The third Sunday in Ordinary time is denoted as the Word of God Sunday to remind us of our use of Scripture deepening our prayer life. The prayerful reading and reflection -Lectio Divina – as it is called is recommended. There is a new resource to help with praying the Psalms (Click here) Our Readings this Sunday are appropriate and we do begin the reading of St Luke’s Gospel -the Evangelist for 2025.
This Week
This Sunday afternoon we are invited to a gathering in St Mary’s Hall at 5pm about the future shape of Brighton and Hove as a united Parish. This is part of the journey envisaged in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as it unfolds. Do come along to participate.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Monday is the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Continuing last week’s theme of Peace we pray for the building of peace and respect for each person.
Next Sunday
February 2nd is the day we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and is Candlemas Day. At our Sunday Mass we will have the blessing of candles, a simple procession and Mass. It takes precedence over the texts of the 4th Sunday.
100+ Draw
After Mass, next Sunday (2nd February) coffee will be available in the Hall and a Draw will take place. Do come in to meet and socialise.
The Jubilee
As Pilgrims of hope we will hear of various opportunities. Bishop Richard is leading one to Lourdes – please click here.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 26th January 10am 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 27th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 29th January 9:30am St Thomas Aquinas
Friday 31st January 9:30am St John Bosco
Sunday 2nd February 10am The Presentation of The Lord
Jubilee
The Jubilee was launched in our Schools last week. See the notice board.
The Diocesan Bulletin
Sign up to see what events are happening.
How I long to see you Jesus face to face How the heart is thirsting Living spring of grace Show me soon your glory Be my great reward Be my joy for ever Jesus, gracious Lord.
The World Day of Peace is observed in England and Wales on the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Message of Pope Francis in this Jubilee develops the concepts of hope and forgiveness from which a genuine conversion of hearts at a personal, local, and international level will peace flourish.
This Sunday our hope is that a ceasefire in the Holy Land will be a step in the cessation of the destruction and violence and the restoration of peace for the people.
Wednesday 22nd January 9:30am (St Vincent, Deacon)
Friday 24th January 9:30am (St Francis de Sales)
Saturday 25th January 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 26th January 10am (3rd in Ordinary Time)
This Week
Wednesday 22nd January Dentist
Thursday 23rd January 12pm Soup and Sandwich Lunch (Church Hall) – An invitation to everyone to come into our hall for lunch and meet up
Sunday 26th January 5pm St Mary’s Church Hall. Gathering of North Brighton parishes to begin to look to the future. Do not miss this!
The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity (18th – 25th January)
Remember to pray for Unity among all Christians our fellow Christians of All Saints, The Ascension, Westdene, The Methodists and the Elim Fountains Centre, and not forgetting spouses and neighbours. More information can be found here.
Monks in the City invite you to join them at St John the Baptist Church at 4pm on Sunday – especially this year when we celebrate 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea. During the Vespers service of hymns, psalms, readings and prayers, we will reaffirm the Nicene Creed and Bishop Lindsay Urwin will preach. Followed by light refreshments.
Pax Christi
The International Movement for Peace, based on the Gospel and inspired by faith. Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in all its forms. Our Friday self denial wall box in the Entrance will be ready to receive your gifts to assist the work of promoting Peace during 2025.
Looking Ahead
This Year The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, Candlemas Day. February 2nd is on a Sunday. It commences with the blessing of candles and a procession into Mass.
Thank You
To the willing hands who put away the Christmas crib and decorations.
For the healing of the nations Lord we pray with one accord For a just and equal sharing Of the things that earth affords To a life of love in action Help us rise and pledge our word.
This feast marks the end of the Christmas Season with its feasts helping us appreciate the meaning of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem.
I hope you have been aware of Christ’s presence for us. Our families and friends, neighbours and those we have met remind us of being part of God’s family.
May I thank you for you kind greetings, gifts and the Christmas Offering – much appreciated as the sixtieth year as a priest moves into its second part.
2025 is a Holy Year in which the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ will be celebrated with pilgrimages of all kinds – Rome, Walsingham, Lourdes, Arundel, events and reflection on the virtue of Hope.
We will also be remembering the Church of Arundel and Brighton’s 60 years of existence. And the gradual implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
Are we there yet ? Not quite -but nearly. Two expectant Mothers meet and share their joy at what is soon to happen. One of the unborn is kicking in the womb waiting to come into the light. Elizabeth’s words of greeting are repeated every time we address Mary -Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Say those words with meaning.
The Advent Carol Service
This Sunday in St Mary’s Church 6pm with singers from the two parishes, readers and your presence.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 22nd December 10am Fourth Sunday of Advent
Monday 23rd December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 24th December 9:30am Christmas Eve Mass
The Nativity Of The Lord
Tuesday 24th December 6pm First Mass of Christmas
Wednesday 25th December 10am Christmas Day Mass
Thursday 26th December 10am St Stephen’s Day
Friday 27th December 10am St John the Apostle and Evangelist
Saturday 28th December 10am Holy Innocents
Sunday 29th December 10am Holy Family
Monday 30th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 31st December 10am Sixth Day of Christmas
The Year of Our Lord 2025 The Jubilee Year
Wednesday 1st January 11am Mary, Mother of God
Friday 3rd January 10am The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Sunday 5th January 10am The Epiphany of The Lord
The Christmas Crib
During the Days and Feast of Christmas the cribs in the church remind us of the scene in Bethlehem with the birth of the child who is to become the Saviour. Take time to reflect on who was there, who came to visit and the promises which had been kept.
The Catholic Children’s Society
By tradition your gifts at the crib are for the Crisis Fund for A&B which the Society has for families in difficulty.
The Diocesan Directory 2025
Copies are available at £5 each.
Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis has decided that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee – something which happens every 25 years – with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. The Jubilee will offer people across our global family of faith an important opportunity to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. In order for everyone to share in the celebration of the Holy Year, the following diocesan churches have been designated as special places of pilgrimage, where Holy Year Indulgences may be gained: Read more here.
To All Parishioners,
May I wish you joy at the birth of Jesus and peace for you and yours.
This Sunday takes its name “Gaudete Sunday” from those words – REJOICE! Joy comes from the virtue of Hope and from a deep trust in the promises and presence of God. At this stage of Advent we have the opportunity to relish, appreciate and enjoy how God speaks to us through the words of scripture and his Word who is Life. In less than ten days our Advent waiting and preparation will come to an end with the Feast ahead. “Joy is not selfish – it flows outward through generosity and kindness to others.”
Greater Advent
A description of the last days of Advent on which in the Prayer of the Church there is an invitation to God with a sense of longing.
December 17th – 24th. The titles of the coming God are proclaimed
O Wisdom, O Adonai & Ruler, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Emmanuel. The second Preface of Advent is prayed during this last week and expresses the feelings of the time “the Virgin Mother longed for him with love beyond all telling”.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 15th December 10am 3rd Sunday in Advent
Monday 16th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 18th December 9:30am Advent Weekday Mass
Friday 20th December 9:30am Advent Weekday Mass
Saturday 21st December 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 22nd December 10am 4th Sunday in Advent
Christmas Masses
Tuesday 24th December 6pm The First Mass of Christmas
Wednesday 25th December 10am Christmas Mass
Thank You!
To the team who worked so hard to prepare our church for our Christmastide celebrations. Not a cobweb, sweet paper or leaf in sight. Well done!
Carol Services
Thursday 19th December 1:45pm St Bernadette’s (Years 3 – 6 and parents) at St Mary’s Church
Sunday 22nd December 6pm St Mary’s Church – with singers from both parishes. Retiring collection for St Mary’s Meals and Martlets Hospice. Come along and sing!
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
After Mass this Sunday and at other times by arrangement. Please call 01273 563017.
Ah! Lord how shall I meet thee How welcome thee aright? All nations long to greet thee My hope, my sole delight.
A timely message as we move into the second week of Advent. An encouragement to put in the effort to take stock of our relationship with Jesus Christ and the ways we mark it – by prayer, by the Sacrament of reconciliation with an examination of our conscience, by reflecting on the words of Scripture, and by making sure our hearts are ready. Yes this is what the Season of Advent is about!
The Immaculate Conception Of Mary
This year December 8th falls on an Advent Sunday and so the Solemnity moves to Monday. We will be celebrating this with Mass at 10am. It is a reminder of how Mary was chosen to be the Mother of the Saviour. The Preface of the Mass sums up how she was prepared as a “model of holiness”. Remember how we address Mary as “full of grace”.
Notre Dame
Paris has been celebrating the reopening of the Cathedral damaged by fire five years ago. Many celebrities will be present at the opening and the Catholics of the Archdiocese will rejoice that they can participate in worship there once again in the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Paris. How many observers and future tourists I wonder will realise that the oft repeated title means that it is dedicated to OUR LADY?
Mass Schedule
Sunday 8th December 10am 2nd Sunday of Advent
Monday 9th December 10am The Immaculate Conception of Mary
Wednesday 11th December 9:30am Advent Mass
Friday 13th December 9:30am Advent Mass
Sunday 15th December 10am 3rd Sunday of Advent
The Word Who Is Life
Another step forward for the Parishes of Brighton and Hove took place on November 29th . The Paper presented by Canon David Parmiter has been on the Noticeboard and is now available to read below:
Readers of the Vatican News will have read of a Ceremony in preparation for the Jubilee Year. It centered on the Door of St Peter’s which was sealed up 25 years ago at the end of the last Jubilee Year. It began with breaking out the sealing and the retrieval of a box embedded in the back of the door. Inside the box are the keys to the Holy Door which will be opened by Pope Francis to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of 2025.
Advent Carol Service
In St Mary’s on Sunday December 22nd at 6pm.
In Memory of John Mason RIP the retiring collection will be shared by Mary’s Meals and the Martlets Hospice. See the poster for details
St Lucy
A Martyr, one of the fifteen mentioned in Eucharistic Prayer 1. Revered in Sweden as an image of light and celebrated by a procession of of young women with circlets of candles on their heads (not to be imitated H&S)
Remember
We are now Reading Cycle C of the Sunday Lectionary.
On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's cry Announces that the lord is nigh Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings.
Commencing in October we have been bombarded with statements such as “This is…” This may be described as ADVERTS. On the other hand, what we now experience is a time of patient and hopeful waiting to prepare for the main event – the The Birth of The Promised One and our celebration of that great moment, – called ADVENT.
This is marked by different signs – purple vestments, a new liturgical year with St Luke’s Gospel -Year C-the lighting of an Advent candle , some restraint,-no Gloria – and the opening of the new Lectionary to listen to the Prophets telling us of a Saviour, judging the “signs of the times”, we are encouraged to “straighten up, raise our heads, because your redemption is near at hand!”
The Assisted Dying Bill (Second Reading)
Thank you for making your views known . Before it can become Law there will be further opportunities to express belief in the value and dignity of human life.
Statement from the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales
Following the decision of MPs to vote in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the Second Reading today (29 November), Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said:
“We are disappointed that MPs have voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through parliament. We believe that this bill is flawed in principle and also contains particular clauses that are of concern. We ask the Catholic community to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress.
“In addition to being opposed to the principle of assisted suicide, we are particularly concerned with clauses in the bill that prevent doctors from properly exercising conscientious objection, provide inadequate protection to hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide and allow doctors to initiate conversations about assisted suicide. We ask that these voices be heard in the next stages of the Bill to strengthen the deep concerns about this proposed legislation.
“We have expressed the view, during this debate, that genuine compassion involves walking with those who need care, especially during sickness, disability and old age. The vocation to care is at the heart of the lives of so many people who look after their loved ones and is the sign of a truly compassionate society. It is essential that we nurture and renew the innate call that many people have to compassionately care for others.
“It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes.”
A Statement from Bishop Richard
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In the wake of the vote in Parliament earlier today, in favour of the “Assisted Dying Bill”, may I take this opportunity thank all those who have written to MPs in recent weeks, alerting them to the dangers inherent in a vote in favour of the Bill, calling for increased levels of support for resources for palliative care, and for protection for the dignity of every person, at every stage in life.
The passing of this Bill represents a significant and very sad moment in the history of this country, and I ask you all to continue your prayers for those in government. As the statement from the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales states, this Bill is flawed in principle.
There is much that we can do before this Bill becomes law and continuing the call for compassion, proper availability and resourcing for palliative care, proper provision for conscientious objection for medical professionals, and protection for hospices and care homes, will be vital in the months ahead.
Let us keep in prayer all those who will be already feeling fearful as a result of this vote, their loved ones, and all who care for them.
Yours in Christ,
+Richard
New Sunday Missals
The missals which have been ordered have now arrived and are available for collection.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 1st December 10am 1st Sunday of Advent
Monday 2nd December 8:15am Weekday Advent Mass St Mary’s House
Wednesday 4th December 9:30am Weekday Advent Mass
Friday 6th December 9:30am Weekday Advent Mass
Sunday 8th December 10am 2nd Sunday of Advent
The Word of Life
The leaflet for December is now in the entrance for you to help in your prayerful reflection on a verse from Scripture during Advent.
The New Lectionaries
The four lectionaries will be blessed at our Sunday Mass.
The translation of the Bible is called the ESV. CE -the English Standard Version – Catholic Edition – i.e. including the Old Testament Books not included by Protestants in the main parts of their Bibles. The Book of Psalms, 150 of them, is described as the Abbey Psalter.
Leaky Flat Roof Areas
Apologies that there is a leak in the Day Chapel dripping on the edge of the altar cloth, in the corner near Our Lady’s statue and in two other places.
The Pastoral Plan
A meeting was held last Thursday at which the Moderator of the future Parish of Brighton and Hove presented ad description of the role. You can read the text on the noticeboard.
Hark, the glad sound : the Saviour comes The Saviour promised long: Let every heart prepare a throne And every voice a song.
Our daily prayer reminds us of the Kingship of Christ, his kingdom which is constantly being established and the place given in our hearts to him. Christ has to present to the Father “a Kingdom of truth and life. A kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.”
This Sunday marks the end of the Liturgical Year B, when on most Sundays we have listened to the Gospel of St. Mark. Next Sunday we commence the celebration of Advent in Year C , when the Gospel of St Luke will mainly be read.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. It is fitting that, on this last Sunday in the Church’s year, we look to the Kingdom, to our destiny as children of the God who is all love. Jesus’ kingship is not of an earthly nature – He makes this very clear in His response to Pontius Pilate, that we hear proclaimed in this Sunday’s Gospel.
Jesus exercises power that is so completely different to that exercised by Pilate. We must reflect that we, in our following of Jesus, must live in His way, not that of a world consumed by wealth, power over others, and political gain. We see power being abused so often in the world at the expense of the vulnerable. We see that which is deemed expedient, placed above the dignity that belongs to every person as a wonder of God’s creation.
Our baptism brings with it the responsibility to live every moment of life in preparation for the wonder of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is this Kingdom – that is of a different kind – in which we are called to live, and that we are called to proclaim, bringing others to the hope that points our way to the Kingdom.
We rejoice in His Kingship and we rejoice in His death and resurrection; the victory that He has won for us – for with Him, as St Paul reminds us – we are co-heirs to the Kingdom of God.
Our world needs this message in every place and in every aspect of the human condition – most especially, at a time when so many parts of our world are torn apart by war and conflict, when the dignity of every human being is threatened, and when so many live without the hope that leads to the fullness of life. Let us proclaim this message with every greater urgency and joy.
With every blessing,
+Richard
Opposing The Second Reading Of The Assisted Dying Bill
The cards to send off to your MP are on the table in the entrance.
Informing yourself of the issues is important. Last week we had our Bishop’s Pastoral Message and the Statement form the Bishops of the UK.
We have all been asked to make special prayer on Friday 29th November for the voting down of this Bill.
Our Friday Mass 9.30 am will have a period of adoration added until 10.30 for those able to give half an hour.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 24th November Christ the King Sunday Mass 10am
Monday 25th November St Mary’s House Mass 8.15am
Wednesday 27th November Mass 9.30am
Saturday 30th November HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
December 1st The First Sunday of Advent Mass 10am.
The bi-weekly Newsletter of St Mary’s and St Thomas More’s is available after Mass.
Soup and Sandwich Lunch This Thursday In Our Hall 12 Noon
An opportunity to meet up. See the poster.
The Lectionary
The four volumes will be blessed next Sunday. They have distinctive covers. As liturgical books for worship they are to be treated with care and respect.
Hail Redeemer, King divine Priest and Lamb, the throne is thine King whose reign shall never cease Prince of everlasting peace.
Angels, saints and nations sing Praised be Jesus Christ our King Lord of life, earth sky and sea King of love on calvary
What is being proposed is to enable people to end their own lives – in other words Assisted Suicide- that is causing one’s own death. It is not euthanasia which is one another person takes one’s life. The arguments put forward by groups claiming rights or by celebrities who, in ignorance, are claiming with a range of adjectives descriptions of dying which do not accord with pain relief, palliative care or Hospice provision. If there were true concern then the provision for such care would have a priority. You will read our Bishop’s message advising us how to react in opposition to the proposals.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With the publication of the “Assisted Dying Bill” to be debated on 29 November, I ask each and every one of you to pray earnestly that the dignity of human life is respected from the moment of conception to natural death – and to write to your MPs, asking that they vote against the Bill.
The great majority of us will have experienced the death of a loved one, and we know the importance of compassion for those who are facing the loss of someone they know and love. The last journey that we take is so often accompanied by illness, which can sometimes be long and, perhaps, marked by suffering.
The compassion that we are called to show – that “suffering with” that is a most precious gift to others – calls us, and all in our society, to show understanding and respect to all who are approaching their last days, to their loved ones, and to the healthcare professionals who give so much of themselves at these times.
The proposed legislation will bring anxiety to so many and, rather than offer “choice” – as has been suggested – will, instead, potentially impose significant pressure on people who are at a very vulnerable time in their lives, especially the elderly and those living with disabilities.
While the proposed legislation may offer assurances of safeguards, the evidence is clear that, in those countries such as Canada and Belgium (to take just two examples) where legislation approving “assisted dying” is in place, it takes little time before the criteria for “assisted dying” expand, often including those living with mental illness and others who do not have a terminal diagnosis.
The relationship between patient and doctors, and other healthcare professionals is precious to patients and their loved ones. The pressure on doctors to recommend or enable such procedures will result in significant damage to this important relationship and, potentially, bring many who have devoted their lives to healthcare to feel unable to continue their vital work.
So, I ask you to write to your MP, urging them most strongly to vote against this proposed legislation. The outcome of the debate is by no means certain and every letter makes a difference, and proclaims the dignity of life and the need to protect the vulnerable.
If you are concerned about writing a letter yourself, postcards will be coming to all parishes, which will make this task easier.
If you are writing a letter, may I ask you to call for effective support and funding for our hospices and for end-of-life care. The healthcare professionals who work in our hospices, hospitals, and across the community, deserve our particular support and prayers at this time.
Pray for our MPs, that they may recognise that their first priority must be the protection and care for the most vulnerable in our society, and that supporting this legislation would result in a dangerous abrogation of this responsibility.
Pray, too, for those who are seriously ill, for those who are dying, for their loved ones and all who care for them, either at home or in our hospitals and hospices.
On the morning of 29 November, let us all come together in prayer – ideally for a Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and redouble our prayer through fasting, that the dignity of life may be respected.
May the Lord Jesus, Whose love conquers all and in Whom we find life to the full, prompt our every action as we seek to defend and uphold the lives of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.
With every blessing, +Richard
Catholic Bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland unite in compassionate action to oppose Bill on assisted suicide
The Catholic Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have issued a statement on Assisted Suicide ahead of the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
In it, the bishops explain exactly what ‘compassion’ means at the end of life – caring for and accompanying people, particularly during times of suffering. Read more.
Not Dead Yet!
Post Cards to complete and send to Your MP will be handed out for signature and posting with a stamp.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 17th November 10am Mass
Monday 18th November 8:15am Mass (St Mary’s House)
Wednesday 20th November 9:30am Mass – The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday 22nd November 9:30am Mass – St Cecilia
Sunday 29th November 10am Feast of Christ The King
Funeral Service
Monday St Thomas More’s for Dick Lock RIP 1pm followed by burial with Mary.
Sunday Missals Ordering
Please sign up if you wish to order a Sunday Missal this Sunday.
World Day Of The Poor
Pope Francis’ message for the World Day Of The Poor
The prayer of the poor rises up to God (cf. Sir 21:5). In this year dedicated to prayer in anticipation of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, this expression of biblical wisdom is most fitting as we prepare for the Eighth World Day of the Poor, which will be observed on 17 November. Indeed, Christian hope embraces the certainty that our prayer reaches God’s presence; not just any prayer but rather the prayer of the poor! Let us reflect on this word and “read” it on the faces and in the stories of the poor whom we encounter daily, so that prayer can become a path of communion with them and a sharing in their suffering. Read more.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine on them.
Amen.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 
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