Forty Days since Christmas, so went the Introduction to the lovely Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas we celebrated on Friday, being reminded of the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Carrying a lit candle in procession reminded us of the Candle presented to us when were Baptised – “Receive the Light of Christ, keep true to your Baptism throughout a blameless life.” Just as Jesus was welcomed by Simeon as a light to enlighten the Gentiles, so we are called to shine for him –“This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine”.
Advance Notice
Ash Wednesday (14th February) marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. There will be the blessing and placing of ashes at Masses at 9.30am & 7.00pm. Next Sunday do bring last year’s palm crosses so that they can be burnt to produce the ashes. A box will be in the Entrance.
Our Prayers at Their Passing
Abbot Emeritus Stephen Ortiger OSB. For the Monks in the City, the Worth Community, the Benedictine Sisters, former pupils and many friends. His Funeral Mass is at Worth Abbey on Saturday 17th February at 10.30am. Details for attendance on the noticeboard. It will also be live streamed.
Rita Smith who reached 100 years on January 10th and for her large family.
Bernard Regan , Father of Lucy Regan our SENCO at St Bernadette’s and a long lived parishioner of St Mary’s.
The mother of Joe Wynne.
May they rest in peace.
A Year of Prayer
In preparation for next year’s Jubilee, Pope Francis has asked us to deepen our prayer life during 2024. See here for further details. There will be help to pray during the year.
The February copies of the Word of Life leaflet are on the table in the Entrance. It is to help you absorb and live by the verse of scripture keep it handy during the month and reflect on it.
Our Lady of Lourdes
February 11th ,the date of the first apparition is her Feast day. Being a Sunday we have to follow the Sunday Liturgy. You can identify with the Grotto and the Pilgrimage activities with these steps – on our website go to heading USEFUL WEBSITES and then scroll down to SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY and you will find the GROTTO or other activities. You can visit there any time day or night.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday Mass 10am
- Wednesday Mass 9.30am Int. Rita Smith RIP
- Friday Mass 9.30am Int For parishioners who are unwell
- Sixth Sunday Mass 10am
Fr Foley is kindly celebrating the 10am Mass in STM this Sunday while I am filling in a gap in another church this Sunday. Our thanks to him, sing up, make him welcome and if anyone would care to drive him back to Woodingdean he would be grateful.
Healer of our every ill
light of each tomorrow
give us peace beyond our fear,
and hope beyond our sorrow.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 