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

Mission

Following last week’s choice of his Apostles we now hear from Matthew Chapter 10 how they and we, are instructed to pass on the message of Jesus by living it ourselves. In a time where the Influencers get the hearing we can experience how easy it is to withdraw commitment. We do have witnesses to perseverance from the Martyrs who show fortitude in following Jesus. This week’s Feast is a great example.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the People of the Parish
• Monday (St Mary’s House Mass 8,15am )
• Tuesday St Bernadette’s Mass of Thanksgiving for the children from the 2 Parishes who received Holy Communion for the first time 2pm.Under the Tulip Tree
• Wednesday St Irenaeus Martyr Mass 9.30am
• Thursday Ss PETER AND PAUL HOLY DAY Masses 9.30am and 7.30pm

CELEBRATION OF THE 150^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL

Built by Henry 15^th Duke of Norfolk as a Parish Church and became a Cathedral for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in 1965.

FRIDAY  6.30PM PONTIFICAL VESPERS

 

SATURDAY 12 NOON SOLEMN HIGH MASS In the Presence of the Pope’s Representative, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E Cardinal Vincent and Archbishops and Bishops from England and Wales.

You can join in via the Arundel Cathedral Live Stream

Every Parish is sending two Parishioners with their PP. Peter & Jo Cropp will represent STM.

ANNIVERSARY & DEDICATION FEAST OF ST THOMAS MORE’S CHURCH PATCHAM

July 9^th this year falls on a Sunday and is our Day to celebrate our Patron St Thomas More and the Anniversary of the opening of our Church in1963. Do join us for Mass at 10am .This will be followed by a celebratory drink

100+ DRAW

Thank you for joining this Fundraiser. There are prizes to be won as well as knowing that income is for Church Maintenance in particular for forthcoming renewal of the Hall roof.

SYNOD 2023 AND 2024

The working Document for this Year’s meeting in October had been publishes. It is 60 pages long but do read pages 2 and 3 which give an introduction to the content. More details can be found here.

St Peter & St Paul

One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate.
Founders of Rome, hay bind the world in unity.
One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate.
With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.

The run of Solemnities and Feasts is nearly finished and so we return to the Sundays in Ordinary Time – a translation from the Latin Ordinarius which really means regular or regulated when the whole life of Christ and his teaching is celebrated. The Gospel of St Matthew is read form chapter 9 onwards and the New Testament Reading will be from the Letter to the Romans. Every now and then it is good to go to your Bible to read the setting or context of the Readings. Remember God speaks to us through the Scriptures as we prayerfully reflect on them. The Word of Life monthly leaflet can help as also some of the sites under “useful Websites”

The Day For Life Sunday

This year it falls on 18^th June and is being observe in Ireland and Scotland as well as England and Wales. We are reminded by the teaching of the Church that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death – described as the gospel of life. This year the Day for Life seeks to highlight the trauma caused by abortion. The theme is “Listen to her “ and presents the story of Jane, ( click here) In view of the court case and the response caused by the “pills by post” misuse you may well have been caught up in the discussions and the attitudes of the media. We are invited to contribute in the second collection to the groups assisting women, particularly “Rachel’s vineyard”

Pope Francis

The Pope has now left Hospital and has said he is going to rest work and pray. In every Eucharistic Prayer, we remember him.

The Minimum Age For Marriage

The Decrees establishing the Minimum age for Marriage are now posted on the noticeboard. The Civil Law of age 18 is now recognised in Church Law as well.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday.  Votive Mass of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More 9.30am
• Friday. St Thomas Garnet Martyr Mass 9.30am
• Twelfth Sunday Mass 10am

Summer Festival

St Bernadette’s Summer Festival is on Saturday 24^thfrom 11am. Do come along and enjoy yourselves!

Corpus Christi Procession

Parish Patronal Sunday – July 9th

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church and our Patron St Thomas More.

Psalm 99

Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness,
Come before him singing for joy

It was a fine evening for the traditional Procession of the Blessed Sacrament after Consecration at Mass, as it was carried over the Carpet of Flowers into Arundel Castle. It reminded me of such a Procession in Lourdes every day in the Summer. You can participate in this by going to -useful websites Sanctuary of Lourdes – on our website. The procession commences at 4pm BST and about 4.45 there is a time of Adoration followed by Benediction. It is like a Demonstration with singing of Psalm 147 and Eucharistic Hymns to express faith and reverence. For your own devotion you can find hymns under the title Communion at the back of the Hymn Books.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish-Pro populo
• Wednesday Mass 9.30am Int For John and Chrissie Morgan. Foundation Mass
• Friday Mass 9.30am The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Int For Bruce Johnson RIP
• Sunday Week 11 Mass 10am Day for Life

Day For Life

Next Sunday with a retiring collection. Please click here for further details.

Prayer for Pope Francis

That he may be restored to health after his operation.

In The Future…

• St Bernadette’s Summer Festival. Saturday June 24^th
• St Thomas More Patronal Feast Sunday July 9^th

Tantum Ergo

Come adore this wondrous presence.
Bow to Christ the source of grace.
Here is kept the ancient promise.
Og God’s earthly dwelling place
Sight is blind before God’s glory.
Faith alone may see his face.

TRINITARIAN is not an easy word to spell or pronounce but does serve as a description of what we say . and speak of God, This Trinity Sunday- the middle of the 3 Theological Feasts,- provides us with the reminder of what we pray.
The sign of the Cross The Gloria
The Creed
The Eucharistic Prayer The Great Amen
The final Blessing
The formulae of the Sacraments The conclusions of the 3 Prayers
Not much chance of missing Trinitarian Prayer if we are alert.

Mass Schedule

• Trinity Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the People of the parish Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• Sunday The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Mass 10am

Arundel Cathedral

• Wednesday & Thursday. The carpet of flowers
• Mass & Procession of the Blessed Sacrament
• See Notice Boards for timings and details.
• (Allow plenty of time for travel because of works on A27)

Refugee Policy

Please click here for further details

Trinity Hymn

Father in my life I see.
You are God who walks with me, Jesus in my life I see,
You are God who walks with me, Spirit in my life I see,
You are God who walks with me, You hold my life in your hands,
Close beside you I will stand.
I give all my life to you.
Help me Father,Jesus,Spirit, to be true