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

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!