The image of Moses having his arms supported in order to keep him praying is a vivid description of how we may feel with our own prayer life. We know it is necessary to keep our faith and friendship with God alive. There are ways of being able to pray well which are readily available for us and refreshing our methods can make all the difference. The Monthly Word of Life leaflet (free) is a way of praying and exploring a verse from Scripture. There is another method of praying with the words of Scripture called “Lectio Divina” which is a way of reflecting on how the words nourish our relationship. Before the month of October ends remember a few tips for praying with the Rosary – do not feel obliged to rattle through 5 decades in one go – choose one of the events in the life of Jesus and take time to reflect on it in company of Mary.

Remember to include prayer in your Examination of Conscience.

Relic of St Bernadette

Saturday to Monday next weekend, will either be in Arundel Cathedral or Worth Abbey. Do read the Programme on the Board or click here. Discover the person blessed with visions of Mary and the message which is conveyed by Bernadette.

Sign Up For The Sacraments

For year 3s and upwards, Holy Communion and for year 9s and upwards, Confirmation. The introductory Meeting for parents of Year 3 will be on Monday 7^th November at 7.30pm in our hall.

Mission Sunday

Next Sunday us observed throughout the Church as a day to identify with worldwide Mission of the Church and the donate towards its continuing development.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the people of the Parish,
• Wednesday Mass 9.30am St Philip Howard, Patron of the Diocese. Intention For our Bishop, the Clergy and Christ’s Faithful
• Friday Mass 9.30am Weekday Mass Int.May Rovery RIP foundation Mass
• Saturday 8.30am Mass HMP Lewes
• Mission Sunday Mass 10am

Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the people of the Parish,

Annual Mass Count 2022

	Adults	Children (0-16)
September 18	39	6
September 25	49	7
October 2	40	10
October 9	39	4

The Mysteries of Light or The Luminous Mysteries

In 2002 Pope St John Paul II added these to the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries.

• The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
• The wedding feast at Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
• The Transfiguration
• The institution of the Eucharist

St Philip Howard

The more we suffer for Christ in this world the greater will be the glory in the next

St Philip Howard. Earl of Arundel (Etched above his fireplace in the Tower of London)

Prisons Week

PACT is the national Catholic Charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions  and their children and their families. Caring and life changing services at every stage of the criminal justice process in court, in prison, on release and in the community are provided. We are asked to pray for those involved in the life of prisons. Next weekend there will be an opportunity to make a donation for the work of PACT. To discover more about PACT – Prison Advice & Care Trust , please click here.

CAFOD

The TV News has been highlighting the impending famine conditions in Somalia and other parts of East Africa. To make your donation online please click here.

The Call of Creation

The Bishops of England and Wales have issued a document which gives voice to the call for urgent action to protect our earthly home from further destruction. It is a powerful reminder for us as Christians to live our lives so that we are good stewards of our fragile planet. ( go to useful websites CBCEW.)

The Word of Life

October’s leaflet is on the table in the Entrance – a helpful assistance for your prayer.

The Bartimaeus Project

Consideration of the interconnection of Faith and Reason, Science and Religion. Visit the website. Next session on Thursday.

Preparing for the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation

 Application Forms available in the Entrance. Please inform parents of Year 3s and Year 9

Visit of Relic of St Bernadette

The Monks at Worth Abbey are appealing for Volunteers to assist with welcoming ,stewarding etc. See details of contact on Noticeboard.

Deanery Clergy Conference Tuesday

Confirmation / Marriage preparation / initial consideration of the Post Pandemic Pastoral Plan etc.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday Mass  9.30am St Wilfrid ,Apostle of Sussex
• Friday Mass 9.30am St Edward the Confessor King
• Sunday 29^th In Ordinary time. Mass at 10am

Bishop Howard Tripp

Former Director of the Catholic Children’s Society when it arranged Adoptions and Fostering.

Contactless Giving

This is now up and running.

THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES ( events to reflect on )

• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The birth of our Saviour
• The Presentation in the Temple
• The Finding in the Temple

The Month of October is with us, one of the Marian Months with a particular emphasis on the Rosary. This is described as a biblically inspired prayer which is centred on the events of Christ’s life and their close association with His Mother Mary. There is another description which says –“ the rosary is essentially a contemplative prayer which requires tranquillity of rhythm or even a mental lingering which encourages the faithful to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord’s life” You can also join the Rosary at Lourdes by virtually visiting the sanctuary of Lourdes in the early afternoon – see the “useful websites” of our website.

St Bernadette’s Relics

Please click here for the opportunity of visiting Saint Bernadette’s relics at Worth Abbey or Arundel Cathedral. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated at Worth Abbey.

The Season of Creation

This season concludes on the feast of St Francis and as we give thanks for the Harvest. The impact of Climate change is so evident in weather patterns in various parts of the World.

CAFOD Fast Day

CAFOD Fast Day is next Friday (7th October). Please make what you may save as a gift. Envelopes handed out or make your donation by card to Cafod.

Word of Life

The Word of Life leaflet for October will be available to help your prayer around a verse from Scripture.

Admission Forms

Admission Forms for preparation for the Sacraments of Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation are now available in the entrance

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 27^th in Ordinary Time. Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday 5th October St Francis of Assisi Mass 9.30am
• Thursday 6th October Concelebrated Mass for the Induction of Fr Sebastian Kijak as Parish Priest at St Mary’s Preston Park, 7pm
• Friday 7th October Our Lady of the Rosary Mass 9.30am
• Sunday 28^th In Ordinary Time Sunday Mass 10am

Faithful image of the Saviour
Poor and humble in Christ’s way
Let us sing of good St Francis
Heartfelt homage let us pay
Leaving home and wealth behind him
Francis heard the Saviour’s call
Serving God as poor and needy.
Trusting God to care for all.

This Sunday is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. It is nothing new in that it has been observed each year since 1914 .Nothing changes. In fact as we hear on BBC South East almost daily the number of people landing on the Kent Coast as for example on Thursday 21 boats crossed the Channel with nearly a thousand seeking asylum in the UK.We will pray for those displaced.

Pope Francis has sent a message to accompany the day.

King Charles III has sent a message to the Catholic Community expressing his gratitude for the Prayers and Condolences on the death of the late Queen Elizabeth and also for the members of the Royal Family over the past weeks

Forthcoming events

• Marriage Anniversaries Mass,

• Blessing of Animals

• Visit of Relic of St Bernadette – Arundel & Worth Abbey. Detailed Program on Notice board

• Clergy Conference and Meet Up this week

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am – 26^th Sunday
• Tuesday Mass 9.30am. St Vincent de Paul -Deceased members of the Martin Family
• Friday Mass 9.30am- St Jerome – Giorgina Bertocini
• Saturday HMP Lewes
• Sunday Mass 10am

The National Anthem verse 2

Thy choicest gifts in store

On him be pleased to share

Long may he reign

May he defend our laws

And ever gives us cause

To sing with heart and voice

God save the King

To assist in our prayer at this time there is a leaflet for everyone with prayers including Psalm 121 and the Nunc Dimittis.It has been noticeable how many people have made a sign of the Cross at the Lying in State.   During the hours of coverage it does help to have moments of reflection along with memories. Remember to observe the one minutes of silence on Sunday at 8pm and on Monday the two minutes of silence at the end of the Funeral Service in Westminster Abbey at 11:55 am.

Eternal rest grant unto her and let perpetual light shine on her. May she rest in peace.

Messages of Condolence. Please kindly add your own. There are plenty of pages.

What is Evangelli Gaudium Sunday?

Formerly known as Home Mission Sunday it takes its title now from the words of Pope Francis when he wrote about the Joy of the Gospel and how we share it with others. Some of the names of the way we do it such as evangelisation and catechesis describe our mission in our parishes and also in the Synod Process. You may find viewing a video will help you understand this better (click here). To help in the work there is the opportunity for a second Collection

Visit of the Relics of St Bernadette to the Diocese

To register a visit at Arundel Cathedral or Worth Abbey please click here.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 18th September Mass 10am
• Wednesday 21st September Mass 9.30am St Matthew , Apostle & Evangelist
• Friday 23rd September Mass 9.30am Our Lady of Walsingham
• Sunday 25th September (26^th in Ordinary Time) Mass 10am

Mass Intentions

 When you wish to have a Mass offered for your intentions, for family members, those who are unwell, deceased members or nay other needs, there are some envelopes in the Entrance for the details.

Our Lady of Walsingham

This feast will be celebrated will be celebrated on Friday. This is an ancient devotion to Mary associated with the House at Nazareth where Jesus grew up in the family. The location is in north Norfolk .You can visit the website of the National Catholic Shrine by clicking here.

The seed is Christ, the harvest his

May we be stored within God’s barn

The sea is Christ’s, the fish are his

May we be caught within God’s net

From birth to age, from age to death

Enfold us Christ within your arms

Until the end, the great rebirth

Christ be our joy in paradise

“Go forth Christian soul, from this world. Go forth faithful Christian” the prayer of commendation as we pray for the repose of the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, we give thanks for her life, her faith, and her service. There is sadness in parting and an inevitable remembering of our own bereavements. “Let us console one another with words of faith”, says St Paul.

As the accession ceremony revealed we now have a new King and hold him and the Queen Consort in prayer for the momentous responsibilities they now carry. Whenever we sing the National Anthem make it a prayer from the heart.

“God save the King!” 

To read the response of the English and Welsh bishops to the death of Queen Elizabeth II please click here.

Education Sunday

With the children back at schools, this Sunday is an opportunity at our Masses to give them recognition as we bless them, the staff, and parents. Praying for our schools is an important part of the Church’s mission in education. Please click here to read a message from the Catholic Education Service.

Wednesday 14th September

The bishops of Europe have asked us to observe Wednesday as a day of prayer for Ukraine. Mass will be celebrated here at Saint Thomas More’s at 9:30 am

Mass Schedule

Sunday 11th Mass Education Sunday 10am

Wednesday 14th The Feast of The Exaltation of The Cross Mass 9:30am

Friday 16th Our Lady of Sorrows 9:30am

Sunday 18th Home Mission Sunday 10am

Relics of Saint Bernadette

The tour of these relics has begun. For further information and to register please click here.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died

My richest gain I count but loss

And pour contempt on all my pride

THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR CREATION

The Season of Creation runs to the Feast of St Francis of Assisi from this Sunday. Read about it here.

PAKISTAN FLOODS APPEAL

You will have seen the Appeal on the News and witnessed the devastation.The Disasters Emergency Committee of which CAFOD is a member is organising the Appeal for you generosity. The easiest way is to respond with your cards. Cafod.org.uk/Give or DEC.org. There will also be a basket in Church.

Education Sunday

Next Sunday we are invited to celebrate our Catholic Schools at Mass Parents are invited to do this at the 10am Mass remembering the connection of Home, Parish and School.

Grandparents

Your Formation Day on Wednesday 14^th September comes closer. See the noticeboard for details.

Diocesan Events

A list of these is on the noticeboard for your interest

Marriage Anniversaries

If you have a special Anniversary you are invited to join with Bishop Richard on Saturday 8^th October at Arundel Cathedral 11.30am. Do book in.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday Funeral Mass for Chris Hyttner 11.30am
• Wednesday. The Birthday of Mary Mass 9.30am
• Friday. St Peter Claver Mass 9.30am
• Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• Education Sunday Mass 10.am

Mother of God’s living Word

Glorifying Christ your Lord

full of joy, God’s people sing

Grateful for you mothering!

The word “ORDINARY” confuses people because of its normal meaning in English describing what us usual , unexceptional or regular. In Latin – Ordinarius – it means order or regular or what follows . The Liturgical Year is the structure within which we celebrate the events in the life and mission of Christ – the Nativity to Pentecost and, “as we wait in joyful hope for the Lord’s coming“. In the setting of our reading this year from St Luke’s Gospel we are reading from Chapter 14 which is part of the Journey to Jerusalem with two Parables – do not give yourselves airs. What do these Parables mean for us ?

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 28 August Mass 10am
• Wednesday 31 August Mass 9.30am St Aidan & the Saints of Lindisfarne. Int Mary Costello RIP Foundation Mass
• Friday 2 September Mass 9.30am. St Gregory the Great. Int. Ena Cripps RIP Foundation Mass
• Sunday 4 September Mass 23^rd Sunday
• Monday 11.30am Funeral Mass of Chris Hyttner RIP

Schools Return

Commencing on Friday the process of School Returns begins for Reception Children and Year 7s. Wishing the teachers and children a happy new term!

St Bernadette’s Relics

A Trailer to introduce the Visit is now available to bring the purpose home for us.

St Gregory the Great

Described as the Apostle of the English. First a monk and then elected Pope. Having been impressed by some Anglo Saxon Slave on sale in a market in Rome he desired to go as a missionary to bring the Gospel to England. He achieved this by sending Augustine and fellow monks , advising them and sending reinforcements to Kent. The biography of Gregory was written by the Venerable Bede. All this History comes to life when you visit Canterbury.

Not to be missed

On Wednesday there is a Performance at the BBC Prom of The Dream Of Gerontius. This is the Poem of St John Henry Newman set by Edward Elgar. It will be broadcast at 7,30pm on Radio3. It is a very moving Choral work exploring a person preparing to meet God . Praise to the Holiest!

“Will you come and follow me

If I but call your name

Will you go where you don’t know

And never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown

Will you let my name be known

Will you let my love be grown

In you and you in me “

Front doors are very much part of our homes. They are opened to visitors, deliveries, and other callers. It is at the doors of the church that new members are welcomed for baptism, we remind ourselves that we are baptised and the deceased are greeted. The new security door bells are a hit so that callers can be vetted. It is amazing how many doors have their own ways of needing to be opened in special ways and the door bells that need new batteries to work. Recently in his Gospel St Luke has mentioned doors and this week is no exception.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 21st Mass 10am Int. For the people of the parish
• Tuesday 23rd Mass 9.30am The Queenship of Mary
• Wednesday 24th Funeral Mass for Margaret Smart, St Mary’s Church 11am
• Friday 26th Mass 9.30am Blessed Dominic of The Mother of God
• Sunday 28th Mass 10am 22nd Ordinary Time

The Body of Christ

Now that face coverings are not mandatory we are reminded that as the Host is presented to us we respond with an “AMEN” – a recognition and acknowledgment of who it is we are welcoming.

The 100+ Draw

The draw and gathering took place last Sunday. Here are the winners 33 Norman Bowman 10 Cora Kiernan 21 Pauline Mason 40 Wendy & Julian Taylor. Thank you to John Mason and helpers. New subscribers welcome £30 per year.

Blessed Dominic Barberi

A Passionist Priest who was called the Shepherd of the Second Spring when Newman became a Catholic. The latter hesitating because he was unable to discern the mark of holiness , discovered it in Dominic who received him . Now that John Henry Newman has been canonised as a Saint we pray that Dominic may follow.

Exploring Useful Websites

This week why not view the Website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Bishops of England and Wales CBCEW. You will read there of the forthcoming visit of the Relic of St Bernadette to our country.

St John Henry Newman’s Hymn

Firmly I believe and truly
God is three and God is one
And next I acknowledge duly
Manhood taken by the Son

Simply to His grace and wholly
Light and life and strength belong
And I love supremely, solely,
Him the Holy, Him the strong.

You may have witnessed the beautiful rose coloured moon this last week. In the poetic and symbolic readings of today’s Solemnity we have the use of Scripture to describe Mary in her heavenly life of glory. Holiday makers abroad may discover how this feast is celebrated with with joy and time off. It gives us an opportunity to recognise as the Preface puts it: ”…a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people “. Why not pray today the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary?

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am The Assumption of Our Lady – Int. – the people of the parish
• Wednesday 17th 9.30am Weekday Mass
• Friday 19th 9.30am Weekday Mass
• Sunday 21st 10am 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Christine Hyttner RIP

Please pray for the soul of Christine and for her bereaved parents, her husband and three daughters.

Word of Life

Copies of the August edition are available in the church entrance

The Magnificat

My soul glorifies the Lord!
My Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
He looks on His servant in her lowliness,
Henceforth all ages will call me blessed!