The Baptism Of The Lord

One of the places Pilgrims visit in the Holy Land is the site where John the Baptist conducted the ritual “dunking“ in the River Jordan with his call to repent and follow faithfully the Covenant. This is recalled in the action of Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus wants to identify with those coming to John for this ritual washing as he sets himself alongside the followers. The Gospel goes on to record Jesus being anointed by the Holy Spirit for his mission to bring the Good News.

By the Sacrament of Baptism we begin to belong the Body of Christ, the Church, becoming God’s children and we are anointed with Holy Oil to be worshipping believers sharing Christ’s life with others. Remember our identity as baptised members. An opportunity to recall where we were baptised, our God parents, the family photographs, and your baptismal candle. Do remember you are baptised and dip your hand into the Holy Water stoup on entering a Church building.

The Gift Of A Shepherd

We are now in the time where we give thanks for the Ministry oof Bishop Richard over the last 10 years. In Arundel Cathedral on Friday 30^th January there will be a Mass of thanksgiving at 6.30pm followed by a reception in Arundel Castle. Note the date. Guidance on how we pray for the gift of a new Shepherd for the Diocese is now available to read

The Gift of a Shepherd Download

Pope Leo appointed Bishop Richard as Archbishop of Westminster on Thursday 19 December. The Archbishop-elect will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009. On hearing of his appointment, +Richard said:

“I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster… Serving the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has given me the wonderful opportunity of sharing the Church’s mission with lay faithful and clergy, and I give thanks for the many blessings of these last ten years.”

Speaking shortly after the announcement, the diocesan Chancellor, Canon Jonathan Martin said: “This is, without a doubt, a cause of great rejoicing for the Church in England and Wales, even if tinged with the sadness of loss for us in Arundel & Brighton. Bishop Richard took possession of our Diocese on the day of our fiftieth ‘birthday’ and has been our much-loved Shepherd for just over a decade.

“He has served us with unstinting generosity and good humour, brought great dignity and devotion to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, and fostered, through his own evident love of the Sacred Scriptures, the practice of Lectio Divina that is now well-established in so many of our parishes. The greatest legacy that Bishop Richard leaves behind is the diocesan Pastoral Plan…

“It is for us to realise this beautiful vision that Bishop Richard set before us and to continue to build upon the firm foundations he established with the courage and vision [that] he will now undoubtedly take to Westminster.”

There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Richard’s Ministry in Arundel & Brighton at Arundel Cathedral on Friday 30 January at 6.30pm. The Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop-Elect Richard, will be followed by a reception in the Baron’s Hall at Arundel Castle, by kind permission of His Grace, the Duke of Norfolk. There is no need to register to attend the Mass, all are very welcome

Mass Schedule

Sunday 11th January 10am The Baptism Of The Lord
Monday 12th January 8:15am St Mary’s House St Aelred of Rievaulx
Wednesday 14th January 9:30am
Friday 16th January 9:30am
Saturday 17th January 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 18th January 10am Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time

Sunday Cycle – Year A (St Matthew’s Gospel)

Weekday Lectionary – Year 2 (because 2026 is an even year)

Praying With The Pope

Pope Leo is encouraging us to pray with Scriptures.

Do watch the short video and explanation of the Monthly intention.

Please follow this link.

The Word Of Life

The leaflet for January is now available for you to use during the days ahead. Take the Scripture Text, keep it by your side and little by little pray with it so it begins to be you.

Brighton and Hove Clergy Team Meeting

Tuesday afternoon

The End Of The Jubilee

On the feast of the Epiphany Pope Leo conclude the Jubilee Year with the closing of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. The theme that we are Pilgrims of hope continues in our daily practice.

Thank You

May I thank you for the Christmas offering, your personal gifts, greetings and support in so many ways. With hope for the New Year of our Lord 2026.

Fr John

O living water, refresh my soul
O living water refresh my soul
Spirit of joy, Lord of creation
Spirit of hope, Spirit of peace.

Christmastide

The twelve days of Christmas are racing to the finish. We have been reflecting on the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the presence of God made Man in our midst with help of the First Letter of John, his Gospel and that of St Matthew the Evangelist for 2026. The Holy Day of the Epiphany on Tuesday celebrates the homage of the three Wise Men, Kings, Magi to the infant Jesus, prior to the escape of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 4th January 10am 2nd Sunday of Christmas
Monday 5th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 6th January 10am The Epiphany of The Lord (Holy Day)
Wednesday 7th January 10am Epiphanytide
Friday 9th January 10am Epiphanytide
Sunday 11th January 10am The Baptism of The Lord

Please note that from next week (w/c 11th January) Wednesday and Friday Masses return to their usual time of 9:30am.

Gerald Fleet RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Gerald Fleet husband of the late Maureen Fleet RIP.

Regina Stripp

Regina has now moved to the Maples Care Home in Peacehaven

Bishop Richard

Archbishop Elect of Westminster. Bishop Richard will be installed in Westminster Cathedral on 14^th February.

We will be receiving guidance for prayer for a new shepherd for Arundel and Brighton shortly. Please follow this link for further information.

Back to school

Both St. Bernadette’s and Cardinal Neman School re-open their doors on Monday morning (weather permitting). Please check emails and local media for any advice re school closures.

Be prudent

Do take care out and about. If you have flu or a heavy cold observe advice, stay at home and do not share.

My thanks

May I thank you for the Christmas Offering, the Greetings and your thoughtful gifts. Your generosity and support is much appreciated.

This is he whom seers and sages
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the writings of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word;
Now he shines, the long expected;
Let our songs declare his worth, 
Evermore and evermore.

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The Fourth Sunday Of Advent

Nearly there with just two days to wait. Our invitation “Come Lord Jesus come” will be met with the birth in Bethlehem of Jesus. There will be the 12 Days of Christmas to celebrate. The Creed reminds us of the meaning of the feast – unlike the thin and dim media statements “this is Christmas” from November onwards. “I believe in the only begotten Son of God…God from God, Light from Light… incarnate of the Virgin Mary”. At the crib at home and in the church – wonder, pray and be filled with joy.

Archbishop Elect Of Westminster

A surprise this Friday morning. Our Bishop Richard has been appointed to the Diocese of Westminster by Pope Leo. Our Prayers will be offered for him in gratitude for his ministry with us and for his new ministry with major responsibilities. Please click here for more on this story.

Bishop Ricard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

With the focus in Advent moving, from the 17^th December, to the proximate preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth, this Sunday’s readings focus very clearly on the Incarnation.

Isaiah’s message is clear: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel – God-with-us. St Paul, in the first words of his letter to the Romans, is clear in his witness to the Saviour, from the House of David.

Matthew’s account of the announcement of Jesus’ coming focuses on Joseph – of the House of David, and the angel’s words to this man of integrity, astounded at what he has been told, are those of Isaiah.

The One who is to be born is the fulfilment of the prophecies of old, of David’s line and coming to the world in simplicity and in wonder. As we prepare in these final few days before the celebration of Christmas, may our response be that of Joseph: wonder, reflection and – now that our salvation has been won for us – obedience to the Word made flesh, God-with-us.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Joint Statement From Bishop Richard and Archbishop Bernard Longley

Today, 17 December, sees the beginning of the octave before Christmas, an ancient part of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, with a focus upon the coming of Christ the Prince of Peace at Christmas and marked by the singing of the ‘O Antiphons’ at the evening Office of Vespers.

The Christmas story gives us inspiration and hope in a world that can feel divided. We are concerned about the tensions that are growing in society and the desire by some groups to sow seeds of division within our communities. This does not reflect the spirit or message of Christmas.

From the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” referring to Jesus’ birth and second coming, Advent is a time of preparation. Parishes will have an Advent wreath with candles which are lit each Sunday as we approach Christmas. The candles symbolise hope, peace, joy and love. For Catholics these form the focus of our liturgy, prayer and social action. Our participation in Advent and the celebration of Christmas is our lived response in opposition to those who seek division.

Please click here to read more on this topic.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 21st December 10am
Monday 22nd December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 23rd December 9:30am
Wednesday 24th December 9:30am
Wednesday 24th December 6pm CHRISTMAS MASS WITH BLESSING OF CRIB
Thursday 25th December 10am CHRISTMAS DAY MASS WITH CAROLS
Friday 26th December 10am St Stephen’s Day
Saturday 27th December 8:15am St John Apostle HMP Lewes
Sunday 28th December 10am Holy Family
Monday 29th December 8:15am St Thomas Becket St Mary’s House
Tuesday 30th December 10am
Wednesday 31st December 10am
THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2026
Thursday 1st January 11am Mary, Mother of God
Friday 2nd January 9:30am Ss Basil and Gregory
Saturday 3rd January Holy Name of Jesus
Sunday 4th January 10am 2nd Sunday of Christmas

May I wish you joy, peace, and hope for these days of Christmas.

O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!

The Third Week Of Advent

“In the pink” A possibility where there is a chasuble in that colour or nearby rose. The sign that the third Sunday of Advent also known as Rejoice Sunday marks the fact that our joyful expectation moves us ever closer to the Nativity. John the Baptist who last week was reminding us to review our lives (repent is the way he put it) this week checks out the identity of the one who reveals the work of the Messiah. On Wednesday December 17^th we begin the countdown of “Greater Advent “. In the Mass and the Office, we begin using a form of invitation when we recall the titles of the expected one. These are also contained in the Advent Hymn – “O come, O come and Rejoice”. Make the most of the remaining days of Advent with a sense of patient waiting.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday finds us celebrating Gaudete Sunday – Rejoicing Sunday – taking its name from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass: Rejoice. The vestment colour changes to Rose, a sign that we are at a mid-point in the Season of Advent. We rejoice that the coming of the Lord is near.

The readings speak of waiting in patience. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as the greatest person born of woman. Yet He compares John to the least in the Kingdom of heaven – we wait in patience for the coming of the Kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the promise of God’s coming and the need for us to be ready – but patience is needed, for the Lord has not yet come.

James, in his letter, calls plainly for patience. His words reflect Isaiah – we must be ready for the coming of the Lord and be patient until He comes again.

We live in a world where so many expect instantaneous results. The world seems, perhaps, to move faster – and there are many in our communities, our homes, who feel the pain of isolation. Like those to whom James writes, we need to learn the patience of the farmer, who must wait for the rain, the sun and the results of the crop.

As Jesus’ followers, we have an opportunity for a particular witness to the world – a certain slowing of pace that is the witness of patient and joyful waiting. Spending time in prayer, living the rhythm of the seasons of the Church’s year, reflecting on the Scriptures and giving time to our brothers and sisters. Such life prepares us for the coming of the Kingdom of God and will enable us to truly celebrate the feast of the Lord’s birth.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Carol Service

Come along on Sunday Evening (14th December) to St Mary’s at 7pm. Enjoy, listen and sing. Refreshments in the Hall. Donations for the roof fund.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 14th December 10am 3rd Sunday of Advent
Monday 15th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 17th December 9:30am
Wednesday 17th December 12pm Requiem Mass for John Glasheen RIP
Friday 19th December 9:30am
Sunday 21st December 10am 4th Sunday of Advent

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

St Thomas More Saturday 12 noon
St Mary’s Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
St Joseph’s Saturday 11am to 11:45am
Sacred Heart Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Sacred Heart Sunday 21st December 3pm – four priests will be available to hear confession

The Assisted Suicide Bill

This is with the House of Lords. Have your say.

Unlike MPs, Members of the House of Lords do not have constituents, meaning there is not a Peer whose job it is to represent you based on the area of the country in which you live.

For this reason you should take some time to think about which Peer you will write to and why – such as whether you have a personal or professional connection with them, or you have professional expertise in medicine or healthcare. If you know a former MP for your constituency has been elevated to the House of Lords they may be interested in hearing from you. Click here to continue.

Herald of the joyful tidings
Stand upon the mountain high
Lift your voice, O be not frightened
Bravely raise the Gospel cry.
God himself will come to save us
From our grave iniquities
Soon our longing eyes will see him
Jesus, Saviour Prince of peace.

The Second Week of Advent

The progression of Advent moves on and in this second week, John the Baptist comes on the scene. He has a definite call about a change of direction, an assessment of how we reflect Christ’s ways and will. We do that by taking time to review our consciences – the capacity we have to judge right or wrong. Described like Lent as a penitential season, it provides an opportunity for us to see whether our values are in tune with the kingship of God.

Advent Calendar

Just a week late ! Here is a link to an Advent Calendar with a religious character. It is called a Wave of Hope, picking up on the Jubilee of Hope.Our Bishop provides one item for December 3rd. You can find 25 contributions here.

The Immaculate Conception of Mary

On Monday 8^th December we celebrate Mary’s being chosen from her conception to become the mother of the long-awaited Saviour. For those who love the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and St Bernadette, this is a special day to pray the rosary, or to come to the 9.30 Mass and even to visit the Grotto of Lourdes by going to this link.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Prophet Isaiah, writing some 800 years before the birth of Jesus, looks forward to a time when there will be peace and justice. His prophecy, which we hear in today’s first reading, speaks of openness to those gifts that we now recognise as the gifts of the Spirit, of mercy and justice for those who are oppressed, of total harmony for all of creation.

In the Gospel this weekend, we find the last of all the prophets – John the Baptist – speaking out against the oppressors of his day and warning them of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, whose message St Paul preaches to the Romans in a way that reflects the prophecy of Isaiah – for Christ has come that all may live in harmony.

At a time in our own history when we see so clearly that this message of peace and justice, of harmony between peoples and across the whole of creation – itself, God’s gift to us – is in peril, let us pray fervently for a renewed openness to the gift of peace. Let us pray for the recognition of the dignity of every person, especially on the part of all those in positions of power. May the world hear the warnings of John the Baptist and be open to the gifts of the Spirit and the peace that is Jesus’ gift to us.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 7th December 10am
Monday 8th December (The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary) 8:15am St Mary’s House, 9:30am (STM)
Wednesday 10th December 9:30am
Friday 12th December 9:30am
Sunday 14th December (3rd Sunday of Advent) 10am

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Wednesday 10th December 10:50am St Bernadette’s School (Years 4-6)
Friday 12th December 12:30pm – 1:30pm Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Saturday 13th December 12 noon to 12:30pm St Thomas More’s Church (Other times by arrangement)

Carol Service Sunday 14th December 7pm, St Mary’s Church

Donations welcomed for St Mary’s Church roof fund. Refreshments in the Hall.

Sunday Missals

Do have a word if you wish to purchase either a Missal of Years A, B, and C or just a copy for Year A.

Requiem Mass

For Susan Cook RIP on Friday December 19^th in St Mary’s 1.30pm

Prepare the way for the Lord
Make a straight path for God
Prepare the way for the lord
Wait for the Lord whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; keep watch take heart.

The First Sunday Of Advent

The countdown to the Solemnity ahead has a last commenced- four weeks which follow a pattern.

The first is about the final coming of Christ, the second prepares a community of repentance, the third is the task of John the Baptist to point out Jesus as the Messiah and on the fourth we have Mary preparing for the birth of her Son.

In the Lectionary we move to Year A when the evangelist is Matthew who has his own way of recording the events of the life of Jesus.

Advent is a time of preparing for the birth of Jesus and that will be our focus. Like Lent, Advent is a time when it appropriate to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession. There will be a number of celebrations which will be planned in the next few weeks with a choice of confessors.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday sees the Church begin a new Liturgical Year. The First Sunday of Advent heralds a time of preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth. It is, also, a “season of two parts.” We begin with a focus on the coming Kingdom of God. The second part, beginning on 17^th December, provides a more intense preparation for Christmas.

In this first part of Advent, we reflect on our hope in the coming Kingdom. This carries a particular resonance this year, perhaps, as we enter the final month of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Advent calls us to be open to the gift of hope. Hope is a virtue. Hope is a gift. It is a mark of the Christian, for our lives are a preparation for the coming of the Lord. We proclaim, every time we profess our faith in the Creed: “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” The Christian life looks forward all the time – in hope – to the wonder of the experience of total love in the Kingdom of the Father. This hope must inform our actions, our encounters with others, our words, our prayer. It is this hope that enables us to live our Christian life, sometimes in the face of opposition and not without suffering and difficulty, here and now – to be Christ’s people each and every day, as we await His coming.

May this season be a time of renewed hope for us all, bringing us to be ever more effective in the work of mission that the Lord has given to us as beacons of hope, witnesses to the coming Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 30th November 10am Advent 1
Monday 1st December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 3rd December 9:30am St Francis Xavier
Friday 5th December 9:30am
Saturday 6th December 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 7th December 10am Advent 2

The Word Of Life

The word of the Scriptures are valuable during the season for reflection.

The December Word of Life leaflet is available on the table in the porch for you.

Pope Leo’s Visit To Turkey To Meet The Orthodox Patriarch

Before setting out he published a letter celebrating the 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. You can read more about this by following this link.

Bishop Richard’s Comment On The Lifting Of The Two Child Benefits Cap

Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments. Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments.

More can be found .

Last Sunday’s Gathering

Thank you for meeting up and especially to James who introduced the Vision & Mission Statement and to those who looked after the refreshments and provided goodies.

Seeking God in prayer – Growing together in faith – Reaching out in love

Come prepare the way of the Lord
Open wide the gates of your heart
For the Saviour comes
And all will see the salvation of God.

Thirty-fourth Week In Ordinary Time. The Solemnity Of Christ The King

The liturgical year concludes with the solemnity of Christ the King. A title which reminds us of our allegiance to him as believers. It was in our mother’s arms that the moment of our being anointed with Chrism that the words “as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King , so may you live always as a member of his body” were spoken. You will, of course, recall the positioning of screens for the anointing with oil of King Charles. This was followed by Prince William promising to be his liege servant. Reflect on the relationship we have as baptised and anointed members.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The feast we celebrate this Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 – the 16^th Centenary of the Council of Nicaea when the definition of Christ being consubstantial with the Father was made – an anniversary that the Church has been keeping again this year.

Jesus is our King – the word Christ means ‘the anointed one’ – and we are all called to share in His Kingship. Indeed, we are reminded of this at our baptism when we are anointed with Chrism in a prayer that speaks of our sharing in His Kingship.

In an age when there are so many challenges to the Christian Way, challenges to the Kingship of Christ, it is good for us to be able to celebrate this feast, for it reminds us of who we are, and it speaks of our destiny as the children of God.

Jesus, sprung from the race of David – who had been anointed by Samuel for his role as king – fulfils the Father’s plan. We read of this in today’s second reading. All is brought to fulfilment in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead; Christ who is the Word of God, Who existed before all things and in Whom all is created. We are His body; He is the head. He is King.

The Gospel this Sunday speaks of that destiny in a most powerful way. Jesus tells the thief who recognises the Lord’s goodness: “today, you will be with me in paradise.” These are words we must all wish to hear, for when we do we have confirmation of our destiny, we know we shall share in the life of the Anointed One, Christ our King – that we shall live the fullness of what it means to be His.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Community Gathering

After Mass this Sunday an opportunity to meet up and hear about the Vision for the Parish of Brighton and Hove and our place in it.

Participation

There are some information videos from the Central Diocesan Offices about Finance and Health and Safety you may find informative.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 23rd November 10am Christ the King
Monday 24th November 8:15am St Mary’s House The Martyrs of Vietnam
Wednesday 26th November 9:30am Susan Cook RIP
Friday 28th November 9:30am The Holy Souls
Saturday 29th November 8:15am HMP Lewes
Sunday 30th November 10am 1st Sunday of Advent

School Admissions

A reminder of the necessity to do two things – 1 complete B&H council form 2 Complete the School SIF with Certificate of Baptism.

Advent Retreat Day

Saturday 6^th December based at St John the Baptist, Kemp Town. Book with monksinthecity@worth.org.uk See poster.

Inauguration Of Two Surrey Areas

In the next few days the Bishop will inaugurate the Parish of Guildford and the Parish of Weybridge, just like B&H, gatherings of the existing parish communities.

Advent Sacrament Of Reconciliation

Like Lent this is a season when we should avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession: STM Saturday 11.30-12noon. St Mary’s Sats 5.15-5.45pm. As always by arrangement 01273 563017.

Christ is King, Let joy and gladness
Greet him let his courts resound
With the praise of faithful subjects
To his love in honour bound.

Thirty-third Week In Ordinary Time

Nearly there – that is the end of Liturgical Year C when we have heard St Luke’s Gospel. Next Sunday Christ the King is celebrated before we commence a new season. There is an end of time feel to the readings, but no necessity to pack up except to be prepared.

Get together, catch up, info

Do join in after Mass next Sunday for an informal gathering with tea and coffee. Pre-advent with no mince pies.

The Bishops of England and Wales Plenary Conference

The Bishops met last week for their Autumn Conference. They not only lead their Diocese but also have responsibilities for national pastoral items.

Bishop Richard is no exception – he is the Lead Bishop for matters of the Criminal Justice system. Watch him being interviewed about his work by following this link.

World Day Of The Poor

Quoting Psalm 71 “you are my hope” Pope Leo sends a Message for the Day in which he encourages the development of policies to combat forms of poverty evident in our society. Take time to reflect on the news and the forthcoming budget.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 16th November 10am
Monday 17th November 8:15am St Mary’s House – St Hilda of Whitby
Wednesday 19th November 9:30am Kitty Tucker RIP (FM)
Friday 21st November 9:30am Presentation of The Blessed Virgin Mary (int Patrick Duncliffe RIP FP)
Sunday 23rd November 10am Our Lord Jesus Christ Universal King

Retiring Collection

Your donations to the Retired Priests’ Fund will be very welcomed. Thank you.

B&H Parish Website Proposal

There will be a meeting on Tuesday afternoon meeting to consider proposal for a website covering the whole area.


In your coming and going God is with you
He will keep you in safety night and day.

Hymn no. 370

The Dedication Of The Lateran Basilica

Of the four basilicas in Rome this is the most important, being the Pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome. The name originates form the Lateran family which owned the land and that the Emperor Constantine bought from them. On the front of the present building there are fifteen colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and twelve Doctors of the Church. It is said that its title has changed during the centuries from St Saviour’s to St John and they could not decide which John so they included the two.

Its dedication is celebrated as a feast because it is regarded as the mother of all churches, the parish church of all Catholics.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For many of us, when we think of Rome, we think of St Peter’s Basilica. In a Jubilee Year such as this, the entry through the Holy Door of St Peter’s is a high point of any pilgrimage. It is from the Apostolic Palace, next to St Peter’s, that the Holy Father makes his Angelus addresses and it is there that the public audiences take place, as well as significant celebrations in the life of the Church: canonisations, the inaugurations of new popes and the requiem Masses for deceased popes.

Yet it is the Lateran Basilica, built originally by the Emperor Constantine, that is described as “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World.” It is the Cathedral Church of Rome, and popes lived in the Lateran Palace for hundreds of years. It is the Pope’s Cathedral, for he is the Bishop of Rome.

It is for this reason that the whole Church celebrates this feast. It is a celebration of our unity with the Holy Father, the successor of St Peter.

This Sunday’s first reading, the vision of Ezekiel of the Temple in Jerusalem, speaks of the water that flows from the Temple bringing life to the desert. So it is for the Church. The waters of baptism – in which, as St Paul tells us, we die and rise with the new life of Christ – bring us to live our lives in the love that exists in the Trinity, as members of Christ’s Church.

The celebration of the dedication of any Church is a reminder, as St Paul tells us in this Sunday’s second reading, that the Church is made of the living stones of the baptised. We are the Church, called to reflect the wonder of the Gospel to the world around us. This is the mission that we have been given through our baptism – the mission that calls others to share in the wonder of the Church’s life, the life of Christ.

The Lateran Basilica, the “mother of all the churches” stands as a witness to the world and a reminder to us, who are the living stones, of the mission to which we are called, in union with Pope Leo, the successor of Peter.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Remembrance Sunday

Having celebrated the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War earlier in the year, memories have been refreshed. In the nation there are occasions of remembrance, in moments of silence, parades, assemblies and in prayer for those who have died in wars and armed conflict – it is an opportunity too to be as the Beatitudes reminded us – Peacemakers. At this moment there are parts of the world where violence and destruction continue. Pope Leo reminds us to pray for peace.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 9th November 10am Dedication of St John Lateran and Remembrance Sunday
Monday 10th November 8:15am St Leo the Great St Mary’s House
Tuesday 11th November 11am Requiem Mass for deceased clergy who have served the churches of Brighton and Hove
Wednesday 12th November 9:30am St Josaphat
Friday 14th November 9:30am
Saturday 15th November 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 16th November 10am

Blessing of Graves

Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm – prayers of Remembrance. Pause at the military graves.

Barbara Hatton RIP

The Funeral Service will be at Woodvale North Chapel at 2pm this Friday the 14th November. Remember David in your prayers.

Get Together. Catch Up. Information

Do gather in our hall on Sunday 23rd. Christ the King Sunday. Offers of help and nibbles welcomed, teas and coffees.

So long thy power
Hath  blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen
O'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn
Those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, 
and lost awhile.

St John Henry Newman

The Thirty First Week In Ordinary Time

Another unusual peculiarity of the 2025 Calendar. The solemnity of All Saints is a Holyday of Obligation but like other such Days in England if it falls on a Saturday or Monday it is transferred to Sunday – which is always a Holy Day of Obligation. So we will celebrate All Saints on Sunday and as a result All Souls (The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed) is moved to Monday.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday we celebrate the beautiful feast of All Saints. This day reflects the full wonder of the family of the Church. Throughout the year, we celebrate the feasts of those who, through canonization, are set before us as examples, teachers and guides – those who through their martyrdom, their teaching, the witness of their lives inspire us on our pilgrim journey. We seek their intercession in our need.

Today we remember the countless numbers of people – “a huge number, impossible to count, from every nation, race tribe and language” as St John described them in today’s first reading, who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. They are our family members, our friends, fellow parishioners, people we have known and loved, people we have never known. They too, like the canonized saints, pray for us. They have attained the destiny that the Lord won for us through His passion, death and resurrection – that live in the love of God in its completeness for all eternity.

In the second reading, the same John who wrote the Apocalypse – this time in his first letter – offers us this wonderful hope: “What we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as he really is.” To know God in his fullness, to be LIKE Him – this is the hope of a love beyond anything we could possibly know in this life, for it is completeness, wholeness, peace and utter joy.

St John also reminds us in the letter that we must, in this life, prepare ourselves for this destiny-beyond-description. The beatitudes of today’s Gospel provide a sure guide for our pilgrim journey. Reflect on these words of Jesus: poverty of spirit, gentleness, acceptance of sadness, desire for all that is right, mercy, purity, striving for peace, acceptance of persecution and difficulty on account of our following of Him. This the way we are called to follow.

Let us rejoice, then, in all those who share the wonder of heaven and, enriched by the gift of hope, follow the way that leads to life. Let us become a community of saints.

With every blessing,

+Richard

The Month of November

By custom during this month we remember our deceased Family members and Friends in a number of ways –

Recalling what they meant for us and how we grieved their loss, visiting their graves if possible, having a Mass offered for them, attending the blessing of graves on Sunday 9^th November in the cemeteries of Brighton and Hove at 2.30pm.

Envelopes for Mass Intentions are on the table in the Entrance.

If you can listen to Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius , Faure’s’ Requiem or other composers’ settings of the Requiem.

The November Word of Life

The monthly leaflet to accompany you in your prayer is now in the Entrance for you to pick up.

The Mass Schedule

Sunday 2nd November 10am The Solemnity of All Saints
Monday 3rd November The Solemnity of All Souls 8:15am St Mary’s House, 9:30am Saint Thomas More
Wednesday 5th November 9:30am
Friday 7th November 9:30am
Saturday 8th November 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 9th November The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (St John’s)

This Week

Monday 3rd November Diocesan health and safety visit
Tuesday 4th November Brighton and Hove clergy meeting
Thursday 6th November Clergy safeguarding training at AMEX stadium 9am to 4pm
Friday 7th November (PM) St Bernadette’s planning

Next Week Brighton and Hove Parish

Requiem for deceased clergy who have served the area
Tuesday 11th November Mass at 10:55am to include the National Minute’s Silence at St Thomas More’s Church. All welcome

Noticeboard

Do check this for details of forthcoming events

St John Henry Newman, Doctor of The Church

Pope Leo declared St John Henry Newman the 38^th Doctor of the Church on Saturday 1^st November. It coincides with the Jubilee Celebration of Catholic Education and the publication of the Pope’s second Letter for the occasion.

You can read more about this here.

Lead kindly light amid  the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on
The night is dark and I am far from home
Lead Thou me on
Keep Thou my feet, I do not ask to see
The distant scene - one step enough for me.
     
St John Henry Newman.