The great Feast of Easter is with us and as so many are saying it has come quickly. We can make the most of the 50 Days as we renew the promise of our lives in the different conditions we find are ours. In a spirit of faith, we deepen the commitment of the Sacrament of Baptism which may have happened long ago and are inspired by those adults who are baptised at the Easter Vigil along with those being received into full communion in Christ’s Church. Along with these features of Easter life comes a fresh joy in our hearts –singing a new song.

It is also a time to thank parishioners for their generous support in giving but also in the time and effort of ministries – of reading preparations for the liturgies, maintenance, music, finance and so many ways needed to support the parish community.

The Chrism Mass

Some of you did join the live streaming of this significant Mass. You can read more here.

Easter Week Mass Schedule

• Easter Sunday Mass (March 31st) 10am Int. for the People of the Parish
• Easter Monday Mass (April 1st) 9.30am Int. Arline Bowman RIP Anniversary
• Easter Tuesday Mass (April 2nd) 9.30am Int. Anne Carroll RIP
• Easter Wednesday Mass (April 3rd) 9.30am Int. Hilda Searle RIP ( F. Parsons)
• Easter Friday Mass 9.30am (April 5th) Int. Halina Salvage RIP
• Second Sunday of Easter Mass (April 7th) 10am

Hilda Searle RIP

Please pray for the soul of Hilda Searle who has died in the Royal Sussex County Hospital. For so many years a faithful Mass goer, sacristan, and member of the SVP. Her parked car was always guarded by one of her Yorkies.

School Holidays

Our schools broke up on Thursday and will enjoy a two week break.

Awaking Time

In many meanings! Did you wake up an hour earlier as Summertime commenced?

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Now the green blade riseth
From the buried grain
Wheat that in the dark earth
Many days has lain,
Love lives again,
That with the dead has been,
Love is come again,
Like wheat that springeth green.

An opportunity to discover the destiny of Jesus as we discover more about who he means for us. We will travel with him from the moment he enters Jerusalem, the growing rejection of him, the gift of himself in service, his patience in suffering, his betrayal, and his sacrifice on the cross. We accompany him along with Mary and his close friends, sensing their reactions and emotions. All the features of our lives are reflected in the Passion accounts of Mark and John as we try to find answers to the questions we ask. The Liturgies of the three days guide us on the way.

The Chrism Mass

In Arundel Cathedral our Bishop gathers the Priests for this Celebration. We renew our Priestly Promises and then the Oils are blessed for use in the celebration of the Sacraments – the Oil for the Baptism of young and old, the Oil of Chrism for the anointings at Confirmation, Baptisms, the Ordination of Priests, the Consecration of chalices, patens, altars and buildings and the Oil for the Anointing of the Sick.

You can witness this by going to the Arundel Cathedral website at 6pm on Wednesday. The Deanery Oil Stocks are filled after the Mass and parish stocks are filled on Thursday morning.

Palm Sunday of The Passion

At 10am we gather in our Hall for the blessing and distribution of Palms followed by a Procession into the Church. The Passion of St Mark is proclaimed. Do join in the Crowd sections marked © in your missals.

The Three Days – The Paschal Triduum

Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday

7pm The Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Holy Oils are received in the Church and the Gift of the Eucharist is celebrated

Good Friday

A day of fasting and abstinence

10am The Way of the Cross

3pm The Liturgy of the Passion

Holy Saturday

7pm The Easter Vigil. This year we will join the congregation of St Mary’s Church, Surrenden Road.

Easter Sunday Mass

Mass at 10am – celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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The Stations of The Cross with Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Invited – Episode 5 Season IV

And finally…don’t forget!

The clocks go forward very early in the morning on Sunday 31st March – Easter Sunday! Please don’t be late for Mass.

Passiontide

The name given to the last weeks of the season of Lent. The focus of our journey turns to the events leading us to the Three Days of Holy Week. As is the custom, the statues of Mary and Thomas More are covered up, as too is the crucifix. Our Lenten observances prepare us for the momentous events recorded in the Gospels, along with the growing opposition of the crowds towards Jesus. The way of the cross we walk with Him reflects back to us what happened and what happens in daily living.

Reconciliation

Details of the opportunities for Individual Confession as part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are posted on the noticeboard in the entrance. These give people a choice of priests to minister the Sacrament. In this Parish the Sacrament can be requested by arrangement.

Invited

The fourth session of the Mission is all about Reconciliation and if you have difficulties with understanding what it is about, you will find clear instruction.

Tower House Community Centre

A cafe now runs each day from 11am – 2pm. Click here for further details.

New Life In The City

A weekend Retreat in Brighton for 18 -35-year-olds. April 26th -28th. See poster for more details.

Mass Schedule

• Fifth Sunday of Lent Mass 10am Int. May Wynne RIP
• Tuesday 19th March St Joseph Mass 9.30am
• Wednesday 20th March Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday 22nd March Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Palm Sunday 24th March Mass 10am

Brighton Clergy Meet 3pm Tuesday

Meeting of Clergy in the Brighton Parishes about the Pastoral Plan.

St Joseph

Good and faithful servant God was pleased to place His own family in your care.

Joseph – the Just man. The one who listened, the man of trust , the loving father.

Patron of a Happy Death, dying in the presence of his loved ones. Pray for us.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of The Lord

Next Sunday we gather in the hall for the Blessing of the Palms and the process through the gates, symbolising the Entry into Jerusalem, followed by the reading of the Passion according to St Mark at 10am. Do join in the C parts of the response of the crowd.

Holy Week 2024

Details of the Three Days are on the Noticeboard.

Advance Notice

Clocks go forward one hour on Easter Sunday morning. We have to be up one hour earlier. Do not miss your Easter Mass!

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Joseph, be our guide and pattern.
Faithful to your sacred trust
Strong protector of the Virgin
And the infant Jesus Christ
Joseph firm and faithful guide us
Joseph walk the way with us.

This Sunday is traditionally known as “Rejoice. Be joyful Sunday.” Marking the mid-point of the Lenten Journey. It is an uplifting journey of hope, a preparation time of reflection and renewal for the joy of Easter. We recall that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, shown to us through what he suffers. When faced with the questions about suffering and the present state of the world, we have a guide in what Jesus went through for us.

Day of Prayer for the suffering people of the Holy Land

Around the worldwide Church there is a call to have a day of prayer for those suffering from the effects of war and destruction.

This coming Saturday 16th March we will have in the Morning the following activities

• 11am – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
• 11:15 – 12 Noon The Sacrament of Reconciliation
• 12.05 Benediction

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Please listen to this podcast

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 4 of Lent. Mass 10am
• Wednesday. Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday. Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Saturday, Adoration. Prayer for the suffering people of the Holy Land. The Sacrament of Reconciliation. 11am -12 Noon.

Diocesan Posts

Assistant Safeguarding Coordinator. For details click here

Deanery Clergy Conference

The Clergy will be meeting at St Thomas More’s for our monthly Conference this Tuesday, now that our hall is free on Tuesdays.

Praying for vocations

Do pick up a prayer card with a prayer for vocations to the Priesthood and Diaconate.

Remember Canon Michael Spelman who died in retirement in Knock.

Invited

The Third Episode of the Diocesan Mission is now available reflecting on Community. Watch below

Lenten Alms

Wall box in Entrance set aside for your Alms.

Mother’s Day

We take the opportunity to thank our Mothers who have given birth to us and for what they do for us.

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Mother of God’s living Word
Glorifying Christ your Lord,
Full of joy God’s people sing,
Grateful for your mothering.

Within a few days we will reach the mid-point of the Season of Lent. It is always a good time to check on our progress by remembering the description of what Lent means. “Lent is a time for turning again to the practice of the Faith – prayer, self-denial and practical generosity.” In our weekly news these elements appear. Let us not miss out. It is s spiritual Springtime, a joyful season when God wants to give us new grace and new life.

 

Prayer

Praying The Our Father. Please click here.

The Word of Life

 The leaflet for March is on the table in the Entrance .The purpose is for use during the days of March to focus prayer and reflection on the words of Scripture to give life to our Christian living.

Do Justice

A vision for spiritual and civic renewal produced by the Catholic Social Action Network. Please click here.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday March 3rd Mass 10am
• Wednesday March 6th Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday March 8th Lent Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Sunday March 10th 4th of Lent Mass 10am

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession. A list of opportunities is on the Noticeboard. These refer to Services where additional priest Confessors are available.

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Lord of life, you give us all our days: 
Let your life fill ours with hope and praise.
May our learning, seeking, yearning,
Lead us on to share your risen life.

Hymn 451

                              

On the Second Sunday of Lent the Gospel is always an account of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. It is one of the events which we consider when we pray the Rosary and reflect on it in the Mysteries of Light or Luminous Mysteries, as it gives us further insight into the person of Jesus. “To know you more clearly , to love you more dearly” – part of our Lenten efforts.

Lenten Emphasis On Prayer

There are resources for us to discover as we examine our prayer habits. Pope Francis is encouraging us to take the opportunity to develop our exercise of prayer. How do we Pray ?. You can find some advice on the website CBCEW- the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.- “Why the Lord’s prayer is so important to us “ and news of a forthcoming booklet -Teach us to pray. You could also try to use the daily suggestions towards the bottom of the list of “Useful Websites “. The app “Universalis” can be downloaded on your phones with the Morning and Evening Prayers of the Church and the Mass details of each day click here for iOS and here for android.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

You will have read how our Bishop has asked us to have time before the Blessed Sacrament to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Diaconate and for the Church of Arundel and Brighton as the Diocesan Plan is gradually implemented. This Sunday after the 10.00am Mass there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for an extended time of thanksgiving after our Communions until 11.30am. Fr John would like to hear of your suggestions about future times for periods of Adoration.

Invited

Details of this week’s session of the Diocesan Mission can be found on the Diocesan Website together with the times when the videos will be available.Please click here.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass (25th February)10AM Int. for the people of the Parish
• Wednesday (28th February) . Lent Weekday Mass 9.30amInt.Gilbert Losasso RIP
• Friday (1st March) . St David Patron Saint of Wales. Mass 9.30am
• Third Sunday of Lent (3rd March) Mass 10.00am.

Prayers

Prayers for Canon Colin Wolczak PP. The Sacred Heart.

The Taylor Family, Tom & Margaret Perrin, Patrick & his parents,

May Wynne RIP, Seamus O’Donnell RIP.

CAFOD

Thank you for your CAFOD Donations & for the Lourdes Fund.

Lenten Alms wall box for your self- denial.

 To pick up

The Spring edition of Mission Today and a Prayer Card for Ukraine.

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The Last Words Of Saint David

“Be joyful and keep your faith and your creed.
Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about.
I will walk in the path that our fathers have trod before us.”

The journey of Lent to Easter is an opportunity to review our spiritual lives as Christians and to begin to look into the future with the Pastoral Plan and the vision it has for the Catholics in the Diocese. Our reflection on the journey Christ takes as his destiny is revealed is reflected in the words of Scripture and of the Way of the Cross, together with the Lenten devotions and special resources. Do make the most of the time.

Prayer

One of the key features of Lent is the practice of Prayer. We have been invited by the Bishop to have time before the Blessed Sacrament and so next Sunday after the Mass there will be 30 minutes of Adoration concluding with Benediction. You could see this as an extended time of thanksgiving after Holy Communion. Available from the Bishops of England and Wales are weekly sessions exploring the Our Father. Session 1 can be found at (click to CBCEW)

Invited – The Diocesan Mission

Please follow this link for more information.

CAFOD Fast Day

 Next Friday is CAFOD Fast Day, when we reduce what we take and are generous in donating to the work of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. (The envelopes include – only if you wish – fund raising mechanisms. There is no obligation to commit to these.)

Ecology

Care for our Common Home and the Planet are the subject of a workshop with the title “Let us dream “which will be held in the hall at St George’s Church, Court Farm Road, Hangleton. BN3 7QR.  Saturday 2^nd March 10am – 1pm.

Mass Schedule

First Sunday of Lent Mass 10am

Wednesday Lent Mass 9.30am

Friday Short Stations & Mass 7pm

(10,30am Requiem for Bernard Regan RIP St Mary’s )

Second Sunday of Lent. Mass 10am – followed by 30 minutes Adoration.

Seamus O’Donnell RIP

A former parishioner and local dentist has died at St Mary’s House. May he rest in peace.

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He will not ask the fickle crowd’s acclaim,
Nor flaunt the Sonship, which is his by right,
Nor seem distrustful of the Father’s name,
Who bids us walk by faith and not by sight.
He seeks no kingdom but by cross and grave,
For love of sinners spurning Satan’s throne
His triumph seen in those he died to save,
Who to his glory, worship God alone.

The transition from Ordinary Time to Lent has come round very quickly and starts with “Mardi gras” and Shrove Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Lent precedes and prepares us for Easter by the ways of prayer, fasting and good works. It is a journey in which the Passion and Death of Our Lord along with other themes of the Christian Life, lead us to the glory of Easter. This is reflected in the life and death journey of the Baptised. For a number of people who have been enrolled in preparation as adults for the Sacrament of Baptism or Reception into full communion with the Church it marks the final stages of their progress with various Rites of welcome, the presentation of the Creed and the Our Father before the celebration at the Easter Vigil.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

This reflection can be found here. There is no video this week.

Prayers for King Charles

Please click here for further information.

Requiem for Abbot Stephen Ortiger OSB

MThis coming Saturday 17^th February at 10.30am the Requiem will be live streamed from the Worth Abbey Website.

Reminder of the Practice of Fasting and Abstinence

• Fasting is a considerable reduction in food.
• Abstinence is from meat.
• Vegetarians from another food group
• Abstinence is for those age 14 and over.
• Fasting for those 18 years until reaching 60.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

You will see the appeals on the Noticeboard for some of the helpers needed to support assisted Pilgrims on this Year’s Pilgrimage. There are also envelopes for you donation to the Fund which is used to part fund assisted Pilgrims. Please take an envelope and return it next Sunday.

Marriage Week

A reminder to pray for married couples and those preparing for Marriage, concluding on February 14^th.

Invited

The next part of the Diocesan Mission covers Lent. Here are the details.

The Year of Prayer

Please click here for more information.

Mass Rota

• Sixth Sunday (11th February) in Ordinary Time. Mass 10am
• ASH WEDNESDAY (14th February) Masses at 9.30am & 7pm.Day of Fasting & Abstinence.
• Friday (16th February) Lent Mass 9.30am
• First Sunday of Lent (18th February) Mass 10am

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Lay your hands gently upon us,
Let their touch render your peace.
Let them bring your forgiveness and healing,
Lay your hands, gently lay your hands.

Forty Days since Christmas, so went the Introduction to the lovely Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas we celebrated on Friday, being reminded of the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Carrying a lit candle in procession reminded us of the Candle presented to us when were Baptised – “Receive the Light of Christ, keep true to your Baptism throughout a blameless life.” Just as Jesus was welcomed by Simeon as a light to enlighten the Gentiles, so we are called to shine for him –“This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine”.

Advance Notice

Ash Wednesday (14th February) marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. There will be the blessing and placing of ashes at Masses at 9.30am & 7.00pm. Next Sunday do bring last year’s palm crosses so that they can be burnt to produce the ashes. A box will be in the Entrance.

Our Prayers at Their Passing

Abbot Emeritus Stephen Ortiger OSB. For the Monks in the City, the Worth Community, the Benedictine Sisters, former pupils and many friends. His Funeral Mass is at Worth Abbey on Saturday 17^th February at 10.30am. Details for attendance on the noticeboard. It will also be live streamed.

Rita Smith who reached 100 years on January 10^th and for her large family.

Bernard Regan , Father of Lucy Regan our SENCO at St Bernadette’s and a long lived parishioner of St Mary’s.

The mother of Joe Wynne.

May they rest in peace.

A Year of Prayer

In preparation for next year’s Jubilee, Pope Francis has asked us to deepen our prayer life during 2024. See here for further details. There will be help to pray during the year.

The February copies of the Word of Life leaflet are on the table in the Entrance. It is to help you absorb and live by the verse of scripture keep it handy during the month and reflect on it.

Our Lady of Lourdes

February 11^th ,the date of the first apparition is her Feast day. Being a Sunday we have to follow the Sunday Liturgy. You can identify with the Grotto and the Pilgrimage activities with these steps – on our website go to heading USEFUL WEBSITES and then scroll down to SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY and you will find the GROTTO or other activities. You can visit there any time day or night.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday Mass 9.30am Int. Rita Smith RIP
• Friday Mass 9.30am Int For parishioners who are unwell
• Sixth Sunday Mass 10am

Fr Foley is kindly celebrating the 10am Mass in STM this Sunday while I am filling in a gap in another church this Sunday. Our thanks to him, sing up, make him welcome and if anyone would care to drive him back to Woodingdean he would be grateful.

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Healer of our every ill
light of each tomorrow
give us peace beyond our fear,
and hope beyond our sorrow.

The last Sunday of January! After last Sunday – the Word of God Sunday – this one is Racial Justice Sunday with its own theme and relevance for the present day, following on yesterday’s Holocaust Memorial Day and the news that enfolds us. Amidst these issues, external Charities are gearing up for their fundraising for the weeks ahead. Remember first things first. You will find in our website information for reading and reflection.

Racial Justice Sunday

Seeing one another in the life of the Church

Read more here.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Praying for Peace

We pray for the Peacemakers and the efforts to bring in medical supplies and food supplies for those suffering from the continuing bombing of Gaza. Read more here.

The Presentation of The Lord

February 2^nd is also called Candlemas recalling Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple in thanksgiving for his birth. The procession marks the journey to the Temple, the light of the candles the sense of revelation of Jesus, and at the Gospel his coming in his Words and in the Eucharistic Prayer is coming for us in Holy Communion. St Bernadette’s School has an Assembly to celebrate the Feast at 9.15am. Our Celebration will be at 10.30am and I hope you may be able to be present.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• (Monday St Mary’s House 8.15am)
• Wednesday St John Bosco Mass 9.30am
• Friday THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION. MASS 10.30AM
• Saturday. HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• 5th Sunday in OT Mass 10am

Diocesan Directory 2024

Copies available £5. From Fr John

Invited

The Diocesan Mission resumes in Lent. Consider participating at home with your Catholic friends.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are underway. Please see the diocesan website for more details.

Missio Red Boxes

Will you take one home for your coppers to assist the Missionary Endeavour?

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At last, all-powerful Master
You give leave to your servant to go in peace,
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.

The Nunc Dimitis of Simeon