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 23rd 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 16th 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'
The breathless post-event interviews have been fascinating as the athlete expresses their joy, their thankfulness, their gratitude to family, coaches and supporting crowds at the Olympics. No doubt it will be the same in a fortnight when the Paralympics commence. What a contrast to the rest of the news, not only about prejudice but also those who have shown true respect by gathering to support and protect. Nor should we forget those who have faced aggression in all its forms, fulfilling their duty to server the community.
Our penitential rite and prayer will reflect our attitudes.
Statements Of Faith Leaders And Ecumenical Leaders
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference. has joined the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Imam and the Chairman of the Imams National Advisory Board, to speak out against the violence and rioting that has been taking place across the UK.
Sunday 11th August 10am – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday 12th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 14th August 9:30am – St Maximilian Kolbe
Thursday 15th August 9:30am and 7:30pm HOLYDAY – The Assumption Of Our Lady
Friday 16th August 9:30am St Stephen Of Hungary
Sunday 18th August 10am – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 18th August 3pm – Mass with Sacrament of Anointing – St Mary’s Church
The Word Of Life
September leaflet to help with your prayer. “Lord it is good for us to be here.” cf. The Transfiguration.
The Sacrament Of Anointing
Next Sunday with St Mary’s we will be celebrating a Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing at 3pm followed by tea. During the Lourdes pilgrimage those with health conditions, disabilities and acute illnesses are anointed as Christ is present as physician and in Holy Communion. The oil for the sacrament is one of the three blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass and received at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The oil is put on the forehead and palms of the hands. Those accompanying pray with faith for those being anointed and those persons may receive the sacrament more than once. Remember that over fifty years ago at the Second Vatican Council the name of the sacrament was changed from “Unctio In Extremis”. If uncertain, have a word with Fr John.
The Assumption Of Our Lady
August 15th is a holiday in many European Countries as holidaymakers will experience. It is an Holyday of Obligation. The Obligation is to assist at Mass and if possible, from work, We have two Masses on Thursday 9:30am and 7:30pm.
Guide me O thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land, I am weak but thou art mighty, Hold me with thy powerful hand, Bread of heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more, Feed me till want no more.
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.
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!
With the end of the School Year, holiday time is here and a time for a break and change of routine, hopefully without a repeat of the chaos with the outages. For Teachers and Staff of our Schools a thank you for all your commitment to the young.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes
Over 700 Pilgrims from the Diocese begin journeying to Lourdes on Thursday and Friday – 17 year olds from the Secondary Schools, nurses, disabled and sick people and lots of helpers. You may catch sight of them by visiting “The Sanctuary of Lourdes” via our website or the Diocesan Website. It will be the 50th Anniversary of A&B’s Pilgrimage.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 21st July 10am 16th Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 22nd July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 24th July 11am Requiem Mass for Adela Page RIP St Mary’s Church
Friday 26th July 9:30am Ss Joachim and Anne (parents of Our Lady)
Sunday 28th July 10am 17th Sunday Ordinary Time. Day for the elderly and grandparents
Our Lady of Walsingham
Her memorial on September 24th has now been decreed to be a liturgical Feast.
St Mary Magdalene
Monday is now her Feast Day. She is described as ‘The Apostle To The Apostles’. From the Preface:
He appeared in the garden and revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, who had loved him in life, witnessed him dying on the Cross, sought him as he lay in the tomb, and was the first to adore him, newly risen from the dead.
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.
Every Year around the Anniversary of St Thomas More’s Church and Parish we celebrate with a Mass of thanksgiving, remembering the Founder Priest and members who built the Church in 1963 and the comings and goings since then. We think of the benefactors who raised the funds and those who generously continue to support the Parish.
Why was it named after the Martyr, St Thomas More? Fr Edward Fooks and his brother, also a priest were sons of Arnold Fooks of the legal firm Arnold, Fooks and Chadwick who were the lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Southwark which then covered the territory of South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. When the Canonisation of Thomas More and John Fisher was to take place in 1935, Mr Fooks sought permission to take his sons to Rome – they were both students for the priesthood at the time – and Bishop Amigo agreed. When Fr Fooks was Parish Priest at St Mary’s and recognised the need to build a Church for the growing areas of Patcham, Hollingbury and Westdene he requested that the new church would have the title of St Thomas More.
When Bishop Murphy O’Connor consecrated the Church on 10th July 1983, anointing the altar with Chrism – that is why the Celebrant kisses it – Fr Fooks was present and anointed the 12-consecration points around the church. Under the Table of the Altar the Bishop inserted a relic of the Martyr St Philip Howard.
Remembrance
We remember Fr Gerry Vann RIP and Fr Peter Rogers RIP who have served this Parish and Fr John who recently passed another anniversary of priesthood on 24th May, having been ordained in St Dominics, Waddon, Croydon, 1964.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 7 July 10am Patronal Dedication and Feast Day
Monday 8 July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 10 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 12 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Saturday 13 July 8:30am HMP Lewes
The Word of Life
The leaflet for July takes for the scripture a line from Psalm 23.
The New Lectionary
From Advent, the Scripture will be taken out of the translation known as the ESV CE -The English Standard Version, Catholic Edition. It contains those Readings omitted from some Bibles.
Thank You
To the trio, Mike Mason, John Mason and Jim Pal who weeded the courtyard and gave a ‘short back and sides’ to the driveway. Thank you!
100+ Fundraiser
The Summer Draw will take place after Mass this Sunday. Annual Subscription £30.
Sea Sunday
Next Sunday the annual appeal for Stella Maris – The Apostleship of the Sea – will have a retiring collection.
Contactless Giving
A technical problem with the Card Machine should now have been corrected. In these days when cash is not normally used it should be easier to make your offerings. Follow the instructions on the table.
Give me Thy grace to long for Thy holy Sacraments and especially to rejoice in the Presence of Thy very blessed Body, sweet Saviour Christ, in the holy sacrament of the altar and duly to thank Thee for Thy gracious visitation in it.
- From St Thomas More's 'Treatise on The Blessed Body of The Lord'
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.’
After celebrating the Seasons of Easter and the solemnities of Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity, the Body and Blood of Christ and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we return to remembrance of the ministry of Jesus with his teachings as we read St Mark’s Gospel. This has another title -translated from the Latin as “Ordinary Time“- a poor translation which in English implies something of little significance! One attempt at clarifying the term is “ordered“. In the meantime you will notice the green vestment and the abbreviation ‘OT’.
The Day For Life
For information on this year’s theme please follow this link.
A Bishop has written drawing attention to the “culture of death “ prevalent in proposed legislation.
Patronal Feast
Each year on the Sunday nearest to the Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church we celebrate the Patronal Feast. This year we will be celebrating on Sunday 7th July at the 10am Mass and afterwards with a drink.
Missio
The Missions Society – has sent us reports of recent activity. Thank you for filling the red boxes with those coins that are not seen so often. There are some red boxes available for you.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 9th June 10am 10th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 12th June 9:30am St Anthony of Padua
Friday 14th June 9:30am Weekday Mass
Sunday 16th June 10am 11th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 19th June 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 21st June 9:30am St Aloysius Gonzaga
Saturday 22nd June HMP Lewes Mass 8:30am
Sunday 23rd June 10am 12th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 26th June 11:30am Funeral Mass for Tom Perrin RIP
Friday 28th June 9:30am St Irenaeus
Sunday 30th June 10am Saints Peter and Paul
Wednesday 3rd July 9:30am St Thomas, Apostle
Friday 5th July 9:30am Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart
Sunday 7th July 10am Patronal Feast
Wednesday 10th July 9:30am St Benedict
Friday 12th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Sunday 14th July 10am 15th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 17th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 19th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Tom Perrin RIP
Tom died last Monday, a staunch Catholic and family man, husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace.
His Requiem Mass and funeral will be in St Thomas More’s Church on Wednesday 26th June at 11.30am followed by cremation at Woodvale, North Chapel at 1pm. Remember in your prayers Margaret his wife and Kath, Mary and the other members of the Perrin Family.
Foundation Governors for Catholic Schools
An informative poster will be displayed inviting response from practising Catholics for the role .
Reminders
St Bernadette’s Summer Festival Saturday 29th June
St Thomas More’s Patronal Feast Day July 7th
The Lectionary
The new version will be in use from the First Sunday of Advent.
You must be logged in to post a comment.