In a recent school Q & A session, one of the questions was, “Who made God?” God existed before all time and is described in the Creed as maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. As revealed in the Scriptures, and using the language of relationships, we recognise a Trinity of Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A simple comparison would be to describe someone as grandfather, father, son and brother. In our Christian praying, we do so in a Trinitarian way. Just think of the Mass and see how we do so – beginning with the sign of the cross and finishing with the blessing.
The Day For Life
The theme this year is “Hope does not disappoint. Finding meaning in suffering ” You can read more here.
There are also Statements on Assisted Dying and the proposed decriminalisation of parts of the Abortion Act. Both of which remind us of how life can so easily be devalued.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 15th June 10am Trinity Sunday
Monday 16th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 17th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 18th June 9:30am
Friday 20th June 9:30am St Alban – Proto Martyr of England
Sunday 22nd June 10am The Body and Blood of Christ
Prayer Requests
For Gemma Rosado and Fr Ray Blake.
Maura Mason RIP
Maura, the widow of John Mason, died in hospital on Saturday morning (14th June). A brave person. May she rest in peace.
Second Collection For Life
The opportunity to donate will be after Mass. Thank you.
Forming The Vision For Church In Brighton & Hove
Do you wish to contribute? Meeting July 10th. Let Fr John know.
The 50 Days are now finished and our Easter hope is established. In so many different ways the Paschal Mystery has been a reality with life, suffering, and death – and life, change, and growth happening. We just need to recall the events in our own lives and in the world around us.
Now as the ascended Christ promised, we are not abandoned but recipients of the Holy Sprit who comes as gifts with their effects. It is in the sacraments that we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Statement On The Assisted Dying Bill
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, is fast approaching its decisive vote in the House of Commons which will likely take place on either the 13 or 20 of June. Please click here to read more.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 8th June 10am Pentecost
Monday 9th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 11th June 9:30am St Barnabas, Apostle
Thursday 12th June 12pm Arundel Cathedral – Jubilarians’ Mass
Friday 13th June 9:30am St Anthony of Padua
Sunday 15th June 10am Trinity Sunday
The Word Of Life
The June copies are now available for you to pick up and use during the month to shape your prayer.
Thursday 12th June – Soup And Sandwich
Come along to meet and enjoy – 12 noon.
Margaret Perrin RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Margaret and for her bereaved family members.
Pilgrimage To Walsingham
Remember the people from the Diocese on pilgrimage there this weekend.
Day For Life
Next Sunday – retiring collection. Please follow this link for more information.
Events Posters
Do take a look at the Noticeboards so as not to miss anything.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of thy love. Send forth thy Spirit and they will be a new creation and you will renew the face of the earth.
The Fifty Days are nearly over and having heard the promise we now prepare to welcome the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Traditionally from the Ascension we have a novena of inviting the Spirit to renew us and give us energy in living our Christian lives. What we learn is described with signs – breath, fire ,enthusiasm and with effects -insight, understanding and outward “fruits ” – joy, peace and hope. Remembering that from our Baptism when we were given God’s Spirit , ,to our Confirmation when we received the fullness of the Spirit -“receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”, we in turn invite in prayer and song the Holy Spirit to be active within us – Come Holy Spirit!
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
At this time of the Church’s year, we are in Ascensiontide, having celebrated that feast on Thursday. Jesus has returned to the Father and the Apostles are waiting in expectant hope for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
We, of course, have received the Spirit – in our baptism and in our confirmation. Indeed, at present, we rejoice in the great number of our young people who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at this time of year. All are coming to the Cathedral – making a pilgrimage to the mother church of the Diocese in this Holy Year and in our 60th year.
Those being confirmed hear the words of the prayer: that the anointing of Confirmation conform them more fully to Christ, the Son of God. The more closely we are conformed to Christ, the more effective we shall be in our witness to Him.
St Stephen, whose martyrdom forms the text of the first reading this Sunday, was so closely conformed to Christ that he was ready to shed his blood in witness to Him. The word ‘martyr’ means ‘witness’ – so being a martyr in the broadest sense is the call for every Christian.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus tell us that through our witness, the world will come to believe in Him. This is the mission the Lord has given to each and every baptised person. Wherever we are – whatever we do – our lives must speak to others of the wonder of the Lord’s love for us and His call to every person, of every age, to life in Him.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
World Communications Sunday
The late Pope Francis gave a Message to us with the theme -“share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts “. He picked up on the Jubilee Theme and the ever present problem of fake news which damages truthful communication. It is like the fault of rumour or gossip. Take time to read more here.
The Pastoral Plan
On Wednesday the Bishop is meeting with the Clergy of the area to help us take the next steps. There is information from the Leadership team on the joint bi-weekly newsletter.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 1st June 10am 7th Sunday of Easter
Monday 2nd June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 4th June 9:30am
Friday 5th June 9:30am
Sunday 8th June 10am Pentecost Sunday
Sheila Jenner RIP
A regular member of the Parish coming to a Weekday Mass with her walking frame died last Wednesday. Like a good Catholic she has left instructions for a Requiem Mass at St Thomas More’s on Monday June 23rd at 10am.
May she rest in peace.
Angela McCulloch
Angela’s Requiem Mass has been arranged for this Thursday June 5th at St Mary’s Church at 11.30am.Remember her son in your prayers and may Angela rest in peace.
A&B 60
You may have read that the town of Arundel had a power cut on Wednesday. This meant there was no power or light in the Cathedral so if you were tuned in for live streaming you would have seen nothing. That is until the Bishop commenced his sermon quoting Canon Law. Canon 369. A Diocese is a portion of the people of God which is entrusted to a Bishop to be nurtured by him, with the cooperation of priests, remaining close to its pastor and gathered by him through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, in constitutes a Particular Church. In this Church, the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church truly exists and functions. At this point the lights came on together with the PA system and eventually lunch was cooked!
Spirit of the living God ,fall afresh on us Spirit of the living God fall afresh on us Melt us mould us, fill us, use us Spirit of the living God fall afresh on us.
Ascension Thursday marks a moment of change when Jesus returns to his Father and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip us to continue the mission. Moving into the future requires determination and patience and above all a sense of hope. What the Church in Brighton and Hove will be like may seem like a dream but it will be formed of believers whose focus is on belonging, walking with others, and relating to Jesus by communicating with prayer. Let us make sure we invite the Holy Spirit on the journey.
Anniversaries
May 28th 1965 was the day of the announcement that the Diocese of Southwark would be divided and that a ne Diocese called Arundel & Brighton would be created with Bishop David Cashman as its first Bishop.
May 28th 2015 is the Anniversary of Bishop Richard being installed as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese.
The Diocese Of Chulucanas, Peru
The second collection this Sunday is for the Diocese of Chulucanas in the North of Peru which A&B supports.
Four of our Priests have worked there along with the Augustinian Priests like Pope Leo.
The Pastoral Plan
Last Tuesday’s Zoom meeting explained the structures for the future and the forming of a finance group.
The Mass Schedule
Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday of Easter
Monday 26th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 28th May 12pm Arundel Cathedral Diocesan anniversaries (live streamed)
Thursday 29th May 9:30am and 7pm Ascension Day (Holy Day)
Friday 30th May 9:30am The Visitation Of Our Lady
Saturday 31st May 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 1st June 10am 7th Sunday of Easter
World Communications Day
This is next Sunday (8th June)
The Basilica Of St John Lateran
This Sunday afternoon 4pm BST Pope Leo will be installed on the Cathedra (Chair) of the Diocese of Rome of which he is the Bishop,
On our website go to Vatican News under Useful Websites) On the right side you will find Vatican TV to watch the ceremony.
To the member's of Christ's body To the branches of the Vine To the Church in faith assembled To her midst as gift and sign: Come, Holy Spirt, come!
The inauguration of Pope Leo takes place this Sunday at a Celebration Commencing at 9am BST. The main feature of the Liturgy will be the placing of the Pallium on him. This is taken from the tomb of St Peter and is made of lambswool. Then he will be presented with the ring and seal of Peter the Fisherman. These moments will be accompanied by prayers invoking the Holy Spirit. After this the Pope will give the Homily. You can find the English translation by clicking on Useful Websites- then The Holy See and finding the Booklet for the Celebration.
The English text is on the left hand side from page 2 onwards.
Monday 19th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (St Dunstan)
Wednesday 21st May 9:30am
Friday 23rd May 9:30am
Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday Of Easter
The Pastoral Plan
We will be moving towards the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the Communities of Brighton and Hove and over the next few weeks you will hear more information. Bishop Richard is planning for the eleven deaneries with parishes to become eleven parishes with the available clergy being for us the Brighton and Hove Clergy Team (BHCT) in the United Parish of Brighton and Hove. The Clergy are meeting every fortnight, and a leadership team of Laity & Clergy is being formed.
Update
Canon Kieron O’Brien gives an update and more information taking into account synodality. Please click here for further details.
Migrants’ Mass
Read the Report and photographs of last Sunday’s Mass. Were you there? The report can be found here.
May Prayer For Vocations
There is an ever present need to find men with a call to serve the People of the Church as Pastoral Priests. It starts with prayer of families and parishioners.
The Assisted Suicide Bill
The voices of those who recognise the need to improve and finance palliative care and support of Hospices must grow louder.
In Remembrance
Pray for the repose of the souls of Angela McCulloch and Darren Hazel who have died and for family members who have been bereaved.
All my hope on God is founded He doth still my trust renew Me through change and chance he guideth Only good and only true God unknown. He alone Calls my heart to be his own
The Media have kept us in touch with the Election of a new Pope in succession to Pope Francis RIP. We give thanks for the gift of a Shepherd for the Universal Church. He is the 267th to follow Peter the Apostle. He is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the College of Bishops. The Vicar of Christ and the Shepherd of the Universal Church. A priest of the Augustinian Order, a missionary in Peru building up the Particular Churches or Dioceses along with other priests of the Order such as the ones in Chulucanas. At every Mass along with our Bishop Richard, as Your Servant Leo our Pope, he will be remembered.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters,
Through our baptism, each and every one of us is called to be a “Pilgrim of Hope.” With eyes fixed on the person of Jesus, our minds and hearts are opened to His call to us. This Sunday, the Church throughout the world reflects on the particular calls to priesthood and to religious life. I ask you to join with me in praying that those who are called to give their lives in service as priests, and those called to religious life, may be truly open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Fr Tristan Cranfield, our Vocations Director, has provided an easy-to-use resource that will support our prayer for vocations to priesthood, in particular, during these coming weeks leading to Pentecost. The vocational call is heard in prayer and, so very often, in quietness. Let us all give a little extra time to prayer in these coming weeks for those whom God is calling, for our seminary students and for the families of our Diocese – that our homes will always be places where an openness to God’s call is nurtured.
Pray, too, for the priests, deacons and religious of our Diocese, in thanksgiving for their wonderful ministry, example, and service to us all.
With every blessing,
+Richard
Statement On The Election Of Pope Leo XIV
The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton welcomes yesterday’s election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. Responding to the news, Bishop Richard said:
“We give thanks that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the Cardinals have elected Pope Leo XIV.
“Pope Leo brings to the office of the Holy Father considerable experience as a bishop and pastor including in Chulucanas, so closely associated with our diocese, together with his more recent service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His prayer for peace in his first words from the balcony at St Peter’s will resonate with Catholics and all people of good will.
“This is a significant moment for the Catholic Church and for the world, and we offer our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins his Pontificate.”
Pope Leo, the first Pope from the United States of America, was born Robert Provost, on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis. On 29 August 1981 he made his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.
At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum). He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986); the Diocese of Chulucanas.
In 1987, he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of St Augustine”. In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois.
On 3 November 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar. He was ordained a bishop on 12 December, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese, and was created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 30 September 2023.
Bishop Richard will celebrate Mass for the Holy Father’s intentions at the Confirmation Mass at Arundel Cathedral this Sunday at 2pm, with additional Masses celebrated across the Diocese.
Good Shepherd Sunday
During May we are encouraged to pray for Vocations especially for the Priesthood.
As Catholics, we know that God has called each of us by name and that everyone has a vocation; some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life, and some to the single life. This year, in the light of the Pastoral Plan, The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission, the whole Diocese is invited to come together for four weeks of prayer to the Holy Spirit to grant us a missionary spirit, through the raising up of new vocations to all walks of life in the Church.
Foremost among these vocations, we need priests. The priesthood is a special gift to the Church, through which Christ is always present to pour out His Spirit on His people through the holy sacraments.
It’s not always easy to know if God is calling you to priesthood. Our diocesan Days of Discernment aim to explore some simple tools for finding out, with time for prayer and an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful vocation of the diocesan priest, along with other men following the same path. Certainty is not required: the day may just be a chance for you to start thinking, to pray, and to ask questions. Our next day is on Saturday 10 May in Crawley, led by Fr Nicholas Harden. If you are a Catholic, unmarried man who is considering this vocation and would like to attend, please contact our Vocations Director Fr Tristan Cranfield.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Easter (Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV)
Monday 12th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 14th May 9:30am St Matthias (Apostle)
Friday 16th May 9:30am
Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Easter
Migrants’ Mass
Sunday May 11th St Joseph’s Church Elm Grove. 5.30am Bishop Richard Presiding. All welcome. See Poster.
Regina Caeli
The Son whom you merited to bear, Alleluia Has risen as he said, Alleluia Pray for us to God. Alleluia
(Eastertide anthem to Mary, replacing the Angelus)
After the funeral rites for Pope Francis and the nine days of prayer remembering him, all of us who form the Church are now praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning who is to be the next Bishop of Rome, Chief Shepherd of the Universal Church, and Pope. As we turn to the back page of the Memorial Card and pray for the Holy Spirit’s Presence with the Cardinals in Conclave we join together at our Masses and prayers with this great intention. There is a precedent in a feast next week when the Apostles prayed for someone to fill the vacancy cf. Acts 1 vv 24 -30 (St Matthias). Maybe by Friday we will have seen the white smoke.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witnessing to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
At this time when the Cardinals are preparing for the conclave, let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, in their solemn task of electing the next successor of St Peter.
I ask your prayers, too, for the young people of our Diocese who, over the coming weeks, will receive the gifts of Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important moment for each of them, as they take this very significant step on the path of discipleship. It is also a time of celebration for the whole Diocese, as we rejoice in their openness to the life of the Gospel and pray that they will take their place in the mission of the Church.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
The Conclave
This commences on Wednesday 7th May when the Cardinals celebrate Mass and then move into the Sistine Chapel to commence the voting. Should you have seen the fictional film Conclave remember it is not the portrayal of what will be happening in Rome this week! For regular updates tune into our website – USEFUL WEBSITES -VATICAN NEWS.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 4th May 10am (Int. Pope Francis RIP and the people of the parish)
Monday 5th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (Int. For the election of a Pope)
Wednesday 7th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
Friday 9th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Sunday of Easter (Int. For the people of the parish)
Preparing For Holy Communion 2026
Meeting for parents whose children are to be prepared for Holy Communion and Reconciliation form the Parish Communities of St Thomas More’s & St Mary’s Church. In St Mary’s 7pm. See Poster.
Migrants’ Mass
The Catholic Parish of Brighton and Citizens UK are arranging a Mass for Migrants on Sunday 11th May in St Joseph’s Church, Elm Grove at 5.30pm. Bishop Richard will be presiding. See poster.
The Brighton Festival
The annual festival is under way with an amazing variety of artistic talents and couple with these the Fringe Festival adds even more variety
With Open Houses and much more. Enjoy!
The Word Of Life
The Scripture text and commentary Leaflet for May is now available for you to help you focus your prayer. A very appropriate text put to the first Pope.
Queen Of The May
Bring flowers of the rarest Bring blossoms the fairest From garden and woodland ,and hillside and dale Our full hearts are swelling Our glad voices telling The praise of the loveliest flower of the vale O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May
The Church has witnessed the dying of its Pastor and Shepherd, Pope Francis. I heard the news just before celebrating Easter Monday Mass and so missed his name in the Eucharistic Prayer but prayed for his eternal rest. We will soon begin our prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of a new Pope, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Thomas professes his faith in the Risen Lord, following his time of doubt. This is a moment of greatest encouragement for us all – if we have times of doubt, the Risen Lord takes doubt away and fills us with His love. The closeness that we see between Thomas and Jesus is the same closeness that we are invited to share with the Lord. We say, with Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”
This close relationship to which Jesus calls us is an expression of His Divine Mercy – that we celebrate especially on this Divine Mercy Sunday.
The theme of mercy has been a particular mark of Pope Francis’ Petrine ministry. On so many occasions, he called us to deepen our love for the Word of God. From reflection on the Scriptures, he called us be merciful, to care for our brothers and sisters and for the world that is God’s gift to us. In Fratelli tutti, in particular, through reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he called us to a real and active love for others – for in them we see the person of Christ.
On Saturday, as the mortal remains of Pope Francis are laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, let us pray that Mary’s Son, who calls us all to be His, will welcome Pope Francis into the Kingdom after his life of devoted service to the Church and the world.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
Bishop Richard’s Message On The Death Of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died at 7.35am on Easter Monday aged 88, with his death announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. The Holy Father was elected to the papacy on 13 March 2013, and was the 265th successor of St Peter.
In a statement issued on Monday morning, Bishop Richard said: “As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we can also be deeply grateful for his life of service to the Universal Church. Bringing his experience of the Church in South America, informed and enlightened by his life as a member of the Society of Jesus, he called us all to simplicity of life, a renewed openness to the gift of mercy, a deeper understanding of the dignity of the human person and a respect and care for creation. The work of the Synod, that has marked the more recent years of his papacy, is sure to inform to the life and mission of the Church in the proclamation of the Gospel and his faithful dedication, even as he lived with failing health, is an example to us all.”
Bishop Richard offered a public Mass for the Repose of the Pope’s Soul on Tuesday morning at Arundel Cathedral. Speaking during the homily, he said: “I was in Rome with a number of diocesan deacons as part of the Holy Year celebrations, when Pope Francis first went into hospital in February. We prayed for the Holy Father during his time in hospital, and then came the news that he had returned once more to the Vatican. Pope Francis remained seriously ill; those of you who might have watched the Urbi et Orbi Easter Message on Easter Sunday would have seen just how much he was struggling and yet all of us, I’m sure, were shocked and surprised yesterday morning when the news came that the Holy Father had died…
“The Pope’s last great letter, Dilexit nos – published late last year – was about the love that we see in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I rather wonder whether history will look back and see Dilexit Nos as the greatest of the Pope’s encyclical letters, because it calls us to the very heart of things; to the love that we see in the person of Jesus Christ – a love that we experience in His Word, a love that we encounter in the Eucharist, a love that we are called as His followers to share with our brothers and sisters across the world that ‘the merciful love of the Lord fills the Earth’.
“We saw the Pope simply living out a life of service on Easter Sunday morning, when as a very sick man – I suspect, knowing that his days were numbered – he insisted on being with the people of God. Giving us – each and every one of us – the Easter Blessing.” The Pope’s funeral will be celebrated on Saturday 26 April at 9am (UK time) and will be broadcast live on most major TV channels and on the Vatican’s YouTube channel. Following Mass in St Peter’s Square, the Pope’s body will be transferred to the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major for burial.
How to read and watch reactions to the death of Pope Francis
The live feed of the official Vatican website can be found here
The BBC amongst other broadcasters will be covering the funeral of Pope Francis from 8:30am on Saturday 26th April.
Blessed Carlo Acutis
You may have noticed more young people queuing to view the coffin. This because Sunday is described as the Jubilee Day for Teenagers, and he was to be canonised this Sunday. This is now delayed until we have a new Pope.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 27th April 10am Second Sunday of Easter int. Pope Francis RIP
Monday 28th April 8:15am St George Patron of England St Mary’s House
Monday 28th April 10am
Wednesday 30th April 9:30am St Joseph The Worker
Friday 2nd May 9:30am St Athanasius
Saturday 3rd May 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 4th May 10am Third Sunday of Easter
Thank You
For participating in the Triduum and for the readers and musicians
St Bernadette’s School
On Friday the Cross was decorated with flowers accompanied by joyful singing and a with number of parents present. It was then placed by the Tulip Tree as a memorial to Pope Francis.
In Conclusion…
From the will of Pope Francis
Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in eternal life…
Amidst the gatherings and rejoicing of Easter Day , remember we have Fifty Days as well! There have been the days of the Lenten season for us to take stock and to renew prayer and service in our lives. Now in Eastertide we live that out, inspired by the enthusiasm of the newly baptised and by our realisation that we are baptised. Let us discover the meaning of our status, the responsibilities which come with it and the ever present vitality and Spirit of faith and hope as we go on our pilgrim way.
May the new life and hope of the Risen Lord be in your heart!
Bishop Richard’s Easter Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
At the time of writing, we are about to enter the Sacred Triduum – the days that mark the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. These are the most significant days in our Christian year. On Palm Sunday we accompanied Jesus on His entry into the Jerusalem and reflected on His Passion.
Today, we enter the Upper Room with Him. The second reading at Mass, from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, tells us of the Eucharist and the account of the Last Supper from John’s Gospel, and of Jesus’ mandatum – the command – to serve as He serves. We might note that John tells us, that in washing the feet of his friends, Jesus showed us how perfect His love was. This perfect love finds its fullest expression – surely – in the events that follow the Last Supper. Yet, the act of service and His Passion and Death are, in a sense, as one. All given out of love for us – and the washing of the apostles’ feet shows us how we can imitate the Lord’s self-giving in our own service of one another.
After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we shall watch with Jesus in Gethsemane, as we spend time in watchful prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. We are called to stay awake, open to the graces of this night and reflecting on all we have heard and seen in the celebration of the Eucharist – and in closeness to the Lord as He prays. Our prayer must be His: “not my will, but thine be done.”
Into this time of silent prayer in the darkness of the night, let us take the struggles, disharmony and conflicts of our age, praying that all of humanity will learn the lessons of the Lord’s service, even unto death.
On Good Friday, the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion – unlike any other in our liturgical year – enables us to focus on the Passion and on the Cross. This Liturgy is marked by silence and, as we return to our homes, let us take with us that silence that comes over the world in the face of the death of the Saviour. May this day be marked by a further watching – that of Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and John at the foot of the Cross. Let us, like the holy women, watch again as they mark the place where the Lord is laid in burial.
Holy Saturday is a further time of watching. It is that watching that comes with silent waiting – waiting for the Lord who rises again. Jesus dies. We must not try and escape this – yet He rises again and in His rising our life is restored. As the light of the Paschal Candle casts its warmth over the darkened church, so Jesus, the Risen One, is light for our darkened world. In Him lies the Hope of the world.
On Easter Day, having journeyed with Jesus in his Passion, Death and Resurrection, may we rejoice in the salvation He has won for us and seek to continuing watching – our gaze fixed on Him alone as we make our pilgrimage of life in service to Him, bringing the message of salvation to our brothers and sisters.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
Mass Schedule
Sunday 20th April 10am Easter Sunday Mass
Monday 21st April 11am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 22nd April 9:30am
Wednesday 23rd April 9:30am
Thursday 24th April 12 Noon Requiem Mass for Ellen Higgins, St John the Baptist Church, Kemp Town followed by burial
Friday 25th April 7pm
Sunday 27th April 10am Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter)
The Solemnity of St George – Monday 28th April
Please note this has been transferred from the 23rd April because of the Easter Octave – Mass will be celebrated at 10am
Summer Term
Our schools return on Easter Tuesday after their two weeks of holiday.
St Bernadette’s
Easter Assembly. The Children decorate a Cross with flowers celebrating the Risen Christ. Friday 9.15am
The Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Next Sunday this young man will be Canonised in Rome. Our Bishop will be at St Peter’s Hove, which is the Diocesan Shrine of this new Saint. He had a great love of the Eucharist.
Memorial Bench
The Memorial Bench of Melvin and Rita Smith RIP has now been varnished and returned to the Church’s Courtyard by their family.
Jesus Christ is risen today Alleluia Our triumphant holy day Alleluia Who did once upon the cross Alleluia Suffer to redeem our loss Alleluia.
In Holy Week the Church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of the earthly life beginning with his messianic entry into Jerusalem.
The journey of Lent comes to its conclusion as in prayer and action we remember every moment of the events from the cheering as Christ enters Jerusalem until he reaches Calvary. May we make room in our hearts for Jesus Christ.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This Sunday, as we gather for the Palm Sunday celebration, our Holy Week begins.
The joyous message that greets the Messiah as he enters Jerusalem must, surely, bring hope to a world in which so many of our brothers and sisters are suffering the effects of conflict, injustice and the impact of natural disasters.
As we enter Jerusalem in the celebration of the Palm Sunday Liturgy, let us take with us in prayer our brothers and sisters across the world. In our prayer, in our lives, let us seek to walk with them in their suffering as, in the coming days, we spend time with the One who is the Suffering Servant.
As the Passion is read this Sunday, let us make every effort to walk with Jesus in every step that he takes. In the days to come this week, I invite you to take parts of the Passion account and make use of them for Lectio Divina. This prayerful reflection on the sacred text will bring the words of the Gospel to a place in the heart, where we listen in faith to the One who calls us to be His. The more we dwell in the Gospel, the more we dwell in Christ, in the One who suffered, died and rose again for us.
May God bless you all,
+ Richard
Holy Week
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION 10AM Blessing of the Palms in the Hall, Procession into the Church, The Passion of St Luke, Mass.
Monday in Holy Week Mass. St Mary’s House 8.15am
Tuesday in Holy Week Mass 9.30am
Spy Wednesday Mass 9.30am
The CHRISM MASS Arundel Cathedral 6pm.Live streamed.
The blessing of the Holy Oils. The Sacrament of Baptism, The Chrism for the Sacraments of Confirmation and The order of Priesthood. The Holy Oil for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Renewal of Priestly Promises.
HOLY THURSDAY or MAUNDY THURSDAY -from the Mandate to loving service. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm. The Washing of feet, the Mass, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose. Prayer, Watching until 10pm
GOOD FRIDAY
10 AM The Way of the Cross
3 PM Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, The Passion of St John, The Intercessions, the Veneration of the Cross. Holy Communion.
HOLY SATURDAY
HMP LEWES. EASTER MASS 8.30AM
THE EASTER VIGIL In St Mary’s Church 8pm
EASTER SUNDAY MASS 10AM
Pastoral Notes Good Friday.
Observed as a Day of Fasting & Abstinence.
Basket Collection for the Holy Land Places at both Services.
The Assisted Dying Bill
The Catholic Medical Association has provided comments on the proposed Bill – more details can be found here
Myanmar
CAFOD & the Disasters Emergency Committee have appeals for Myanmar after the earthquakes. Card donations can be made here.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 
You must be logged in to post a comment.