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At the Inaugural RJS Mass in 2022, Archbishop John Wilson stated strongly that there was no place for Racism in the Catholic Church, and encouraged all to ‘…broaden our hearts to love and minds to understand and to recognise that in the cultures of others, in the languages and traditions of others, there is something enormously enriching for the whole of the world.’

This year on Racial Justice Sunday, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland encourage us to remember Stephen Lawrence. The 30th anniversary of the racist killing of the black teenager in Eltham will fall on 22nd April 2023, In life he aspired to be an architect, but his legacy has seen him become an architect for justice, equality, dignity and unity.

All are invited to the Racial Justice Sunday Mass at St George’s Cathedral, which will take place at 10 am this Sunday 5th February 2023 and will be celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson. The Mass will also be live-streamed via the RC Southwark YouTube account: https://bit.ly/RJS2023.  Those attending Mass in person are encouraged to wear cultural dress and are asked to be seated by 9.45 am for a prompt start at 10 am in St George’s Cathedral.

The first issue of our Diocesan Newsletter of the Commission for promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion is below:

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE COMMITTEE is asking for the public’s views on Assisted Suicide.

The survey can be found at:  www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/M66AML. 

You can get more information from the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales’ website: www.cbcew.org.uk/life-issues/.  The deadline for the survey is THIS Fri 20 Jan.

All Parishioners are invited to pray a 9-day novena starting 11th November for our Confirmandi, due to be Confirmed on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November, at 11.30am. This is also the day when the Church celebrates Youth Day.

See below for the Novena, which will also be handed out to parishioners after all Masses this weekend.

Whilst it is with sadness, it is also in the light of the Lord Jesus, our Life and Resurrection, that I write to inform you of the death of our dear friend and brother, Bishop Howard Tripp, who completed his long and fruitful earthly pilgrimage yesterday, Monday 3rd October.

Bishop Howard was born in Croydon on 3rd July 1927, and attended the John Fisher School in Purley. Following formation at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, Bishop Howard was ordained priest on 31st May 1953 at St Gertrude’s Church, Croydon by Archbishop Cowderoy.

Bishop Howard’s first appointment was at Blackheath, followed by a curacy at Our Lady Queen of Peace, East Sheen from 1956-1962 before becoming parish priest there from 1965-1971. Aged 38, he was the youngest parish priest in the Southwark Diocese. During his time at East Sheen, Bishop Howard was appointed Diocesan Covenant Organiser (1958) and Assistant Diocesan Financial Secretary (1962). He held both posts until 1968. From 1971-1980, Bishop Howard served as the Director of the Southwark Children’s Society.

On 30th January 1980, Bishop Howard was ordained Bishop of the titular see of Neoportus and Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark by Archbishop Michael Bowen, with responsibility for the South-West Pastoral Area. He served in this position until his retirement on 7th January 2004.

In more recent years, Bishop Howard has been cared for graciously by the Little Sisters of the Poor, and was a much- loved member of the community there.

Let us entrust his soul to the intercession of the Mother of the Lord Jesus who is our Mother, too. Let us pray that she will welcome him and introduce him into a heavenly inheritance where he will enjoy for ever the fullness of peace.

With an assurance of my prayers and blessing. Yours sincerely in Christ,

+John
The Most Rev. John Wilson Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark

FUNERAL DETAILS FOR BISHOP HOWARD TRIPP RIP

Wednesday 2 November 

18:00 Reception of the Body, followed by Mass of All Souls’ Day

Thursday 3 November

12:30 Solemn Requiem Mass, followed by interment in the Cathedral vault

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Today starts the Novena to the Holy Spirit, 9 days before the Solemnity of Pentecost. Those who come to Mass daily can participate as it is let buy Fr Uche at the end of Mass. If you’re unable to do so you can follow it here:

Fr Uche had the opportunity to visit The Cornelian Maternity & Rural Health Care Facility when he was in the area for a few days after Easter. For more photos taken during the visit, and a letter of thanks from Fr Jude Nnorom, who recommended he charity for our support, please see LENT 2022 in the main menu above.