An Introduction to the Gospels of Mark and Matthew

Reflections on Fr Denis McBride’s talk given 7th March 2020

Almost exactly a year before (9th March 2019), St Stephen’s had a visit from acclaimed author and theologian Fr Denis McBride talking about the passion narratives in the four Gospels and how they agree and differ. This time, around 50 people gathered (not realising how such gatherings would very soon be no longer permitted for a while) in the parish hall for another inspiring talk.

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Bexley Winter Shelter 2020

This was the fourth winter shelter set up in Bexley and totally different from the previous 3 years.

It all started in September, with the team contacting the 200 odd volunteers from the 2019 Shelter; however we only received a positive response from 120 people. So in November we had a big push, which included me and Mark Cocklin speaking after each Mass one weekend at St Stephen’s.

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A Prayer for our Earth

All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.

Amen

A prayer for our earth was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. It is for all who believe in God who is the all-powerful Creator.

A Man for All Seasons at 100

On Saturday February 22 in St Stephen’s church hall, family and friends celebrated Fred Baker’s 100th birthday.   The celebration followed Mass in the church for Fred’s intention attended by, among others, his five children, sixteen of his grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.   Father Christopher Basden, priest of this parish in the 1980s, concelebrated with Canon Edward and delivered a homily that was a touching tribute to my dear parents, Fred and his late wife, Della.

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