example of family life. In fact, it is quite an unusual model of sonship! One says “no” to his father and then changes his mind. The other says “yes” but never actually goes. I am sure we can see our own reflection in this story. We all have good intentions. We mean to pray more, to be more patient, to forgive someone, to make more time for God. And then real life happens. Sometimes our “yes” remains a good intention rather than becoming an action. The Gospel reminds us that what matters is not simply what we say, but what we eventually do.
Notice that the son who first said “no” was not lost. He changed his mind and went. That little detail is important. Our mistakes, our failures and even the times when we have said “no” to God do not have to be the end of the story. The Christian life is full of turning back. The first reading puts it beautifully: when a person turns away from what is wrong and begins to do what is right, “he shall surely live”. God is always interested in what we do with the present moment, not simply in what we did yesterday. Perhaps this is one of the reasons the Church keeps calling us to conversion. Conversion is not necessarily some dramatic change of life. Very often it is something much more ordinary: recognising that I have got something wrong and putting it right; going to Confession after staying away for too long; beginning again with prayer; forgiving someone I have been holding a grudge against; or simply making the decision to take God a little more seriously.
Today I encourage you to pray especially for our Confirmation candidates, who are spending the day on retreat as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in November. Please pray that this will be a time of deepening their relationship with Jesus. May they come to understand that Confirmation is not simply something they “receive” and then move on from, but a call to live their faith with greater confidence and openness to the Holy Spirit.
Let us also pray for their families. The faith of young people is strengthened enormously when they see that faith being lived at home. It does not require perfect families or perfect parents — thankfully, because there would be very few of them! It requires families who keep turning towards Christ, praying together when they can, coming to Mass, asking forgiveness and trying again.
Perhaps the simple question for us this Sunday is this: Where is God asking me to change my “no” into a “yes” — and then actually do something about it?
Fr Peter - Parish Priest
Registration for FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The registration for the First Holy Communion and Reconciliation programme is now open. To register your child online, click HERE. Children can apply as long as they are in Academic Year 3 or above in September 2026 or were born before 31st August 2019. Parents will attend sessions with Fr Peter, while the catechists will lead sessions with the children. It will also require parents to complete sessions at home. There will be an initial meeting for parents on Thursday 15th October at 7:00pm. The programme begins on Thursday 12th November. All sessions are from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Sevenoaks. All dates are listed at the end of the registration form. There is a charge of £20 towards the cost of the materials. For information, email sevenoaksfhc@rcaos.org.uk.
ST EDITH OF KEMSING
Thanks to all who helped and contributed for a fantastic pilgrimage of St Edith in Kemsing. This is the first St Edith’s Day since the death last November of our parishioner Antony Tyler who lived in the village and organised the annual pilgrimage. Our special gratitude to Barry Authers and Gina Hartnett among others. We were gifted with beautiful weather and many joined us for the walk, the devotions by the well, vespers at St Mary’s and time for fellowship and friendship afterwards.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
A JOURNEY OF FAITH BEGINS
📅 Starting Sunday 4 October 2026
Rite of Acceptance & Rite of Welcoming
10:15am 📍 Parish Centre – Upper Rooms, immediately after the 9:15am Sunday Mass
The RCIA programme begins with the Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming, as we formally welcome those who are exploring the Catholic faith.
Our RCIA Sessions will begin during the 9:15am Sunday Mass with the Liturgy of the Word, followed by the dismissal blessing. The group will then continue in the Parish Centre, with each session concluding at 10:45am with a further blessing.
YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO JOIN!
Do you, or someone you know, desire to become a Catholic?
We would love to hear from you. For information, contact the RCIA coordinators, Paul Boyle and Andrew Wilkinson, or by calling the parish office at 01732 454 177.
COME AND LEARN THE MARIAN CHANTS
Have you ever heard one of the beautiful traditional Latin Marian chants sung at Mass and wished you knew it well enough to join in? We’re getting together for some short, informal sessions to learn some of these beautiful chants, starting with the Salve Regina. We’ll have a coffee and a chat, listen together to a short podcast which teaches the chant step by step, and then sing it through a few times together. All ages welcome, no musical experience is needed and you don’t need to be able to read music. The first two sessions are on Saturday 10th October and 5th December, always at 11:00am, in the parish centre. They last about 45 min. Everyone is very welcome - please join us!
PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG ADULTS - (18 - 25)
RELICS OF ST GERARD MAJELLA - TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Notices:
SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEK is for the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP). We seek to befriend the elderly, the lonely or housebound through visits and lifts to Mass etc. We are also twinned with 3 villages in India which we support through funding specific projects. Click here for information. This collection funds the SVP’s local work, providing financial support to those in need within the parish and beyond. Examples are a pair of shoes for an elderly gentleman, shopping trolley for a disabled person, help with a tenancy deposit for a vulnerable family and money towards beds for an abused family being rehoused. If funds allow we give £50 Tesco vouchers at Christmas and £50 cheques for a day out in the summer to families we know would benefit. Contact Paul Boyle on 07918 808222. Donations can be made by bank transfer to Acct name St Vincent de Paul Society; sort code: 60-60-04 Acct no 46076484 .
SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK is for CAFOD FAST DAY. On Friday, 2nd October, eat a simple meal—such as going without a normal meal or cutting back on food—and donate the money saved to help vulnerable communities overseas. Place the money saved into a parish Fast Day envelope or click here to donate online. You may also call 0303 303 3030.
THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING. Enjoy company and cakes at St Thomas’ parish centre from 10:00am to 11:45am. We are back after the Summer break. All are welcome. We have some interesting talks coming up. They are all from 10:30am.
8th Oct: Poetry to delight and entertain by Pat Harman
22nd Oct: My life journey from Kerala to Sevenoaks by Fr Shaiju
5th Nov: Framing and the history of picture framing by Sandie Peters
19th Nov: Which festive wines to pick? The unofficial guide by Ben Newton
26th Nov: Poems for Advent by Gilly Fenner
3rd Dec: Life in the BBC world news by Madeleine Busvine
17th Dec: Christmas Carols led by Kathleen Bouverie
The ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK will hold the annual service for those that have been harmed by abuse on Wednesday 30th September, at 6:30pm at St George’s Cathedral. Lead by Archbishop John Wilson, this is an opportunity for us to express solidarity and compassion to those that have been hurt by abuse and our commitment to building safe environments for all.
TEACH ME TO PRAY. How do we pray? How do we build a better, more fulfilling relationship with God? You are warmly invited to join an experiential programme called Teach Us to Pray facilitated by Southwark Diocesan Spirituality Commission. The programme will be online on Tuesdays, starting 6th October from 7:00pm to 8:15pm. Following 4 online sessions, there is an invitation for an in-person Reflection Day in a Diocesan Retreat Centre on 5th or 12th December. Join us whenever you can. For details, click here.
The BIBLE STUDY group Opening up the Word meets every other Wednesday at St Thomas’ parish centre, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. For the next few months, we will be looking at the letters of St Paul, beginning with 1 & 2 Thessalonians. At the next meeting on October 7th, Paul will be talking about Galatians. Email Paul with any queries.
REPOSITORY SHOP
We have copies of Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica humanitas( £7.95), picture books for children and Baptismal candles. Check opening times below. Items can be accessed independently and paid via the SumUp machines or cash in the wall box next to the Sacristy door. Thank you for your continued support.
Saturday 26th September: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 27th September: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
Saturday 3rd October: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 4th October: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
ST GREGORY'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Open Afternoon and Evening
Wednesday 7th October – 1.20pm to 2.45am Headteacher talk at 1.20pm; tours at 1.35pm. Parking available.
Thursday 15th October – 5.00pm to 7.30pm Headteacher presentations at 5.15pm and 6.45pm. Parking available.
Register for our open events here - Discover life beyond the classroom - Every child is known, loved and called to greatness. Address: Reynolds Lane, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XLTel: 01892 527444
ACHING FOR GREATNESS. Young people are searching for meaning, identity, purpose and a life that truly satisfies. In this online Masterclass, Catholic speaker and author Tanner Kalina explores why so many young people are restless and how the timeless truths of the Catholic faith speak powerfully into that ache for greatness. This evening is especially for catechists, parents, parish leaders, youth ministers and anyone passionate about sharing the faith with the next generation. Gain fresh insight into the spiritual hunger shaping young people today & discover practical ways to accompany them with authenticity, beauty and depth. Tuesday 13th October | 7:30pm - Online Webinar | £5. Register here.
PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND 2027. Join us for a 7-day pilgrimage to Poland, 8–14 June 2027, led by Fr Piotr. We will visit Kraków, Częstochowa, the Shrine of Divine Mercy, Wadowice, Przemyśl and the beautiful Bieszczady region, with Masses and opportunities for prayer at some of Poland’s most important Catholic shrines. The pilgrimage also includes visits to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and optional Auschwitz- Birkenau. £1,097 per person sharing a twin/double room. Single-room supplement: £325. The price includes flights, accommodation, half board, coach travel, guided visits and entrance fees as detailed in the pilgrimage programme. Book directly with All Saints Travel at www.allsaintstravel.co.uk/PL1194 (a £400 deposit is required). Please book by 12 November 2026 to allow the best possible price to be secured.
ST FRANCIS. Pope Leo XIV has decreed 2026 as the Year of Saint Francis - a time when we are called to embrace this great saint’s spirit and example. The St. Padre Pio Prayer Group invites you to an evening of prayer, song and discussion as we explore ways to help us achieve this in today’s complex and modern world. Join us on Tuesday 29th September at 8:00pm (straight after adoration) in the parish room.
RIDE + STRIDE. Mark Coughlan, representing Most Holy Trinity, Otford, cycled around 14 local churches on 12th September raising over £800 in support of Friends of Kent Churches. Half the proceeds will return to MHT. We would like to thank Mark for his efforts and all who kindly sponsored him.
SAVE THE DATES. There will be a garden tidy session at Holy Trinity Otford on Saturday 7th November and a Wine Tasting Social event at Otford Village Hall on the evening of Saturday December 5th. Details for both will follow nearer the time.
CAN YOU HELP? We are preparing a programme to raise awareness among parishioners of the benefits of leaving a legacy to the Parish. We are looking for one or two volunteers with relevant legal or will-writing experience to join our team. If you may be able to help, contact Alan Davies
CATHECHISTS. The Day for Catechists will be on Saturday 3rd October at the Amigo Hall and St George’s Cathedral. This Day is for all the catechists including the Liturgy of the Word for Children and RCIA. The theme is Truth and Beauty in Catechesis in the Age of AI. Click here for information.
MENTAL WELLBEING. Sevenoaks Counselling is hosting the panel Raising Teens in a Digital World: How can we support our teenagers' mental wellbeing? on Tuesday 22nd September at 7:00pm at Otford Methodist Hall. The discussion will feature counsellors, young people and wellbeing professionals. The goal is to explore how parents can support teenagers as they navigate today's digital world. All are welcome.
FATHERS PRAYERS. Are you a father, godfather or grandfather? Are you concerned about the spiritual welfare of your children, grandchildren or godchildren? Would you like to meet like-minded men in the parish? If that's you, we are setting up a Fathers Prayers group and plan to meet on the last Friday of each month. Come when you can, bring a friend. No need to commit. Meetings will be at 7:15am in the St Thomas's parish centre. There’s the option of going to 8:00am Mass afterwards followed by coffee, croissants and fellowship for those who would like to stay. Text or WhatsApp James McBrien on 07713 152190 if you would like to join us.
HARVEST FESTIVAL - SEVENOAKS FOODBANK. As the harvest festival season approaches, consider putting something extra in your shopping trolley or online shop to benefit clients at the Sevenoaks Foodbank (Loaves and Fishes). Goods can be donated in the Tom Quinn porch or you can give financially (details on the Loaves and Fishes Sevenoaks Foodbank website). Current priorities are: cereal (not porridge), squash drinks, sanitary towels. No baked beans, hot dogs, meat balls, pot noodles, instant coffee, stock cubes, tinned tuna or tampons. Thank you.
LET US WALK is a national walking pilgrimage from the Church of St Francis in Maidstone to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, via Aylesford, Otford, Dartford, Erith, Greenwich and Waterloo, London between 5th to 9th October. The pilgrimage will celebrate the Year of St Francis of Assisi and will reach Southwark Cathedral the day before the Adoremus Eucharistic event on 10th October. A small group of perpetual pilgrims will walk the full distance, joined by day pilgrims who will register for each day. Our parish is on the route, and parishioners are invited to register to join the walk. In addition, the pilgrims need: Prayers for the success of the pilgrimage and the safety of pilgrims; people in parishes enroute to help with accommodation and hospitality; volunteers to transport rucksacks by car between overnight stops (less than 20 miles). For information, contact details and registration click here
BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE. On Saturday Oct 3rd 2026 couples are invited to a day where they can privately explore their relationship more deeply and gain valuable insights into the communicationand the call of the Church to be married at St Matthew church hall, 37 Norwood High St, West Norwood, London SE27 9JU, from 9.00am till 4.30pm. The one-day course is for married couples (whether married for one year, 60 years or anywhere in between). It seeks to help husbands and wives to make their marriages better and to improve their communication skills and learn how to raise issues without hurting each other. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. The unique selling point of this day is it is NOT marriage counselling. Refreshments will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. Booking is essential. To apply please contact: Carole on mflkent@rcaos.org.uk or by phone on 07983 524 727
ROOTED IN LOVE is an opportunity for engaged and married couples to meet for one hour, once a month on ZoomIn each session we share friendship, reflect on real-life topics, and pray together as we grow in love, rooted in Christ. We meet on the following Thursdays: 24th September at 8.30pm, 22nd October at 8:30pm, 26th November at 8:30pm, 10th December at 8:30pm. Email mflkent@rcaos.org.uk to sign up or receive more information
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
RECENTLY DIED
Bernard Mauduit
Funeral on Tuesday, 29th September at 11:00am at St Thomas’
Margaret Rizza
Private funeral for the family. A memorial for the Parish will be scheduled later this year.
Details to follow
Pat Craig-McFeely
Details to follow
Pray for the recently died in our Parish and for God to comfort the families who mourn them.
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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.
Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks
12 Granville Road email
Sevenoaks 01732 454177
TN13 1ER