Register
17 Sep 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45
17 Sep 12:30 pm Thu
St Thomas - Divine Mercy Chaplet, after Noon Mass
17 Sep 12:45 pm Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
20 Sep 10:45 am Sun
St Thomas - Pilgrimage walk to St Edith's Well
20 Sep 03:15 pm Sun
St Edith's Well - Devotions
25 Sep 07:15 am Fri
St Thomas - Fathers Prayers
The Parish Priest writes:
13TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - EDUCATION SUNDAY
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
There are some things we find easy to forgive. Someone says something thoughtless, realises it, apologises, and we move on. But then there are other things — the words that really hurt, the betrayal we did not expect, the person who keeps doing the same thing — and forgiveness suddenly becomes much harder.
Peter's question in today's Gospel is therefore very understandable: “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” He even suggests seven times, which probably seems quite generous. Jesus' answer is: “not seven times, but seventy times seven.” Jesus is not giving Peter a bigger number to remember. He is telling him that forgiveness cannot be reduced to keeping a score. That is also the point of the parable. The servant has been forgiven a debt he could never possibly repay. Yet, having received such mercy, he immediately goes out and refuses to show mercy to someone who owes him a relatively small amount. He has received forgiveness, but it has not changed the way he treats others.
That can happen to us too. We can be very conscious of the mercy we need from God, while keeping a surprisingly accurate record of what other people have done to us. We remember the offence, the date, the words and how unfair it was. We can forget much more easily how many times God has been patient with us. The first reading puts the question rather bluntly: “Does one person harbour anger against another and yet seek for healing from the Lord?” There is something contradictory about asking God to forgive us while refusing to forgive someone else. Of course, forgiveness does not mean that what happened did not matter. It does not mean that we have to pretend that everything is fine, or that we must immediately trust someone who has hurt us. Sometimes forgiveness has to exist alongside distance, boundaries and justice. But forgiveness does mean refusing to let resentment have the last word. So as we come to Mass this Sunday, perhaps we can bring before God one person or one situation that we find particularly difficult to forgive. We can ask for the grace not necessarily to feel differently straight away, but to take one step towards forgiveness.
May this week give us a fruitful opportunity to reflect on God's mercy towards us, on those whom we find difficult to forgive, and on what it means to forgive others “from your heart”.
This Sunday is also Education Sunday, when we remember in our prayers all those involved in the education of our children and young people. Let us pray especially for our teachers, pupils and families, and continue to support our Catholic school and the important work it does in our parish.
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.
EDUCATION SUNDAY
Education Sunday in the Catholic Church is observed this Sunday September 13th, marking one of the oldest Days of Special Prayer in England and Wales since its establishment in 1848. It is a historic day of special prayer and it honors 19th-century predecessors who lived in poverty yet funded Catholic schools. It celebrates teachers, governors, staff and students, giving thanks for the mission of Catholic education as a new academic year begins. See below a message from the prayer leaders Leading Lights, from St Thomas' Catholic Primary School: Isabel, Bella, Dolly, Charlotte, Anya
We love our school – we love to learn and we love our lessons. Not only do we love learning but we love that school teaches us ‘life lessons’ and how to support each other.
We are happy that our school supports us on our faith journey. Our school values are respect, kindness, perseverance, thankfulness, forgiveness and service. These help us to learn how to stay safe, treat others and look after our world. We learn about the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and that these principles all stem from respect – for ourself, for others and for our world.
We have great fun. We go on trips to museums and galleries, residential visits to outdoor education places. Authors visit our school and for 20 years the Young Shakespeare Company have performed with and for us. We have forest school days up at Longspring and walk to Sevenoaks Leisure Centre for swimming lessons.
We are so lucky to have Mrs Carlton as our music teacher. Not only does she run our school choir but she takes us to the O2 for Young Voices. The best part, though, is when she teaches us how to make our own music.
We feel supported and loved within our Parish community and are really happy that we can come to school Masses at St Thomas’. We love being part of something bigger than ourselves and enjoy activities and Masses that we attend through the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership and the Archdiocese.
We feel proud of our service to the local community. We visit local care homes, sing at Blighs during the Christmas season, fund raise for local, national and international charities. As MiniVinnies, Leading Lights and the School Eco-Council we have a lot of responsibility towards one another and our school environment. We especially love rolling up our sleeves, wearing old clothes and doing lots of work on our school grounds.
We know that we benefit from the loving, calm life of our school.
A Pastoral Message from Archbishop John Wilson
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
On Education Sunday, we join as one in offering our prayers and expressing our deep gratitude for everyone involved in the life of our Catholic schools.
Each year, we celebrate the teachers and the staff in our schools who work tirelessly to ensure our young people receive the very best Catholic education. This education prepares them for their future careers, but most importantly, it draws them into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus, so that they can grow in wisdom, knowledge and holiness.
I know how hard our headteachers, teachers and staff work to put their pupils first and give them the tools they need to flourish. For that, I once again express my sincerest gratitude and assure you of my prayers.
Headteachers, teachers and staff cannot do it alone – they need the support of the CEOs of our Catholic Academy Trusts, governors, chaplains, office teams and volunteers. Each one of you plays a crucial role in helping our schools to live out their Catholic values and nurture our young people. Thank you all for your service – please know that each of you is valued and appreciated.
Alongside our schools, I want to recognise the parents and carers who make so many daily sacrifices to give their children the love and care they need to flourish. I know being a parent can sometimes feel like a thankless task, but please know that I am deeply grateful for your daily witness of love, and for the endless sacrifices you make for your children. Parents and carers lay the foundations upon which all education is built, and Catholic education can only flourish if the partnership between home and school is nurtured.
This partnership has to be centred on Christ Jesus, who is the vine. Our Lord tells us to abide in him “as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (cf. John 15:4-5). Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. As we continue on this journey together, we must remember to remain close to Christ so that we may bear fruit in abundance.
St Oscar Romero, reflecting on this Gospel passage, explains that in this “language of Christ” we find a “beautiful definition of grace” which is “communion with the very same love and truth that God has revealed to us”1. By remaining close to Christ in all that we do – and especially in cultivating young people through Catholic education – we bear the fruits of good works in communion with God, and reveal His love to those in our care.
So, as we begin this new academic year, please continue to work together as communities of faith and love, forming our young people in the love of Christ.
Please be assured of my continued gratitude and prayers. May Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, watch over our families, schools and parishes. With every blessing for the year ahead.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Last Easter, our Parish welcomed ten new members into our community at the Vigil Mass. Entering a new depth of relationship with Christ and his Church, eight adults came into full communion with the Catholic Church and two children were baptised. They will complete initiation when older. All ten received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation & Holy Eucharist). For the adults this was the high point of a process called The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which opened for them new doors in their journey in Christ. Do you or someone you know desire this path? The RCIA programme starts in the autumn, with weekly meetings continuing up to Easter 2027. These meetings are a combination of fellowship, instruction and reflection. For information, contact the RCIA coordinators, Paul Boyle and Andrew Wilkinson at sevenoaksrcia@rcaos.org.uk. or by calling the parish office at 01732 454 177. Scan the QR codes for more resources.
Notices:
SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEK is for Catholic Education Services. There are over 2,000 Catholic schools, academies and colleges in England and Wales, educating 800,000 students. CES is the advisory body and provides financial assistance for transport in rural areas.
COULD YOU BE A FIRE WARDEN? Parishes are required to have at least two trained Fire Wardens at every weekend Mass, and we would be very grateful for your help. The role is simple but important: helping people find the fire exits, ensuring that everyone has left the church safely and assisting with traffic control during an emergency. It does not involve firefighting or rescue duties. Whether you regularly attend the same weekend Mass or attend different Masses, please consider becoming one of our Fire Wardens. The compulsory training session will last approximately 45 minutes and will take place on Wednesday 16 September: St Bernadette’s, West Kingsdown: 6.00pm; St Thomas’, Sevenoaks: 7.30pm. If you can help and attend the training, please add your name to the sign-up sheet displayed in the church porch.
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.
17th Sep: SVP by Frances Smith and Paul Boyle
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.
RIDE + STRIDE FOR CHURCHES 2026 will be held on Saturday 12th September, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Join us and cycle, walk or run around Kent's churches to raise money for their maintenance. Last year, more than £ 150,000 were raised, which was a record breaking amount. Sponsorships forms are available in the parish office. Email sevenoaks@rcaos.org.uk for information. If you can help welcoming the participants in our churches, let us know.
ST JOSEPH’S. Margaret Briggs is planning to walk to at least 10 churches to raise funds for St Joseph’s. If you would like to sponsor her, please telephone her on 01732 885295. Thank you.
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 will have the next meeting on Wednesday 23rd September. It 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. If you can, read these before the first meeting. Email Paul
REPOSITORY SHOP TIMES THIS WEEK
Saturday 12th September: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 13th September: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
Saturday 19th September: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 20th September: after 8:00am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
We have a wide range of books, including CTS publications, and the latest book by Erik Varden. Also, a new stock of rosary beads. Baptismal candles can be purchased, too. Thank you for your continued support.
ST GREGORY'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL. Open events for entry in September 2027.
Open Morning Friday 18th September – 9.00am to 10.30am Headteacher talk at 9am. Tours at 9.15am. Parking available.
Open Afternoon Wednesday 7th October – 1.20pm to 2.45am Headteacher talk at 1.20pm; tours at 1.35pm. Parking available.
Open Evenings Wednesday 16th September – 5.00pm to 7.30pm and 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.
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO ST EDITH'S WELL
On Suinday 20th September, join us for our annual pilgrimage walk to St Edith's Well, Kemsing, for the traditional devotions, followed by Vespers at St Mary's Church.
St Edith, a Saxon princess born in Kemsing, chose a life de4voted to Christ and became known for her holiness and charity. The ancient Well associated with her has remained a place of prayer and pilgrimage for centuries.
10:45 am. - meet at St Thomas's, Sevenoaks.
11:00 am - begin the pilgrimage walk.
Approx 1:00 pm - arrive at Most Holy Trinity, Otford for lunch.
Around 1:45 pm - continue the pilgrimage walk.
3:15 pm - Devotions at St Edith's Well.
4:00 pm - Vespers at St Mary's Church, Kemsing.
Please bring a packed lunch and wear suitable footwear. Afterwards, all at welcome to join us at the local pub for a pint and some fellowship.
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.
The ARCHBISHOP'S CERTIFICATE is a two-year online course for those who wish to understand their faith and be able to share it with confidence and joy. It starts on 10th October, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. If you want to know more, join our ‘Come and See’ evening on Monday 14th September at 7:00pm. To register, click here
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.
SUPPORTING SEVENOAKS (LOAVES AND FISHES) FOODBANK. The foodbank is very grateful for your continued support. They have really noticed the difference! 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: tinned meat (e.g. chicken korma, stewed steak, Fray Bentos), pot noodles, biscuits and squash drinks. Just an extra item or two in your shopping trolley on a regular basis is so worthwhile. Thank you.
CALLING ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. In the run-up to the 2026 National Eucharistic Congress ADOREMUS on Saturday 10th October, the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is launching a national Catholic schools ART COMPETITION. Young people are invited to reflect creatively on themes such as the Blessed Sacrament, the presence of Jesus and the beauty of the cathedrals. Entries to be submitted by sending a photo of the artwork to artcompetition@christian.art by 15th September. Art experts will judge the categories 6-8, 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18 years old. Schools and pupils are encouraged to pray, imagine and create! For information, email info@christian.art.
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
CERTIFICATE IN ALTAR SERVER STUDIES. This 6-month course for adult Altar Servers explores the history of liturgy, sacraments, scripture, communication, leadership, people skills and theology of service. It will be delivered online in 1-hour monthly. The deadline for registration is 15th September. For information click here.
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
TRIP TO POLAND. Save the date for our Parish trip to Poland with Fr Peter in June 2027. Details to follow.
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
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.
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
Margaret Andrew
Funeral on Friday, 18th September at 12:00noon at St Bernadette’s, West Kingsdown
Bernard Mauduit
Funeral on Tuesday, 29th September at 11:00am at St Thomas’
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