Register
04 Oct 09:15 pm Sun
St Thomas - RCIA Program start (after Mass)
06 Oct 7:30 pm Tue
St Thomas - Padre Pio Prayer Group
7 Oct 7:30pm Wed
St Thomas - Bible Study
08 Oct 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45
08 Oct 12:30 pm Thu
St Thomas -Divine Mercy Chaplet, after Noon Mass
08 Oct 12:45 pm Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
10 Oct 11:00 am Sat
St Thomas - Marian Chant
29 Oct 07:15 am Fri
St Thomas - Fathers prayers
12 Nov 2026
Poland Pilgrimage - last day to book 12 Nov
11 Dec 11:00 am Sat
St Thomas - Marian Chant
The Parish Priest writes:
4TH OCTOBER 2026 - TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY
Dear Friends,
As we begin the month of October, the readings this Sunday give us the image of a vineyard. God plants it, cares for it, protects it and gives it everything it needs. The vineyard is entrusted to tenants, but when the owner comes looking for its fruit, they refuse to give him what belongs to him. Eventually, even the son of the owner is rejected.
The message is not simply about people who lived a long time ago. Jesus invites us to look at our own lives. God has entrusted each of us with something: our faith, our relationships, our families, our time, our abilities and the opportunities we have each day to do good. He does not simply want us to receive these gifts; he looks for them to bear fruit. St Paul shows us something of what that fruit should look like: filling our minds with what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and worthy of praise, and then putting these things into practice. Christian life is not only about what we believe, but about what that belief produces in the way we live.
This is particularly appropriate as we enter October, traditionally the Month of the Holy
Rosary. The Rosary gives us a simple and beautiful way of tending the vineyard of our hearts. As we pray, we place ourselves alongside Mary and contemplate the life of Christ — his birth, his ministry, his suffering, his death and his resurrection. The Rosary is not simply repeating prayers; it is a way of allowing the Gospel to enter our minds and hearts again and again. So perhaps during this month we can make a little more room for the Rosary. It does not have to be perfect or elaborate. Perhaps it will be one decade prayed quietly during the day, or perhaps a whole Rosary when we have the time. What matters is that we give God some space.
I am sure that praying the Rosary will help us to remain close to Christ, with Mary beside us, so that our prayer may gradually become visible in the way we live — in greater patience, generosity, forgiveness, faith and love.
May God bless you and your families throughout this month of October.
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.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
A JOURNEY OF FAITH BEGINS
📅 Starting this 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.
If you are a taxpayer and gift to the parish, you can boost your gift by 25% at no extra cost to you. You only need to register for Gift Aid ONCE. So, if you are new to the parish or have not registered yet, please do so.
Whenever you donate and we can identify the donor, the Diocese can claim the tax you have already paid back from HMRC. This means that, for every £1 you give, the parish can receive an additional 25p through Gift Aid. It costs you nothing extra, but makes a significant difference to the amount the parish receives over the course of the year.
Whether you donate by Standing Order, Bank Transfer, on the Contactless machine in the porch or using a Mass offering envelope, the parish can benefit from your Gift Aid registration for years. It is a simple way of making your regular giving go further and helping us to meet the costs of maintaining our churches and supporting the many activities and ministries of our parish.
A very big thank you to everyone who already uses Gift Aid. Your regular support makes a real difference, and we are grateful for the additional income that your Gift Aid declaration brings to the parish.
If you are a UK taxpayer and haven’t registered yet, please consider doing so today. You can complete a form available in the porch, email Sean Corrigan or call / text 07771 945321 and he will send you a digital form. It takes only a few minutes, but the benefit to the parish can continue for many years.
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!
ADOREMUS 2026 - 9 & 10 OCTOBER
Join us for a special celebration of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist
-
Friday 9 October, 7–9pm: Young Adults (18–35) Vigil at Most Holy Trinity, Dockhead, with Adoration, Confessions, Fr Emmanuel Mansford, Bishop Gerard Bradley and One Hope Project.
-
Saturday 10 October: The main Adoremus celebration begins at St George's Cathedral with Mass at 12 noon, followed by a Eucharistic Procession to Westminster Cathedral. Please note: places at the Mass and within the Eucharistic Procession are for pre-booked diocesan representatives only. Others are welcome to watch the Procession & join the Benediction at Westminster Cathedral.
-
A Youth Vigil takes place at Westminster Cathedral from 8–11pm, followed by Eucharistic Adoration throughout the night. *BOOK NOW* here
Full details here
Notices:
SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEK is for CAFOD FAST DAY. Funds 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.
ROSARY MONTH. October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Throughout this month, we will say it together placing ourselves and our parish community under the loving care of Our Lady. At St Thomas’ the Rosary will be prayed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after 8:00am Mass, and on Saturdays after the 9:30am Mass (led by the Rosary Group). At Most Holy Trinity on Wednesdays after the 10:00am Mass and during the Holy Hours. At St Joseph’s on Thursdays after the 10:00am Mass with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. At St Bernadette’s after the 10:00am Mass on Fridays. I encourage our parish groups, ministries and communities to make the Rosary part of your gatherings during October. It does not need to be a whole Rosary; even praying one decade together is a beautiful way of turning our hearts towards Christ.
ADORATION IN OTFORD. With the nights closing in, the time of the Holy Hour at Most Holy Trinity on Thursday evenings is now from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
THURSDAY COFFEE MORNING.
Enjoy company and cakes at St Thomas’ parish centre from 10:00am to 11:45am. All are welcome. We have some interesting talks coming up. They are all from 10:30am. On 8th October, join our make believe everything provided walk enlivened by poems to entertain and delight, led by Pat Harman and friends. Other dates are below.
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
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 3rd October: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 4th October: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
Saturday 10th October: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 11 th October: after 8:00am; 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.
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
Pat Craig-McFeely
Details to follow
Pray for the recently died in our Parish and for God to comfort the families who mourn them.
********************
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