The evenings are drawing in rapidly and talk about putting on the heating at home is becoming more frequent. October is here and the change of season is more evident as we pray with the Rosary – the Gospel prayer as it is sometime called. Using the events in the life of Jesus in the four sets of Mysteries we pray with Mary and reflect on those events. It is recommended that we slow down to reflect on what happened and why and to be able to mean what we say.
Pope Francis has asked us to pray especially on Monday for Peace in the Holy Land and what better way than to pray with your Rosary and even use the 10 fingers of your hand to help you!
Pope Francis’ Appeal
Please click here for more details.
Message of Bishop Richard
On Wednesday 2 October, at the Mass to mark to the opening of the Synod, the Holy Father called for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel in the face of conflict:
“Brothers and sisters, we begin anew our synodal path with an eye toward the world, since the Christian community is always at the service of humanity in order to announce the joy of the Gospel. In such a dramatic time in our history, when the winds of war and the flames of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations, there is need for this message.
“In order to invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy for the gift of peace, I will recite the holy rosary and make a heartfelt plea to the Virgin in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major this coming Sunday. If possible, I ask all members of the Synod to join me for this occasion.”
“The following day, 7 October, I ask everyone to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world. Let us walk together. Let us listen to the Lord and allow him to guide us by the “breath” of the Spirit.
In response to this plea from Pope Francis, Bishop Richard has asked that intercessions, both for the work of the Synod and for peace, be included in the Prayers of the Faithful this Sunday. He has also invited members of clergy and lay people share the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting on Monday 7 October, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.
During the month of October, Bishop Richard asks that whenever the Rosary is prayed publicly, we “offer one decade for Peace and one decade for the work of the Synod”, and he encourages the same in private recitation of the Rosary.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters,
The vocation of marriage is a most wonderful gift – for those who are called to it, for the Church and for the world. This Sunday’s readings enable us all to reflect on this gift. In the Gospel, Jesus, making reference to the Book of Genesis (from which we also hear this Sunday), highlights the permanence and fidelity that are intrinsic to marriage, for husband and wife are in a relationship with each other and with God our loving Father. It is this relationship, with and in God, that gives Christian marriage both its meaning and its fulfilment – for the love of wife for husband and husband for wife is an expression of the love of God Himself.
In this Sunday’s Second Reading, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ total self-giving. This is an important reflection for the vocation of marriage, too – for in marriage husband and wife give to each other. It is giving, not taking. In this regard, marriage is an example for every Christian, for every one of us is called through baptism to the essential vocation to be a Christian – a follower of Christ, a person who serves, a person who gives rather than takes.
In a society where the spirit of taking – of acquisition, satisfaction of self, power – is so prevalent, the vocation of the Christian, the vocation of those called to marriage, is a powerful witness to another way – nothing less than the way of Christ Himself.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
The Second Session Of The Synod In Rome
The discussions have commenced. You can follow the daily events by going to Useful Websites and clicking on Vatican News.
More information can be found here too.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 6th October Mass 10am
- Monday 7th October Mass 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
- Monday 7th October Mass 10am St Thomas More
- Wednesday 9th October Mass 9:30am St John Henry Newman
- Friday 11th October Mass 9:30am Pope Jon XXIII
- Sunday 13th October Mass 10am 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word Of Life
The October leaflet to assist with your reflection and prayer during the month are available for you.
CAFOD
Envelopes will be handed out after Mass for your kind donations to this charity. The simplest way to respond is with your debit/credit card online. Please click here.
School Admissions
It is the time for Open Days in both our Primary and our Secondary School to assist you in making decisions to apply for places. Information on the noticeboards.
100+ Club
Thank you to those who arranged the Draw and Refreshments last Sunday .John Mason’s contribution to this fundraiser was recognised by his daughter Julia and all present.The following were the lucky four.-no5 Julie Plumstead, no9 Val Lowry, ,no25 Kevin McCormick, no30 Regina Stripp.
New members always welcome.
Bishop Richard Visits Tower House
Bishop Richard joined Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, at the St Vincent de Paul Centre in Brighton on 25 September, to visit the charity’s dedicated over-50s community hub. Known to locals as Tower House, the Grade II listed building offers a lifeline to people across the community, providing specialist services which include HERE’s Stroke & Musculoskeletal Disorders Peer Support Group, Age UK’s Dementia Daybreak service, an SVP Carer’s Support Group and an Art Therapy Group run by Starling Arts.
Speaking after the visit, Bishop Richard said: “The over 50s Community Hub at Tower House offers a vital service to people across the local community, particularly those who are isolated or wish to access extra support. The dedication and commitment of the Centre’s staff and volunteers is tangible, with the many support groups, activity sessions, and social events providing an important and enriching lifeline to people across the city.
Have You Had Your Flu Vaccination Yet?
Fr John had his on Saturday at 11:24am
Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead Thou me on
Keep Thou my feet: I do not ask to see
The distant scene -one step enough for me.
St John Henry Newman
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 
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