Sunday 1st February 2026 - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

 

X RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION DURING MASS – Only Catholics in state of grace receive communion during Mass. The priest/minister raises the host slightly and shows it to each of the communicants, saying The Body of Christ; Response: Amen.

Those Christians who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and Roman Catholics not able to receive Holy Communion are welcome to receive a blessing. Those wishing to receive a blessing are asked to approach the priest with their arms crossed over their chest. Those receiving Holy Communion in your hands please put it in your mouth before leaving the minister/priest.

X SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE PARISH, THANK YOU.

 

X STATIONS OF THE CROSS – During Lent, Stations of the Cross will take place at 12 noon each Friday starting on 20 February and finishing on Friday 3rd April, Good Friday.

X PARISH MASS STREAMING – To watch the Mass online, you need to go to the parish website: https://catholic-folkestone.blogspot.com. Once there, click on the Parish Mass Streaming tab. 

X THE STELLA MARIS SCHOOL OF ICONOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES – begins its second year this month in Our Lady Help of Christians parish hall, Folkestone. Local Catholics who would like to join this serious training in sacred art and can commit to 3 hours every Saturday, plus homework, would be especially welcome.  They should contact Amanda de Pulford on 07756142519."

X INFANT BAPTISM – May only happen after undergoing a preparation with the parish priest. Baptisms can then be celebrated at either 3pm on a Saturday or 1pm on a Sunday on the 1^st or 3^rd Sunday of the month. Please note the preparation for infant Baptism will take place every second Sunday of the month in the Hall at 13h (1.00pm).

X WE PRAY FOR THE SICK - We remember all those who are sick or housebound and that they remain in our prayers including John Meers, Mrs Eileen (aka Ellen) Varrall, Vanessa Edwards, Catalina Fernández, Anne Sharp, Kathleen Lynch, Bernadette Pay, Blanche Ellis, Liz Willis, Stacy Rodrigues, Ann Robinson, Uzo Mbanugo, Bob & Tess Vickery, Canon Luke Smith, Beulah Blomfield, John Lodge, Veronica Poulton, Margaret Woolley, and all those who have asked for our prayers.

X WE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED - Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mary Kaye, Gerard Ryan, Ema Deba,  and all those who have died recently, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time including: Dorothy O’Clee, Denise Del Signore (1^st Feb); Rosemary Cocking, Jeannie Flavin, Charles Newman, Cora Thornely, Margaret Harrison (2^nd Feb); Thomas Horsfall, Sister Beatrice [Hawkins], George Vincent, Patrick Eccles, Irene Murphy, Kathleen Jones (4^th Feb); Sister Jordana [Paula Pohl], Thomas Terrell (5^th Feb); Hannah Stapleton, Margaret Walsh, Anthony Noonan (6^th Feb); Dr John Heffernan, Peter Bennett, Edward Pedder (7^th Feb); Reginald Mills, Carolina Parker, Rose Challis (8^th Feb).

X HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK OR IN HOSPITAL – For those sick at home – The parish has a team of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, who are all commissioned by the Archbishop and DBS checked. Their ministry is to take the Sacrament of Holy Communion to people who are long-term sick or disabled, and who are thus unable to get to Mass. If you know of anyone in this category who is not currently receiving the Sacrament at home (or where they are living), please inform Fr Alex Saba via the Parish Office on 01303 252823 or email folkestone@rcaos.org.uk

For those in hospital - people who are seriously ill or undergoing operations may ask for the Anointing of the Sick. Those who are going into hospital should remember to ask for a visit from the hospital’s Catholic Chaplain: If not a priest, they will arrange for a Catholic minister or an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to visit them, or - if anointing is required - for a priest to visit (but, hopefully, you will have already asked for anointing before you go in). Catholic chaplains are often clergy or laypeople from the hospital’s local parish. Contact the parish office 01303 252823 or email folkestone@rcaos.org.uk

X AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST: A CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS RESOURCE – 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 visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

X HOW TO FILL OUT MASS INTENTION ENVELOPES – When you complete the envelope asking for a Mass to be said, please write the full name of the person after Intention of Mass for e.g. George Smith RIP, even if he is one of your parents, relatives and friends, do not write for my Dad, Mum, brother, girlfriend, boyfriend and so forth. Likewise, if the Mass is for several people e.g., do write down: for the deceased members of the Smith family, or for the wellbeing of the members of the Smith family and so forth. Thank you for your help with this simple and important matter.

X FORTHCOMING SECOND COLLECTIONS IN 2026

·       Sick and Retired Priests: 15^th February

·       CAFOD Lent Appeal: 1^st March

·       Parish Building & Maintenance: 14^th /15^th March

·       Poor Parishes: 22^nd March

●   Holy Places of Palestine: 3^rd April 

HAIL HOLY QUEEN

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

WE FLY TO THY PROTECTION

We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,

O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Presbytery and Parish Office:

41 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EF 

Tel: 01303 252823 

  e-mail: folkestone@rcaos.org.uk

Parish Priest: Fr Alex Saba MA, MSLR, MCL, JCL 

Hall Bookings: hallbookingonline.com/folkestone/

Sunday 25th January 2026 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time -A

 

X RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION DURING MASS – Only Catholics in state of grace receive communion during Mass. The priest/minister raises the host slightly and shows it to each of the communicants, saying The Body of Christ; Response: Amen.

Those Christians who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and Roman Catholics not able to receive Holy Communion are welcome to receive a blessing. Those wishing to receive a blessing are asked to approach the priest with their arms crossed over their chest. Those receiving Holy Communion in your hands please put it in your mouth before leaving the minister/priest.

X SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE PARISH, THANK YOU.

 

X FORTHCOMING SECOND COLLECTIONS IN 2026.

·       Racial Justice Sunday: 1^st February

·       Sick and Retired Priests: 15^th February

·       CAFOD Lent Appeal: 1^st March

·       Parish Building & Maintenance: 14^th /15^th March

·       Poor Parishes: 22^nd March

●   Holy Places of Palestine: 3^rd April

X THE STELLA MARIS SCHOOL OF ICONOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES – begins its second year this month in Our Lady Help of Christians parish hall, Folkestone. Local Catholics who would like to join this serious training in sacred art and can commit to 3 hours every Saturday, plus homework, would be especially welcome.  They should contact Amanda de Pulford on 07756142519."

X INFANT BAPTISM – May only happen after undergoing a preparation with the parish priest. Baptisms can then be celebrated at either 3pm on a Saturday or 1pm on a Sunday on the 1^st or 3^rd Sunday of the month. Please note the preparation for infant Baptism will take place every second Sunday of the month in the Hall at 13h.

X WE PRAY FOR THE SICK - We remember all those who are sick or housebound and that they remain in our prayers including Mrs Eileen (aka Ellen) Varrall, Catalina Fernández, Anne Sharp, Kathleen Lynch, Bernadette Pay, Blanche Ellis, Liz Willis, Stacy Rodrigues, Ann Robinson, Uzo Mbanugo, Bob & Tess Vickery, Canon Luke Smith, Beulah Blomfield, John Lodge, Veronica Poulton, Margaret Woolley, and all those who have asked for our prayers. 

 

X WE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED - Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mary Kaye, Gerard Ryan, Ema Deba,  and all those who have died recently, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time including: Francis Gallagher, Joseph Misquita, Francis Creane, Margaret Couzens, Rae Charles, Helena Adkins, Sidney Adkins, Georgina Stratford (25^th Jan); Howard Stone, Dorothy Martin, John Hawkridge, Ursula Stutchbury (26^th Jan); Juliana Cirsan (27^th Jan) David Frantzeskou, Jeanne Ashton, Shirley O’Brien (28^th Jan); Isabella Brooker, Nuala Lieghio (29^th Jan); Sister Martina [Winifred Parsons], Michael Galvin, Margery Ridler, Rafaela Morris (30^th Jan). Dorothy O’Clee, Denise Del Signore (1^st Feb).

X AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST: A CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS RESOURCE – 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 visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

X HOW TO FILL OUT MASS INTENTION ENVELOPES – When you complete the envelope asking for a Mass to be said, please write the full name of the person after Intention of Mass for e.g. George Smith RIP, even if he is one of your parents, relatives and friends, do not write for my Dad, Mum, brother, girlfriend, boyfriend and so forth. Likewise, if the Mass is for several people e.g., do write down: for the deceased members of the Smith family, or for the wellbeing of the members of the Smith family and so forth. Thank you for your help with this simple and important matter.

X PARISH MASS STREAMING – To watch the Mass online, you need to go to the parish website: https://catholic-folkestone.blogspot.com. Once there, click on the Parish Mass Streaming tab.

X ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL SECOND COLLECTION 25TH JANUARY – For over half a century, St George’s Cathedral has been the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, home to 175 parishes and over 50,000 Roman Catholics. For many Catholics living and working across London and the South East of England, St George’s has been a beacon of light.

Today, St George’s Cathedral continues to attract thousands of worshippers and visitors each year, as well as serving a lively local parish community which proudly reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of South London. The Cathedral frequently hosts important Diocesan and national celebrations, as well as concerts and events for various Catholic charities. There is a rich musical tradition, maintaining a choir of boys and men, as well as a girls’ choir, both of which sing at Sunday Masses and on major feasts. In many respects, St George’s Cathedral serves as a spiritual home and ‘beehive’ for Catholic Evangelisation and mission across the Archdiocese of Southwark.

St George’s Cathedral is entirely reliant upon the generosity of its parishioners, volunteers and the Archdiocese of Southwark to keep its doors open.  It does not receive Vatican or government funding, nor has an endowment to rely on.  Your support can enable the Cathedral to remain open daily to those seeking a place of peace, prayer and worship.

Thank you!

· Donate Online: www.rcaos.org.uk/Cathedral

·  Or Scan QR Code using telephone camera (right)                                                                                                                                

·  Telephone weekdays 9 am – 5 pm: 020 7960 2504

·  Cash / Cheque – please use the St George’s Cathedral envelopes at the back of church.

HAIL HOLY QUEEN

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

WE FLY TO THY PROTECTION

We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,

O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

 

 Presbytery and Parish Office:

41 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EF

Tel: 01303 252823

  e-mail: folkestone@rcaos.org.uk 

Parish Priest: Fr Alex Saba MA, MSLR, MCL, JCL

 Hall Bookings: hallbookingonline.com/folkestone/

Sunday 18th January 2026 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

 

X RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION DURING MASS – Only Catholics in state of grace receive communion during Mass. The priest/minister raises the host slightly and shows it to each of the communicants, saying The Body of Christ; Response: Amen.

Those Christians who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and Roman Catholics not able to receive Holy Communion are welcome to receive a blessing. Those wishing to receive a blessing are asked to approach the priest with their arms crossed over their chest. Those receiving Holy Communion in your hands please put it in your mouth before leaving the minister/priest.

X SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE PARISH, THANK YOU.

X AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST: A CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS RESOURCE – 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 visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

X INFANT BAPTISM – May only happen after undergoing a preparation with the parish priest. Baptisms can then be celebrated at either 3pm on a Saturday or 1pm on a Sunday on the 1^st or 3^rd Sunday of the month. Please note the preparation for infant Baptism will take place every second Sunday of the month after 11 am Mass in the Hall.

X WE PRAY FOR THE SICK - We remember all those who are sick or housebound and that they remain in our prayers including Mrs Eileen (aka Ellen) Varrall, Catalina Fernández, Anne Sharp, Kathleen Lynch, Bernadette Pay, Blanche Ellis, Liz Willis, Stacy Rodrigues, Ann Robinson, Uzo Mbanugo, Bob & Tess Vickery, Canon Luke Smith, Beulah Blomfield, John Lodge, Veronica Poulton, Margaret Woolley, and all those who have asked for our prayers. 

X WE PRAY FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED - Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mary Kaye , Gerard Ryan, Ema Deba,  and all those who have died recently, and those whose anniversaries fall at this time including: Dorothy Bergum, Eileen Cavanagh, Mary Brivio (18^th Jan); Anthony Riley, Fred Cotton, Leopoldo Gianella (19^th Jan); James Scott, Therese Austin, Jean Coshell, Winifred Punnett (20^th Jan); Eileen Hearn, Laura Woodsford, Lila Roche, Ryszard Hanys, Anita Cambacedes, Ellen Gallagher, Eileen Everall, Amelia Sings (21^st Jan). Arthur Young, Frances Wilson, Irene Pilkington, Charles Brooker, Veronica Carney, Margaret Willis (22^nd Jan); Catherine Miles, John O’Connor, Ina Richards (23^rd Jan); Mary Scott, John Davies, William Kearney, Elizabeth Wilkie (24^th Jan); Francis Gallagher, Joseph Misquita, Francis Creane, Margaret Couzens, Rae Charles, Helena Adkins, Sidney Adkins, Georgina Stratford (25^th Jan).

X HOW TO FILL OUT MASS INTENTION ENVELOPES – When you complete the envelope asking for a Mass to be said, please write the full name of the person after Intention of Mass for e.g. George Smith RIP, even if he is one of your parents, relatives and friends, do not write for my Dad, Mum, brother, girlfriend, boyfriend and so forth. Likewise, if the Mass is for several people e.g., do write down: for the deceased members of the Smith family, or for the wellbeing of the members of the Smith family and so forth. Thank you for your help with this simple and important matter.

X RESPONSORIAL PSALM AT 11AM MASS – From now on, we will practice the response to the psalm at 11am Mass, a minute or so it will take, and this before the Angelus starts. This will enable us all to give our response to the first reading which, according to the spirit of the liturgy, is the role of the whole gathered assembly. Let us all join in the effort of making this a great success in our parish for the glory of our God who speaks to us when scriptures are proclaimed during the Liturgy.

X THE STELLA MARIS SCHOOL OF ICONOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES – begins its second year this month in Our Lady Help of Christians parish hall, Folkestone. Local Catholics who would like to join this serious training in sacred art and can commit to 3 hours every Saturday, plus homework, would be especially welcome. They should contact Amanda de Pulford on 07756142519."

X FORTHCOMING SECOND COLLECTIONS IN 2026.

·       Maintenance of St George’s Cathedral: 25^th January

·       Racial Justice Sunday: 1^st February

·       Sick and Retired Priests: 15^th February

·       CAFOD Lent Appeal: 1^st March

·       Parish Building & Maintenance: 16th March

·       Poor Parishes: 22^nd March

●   Holy Places of Palestine: 3^rd April

X PARISH MASS STREAMING – To watch the Mass online, you need to go to the parish website: https://catholic-folkestone.blogspot.com. Once there, click on the Parish Mass Streaming tab.

X PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES – Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes travelling overnight by luxury coach from 9 to 14 February 2026. 

It is always a beautiful and deeply spiritual experience soaking in the Spirit of Jesus as we travel to honour Our Blessed Mother. 

Leaving Slough and Ealing Broadway on 9 Feb 2026 and departing Lourdes on 13 February for a visit to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Rue du Bac, Paris on 14 February morning and arriving in London later on 14 February 2026

Full board, exciting festival devotional program, experience the Blessed Sacrament Procession of the Sick, the Candlelight Marian Rosary Procession and the International Mass on the Feast Day followed by Stations, Confessions and Adoration with Hour of Mercy. Travel, full board and program cost £590. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more info.

HAIL HOLY QUEEN

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

WE FLY TO THY PROTECTION

We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,

O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. 

                                                       Presbytery and Parish Office:

41 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EF

Tel: 01303 252823

  e-mail: folkestone@rcaos.org.uk 

Parish Priest: Fr Alex Saba MA, MSLR, MCL, JCL

Hall Bookings: hallbookingonline.com/folkestone/