Christmas Quiz – Friday 13th December at 7pm! See the poster for full details and spread the word! Snacks, soups, raffle and a chance to be crowned quiz champions! Speak to Tina to book tickets.

Christmas Sale – Our final Sale of the year will be on Saturday 7th December, from 930 -1230 with all the usual bargains and café, plus carols, games & a teddy tombola! Some amazing raffle prizes too, with first prize a Wine Hamper! Huge thanks to everyone who has donated so generously with raffle prizes for the Quiz and Sale.

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Christian Initiation – Following the new directions from the Diocesan Bishop, adult baptism and confirmations will happen in Eastertide (next year from 20th April 2025). Preparation will be run from January 2025: several people have already expressed an interest, if you’d like to know more please speak to the Rector.

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​​A Note Fr Richard Ralph
As you may already know, the PCC, the Rector and Bishop Martin have agreed that my licence to serve at this parish be extended for a further three years. I look forward to continuing my work among you and supporting the Rector and Wardens as requested.
 

As a non-stipendiary priest, my role is not mainly to take services, although I usually preside at Parish Mass when the Rector is away and otherwise celebrate with Fr. Rushforth at the 8:00 am Mass on Sundays. I am then available on Sunday
mornings for pastoral visits and taking communion to those who are unable temporarily to attend Mass in person. At other times I am available by appointment to hear confessions, to provide spiritual direction or simply to have a chat and listen
to any concerns.

The Rector has asked me to continue my work with the Capital Projects Group and with the Fundraising Team, providing a point of liaison and co-ordination for the Church Architect and our Fundraising Consultant. I work also with St Richard’s House, supporting the Rector, Trevor Davies and the other directors, and occasionally assisting residents. As a Licensed priest, I am an ex officio member of the PCC, and, as Parish Archivist, provide support to those organising the
anniversary celebrations.
 

The demands of my various secular endeavours and family responsibilities sometimes claim my time – but rest assured that when I am absent in person you remain in my prayers every day

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Community Audit
For the past few months, a group has been engaged in trying to find out how Christ Church can do more to engage with and help the needs of the local community. The final stage of this is to take questions to as many people as possible over the next few weeks, outside of the church and congregation

 

To achieve this we'd be very grateful if you could fill the questionnaire in as fully as possible, so that we can get the best possible idea of how we might do more to place Christ Church at the heart of our community once more. This will all feed into a report that will help both with establishing a Mission Action Plan to be launched next year, and applications for external funding to support work in the community.

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The link to the questionnaire is available HERE (opens a lightbox) , or via this link HERE (opens a page). Thank you.

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Cosy Crypt continues to run on Thursdays 10am – 4pm offering drinks, snacks and chat in a warm and welcoming environment.

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Lost Property will be kept in church for three weeks, placed in a box each Sunday morning to collect or via contact with the parish office. After this it will be disposed of.
 

​Daily Mass is offered every day of the week at Christ Church, a quieter service lasting around 20 minutes – 1030am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays; 7pm on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays.

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The Daily Offices: Morning & Evening Prayer are offered during the week all are welcome to start or end the day in prayer lasting around 20 minutes. Morning Prayer is now at 8.30am.

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Foodbank Support for Surviving the Streets - Every Sunday there is a collection box for items for the foodbank operated in our courtyard by our partners at Surviving the Streets. Please give generously.

 

Advent Concerts – We are very lucky to be the base for so much high-quality music at Christ Church, including from our partners in the Hastings Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra. There are  performances during Advent as we prepare for Christmas including Handel’s Messiah at 7pm on Saturday 7th December, and a Christmas Gala on Saturday 21st December.

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Regular Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation) – There is a priest in the confessional after every Saturday Mass at 11am.The practice of regular sacramental confession is a wonderful and liberating gift of God to His Church, and all are strongly urged to make use of it. If you’ve not done so before, but would like to, please speak to the Rector.
 

‘The Damascus Runners’ – Our social walking group meets on Fridays opposite Bonjour on the seafront at 11am. It’s a gentle wander along the seafront and then coffee afterwards. Everyone is welcome to join us!
 

Coffee & Cakes on Wednesdays - There is coffee, biscuits and cake every first Wednesday of the month after Mass at the back of church. Why not join us, and bring someone along? Next Coffee & Cake will be Wednesday 4th December.

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​​​The readings for Sundays, Solemnities & Major Feasts until Advent are published at the back of church, in the newsletter and on this website HERE. This should ensure easier preparation before Mass, and allow those who wish to bring their bibles to read along to do so in church. Please speak to Fr Thomas if you’d like any advice on which Bibles or Bible apps to use.

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Saturday Masses

Except when there are Feast Days, the Saturday Mass is offered as a Memorial of the BVM. Those with a particular devotion to Our Lady are especially encouraged to attend Mass on these days
 

• On the Third Saturday of the Month, Mass of the Holy House at Walsingham will be offered for all members of the Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham. This will be followed by coffee for the Cell – all members are asked to make attending this a priority. Anyone interested in joining the Cell or learning more should speak to the Rector or the Cell Secretary, Julie Gidlow.

• On the Final Saturday of the Month, the Ministries of Healing are offered during the Mass: the Laying on of Hands and Anointing with the Oil of the Sick.

Please remember that any of the clergy are always available by appointment for
pastoral conversations or for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

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150th Anniversary Celebrations 2025

The main week of our celebrations will be from Sunday 11th May - Sunday 18th May 2025, with major services & events on those two days - do please mark it in your diaries!

 

We are also putting together a programme across the year including visiting preachers, special services, social events and open days. Work is ongoing over the summer, and it will be published  shortly.

You can contact the coordinating and planning group via 150@christchurchstleonards.co.uk.