Fifty Days of Eastertide to hear of encounters with the Risen Lord. The days are ones when the newly baptised adults deepen their understanding of their new lives as Christians and members of the Church. For existing members, it is a time to renew our membership and grow in our commitment. This second Sunday’s Gospel is reflected in the eucharistic hymn “I am not like Thomas, wounds I cannot see.” May our acts of faith grow stronger!
The Eastertide Mass Schedule
Sunday 12th April 10am Divine Mercy Sunday
Monday 13th April 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 15th April 9:30am
Friday 17th April 9:30am
Saturday 18th April 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 19th April 10am 3rd Sunday of Easter
Our Schools Return
After the two-week Holiday the Schools return for the summer term.
“The Lord is risen” After the journey from Ash Wednesday we come to its culmination in the Resurrection of Jesus. We have discovered His identity in the image of the Servant, suffering yet persevering despite what happens to Him. At the Vigil the Scripture takes us from Creation to the images of liberation and onto the living waters of Baptism. We discover what it means for us to be baptised disciples living faithfully our calling. The days that follow Easter Day help us to take in the results for our own lives and living. May you be filled with Easter joy and hope.
Mass Rota For First Week of Easter*
Sunday 5th April 10am Easter Sunday
Monday 6th April 10am
Monday 6th April 11am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 8th April 9:30am
Thursday 9th April 9:30am
Friday 10th April 9:30am
Saturday 11th April 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 12th April 10am Divine Mercy Sunday
*All locations are St Thomas More’s church unless otherwise stated.
Alleluia! This is the day that The Lord has made Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Alleluia!
The forty days seem to have gone quickly and we may be saying what have they meant for us? The small efforts, the moments of prayer, the acts of reaching out, the returns or turn arounds, the moments of growth and so… you name them.
After the time of preparation of Lent we now come to the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where he faces his destiny. In the last 3 days or Triduum we recall in slow motion what he says, what he does and what he goes through and it is up to each one to understand more fully why.
Our Holy Week Schedule
Sunday 29th March 10am Palm Sunday Of The Passion, The blessing of Palms, the procession and the Passion of Jesus from St Matthew’s Gospel
Tuesday 31st March 9:30am Mass
Wednesday 1st April 9:30am Mass
Wednesday 1st April 6pm The Chrism Mass in Arundel Cathedral. All welcome or you can livestream. The renewal of Priestly Promises and the blessing of the oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and for those seriously ill.
Thursday 2nd April 7pm Maundy Thursday, The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the new Commandment
At the end of Mass the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Chapel and there is “watching”, silent praying, – as did Jesus and Apostles in the Mount of Olives or Gethsemane until 9pm
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10am Way of The Cross in church
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10am – 11am Walk of Witness – from India Gate (Pavilion Gardens) to St Nicholas’ church by Christians of Brighton and Hove
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 3pm – The Passion Of The Lord and Veneration Of The Cross
Saturday 4th April Holy Saturday 7pm The Easter Vigil and Mass Of The Resurrection
Sunday 5th April 10am Easter SundayMass
Easter is celebrated as The Easter Octave
Practical Notes
The palms will first be blessed and then handed out.
Good Friday is a Day of Fasting & Abstinence
Do join in the crowd parts of the Passion Reading
A collecting Basket will be on a table for the Holy Places in the Holy Land under prevailing war conditions -AM & PM
Holy Saturday. Candles with drip trays to be picked up on arrival and for a light from the Paschal Candle to gradually be shared.
Three Films Explaining Holy Week
Do take time to watch three short videos by three of our priests describing the Three Days of Holy Week
We move ever closer to Holy Week marked by the praying of the Preface of the Passion of the Lord -“For the days of his saving Passion and glorious Resurrection are approaching, by which the pride of the ancient foe is vanquished and the mystery of our redemption in Christ is celebrated”. As the last days of our Lenten journey unfold we renew the resolutions and consider the effects of our prayer, self-denial and generosity and enter into the days of remembrance and celebration of the significant events as Jesus completes his ministry.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 22nd March 10am 5th Sunday of Lent
Monday 23rd March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 25th March The Annunciation of The Lord 9:30am
Friday 27th March 9:30am
Saturday 28th March 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 29th March 10am Passion of The Lord
Clocks Go Forward One Hour
Next Sunday (29th March) the clocks will go forward one hour. So, remember British Summer Time will be in place.
Church Cleaning On Saturday
Next Saturday you are invited to help clean the Church between 10am and 12 noon. Be proud of St Thomas More’s !
The Sacrament of Reconciliation With Individual Confession
As part of our Lenten practice there will be the following:
Tuesday Evening in St Mary’s 7-8pm preceded by Adoration from 6pm
Friday St Joseph’s Elm Grove 6.45pm
At St Thomas More’s by arrangement
Holy Week
Sunday 29th March Palm Sunday 10am Blessing of the Palms, procession and Mass
Thursday 2nd April 7pm Maundy Thursday Mass of The Lord’s Supper
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10am Way of The Cross
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 3pm Liturgy of The Lord’s Passion
Saturday 4th April Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 7pm
Sunday 5th April Easter Sunday 10am Mass
Walk of Witness
On Good Friday Morning there will be a walk of Christians from the Communities around the City from the Indian Gate via North Street to St Nicholas’ Church. See details on the poster.
The Parish of Brighton and Hove Meeting
Last Thursday’s meeting brought together members of the Communities which constitute the new Parish. There was discussion about how there might be a renewal of our communities , “ to form a parish where every baptised person knows their unique vocation and participates fully and joyfully in Christ’s mission There was a sharing of experiences which are helping to develop a more lively sense of discipleship and belonging. After Easter it is hoped to have more frequent gatherings after Mass with coffees, teas and home made cake! The ideas and comment sheets will be displayed after Easter
Reclaiming Humanity
This Sunday afternoon at St John the Baptist’s. Exploring Catholic Social Teaching with Fr Toby Lees OP. See Noticeboard.
Clergy Team Meeting
Tuesday 3pm
Bless the Lord my soul And bless God’s holy name Bless the Lord my soul And lead me into life.
This commences with Sunday called “Rejoicing Sunday” – is it because we have reached the half way point of Lent? Realistically, it is about being people of the light, perceiving Christ as the light, the guide -“light from light ” – The Nicene Creed. Our days are being filled with light with longer hours as we head towards Summer Time and to the experience of Easter.
This Sunday is one when mothers will be foremost in our minds, as with grandmothers they are thanked. There is another feature of calling it, in olden times as “mothering Sunday”, originally when servants were enabled to attend church – returning to “Mother Church”.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 15th March 10am 4th Sunday of Lent
Monday 16th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 17th March 9:30am St Patrick’s Day
Wednesday 18th March 9:30am
Thursday 19th March 9:30am St Joseph’s Day
Friday 20th March 7pm
Sunday 22nd March 10am 5th Sunday of Lent
This Week’s Feasts
The Lenten pattern is broken with the feasts of St Patrick, patron of Ireland and St Joseph, husband of Mary. The Gloria will be prayed on those days.
Mission Council Meeting
Thursday evening at 7:15pm there will be a meeting of the communities of the Parish of B&H to explore the idea of Mission and Discipleship in the light of the Mission Statement. It will be in St Bernadette’s Hall with parking at the back. If you are free and interested have a word with Fr John.
Reconciliation Services
Friday 27th March in St Joseph’s 6:45pm with a number of priest confessors
Thursday St Bernadette’s School 1:20pm Years 4-6.
CAFOD
Thank you for your donations. The wall box in the entrance may be used for your Lenten almsgiving.
Prayer For Peace
Do watch the video of Pope Leo praying for peace.
Christ be in me, Christ be beneath me, Christ be above me, Christ be on my left, Christ be on my right, Christ be in the heart of everyone Who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.
On the last three Sundays of Lent before Passion Sunday of the Palms, especially in Year A, the Church gives three images of baptism. When there are adults preparing to be baptised at the Easter Vigil the Gospel of the Sundays have particular relevance – as they do for most of us who are baptised. The catechumens who went to the cathedral for the Rite of Election are prayed for so that they may long for the “living water that brings eternal life” and undergo the First Scrutiny or questioning. “Show your elect the way of salvation in the Holy Spirit”. It is part of the gradual process of conversion on the way to what is a sacrament of faith, one which we will recognise as we renew our baptismal commitment at Easter.
Prayer For Peace
Lent provides us with incentive to pray. At this time following the guidance of Pope Leo who has said “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons which sow destruction, pain and death , but only through reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue, Let us continue to pray for peace”.
After Mass this Sunday we will continue our thanksgiving after Holy Communion until 11.30am. Lent weekday Masses, the Rosary or listening to the Podcast on scripture – see below.
The Way Of The Cross
A feature of Catholic Churches- 14 stopping places reminding us of the suffering of Christ, Have a look and think what they reflect back to you. Walk around or sit and see. Copies of various texts on the bookshelf.
The Mass Responses
New cards have arrived. Please kindly return to the holder, open at the front page ready for the next user. Remember to participate actively by joining in with other members in making the responses.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 8th March 10am (intention for peace)
Monday 9th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 11th March 9:30am (for the gift of a shepherd)
Friday 13th March 7pm Stations of the Cross followed by Mass
Saturday 14th March 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 15th March 10am Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Catholic Agency For Overseas Development
Your Lenten almsgiving for CAFOD may be placed in the basket or put in the wall box in the entrance or by donating online – click here.
Jesus, brave and good people assisted you on your way. Give courage to all who must stand against tyranny and injustice. Help us to stand up for truth and goodness.
Always on the Second Sunday of Lent there is a Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It is a moment before what would seem to be devastating that Jesus anticipates the Resurrection by letting his glory be seen. It shows the disciples that what he had told them about his forthcoming Passion would lead to his victory. ‘Be prepared!’ is his advice to them – as it is for us.
Our Diocesan Administrator
Canon Jonathan Martin has been elected as Diocesan Administrator while the process of appointing a Bishop for the Diocese gets underway. He has explained this in a short video. Please remember him in prayer.
The Lent Fast
The Catholic Agency for Overseas’ Development, CAFOD invite us to fast this Friday and make a donation to support their work. There are some fundraising envelopes for your giving – do not be put off by the insert –
It may be easier to make a donation with your card or pop it in the wall box in the entrance. This is one way to practise almsgiving.
Lent and Ramadan
Bishop Patrick McKinney, the Lead Bishop for Interreligious Dialogue for the Bishops’ Conference, has welcomed a Vatican message to Muslims on the occasion of the month of Ramadan and for the feast of Id al-Fitr.
Followers of both religions find themselves fasting and praying at this time:
Follow up on the call to prayer by using the leaflet to reflect on the verse of Scripture and to live it out. You may also like to use one of the daily readings available if you scroll down useful websites.
The Way Of The Cross
You may wish to walk the Way, stopping in front of the stations to reflect on what it says to you. There are fourteen and the fifteenth is in the Blessed Sacrament chapel.
St David Patron Of Wales
The Prince & Princess of Wales as we saw on the news visited the country wearing Daffodils on their coats – 2 days early. Because of the Lenten Sunday his Feast day is not being observed on March 1st this year.
One description of Lent along with the forty fast days. It is the journey to Easter when the three practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are encouraged to help us through the days ahead. Pope Leo in his message to us writes of Lent as a time of conversion, a time to find renewal in our faith and placing God back in our lives. He emphasises listening as making room for the word to enter into a relationship with God. Then he opens up the meaning of fasting in five ways which may surprise us and make us think.
When we hear the word ‘fasting’ we think firstly of limiting what we eat, measuring out how much on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but he goes further and says this act of penance is to cause hunger when spiritually our souls reach out to others. He then reflects on words reminding us to refrain from unkind words, slander, not repeating gossip, rather words of hope and peace. Then screens which withdraw attention on those around, withdrawing us from being present to others, absorbing attention – be it phones, tablets, or TV
Then refraining from complaints, negativity, rehearsing grievances and murmuring. Fifthly, he focuses on indifference , not listening to the challenges, looking away, and maybe unheeding to the call for generosity where possible for Lenten alms and charitable causes.
Pope Leo does make us think.
Lent Weekday Masses
You may not have time for a 9.30am Mass so on Fridays let’s try a 7pm Evening Mass to give more of you the chance to make it as part of your prayer during Lent. A reminder too that every Friday is a day of abstinence or refraining.
The Diocesan Administrator
Canon Jonathan Martin has been elected Diocesan Administrator. You can read more about this appointment here.
Archbishop Richard Moth
Some of you watched the Installation from Westminster Cathedral and the Service is available on Youtube channels.
An account can be seen here
Do look at the photographs (124 of them) and see if you can recognise anyone from the are – Canon David our Moderator, Fr Benny and so on.
One notable moment was when the Archbishop was going around the Cathedral and he stopped to pray at the tomb of Cardinal Cormac.
The Mass Schedule
Sunday 22nd February 10am 1st Sunday of Lent
Monday 23rd February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 25th February 9:30am
Friday 27th February 7pm NB change of time
Sunday 1st March 10am 2nd of Lent
Day of Recollection
Clergy Day of Recollection Worth Abbey Tuesday
B&H Clergy Tean meeting Tuesday
Monks In The City
Do have a look at the Posters on the noticeboard.
The Lourdes Pilgrimage
Booking now underway. Have a word for information.
A Bidding Prayer From The Installation
“We pray for the priests and people of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton that they will soon be given a new Bishop and that the work initiated by Archbishop Richard will continue to bear a rich harvest.”
From Saturday Arundel & Brighton Diocese is without a Bishop. In a magnificent ceremony in Westminster Cathedral Bishop Richard was installed as Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. For a while the See or Particular Church will be without a Bishop until Pope Leo selects a new Shepherd. That is why we will pray for the gift of a Shepherd during the interim. One of the bidding prayers at the Mass reads “we pray for the priests and people of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, that they will soon be given a new Bishop, and that the work initiated there by Archbishop Richard will continue to bear a rich harvest.”
The Lourdes Fund
Your gifts for the Fund which exists to help assisted pilgrims and carers may be given at the end of Mass or be posted in on of the appeal envelopes or you may wish to use our card machine.
Margaret O’Neill RIP
Margaret died on February 11th. We pray for the repose of her soul and for her bereaved family members.
The Season Of Lent
This commences on Wednesday with the imposition of ashes at Mass either at 9.30am or 7 pm. Remember it is a day of fasting and abstinence.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 15th February 10am 6th in Ordinary Time
Monday 16th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Ash Wednesday 18th February 9:30am and 7pm A day of fasting and abstinence.
Friday 20th February 9:30am (int. Margaret O’Neill RIP)
Sunday 22nd February 10am 1st of Lent
Half Term Break
Enjoy a few days relaxation – St Bernadette’s pupils return on Monday 23rd February, Cardinal Newman pupils return on Tuesday 24th February.
Electrical Inspection
Two thirds of circuits have been inspected. PAT checks on all plugged items to follow.
Diocesan Directories
There are two Diocesan Directories, please apply to Fr John if you are interested.
Praise to the Holist in the heights, And in the depth be praise In all His words most wonderful Most sure in all His ways. St John Henry Newman
A varied week ahead , commencing with the day on human trafficking, then (for school governors) a zoom session on Prevent. Wednesday takes us to Lourdes with the promise of a summer pilgrimage and then to Westminster for Friday pre-installation Vespers and to the Mass of Installation of Bishop Richard as the Archbishop of Westminster – and Lent begins next Wednesday (18th February).
Sunday 8th February – Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.
Sr Josephine Bakhita is named as the Saint for the victims , having been trafficked herself. Cardinal Vincent heads up the St Martha’s group bringing the issue to international attention. More details can be found here.
February 11th The Feast Of Our Lady Of Lourdes
Celebrating the first vision Bernadette had of Mary and the response to the call to come on pilgrimage. Please take an envelope if you can make a gift to assist the unwell and frail. A special day at St Bernadette’s because of our connection with Sisters of Nevers who ran the Lourdes Convent on the site. It is also the Day for the Sick and Pope Leo has sent us a letter.
Bishop Richard’s Thanksgiving Mass Arundel Cathedral
Whether you were part of the overflowing congregation or a virtual participant last Friday it was a grand celebration of thanksgiving for his eleven years as our Bishop. You can read what he said here and also a tribute on behalf of the Diocese by the Chancellor, Canon Jonathan Martin.
Celebrations In Westminster
We can join in two parts – Friday – Solemn Vespers and Saturday the Installation of the Archbishop of Westminster 12 noon. Details of how to follow these events can be found here.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 8th February 10am 5th Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 9th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 11th February 9:30am Our Lady of Lourdes Day of The Sick
Friday 13th February 9:30am
Saturday 14th February 9:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 15th February 10am 6th Sunday Ordinary Time
Ash Wednesday Masses
Wednesday 18th February 9:30am
Wednesday 18th February 7pm
Electrical Inspections and PAT Testing
Five Year test. Church, Hall, Priest’s House. Part of the Diocesan Health & Safety requirement.
“Oh, yes my Jesus. From now on, be my all and my life. I shall follow you wherever you go… Come my soul, courage. One more day to follow Jesus and Mary and climb to Calvary…. And then with Jesus and Mary, happiness, joy, eternity. “ St Bernadette.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 
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