Three is a popular number in many contexts. This was the case if you looked up at night this week. There was the Supermoon, the Harvest moon and Redmoon as the week came to a close. The Season of Creation has been marked as it moves into Autumn with celestial and earthly wonders including an absconding Capybara and a depleted presence of butterflies.

This weekend we give thanks for the Harvest we have seen happening on the Downs and in the countryside having been held up by slow moving Combine Harvesters. Take a look in your kitchens and reflect on what is there to feed you. Who produced it,who harvested it and what does it mean for you ?

Harvest Thanksgiving

As a sign of our thanksgiving for the good of the earth that are used for our wellbeing, if you are able, please bring some food items at the Offertory to time to the Altar. These in turn will be shared with a Foodbank.

The Second Session Of The Synod In Rome

This will commence in early October. You will remember the 3 themes -Communion. Formation and Mission. Clergy have a briefing session this Monday evening.

Migrants & Refugees Sunday

Next Sunday will be observed a Day of prayer and reflection on this issue which is very much in the news at the moment. There is a call form Pope Francis and an introduction to view here

Pope’s Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024

Our Lady of Walsingham

On Tuesday 24th September the celebration is now raised to the status of a Feast in England. It is the English Feast honouring Mary remembering the ancient place of Pilgrimage in Norfolk. To enable you to learn more of the History and Devotion to Mary there is now a link under Useful Websites.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 22nd September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving
• Monday 23rd September 8:15am St Pius of Pietreclina (Padre Pio) St Mary’s Convent
• Tuesday 24th September 9:30am Our Lady of Walsingham
• Wednesday 25th September 9:30am Weekday Mass
• Friday 27th September 9:30am St Vincent de Paul
• Sunday 29th September 10am 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope

In preparation for 2025 we are asked to pray. Click here for further details.

The Parishes of North Brighton

You will see the new Logo describing St Mary’s and our Parish as the Parishes of North Brighton reflecting the Parishes of East Brighton and those in the West of Hove( originally the description was used for the area by the Brighton Police!).

England’s Nazareth

This was how Walsingham was known. In the former Priory there was a replica of the house of the Holy Family in Nazareth. Here is an extract from the new Preface of the Feast.

"At Nazareth she receives with faith the message of Gabriel.
And becomes the Mother of your Son
In the holy house of Nazareth,
As the first disciple of her Son,
She receives the message of the Gospel.”

Growing as missionary disciples

This Sunday is known as Home Mission Sunday but now has a new name taken for the Apostolic letter of Pope Francis called Evangelii Gaudium-which means the Joy of the Gospel in which he writes about us as missionary disciples. This is not always understood even as it is part Of the Pastoral Plan. May I recommend you watch and listen to Bishop David Oakley who explains the meaning.

The Season Of Creation

This continues as daily we hear of people speaking up against efforts to delay measures to ameliorate climate change and others speaking of the wonder here in Sussex as we have witnessed the Northern Lights.
One reaction for us is to observe next Sunday as Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday by bringing along some goods which in turn will be donated to the Food Bank.
It is always a joy to see the variety of bags with packets, cans and what else you might eat to share with those who  can’t.

Assisted Suicide

Votes will be taken as this subject comes before Parliament. Care not killing seeks another way in Palliative care and the support of others.
So that you understand the moral position take time to reflect on the teaching by clicking here.

Mass Schedule

Bishop Richard’s Mass intention this week is for the deanery parishes of Brighton and Hove.

• Monday 16th September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Ss Cornelius & Cyprian
• Wednesday 18th September 9:30am – Weekday Mass
• Friday 20th September 9:30am St Matthew – Apostle & Evangelist
• Sunday 22nd September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving

Second Collection

Home Mission Sunday. There will be a basket or the card machine will be available. 

St Bernadette’s School

Monday assembly for the new school year

Mass Count

The annual count for four Sundays commences next week. Do your best to invite families and friends to return to Mass.

The Season of Creation

Yes be praised in all your creatures
Brother sun and sister moon
In the stars and in the wind
Air and fire and flowing water..

Look out on Tuesday after 7pm for the Supermoon which will appear large because of its proximity to earth and red in colour.  Hymn 412 St Francis of Assisi

It is amazing to learn that this is the 176^th Day of prayer for Catholic Schools. That time ago Catholics established schools where the Faith was taught and the practice of it was evident in the lives and spirit of those who taught there. Over the years parishioners gave generously to provide the schools, for many years taking part in football pools and other fund raising events to raise the money to build them. There was too, the generosity of religious sisters and brothers and here in Brighton where we have inherited the site of Lourdes Convent and for the Cardinal Newman School and College. The Sacred Heart Sisters & the Xaverian & De La Salle Brothers. This is all too easy to forget.

We take the opportunity give thanks and pray for God’s Blessing at the commencement of a new School Year.

Do read the Message from the Bishop who heads up Catholic Education by clicking here.

The Season of Creation

We begin this Sunday a time of reflection on the care that is needed for the world. There has been so much reported that we cannot be unaware of the issues – eg intended holidays to Canada cancelled because of wildfires, tornados and drought. Do click here to read more and to access the Pope’s Message.

Adoremus

Next weekend the National eucharistic Congress takes place at Oscott College, honouring the Blessed Sacrament. All the Parishes have been asked to have a period of time after Mass of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

This we will do for half an hour.

Monks In The City

We have developed a programme of opportunities to join with the community for prayer with reflection, contemplation and the teaching of the Rule of St Benedict.

Read more here

Jubilee Year 2025

Next year will be a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church and Pope Francis has invited us to pray in preparation. Please click here for further details

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 8 September 10am Education
• Monday 9 September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent, St Peter Claver
• Wednesday 11 September 9:30am Weekday Mass
• Friday 13 September 9:30am St John Chrysostom
• Saturday 14 September 8:30am HMP Lewes
• Sunday 15 September 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Contactless Giving

The machine is now working and you can make your Offerings on it.When there is a Second Collection ,as next week, you will see it on the screen. Thank you as always for your support and generosity. Remember the only source of income is what parishioners give.

The Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis

This continues in Papua New Guinea and the Timor ending in Singapore.

Go to Useful Websites and select Vatican News.

Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore his sacred Name

O Lord , once lifted on the glorious tree,
As thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

September has arrived with all its new beginnings and changes in many aspects of life and activity. Our schools reopen this week with some children joining Reception or moving into Year 7. We wish them and their Schools a very productive new year.

Prior to the implementation of the Pastoral Plan in January 2025 our parish will be finding ways to cooperate withe parish of St Mary’s, whilst retaining our individual identities and memberships.

The Season of Creation

We begin this Sunday a time of reflection on the care that is needed for the world. There has been so much reported that we cannot be unaware of the issues – eg intended holidays to Canada cancelled because of wildfires, tornados and drought. Do click here to read more and to access the Pope’s Message.

Education Sunday

Next Sunday at our Mass we will be celebrating our Schools and the children are being encouraged to bring some of their school items for a Blessing.

The National Eucharistic Congress At Oscott College

On the weekend of 14th – 15th September this will be celebrated both in Oscott and in all Parishes .Bishop Richard will be with a coach from thia Diocese as will all the other Bishops. After the 10am Mass on the 15th we will have an half hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, (Please click here)
There is a Diocesan leaflet “How to pray-Time spent with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” (Please click here I will send you the link for this in a few minutes)

Preparing For First Holy Communion

Children in Year 3 and above are invited to commence preparation. Some children may already have enrolled. Do have a word with Fr John if you need advice or Baptismal Certificates. 01273 563017 or john.hull@abdiocese.org.uk

Healing Service

A time of prayer, reflection and music. Praying for the healing of our families, for those we know in need and for ourselves.

Sunday 8^th September

St Peter’s Church,

Portland Road, Hove 3-4.30pm

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 1st September 10am for care of Creation
• Monday 2nd September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
• Tuesday 3rd September 9:30am St Gregory The Great
• Wednesday 4th September 9:30am St Cuthbert
• Friday 6th September 9:30am Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart
• Sunday 8th September 10am Education Sunday

For the fruits of his creation,
Thanks be to God!
For his gifts to every nation,
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
Silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth's safe keeping,
Thanks be to God.

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The amazing red sun at its setting reminds us of the ever present effects on our world. Apparently, it was caused by wildfires in Canada .During September we observe the Season of Creation, concluding on the feast of St Francis of Assisi. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday of 2024!

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 25th August 10am (21st Sunday in OT)
• Monday 26th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
• Wednesday 28th August 9:30am
• Friday 30th August 9:30am Saint Aidan and The Saints of Lindisfarne
• Sunday 1st August 10am (22nd Sunday in OT)

Forthcoming Events

• Sunday 8th September – Education Sunday. Mass (10am) Blessing of School Items
• Sunday 15th September -National Eucharistic Congress, Oscott College. All parishes to have a time of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – this will be after the 10am Mass

Blessed Dominic Of The Mother Of God

A member of the Passionist Congregation , who came as a Missionary to England in 1841. He received John Henry Newman into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1863 on the 23^rd October and we await his canonisation.

If you know of anyone wanting to become a Catholic please introduce them to Fr John.

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A good number of people are taking advantage of holiday time and here we have not been drenched with rain or suffered the intense heat as in some other parts of Europe.

This weekend we will be sharing a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass at 3pm in St Mary’s Church followed by tea together. Remember that since the second Vatican Council  the Sacrament is now more generally available, not just for someone near to death, but to strengthen and comfort people with chronic illnesses, disabilities and before operations.

This event also indicates the way forward in cooperation between parishes in the light of the Pastoral Plan.

We are nearing the end of Chapter 6 of St John’s Gospel as after revealing the identity of Jesus the Evangelist has His words about the Gift of the Eucharist. You may recall that at the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, John tells of the washing of the feet of the Apostles in Chapter 13 and other details of the Last Passover meal, unlike the other Evangelists.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 18 August 10:00am Mass (20 in OT)
• Monday 19 August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
• Wednesday 21 August 9:30am Mass (Pope St Pius X)
• Friday 23 August 9:30am (St Rose of Lima)
• Sunday 25 August 10am (21 in OT)

Forthcoming Event

National Eucharistic Congress ay Oscott College. You can read more about this event by clicking here. In our Parish on Sunday 16^th September we will have a period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the Sunday Mass.

Pope St Pius X

Best remembered for his encouragement of frequent reception of Holy Communion and by children. Because of fasting from Midnight it was the custom to have an 8am Mass on Sundays and not at subsequent Masses.

(The present ruling is that we should abstain from food 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. Water or medicine excepted. Canon 919)

He died just before World War 1.

Happy News

St Bernadette’s Year 5 Teacher, Emma & Marco announce the birth of LilyAurora 3.3kgs (7lbs 2oz.)

On Receiving Holy Communion

 In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King

St Cyril of Jerusalem 4th Century

Reply “Amen”, take a step to the left or right and receive the Host.

I received the Living God
And my heart is full of joy,
I received the Living God
And my heart is full of joy.

He said, 'I am the Bread
Kneaded long ago to give you life'

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August is a time of change and rest: holidays happen, harvesting gets underway and energy is recaptured. Among the feasts of the Church will be the Transfiguration and the Assumption of Mary. Reading Chapter 6 of St John’s Gospel is a highlight exploring faith in Jesus and gradually understanding more about the gift of Jesus as he promises himself in the Eucharist.

Bishop Richard

After leading the Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Bishop Richard will be going on retreat and then having a rest before returning to his usual busy life and routine – and his weekly video messages.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 4th August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time
• Monday 5th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Dedication of St Mary Major, Rome
• Tuesday 6th August 9:30am The Transfiguration of The Lord
• Thursday 8th August 9:30am St Dominic
• Friday 9th August 9:30am St Teresa Bendicta of The Cross
• Sunday 11 August 10am 19th in Ordinary Time

The Word of Life

The leaflet to help your prayer during August is now in the Entrance. Remember the text from Scripture has a commentary and during the month let the Word sink in and cause your prayer.

The Lectionary

It will not be too long before the Lectionaries and the Sunday Missals will become available. Do follow this link that gives plenty of information. You will also discover what is meant by the Catholic Edition of the Bible and why we will have a new Translation.

Jesus Shepherd of the sheep
Your true flock in safety keep
Living bread, your life supply
Strengthen us, or else we die.

- from Lauda Sion

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This is the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly following Friday’s  Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. As at least two grandparents commented during the week they had both had SOS messages to go to their daughters to help out. Now that the school holidays have commenced there is evidence of grandpas and grannies out with the children while parents are out at work. Know that you are special!

The 50th Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Bishop Richard leads the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and you can follow it at home on the Diocesan Website at Lourdes Pilgrimage where you can receive his daily message.

On Wednesday the Diocese celebrates Mass in the Grotto and everyone at home in the Diocese will be included in the prayers.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 28 July 10am 17th in Ordinary Time
• Saturday 3 August 8:15am HMP Lewes
• Sunday 4 August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time

Grandparents’ Day

Pope Francis has written a Message for this Day. You can also see a video from Cardinal Vincent (please see below) There is also a reflection about Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of Mary and therefore Grandparents of Jesus.

There is a great devotion to Saint Anne in Brittany.

The Olympic Games in Paris

The Parishes in Paris are welcoming the many visitors to the City and we had a glimpse of Notre Dame Cathedral which is almost finished after its restoration. Read what Pope Francis said here.

And finally…

To holidaymakers – welcome to St Thomas More’s! To those travelling –bon voyage!

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