About Us:
Waterlooville Parish is situated just north of Portsmouth on England's
South Coast and services the area around Waterlooville including
Widley, Crookhorn, Purbrook, Cowplain, Denmead, Hambledon and Soberton.
Our Parish Priest is Father Kevin Bidgood and our Catholic Community is
strong and vibrant with more than 700 people attending Masses each
week. This website is intended to give both parishioners and enquirers
access to information about the Parish and its activities.
The Parish is supporting for its Parish Charity the
International Refugee Trust and in particular the work of the Sacred
Heart Sisters running the 'Moyo' orphanage in Uganda for refugees from the
Sudanese civil war.
We have for many years used the former Oratory of the Sisters of our Lady
of Charity, (picture top left), as our Parish Church and for this we are
deeply grateful. The Parish is in the process of planning a new church on
the site which, combined with a Parish Centre, will bring all of our various
groups and activities into one focal point of Christian witness.
You can read more about us
in our booklet for new parishioners
Father Kevin Writes...
Today’s readings talk of ways in which
we are called to take responsibility for the care and the integrity of our
communities, particularly when things are difficult. The prophet Ezekiel is
called by the Lord to confront wrongdoing and to speak out to those who most
need to hear the message. In the Gospel, Matthew is addressing how the
community for which he is writing can begin to deal with difficulties when
they occur.
It is clear that Jesus is emphasising the responsibility of the one who is
aggrieved to make a move towards the one who has caused the hurt. If we
speak to the offender honestly, explaining the damage done or the pain
inflicted, perhaps the person may have a change of heart. The Gospel goes on
to say that if this one-to-one approach does not work, the next step is to
seek the help of others in resolving the matter. Others can help to give
perspective and offer solutions.
Jesus seems to be calling for consensus. When decisions have to be made
about complex or difficult issues, then agreement and careful consideration
are necessary. Reaching common agreement about a problem can be a form of
prayer in action.
In the letter to the Romans, love is highlighted as the most important
principle for engaging with others. If the motive is based on real love then
harm can never be done.
From the scriptures today, we can ask ourselves: What is the most loving
thing to do here? If I challenge another, am I prepared to be challenged
too?
In our relationships and in our seeking to support one another, we are
called to act gently and humbly and with love. In this way, we can learn to
be hopeful as we engage with difference and enjoy the mystery and diversity
of the people around us.
