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Dear Friends,

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As the summer holidays begin in earnest, many of us enjoy a gentler rhythm. Families travel, the school run pauses, and life takes a slower pace—perhaps just as Abraham was resting in the heat of the day by the oaks of Mamre. And yet, even in that restful moment, something remarkable happened: God passed by.

This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on what it means to welcome the Lord—to make space in our homes, our hearts, and our summer diaries. Abraham didn’t miss his chance. He ran to greet the mysterious visitors and prepared a feast. Mary didn’t miss her moment either. She sat at Jesus’ feet, listening. While Martha was busy with many things, Mary chose the better part.

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Summer is not a time to “take a break” from our faith. Quite the opposite—it might be the very time when we are freer to deepen it. Our personal prayer, time with Scripture, and attending Sunday Mass are not meant to be packed away with the school uniforms. In fact, this season can be an opportunity to rediscover the joy of being still with the Lord, to catch up on the spiritual practices that may have become hurried or neglected during the busier months.

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If you are travelling, remember: the Church is everywhere. Whether you're in Italy, Spain, Cornwall or the Highlands, there’s always a Catholic parish nearby. The Eucharist is universal —and making time for Mass on holiday is not only possible, but often deeply enriching.

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At the end of this week, we will be welcoming back Monsignor Boniface Tamami, who will be staying with us for a while. Many of you know him well—his gentle presence and joyful spirit are a blessing to any community. Please help him feel at home, as you always do, and look after him as part of our parish family.

I will myself be away for a few weeks. During that time, Fr John and Fr Shaiju will be available to support you. For any major enquiries or needs, please speak to them directly.

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Let us not miss the Lord when He comes—whether in the quiet of summer or the busyness of daily life. May this season be not only restful but graced, full of quiet invitations to come closer to Christ.

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Yours in Christ,

Fr Peter

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PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

 

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Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN

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OFFICE. The Parish Office will be open from 10:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, 22nd July. Thank you for your understanding.

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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION. Registration for the First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation Programme is now open. If your child is entering Year 3 in September 2025 (or is older) you can registervia the link. During the programme, Fr Peter meets with parents while catechists teach the children. Parents will also be completing sessions with their children at home. Our initial parents' meeting is on Wednesday 1st October at 7:00pm and the sessions will begin in November. The programme dates are listed at the end of the registration form. All sessions will take place at St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Sevenoaks. Email: First Holy Communion

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CAR FOR FATHER SHAIJU. We are currently looking for a suitable car for Fr Shaiju to assist with his pastoral duties across the parish. If anyone is in a position to offer a vehicle or sell one at a reasonable price, we would be most grateful. Please feel free to get in touch with the Parish Office if you can help. Thank you for your kindness and support.

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DIACONATE. If you are a man between 21 to 58 years, prayerful, with the desire to love God and God's people, you are involved in services within your parish and community, you have tried many things and still feel drawn to a closer relationship with Christ and His Church you might possibly be called to be a Permanent Deacon. For information, speak to your Parish Priest or Parish Deacon. You may also email the Diaconate Formation Director

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COFFEE WITH A JOURNALIST. Join us for coffee, cake and company every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:45am in the Parish Centre. We have a special guest coming on July 24th. Ben Newton will give a short, light-hearted talk on Experiences of a Newspaper Journalist. Do join us. All are welcome. Please note that our last meeting is on the 31st July. We will resume on 4th September.

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TEA IN THE GARDEN. On Friday 15th August at 3:00pm, join us to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with an afternoon tea party in the Presbytery Garden. All are welcome.​

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SAVE THE DATE. On Friday 5th September, there will be a social evening in the Parish Centre for parishioners and their non catholic/not practicing catholic partners. Details to follow. In the meantime, to register interest, email  James or 07917032024.

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REFURBISHMENT OF THE PRESBYTERY AND ST THOMAS' CHURCH. Following the prioritisation of the Parish Centre, we are now beginning refurbishment works on the presbytery, with the aim of restoring a welcoming and dignified living space for our priests, as well as suitable accommodation for visiting clergy. The works include important repairs to both the interior and exterior of St Thomas’s Church. Details can be found on the website. Every little help is appreciated as we care for the heart of our parish together.

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TESCO RIVERHEAD. Shop at Tesco Riverhead and help our school. St Thomas Catholic Primary had its application to Tesco Stronger Starts approved. The project is for a Sensory Garden which will include a calming water feature as a reflective piece for children to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Voting started in July and will go until the end of September. The project with the highest number of votes across our region will receive £1,500 (or the amount that was requested up to this value). Please support our school and share it amongst your friends.

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REPOSITORY SHOP OPENING TIMES THIS WEEK

Saturday 19th July: Shop NOT open

Sunday 20th July: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Thursday 24th July: during Coffee Morning 10:15 - 12:00pm and after 12:00pm Mass

Saturday 26th July: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 27th July: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 11:15 Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

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Make sure to check and browse the various items available for sale from cards (Mass cards, birthday, get well, etc), a varied stock of spiritual books, rosaries and gifts for different occasions like Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation. You may also ask for special orders. For any queries or if you can join the team and help, email Esther

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PRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN. The Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) at St. Bernadette's Church had a children's tombola in the Summer Party. It was more practical and the popularity of the stall was amazing. The children paid for five raffle tickets and if they ended in a '0' or a '5' they won a prize. We had small prizes and jars of sweets; the latter proved the most popular and we will repeat it next year. The mothers just want to say how polite the children were, how they waited patiently for their turn and, if by accident they took too many tickets, they put them back voluntarily. It was hot and hectic work but a real pleasure to serve these honest and friendly children. Thank you and have a happy summer.

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ARCHCERT. Do you desire to know Jesus more intimately? The Archbishop’s Certificate (ArchCert) is a 2-year online course for those who wish to understand their faith in a more profound way and be able to share it with both confidence and joy. It starts on 18th October. The cost, payable over 2 years, is £800. To register go to this link.

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BEREAVEMENT. From September the Bereavement Support team will be arranging to meet anyone who would like to be listened to in a safe, friendly and confidential environment, on an individual basis at a convenient time for them. If you would like to make an appointment, contact the Parish Office.

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YOUTH MEET. Young people (over 11 years old) are invited to a YOUTH MEET on Saturday 26th July from 9:30am to 12:30pm at St. Lawrence Church, Edenbridge, TN8 5AQ. It will be a joyful gathering to hear voices from leaders in politics, sports and film industries. The event will highlight the importance of Christian leadership and of living as witnesses of Christ. There will be sharing, prayer, fun and food. It’s an exciting opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship. Email Fr Vipin or call 07436 371485.​​

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ARCHBISHOP JOHN. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of our Archbishop John Wilson. All are welcome for a Mass of Thanksgiving at St George’s Cathedral on Friday 25th July at 7:00pm, followed by a Reception.

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FREE SUBSCRIPTION. Every parishioner, as well as teachers and parents, has free access to the workshops created by the world-renowned Catechetical Institute. From Scripture to parenting workshops, to catechetical training and mentoring, there is something for everyone. Find information on how to register here.​

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MEN'S RETREAT. The Men’s retreat day will happen at Holy Trinity Otford on Saturday 6th September from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It will be led by Fr Bryan Wells and the cost will be £15. Save the date. More details to follow. If you would like to attend email Catherine.​

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MARRIAGE. Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or already divorced? If you are open to try again, Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Retrouvaille is a marriage ministry, run by Catholics, to support marriages. The programme helps couples find hope and healing in their relationship. Call to find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk or 0797 338 0443.

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

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

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CATHOLIC HISTORY WALKS. Check out www.catholichistorywalks.com for a selection of fascinating walks around London.

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THURSDAY Aug 14th - Meet 2.30pm, Church of the Most Precious Blood O'Meara Street London SE1. We will learn the story of St Olaf and a Viking battle, and walk along the river to Shakespeare's rebuilt Globe Theatre.

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FAITH SUMMER BREAK. The Faith Summer Break is set in the beautiful grounds of St Mary's School, Ascot. It's is an exciting four days for 11-15 year olds combining both faith and fun activities in a relaxed holiday setting. The week is structured around getting to know God and each other and includes Holy Mass each day, talks about the Catholic Faith, discussions, prayer, quizzes, art and craft, games, sports and a visit to Thorpe Park. There will be parents, teachers, Catholic youth workers and priests present on-site for the duration of the break. It costs £200 to send a child, which includes accommodation, all meals and the day at Thorpe Park. Dates: Monday 11 to Thursday 14 August 2025. Visit here for more information.​

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BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE (BABM) – Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. To celebrate Jubilee 2025 a one day Building a Better Marriage opportunity will be held in the following 9 Southwark deaneries during 2025. The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm and is free to attend. The day will be open to other deaneries in 2026 who have not experienced the event. To join one of these day’s please contact Carole on 07983 524 727 or email 

13th September – Southwark Cathedral, London

4th October – Holy Cross, Catford

1st November – St James the Great, Petts Wood

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GETTING READY FOR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA. Well done to the six parishioners who completed the first practice walk last Saturday. We walked 16.3 miles from Chislehurst Station to Otford station. The next practice walks will be on Saturday 2nd August and Saturday 30th August. If anyone would like to join us on the practice walks, please contact Margaret (01732 885295) or Br. David (07821 049827).

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ALTAR SERVERS CELEBRATE AND HAVE FUN IN THE SUN. The Altar Servers were blessed with a sunny summers day on their yearly celebration on 12th. July to say thank you for their service. We are grateful to Fr John, Adrian and all the parents who contributed.

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The servers received instruction, were blessed by Fr. John, played games and had a meal in the Presbytery Garden. In the occasion, some of them received the certificate for five years of service. To become an Altar Server, children need to have completed their First Holy Communion. They are then ready to be trained and may serve in any of the masses of our four churches. If your son or daughter is interested, email Catherine. The next training is in September.

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

 

MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist

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MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.

 

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

 

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ST THOMAS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL IS AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL

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School was awarded the maximum grade in all five areas.

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St Thomas Catholic Primary School had its long awaited Ofsted Inspection completed in June and the report could not have been better. The school was awarded OUTSTANDING in all five areas: quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, Early Years and leadership.

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Comments from the inspectors include: ‘pupils thrive in this positive atmosphere’, ‘staff have exceptionally high expectations of pupils’, they ‘love learning’, ‘achieve very well’ and are ‘well prepared for life in modern Britain’. This report confirms the 2021 RE inspection of ‘outstanding’. It shows that our community is very fortunate to have an excellent, caring, Catholic school in Sevenoaks, where children not only learn the academics, but they thrive in a Christ-centred environment.

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Ready for the holidays- This has been an inspiring term for the school community with our Sports Day at Longspring Wood, a Music Concert, an Art Exhibition and the Y6 Production of Wizard of Oz. The children engaged in all the activities making the most of it.

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This was our second year of running a whole school Art Exhibition. The children and the staff worked hard to celebrates everyone’s creativity. The Art Club and Mrs Barritt also contributed. But mostly, we are grateful to Mrs Whitehead for organising it for everyone. We will miss her as her retirement approaches. In her 30 years as part of the nursery at St Thomas’, she touched many lives with her kindness. We wish her every happiness in her new life. She will be greatly missed.

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Finally, the Y6 Production of the Wizard of Oz was an absolute success. The children took different roles for the performance, including acting, singing, playing instruments and the stage production. The effort and love that went into it shone through the whole show.​​​​

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DIOCESAN NOTICES
 

​​​​​​​​​Hope in Adoration. As part of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop John is encouraging people to turn to the Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and have their hopes “fulfilled by Christ”. The campaign, Hope in Adoration, will share testimonies from parish priests and laity throughout the year on how Eucharistic Adoration has helped them build a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Resources will also be made available for free and there is a comprehensive list of times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes across the Archdiocese. Find out more about the campaign at rcaos.org.uk/hopeinadoration​​

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​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​​​