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Patronal Feast Day

It is good to celebrate Anniversaries – to remember and give thanks. As this Jubilee Year continues, we are pilgrims of hope. So it was 60 years ago when the Patcham, Westdene and Hollingbury areas of Brighton were being developed that Fr Edward Fooks of St Mary’s promoted a search for a site to build a Church for worshippers in the area. The Catholic population first had Mass in a Doctor’s house and then in the Patcham Junior School. Eventually a new Church was built and on Sunday 9th July 1965 the Bishop of Southwark opened St Thomas More’s Church.

We think of our predecessors and benefactors who generously donated to the cost.

There are three works of art originating from leading members of the Brighton College of Art – the Carved statue of our patron, the Mother and Child statue and the Stations of the Cross. Bishop Cormac Murphy O’Connor consecrated the Church with the twelve crosses and the ambo, altar and baptism font decorated in green Cumberland Stone.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus send out the seventy-two and gives them a word for those they visit. This word, this message, is the message of peace – and peace is the first gift of the Risen Christ to the Apostles, spoken as He appears to them in the Upper Room.

In the 4th Century, as monasticism began to develop in Egypt, Syria and the Holy Land, monks would go to their spiritual fathers and ask for a word by which they might be saved. The word that was given to them, although expressed in different terms, was often about living in peace, in harmony, and in the silence that opens our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit. Just as the seventy-two offered a “word”, given them by the Lord, so these monks of earlier times did the same – and this practice continues in the spiritual accompaniment sought by so many in our own times.   

Openness to the word demands a spirit of listening, and we might reflect that the first word of St Benedict’s Rule is “Listen.” 

When the seventy-two went on their journey, Jesus told them that if the word of peace was not received, it would come back to them. Listening is just as important as speaking, for the word that is spoken must find a home to be effective.

This message of peace is so necessary in our present world, and the need for the spirit of listening is equally necessary. May our word to the world be that of the seventy-two, for it is the gift of the Risen Lord: “Peace be with you.” May this message find a home in the hearts of all.  

Peace is the gift of the Risen Lord to those gathered in the Upper Room on the first Easter Day. It is in Him that true, lasting, peace is to be found, for the Risen Lord has won the victory over sin and death. He offers us the gift of His peace – it is something real and it is a reality to be accepted.

In a world where, in so many places, peace is not a reality, it is our task, always and everywhere, to offer that greeting of the seventy-two disciples and the joy that is the gift of the Risen Christ.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

The Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 6th July 10am (Patronal Feast)
  • Monday 7th July 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 9th July 9:30am (Martyrs of China)
  • Friday 11th July 9:30am (St Benedict, Patron of Europe)
  • Saturday 12th July 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 13th July 10am (15th Sunday OT)

Sea Sunday

Next Sunday is Sea Sunday. At Mass, there will be a collection for Stella Maris, the Catholic provider of pastoral care for seafarers and fishers. You can also make a donation here.

The Word Who Is Life

The July leaflet is ready for you to help with your prayerful reflection on the scripture and prayer.

St Benedict’s Week

Some information about prayer opportunities with the monks in St John the Baptist Church, Kemptown:

  • Monday 7th July 12-12:30pm – Community Prayer
  • Tuesday 8th July 12-12:30pm – Individual Prayer
  • Wednesday 9th July 12-12:30pm – Lectio Divina
  • Friday 11th July 12pm – 1pm – An hour of music, prayer, on themes from the Rule of St Benedict

Outstanding!

St Bernadette’s Primary School has achieved this status after the Catholic Inspection. Congratulations to the teachers and children and for the support of parents and carers.

The Pastoral Plan

We are approaching its implementation .

On Thursday Evening there will be a gathering to formulate a vision and mission objectives . Have a word with Fr John if you wish to participate in this process. The meeting will be in St Bernadette’s Hall 7-9pm.

Fr. Ray Blake RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Ray, former parish priest of St Mary Magdalene’s who died during the week.

Requiem Masses

  • Maura Mason (RIP) – Thursday 17th July 11am
  • Sonia Von Geyer (RIP) Wednesday 23rd July 11am

Soup and Sandwich

At Thursday 12 Noon in the church hall. All welcome

A Man For All Seasons

This play will be showing in Brighton from 22nd July to the 26th July – tickets are available here. As well as depicting the life of St Thomas More, the film version of the play earned Paul Scofield (who played the part of St Thomas More) an Oscar in 1966. Scofield, a baptised Catholic, attended Varndean Grammar School for Boys (1934-9) -the building is now Varndean College. 

" Give me, good Lord , a full faith, a firm hope and a fervent charity, a love for the good Lord incomparably above love for myself, and that I love nothing to thy displeasure but everything in order to love Thee"

A devout prayer written in the Tower of London by St Thomas More.

Saints Peter and Paul

These two have been in the news recently because of the happenings in Rome. The shrine of St Peter is in the Basilica of the Vatican where Pope Leo went to pray before his inauguration as the successor of St Peter. As Bishop of Rome he visited the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls. Both were martyred as witnesses to Christ.

We honour them as Founders of the Church, and they will be celebrated by the many Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee Year.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, I invite you all to join me in prayer for Pope Leo, that he continues to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in his task as shepherd of the flock entrusted to him. As our Holy Father, he brings particular gifts to the Church through his experience in Peru, where he served with some of the priests of our own Diocese; his times of leadership of the Augustinian Friars, and his service in the Dicastery for Bishops.

He comes to the Petrine Office at a difficult time for the world. Let us join him in fervent prayer for peace – for which he has called so many times in these first weeks of his papacy. With him, and in the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, let us continue to strive for justice and promote the dignity of every person at every moment of life.  

St Peter, our first Pope, could not have imagined the steps he would be called to take in the service of the Lord. This is true of Pope Leo and, indeed, of every one of us. The life that is given to us in baptism – life lived in the love of the Holy Trinity – calls us to follow the Lord Himself, wherever he may lead us. As His disciples, we are called to learn from Him, to grow ever closer to Him, to be always faithful in our witness to Him. This is what it means to be a Pilgrim of Hope, for we journey towards the One who died and rose from the dead that we might have life – and whose first gift after the Resurrection was the gift of peace.  

As Pilgrims of Hope, may we – with Pope Leo – strive to share that gift with the world.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Clergy In-Service

This week we have two days away together to focus on “How do we live our vocation in the parishes of the future.” Say a prayer for us.

The Pastoral Plan

At the forthcoming Council of Priests the Bishop will hear from each of the existing Deaneries with the Moderators elect of the proposed New Parishes, made up of the parish communities, before he decrees their election.

The Vision Meeting

Thank you for those who have offered to participate in the Vision making process on 10th July.

Your Questions

  1. What do you consider the mission of the one Parish will be ?
  2. What mission objectives do you consider important ?
  3.  What are your expectations for the new Parish?

Have a think and put pen to paper and return your response to the box in the Entrance.

Our Patronal Feast

Next Sunday we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our Church , its consecration and St Thomas More. After Mass we will have a social gathering and celebratory drink.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 29th June 10am Solemnity SS Peter and Paul
  • Monday 30th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 1st July 9:30am Anniversary of Arundel Cathedral
  • Friday 4th July 9:30am St Thomas Apostle
  • Sunday 6th July 10am Patronal Feast Mass
Peter, blessed shepherd to you was entrusted the power of opening the gate of heaven,
Paul, teacher without equal, fashion our live aright and carry off our hearts with yours till faith is sole master of our hearts.

The Solemnity Of The Most Holy Body And Blood of Christ

We celebrate the great gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. For many, it is the one occasion of the bond of Jesus with his people. So what do you believe? Is it simply attending Mass, or is it something more nurturing? Our Gospel reminds us of the gift of food from Jesus and his advice to the disciples—“Give them something to eat yourselves”—and the example of generosity and abundance signified by the twelve baskets.

A diamond is an apt image to help us realize the richness of the gift of the Eucharist, with its many facets. One summary is that of St Thomas Aquinas in “O Sacrum Convivium”—O Sacred Banquet in which Christ is received, the memory of his Passion is recalled.

Our hearts are filled with grace, and we have the promise of eternal life.

We are prepared well for meeting Christ by his words shared with us in the Liturgy of the Word, and then, remembering His self-giving, before in communion we meet and are united.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear  brothers and sisters in Christ,  

The  celebration of Corpus Christi that takes place at our cathedral each year is  a wonderful occasion. The celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass, the  procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Carpet of Flowers, laid in honour  of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, is a high point in the life  of the cathedral and diocese.  

It  is a clear reminder to us all of the central place of the Eucharist in our  lives. The absolute love of the Lord – seen in the feeding of the five  thousand that is the gospel reading this week – is there for us every time we  celebrate Mass. As St Paul reminds us in the Second Reading this  Sunday, the sacrifice of Calvary is made present and the Lord feeds us with  His very Self, for He is the Bread of Life. We find life every time we  join in this celebration, together with our brothers and sisters. It is  this life that sustains our every action – indeed, every moment of our  lives. The Mass, the Eucharist, is a proclamation of our faith in the  One who died and rose from the dead for us; it is the food for our journey  and the source of all our action. We leave the celebration, as the  dismissal at the end of Mass reminds us, to “announce the Gospel of the  Lord.” Without our closeness to Christ in the Eucharist, this  proclamation would be less effective. The sustenance of the Bread of  Life Himself makes life and mission possible for us.   

In  the Eucharist, we are in the Divine Presence, we are in the presence of  Christ, who is a “priest for ever” as Psalm 109 reminds us. May this  encounter with the person of Christ Himself – truly present in the  Eucharist – be the wellspring of our every breath, our every moment, our  every action, that all we do may proclaim to the world the wonder of all the  Lord has done for us.  

With  every blessing,

+  Richard

Assisted Dying

Cardinal Vincent Nichols responds to the Third Reading Of Terminally Ill Adults (End Of Life) Bill

On Friday 20th June, Cardinal Vincent Nichols issued the following response after the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons by just 23 votes:

‘The vote in the House of Commons in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is a watershed moment in the history of our country. It fundamentally changes society’s long held values and relationships on matters of life and death.

‘The task is now clear: every effort must be made to limit the damage that will be done by this decision. This duty lies both on the House of Lords and on His Majesty’s Government. The list of challenges is long. It has been well rehearsed in recent weeks by responsible bodies and distinguished individuals, including the Public Commission on Palliative and End-of-Life Care whose recommendations have yet to be discussed. The appeal to personal autonomy, so much at the centre of the Parliamentary debate, cuts both ways: the provision of a choice to die cannot exclude the provision of properly resourced care for those who choose to live until a natural death.

‘As Catholics we will continue to play our part in the building of the common good. The decision of Parliament does not change our firm belief in the sanctity of life, never simply a burden, but always a gift of God, given and received. Our duties are clear: to live by the teaching given to us by God; generously to accompany with care and compassion those facing disability, isolation and suffering; to continue to put forward, with respect and clarity, the objective norms that inform our firm beliefs on how to live, and to die, well.’

Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

Your Ideas For The New Parish Of Brighton And Hove

No date has yet been fixed by the Bishop. It is likely to be in September, Can you imagine how the existing Parishes will become pastoral Communities in the larger Parish ?

One or 2 questions to think about –

  1. What do you consider the mission of the one Parish will be ?
  2. What mission objectives do you consider important ?
  3.  What are your expectations for the new Parish?

There will be a box in the entrance for your replies.

Thank you!

Our Patronal Feast

The Sunday nearest July 9th each year is observed as a Solemnity. It recalls the Opening of the Church in 1965,

Its Consecration by Bishop Cormac and the original date of St Thomas More’s Feast. Do come along to celebrate on Sunday July 6th for the 10am Mass and for a drink afterwards.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 22nd June 10am The Solemnity Of The Most Holy Body And Blood Of Christ (Int People of the parish
  • Monday 23rd June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Monday 23rd June 10am Funeral Mass for Sheila Jenner RIP
  • Wednesday 25th June The Birth Of John The Baptist (Int Therese Lelliott)
  • Friday 27th June 9:30am The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
  • Friday 27th June 2pm Funeral Mass for Margaret Perrin
  • Sunday 29th June 10am Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Please Pray For

  • Maura Mason RIP
  • Gema Rosado RIP

Soup And Sandwich

Thursday 26th June at 12pm in the Church Hall – all welcome!

Lauda Sion Salvatorem

(Sung in Lourdes during the Blessed Sacrament procession. Join daily at 4pm -click here)

Praise O Sion, praise your Saviour
Praise your captain and your pastor
With hymns and solemn songs

Trinity Sunday

In a recent school Q & A session, one of the questions was, “Who made God?” God existed before all time and is described in the Creed as maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. As revealed in the Scriptures, and using the language of relationships, we recognise a Trinity of Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A simple comparison would be to describe someone as grandfather, father, son and brother. In our Christian praying, we do so in a Trinitarian way. Just think of the Mass and see how we do so – beginning with the sign of the cross and finishing with the blessing.

The Day For Life

The theme this year is “Hope does not disappoint. Finding meaning in suffering ” You can read more here.

There are also Statements on Assisted Dying and the proposed decriminalisation of parts of the Abortion Act. Both of which remind us of how life can so easily be devalued.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 15th June 10am Trinity Sunday
  • Monday 16th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 17th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 18th June 9:30am
  • Friday 20th June 9:30am St Alban – Proto Martyr of England
  • Sunday 22nd June 10am The Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer Requests

For Gemma Rosado and Fr Ray Blake.

Maura Mason RIP

Maura, the widow of John Mason, died in hospital on Saturday morning (14th June). A brave person. May she rest in peace.

Second Collection For Life

The opportunity to donate will be after Mass. Thank you.

Forming The Vision For Church In Brighton & Hove

Do you wish to contribute? Meeting July 10th. Let Fr John know.

The Trisaigon

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus!

Holy, Holy, Holy!

Pentecost

The 50 Days are now finished and our Easter  hope is established. In so many different ways the Paschal Mystery has been a reality with life, suffering, and death – and life, change, and growth happening. We just need to recall the events in our own lives and in the world around us.

Now as the ascended Christ promised, we are not abandoned but recipients of the Holy Sprit who comes as gifts with their effects. It is in the sacraments that we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Statement On The Assisted Dying Bill

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, is fast approaching its decisive vote in the House of Commons which will likely take place on either the 13 or 20 of June. Please click here to read more.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 8th June 10am Pentecost
  • Monday 9th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 11th June 9:30am St Barnabas, Apostle
  • Thursday 12th June 12pm Arundel Cathedral – Jubilarians’ Mass
  • Friday 13th June 9:30am St Anthony of Padua
  • Sunday 15th June 10am Trinity Sunday

The Word Of Life

The June copies are now available for you to pick up and use during the month to shape your prayer.

Thursday 12th June – Soup And Sandwich

Come along to meet and enjoy – 12 noon.

Margaret Perrin RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Margaret and for her bereaved family members.

Pilgrimage To Walsingham

Remember the people from the Diocese on pilgrimage there this weekend.

Day For Life

Next Sunday – retiring collection. Please follow this link for more information.

Events Posters

Do take a look at the Noticeboards so as not to miss anything.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of thy love.
Send forth thy Spirit and they will be a new creation and you will renew the face of the earth.

Seventh Week Of Easter

The Fifty Days are nearly over and having heard the promise we now prepare to welcome the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Traditionally from the Ascension we have a novena of inviting the Spirit to renew us and give us energy in living our Christian lives. What we learn is described with signs – breath, fire ,enthusiasm and with effects -insight, understanding and outward “fruits ” – joy, peace and hope. Remembering that from our Baptism when we were given God’s Spirit , ,to our Confirmation when we received the fullness of the Spirit -“receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”, we in turn invite in prayer and song the Holy Spirit to be active within us – Come Holy Spirit!

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

At this time of the Church’s year, we are in Ascensiontide, having celebrated that feast on Thursday. Jesus has returned to the Father and the Apostles are waiting in expectant hope for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

We, of course, have received the Spirit – in our baptism and in our confirmation. Indeed, at present, we rejoice in the great number of our young people who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at this time of year. All are coming to the Cathedral – making a pilgrimage to the mother church of the Diocese in this Holy Year and in our 60th year.

Those being confirmed hear the words of the prayer: that the anointing of Confirmation conform them more fully to Christ, the Son of God. The more closely we are conformed to Christ, the more effective we shall be in our witness to Him.  

St Stephen, whose martyrdom forms the text of the first reading this Sunday, was so closely conformed to Christ that he was ready to shed his blood in witness to Him. The word ‘martyr’ means ‘witness’ – so being a martyr in the broadest sense is the call for every Christian.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus tell us that through our witness, the world will come to believe in Him. This is the mission the Lord has given to each and every baptised person. Wherever we are – whatever we do – our lives must speak to others of the wonder of the Lord’s love for us and His call to every person, of every age, to life in Him. 

With every blessing,

+ Richard

World Communications Sunday

The late Pope Francis gave a Message to us with the theme -“share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts “. He picked up on the Jubilee Theme and the ever present problem of fake news which damages truthful communication. It is like the fault of rumour or gossip. Take time to read more here.

The Pastoral Plan

On Wednesday the Bishop is meeting with the Clergy of the area to help us take the next steps. There is information from the Leadership team on the joint bi-weekly newsletter.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 1st June 10am 7th Sunday of Easter
  • Monday 2nd June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 4th June 9:30am
  • Friday 5th June 9:30am
  • Sunday 8th June 10am Pentecost Sunday

Sheila Jenner RIP

A regular member of the Parish coming to a Weekday  Mass with her walking frame died last Wednesday. Like a good Catholic she has left instructions for a Requiem Mass at St Thomas More’s on Monday June 23rd at 10am.

May she rest in peace.

Angela McCulloch

Angela’s Requiem Mass has been arranged for this Thursday June 5th at St Mary’s Church at 11.30am.Remember her son in your prayers and may Angela rest in peace.

A&B 60

You may have read that the town of Arundel had a power cut on Wednesday. This meant there was no power or light in the Cathedral so if you were tuned in for live streaming you would have seen nothing. That is until the Bishop commenced his sermon quoting Canon Law.
Canon 369. A Diocese is a portion of the people of God which is entrusted to a Bishop to be nurtured by him, with the cooperation of priests, remaining close to its pastor and gathered by him through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, in constitutes a Particular Church. In this Church, the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church truly exists and functions.
At this point the lights came on together with the PA system and eventually lunch was cooked!

Spirit of the living God ,fall afresh on us
Spirit of the living God fall afresh on us
Melt us mould us, fill us, use us
Spirit of the living God fall afresh on us.

The Sixth Week Of Easter

Preparing For Pentecost

Ascension Thursday marks a moment of change when Jesus returns to his Father and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip us to continue the mission. Moving into the future requires determination and patience and above all a sense of hope. What the Church in Brighton and Hove will be like may seem like a dream but it will be formed of believers whose focus is on belonging, walking with others, and relating to Jesus by communicating with prayer. Let us make sure we invite the Holy Spirit on the journey.

Anniversaries

May 28th 1965 was the day of the announcement that the Diocese of Southwark would be divided and that a ne Diocese called Arundel & Brighton would be created with Bishop David Cashman as its first Bishop.

May 28th 2015 is the Anniversary of Bishop Richard being installed as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese.

The Diocese Of Chulucanas, Peru

The second collection this Sunday is for the Diocese of Chulucanas in the North of Peru which A&B supports. 

Four of our Priests have worked there along with the Augustinian Priests like Pope Leo.

The Pastoral Plan

Last Tuesday’s Zoom meeting explained the structures for the future and the forming of a finance group.

The Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday of Easter
  • Monday 26th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 28th May 12pm Arundel Cathedral Diocesan anniversaries (live streamed)
  • Thursday 29th May 9:30am and 7pm Ascension Day (Holy Day)
  • Friday 30th May 9:30am The Visitation Of Our Lady
  • Saturday 31st May 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 1st June 10am 7th Sunday of Easter

World Communications Day

This is next Sunday (8th June)

The Basilica Of St John Lateran

This Sunday afternoon 4pm BST Pope Leo will be installed on the Cathedra (Chair) of the Diocese of Rome of which he is the Bishop,

On our website go to Vatican News under Useful Websites) On the right side you will find Vatican TV to watch the ceremony.

To the member's of Christ's body
To the branches of the Vine
To the Church in faith assembled
To her midst as gift and sign:
Come,  Holy Spirt, come!



Fifth Week Of Easter

The inauguration of Pope Leo takes place this Sunday at a Celebration Commencing at 9am BST. The main feature of the Liturgy will be the placing of the Pallium on him. This is taken from the tomb of St Peter and is made of lambswool. Then he will be presented with the ring and seal of Peter the Fisherman. These moments will be accompanied by prayers invoking the Holy Spirit. After this the Pope will give the Homily. You can find the English translation by clicking on Useful Websites- then The Holy See and finding the Booklet for the Celebration.

The English text is on the left hand side from page 2 onwards.

Pope Leo XIV InaugurationDownload

Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Reflection

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Sunday Of Easter
  • Monday 19th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (St Dunstan)
  • Wednesday 21st May 9:30am
  • Friday 23rd May 9:30am
  • Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday Of Easter

The Pastoral Plan

We will be moving towards the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the Communities of Brighton and Hove and over the next few weeks you will hear more information. Bishop Richard is planning for the eleven deaneries with parishes to become eleven parishes with the available clergy being for us the Brighton and Hove Clergy Team (BHCT) in the United Parish of Brighton and Hove. The Clergy are meeting every fortnight, and a leadership team of Laity & Clergy is being formed.

Update

Canon Kieron O’Brien gives an update and more information taking into account synodality. Please click here for further details.

Migrants’ Mass

Read the Report and photographs of last Sunday’s Mass. Were you there? The report can be found here.

May Prayer For Vocations

There is an ever present need to find men with a call to serve the People of the Church as Pastoral Priests. It starts with prayer of families and parishioners.

The Assisted Suicide Bill

The voices of those who recognise the need to improve and finance palliative care and support of Hospices must grow louder.

In Remembrance

Pray for the repose of the souls of Angela McCulloch and Darren Hazel who have died and for family members who have been bereaved.

All my hope on God is founded
He doth still my trust renew
Me through change and chance he guideth
Only good and only true
God unknown. He alone
Calls my heart to be his own

We Have A Pope

The Media have kept us in touch with the Election of a new Pope in succession to Pope Francis RIP. We give thanks for the gift of a Shepherd for the Universal Church. He is the 267th to follow Peter the Apostle. He is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the College of Bishops. The Vicar of Christ and the Shepherd of the Universal Church. A priest of the Augustinian Order, a missionary in Peru building up the Particular Churches or Dioceses along with other priests of the Order such as the ones in Chulucanas. At every Mass along with our Bishop Richard, as Your Servant Leo our Pope, he will be remembered.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
Through our baptism, each and every one of us is called to be a “Pilgrim of Hope.” With eyes fixed on the person of Jesus, our minds and hearts are opened to His call to us. This Sunday, the Church throughout the world reflects on the particular calls to priesthood and to religious life. I ask you to join with me in praying that those who are called to give their lives in service as priests, and those called to religious life, may be truly open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  
 
Fr Tristan Cranfield, our Vocations Director, has provided an easy-to-use resource that will support our prayer for vocations to priesthood, in particular, during these coming weeks leading to Pentecost. The vocational call is heard in prayer and, so very often, in quietness. Let us all give a little extra time to prayer in these coming weeks for those whom God is calling, for our seminary students and for the families of our Diocese – that our homes will always be places where an openness to God’s call is nurtured.

Pray, too, for the priests, deacons and religious of our Diocese, in thanksgiving for their wonderful ministry, example, and service to us all.
 
With every blessing,
 
+Richard 

Statement On The Election Of Pope Leo XIV

The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton welcomes yesterday’s election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. Responding to the news, Bishop Richard said:‍

“We give thanks that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the Cardinals have elected Pope Leo XIV.

“Pope Leo brings to the office of the Holy Father considerable experience as a bishop and pastor including in Chulucanas, so closely associated with our diocese, together with his more recent service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His prayer for peace in his first words from the balcony at St Peter’s will resonate with Catholics and all people of good will.

“This is a significant moment for the Catholic Church and for the world, and we offer our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins his Pontificate.”

‍Pope Leo, the first Pope from the United States of America, was born Robert Provost, on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis. On 29 August 1981 he made his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.

At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum). He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986); the Diocese of Chulucanas.

In 1987, he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of St Augustine”. In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois.

On 3 November 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar. He was ordained a bishop on 12 December, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese, and was created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 30 September 2023.‍

‍Bishop Richard will celebrate Mass for the Holy Father’s intentions at the Confirmation Mass at Arundel Cathedral this Sunday at 2pm, with additional Masses celebrated across the Diocese.

Good Shepherd Sunday

During May we are encouraged to pray for Vocations especially for the Priesthood.

As Catholics, we know that God has called each of us by name and that everyone has a vocation; some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life, and some to the single life. This year, in the light of the Pastoral Plan, The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission, the whole Diocese is invited to come together for four weeks of prayer to the Holy Spirit to grant us a missionary spirit, through the raising up of new vocations to all walks of life in the Church.

Foremost among these vocations, we need priests. The priesthood is a special gift to the Church, through which Christ is always present to pour out His Spirit on His people through the holy sacraments.

It’s not always easy to know if God is calling you to priesthood. Our diocesan Days of Discernment aim to explore some simple tools for finding out, with time for prayer and an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful vocation of the diocesan priest, along with other men following the same path. Certainty is not required: the day may just be a chance for you to start thinking, to pray, and to ask questions. Our next day is on Saturday 10 May in Crawley, led by Fr Nicholas Harden. If you are a Catholic, unmarried man who is considering this vocation and would like to attend, please contact our Vocations Director Fr Tristan Cranfield.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Easter (Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV)
  • Monday 12th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 14th May 9:30am St Matthias (Apostle)
  • Friday 16th May 9:30am
  • Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Easter

Migrants’ Mass

Sunday May 11th St Joseph’s Church Elm Grove. 5.30am Bishop Richard Presiding. All welcome. See Poster.

Regina Caeli

The Son whom you merited to bear, Alleluia
Has risen as he said, Alleluia
Pray for us to God. Alleluia

(Eastertide anthem to Mary, replacing the Angelus)

The Third Week Of Easter

After the funeral rites for Pope Francis and the nine days of prayer remembering him, all of us who form the Church are now praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning who is to be the next Bishop of Rome, Chief Shepherd of the Universal Church, and Pope. As we turn to the back page of the Memorial Card and pray for the Holy Spirit’s Presence with the Cardinals in Conclave we join together at our Masses and prayers with this great intention. There is a precedent in a feast next week when the Apostles prayed for someone to fill the vacancy cf. Acts 1 vv 24 -30 (St Matthias). Maybe by Friday we will have seen the white smoke.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witnessing to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit.

At this time when the Cardinals are preparing for the conclave, let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, in their solemn task of electing the next successor of St Peter.

I ask your prayers, too, for the young people of our Diocese who, over the coming weeks, will receive the gifts of Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important moment for each of them, as they take this very significant step on the path of discipleship. It is also a time of celebration for the whole Diocese, as we rejoice in their openness to the life of the Gospel and pray that they will take their place in the mission of the Church.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

The Conclave

This commences on Wednesday 7th  May when the Cardinals celebrate Mass and then move into the Sistine Chapel to commence the voting. Should you have seen the fictional film Conclave remember it is not the portrayal of what will be happening in Rome this week! For regular updates tune into our website – USEFUL WEBSITES -VATICAN NEWS.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 4th May 10am (Int. Pope Francis RIP and the people of the parish)
  • Monday 5th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Wednesday 7th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Friday 9th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Sunday of Easter (Int. For the people of the parish)

Preparing For Holy Communion 2026

Meeting for parents whose children are to be prepared for Holy Communion and Reconciliation form the Parish Communities of St Thomas More’s & St Mary’s Church. In St Mary’s 7pm. See Poster.

Migrants’ Mass

The Catholic Parish of Brighton and Citizens UK are arranging a Mass for Migrants on Sunday 11th May in St Joseph’s Church, Elm Grove at 5.30pm. Bishop Richard will be presiding. See poster.

The Brighton Festival

The annual festival is under way with an amazing variety of artistic talents and couple with these the Fringe Festival adds even more variety

With Open Houses and much more. Enjoy!

The Word Of Life

The Scripture text and commentary Leaflet for May is now available for you to help you focus your prayer. A very appropriate text put to the first Pope.

Queen Of The May

Bring flowers of the rarest
Bring blossoms the fairest
From garden and woodland ,and hillside and dale
Our full hearts are swelling
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest flower of the vale
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May

(Traditional)