We have reached the Feast after four full weeks of Advent preparation. May the celebration of Christ’s birth renew our faith, hope and love. Our cribs remind us of the birth of Jesus in time and his destiny of self- giving to save us and reassure us on our life journeys. Wherever and whoever you are with, may you have a joy flowing from hope in the days ahead.

Christmas Masses

• Saturday Christmas Mass 6pm with the blessing of the crib
• Sunday Christmas Mass of the day 10am

The Christmas Feasts

• Each day there will be Mass at 10am
• December26th St Stephen
• December 27^th St John the Apostle
• December 28^th The Holy Innocents
• December 29^th St Thomas Becket
• December 30^th The Holy Family
• December 31^st  The 7^th day of the Octave of Christmas
• January 1^st 2023 Mary Mother of God. New Year’s Day Mass 10am

Eastern Rite Mass for Ukrainians Living in Sussex

There will be a Christmas Day Mass in Ukrainian, celebrated by
Fr Maksym Krat, at 12 noon on Saturday 7 January at St Pancras Catholic Church in Lewes, followed by traditional Ukrainian food.

For Eastern Rite Catholics – often referred to as ‘Greek Catholics’ – Christmas Day falls on 7 January, as it does for Orthodox Christians. If you have Ukrainian refugees in your parish, please let them know that they are very welcome to join Ukrainian families in Lewes for this celebration. For further details, please WhatsApp Maryana M: +38097 0343783.

Crib Donations

These donations will go towards the crisis fund of The Catholic Children’s Society

Arundel Cathedral

You are invited to see a new video revealing the beauty of the cathedral. Please see below.

Rejoice! rejoice! rejoice! rejoice!
O lift your voice and sing
And open up your hearts to welcome him
Through all the years of darkness
Still the dance goes on and on

May I wish you joy, peace and hope this Christmas as you greet the newborn Jesus.

Fr John

There is a change of pace now we enter the final week of Advent. We have a sense that the Promises of old are very shortly to be revealed .The Good News of the Angel is communicated in St Matthew’s Gospel as Joseph being instructed in a dream to do what was needed. Mary is very much in the picture as we hear of the Annunciation, her consent and her visit to Elizabeth together with her prayer of thanksgiving – the Magnificat. The 4 weeks have given us the opportunity to prepare for the celebrations ahead when at Mass we remember the first Christmas.

Advent Sunday Carol Service 6 pm St Mary’s

You are all invited to a celebration in words and song of the coming Feast, with singers from St Mary’s and St Thomas More’s. This will be at 6pm this Sunday with a retiring collection for Mary’s Meals and the crisis fund for the Catholic Children’s Society.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the people of the Parish
• Wednesday Advent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday Advent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Saturday HMP Lewes Christmas Mass 8.30am

Christ Masses

• Saturday Evening Christmas Mass 6pm with Blessing of the Crib
• Sunday Christmas Day Mass 10am

Crib Donations

A box will be near the crib for donations to the Catholic Children’s Society Crisis Fund

Christmas Week

Each day of Christmas the Feasts will be celebrated with Mass at 10am, commencing with St Stephen’s Day 26th December.

Advent Hymn

Come quickly come, great King of all
Reign all around us, and within
Let sin no more our souls enthral
Let pain and sorrow die with sin
Come quickly come; for thou alone
Can make thy scattered people one

2022 will be remembered as the year Advent has 4 complete weeks giving us the opportunity to prepare well for the Feasts ahead. As Vestment –( Bishop Richard reminds us in his weekly Message this Sunday is Rejoicing Sunday, marked by the lighting of the Rose coloured candle and the possibility of a rose coloured -if we had one. It does mean we are halfway through our preparations and now we have 2 complete works to reflect on who it is we are welcoming by our reflection on the Scriptures , our praying and practising the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion – not forgetting participating in the Carol Services, the Schools and next Sunday in St Mary’s. John the Baptist is the central figure in this Sunday’s Gospel and he seems uncertain whether Jesus is really the One he and others expected .This is because Jesus is not taking violent action because of the oppression and occupation of the Romans. He has to be reassured and receives back an answer. God’s love is to be revealed in Jesus. “happy is the one who does not lose faith in me.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

See the noticeboard for Advent Services around the deanery.

Holy Communion for the Housebound

In these last 2 weeks Holy Communion will be brought to the Nursing and Care Homes in the Parish and to the homes of parishioners who are not able to join us in Church. If you know of someone like that please do let Fr John know – 01273 563017 – if out please do leave a message.

Mass schedule for the third week of Advent

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Tuesday St Lucy Mass 9.30am
• Friday Advent Mass 9.30am
• 4th Sunday in Advent Mass 10am

Carol Service

Sunday 18th December 6pm at St Mary’s.

Singers from St Mary’s & St Thomas More’s and parishioners gather for a Service of Carols & Readings. Retiring Collection in aid of Mary’s meals & the Catholic Children’s Crisis Fund. Mulled wine & Mince pies in the Hall to follow. Not to be missed.

The Word of Life for December

“Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock “ Isaiah. A leaflet to help you reflect on this Scripture and lead you to prayer.

Christmas Masses

• HMP Lewes 24th December 8.30am
• Christmas Mass St Thomas More 24th December 6pm
• Christmas Day Mass St Thomas More 25th December 10am

Advent Chant

Rejoice in the lord always: God is at hand
Joy and gladness for al who seek the Lord
Wai for the Lord whose day is near
Wait for the lord : keep watch take heart

On this Second Week of Advent we are introduced to John the Baptist described as The Forerunner or Precursor with his message “Prepare the way of the Lord!” One that we endeavour to apply to our spiritual lives by our reflection on the words of Scripture , our prayers , a weekday Mass or two ,and, of course, celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation in which after examining our consciences we make an individual Confession. There will be an opportunity in our Church on Saturday 10^th from 11am. For students at CNCS priests of the Deanery will be available for the Sacrament during the School Day on Friday.

The Immaculate Conception of Mary

The preparedness for the coming of the Lord is recognised in the choice of Mary who was conceived immaculate without sin, full of grace, to be the Mother of Jesus . It was when St Bernadette questioned the beautiful lady of the apparitions that she was given her name- I am the Immaculate Conception. Our devotion to Mary leads us to her Son. Mary’s Statue in our Church reminds us vividly of this as we see her presenting Jesus as she holds him in her hands .The practice of lighting a candle and honouring Mary is a long established custom. As Mother to be she is honoured during these Advent days.

Advent Day Retreat

Saturday 10^th December at St Martha’s Convent Rottingdean BN2 7HA. 10am -3pm. BYO Lunch. To book a place please email brightonmonks@worth.org.uk

Preparing for Holy Communion

Session 2 – after Mass Sunday 11^th December

Advent Resources

• Various Advent resources are listed.
• Liturgy Office

Choral Director for Diocesan Schools

Please see the notice board or click here.

Mass Schedule

• 2nd Sunday of Advent Mass 10am
• Wednesday Advent Weekday Mass 9:30am
• Thursday The Immaculate Conception of Mary Solemnity Mass 9:30am
• Friday Advent Weekday Mass 9:30am
• 3rd Sunday of Advent Mass 10am

A Lourdes Hymn

Immaculate Mary!
Our hearts are on fire
That title so wondrous
Fills all our desire
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria!
 

Advent is a word derived from “coming” and marks for us preparing for the coming of Christ. It marks the beginning of a new year in the church as our liturgy /worship , with the Gospel of St Matthew celebrates the life of Jesus, Son of God, and his message for the world, It starts with us as we prepare by reviewing our relationship to Christ and ourselves. It is a wake up time urging us to examine our sense of belonging and to take the opportunities we discover. This year Advent has 4 full weeks. Let us use them.

Mass Schedule

• Advent Sunday Mass Week 1
• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the People of the Parish
• Wednesday St Andrew,Apostle,Patron of Scotland
• Mass 9.30am Intention for Eileen Barber RIP ( O;Neill Familly )
• Friday Advent Weekday Mass
• Mass 9,30am Intention for deceased members of the Duncliffe Family
• Saturday Mass HMP LEWES
• Advent Sunday Week 2 Mass 10am

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Advent is one of the two penitential seasons when we are encouraged to avail ourselves of the grace of the this sacrament by examining our consciences and making a confession of “what we have done and what we have failed to do”. Arrangements are in hand for times when numbers of priest confessors will be available at services. Next Saturday the sacrament will be available in our Church from 11.30 -12.30pm. As always by arrangement Fr John can be available.

Preparing for Holy Communion

The programme of preparation commences next Sunday after Mass.

Church Lighting

The necessary lighting is now in working order.

Advent Reading

You can find material to assist your journey through Advent at our useful websites and the December Word of Life.

Clergy Recollection

On Tuesday clergy have a time of recollection at Worth Abbey. It always helps to know parishioners are praying for their priests.

The Advent Wreath

Symbolises for us God has no beginning and end, reminding us of his love which is also unending. The first candle is the prophet’s candle as we focus on hope and the promise of the future.

Advent Hymn to Mary

Mother of Christ; hear thou thy people’s cry
Star of the deep and portal of the sky
Mother of him who from nothing made
Sinking we strive and call for thee to aid
Oh by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee
Thou virgin first and last let us thy mercy see.

We arrive at the conclusion of the Church’s Year and the reading of St Luke’s Gospel. As it unfolded we have heard how Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem to complete his mission, teaching us on the way how to be disciples. In Year A we will listen to St Matthew’s Gospel with its own way of portraying Jesus. The call to Holiness and Discipleship will be repeated as we begin to celebrate the life of Jesus revealed to us, the one whose “kingship“ is recognised in our acclamations – “thy kingdom come” and “for the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours”

The Word Who Is Life

An introduction to the Post Pandemic Pastoral Plan will be held after Mass this Sunday. If you are unable to stay you can read the document below. Bishop Richard is going to visit the 12 Deaneries in 2023 to listen to our reactions.

The Synod Process

Prior to the inter-Continental stage we are invited to respond to the UK by December 14^th. You can read the text and the question here.

Let There Be Light

Necessary electrical work on the Church Lighting is being carried out this week. This will mean that those who have suffered in the outer darkness will be able to read their missals and hymn books again. The work will not affect Hall users. Reminder: do your best to save energy by not using unnecessary lights- e.g. Lobby, cloakrooms, kitchen

St. Bernadette’s School

Open Days for prospective Reception Year Children -September 2023 as advertised.

Next Sunday Is The First Sunday Of Advent

He is King, he is King
He is risen from the dead and he is King
Ev’ry knee shall bow ,ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is King

These November days remind us to pray for those who have died .In Schools and in the Community at large we are remembering those who have died in armed conflicts from the First World War to the present day. At our Sunday Mass this will be reflected in the Bidding Prayers , the Preface and the prayers for those who have died. Prayer for Peace is included that reconciliation will follow.

The World Day For The Poor

This Year it coincides with Remembrance Sunday/ It has the theme – “for our sakes Christ became poor” 2 Cor.8 .9. Pope Francis’ Message can be read here.

The Feast of Christ the King ,Youth Sunday, and the last of the Church’s Year.

Next Sunday

After Mass you are invited into the Hall for a presentation on The Word who is Life – The Pastoral Plan. You can read here In the New Year Bishop Richard is coming to the Deanery to hear your comments.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 13 November Mass 10am
• Wednesday 16 November St Edmund Mass 9.30am -Int. Deceased Relative of the D’Souza Family
• Friday 18 November St Hilda of Whitby Mass 9.30am -Int The Holy Souls
• Sunday 20 November Christ the King Mass 10am

The Word of Life

This provides a scripture text to help you reflect prayerfully.

November Prayer

May the lord support us all the day long
Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes
And the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is done
Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging
And a holy rest
And peace at the last. Amen.

A month during which we take the opportunity to pray for those who have died, As we saw on All Souls’ Day when we had the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed we remember in prayer our loved ones, friends and colleagues and those who have passed from this life to the next. There are all different emotions in the loss of those we have known and the sadness of bereavement resurfaces. For Catholics, we have our prayers and customs which help in consoling us – in every Eucharistic Prayer there is an intercession , Psalm 129, the ‘Eternal rest grant unto..’ and having a Mass offered for the deceased. In addition, visiting graves with flowers, candles and prayers all help. There are Cemeteries and burial grounds around the City and on the Sunday after All Souls there will be the Blessing of Graves. In our Creeds we have our statements of Faith – “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come” (Nicene Creed) – “I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting” (Apostles’ Creed)

The Word Who Is Life

Bishop Richard has recently published the Pastoral Plan for 2022. Do please read this document which is available below

Signing up for the sacraments

Forms are available in the entrance to the church.

Holy Communion

Introductory meeting for the programme this Monday 7.30pm

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 6 November Mass 10.00am
• Monday 7 November Mass Cardinal Newman School 11.15am
• Tuesday 8 November Mass for the Deceased Clergy of the Deanery St Peter’s Hove 11.am Parishioners from all Parishes welcome.
• Wednesday 9 November The Dedication of St John Lateran Mass 9.30am .Intention- For deceased family Members & Friends of Hilda Searle
• Friday 11 November St Martin of Tours Mass 9.30am Intention For the Holy Souls (wall box)
• Thirty Second Sunday (13 November) Mass 10am

St John Lateran – The Pope’s Cathedral as Bishop of Rome. Under the High Altar are the remains of a small table on which it is said St Peter celebrated Mass.

St Martin of Tours. Forced to serve in the army at 15..At 18 he told Julius Caesar –“let me now serve Christ” Of course you will remember the legend about his cutting his cloak in half !

The Relics of St Bernadette

These relics are now back in Lourdes. There were many petitions left by visitors to the relics and on Tuesday at the 2 pm Rosary at the Grotto these will be offered in prayer (see the link to Lourdes at Useful websites)

Synod 2025

The working document for the next phase has been published and can be read here

November Prayer

May the souls of the Faithful Departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

As October comes to an end and the clocks go back we renew our devotion to Mary, the model for our discipleship, by our praying with the Rosary, remembering with Saint Bernadette her shrine in Lourdes , St Philip Howard with the Rosary in his hand and the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead. Now November approaches our thoughts turn to those who “have gone before us”, our loved ones, our colleagues and the Faithful Departed, praying for their peace and that “they may rise in glory”

Preparing for the sacraments

Application Forms are available in the Entrance. If you know of any families with children or young people

Due to be prepared please kindly alert them. Introductory meeting for Holy Communion Parents Monday 7.30pm

The Word who is life

Bishop Richard has published the Pastoral Plan – A look to the future in a Post-Pandemic Setting 2022.You may read it here

After Mass on Sunday 20^th November we will have a look at its contents. At a future date the Bishop will be meeting with people from the Parishes of the Deanery. This may take some time as he has 12 Deaneries to visit.

Youth Club

For those in Year 7 and up meeting fortnightly in St Mary’s Hall on a Wednesday evening.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 10am
• Tuesday November 1st All Saints’ Day a holy day which Catholics observe by participating at Mass – Mass at 9:30am and 7:30pm
• Wednesday November 2nd All Souls’ Day Mass 9:30am
• Friday November 4th St Charles Borromeo Mass 9:30am
• Sunday 6th November (32nd in Ordinary Time) Mass 10am
• Sunday 6th November – Blessing of graves 3pm

Zacchaeus was a very little man

And a vary little man was he

He climbed up into a sycamore tree

For the Saviour he wanted to see

And when the Saviour passed that way

He looked into the tree and said

Now Zacchaeus, you come down

For I’m coming to your house for tea.

Hymn 857