This coming Thursday 40 days after Easter Day we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord as He returns to the Father and commissions his followers to “go out and bear much fruit” – a challenge to us. He sends us His Spirit and he gives us the hope of one day reaching the place he has won for us. The day is a Holyday when we are expected to attend Mass. There are 2 Masses in our church: in the morning at 9.30am and in the evening at 7pm. Do make the effort to participate.
Day of Prayer for The Eastern Churches
We are asked to pray for the members of the Eastern Catholic Churches which include the Catholics in the Holy Land. These remain in union with the Pope and have their own Liturgies and Canon Law. For example, Greek Catholic, Coptic, Syrian. There are also other Churches who are described as Orthodox who as yet are not in union with the Catholic Church. They are celebrating Easter this weekend.
Praying for Vocations
In this 6th week of Easter, we reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and pray for greater numbers to respond generously to celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass.
The Diocesan Plan
There was a first gathering of the five parishes of the Brighton part of the Deanery to begin the consideration of how in the future the Church can co-operate, for example with preparation for the Sacraments, training for ministries, levels of administration, Mass times etc.
Now is a good time to read again the green covered copies of the Bishop’s Plan – either the A4 copy or the abridged version – along with the prayer!
The Ministry of Welcome
A Parish Community likes to be called ‘welcoming’. This depends on members thinking that the other people are also present to be part of the worshipping group forming community. It makes all the difference if there is someone there to greet us at the door. A friendly welcome, a smile, offering a hymn book but no inquisition! Could you fit the profile? Do let Fr John know.
Sudan Crisis Appeal
There is a wall box in the Entrance for your generosity.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 5th May Mass 10am. Int. For the people of the Parish
- Eastertide Wednesday 8th May 9.30am
- ASCENSION THURSDAY 9TH MAY HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION
- Masses at 9.30am and 7pm
- Eastertide Friday 10th May Mass 9.30am
- Saturday 11th May HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
- Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday 12th May Mass 10am
New praises be given,
To Christ newly crowned
who back to his heaven
a new way hath found,
God’s blessedness sharing
Before us he goes
What mansions preparing
What endless repose.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 