The Second Week Of Lent

A time for transformation and renewal is one way to mark the season of Lent. In the moments of the partial eclipse of the moon and its return to glowing brightness another reminder of transitional change. This Sunday we hear of a moment of transfiguration and a glimpse of glory. There is too in the Second Reading the promise and hope of our homeland in heaven. Take the opportunities offered by Lent for yourself.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This week, the Gospel – as is always the case on the Second Sunday of Lent – is the account of the Transfiguration, this year from Luke’s Gospel. Jesus gives to Peter, James and John the experience of His Transfiguration in order that they be strengthened for the events that are to come – His Passion and death. Even though we know that the Lord’s death was not the end, the Lord’s Transfiguration strengthens us too.

The scale of the Lord’s suffering is beyond our experience. The very fact that He who is without sin, the Incarnate Word, suffers and dies for us is a reality so deep, so vast, that it calls forth from us prayer, love and a response in action. We cannot gaze on the crucified Lord without being changed.

When we see suffering in the world, we see the Cross – this experience calls us to prayer, to love, to action – for in serving our brothers and sisters we serve Christ, the One who suffered and died for us.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday March 16th 10am 2nd in Lent
Monday March 17th 8:15am St Mary’s House
Monday March 17th 10am The Feast of St Patrick
Wednesday March 19th 9:30am The Solemnity of St Joseph
Friday March 21st 9:30am
Sunday March 23rd 10am 3rd in Lent

CAFOD

Your donations may be placed in a basket or by card here.

Service of Reconciliation

Bishop Richard will lead this for the parishes of the Deanery at St Mary Magdalen’s Upper North Street Thursday 27^th at 7.30pm. At least six priest confessors available.

Jubilee Pilgrimages

Weekend to Walsingham
Rome
Lourdes

See posters or enquire

St Patrick

Bishop and missionary. Patron of Ireland. Mass for his feast Monday 10am at St Thomas More.

St Joseph

Foster- father of Christ and husband of Mary, carpenter. Patron of the Universal Church. ‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.’

Mass Wednesday at 9.30am

Saint Joseph when you pray for me
Pray to the Three-in-One
But talk in human words with him
Who let you call him Son.

The Season Of Lent

After Ash Wednesday the 40 days journey to Easter Commences with opportunities for prayer, generosity and self restraint. Finding a new way to make these practices relevant is part of our effort to engage with the purpose of Lent. We are so fortunate to have the experiences of Spring – warmth and light to stimulate our response.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Pope Francis Gives Us His Message

Dear brothers and sisters,

We begin our annual pilgrimage of Lent in faith and hope with the penitential rite of the imposition of ashes. The Church, our mother and teacher, invites us to open our hearts to God’s grace, so that we can celebrate with great joy the paschal victory of Christ the Lord over sin and death, which led Saint Paul to exclaim: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” ( 1 Cor 15:54-55). Indeed, Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the heart of our faith and the pledge of our hope in the Father’s great promise, already fulfilled in his beloved Son: life eternal (cf. Jn 10:28; 17:3)… For the full message please click here

Prayer For The Pope

We do this daily and when praying the Eucharistic Prayer, we realise we he is always remembered.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 9th March 10am First Sunday in Lent
Monday 10th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 12th March 9:00am Lent Weekday Mass
Friday 14th March 9:30am Lent Weekday Mass
Sunday 16th March 2nd Sunday in Lent

CAFOD Fast Day

This coming Friday is a day for Fasting for the projects of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. What you might save by your self denial may be returned in the envelope or you may prefer to transfer your gift by card – please click here.

Lenten Reconciliation Service

Thursday 27^th March 7-9pm in St Mary Magdalen Church. Upper North Street. Bishop Richard will be leading and there will be Priest Confessors around the Church. See the Poster.

The Vocation of The Permanent Diaconate

An Open Evening Session at St John the Evangelist, Horsham at Friday 14th March at 7pm. More information can be found here.

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

This Thursday 13th March at 12 noon. See the poster.

The Catholic Social Action Network Survey

A survey concerning the two-child benefit cap. If you wish to participate please visit this link.

Diocesan Vacancies

P/T clergy welfare officer

Health and safety officer

For details of these positions please click here.

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

There is no date yet for Canon Oliver Heaney’s funeral


Forty days and forty nights
You were fasting in the wild
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted still and yet unbeguiled

The Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Spring has arrived with the commencement of March and the amazing wonder of the planets together on view. It also coincides with the season of Lent from Ash Wednesday onwards. A time to focus on personal renewal with the practices of Lent.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The phrase “By your fruits shall ye know them” has passed into our English language and is one of those expressions that has often been used down through the centuries. We see its origins in this Sunday’s Gospel, in which Jesus speaks of the fruit that the tree produces. What we do, what we say, how we live – these are the things that inform others about the people we really are. All of us will know of examples in our lives where the external and internal – as it were – truly match up. This is wonderful to see and is an example of the person who is a truly integrated human being.

For most of us, the struggle to be truly consistent in our living, our speaking, our actions, is a daily challenge – but it is one we must embrace if we are to be the Lord’s disciples. A first step is an honest appreciation of where we are, who we really are. We must take the plank out of our own eye if we are to realise where we truly stand. We cannot see the way forward unless we do this. We cannot help our brother, our sister, unless we can see ourselves. Similarly, we cannot show them a life lived fully according to Gospel values unless we live it ourselves.

When we start out, our way may seem unclear, we shall be burdened with a heavy load – the things that we know must change. Our motives may be mixed – selfishness and self-fulfilment may loom large. As we travel, grace will change us. Our load will become lighter, our motives purer, our sight clearer until, as St Benedict puts it, we run joyfully along the way of salvation.

St Paul reminds us that “death is swallowed up in victory.” The more we are enabled – through the promptings of the Spirit – to live the integrated life of the disciple, the more we show to the world the victory of Christ’s Resurrection.

While the way of the Gospel may seem demanding and difficult – and it certainly is at times – we rejoice that, in Christ, the victory is won. All is possible in Him.

I know we shall all be continuing our prayers for the Holy Father at this time – may he continue to draw strength through his closeness to the Lord, and know the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 2nd March 10am
Monday 3rd March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 5th March Ash Wednesday 9:30am & 7pm
Friday 7th March 9:30am
Saturday 8th March 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 9th March 10am 1st Sunday of Lent

Fasting & Abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days for practising both, In addition Friday is a time for abstaining from meat and during the Year are moments when we are encouraged to fast and donate what we save for a Charity such as CAFOD.

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

For many years before retirement he served as Parish Priest of St Mary’s and was a familiar figure in St Bernadette’s. Most recently he has been resident at St Mary’s House and died on March 1st.

May he rest in peace after his many years of service.

Pope Francis

Our daily prayers for him in his illness continue, along with Catholics worldwide.

The Permanent Diaconate

Are you being called?

The Permanent Diaconate .pdf Download

The March Word of Life

The March edition of the leaflet is now available. Luke 6 :36 provides the text for reflection during the Month and an item for our examination of Conscience prior to our Lenten “going to Confession” now known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, One of our number of Lenten practices.

The Jubilee Hymn – Pilgrims of Hope

Like a flame my hope is burning
May my song arise to you
Source of life that has no ending
On life's path I trust in you

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

Half term is over and it is back to School. Following last week’s Gospel of the Beatitudes, this Sunday speaks of those in real dire need, responding even if not appreciated. Luke. focuses on generosity and compassion. The Old Testament reading tells of the moment when David had the opportunity to kill Saul and refrains from doing so.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday’s Gospel is, probably, a very challenging one for each of us, in our different ways. Indeed, we might use the text as an examination of conscience – perhaps at the end of each day, and especially in our preparation for the Sacrament of Penance.

Take time to read this text. If you are in the habit of Lectio Divina, use it for Lectio. Every sentence holds treasures, themes for our reflection, themes that may bring us to sorrow, or to joy.

In the second half of the text, Jesus calls us to a place where we do not judge one another, where we pardon, where we show compassion – walk alongside our brother or sister and share their burdens. Ultimately, He calls us to give. We all know that when we give of ourselves it brings rewards far greater than the passing happiness of our own comfort. This is far more than just the satisfaction in knowing we have done a good thing – it is a joy that comes because we are doing what the Lord asks of us. Our service is an expression of the Lord’s self-giving for us. When we truly walk with another, we are able to see Christ present in them; we are sharing His love with them.

In our present world of consumerism and the cult of the celebrity, the Lord calls us to a different path. The First Reading this Sunday provides the example of David who did what was right. He had the chance to do away with Saul, who was seeking to kill him. He took the more difficult – but righteous and compassionate – path. He spared his enemy. So with us, we are called to do what is right in every circumstance of our lives, for this will be the path of service, the path that leads to life.

Let us, too, pray most ardently for peace in our troubled world, remembering especially the need for an end to the war in Ukraine, the present troubles in Congo, that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold and that the tensions on the boarder of Lebanon will ease.

Also, as Pope Francis continues his stay in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, let us remember him very specially in our prayers.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 23rd February 10am 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday 24th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 26th February 9:30am
Friday 28th February 9:30am
Sunday 2nd March 10am 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lourdes Fund

Thank you for your generosity in responding to this appeal. Do you think you could be a helper?

Commissioned Ministers of Holy Communion

There is to be a Saturday Morning course for existing and new candidates March 8^th 11am-1pm in St Mary’s Hall. Have a word with Fr John if you are attending.

Parish Clergy Meeting

The first Meeting of the active Clergy of the future Parish will be on Wednesday 26th. Keep them in your prayers.

Next Week (2nd March – 8th March)

Wednesday 5th March will be Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent. There will be 2 Masses – 9.30am and 7pm.

Do bring last year’s palms to the entrance next Sunday. They will be burnt to create the ashes.

Whatsoever you do
To the least of my people
That you do unto me.

No. 726

The Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Following Tuesday’s meeting of the deanery clergy, a step forward was taken to the introduction of a new way of being the Church in the Brighton and Hove and Hove area so that a focus on Mission may have a significant identity. In the meantime there will be a gradual introduction of fresh ways of describing who and what we are. The present parishes will together be formed into one parish with all the separate parts relating closely to each other. As now, the worshipping communities will gather with a synodal approach – details of which are to be worked out until the Bishop comes to inaugurate the Parish of Brighton and Hove. In the meantime there is much to be prepared. In addition to a forthcoming meeting of the clergy, Bishop Richard will be coming to meet the clergy and headteachers. Everyone will be involved in the process and encouraged to seek information, to read the Diocesan Plan again.

Communique from Clergy Meeting Download

Mass Schedule

Sunday 16th February 10am Sixth Sunday (People of the parish)
Monday 17th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 19th February 9:30am
Friday 21st February 12 noon REQUIEM MASS FOR WENDY WOODLAND RIP
Sunday 23rd February 10am Seventh Sunday

Racial Justice Sunday

The theme for Racial Justice Sunday is: “Pilgrims of Hope: Our Journey Together Towards Racial Justice”.

The theme invites Catholics across England and Wales to reflect on the collective journey towards racial justice in our schools, parishes and wider society.

Bishop Paul McAleenan said: “2025 is a very special year. It marks both a Year of Jubilee and the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday.

“This year, we invite the Catholic community to reflect on the journey towards racial justice – past, present and future – by asking: ‘How far have we come, where are we now and what remains to be achieved?’

“Just as pilgrims must prepare for their journey and be properly equipped, we, too, need all that is necessary to propel us towards racial justice – the mind of Christ; examination of our progress and of the challenges that remain; a willingness to learn from one another together; and prayers for and on the journey.

“It is my hope that our Racial Justice Sunday 2025 resources will not only assist but inspire the People of God to continue walking and praying together on the path to racial justice.”

More details can be found by following this link.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Thank you for your donations to the Lourdes Fund. Bookings for the Pilgrimage are now open. Could you be one of the Helpers?

Building The Civilisation of Love

Are you interested in Catholic Social Teaching? An Introduction will take place on Sunday 9^th March at St John the Baptist Hall 12.45 – 4.15pm. See the details on the noticeboard.

The Jubilee Year

This week we pray for artists.

The Jubilee Hymn

Like a flame my hope is burning
May my song arise to you
Source of life that has no ending
On life's path I trust in you.

Fifth Week In Ordinary Time

Pilgrims of Hope

During this jubilee Year there will be many opportunities to move forward with joyful hope. This week is just a beginning. We celebrate the World Day for the Sick, remembering those who are unwell and those who care for them, there is an appeal for the Lourdes Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the details of a young persons Pilgrimage to Rome , one to Walsingham and a Deanery Meeting to introduce the future shape of the Catholic Church in Brighton and Hove. In St Bernadette’s School a special Assembly and remembrance of the Lourdes Convent which was run by the Sisters of Nevers.

Pope Francis and his message for the World Day of The Sick

Please click on the following link

Mass Schedule

Sunday 9th February 10am Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday 10th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 11th February 9:30am Our Lady of Lourdes
Wednesday 12th February 9:30am
Friday 13th February 10am
Saturday 14th February HMP Lewes 8:15am
Sunday 15th February Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Word Of Life Leaflet

February’s leaflet is available to help the word of scripture.

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

This Thursday (13th February) at 12 noon. Do come along to our hall.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Details can be found on the diocesan website. Please click here.

Rest In Peace

Frances Austin died Saturday February 9^th in Maycroft Care Home.

She received the Sacrament of Anointing and prayed the Hail Mary on Friday “pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen”

100+ Winners

James Pal, Julia Hoy, Julian and Wendy Taylor, and Paula O’Sullivan

Immaculate Mary
Our hearts are on fire,
That title so wondrous 
Fills all our desire.
Ave,ave,ave, Maria!

The Presentation Of The Lord

Forty Days after Christmas we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple by Mary and Joseph – part of a Jewish ritual in thanksgiving for the birth of a child. It was the occasion of the family meeting Simeon and Anna and the utterance “a light to enlighten the Gentiles”. Jesus is the light for the world. This is recognised with the blessing of candles and a procession entering the Temple.

For Missal users the Mass texts may be found with the feasts of the Lord in the pages towards the back.

Coffee After 10am Mass

There will be coffee after the 10am Mass tomorrow (Sunday 2nd February)in the church hall. Please do come along.

North Brighton Parishes Meeting

Thank you to St Thomas More’s Parishioners who were there and participated with ideas. A report of the meeting is on the noticeboard for you to read

There will be more to report after a meeting of the clergy on February 11th.

Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Booking is now open and details will become available on the noticeboard. Please click here for more information.

The Jubilee Year

Please click here to find out more details.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 2nd February 10am Feast of Presentation
Monday 3rd February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 5th February 9:30am St Agatha
Friday 7th February 9:30am
Sunday 9th February 10am 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Word Who Is Life

The February leaflet to help with your prayer reflection during the month is now in the entrance for you to collect.

For Sale

New Sunday Missals £19:95
The Diocesan Directory 2025 £5

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

The next on will be on Thursday 13^th February at 12 noon. Do come along!

Requiem Mass

For Wendy Woodland RIP. Friday 21st February at 12 noon.

At The Temple

There filled with holy joy
Simeon in his hands
Takes up the promised child
The glory of all lands

O light of all the world
We light our lives with thee
The chains of darkness gone
All sons of God are free.

Sunday of The Word of God

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 80^th 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 2^nd 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 4^th 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

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.

St Thomas Aquinas no 396

Peace Sunday

The World Day of Peace is observed in England and Wales on the 2^nd 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.

World Day of Peace Message Download

Mass Schedule

Sunday 19th January 10am
Monday 20th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
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 2^nd 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.

The Baptism Of The Lord

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.

Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Letter

6780ddfb88f4ba76938fa89b_Pastoral Letter – 12th January 2025 – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Download

Mass Schedule

Sunday 12th January 10am The Baptism Of The Lord
Monday 13th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 15th January 9:30am (Int. Theresa and Patrick)
Friday 17th January 9:30am St Anthony (Abbot) (int. Gordon Cropp)
Sunday 19th January 10am

Invitation

Soup and sandwich lunch onThursday 23rd January at 12pm. Do come along to our church hall.

North Brighton Parishes General Meeting

Sunday 26th January at St Mary’s Hall at 5pm. Discover our future together in faith. All are welcome to attend.

Ordinary Time

After this Sunday we advance to Ordinary Time. Week one. Sunday Lectionary Year C.

See Christ who on the river's shore
With John the Baptist stood
His secret in the name he bore
The Holy Lamb of God