The last week has seemed to be short ,following Our Lady’s Feast, the Assumption, “a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people”, Holy Communion to the Housebound, call to Maycroft, signing two UK passports and an Irish identification, enquiries about Mass times in various Parishes,update on works at St Bernadette’s, placing an order for the replacement of the Hall roof, three scam phone calls, doing my shopping, various meetings, weeding around the edge of the Church car park- ( any willing help to deal with left hand side?), clearing rubbish from the steps and car park – bottles, vodka -smashed – used vapes, the remains of spliffs etc. There were of course the angels, the lovely flowers for Mary our Mother and two suppers. Not forgetting contact with Police following anti-social behaviour of kicking in the door to the Transformers necessitating UK Energy to make safe from children entering. Above all being able to celebrate Mass for and with Parishioners. So to Week 20.

100 + Summer Draw

After Mass do come into the Hall for some refreshments and above all to meet up with each other over a cup and a nibble.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass (20th August) 10am
• Wednesday 23rd August St Rose of Lima Mass 9.30am
• Friday 25th August Weekday Mass 9.30am
• 21^st Sunday Mass (27th August) 10am

Card Payment for Offerings

The machine now seems to be working and you may find it helpful. Put in your own offering figure and ignore the £100 setting!

Patcham Duck Fayre

Next Sunday a Community event on Patcham High and Junior School Fields 11 am – 4.30am. Don’t miss the dog shows Ring A 12.30 The waggiest tails

The Stations Of The Cross

During the week there has been correspondence with an Art dealer about Guy Roddon , commissioned by Fr Fooks to produce the Stations of the Cross. I will tell you more about this in the future. Fr Fooks certainly wanted the Church to have a number of works of art – St Thomas More, the Statue of Our Lady, the Crucifix and the Stations.

Bishop stands in solidarity with Pakistani Christians targeted by violent extremists

Christian homes and church buildings in the Punjab region of northern Pakistan have been targeted by extremists after a Christian cleaner was accused of desecrating the Qur’an and insulting the Prophet of Islam.

More details can be found here.

For the healing of the nations
Lord, we pray with one accord
for a just and equal sharing of the things that earth affords
to a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word.

World Youth Day

You may not have heard of what happened in Portugal last week ?Possibly there was more about a Scout Jamboree in America which had to close early.Pope Francis travelled to Lisbon and joined over a Million Young People from around the world for 6 days. YouTube published details of each day including the meetings with different groups. As I mentioned last week 40 young people from A&B were there and Bishop Richard went from Lourdes to Lisbon to join them.

Sunday’s Gospel

The image of the boat tossed about in a rough sea fits various situations and personal crises .One is to think of the Church as a boat and Peter as the Captain. Even St Theresa of Lisieux used it of herself going through a rough patch in her spiritual life. An experience some Catholics are in and not finding in prayer and belonging a way out. “Do not be afraid“ – reassuring words to live by

The Assumption of Mary

The Blessedness of Mary stems from God’s activity. Openness to see the Lord, though hidden and hearing and keeping the word of God. “A sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people” Focus on the ever so familiar words of the Hail Mary “Blessed art thou among women.” . An image of the Church’s coming to perfection and our eventual destiny.

Pilgrimage

I did not know that Thomas Cromwell banned Pilgrimages. The value of walking with a purpose is once again gaining in popularity. There is an article to read at – click to CBCEW. Have you been on a pilgrimage ?

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Tuesday. THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY. Holy Day of Obligation Masses 9.30am and 7.30pm
• Wednesday St Stephen of Hungary Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Sunday 20^th in Ordinary Time Sunday Mass 10am

The Word of Life

The leaflet to help you prayerfully reflect on a verse from Scripture and live with it is now available free on the table in the Entrance.

Mass Intentions

Thank you for offering Mass Intentions. A new supply of envelopes is on the table in the Entrance.

Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by your name.
You are mine
When you walk through the waters
I’ll be with you.
You will never sink beneath the waves.
No240

A feast of the Lord which takes precedence over the 18^th Sunday in ordinary time, it is always the Gospel of the second Sunday of Lent but this feast is the opportunity to appreciate the event after the completion of Christ’s life on earth. Jesus is seen as the Glorious One and like the moment of his baptism the Father recognises Him as the Son. Moses represents the one who brings the commandments down from the mountain – the law and Elijah is the example of the prophets whose task was to remind the people to keep their promises.

The Pilgrimage To Lourdes

The Diocesan Pilgrims have returned home safely, and we can experience something of the days by viewing Bishop Richard’s daily talk. The first episode is available below. Follow links for others.

The link below is the live feed to the Grotto at Lourdes

The World Youth Gathering

40 young People from the Diocese have been in Lisbon and been joined by Pope Francis and thousands of other from many countries. It concludes with a commissioning Mass this Sunday. There are many videos available to follow the event. Here is the coverage of the Mass on Day One from Vatican News.

A New Lectionary

Confirmation has now been given to new Lectionaries from Advent 2024. The 3 Volumes will use the ESV – the English Revised Standard Version ,the Catholic Edition. Do inform yourself of this information by following this link.

Mass Schedule

• The Transfiguration of the Lord
• Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein )
• Mass 9.30am
• Friday St Dominic Mass 9,30am
• Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• Sunday 19^th in Ordinary Time
• Tuesday 15^th August The Assumption of our Blessed Lady. Holyday of obligation Masses at 9.30am & 7.30pm

The Word of Life

The August Leaflet to assist with prayerful reflection during the month is now available.

Edith Stein 1891 – 1942

Born into a Jewish family , in her teens became an atheist, As a brilliant student in philosophy she became a Catholic in 1922, later becoming a Carmelite nun. Following Nazi persecution of people of Jewish origin she transferred to a convent in the Netherlands but was rounded up and sent to a concentration where she died .She was canonised as a martyr in 1998 and declared one of the Patrons of Europe.

Be still for the presence of the Lord.
The Holy One is here.
Come bow before him now.
With reverence and fear
In him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground.
Be still for the presence of the Lord.
Is shining all around.

With the Month of August about to commence it is a time when many are away from home in many parts of the country or the world ! Some are on Pilgrimage to Lourdes and 50 young people are preparing to head for Lisbon for the World Youth Gathering with Pope Francis and many others from different Nations. For those at home it is a moment for some down time and a change of pace.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

The Pilgrims are now in Lourdes. You can follow the events and prayers of each day on the Lourdes Handbook. On Wednesday Morning the Mass from Lourdes will be televised .This can be watched by clicking on Useful Websites -The Sanctuary of Lourdes. It will be at 8.30am BST.

World Youth Day Lisbon

World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelisation for the youth world. Although its Catholic identity is clearly evident, WYD opens its doors to everyone, no matter how close to or distant from the Church they are. This year, WYD will take place on 1-6 August in Lisbon, Portugal. Read more here.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday Mass 9.30am In Latin. Booklets with responses in Latin
• Wednesday Mass 9.30am Int. Christopher Hall RIP
• Friday St John Mary Vianney -the Cure D’Ars . Int. for deceased Priests
• Sunday The Feast of the Transfiguration Mass10am

In you my God
May my soul find rest,
You are the meaning,
The purpose of life
Drawing me near
To the fire of your love
Safe in your presence
my yearning will cease.

Grandparents and The Elderly

This Sunday is described as the World day for Grandparents and the elderly. It coincides with the Memorial of St Joachim and Anne ,the names given to the parents of Mary. With the school holidays commencing grandparents may be called upon for child minding and other duties. Pope Francis has suggested we take opportunities when possible to make contact with grandparents and the elderly to shoe our appreciation and of course to remember in prayer those we have loved and lost awhile. More about this topic can be found here.

Refugees and Migration

You will have heard about the eventual passing of a Bill called “ Illegal Migration Bill “ and the arrival of an accommodation barge in Portland harbour. This has caused a lot of debate and the Bishops ‘Conference of England and Wales has set out the principles governing our response. The Department for International Affairs has published a Document called “ Love the Stranger “- easy to read and helpful to inform you of the issues and our response. More can be found here.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

This commences on Friday and lasts until the following Thursday. You can be part of it by following each day in the Lourdes Handbook 2023. You can read Bishop Richard’s Introduction along with the story of Bernadette and the way in which modern day Pilgrims live the days of Pilgrimage. You can follow this in the Handbook 2023 by going to Arundel and Brighton Pilgrimage to Lourdes and clicking Handbook (mistakenly labelled 2024 ) and turning the pages. The Pilgrims will be praying for us and we for them especially for the healing both spiritual and physical they seek.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the people of the Parish and Grandparents & the Elderly
• Wednesday Sts. Joachim & Anne Mass 9.30am Int Grandparents
• Friday ( Memorial Mass for Fr Trevor Welland RIP St Edward’s Keymer )
• Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• Sunday 17^th of Ordinary Time

Contactless Payments

This method of making your Sunday Offering with your card is now working. Follow the simple instructions

Gas Servicing

The annual servicing of the two gas boilers and provision of the Gas Safety Certificate took place on Thursday.

Prayer Intention for July

Pope Francis invites us to see the celebration of the Eucharist as an encounter with the Risen Jesus, for the Eucharist is the presence of Jesus which is profoundly transforming.

For the fruits of his creation
Thanks be to God,
For his gifts to every nation
Thanks be to God,
For the ploughing, sowing reaping
Silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth’s safe keeping
Thanks be to God.

After the celebration of our Patronal Feast last Sunday we celebrate Sea Sunday when we think of those who serve as sailors or fishers. Looking out to sea from one of the hillier parts of Brighton you can sometimes glimpse cargo vessels and even the occasional passenger ship and wonder where their next port of call will be. Even closer if you are on the coast road passing by the Port of Shoreham you are just a little closer to the sea and ships. Maybe we do not stop to think how important shipping is for our well-being. How did the bananas you bought come to your favourite shop ? This Sunday we remember all the people from many countries who work in shipping and we think of their personal and family needs. The pastoral care of Stella Maris the star of the sea or the Apostleship of the Sea is offered in Ports around our country and the world. I have happy memories of acting as a Chaplain on the Educational Cruise ships on occasion not only for the 700 plus young people but also the crews and experiencing something of their links with home.

Patronal Feast

Thank you for celebrating last Sunday and joining with fellow parishioners. A little late I realised that it was -to the date- the sixtieth anniversary of the opening of our church building -the Diamond Jubilee.

The End of The School Year

This Thursday (Friday for Cardinal Newman) we reach the end of the School Year – an opportunity to thank all the staff of the Schools for everything they have done and wish them a restful holiday. For Families a change of tempo. Keep well and safe.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 15 in Ordinary Time Sunday Mass 10am
• Tuesday 1.30pm Leavers Mass for St Bernadette’s in St Mary’s Church
• Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am Int. Theresa Dibley and Patrick Duncliffe RIP
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Sunday 16^th in Ordinary Time 10.00am

Celebrating The Feast of St Joachim & St Anne – Grandparents’ Day

There will be Mass and Afternoon Tea at Arundel Cathedral, 22 July at 2.30pm. Pope Francis calls us to this annual celebration for Grandparents and the more senior members of our community. A time to savour the fruits of family life and the wisdom of experience. Click here to book your free place.

Art Exhibition – Arundel Cathedral

A fantastic new exhibition exploring the rich history of Arundel Cathedral opened last week at Arundel Museum. The exhibition explores the design, construction (and much more) of our diocesan mother church and runs until 11 August. The short film below provides a fascinating introduction to the design and construction of the Cathedral, highlighting the important legacy of the 15th Duke of Norfolk who commissioned it – and his connection to St John Henry Newman.

Pope Francis’ July Prayer Intention

In his Video the Pope says “ If you are the same at the end of Mass as you were at the beginning, something is wrong “. He invites us to see the Eucharist as an encounter with the presence of Jesus which is profoundly transforming. See and read about this here.

Contactless Donating

Good news. It is now up and running .Just follow the instructions with you card. Thank you for your giving.

The Seafarer’s Hymn

Eternal Father strong to save,
Whose arm doth bind the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep,
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea

Sunday 9^th July 1963 was the day Bishop Cowderoy of Southwark opened the Church of St Thomas More to serve Patch, Hollingbury and Westdene. On Sunday 10^th July 1983 Bishop Cormac consecrated the Church and the Altar. Forty Years later we celebrate our Patron and the Anniversary of the Consecration of this Church building. It was on the 6^th July 1535 that Thomas More was executed on Tower Hill London. Each Year on the nearest Sunday to those dates that we observe as a Solemnity our Dedication because it is a reminder to us of the way in which we are called to form the Body of Christ which is the Church and for us to seek the intercession of our Patron in living out the Christian Life.

150th Anniversary Of Arundel Cathedral

Last Friday and Saturday there were Celebrations with the Pope’s representative, the Cardinal and Bishops along with people from all the Parishes of the Diocese. Do read the item from the Diocesan ebulletin (subscribe here) and also view the photographs by clicking here.

Songs of Praise

This Sunday come from Arundel on BBC1 at 11.30am. You may still be at Our Patronal Mass and Celebration at this time so do not rush off because you can watch at your leisure on BBC iPlayer.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Patronal Feast Day
• Monday St Mary’s House Mass 8.15
• Wednesday St Benedict Abbot Patron of Europe Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass 10am (Sea Sunday)

Diocesan E-Bulletin

You may be interested to explore the weekly Diocesan E Bulletin. You need to sign up to receive it weekly. It contains all kinds of information about events eg a Mini Retreat , Marriage Anniversaries Mass, Recruting a Senior Administrator for the Marriage Tribunal etc. Please visit this link to subscribe.

100+

The Summer Draw takes place this Sunday. A simple Fundraiser for the Parish.

From The Prayer Of Dedication

Here is reflected the mystery of the Church…
The dwelling place of God ….
A temple built of living stones …
may your people die to sin …. 
gathered round the altar be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body.

Let us go to God’s house rejoicing!

Friday and Saturday of last week have been days of celebration in Arundel as there have been ceremonies of thanksgiving for what is now our Cathedral. Built 150 years ago by Henry 15^th Duke of Norfolk as the Parish Church of St Philip Neri it became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and after the Canonisation of St Philip Howard it became known as the Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard. There will be on the Diocesan Website photographs of the occasion. A link to these photos will be posted here when they are published.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday. Funeral Mass for Myra Mannion RIP 1.15pm
• Wednesday. Weekday Mass 9.30am Intention.  Shelagh Allen RIP
• Friday. Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Sunday. Patronal Feast day Mass 10am.

Patronal Feast Day

Each Year we celebrate our Patron St Thomas More and the Dedication of our Church. July 9^th, 1963, was the date of its opening and the Consecration of the Altar and Church is commemorated on the Sunday nearest that date annually. Do join us for the Mass and after wards for a celebratory glass.

100 + Summer Draw

The Summer Draw will take place on Sunday. Thank you to all participants in the simple Fundraiser. The annual subscription is still £30.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

37 young people from the Deanery will “Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit “ as the Bishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Cathedral this afternoon. It marks the words spoken at Baptism when it is said “ in Confirmation he/she will receive the fullness of God’s Spirit “. Preparations for the Sacraments commences in the Autumn Term.

The Word of Life

The July leaflet to assist you in your prayerful reflection is now available. It provides a verse from Scripture with a commentary.

Safeguarding

You can read details of Safeguarding in the Church including the DBS checking for those engaged with children and vulnerable adults . Our Parish Representative is Helen Costello who can advise on these issues.

Mission Unleashed

Embracing the Social Dimension of Evangelisation hosted by CAFOD on 14^th July 7.00-8.30pm. Please see www.bigmarker.com.cafod/evangelisation. To book your place for this webinar and be sent the recording. Cardinal Antonio Tagle explores the question -The Church has a mission but what is it ?

“Jerusalem, heavenly city
Blest vision of peace
Built from living stones.
You are raised so high to the heavens.
Attended like a bride.
By countless thousands of angels”

From Hymn for the Dedication of a Church