September has arrived with all its new beginnings and changes in many aspects of life and activity. Our schools reopen this week with some children joining Reception or moving into Year 7. We wish them and their Schools a very productive new year.

Prior to the implementation of the Pastoral Plan in January 2025 our parish will be finding ways to cooperate withe parish of St Mary’s, whilst retaining our individual identities and memberships.

The Season of Creation

We begin this Sunday a time of reflection on the care that is needed for the world. There has been so much reported that we cannot be unaware of the issues – eg intended holidays to Canada cancelled because of wildfires, tornados and drought. Do click here to read more and to access the Pope’s Message.

Education Sunday

Next Sunday at our Mass we will be celebrating our Schools and the children are being encouraged to bring some of their school items for a Blessing.

The National Eucharistic Congress At Oscott College

On the weekend of 14th – 15th September this will be celebrated both in Oscott and in all Parishes .Bishop Richard will be with a coach from thia Diocese as will all the other Bishops. After the 10am Mass on the 15th we will have an half hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, (Please click here)
There is a Diocesan leaflet “How to pray-Time spent with Jesus in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” (Please click here I will send you the link for this in a few minutes)

Preparing For First Holy Communion

Children in Year 3 and above are invited to commence preparation. Some children may already have enrolled. Do have a word with Fr John if you need advice or Baptismal Certificates. 01273 563017 or john.hull@abdiocese.org.uk

Healing Service

A time of prayer, reflection and music. Praying for the healing of our families, for those we know in need and for ourselves.

Sunday 8^th September

St Peter’s Church,

Portland Road, Hove 3-4.30pm

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 1st September 10am for care of Creation
• Monday 2nd September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
• Tuesday 3rd September 9:30am St Gregory The Great
• Wednesday 4th September 9:30am St Cuthbert
• Friday 6th September 9:30am Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart
• Sunday 8th September 10am Education Sunday

For the fruits of his creation,
Thanks be to God!
For his gifts to every nation,
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
Silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth's safe keeping,
Thanks be to God.

The amazing red sun at its setting reminds us of the ever present effects on our world. Apparently, it was caused by wildfires in Canada .During September we observe the Season of Creation, concluding on the feast of St Francis of Assisi. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday of 2024!

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 25th August 10am (21st Sunday in OT)
• Monday 26th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
• Wednesday 28th August 9:30am
• Friday 30th August 9:30am Saint Aidan and The Saints of Lindisfarne
• Sunday 1st August 10am (22nd Sunday in OT)

Forthcoming Events

• Sunday 8th September – Education Sunday. Mass (10am) Blessing of School Items
• Sunday 15th September -National Eucharistic Congress, Oscott College. All parishes to have a time of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – this will be after the 10am Mass

Blessed Dominic Of The Mother Of God

A member of the Passionist Congregation , who came as a Missionary to England in 1841. He received John Henry Newman into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1863 on the 23^rd October and we await his canonisation.

If you know of anyone wanting to become a Catholic please introduce them to Fr John.

A good number of people are taking advantage of holiday time and here we have not been drenched with rain or suffered the intense heat as in some other parts of Europe.

This weekend we will be sharing a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass at 3pm in St Mary’s Church followed by tea together. Remember that since the second Vatican Council  the Sacrament is now more generally available, not just for someone near to death, but to strengthen and comfort people with chronic illnesses, disabilities and before operations.

This event also indicates the way forward in cooperation between parishes in the light of the Pastoral Plan.

We are nearing the end of Chapter 6 of St John’s Gospel as after revealing the identity of Jesus the Evangelist has His words about the Gift of the Eucharist. You may recall that at the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, John tells of the washing of the feet of the Apostles in Chapter 13 and other details of the Last Passover meal, unlike the other Evangelists.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 18 August 10:00am Mass (20 in OT)
• Monday 19 August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
• Wednesday 21 August 9:30am Mass (Pope St Pius X)
• Friday 23 August 9:30am (St Rose of Lima)
• Sunday 25 August 10am (21 in OT)

Forthcoming Event

National Eucharistic Congress ay Oscott College. You can read more about this event by clicking here. In our Parish on Sunday 16^th September we will have a period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the Sunday Mass.

Pope St Pius X

Best remembered for his encouragement of frequent reception of Holy Communion and by children. Because of fasting from Midnight it was the custom to have an 8am Mass on Sundays and not at subsequent Masses.

(The present ruling is that we should abstain from food 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. Water or medicine excepted. Canon 919)

He died just before World War 1.

Happy News

St Bernadette’s Year 5 Teacher, Emma & Marco announce the birth of LilyAurora 3.3kgs (7lbs 2oz.)

On Receiving Holy Communion

 In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King

St Cyril of Jerusalem 4th Century

Reply “Amen”, take a step to the left or right and receive the Host.

I received the Living God
And my heart is full of joy,
I received the Living God
And my heart is full of joy.

He said, 'I am the Bread
Kneaded long ago to give you life'

August is a time of change and rest: holidays happen, harvesting gets underway and energy is recaptured. Among the feasts of the Church will be the Transfiguration and the Assumption of Mary. Reading Chapter 6 of St John’s Gospel is a highlight exploring faith in Jesus and gradually understanding more about the gift of Jesus as he promises himself in the Eucharist.

Bishop Richard

After leading the Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Bishop Richard will be going on retreat and then having a rest before returning to his usual busy life and routine – and his weekly video messages.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 4th August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time
• Monday 5th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Dedication of St Mary Major, Rome
• Tuesday 6th August 9:30am The Transfiguration of The Lord
• Thursday 8th August 9:30am St Dominic
• Friday 9th August 9:30am St Teresa Bendicta of The Cross
• Sunday 11 August 10am 19th in Ordinary Time

The Word of Life

The leaflet to help your prayer during August is now in the Entrance. Remember the text from Scripture has a commentary and during the month let the Word sink in and cause your prayer.

The Lectionary

It will not be too long before the Lectionaries and the Sunday Missals will become available. Do follow this link that gives plenty of information. You will also discover what is meant by the Catholic Edition of the Bible and why we will have a new Translation.

Jesus Shepherd of the sheep
Your true flock in safety keep
Living bread, your life supply
Strengthen us, or else we die.

- from Lauda Sion

This is the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly following Friday’s  Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. As at least two grandparents commented during the week they had both had SOS messages to go to their daughters to help out. Now that the school holidays have commenced there is evidence of grandpas and grannies out with the children while parents are out at work. Know that you are special!

The 50th Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Bishop Richard leads the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and you can follow it at home on the Diocesan Website at Lourdes Pilgrimage where you can receive his daily message.

On Wednesday the Diocese celebrates Mass in the Grotto and everyone at home in the Diocese will be included in the prayers.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 28 July 10am 17th in Ordinary Time
• Saturday 3 August 8:15am HMP Lewes
• Sunday 4 August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time

Grandparents’ Day

Pope Francis has written a Message for this Day. You can also see a video from Cardinal Vincent (please see below) There is also a reflection about Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of Mary and therefore Grandparents of Jesus.

There is a great devotion to Saint Anne in Brittany.

The Olympic Games in Paris

The Parishes in Paris are welcoming the many visitors to the City and we had a glimpse of Notre Dame Cathedral which is almost finished after its restoration. Read what Pope Francis said here.

And finally…

To holidaymakers – welcome to St Thomas More’s! To those travelling –bon voyage!

This Sunday is set aside as Sea Sunday, when we think of seafarers who live and work on the sea – be they on container ships, cruise ships, ferries or fishing vessels- men and women with families, The Apostleship of the Sea or Stella Maris is the Catholic charity which provides pastoral care in ports where the ships call in, not only in the UK but also around the world. Do visit the website of the charity via the link on the parish website. A time to reflect on where food and goods come from and how they travel here. There is a second or retiring collection or you can donate on line by following this link.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 14th July 10am
• Monday 15th July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
• Tuesday 16th July 1:30pm St Bernadette’s Leavers’ Mass, St Mary’s Church
• Wednesday 17th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
• Friday 19th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
• Sunday 21st July 10am Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The End of the School Year

By the end of the week the Schools will be closing for the Summer Break. We wish the staff, students and parents a restful and happy time.

Our Patronal Feast

Thank you for celebrating our Patron St Thomas More, the dedication of ourselves as the visible Church and in giving thanks for our predecessors, also for socialising.

The 100+ Draw

The winners in the Summer Draw are no39 Paula O’Sullivan no9 Cora Kiernan no 32 Juliet Taylor no6 Stephanie Lewis no 4 Loretta D’Souza.. Our gratitude to subscribers- annual fee £30 – and to John Mason and Julia for refreshments and organising.

The cheque for the 23-24 year was presented and gratefully received for major roof repairs.

The Synod

In preparation for the second part of the Synod in Rome in October, a Document has been published. It is 60 pages long and can be found as a download file on this webpage.

St Thomas More – Patron of Politicians and Statesmen

Appropriately following the General Election and the Bidding for the newly elected here are the dates of his political and legal career:

• Studied Law at Oxford and London
• Elected to Parliament 1504
• 1510 engaged in a Diplomatic Mission at the request of Henry VIII
• Member of the King’s Council
• Presiding Judge of various Tribunals
• 1523 Speaker of the House of Commons
• 1529 Lord Chancellor.- the first layman to hold this Office (when you enter the Church observe the Chain of Office around his neck with the English rose in the centre.)
• 1532 Not wishing to support Henry’s intention to take control of the Church and being true to his principles he was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

“I die the King’s faithful servant but God’s first”

The July Word of Life

Don’t forget to take a copy to help with your prayerful reflection.

A Holyday of Obligation on June 29th, transferred to Sunday this year. Both died for the Faith that they preached, being put to death in Rome. The two great basilicas – St Peter’s and St Paul’s outside the walls are places of Pilgrimage for the many millions who visit Rome. They are described in the Preface as “Peter foremost in confessing the Faith, who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel: Paul its outstanding preacher, master and teacher of the Gentiles that you call”
Along with many other Martyrs the rousing hymn expresses our loyalty and respect for their faithfulness.
“Faith of our Fathers, Holy Faith
We will be true to thee till death!
We will be true to the till death!”

The Pastoral Plan

As promised, a brief note on the meeting of the parish reps and priests of the present deanery of Brighton and Hove in a “get to know you meeting” in the light of the Pastoral Plan. Those of you who follow the Diocesan Website or the Diocesan ebulletin will have read how some of the Deaneries have moved to new structures to work together in various aspects of Church Life. There are unfamiliar descriptions which will need explanation but nothing to be alarmed about! We will look forward so that the mission of the Church in Brighton and Hove can flourish. Some of the items raised were: keeping in touch, communication, sacramental preparation, formation, utilising skills, the role of Catholic Schools, social media, cooperation.

In a separate meeting with Father Sebastian initial plans were discussed and will be brought forward to be realised.

Have another read of the Plan – in the green covered booklets – and pray the prayer for the implementation of the Plan.

You may remember how at Mass just after Easter the Bishop’s Vision was reviewed. Under his photograph you can read Our Parish Mission.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 30 June 10am Solemnity of Ss. Peter & Paul
• Wednesday 3 July 9:30am St Thomas the Apostle
• Friday 5 July 12 midday Requiem Mass for Fr Laurence Quin-Morris RIP, St Joseph’s, Redhill
• Sunday 7 July 10am Patronal Feast of the parish and dedication of Saint Thomas More.

The Word of Life Leaflet for July

To help you pray with scripture during the month.

The General Election

Thursday July 4th Polling Stations Open 7am – 10.00pm
Remember to take Photographic ID with you to be able to vote – Bus Pass, Passport etc.
 

Patronal Feast

Do come into the Hall after Mass on 7 July for some light refreshment, the Summer Draw and a meet up after the 10am Mass.

Words of Saint Thomas More

Let us not lose this time, therefore, suffer not this occasion to slip, which we can never little tell whether ever we shall get it again or never. Let us endeavour ourselves to keep him still, and let us say - ‘Stay with us. Good Lord.’