After the storm…

After the storm comes the calm. I hope all is well with no damage to your homes and you have been able to have a relaxing half term. Before long the Season of Lent will commence and an opportunity to emerge from any “spiritual hibernation“ as we journey to Easter. A reminder about last year’s Palms. Do bring them along next Sunday so that they can be burned to provide for Ash Wednesday March 2nd.

For a Synodal Church -Communion , Participation and Mission.

 There will be an Evening Webinar with Bishop Richard on Wednesday 9^th March See details please click here. We are currently exploring ways in which more people can join this webinar. Further details to follow.

Mass Schedule

• Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish
• Wednesday Mass 10am St Polycarp. Int. Michael Curley RIP
• Friday Weekday Mass 10am Int.The Holy Souls (Wall box )
• Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Sunday Mass 10am

Growing Up Catholic

Year 5 Group Next Sunday following Mass

Years 3 & 4 Group -6th March 

The Bartimaeus Project

A new project encouraging Catholic faith!

See the poster in the hall or visit WWW.BARTIMAEUS-PROJECT.ORG

The Adult Formation which came up in our Synod Discussions – just what is wanted!

Maintenance Issues

We have lost 2 Fence Panels – one in the Driveway ,the other in the Presbytery garden.

Repair work has been arranged for the flat Roof leaks. – by Our Lady’s Statue and in the Hall.

Hall Chairs. The number of these is decreasing due either to adults seating on stacked chairs or even standing on them.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion for those who are unwell or incapacitated at home during this week. Please notify Fr John if you know of anyone wishing to Receive Sacramental Holy Communion. It is now easier to visit Care Homes etc. after LFTs.

Last Year’s Self denial Project 2020

The sum of £40.20 was given in the wall box for the Migrant Fund. Thank you.    

Let there be loved shared among us

Let there be love shared among us,

Let there be love in our eyes,

May now your love sweep this nation;

Cause us O Lord to arise.

Give us a fresh understanding,

Brotherly love that is real,

Let there be love shared among us,

Let there be love

Racial Justice Sunday

Of the many social issues with ISM in the title is Racism always in the news whether intalk about football, politics , celebrities and the media. Each year the Church has a RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY to remind us of the need to reflect in our lives and attitudes the way to respect other people. This year the theme is a reminder that we exist in the image and likeness of God .In a Document of Pope Francis – which we have not yet explored called “ FRATELLI TUTTI “ -all Brothers and Sisters – he prays that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary, different faces of the one humanity that God so loves.

Do visit this link for more details

Growing Up Catholic

THIS Sunday the Year 5 Group meets for Session 5 Reconciliation and to plan the Celebration of First Reconciliation

Next Sunday Years 3 & 4 meet to review Session 1 and commence Session 2

Invited Reflection

The February reflection is now available please click here and navigate to ‘February’

A & B Lourdes Fund

Thank you for your response to the Fund. Details of the Summer Pilgrimage can be received as directed on the Poster.

Mass Schedule

SUNDAY MASS 10AM

TUESDAY WEEKDAY MASS 10AM  INT. BRIDIE DORAN RIP

THURSDAY WEEKDAY MASS 10AM INT.FOR VICKY McCORMICK

SUNDAY MASS 7^TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  

The Bartimaeus Project

A NEW PROJECT ENCOURAGING CATHOLIC FAITH

SEE THE POSTER IN THE ENTRANCE OR VISIT WWW.BARTIMAEUS-PROJECT.ORG

The Adult Formation which came up in our Synod Discussions – just what is wanted!

Half Term Break

Have a healthy and happy break form school routine – and no snow?

Hymn for peace & justice

All that kills abundant living

Let it from the earth be banned

Pride of status, race or schooling

Dogma that obscures your plan

In our common quest for justice

May we hallow life’s brief span

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes & World Day of The Sick

This feast takes place on this Friday, 11th February. We will have a parish Mass at 10am for this intention. It is also an important Day for St Bernadette’s School because of its original connection with the Sisters Of Nevers and having St Bernadette as its patron. The message of Pope Francis may be read here.

Mass Schedule

• The Fifth Sunday Mass at 10am – Mrs Higgins’ intentions
• Wednesday Mass 10am St. Josephine Bakhita int. Mary Hayhurst RIP & Deacon James McEwan RIP
• Friday Mass 10am the feast of our lady of Lourdes and The World Day of the Sick.   Int. – for those who are unwell
• Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 10am Racial Justice Sunday

Growing Up Catholic

Parents with children in Years 3 and 4 – meet after Mass this Sunday – Session 1 We gather as God’s family. We are united. We belong here. All are welcome.

Parents with children in Year 5 meet next Sunday (13th February)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Session 5

1. God chose me
2. I grow close to Jesus
3. I learn about rules of love
4. I disobey the rules sometimes
5. Being sorry: Asking for forgiveness
6. Reconciliation: Let’s celebrate

The Word of Life Leaflet

To assist in your prayer and reflection on “Anyone who come to me I will never drive away“

Ave Maria

O Mary, Our Mother,

We come to this place,

Where you who are sinless,

Appeared full of grace

As Bernadette waited,

There came to her sight

A radiant lady

Surrounded in light

She gave her a message,

Let penance be done

And pray that all sinners

May turn to Her Son

Ave, ave, ave, Maria!

The highlight of the week is Wednesday 2^nd February when we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. They were fulfilling the requirement for first born males to be brought to the Temple. It is a meeting point of the Old and New Testament as Simeon calls Jesus “a Light to enlighten the gentiles“ It is this description which gives the day the name of Candlemas. The introduction to the celebration reminds us that it is “Forty days since we celebrated the Nativity of the Lord”. One of the Joyful Mysteries we reflect on when praying the Rosary.

Covid-19 Latest Advice

The notifications from the Bishops Conference and our Bishop are on the noticeboards and can be read at here and here. Face coverings – no longer a legal requirement but encouraged at choice. The Sign of Peace is now reintroduced. As always respect other people.

Growing Up Catholic

Next Sunday Children in Years 3 & 4 will meet with Parents following the 10am Mass to commence their preparation to become Communicating members of the Church. Please remember them in your prayers.

The Synod Journey

Communion, Participation , Mission. The local discussions are now complete and even if you were unable to attend the Wednesday Evening meetings you can still return your comments to the Diocese. Do book in for Bishop Richard’s presentation on Wednesday 9^th March 7.30 -8.45pm. It is hoped that post that meeting we can have it played in our hall.

Mass Schedule

Sunday Mass 10am Int. For the People of the Parish

Wednesday 2^nd February The Presentation of the Lord Candlemas Mass 10am

Friday 4th February Weekday Mass 10am

Sunday Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass 10am

Nunc Dimittis

The Canticle of Simeon. Prayed every Night Prayer / Compline

At last all powerful Master

You give leave to your servant to go in pea

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

Sunday of The Word of God

Each Year the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is set aside to focus on the place of the Word of God in our lives .It is an essential part of our Act of Worship in that we listen attentively as it is proclaimed and it inspires us to pray to God especially with the Psalms as a starting point. You may be aware that it is a key element in the Diocesan Plan. This Sunday the Readings at Mass remind us of the place of Scripture and of “the table of the Word “ – the Lectern or Ambo from which the Scriptures are read. Today Pope Francis will confer the Ministry of Reader on women and men to emphasise the importance of the role in “ lifting the word off the pages “ to minister it to the people gathered to hear it. Why not explore in our Useful Websites section -click CBCEW – further information about this topic?

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week continues to Tuesday and Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham reminds us that enabling deeper bonds and understanding consists of fostering friendships, reflecting ,prating and witnessing together. He remarks that in the 50 years since the 2nd Vatican Council we have travelled a long way. “There is still a long way to travel together and the more we know about ourselves and one another, then the more open we are about some of the challenges we face”

The Synodal Journey

Pope Francis inaugurated the Synodal Journey with three phases, : diocesan, continental and universal.  As he puts it “ One listening to the others and all listening to the Holy Spirit “ On Wednesday Evening at 7.30 pm we will have the third meeting focussing on the theme of Mission and exploring the implications of synodality and participation. There is an opportunity for any one to submit their ideas via the Diocesan Website. Do sign up for the Bishop’s presentation.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday Mass 10am INT for the people of the Parish
• Tuesday The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul & the conclusion of the Week of prayer for Christian Unity.Mass 10am
• Friday St Thomas Aquinas Mass at 10am
• 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday Mass 10am

Growing Up Catholic – Preparing for The Sacraments

• Sunday 30th January  After Mass  Year 5s  Revise Sessions 1-4 ,Introduce Session 5
• Sunday 6^th February After Mass Years 3 & 4 Session 1 We gather as God’s Family

The Word of God Sunday

   Lord you give the great commission

   Heal the sick and preach the word

   Lest the Church neglects its mission

   And the gospel go unheard

   Help us witness to your purpose

   With renewed integrity

   With the Spirit’s gifts empower us

   For the work of ministry

After the Christmas Season we notice a few changes – The colour of the vestments will be Green up to Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent , in general the focus is on the ministry and mission of Jesus , and the name is Ordinary Time ( which derives from the dense of an ordered account of the life of Jesus Christ ) We are also reminded that in our Missals we follow – on Sundays – mainly the Gospel of St Luke in Cycle C.

Peace Sunday

In England the Church celebrates Peace Sunday when the Bishops invite us to a day of prayer and reflection on the theme of Pope Francis for the World Day of  Peace –“ Education, Work and Dialogue between Generations : Tools for building lasting Peace “.You can find the full text here. The Catholic Organisation which promotes Peace is called Pax Christi ( the Peace of Christ ).and parishes are invited to help it with a collection . Since many do not carry cash you may find it easier to make your gift by card at www,…..To follow

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

This commences on Tuesday 18^th January and runs until 25^th January . This Year’s material has been produced by the Christians of the Middle East – appropriately “ We saw his star in the East..”

Full texts for each day are to be found here. This topic was briefly discussed in the Synod discussions on Participation.

Towards a Synodal Church

The third meeting will be held in our hall on Wednesday 26^th January at 7.30pm The theme is Mission which  continues to raise the ever present question – How to? Bishop Richard will be presenting a Report on the reflections from around the Diocese – please click here.

Mass Schedule

• Second Sunday of Ordinary Time – Peace Sunday -Mass 10am
• Tuesday Mass 10am Mass for Christian Unity
• Friday St Agnes Mass 10am
• Third  Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mass 10am

Peace is the gift of heaven to earth

Softly enfolding our fears.

Peace is the gift of Christ to the world

Given for us

John Glynn

Thank You

As we come to the end of the Christmas season may I thank you for your Greetings, the Gifts and the Christmas Offering. They are all much appreciated. In this Year of 2022 may you grow strong in faith, being filled with hope and a deep sense of concern for others.

It is also a good moment on your behalf to express our gratitude for those who serve the Parish in all sorts of ways – in the Liturgy by Reading and the ministry of music, in administration in financial matters, banking, accounting, gift aid and maintenance in the Church and Hall, and the weekly preparation of the items for communication through the Parish Website . To those who have cared for my personal welfare my thankfulness for lifts , meals and practical assistance -right down to a reminder that I need a haircut .

For all of this Deo Gratias,

Fr John

The Synod Process

Our next Meeting will be on Wednesday 12^th January at 7.30pm

Everyone is welcome. The subject is Participation. The material can be found on the Diocesan Website.

Justice and Peace Assembly

Saturday 15th January 9.45am – 2pm .

It is now online so you can participate in the comfort of your own home. There will be several speakers addressing the topic, ‘To a safer shore?’ Please follow this link in order to book your place.

Mass Schedule

• THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY MASS 10AM INT, FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH
• WEDNESDAY MASS 10AM -ST AELRED OF RIEVAULX .
• FRIDAY MASS 10AM WEEKDAY MASS 10AM (Week 1 in Ordinary time) For John Paul.
• SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY MASS 10AM (PEACE SUNDAY)

Growing Up Catholic – The Sacramental Preparation Programme

Year 5s will be contacted about completion of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Years 3 & 4 A Meeting for Parents will be held on Monday 17th January 7-30 -8.30pm in our Hall

Mary’s Meals Sussex Group

“Would like to thank Charles ,Paula and the singers from St Mary’s & St Thomas More’s for the Advent Carol Service at which £340 was collected for our school in Zambia.”

• THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY – THURSDAY 6TH JANUARY
  MASS AT 10AM
  (HOLYDAY)
• FRIDAY – WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• SUNDAY 9TH JANUARY
  MASS FOR THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD AT 10AM

At last the Feast of the Nativity is here when we will celebrate Jesus Christ in the Mass – Christmass .It marks for us the One we have been longing for during our Advent devotions and preparations .The children have helped us with the Nativity Play and familiar Carols have reappeared .There is for us the deep sense of what is called the Incarnation – ie the taking of embodiment of Jesus the Son of God as in his human nature he identifies with our human experience of life. Our invitations to him – O Come O Come, speak of him as the rescuer , the liberator , the one who saves , our Saviour .In the Christmas Days ahead we have the opportunity to make way for him , recognising Him in the varied features , events and fellow humans in our lives .Like those in the Gospels we too go to the place of his birth to discover him and to adore him along with Mary and Joseph whose task is to protect and nurture Him.

May I add my greetings to you , wishing you a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth and during 2022 happiness, health and hope.

Fr John

The Christmas Feasts

The Opening Prayers or Collects of the 4 Sundays of Advent reminded us of what was to come. ”O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing “

• Friday December 24th Christmas Mass at Night 6pm
• Saturday December 25th Christmas Day Mass 10am
• Sunday 26th December The Feast of the Holy Family Mass 10am
• Monday 27th December St John ,Apostle and Evangelist Mass 10am
• Tuesday 28th December The Holy Innocents Mass 10am INT. Canon Walter Smith RIP (my first Parish Priest in Horsham )
• Wednesday 29th December St Thomas Becket ,Martyr Mass 10am
• Thursday 30th December 6th Day of the Christmas Octave Mass 10am
• Friday 31st December 7th Day of the Christmas Octave Mass 10am
• Saturday 1st January 2022 Mary Mother of God Mass 11am Solemnity
• Sunday 2nd January Second Sunday of Christmas Mass 10am INT For the People of the Parish

• Monday The Most Holy Name of Jesus Mass 10am
• Tuesday Christmastide Mass 10am
• Wednesday Christmastide Mass 10am
• THURSDAY THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD MASS 10AM HOLYDAY
• Friday Epiphany tide Mass 10am
• Sunday The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Mass 10am

The Last Days of Advent

   At the Masses there is a growing sense of expectancy of the Birth of Jesus . It is shown in the invitation O Come,O Come which in our hearts we make. Do carve out some time, however short to prepare to welcome the Christ afresh into your mind and heart.

Pope Francis Speaking At The Angelus

At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis says the Advent Season is about asking ourselves how to prepare for Christmas and what we can do for Jesus and others, concretely, in our lives. He also blessed the statues of the Child Jesus brought by children to St. Peter’s Square on this Third Sunday of Advent. Read more here.

The Eucharist

The Eucharist is foundational and transformational, it’s the cornerstone of our journey of mission. As we continue our winter pilgrimage through the season of Advent, the coronavirus pandemic still dominates media headlines – particularly the latest variant, Omicron. As a Catholic community, we support each other and remain vigilant to ensure our churches are safe places to worship. Listen to a discussion on this here.

The UK Government and Covid-19

Following the statement by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 9 December, there has been a Government directive that further restrictions to mitigate against viral transmission, especially in the light of the new Omicron variant, will be imposed. Read more here.

Mass Schedule

• THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT SUNDAY MASS 10AM
• TUESDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• WEDNESDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• THURSDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY MASS 10AM
• FRIDAY DECEMBER 24^TH  CHRISTMAS MASS 6PM
• SATURDAY DECEMBER 25^TH  CHRISTMAS DAY MASS 10AM
• SUNDAY DECEMBER 26^TH  THE HOLY FAMILY MASS 10AM

To those unable to be at our Christmas Masses in person…

…may the joy and peace which comes into human hearts be with you wherever you may be. Christ is born in Bethlehem .

Where are we all bound,

Carrying the Word of God ?

Time and place are ours

To make his glory known.

Mary bore him first,

We will tell the whole wide world:

Let it be according to his word