The Parish Priest writes:

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12 APRIL 2026  - DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

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 NEXT 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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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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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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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY - 12th April, a day when the Church reflects on the boundless mercy of God revealed in the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. It is a special invitation to trust in His mercy and to return to Him with confidence. We will celebrate Divine Mercy devotions at 2:30pm at St Thomas’ church with confessions available. All are welcome to join and stay for refreshments afterwards.

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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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CARITAS. Mark Choonara, Director of Caritas in Southwark, will give a talk on the work of Caritas within the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, on Tuesday 14th April, in the parish centre, starting at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be provided. Join us to discuss young people's safety in the community; help with the cost of living crises; support for refugees and engagement of older people. For information, please contact Gina Hartnett .​

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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
 

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. 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 11th April: after 6:00pm Mass

Divine Mercy Sunday 12th April: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Saturday 18th April: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 19th April: after 8:00am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

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Divine Mercy items available in the Tom Quinn porch. 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​​​​​​​​

Donald Morgan

Funeral on Monday 13th April at 10:30am at St Joseph’s, Borough Green

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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 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