After the funeral rites for Pope Francis and the nine days of prayer remembering him, all of us who form the Church are now praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning who is to be the next Bishop of Rome, Chief Shepherd of the Universal Church, and Pope. As we turn to the back page of the Memorial Card and pray for the Holy Spirit’s Presence with the Cardinals in Conclave we join together at our Masses and prayers with this great intention. There is a precedent in a feast next week when the Apostles prayed for someone to fill the vacancy cf. Acts 1 vv 24 -30 (St Matthias). Maybe by Friday we will have seen the white smoke.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witnessing to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
At this time when the Cardinals are preparing for the conclave, let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, in their solemn task of electing the next successor of St Peter.
I ask your prayers, too, for the young people of our Diocese who, over the coming weeks, will receive the gifts of Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important moment for each of them, as they take this very significant step on the path of discipleship. It is also a time of celebration for the whole Diocese, as we rejoice in their openness to the life of the Gospel and pray that they will take their place in the mission of the Church.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
The Conclave
This commences on Wednesday 7th May when the Cardinals celebrate Mass and then move into the Sistine Chapel to commence the voting. Should you have seen the fictional film Conclave remember it is not the portrayal of what will be happening in Rome this week! For regular updates tune into our website – USEFUL WEBSITES -VATICAN NEWS.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 4th May 10am (Int. Pope Francis RIP and the people of the parish)
- Monday 5th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (Int. For the election of a Pope)
- Wednesday 7th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
- Friday 9th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
- Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Sunday of Easter (Int. For the people of the parish)
Preparing For Holy Communion 2026
Meeting for parents whose children are to be prepared for Holy Communion and Reconciliation form the Parish Communities of St Thomas More’s & St Mary’s Church. In St Mary’s 7pm. See Poster.
Migrants’ Mass
The Catholic Parish of Brighton and Citizens UK are arranging a Mass for Migrants on Sunday 11th May in St Joseph’s Church, Elm Grove at 5.30pm. Bishop Richard will be presiding. See poster.
The Brighton Festival
The annual festival is under way with an amazing variety of artistic talents and couple with these the Fringe Festival adds even more variety
With Open Houses and much more. Enjoy!
The Word Of Life
The Scripture text and commentary Leaflet for May is now available for you to help you focus your prayer. A very appropriate text put to the first Pope.
Queen Of The May
Bring flowers of the rarest
Bring blossoms the fairest
From garden and woodland ,and hillside and dale
Our full hearts are swelling
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest flower of the vale
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May
(Traditional)
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 