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

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