Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 16:21ff.) contains Jesus’ call to his disciples, after predicting his Passion, death and Resurrection, to take up their Cross and follow him. This must have been rather chilling for them to hear this: for Jews in Palestine under Roman occupation, crucifixion was a terrible form of
Continue readingToday, the day before St Augustine’s day, the Church honours his mother St Monica – they are shown together in this modern painting. In his ‘Confessions’, the account of his religious conversion, Augustine gives a vivid picture of his mother’s prayers and encouragement which helped him to become a Christian;
Continue readingFr Charles Briggs died yesterday morning. Some of you may remember that he preached here at an Advent reconciliation service a few years ago. I am grateful to Fr Marcus Holden for sharing this recording of a sermon preached for a Day for Mary in St Joseph’s Bromley. May Fr
Continue readingToday is the feast of St Bartholomew the Apostle. Tradition has it that he was martyred by being flayed alive in India. One of the oldest hospitals in England is dedicated to him so it’s a good day to pray for the patients and staff there. It is also the
Continue readingOur last meeting at St Edmund’s Church Hall was on Thursday March 12th since when some of our volunteers and all of our guests have been shielding and most of us have been at home due to the lockdown. We have kept in touch with a monthly newsletter, phone calls
Continue readingI would personally like to thank all our stewards who have worked tirelessly during the last couple of months to enable you to attend Mass. Without them we would not be able to open the church. If you are attending Mass, please consider offering your services so that the load
Continue readingMASS All Masses are celebrated with a congregation. They are live-streamed and can be followed on the Parish website. Strict rules apply at all Masses in accordance with government and diocesan instructions: this includes social distancing, the mandatory wearing of face-coverings, and the recording of contact details for all those
Continue readingPope Francis prays for victims of Lebanon explosion At the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis prays for victims of a massive explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, which killed dozens and caused serious destruction.By Vatican NewsDuring the weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis prayed for Lebanon in the aftermath of
Continue readingThis Sunday’s gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand (14:13-21). This manifestation of God’s generous love points forward to the Eucharist: this year we are able to reflect about this in a new way, as many have been deprived of the chance
Continue readingThe office will be staffed from Monday 3 August but will NOT be open to personal callers yet. Please email us on beckenham@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 8650 0970. You can also drop a note through our door and we will get in touch with you. If you would like to book
Continue reading