After the Christmas Season we notice a few changes – The colour of the vestments will be Green up to Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent , in general the focus is on the ministry and mission of Jesus , and the name is Ordinary Time ( which derives from the dense of an ordered account of the life of Jesus Christ ) We are also reminded that in our Missals we follow – on Sundays – mainly the Gospel of St Luke in Cycle C.

Peace Sunday

In England the Church celebrates Peace Sunday when the Bishops invite us to a day of prayer and reflection on the theme of Pope Francis for the World Day of  Peace –“ Education, Work and Dialogue between Generations : Tools for building lasting Peace “.You can find the full text here. The Catholic Organisation which promotes Peace is called Pax Christi ( the Peace of Christ ).and parishes are invited to help it with a collection . Since many do not carry cash you may find it easier to make your gift by card at www,…..To follow

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

This commences on Tuesday 18^th January and runs until 25^th January . This Year’s material has been produced by the Christians of the Middle East – appropriately “ We saw his star in the East..”

Full texts for each day are to be found here. This topic was briefly discussed in the Synod discussions on Participation.

Towards a Synodal Church

The third meeting will be held in our hall on Wednesday 26^th January at 7.30pm The theme is Mission which  continues to raise the ever present question – How to? Bishop Richard will be presenting a Report on the reflections from around the Diocese – please click here.

Mass Schedule

• Second Sunday of Ordinary Time – Peace Sunday -Mass 10am
• Tuesday Mass 10am Mass for Christian Unity
• Friday St Agnes Mass 10am
• Third  Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mass 10am

Peace is the gift of heaven to earth

Softly enfolding our fears.

Peace is the gift of Christ to the world

Given for us

John Glynn

Thank You

As we come to the end of the Christmas season may I thank you for your Greetings, the Gifts and the Christmas Offering. They are all much appreciated. In this Year of 2022 may you grow strong in faith, being filled with hope and a deep sense of concern for others.

It is also a good moment on your behalf to express our gratitude for those who serve the Parish in all sorts of ways – in the Liturgy by Reading and the ministry of music, in administration in financial matters, banking, accounting, gift aid and maintenance in the Church and Hall, and the weekly preparation of the items for communication through the Parish Website . To those who have cared for my personal welfare my thankfulness for lifts , meals and practical assistance -right down to a reminder that I need a haircut .

For all of this Deo Gratias,

Fr John

The Synod Process

Our next Meeting will be on Wednesday 12^th January at 7.30pm

Everyone is welcome. The subject is Participation. The material can be found on the Diocesan Website.

Justice and Peace Assembly

Saturday 15th January 9.45am – 2pm .

It is now online so you can participate in the comfort of your own home. There will be several speakers addressing the topic, ‘To a safer shore?’ Please follow this link in order to book your place.

Mass Schedule

• THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY MASS 10AM INT, FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
• WEDNESDAY MASS 10AM -ST AELRED OF RIEVAULX .
• FRIDAY MASS 10AM WEEKDAY MASS 10AM (Week 1 in Ordinary time) For John Paul.
• SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY MASS 10AM (PEACE SUNDAY)

Growing Up Catholic – The Sacramental Preparation Programme

Year 5s will be contacted about completion of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Years 3 & 4 A Meeting for Parents will be held on Monday 17th January 7-30 -8.30pm in our Hall

Mary’s Meals Sussex Group

“Would like to thank Charles ,Paula and the singers from St Mary’s & St Thomas More’s for the Advent Carol Service at which £340 was collected for our school in Zambia.”

• THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY – THURSDAY 6TH JANUARY
  MASS AT 10AM
  (HOLYDAY)
• FRIDAY – WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• SUNDAY 9TH JANUARY
  MASS FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD AT 10AM

At last the Feast of the Nativity is here when we will celebrate Jesus Christ in the Mass – Christmass .It marks for us the One we have been longing for during our Advent devotions and preparations .The children have helped us with the Nativity Play and familiar Carols have reappeared .There is for us the deep sense of what is called the Incarnation – ie the taking of embodiment of Jesus the Son of God as in his human nature he identifies with our human experience of life. Our invitations to him – O Come O Come, speak of him as the rescuer , the liberator , the one who saves , our Saviour .In the Christmas Days ahead we have the opportunity to make way for him , recognising Him in the varied features , events and fellow humans in our lives .Like those in the Gospels we too go to the place of his birth to discover him and to adore him along with Mary and Joseph whose task is to protect and nurture Him.

May I add my greetings to you , wishing you a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth and during 2022 happiness, health and hope.

Fr John

The Christmas Feasts

The Opening Prayers or Collects of the 4 Sundays of Advent reminded us of what was to come. ”O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing “

• Friday December 24th Christmas Mass at Night 6pm
• Saturday December 25th Christmas Day Mass 10am
• Sunday 26th December The Feast of the Holy Family Mass 10am
• Monday 27th December St John ,Apostle and Evangelist Mass 10am
• Tuesday 28th December The Holy Innocents Mass 10am INT. Canon Walter Smith RIP (my first Parish Priest in Horsham )
• Wednesday 29th December St Thomas Becket ,Martyr Mass 10am
• Thursday 30th December 6th Day of the Christmas Octave Mass 10am
• Friday 31st December 7th Day of the Christmas Octave Mass 10am
• Saturday 1st January 2022 Mary Mother of God Mass 11am Solemnity
• Sunday 2nd January Second Sunday of Christmas Mass 10am INT For the People of the Parish

• Monday The Most Holy Name of Jesus Mass 10am
• Tuesday Christmastide Mass 10am
• Wednesday Christmastide Mass 10am
• THURSDAY THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD MASS 10AM HOLYDAY
• Friday Epiphany tide Mass 10am
• Sunday The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Mass 10am

The Last Days of Advent

   At the Masses there is a growing sense of expectancy of the Birth of Jesus . It is shown in the invitation O Come,O Come which in our hearts we make. Do carve out some time, however short to prepare to welcome the Christ afresh into your mind and heart.

Pope Francis Speaking At The Angelus

At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis says the Advent Season is about asking ourselves how to prepare for Christmas and what we can do for Jesus and others, concretely, in our lives. He also blessed the statues of the Child Jesus brought by children to St. Peter’s Square on this Third Sunday of Advent. Read more here.

The Eucharist

The Eucharist is foundational and transformational, it’s the cornerstone of our journey of mission. As we continue our winter pilgrimage through the season of Advent, the coronavirus pandemic still dominates media headlines – particularly the latest variant, Omicron. As a Catholic community, we support each other and remain vigilant to ensure our churches are safe places to worship. Listen to a discussion on this here.

The UK Government and Covid-19

Following the statement by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 9 December, there has been a Government directive that further restrictions to mitigate against viral transmission, especially in the light of the new Omicron variant, will be imposed. Read more here.

Mass Schedule

• THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY MASS 10AM
• TUESDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• WEDNESDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• THURSDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• FRIDAY DECEMBER 24^TH  CHRISTMAS MASS 6PM
• SATURDAY DECEMBER 25^TH  CHRISTMAS DAY MASS 10AM
• SUNDAY DECEMBER 26^TH  THE HOLY FAMILY MASS 10AM

To those unable to be at our Christmas Masses in person…

…may the joy and peace which comes into human hearts be with you wherever you may be. Christ is born in Bethlehem .

Where are we all bound,

Carrying the Word of God ?

Time and place are ours

To make his glory known.

Mary bore him first,

We will tell the whole wide world:

Let it be according to his word

The words from the opening Antiphon of the Third Sunday of Advent ”Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice “ set the scene as the Season reaches its second half. The original Latin word is “Gaudete“ and the candle is rose coloured and even the Prophet Zephaniah has the “Lord dancing and shouting for joy for you“ Joy flows from Hope both gifts of God’s Spirit. The waiting is receding and the preparing is well advanced as we become expectant people to meet the Saviour anew. Search out the still moments for reflection and prayer so that you may be ready. “ Enable, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always wit h solemn worship and glad rejoicing“ Collect

Christmas Masses

• FRIDAY DECEMBER 24TH CHRISTMAS MASS & BLESSING OF THE CRIB 6PM
• SATURDAY DECEMBER 25TH CHRISTMAS MASS 10AM
• SUNDAY DECEMBER 25TH THE HOLY FAMILY MASS 10AM

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of  Reconciliation with individual Confession . Saturday 18^th December: 11am – 12 Noon

Advent Carol Service

This Sunday at St Mary’s 6pm, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the hall. Collection for Mary’s Meals.

The Day of The Lord

Honouring Sunday – a there are a number of thought provoking articles on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

For a Synodal Church – Communion, Participation,

To inform yourself and respond .

At our first meeting we were asked to respond to the theme of our JOURNEYING COMPANIONS  – The Church is good at accompanying people on their journey of faith. The second was LISTENING – The Church is good at heart to heart listening. The third was SPEAKING OUT- The Church is good at communication. What do you think ?

Our next Parish Meeting will be on Wednesday  12^th January 2022 at 7.30 pm on the theme of Participation. Will you be there?

Justice and Peace Assembly

Please note this will now be zoomed. Follow this link.

Pre-Christmas Holy Communions (Covid Permitting)

Please kindly inform Fr John 01273 563017 john.hull@abdiocese.org.uk if you know someone housebound because of illness or old age. Thank you.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 12th December Advent Sunday Mass 10am INT. For the people of the Parish
• Wednesday 15^th Advent Weekday Mass 10am Int of Mrs E Higgins
• Friday 17^th Advent Weekday Mass 10am Int For the Holy Souls -Second Preface of Advent
• Sunday 19^th Fourth Sunday of Advent .Sunday Mass 10am .

Etcetera

• Tuesday Deanery Meeting. Pre Christmas Maycroft Care Home
• Thursday, Collect glasses. Funeral 2pm
• Friday St Bernadette’s Carol Service. Home Communions

100 + Winners

100 + Winners. no. 21 Juliet Taylor no. 33 Paul Lowry no. 40 Emma Sweeney

no. 20 Wendy & Julian Taylor no. 29FrJH .

A good investment.

Advent Hymn

Then cleansed be every Christian breast,
And nourished for so great a guest;
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare
For Christ to come an enter there.

On the Synod Way

The first of 3 meetings between this Wednesday and the end of February takes place this Wednesday Evening at 7.30pm in our Hall .Everyone is invited, above all yourself, so please make every effort to come along and participate. Do bring a pen ! Don’t worry you do not have to be an expert.

For more information on the Synod Process do read the material in CBCEW

Advent Week 2

Prepare the way of the Lord. A reminder to review your living as a follower of Christ and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual Confession. Next Saturday there will be the opportunity from 11 am to 12 Noon in Church. Not to be missed!

Advent Carol Service

Next Sunday 12^th December. Combined Singers from St Mary’s and St Thomas More’s lead an Advent Service of Carols and Readings in preparation for the Feast ahead. 6pm in St Mary’s, Surrenden Road. Mulled wine and mince pies in the hall afterwards Collection for Mary’s Meals.

Justice and Peace Assembly

January on Zoom. Register here.

The Word of Life

The most recent leaflet to help with your prayerful preparation is now available.

Bible Sunday

Please follow this link for further details.

Catholic Charities

You may have been inundated with requests from many secular charities. Do not forget the Catholic ones. The Crib Collection this time is for The Catholic Children’s Society Crisis Fund which exists to help families in difficulty.

Mass Schedule

• SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT – SUNDAY MASS 10AM
• WEDNESDAY – ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• FRIDAY – ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – SUNDAY MASS 10AM

Advent Chant

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near

Wait for the lord, keep watch , take heart

Please note that the induction Mass for Claire Jarman as Principal of Cardinal Newman Catholic School that was due to take place this Saturday (4/12/21) has been postponed until further notice

The waiting time of 4 weeks helps us to prepare our minds and hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.The words of Holy scripture are there for us to relish and digest .To help do visit on the CBCEW Website News/The God who speaks and discover the Advent resources.

Honouring Sunday

Attentive to the experiences of the last year the Bishops of our Country have written to us with encouragement to respond to the great Gift of the Eucharist and our participation in it on Sundays. It is “ the very heartbeat of the Church and of our personal life of faith “ “We are gathered together and sent out, we pray and are fed ,we worship and we adore ,these are intrinsic to our lives as those baptised into Christ “ Do read the full statement and reflect on its guidance.

The Synodal Process

This process is under way in the Diocese with an invitation to everyone to participate .There is information on the red noticeboard in the entrance, at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England Wales, and our local diocesan website. As announced there will be a Meeting on Wednesday 8^th December at 7.30pm in our hall open to everyone.

100 Plus Draw

After next Sunday’s Mass , 5^th December , there will be the pre- Christmas Draw with Coffees and mince pies. Do come in and meet up!

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 1 of Advent Cycle C Mass 10am
• Monday Advent Weekday Mass 10am
• Friday St Francis Xavier Mass 10am Day of Prayer for Migrants
• Sunday 2 of Advent Mass 10am

Cardinal Newman Catholic School – Induction Mass of Claire Jarman as Principal

Induction by Bishop Richard on Saturday 4^th December from 1:30 pm. Please remember her and the School in your prayers.

Justice and Peace Assembly – To a Safer Shore

15^th January 2022 St Francis School Crawley .See Poster in the Entrance details and booking arrangements.

Growing Up Catholic

 Parents of Children in Years 3 and 4 are invited to sign up so that copies of the Programme can be obtained.

Arundel Cathedral Fund

The annual Collection for the maintenance of Arundel Cathedral will be taken next Sunday .For those who know the Cathedral and value its beauty as the Bishop’s Church our support is vital in looking after it as the Mother Church of the Diocese. You can support this Fund by making your donation online here.

RSPCA Sale

This takes place next Saturday afternoon. Do pop in.

An Advent Hymn

Wake up, people! The Lord is near! Wake up!

His glory will appear. Wake up!

Your hour of grace is nearer than it ever was.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the Universal King

Our journey with Jesus through the Gospel of St Mark moves to its end and next Sunday we commence the Season of Advent and the Sunday Gospel Readings from the Gospel of St Luke Year C

Honouring Sunday

The Bishops of England and Wales have addressed us about the importance of Sunday, the Lord’s Day.

During the pandemic, public worship was suspended for a time and there have been restrictions on parish life. As a result, people have been exploring other ways to practice their faith including Spiritual Communion via live streaming.

As people begin returning to more regular patterns of parish life and following the first face to face meeting of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales in Leeds, the bishops have issued the following statement about the importance of honouring Sunday…

Please click here for the full text of the statement.

Youth Sunday 2021

Pope Francis addresses Young People with the theme “ Stand up. I appoint you as witnesses of what you have seen“ Acts 26. 16. Resources can be found on the website of our diocese. Celebrating the role and significance of young people in the life and mission of the Church . In prayer we pray for them their teachers, parents and all who work in youth ministry.

The Sacrament of Confirmation 2022

Year 9 Students are invited to join in preparation for the next stage of their Faith journey by indicating their readiness to take this next step.

The Synod

 Material has become available and can be found on the Arundel and Brighton website. You are invited to a Meeting in the Hall on Wednesday 8^th December at 7.30pm for a Session on the First Theme of Participation. See the display in the Entrance.

Invited

The November reflection is now available. Please click here.

Mass Schedule

• SUNDAY MASS 10AM CHRIST THE KING INT. FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
• WEDNESDAY MASS 10AM ST ANDREW DUNG-LAC & COMPANIONS -INT. DECEASED RELATIVES & FRIENDS OF THE D’SOUZA FAMILY
• FRIDAY WEEKDAY MASS 10AM INT.THE HOLY SOULS -WALL BOX
• FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT MASS 10AM

Hail Redeemer King Divine

Priest and Lamb the throne is thine

King, whose reign shall never cease

Prince of everlasting peace