Spring has arrived with the commencement of March and the amazing wonder of the planets together on view. It also coincides with the season of Lent from Ash Wednesday onwards. A time to focus on personal renewal with the practices of Lent.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The phrase “By your fruits shall ye know them” has passed into our English language and is one of those expressions that has often been used down through the centuries. We see its origins in this Sunday’s Gospel, in which Jesus speaks of the fruit that the tree produces. What we do, what we say, how we live – these are the things that inform others about the people we really are. All of us will know of examples in our lives where the external and internal – as it were – truly match up. This is wonderful to see and is an example of the person who is a truly integrated human being.
For most of us, the struggle to be truly consistent in our living, our speaking, our actions, is a daily challenge – but it is one we must embrace if we are to be the Lord’s disciples. A first step is an honest appreciation of where we are, who we really are. We must take the plank out of our own eye if we are to realise where we truly stand. We cannot see the way forward unless we do this. We cannot help our brother, our sister, unless we can see ourselves. Similarly, we cannot show them a life lived fully according to Gospel values unless we live it ourselves.
When we start out, our way may seem unclear, we shall be burdened with a heavy load – the things that we know must change. Our motives may be mixed – selfishness and self-fulfilment may loom large. As we travel, grace will change us. Our load will become lighter, our motives purer, our sight clearer until, as St Benedict puts it, we run joyfully along the way of salvation.
St Paul reminds us that “death is swallowed up in victory.” The more we are enabled – through the promptings of the Spirit – to live the integrated life of the disciple, the more we show to the world the victory of Christ’s Resurrection.
While the way of the Gospel may seem demanding and difficult – and it certainly is at times – we rejoice that, in Christ, the victory is won. All is possible in Him.
I know we shall all be continuing our prayers for the Holy Father at this time – may he continue to draw strength through his closeness to the Lord, and know the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.
With every blessing,
+Richard
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 2nd March 10am
- Monday 3rd March 8:15am St Mary’s House
- Wednesday 5th March Ash Wednesday 9:30am & 7pm
- Friday 7th March 9:30am
- Saturday 8th March 8:30am HMP Lewes
- Sunday 9th March 10am 1st Sunday of Lent
Fasting & Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days for practising both, In addition Friday is a time for abstaining from meat and during the Year are moments when we are encouraged to fast and donate what we save for a Charity such as CAFOD.
Canon Oliver Heaney RIP
For many years before retirement he served as Parish Priest of St Mary’s and was a familiar figure in St Bernadette’s. Most recently he has been resident at St Mary’s House and died on March 1st.
May he rest in peace after his many years of service.
Pope Francis
Our daily prayers for him in his illness continue, along with Catholics worldwide.
The Permanent Diaconate
Are you being called?
The March Word of Life
The March edition of the leaflet is now available. Luke 6 :36 provides the text for reflection during the Month and an item for our examination of Conscience prior to our Lenten “going to Confession” now known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, One of our number of Lenten practices.
The Jubilee Hymn – Pilgrims of Hope
Like a flame my hope is burning
May my song arise to you
Source of life that has no ending
On life's path I trust in you
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 