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Parish Weekly

  • Seeking God in prayer
  • Growing together in faith
  • Reaching out in love

Calendars

Now is the time to find your 2026 diary or calendar so you know what date it is and what to plan. This comes to mind in that I have two hospital appointments – one in March and the other in August ! It may feel rather like the irritation some of you may have felt in that suddenly last Sunday was not the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time but the Solemnity of St Philip Howard. Similar moments are ahead. So a little explanation. There is a) The General Calendar of the Church b) The national calendar for England and Wales and c) The Diocesan Calendar for A&B – sometimes called the Propers. They regulate which feasts are to be observed, which ones take precedence or are transferred. This is where the annual Diocesan Directory provides guidance in the section Ordo for Liturgical Celebrations. Do ask if you want further information.

Bishop Richard’s Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Jesus’ parable that forms this Sunday’s Gospel reading teaches us on a number of levels. The first is that of prayer. The prayer of the tax collector has become what is often referred to as the “Jesus Prayer”, it is a text used especially, but not exclusively, in the Orthodox Church and, in its simplicity, enables us to place ourselves before the Lord as we truly are – sinners in need of mercy, conscious that the love of the Lord means He wants nothing more than for us to be totally His.  

The way in which the Pharisee presents himself is, in fact, not faithful to reality. He looks at himself in a way that is full of pride and compares himself to others, rather than being open to the relationship with God that is the focus for true prayer.

Prayer must always be honest. There is no need to be anything but honest, because God knows us better than we know ourselves. Why try to be someone else?  

Truthfulness and humility are deeply related. Michael Casey, the Australian Cistercian Monk and writer of a number of books, describes humility as “Truthful Living.” This is, surely, a very helpful reflection. In the parable, the tax collector is truthful about himself, honest before God. Our prayer – our lives – must be the same. Indeed, “Truthful Living” is a mark of the Christian, for real humility enables us to rely not on ourselves, but on Christ. This is the path to life, and to effective witness to the Gospel, for all around us.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Missio Annual Collection

You can still return your envelope next Sunday. Thank you for your card donations direct to HQ please use this link.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 26th October 10am 30th in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 27th October 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 28th October 11am St Mary’s Church Requiem Mass for Maureen Fleet RIP
  • Wednesday 29th October 9:30am Int Fr Gerry Vann RIP anniversary
  • Friday 31st October 9:30am Carole Hastie RIP
  • Saturday 1st November 11am Requiem Mass for Dom Kevin Taggart OSB
  • Sunday 2nd November 10am All Saints’ Mass
  • Monday 3rd November 9:30am All Souls’ Mass

King Charles visits Pope Leo at The Vatican

Enjoy the coverage and pray for unity. Visit useful websites and search  Vatican News and the Conference of Bishops of England & Wales for reports.

The Catholic Children’s Society

See publicity from the society at the entrance. You can also follow this link.

Vaccinations

Flu in the left and Covid in the right arm. Have you had yours ?

The more affliction for Christ in this world, the more glory with Christ in the next.


St Philip Howard in The Tower of London 1587

World Mission Sunday

‘Missionaries of Hope among all peoples’ – this is the theme chosen by Pope Leo when pastoral communities around the world support the Pope’s Charity -MISSIO  – which is used for missionaries around the world in establishing clinics, schools, churches and pastoral projects. Remember he was a missionary in Peru and experienced the financial and moral support of MISSIO.

The envelopes handed out last week may be returned and you may have already contacted Missio.

Do take a copy of Mission Today

If you can, do take home a Red Box for any cash which may be spare.

St Philip Howard October 19th

Falling this year on a Sunday, we celebrate the Patron of the Diocese as a Solemnity His life story will be recalled. In Arundel Cathedral. The Bishop will be celebrating a Pilgrimage Mass with prayers at the Shrine 3pm .The Friends of Arundel Cathedral will be meeting after the Tea in the Cathedral Centre.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 19th October 10am Mission Sunday
  • Monday 20th October 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 22nd October 9:30am St John Paul II
  • Friday 24th October 9:30am St Anthony Mary Claret
  • Saturday 25th October 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 26th October 10:30am (30th in O.T.)

In Memoriam

  • Dom Kevin Taggart OSB (Worth Abbey)
  • Fr John Horn (Retired)

Maureen Fleet RIP

The Requiem Mass will be on Tuesday 28th October at 11am in St Mary’s Church

October – The Month of The Rosary

The Mysteries of Light – Thursday

  • The Baptism of Jesus
  • The Wedding Feast at Cana
  • The Transfiguration
  • The Proclamation of The Kingdom
  • The Institution of The Kingdom

Clocks Go Back Next Week

They ‘fall’ back one hour at 2am on Sunday morning

St Philip and Prayer

“Unable to hear Mass or to receive to receive the other Sacraments for Years he took up the Rosary, a contemplative prayer; it was his sacrament an outward sign of the inward grace of peace and love, a veritable symbol of Catholic fortitude in his times.”

The Twenty – Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Praying for peace

Persistent prayer seems to be paying off with a planned ceasefire and return of hostages. It is still to be prayed that Peace will be established and the conditions for living will improve. Ukraine must not be forgotten or the continuing destruction of property accepted as normal. Remember Pope Leo’s invitation to us to pray the Rosary during this month

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Prisoners’ Sunday falls on 12 October, and it takes place, too, in the Jubilee Year that was started by Pope Francis before Christmas last year. The theme of the Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope”, and so we might reflect this Prisoners’ Sunday, on the need to enable those who are serving sentences, all those affected by crime, and those who work in our prison system, to be able to re-find hope that they have perhaps lost.

I ask you on this Prisoners’ Sunday to pray very particularly for victims of crime, for those who work in our prison system and in our justice system, and to remember very specially those who are serving sentences, and those who are the hidden victims of crime, particularly young ones.

Keep them in your prayers, reflect on ways in which you might perhaps volunteer for Pact: perhaps become a prison visitor or volunteer with the chaplaincy in your local prison.

I encourage everybody to pray on Prisoners’ Sunday, especially during the celebration of Mass, and also for parishes, where they can, please, to hold a Second Collection for the support of Pact, the Prison Advice and Care Trust. Pact has the most wonderful history, and holds a very special place in care for prisoners and their families.


With every blessing,

+Richard

Prisoners’ Sunday

The Catholic Charity PACT works with families of prisoners and operates in Prisons when there is a visit to a son or daughter. Do read the item about there work which is supported by the generosity of Catholics Card donations will be welcomed, and a basket is also on the table. Please click here for online donations.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 12th October 10am Prisoners’ Sunday
  • Monday 13th October 8:15am St Edward The Confessor King St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 15th October 9:30am St Teresa of Avila
  • Friday 17th October 9:30am St Ignatius of Antioch
  • Sunday 19th October 10am St Philip Howard, Patron of the Diocese

Mission Sunday

Next Sunday there will be the annual Collection for Missio, The Pontifical Missionary Agency.

This Week

  • 11am Tuesday Requiem Mass for Fr Alan Sharpe RIP . Towers Convent Chapel, Upper Beeding
  • Tuesday pm St Bernadette’s Governors Meeting
  • Wednesday 2pm Meeting at St Bernadette’s
  • Thursday 12 Noon The Downs Funeral Service for Greg Miles RIP
  • Thursday Parish of B&H meeting to refine Vision & Meeting Statement
  • Thursday Parish of B&H meeting to refine Vision & Meeting Statement

Maureen Fleet RIP

Requiem Mass Wednesday 29th October 11am

The Word Of Life

The October leaflet to assist with your daily prayer is now available for you to pick up from the table.   

St Edward The Confessor

King. Died January 1066. His shrine is intact in Westminster Abbey.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

October is with us and activities are buzzing. For us as Catholics it is described as the month of the holy Rosary, when we reflect on the life of Jesus in the company of Mary. It is described as a contemplative prayer, a tranquil rhythm, a lingering meditation.

The various mysteries may be celebrated on the following days –

Sunday – Glorious

Monday – Joyful

Tuesday – Sorrowful

Wednesday – Glorious

Thursday – Of Light

Friday – Sorrowful

Saturday – Joyful

To join in the Rosary at the Grotto in Lourdes go the “useful websites “- the Sanctuary of Lourdes 2 pm BST.

A moment of history

175 Year ago Pope Pius IX restored the Hierarchy of Catholic Bishops to England and Wales after the Reformation. It meant that thirteen dioceses were created and Catholic Emancipation became a reality.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 5th October 10am (27 in OT)
  • Monday 6th October 8:15 am St Mary’s House (St Bruno)
  • Wednesday 8th October 9:30am (Our Lady of the Rosary)
  • Friday 10th October 9:30am (St John Henry Newman)
  • Sunday 12th October 10am (28 in OT)

St John Henry Newman

Pope Leo will declare him a Doctor of the Church on November 1st. This is to recognise his contribution to Theology .

This Week

  • Monday 6th October – Feast day of St Bruno, the founder of the Carthusian Order celebrated especially by the monks of Parkminster
  • Tuesday 7th October – Brighton and Hove clergy team meeting
  • Thursday 9th October 2pm – St Bernadette’s Harvest Festival

CAFOD

Thank you for your card donations. There will be a basket for envelopes and cash.

Pour forth we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts that we to whom the incarnation of Christ Your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His passion and cross, be brought to the glory of the resurrection, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen .

(Concluding prayer of The Angelus)

Twenty-Sixth Week In Ordinary Time

Harvest Thanksgiving

The third Sunday of September is Harvest Thanksgiving when in the Season of Creation we express our gratitude for what has been grown and gathered in over these last few weeks. It is also an opportunity to share what has been received by making an offering which in turn will be passed to a food-bank to assist those who struggle.

Video And Photos Of Recent Events

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Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 28th September 10am 26 in O.T.
  • Monday 29th September 8:15am St Mary’s House Ss. Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael
  • Wednesday 1st October 9:30am St Therese of Lisieux
  • Friday 3rd October 9:30am St John Henry Newman
  • Saturday 4th October 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 5th October 10am 27 in O.T.

CAFOD – The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development

Friday may be observed as a Fast day when we restrict what we take in order to make a gift, Many will have had information through the post. There will be fundraising enveloped available.

The quickest way is to make your gift by card here.

The Season For The Care Of Creation

This concludes on Saturday 4th October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi. In Arundel Cathedral Bishop Richard will lead the Blessing of animals at 2.30pm. All pet owners welcome.

October – The Month Of The Rosary

Untangle your rosary beads and pray a decade a day. Pope Leo has urged all Catholics to pray the Rosary for Peace daily during the month of October.

A Sobering Message

The Cardinal and other Church leaders have a message regarding the use of Christian symbols in recent protests/demonstrations relating to immigration. More information can be found here.

“When I find it hard to pray and don’t know what to say, I pray very slowly the Our Father or the Hail Mary and these prayers help and make me feel better.”

St Therese of Lisieux

The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time

The third Sunday of September, formerly known as Home Mission Sunday, now has the title of Evangelii Gaudium Sunday – the Joy of living the Gospel. This was the first of the messages of Pope Francis. The Bishop has sent us a Pastoral Letter for this Sunday and we are invited to donate to the support of the national body of the Bishops promoting the living of the Gospel.

The Inauguration Of The Parish Of Brighton And Hove

Last Sunday in St John the Baptist Church Bishop Richard in augurated the first of the new Parish arrangement by which the pastoral communities of the former Deanery will collaborate in fulfilling the mission of the Church. You can read about it here -Click to dioc.ebulletin.

The clergy meet for the biweekly meeting on Tuesday commencing with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Jubilee Of Justice

Bishop Richard introduces this week’s Theme in the Jubilee Year reflecting on the groups which work for justice Read more here.

The Season For The Care For Creation

Next Sunday is Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday and there will be the opportunity to bring to our Mass goods and produce which in turn will be passed to a local Food Bank.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 21st September 10am
  • Monday 22nd September 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 24th September 9:30am The Feast Of Our Lady Of Walsingham
  • Friday 26th September 11am Requiem Mass for Beryl Cheeseman RIP
  • Sunday 28th September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving Mass
To Our Lady Of Walsingham

Here journeyed on the Pilgrims' Way,
With Christendom in youth and flower
The faithful of a happier day
When all the land was Mary's dower
And after many a faithless year
Since not in vain the martyrs sowed
We, as God wills, to worship here.
Return along the ancient road.

The Exaltation Of The Cross

Education Sunday

Education remains the largest charitable activity of the Church in this country stemming from the 19th Century when many schools were established for poor immigrant children. Since then it has become the largest provider of secondary schools and second largest in providing primary schools. The Catholic community continues to support our Schools by providing Foundation Governors and encouraging young persons to train as teachers.

We pray today for those who have found their vocation in Catholic education in one of the many roles which it entails.

Our thanksgiving expressed this day is for the teachers and staff in St. Bernadette’s and Cottesmore primaries and Cardinal Newman Secondary & College.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 14th September 10am
  • Monday 15th September 8:15am St Mary’s House Our Lady of Sorrows
  • Wednesday 17th September 10am (NB not usual time) St Robert Bellarmine
  • Sunday 21st September 10am (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Inauguration Of The Brighton and Hove Parish

At St John the Baptist Church, Kemp Town today (Sunday 14th September) at 5.30pm All welcome.

The Word Of Life

The September copies are available in the Entrance to assist with your prayerful reflection during the month

Preparing For Holy Communion

For those 8 upwards who may have missed dates please have a word with Fr John

The Festival Of Hope

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese and the Jubilee Year. This coming Saturday at Ardingly Showground 10.30am – 4.30am. Undercover. The Brighton coach is starting from St Joseph’s so you may prefer to travel by car.

Care For Creation

Despite any inconvenience the rain is a “godsend” so that our reservoirs can be replenished for our drinking water.

Lift high the cross

The love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adores his sacred name.

Come Christians follow where our Saviour trod

O'er death victorious,

Christ the Son of God.             No 429

Twenty Third Week In Ordinary Time

THE FESTIVAL OF HOPE

SATURDAY 20TH is fast approaching for the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Diocese, the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of hope and the Plan for the future. The event which will be undercover at the Queen Elizabth Hall at the Ardingly Showground. There are 2 coaches coming from Brighton. It would be good to have the Parish represented.

ST CARLO ACUTIS.

Next Sunday Pope Leo will canonise this amazing young person with a great love of the Eucharist. He was Born in London. Read more here.

EDUCATION SUNDAY

SUNDAY 14TH September. A reminder at the beginning of the school year of the mission of our Catholic Schools. It would be good if some of the pupils can be at our 10am Mass.

THE ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL.

This is now being discussed in the House of Lords. To keep update do read the Statement from the Archbishop of Liverpool. Read more here.

MONK TALKS

More information here.

ST PHILIP HOWARD PILGRIMAGE

The Friends of Arundel Cathedral Pilgrimage Walk in honour of St Philip Howard, 27 September, 10am. Pray and reflect on St Phillip Howard’s life, and witness to your own journey through life, walking along the River Arun from Littlehampton to Arundel Cathedral, for Benediction at 3pm. All are welcome. To find out more contact Lindsey Stratford by email or
T: 01903 884567.

MASS SCHEDULE

Monday St Mary’s House .The Nativity of Mary Mass 8.15am

Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am INT.

Friday. The Holy Name of Mary Mass 9.30am INT. The Holy Souls

Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30AM

London Bridge 

is falling down

Falling down, falling down.

My fair Lady.

(nursery rhyme Sept 8th 994 A.D

My Fair Lady as the population of London prayed to Mary for protection from the Vikings.

Twenty-Second Week Of Ordinary Time

Changing Times

The change of Season was abrupt with a long awaited downpour just as September arrives. It marks the RETURN – getting back to normal after the summer break- starting the new school term, preparing maybe for Further Education and a range of new projects, meetings and opportunities . Do involve yourself with new energy and enthusiasm.

The Season Of Creation

This runs from September 1st to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4th. You can read a Statement from Bishop John Arnold on the environment and care for our common home at CBCEW (click)It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Letter of Pope Francis with its teaching on the environment -Laudato Si. Pope Leo has also sent us a Message for the World Day of Prayer.

After a month when we have experienced some results of Climate change, heatwaves, wild fires, floods, drought water shortages we must be aware of what is happening and our need to take heed.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 31st August 10am 22nd in OT
  • Monday 1st September 8:15am St Mary’s House (Care of Creation)
  • Wednesday 3rd September 9:30am St Gregory The Great (Ena Cripps RIP – FM)
  • Friday 5th September 9:30am Therese Elliott RIP
  • Saturday 6th September 8:15am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 7th September 10am 23rd in OT

Back To School

St Bernadettes Primary. Thursday

Cardinal Newman Secondary Thursday Years 7 &12

Beryl Cheeseman RIP

Died last Sunday, a well known parishioner of St Mary’s who looked after the clergy living there, a member of the Deanery Choir. May she rest in peace.

Monks In The City

Do view their planned activities on the noticeboard. Their website can be found here.

The Festival Of Hope

Celebrating the Jubilee of Hope and the 60th anniversary of the Diocese.

Saturday 20th September 10am – 4.30am at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.

We have been allocated 10 places and a coach will be taking us. We have been asked to register attendees. Please read the information on the noticeboard.  

Yes be praised in all your creatures
Brother sun and sister moon
In the stars and in the wind
Air and fire and flowing water 
Laudato si, O mi Signore

St Francis.                                                                                

                                                                     

The Twenty-First Week In Ordinary Time

Journeying On

This last week commenced with black horses with scarlet plumes and ended with a bright red London bus. You may be numbered among the millions on the road this weekend visiting family or topping up August down time,

In this Jubilee year we are all described as Pilgrims of Hope and though we may not be on the Ecumenical Pilgrimage in Surrey and Sussex or preparing to join the St John’s Way route to Nottingham we can make our own simple journeys.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 24th August 10am (21st in OT)
  • Monday 25th August 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 27th August 9:30am St Monica (int family and friends of Antonia and Matthew)
  • Friday 29th August 9:30am the Passion of St John the Baptist (int Mary Costello RIP – FM)
  • Sunday 31st August 10am (22nd in OT)

The Season Of Creation

Next Monday 1st September marks the beginning of the Season of Creation which extends to The Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4th. During the time the 10th anniversary of the Encyclical Letter – Laudato Si (on care for our common home) will be celebrated. There is useful reading on the subject that can be found here.

The Contactless Donation Machine

This is now working for you to tap your card. Please kindly do not attempt to turn off either of the screens.

The National Jubilee Pilgrimage

Pilgrims from the four corners of the UK will be setting out walking to the Cathedral of St Barnabas

Nottingham to mark The Jubilee. The Southern Route named St John’s Way sets off from St George’s Cathedral Southwark. Read more here. There is also an article on the meaning of Pilgrimage that can be found here.

Day of Prayer & Fasting

Pope Leo has invited us ‘to take part in a day of prayer and fasting, as our world continues to be wounded by wars in the Holy Land, in Ukraine and in other parts of the world’ – imploring the Lord to grant peace and justice.

Next Friday 29th August can we respond ?

Mass will be at 9.30am and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue to 10.30am for those able to stay.

For the healing of the nations

Lord we pray with one accord

To a life of love in action

Help us rise and pledge our word.