Sunday 9^th July 1963 was the day Bishop Cowderoy of Southwark opened the Church of St Thomas More to serve Patch, Hollingbury and Westdene. On Sunday 10^th July 1983 Bishop Cormac consecrated the Church and the Altar. Forty Years later we celebrate our Patron and the Anniversary of the Consecration of this Church building. It was on the 6^th July 1535 that Thomas More was executed on Tower Hill London. Each Year on the nearest Sunday to those dates that we observe as a Solemnity our Dedication because it is a reminder to us of the way in which we are called to form the Body of Christ which is the Church and for us to seek the intercession of our Patron in living out the Christian Life.

150th Anniversary Of Arundel Cathedral

Last Friday and Saturday there were Celebrations with the Pope’s representative, the Cardinal and Bishops along with people from all the Parishes of the Diocese. Do read the item from the Diocesan ebulletin (subscribe here) and also view the photographs by clicking here.

Songs of Praise

This Sunday come from Arundel on BBC1 at 11.30am. You may still be at Our Patronal Mass and Celebration at this time so do not rush off because you can watch at your leisure on BBC iPlayer.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Patronal Feast Day
• Monday St Mary’s House Mass 8.15
• Wednesday St Benedict Abbot Patron of Europe Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass 10am (Sea Sunday)

Diocesan E-Bulletin

You may be interested to explore the weekly Diocesan E Bulletin. You need to sign up to receive it weekly. It contains all kinds of information about events eg a Mini Retreat , Marriage Anniversaries Mass, Recruting a Senior Administrator for the Marriage Tribunal etc. Please visit this link to subscribe.

100+

The Summer Draw takes place this Sunday. A simple Fundraiser for the Parish.

From The Prayer Of Dedication

Here is reflected the mystery of the Church…
The dwelling place of God ….
A temple built of living stones …
may your people die to sin …. 
gathered round the altar be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body.

Let us go to God’s house rejoicing!

Friday and Saturday of last week have been days of celebration in Arundel as there have been ceremonies of thanksgiving for what is now our Cathedral. Built 150 years ago by Henry 15^th Duke of Norfolk as the Parish Church of St Philip Neri it became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and after the Canonisation of St Philip Howard it became known as the Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard. There will be on the Diocesan Website photographs of the occasion. A link to these photos will be posted here when they are published.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday. Funeral Mass for Myra Mannion RIP 1.15pm
• Wednesday. Weekday Mass 9.30am Intention.  Shelagh Allen RIP
• Friday. Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Sunday. Patronal Feast day Mass 10am.

Patronal Feast Day

Each Year we celebrate our Patron St Thomas More and the Dedication of our Church. July 9^th, 1963, was the date of its opening and the Consecration of the Altar and Church is commemorated on the Sunday nearest that date annually. Do join us for the Mass and after wards for a celebratory glass.

100 + Summer Draw

The Summer Draw will take place on Sunday. Thank you to all participants in the simple Fundraiser. The annual subscription is still £30.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

37 young people from the Deanery will “Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit “ as the Bishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Cathedral this afternoon. It marks the words spoken at Baptism when it is said “ in Confirmation he/she will receive the fullness of God’s Spirit “. Preparations for the Sacraments commences in the Autumn Term.

The Word of Life

The July leaflet to assist you in your prayerful reflection is now available. It provides a verse from Scripture with a commentary.

Safeguarding

You can read details of Safeguarding in the Church including the DBS checking for those engaged with children and vulnerable adults . Our Parish Representative is Helen Costello who can advise on these issues.

Mission Unleashed

Embracing the Social Dimension of Evangelisation hosted by CAFOD on 14^th July 7.00-8.30pm. Please see www.bigmarker.com.cafod/evangelisation. To book your place for this webinar and be sent the recording. Cardinal Antonio Tagle explores the question -The Church has a mission but what is it ?

“Jerusalem, heavenly city
Blest vision of peace
Built from living stones.
You are raised so high to the heavens.
Attended like a bride.
By countless thousands of angels”

From Hymn for the Dedication of a Church

Mission

Following last week’s choice of his Apostles we now hear from Matthew Chapter 10 how they and we, are instructed to pass on the message of Jesus by living it ourselves. In a time where the Influencers get the hearing we can experience how easy it is to withdraw commitment. We do have witnesses to perseverance from the Martyrs who show fortitude in following Jesus. This week’s Feast is a great example.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the People of the Parish
• Monday (St Mary’s House Mass 8,15am )
• Tuesday St Bernadette’s Mass of Thanksgiving for the children from the 2 Parishes who received Holy Communion for the first time 2pm.Under the Tulip Tree
• Wednesday St Irenaeus Martyr Mass 9.30am
• Thursday Ss PETER AND PAUL HOLY DAY Masses 9.30am and 7.30pm

CELEBRATION OF THE 150^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL

Built by Henry 15^th Duke of Norfolk as a Parish Church and became a Cathedral for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in 1965.

FRIDAY  6.30PM PONTIFICAL VESPERS

 

SATURDAY 12 NOON SOLEMN HIGH MASS In the Presence of the Pope’s Representative, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E Cardinal Vincent and Archbishops and Bishops from England and Wales.

You can join in via the Arundel Cathedral Live Stream

Every Parish is sending two Parishioners with their PP. Peter & Jo Cropp will represent STM.

ANNIVERSARY & DEDICATION FEAST OF ST THOMAS MORE’S CHURCH PATCHAM

July 9^th this year falls on a Sunday and is our Day to celebrate our Patron St Thomas More and the Anniversary of the opening of our Church in1963. Do join us for Mass at 10am .This will be followed by a celebratory drink

100+ DRAW

Thank you for joining this Fundraiser. There are prizes to be won as well as knowing that income is for Church Maintenance in particular for forthcoming renewal of the Hall roof.

SYNOD 2023 AND 2024

The working Document for this Year’s meeting in October had been publishes. It is 60 pages long but do read pages 2 and 3 which give an introduction to the content. More details can be found here.

St Peter & St Paul

One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate.
Founders of Rome, hay bind the world in unity.
One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate.
With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.

The run of Solemnities and Feasts is nearly finished and so we return to the Sundays in Ordinary Time – a translation from the Latin Ordinarius which really means regular or regulated when the whole life of Christ and his teaching is celebrated. The Gospel of St Matthew is read form chapter 9 onwards and the New Testament Reading will be from the Letter to the Romans. Every now and then it is good to go to your Bible to read the setting or context of the Readings. Remember God speaks to us through the Scriptures as we prayerfully reflect on them. The Word of Life monthly leaflet can help as also some of the sites under “useful Websites”

The Day For Life Sunday

This year it falls on 18^th June and is being observe in Ireland and Scotland as well as England and Wales. We are reminded by the teaching of the Church that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death – described as the gospel of life. This year the Day for Life seeks to highlight the trauma caused by abortion. The theme is “Listen to her “ and presents the story of Jane, ( click here) In view of the court case and the response caused by the “pills by post” misuse you may well have been caught up in the discussions and the attitudes of the media. We are invited to contribute in the second collection to the groups assisting women, particularly “Rachel’s vineyard”

Pope Francis

The Pope has now left Hospital and has said he is going to rest work and pray. In every Eucharistic Prayer, we remember him.

The Minimum Age For Marriage

The Decrees establishing the Minimum age for Marriage are now posted on the noticeboard. The Civil Law of age 18 is now recognised in Church Law as well.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday.  Votive Mass of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More 9.30am
• Friday. St Thomas Garnet Martyr Mass 9.30am
• Twelfth Sunday Mass 10am

Summer Festival

St Bernadette’s Summer Festival is on Saturday 24^thfrom 11am. Do come along and enjoy yourselves!

Corpus Christi Procession

Parish Patronal Sunday – July 9th

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church and our Patron St Thomas More.

Psalm 99

Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness,
Come before him singing for joy

It was a fine evening for the traditional Procession of the Blessed Sacrament after Consecration at Mass, as it was carried over the Carpet of Flowers into Arundel Castle. It reminded me of such a Procession in Lourdes every day in the Summer. You can participate in this by going to -useful websites Sanctuary of Lourdes – on our website. The procession commences at 4pm BST and about 4.45 there is a time of Adoration followed by Benediction. It is like a Demonstration with singing of Psalm 147 and Eucharistic Hymns to express faith and reverence. For your own devotion you can find hymns under the title Communion at the back of the Hymn Books.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish-Pro populo
• Wednesday Mass 9.30am Int For John and Chrissie Morgan. Foundation Mass
• Friday Mass 9.30am The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Int For Bruce Johnson RIP
• Sunday Week 11 Mass 10am Day for Life

Day For Life

Next Sunday with a retiring collection. Please click here for further details.

Prayer for Pope Francis

That he may be restored to health after his operation.

In The Future…

• St Bernadette’s Summer Festival. Saturday June 24^th
• St Thomas More Patronal Feast Sunday July 9^th

Tantum Ergo

Come adore this wondrous presence.
Bow to Christ the source of grace.
Here is kept the ancient promise.
Og God’s earthly dwelling place
Sight is blind before God’s glory.
Faith alone may see his face.

TRINITARIAN is not an easy word to spell or pronounce but does serve as a description of what we say . and speak of God, This Trinity Sunday- the middle of the 3 Theological Feasts,- provides us with the reminder of what we pray.
The sign of the Cross The Gloria
The Creed
The Eucharistic Prayer The Great Amen
The final Blessing
The formulae of the Sacraments The conclusions of the 3 Prayers
Not much chance of missing Trinitarian Prayer if we are alert.

Mass Schedule

• Trinity Sunday Mass 10am Intention for the People of the parish Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Saturday HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
• Sunday The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Mass 10am

Arundel Cathedral

• Wednesday & Thursday. The carpet of flowers
• Mass & Procession of the Blessed Sacrament
• See Notice Boards for timings and details.
• (Allow plenty of time for travel because of works on A27)

Refugee Policy

Please click here for further details

Trinity Hymn

Father in my life I see.
You are God who walks with me, Jesus in my life I see,
You are God who walks with me, Spirit in my life I see,
You are God who walks with me, You hold my life in your hands,
Close beside you I will stand.
I give all my life to you.
Help me Father,Jesus,Spirit, to be true

We come together to celebrate the birth of the Church and to live as a People announcing the “mighty works of God”. Recognising the action of the Holy Spirit we are inspired to find our way in following the call of Jesus Christ.

Mass Schedule

• Pentecost Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday Mary, Mother of the Church Mass 9.30am
• Wednesday The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass 9.30am
• Friday Weekday Mass 9.30am
• Trinity Sunday Mass 10am

Liturgy

Mary Mother of the Church, Now an Obligatory Memorial as we remember Mary standing at the foot of the Cross. The Visitation of Mary to her Cousin Elizabeth, reflected in one of the joyful mysteries of the Rosary. Ordinary Time resumes with the 8^th Week – Sundays Year A/ Weekdays Cycle 2

Jubilarians

Thursday is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest. and is celebrated by Priests at Arundel Cathedral with those with significant Anniversaries. Canon Seamus Hester and Fr Anthony Shelley, Ordained in 1963 are celebrating their Diamond Jubilees. This takes place at 12 noon. Canon Oliver Heaney will be celebrating his belated Jubilee on Saturday at St Mary’s at 12 Noon

Our Schools

Wishing pupils parents, carers and staff a very happy half term!

Prayer for Vocations

As the Month of prayer for Vocations draws to a close, we ask the Holy Spirit to pour out spiritual gifts on our diocese to produce many vocations to serve as Priests.

Self Denial Wall Box In The Entrance

We are reminded that our self-denial and generosity goes to the Refugee Project of the Diocese. Please click here.

The New Apostolic Nuncio

The Nuncio presented his Appointment to the Court of St James in an interview with King Charles, You can read about this by following the link and seeing the colourful and quaint way it happens in photographs as he is taken to the Palace in a horse drawn carriage. (Click here). Cardinal Vincent said he is a gift to the Catholic Church In England and is the representative of Pope Francis.

Laudato Si

Information has come rather late about a commemoration of Pope Francis’ Letter on the Environment. If you visit the website, you can watch a short film which is very informative about the concerns of climate change.

Holy Spirit, Lord of light
From the clear celestial height
Thy pure beaming radiance give.
 
Thou of all consolers best
Thou the soul’s delightful guest
Dost refreshing peace best.
 
Thou in toil art comfort sweet
Pleasant coolness in the heat
Solace in the midst of woe

The waiting has begun with just a week left before Pentecost. The power and action of the Holy Spirit waits to be discovered. We boldly declare in the Nicene Creed – the long one- in the third section –“I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who , proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.” It is good for us to remember how we receive the Holy Spirit because we are Baptised, Confirmed, Reconciled, united, guided and become members of the body of Christ – the Church.

Corpus Christi in Arundel

On Wednesday and Thursday 7^th& 8^th June there is the traditional Carpet of Flowers and then the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament into the Castle Grounds. For more information please click here.

Arundel Cathedral

Celebrating 150 years – please click here for further details.

Clergy In-Service

On Wednesday and Thursday on subjects of pastoral concerns

Holy Communions for the first time

This Sunday we welcome 4 children who have been preparing with their families to receive Holy Communion at Mass. This means that they can now participate fully in the Mass having discovered how the different stages prepare us to meet Jesus and we become one with him

Mass Schedule

• Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday Mass 10am
• Monday Class 4 Mass StBernadette’s
• Wednesday Ascensiontide Mass 9.30am Int. In thanksgiving
• Friday St Philip Neri Mass 9.30am
• PENTECOST SUNDAY MASS 10AM

Holy Spirit come renew us
Come your self to make us love
Holy through your loving presence
Holy through the gifts you give

Ascension Thursday. This Solemnity occurs 40 Days after Easter Day and celebrates the return of the Son to the Father when he is at his right hand. It also marks the time of waiting in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, As we recite in the Creed “ He ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty “. He constantly intercedes for us before the Father and sends us his Spirit and gives us the hope of one day reaching the place he has prepared for us.It is a Holy day of obligation when we come to Mass.

Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians

This unites Catholics of the West with the members of the eastern Catholic Churches which are in union with the Bishop of Rome, The Eastern Rite Churches have their own Code of Canon Law and Liturgical Rites and organisation.

Mass Schedule

• Sixth Sunday of Easter Sunday Mass 10am
• Wednesday Eastertide Weekday Mass 9.30am
• ASCENSION THURSDAY MASS 9.30AM & 7.30PM -Holy day of Obligation
• Friday Weekday Mass after the Ascension 9.30am
• Seventh Sunday of Easter Mass 10am

May Service at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School

Bishop Richard is coming to School for the May service to honour Mary and will bless the School Mission Statement, our Headteacher Mrs Claire Smith. He will be accompanied by the Director of the Diocesan Education Service

St Francis of Assisi

If you are in London before the end of July do visit the National Gallery to view the Exhibition of paintings of St Francis of Assisi. More details here.

Praying for Vocations in May

Read about the spirit of sacrifice needed to follow Christ. Read 1 Peter4:13-16 and pray for a greater generosity for men to follow Him and celebrate His way.

New praises be given
To Christ newly crowned
Who back to his heaven
A new way has found
God’s blessedness sharing
Before us he goes
What mansions preparing
What endless repose