Information about offering a home for Ukrainians

Please follow this link

Fluent Speakers of Ukrainian

Fluent speakers are asked to follow this link also.

Pope Francis to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

On Friday 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis will consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, calling on the intercession of Our Blessed Mother for peace. This will be an important day for us all, Bishop Richard will celebrate a Holy Hour for Peace at Arundel Cathedral at 6pm, with parishes across our Diocese invited to join the Holy Father though prayers for peace and Holy Hours within their own respective churches. There will be a specific prayer for peace in Ukraine during the Solemn Intercessions at the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday and parishes are encouraged to facilitate times for prayer on Good Friday evening.

Churches in England call for an end to war in Ukraine

Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have appealed for ‘the immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of invading forces and the observance of the Geneva Conventions.

Please read more here.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

For more information please follow this link.

The Bartimaeus Project

The videos for these sessions are now available (please click here)

Mass Schedule

• The Third Sunday of Lent    Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday Lent weekday Mass 10am
• Friday The Annunciation of the Lord Mass 10am
• The Fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday Mass 10am

Lent Devotions This Sunday

These devotions will take place this Sunday (20th March) at 4pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place afterwards.

A timely reminder

Please note that the clocks go forward one hour next Sunday (27th March) – don’t be late!

Prayer for Ukraine

Holy hour for Ukraine Sunday 4pm – 5pm

Fundraising for Ukraine

Thank you for your generous response to the CAFOD/DEC appeal.

Please read the following from the diocese.

Synod Webinar Feedback

If you were not able to watch this on Wednesday night please find this copy. We will try to have an evening in the hall to watch this and continue the process.

The Rite of Election in Arundel Cathedral

Last Saturday those Adults who are preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism and Reception into full communion with the Church were welcomed by the Bishop as they complete their journey in preparation for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Growing Up Catholic

The Year 5 Group celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday. We are all reminded that Lent is a time for ourselves to celebrate this Sacrament. Reminder of steps-
Examination of Conscience.
The Sign of the Cross
Confession
The giving of a Penance
An act of Sorrow/Contrition
The Absolution

The Group meets again next Sunday 20^th March

The Years 3 & 4 meet this Sunday 13th March and then on the 27^th March

The Bartimaeus Project

Session 3 The Word of God -What is the Bible and how did we get it?

Please visit the following link.

Tuesday 7.30pm. Adult Formation in practiceThe videos will be available shortly.

Mass Schedule

• SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT -SUNDAY MASS 10AM
• HOLY HOUR 4 -5 PM
• WEDNESDAY LENT MASS 10AM INT EDWARD GABAY RIP
• THURSDAY ST PATRICK MASS 10AM
• FRIDAY ST JOSEPH MASS 10AM
• (Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am )
• THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT – SUNDAY MASS 10AM

The Word of Life

March leaflet available

Take Your Family To Church This Lent

We behold the splendour of God
Shining on the face of Jesus
We behold the splendour of God
shining on the face of the Son

Hymn 711

Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Letter

This can also be read here.

Holy Hour of Prayer

Bishop Richard has asked all Parishes to hold an Holy Hour on Sunday. Do make the Lenten effort to come along on Sunday 4 – 5 pm.

Appeal For Relief In Ukraine

The most effective way is by card – please click here.

The Bishop’s Synod Webinar

This takes place at 7:30pm on Wednesday. For those who might otherwise find it difficult to join a room at Newman College has been set aside to broadcast this event. If you would like to attend please see Fr John. If you would like to join from the comfort of your own home – please click here.

Growing Up Catholic

Year 5 group – Saturday 12th – at 11am the sacrament of reconciliation will be celebrated. Please pray for the children and their parents that this sacrament may always be a time to experience God’s love and forgiveness.

Mass Schedule

• First Sunday of Lent – Mass 10am
• Wednesday Lenten Mass – 10am
• Friday Lenten Mass – 10am
• Second Sunday of lent Mass – 10am

Diocesan Job Opportunity

Please find below the revised link for the post of Primary Adviser for Religious Education & Catholic Ethos to join the Diocesan Education Service. Please click here.

"Forty days and Forty nights

Thou was fasting in the wild

Forty days and forty nights

Tempted still, yet unbeguiled"

My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.

And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.

 The invasion of the Ukraine has been to the forefront of minds this week. This has been reflected in our Masses in time of war and conflict and the media reporting the events. There have been the calls for prayer from the Pope , the Cardinal, the Bishop and too the Eastern Rite Ukrainian Eparch. Please click here for further details. We  hold in our prayers our Brothers and Sisters in that troubled region.

The Season of Lent

This season which prepares us for the Passion ,Death and Resurrection of Our Lord over 6 weeks .These days are called from history as the Forty Days. They give us the opportunity to arm ourselves with spiritual “ weapons “ – self control , self denial , good consciences and a lively faith.

They begin on Wednesday -Ash Wednesday -when as a sign of beginning to follow Jesus closely and to seek forgiveness of our sinfulness and lack of honesty we have the Ashes marked on our forehead. This is done at the Masses – 10am and 7:30pm

It is also one of the 2 Days of Fasting in the year, Pope Francis has invited us to observe our Fasting for Peace – more information here and here.

In St Bernadette’s there will be a Liturgy with the Ashes at 2pm

Growing Up Catholic

This Sunday Year 5 on the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Next Sunday 6^th March Years 3 & 4 Reviewing Session 2 and commencing Session 3. We offer ourselves and all that we have.

For Information

Synod Webinar with Bishop Richard as he reflects on the consultations from around the Diocese – next Wednesday Evening. If you might have difficulty accessing this webinar please let Father John know.

The Bartimaeus Project Tuesday 1^st March “speak Lord your servant is listening “ -God’s Revelation join via zoom. For details see website  www.bartimaeus-project.org. Look at the Poster in the Entrance.

Mass Schedule

• 8^TH Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Sunday Mass 10am Int. for the people of the Parish and Peace
• Tuesday 1^st March St David , Patron of Wales
• Mass 10am Shrove Tuesday
• ASH WEDNESDAY
• MASS WITH IMPOSITION OF ASHES
• 10AM AND 7.30PM
• DAY OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
• Friday after Ash Wednesday
• Mass 10am
• THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT.
• SUNDAY MASS 10AM

The Ministry of Reader

The Rota is now on the Noticeboard. Thank you to those undertaking this Ministry.

If you are willing to undertake this Ministry and would like an audition please speak to Fr John.

Oh the word of my Lord

Deep within my being!

Oh the word of my Lord

You have filled my mind!

After the storm…

After the storm comes the calm. I hope all is well with no damage to your homes and you have been able to have a relaxing half term. Before long the Season of Lent will commence and an opportunity to emerge from any “spiritual hibernation“ as we journey to Easter. A reminder about last year’s Palms. Do bring them along next Sunday so that they can be burned to provide for Ash Wednesday March 2nd.

For a Synodal Church -Communion , Participation and Mission.

 There will be an Evening Webinar with Bishop Richard on Wednesday 9^th March See details please click here. We are currently exploring ways in which more people can join this webinar. Further details to follow.

Mass Schedule

• Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish
• Wednesday Mass 10am St Polycarp. Int. Michael Curley RIP
• Friday Weekday Mass 10am Int.The Holy Souls (Wall box )
• Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Sunday Mass 10am

Growing Up Catholic

Year 5 Group Next Sunday following Mass

Years 3 & 4 Group -6th March 

The Bartimaeus Project

A new project encouraging Catholic faith!

See the poster in the hall or visit WWW.BARTIMAEUS-PROJECT.ORG

The Adult Formation which came up in our Synod Discussions – just what is wanted!

Maintenance Issues

We have lost 2 Fence Panels – one in the Driveway ,the other in the Presbytery garden.

Repair work has been arranged for the flat Roof leaks. – by Our Lady’s Statue and in the Hall.

Hall Chairs. The number of these is decreasing due either to adults seating on stacked chairs or even standing on them.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion for those who are unwell or incapacitated at home during this week. Please notify Fr John if you know of anyone wishing to Receive Sacramental Holy Communion. It is now easier to visit Care Homes etc. after LFTs.

Last Year’s Self denial Project 2020

The sum of £40.20 was given in the wall box for the Migrant Fund. Thank you.    

Let there be loved shared among us

Let there be love shared among us,

Let there be love in our eyes,

May now your love sweep this nation;

Cause us O Lord to arise.

Give us a fresh understanding,

Brotherly love that is real,

Let there be love shared among us,

Let there be love

Racial Justice Sunday

Of the many social issues with ISM in the title is Racism always in the news whether intalk about football, politics , celebrities and the media. Each year the Church has a RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY to remind us of the need to reflect in our lives and attitudes the way to respect other people. This year the theme is a reminder that we exist in the image and likeness of God .In a Document of Pope Francis – which we have not yet explored called “ FRATELLI TUTTI “ -all Brothers and Sisters – he prays that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary, different faces of the one humanity that God so loves.

Do visit this link for more details

Growing Up Catholic

THIS Sunday the Year 5 Group meets for Session 5 Reconciliation and to plan the Celebration of First Reconciliation

Next Sunday Years 3 & 4 meet to review Session 1 and commence Session 2

Invited Reflection

The February reflection is now available please click here and navigate to ‘February’

A & B Lourdes Fund

Thank you for your response to the Fund. Details of the Summer Pilgrimage can be received as directed on the Poster.

Mass Schedule

SUNDAY MASS 10AM

TUESDAY WEEKDAY MASS 10AM  INT. BRIDIE DORAN RIP

THURSDAY WEEKDAY MASS 10AM INT.FOR VICKY McCORMICK

SUNDAY MASS 7^TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  

The Bartimaeus Project

A NEW PROJECT ENCOURAGING CATHOLIC FAITH

SEE THE POSTER IN THE ENTRANCE OR VISIT WWW.BARTIMAEUS-PROJECT.ORG

The Adult Formation which came up in our Synod Discussions – just what is wanted!

Half Term Break

Have a healthy and happy break form school routine – and no snow?

Hymn for peace & justice

All that kills abundant living

Let it from the earth be banned

Pride of status, race or schooling

Dogma that obscures your plan

In our common quest for justice

May we hallow life’s brief span

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes & World Day of The Sick

This feast takes place on this Friday, 11th February. We will have a parish Mass at 10am for this intention. It is also an important Day for St Bernadette’s School because of its original connection with the Sisters Of Nevers and having St Bernadette as its patron. The message of Pope Francis may be read here.

Mass Schedule

• The Fifth Sunday Mass at 10am – Mrs Higgins’ intentions
• Wednesday Mass 10am St. Josephine Bakhita int. Mary Hayhurst RIP & Deacon James McEwan RIP
• Friday Mass 10am the feast of our lady of Lourdes and The World Day of the Sick.   Int. – for those who are unwell
• Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 10am Racial Justice Sunday

Growing Up Catholic

Parents with children in Years 3 and 4 – meet after Mass this Sunday – Session 1 We gather as God’s family. We are united. We belong here. All are welcome.

Parents with children in Year 5 meet next Sunday (13th February)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Session 5

1. God chose me
2. I grow close to Jesus
3. I learn about rules of love
4. I disobey the rules sometimes
5. Being sorry: Asking for forgiveness
6. Reconciliation: Let’s celebrate

The Word of Life Leaflet

To assist in your prayer and reflection on “Anyone who come to me I will never drive away“

Ave Maria

O Mary, Our Mother,

We come to this place,

Where you who are sinless,

Appeared full of grace

As Bernadette waited,

There came to her sight

A radiant lady

Surrounded in light

She gave her a message,

Let penance be done

And pray that all sinners

May turn to Her Son

Ave, ave, ave, Maria!

The highlight of the week is Wednesday 2^nd February when we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. They were fulfilling the requirement for first born males to be brought to the Temple. It is a meeting point of the Old and New Testament as Simeon calls Jesus “a Light to enlighten the gentiles“ It is this description which gives the day the name of Candlemas. The introduction to the celebration reminds us that it is “Forty days since we celebrated the Nativity of the Lord”. One of the Joyful Mysteries we reflect on when praying the Rosary.

Covid-19 Latest Advice

The notifications from the Bishops Conference and our Bishop are on the noticeboards and can be read at here and here. Face coverings – no longer a legal requirement but encouraged at choice. The Sign of Peace is now reintroduced. As always respect other people.

Growing Up Catholic

Next Sunday Children in Years 3 & 4 will meet with Parents following the 10am Mass to commence their preparation to become Communicating members of the Church. Please remember them in your prayers.

The Synod Journey

Communion, Participation , Mission. The local discussions are now complete and even if you were unable to attend the Wednesday Evening meetings you can still return your comments to the Diocese. Do book in for Bishop Richard’s presentation on Wednesday 9^th March 7.30 -8.45pm. It is hoped that post that meeting we can have it played in our hall.

Mass Schedule

Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish

Wednesday 2^nd February The Presentation of the Lord Candlemas Mass 10am

Friday 4th February Weekday Mass 10am

Sunday Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass 10am

Nunc Dimittis

The Canticle of Simeon. Prayed every Night Prayer / Compline

At last all powerful Master

You give leave to your servant to go in pea

According to your promise

For my eyes have seen your salvation

Which you have prepared for all nations

The Light to enlighten the Gentiles

And give  glory to Israel your people

Sunday of The Word of God

Each Year the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is set aside to focus on the place of the Word of God in our lives .It is an essential part of our Act of Worship in that we listen attentively as it is proclaimed and it inspires us to pray to God especially with the Psalms as a starting point. You may be aware that it is a key element in the Diocesan Plan. This Sunday the Readings at Mass remind us of the place of Scripture and of “the table of the Word “ – the Lectern or Ambo from which the Scriptures are read. Today Pope Francis will confer the Ministry of Reader on women and men to emphasise the importance of the role in “ lifting the word off the pages “ to minister it to the people gathered to hear it. Why not explore in our Useful Websites section -click CBCEW – further information about this topic?

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week continues to Tuesday and Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham reminds us that enabling deeper bonds and understanding consists of fostering friendships, reflecting ,prating and witnessing together. He remarks that in the 50 years since the 2nd Vatican Council we have travelled a long way. “There is still a long way to travel together and the more we know about ourselves and one another, then the more open we are about some of the challenges we face”

The Synodal Journey

Pope Francis inaugurated the Synodal Journey with three phases, : diocesan, continental and universal.  As he puts it “ One listening to the others and all listening to the Holy Spirit “ On Wednesday Evening at 7.30 pm we will have the third meeting focussing on the theme of Mission and exploring the implications of synodality and participation. There is an opportunity for any one to submit their ideas via the Diocesan Website. Do sign up for the Bishop’s presentation.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am INT for the people of the Parish
• Tuesday The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul & the conclusion of the Week of prayer for Christian Unity.Mass 10am
• Friday St Thomas Aquinas Mass at 10am
• 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday Mass 10am

Growing Up Catholic – Preparing for The Sacraments

• Sunday 30th January  After Mass  Year 5s  Revise Sessions 1-4 ,Introduce Session 5
• Sunday 6^th February After Mass Years 3 & 4 Session 1 We gather as God’s Family

The Word of God Sunday

   Lord you give the great commission

   Heal the sick and preach the word

   Lest the Church neglects its mission

   And the gospel go unheard

   Help us witness to your purpose

   With renewed integrity

   With the Spirit’s gifts empower us

   For the work of ministry