Register
09 Sep 7:30 - 9:00 pm Wed
St Thomas - Bible Study -- restarts -- 09 Sep
10 Sep 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45
10 Sep 12:30 pm Thu
St Thomas -Divine Mercy Chaplet, after Noon Mass
10 Sep 12:45 pm Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
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:
6TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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.
Meet Father Frazer Bellfield
Perhaps the two most common questions I have been asked since becoming a priest are “What made you decide to become a priest?” and “How old are you Father?” I will answer the first question here and the second answer is, I was born in the sixteenth year of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II.
I am a native of Biggin Hill Parish where I grew up with my parents and one younger sister. My mother is from Glasgow and my father is a Londoner with an Irish mother, this therefore makes me a nice Celtic mix.
I first felt God’s call as an 11-year-old altar server, and this developed throughout my teens and then into my working life. I experienced a great example of Christian life from my grandparents and also our home parish priest, Fr Gerald Flood and the example of some devoted religious sisters.
Before entering St. John’s seminary, Wonersh at the age of 24 I had previously worked in the airline industry as a customer service agent based at Gatwick Airport. I worked for both EasyJet and British Airways for a short time, and prior to that I worked as a Pastoral Assistant in a parish and spent time living in Spain where I lived alongside some Spanish priests and discerned my call to the Priesthood. I lived in various cities in Spain over the period of a year and managed to learn the language quite well.
After spending 4 years at St. John’s Seminary, Wonersh, I completed my final two years of studies for the priesthood at the Archdiocese of Westminster’s seminary on Beaufort Street in Chelsea. I obtained my degree in Theology from St. Mary’s University at Twickenham, and also took extra studies to obtain the Mater Ecclesia Diploma which is recognised by the Vatican. I am deeply interested in languages and as well as Spanish, I can get by in Italian and can order myself a meal in a number of other European languages. During holiday periods I greatly enjoy visiting Greece, mainly Athens, where I stay with a wonderful Greek Orthodox family who have adopted me as one of their own. I am attempting to achieve fluency in modern Greek, but this is an ongoing process!
Fr Gerald Flood, who was a key inspiration in my journey to the priesthood, was a deeply holy and kind man. I often liken him to St. John Vianney who is the patron saint of parish priests. He was the only parish priest I knew growing up at St. Theresa’s in Biggin Hill. It was he who Baptised me and gave me my first Holy Communion, and taught me how to be an altar server. I received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the hands of His Lordship Bishop Patrick Lynch.
We were also blessed to have the Trinitarian Sisters serving in my home parish, these wonderful ladies were part of the order that previously ran St. Joseph’s school in Bromley. In my early teens Fr Flood asked me if I would serve a regular Mass in the private chapel of the nuns on Fridays, and it was there, being surrounded by this wonderful priest and some very holy nuns that I first truly felt a call also to God’s service. I remember one of the elderly sisters asking me if I had ever thought about the priesthood, and told me that the whole convent would pray for me to become a priest, she died very soon afterwards. All of those sisters have now gone to their heavenly reward, and the last died only a few weeks before my ordination to the priesthood. She reminded me on her deathbed that all the sisters had prayed for my vocation since my childhood, and that now all of them would witness my ordination from Heaven.
You may be aware that on his ordination day a priest promises to live a celibate life, to pray the divine office, and to be obedient to the Bishop. I therefore had no choice in where I was appointed, but I am delighted that the Lord inspired the Archbishop to send me to Sevenoaks. I previously spent the last few years as assistant priest in Blackheath and look forward to being part of the parish family at Sevenoaks.
I ask you to keep me in your prayers as I serve you alongside Fr Peter, Fr Shaiju and Deacon Neil, and I in turn keep you in mind.
Notices:
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 resume on Wednesday 9th September and will then be at two-weekly intervals. Meetings are 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 5th September: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 6th September: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
Saturday 12th September: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 13th September: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass
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
MARRIED COUPLES. Save the dates: September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. The Growing in Faith Together for married and engaged couples is an ONLINE course, which has been developed in collaboration with the Southwark Marriage and Family Life team, the Agency for Evangelisation and Sycamore, a programme about the Catholic faith by Fr Stephen Wang, Bishop-Elect of Arundel and Brighton. Growing in Faith Together consists of four one hour-long sessions via Zoom and is a wonderful opportunity for: married couples to enrich their friendship and love and engaged couples who want to continue exploring their faith together. The next course begins on Tuesday September 8th at 8.30pm. For further information and to book a place, please email Carole .Thank you for responding to the call from +John Wilson to celebrate marriage together.
SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY AND FORMATION. This two-year online Diploma in Spiritual Theology and Formation starts on 16th September. The course may be followed for personal enrichment without assignments. Topics include grace, the virtues, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, lectio divina, discernment of spirits, the stages of the spiritual life, meditation and contemplative prayer, St Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, the dark night of the soul and spiritual direction. It consists of interactive weekly online lectures and discussions of two hours. Notes are provided, and audio recordings are available for those unable to attend live. For information, email info@claritasst, visit claritas page or call 07305 159363.
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
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE. The Maryvale Institute is launching a new course this September, designed for all who wish to go deeper into the Sacrament of Marriage. It is for parish priests, counsellors, those working with married couples, and couples themselves. The course is rooted in the Church's richest theological tradition. The programme explores marriage as vocation, covenant, and a path of sanctification — not merely a ceremony, but a lifelong participation in Christ's love for the Church. It runs over six modules, designed to be both academically robust and accessible to participants without prior theological background. Details may be found HERE.
RECENTLY DIED
Margaret Andrew
Funeral on Friday, 18th September at 12:00noon at St Bernadette’s, West Kingsdown
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