The twelve days of the Christmas Season come to an end with the Solemnity of the Epiphany. It is said the Twelfth Night after which Decorations are taken down was a Victorian saying which meant it was back to work after all the feasting! Our celebration marks the newborn Jesus being the focus of the visit by the Wise Men from the East. During the Christmas Days we have remembered the Holy Family seeking refuge in Egypt to escape Herod’s act of jealously in his massacre of the boys of two and under; the circumcision according to Jewish Custom: His Presentation in the Temple; and in the days ahead He is revealed in His Baptism in the Jordan and in his first miracle in Cana at the wedding feast. Time for us to give praise and thanksgiving for the greatest gift of all – Jesus the one who saves.
A personal thank you for the Christmas Offering together with your greetings and gifts and the acts of service during Advent and the 12 Days,
Fr John
The Interim Bulletin
Thank you to our webmaster for the New Year edition which you can read below.
The Word Who Is Life – The Call To Mission
The Pastoral Plan is now published in two formats; a full edition and an abridged edition.
Bishop Richard writes:
“I invite everyone – lay faithful, religious, deacons and priests – to join with me in forging our parishes into communities of saints and strong, lively, and welcoming schools of discipleship. May they be communities where the Lord is known and loved; where the liturgy is experienced as an encounter with the wonder of heaven; where daily prayer is a natural part of life and where all are welcomed and their dignity as children of God always recognised.”
Mass Schedule
- Epiphany Sunday Mass 10am
- Monday (St Mary’s House Mass) 8.15am
- Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am . Intention for Rita Smith
- Friday St Aelred of Rievaulx Mass 9.30am
- Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass 10am
Prayers
- Susan Beglan RIP, wife of David Beglan former Parishioners.
- For Tom & Margaret Perrin.
- For Rita Smith celebrating her100th Birthday on Wednesday (Card from the King & Blessing from Pope Francis)
- For Ann Long of Maycroft Manor
Epiphany Gathering
After Mass this Sunday. Celebratory Drink with 100+ draw. Catch up. Meet up. Do join in.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
Bookings are now open for the Summer Diocesan Pilgrimage. Helpers ,Nurses, Assistants and Pilgrims requiring assistance. Please click here for further details.
Liturgy
Ordinary Time commences on Tuesday.
Sundays follow the Lectionary Year B (mainly St Mark’s Gospel)
The Weekday Lectionary follows the Second Section (for even years)
Safeguarding
The Audit for Safeguarding – DBS, training etc. takes place on Thursday Our Safeguarding rep, Helen Costello and myself meet with the Inspector on Thursday.
Permanent Display of Safeguarding Information on the noticeboard. Details of how to share concerns published on noticeboard.
Schools Admissions
The closing date for September 2024 Admissions is nearing. Do make contact if you have any queries.
IMPORTANT
Bishop Richard speaks to us on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm about the pastoral plan. This is called a webinar. To join before 7:30pm put the following link on your iPhone, iPad, smartphone or tablet or PC. You can also click on this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86457734895
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord may we,
Evermore be led to thee.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 