Category: Uncategorized

The Second Sunday Of Easter

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

Cardinal Nichols’ Thought For The Day can be heard here

The website of The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales contains more links

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…

Easter Joy

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.

Holy Week 2025

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.

The royal banners forward go

The cross shines forth in mystic glow

Where he in flesh, our flesh who made

Our sentence bore, our ransom paid

Fifth Week Of Lent

As we commence the final days of Lent we are encouraged to intensify our spiritual practices – prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

The last two sound unusual. What can they mean ? Almsgiving is described as generosity -for example, if we are able, giving a gift, some time or a kind response to another. We could think how we give of ourselves may be to appeals such as the Disaster appeal following the earthquakes or the refugee fund or the foodbank bin in your Superstore. Then there is fasting which is when we make a conscious decision to take less, to reduce or to withhold what we may eat or drink, Self denial or saying no to oneself.

In appreciating what we are remembering the Scriptures tell us of the growing opposition to Jesus and his realisation of what is to happen.

Pastoral Letter – 6th April 2025 – 5th Sunday of LentDownload

The Pastoral Message From The Bishops of England and Wales

The Terminally ill adults end of life Bill will come up for a vote towards the end of April. You can pick up from the media the ways in which this is being promoted , by articles, stories, comparisons with other countries, Provision for Palliative Care and the Hospices does not receive the same support. Those of you who have already written to our local MPs now know their attitudes.

The Bishops’ Message concludes “We too press on with this struggle important in our times.”

The Not Dead Yet group have mad available cards to be sent with a stamp to our MPs.

The Jubilee For People Who Are Unwell, People Who Experience Disability, And People With Caring Responsibilities

Through this Jubilee Year each month there is a particular group celebrating different categories. This afternoon there will be a special Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing  at 3pm In St Mary’s. Some of our housebound will be there.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 6th April 10am 5th of Lent
  • Sunday 6th April 3pm St Mary’s Church Mass with Sacrament of the Sick
  • Monday 7th April 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 9th April 9:30am
  • Friday 11th April 9:30am
  • Sunday 13th April 10am Palm Sunday, blessing of palms, and procession

The Contactless Machine

This is now working for your offertory donation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

A timely reminder of Christ’s constant offer to seek forgiveness and the joy of hearing words of pardon and peace.

Sunday 2pm St Mary’s.

At times by arrangement

Saturday 11am

Holy Week

  • Sunday 13th April 10am Palm Sunday of the Passion
  • Monday 14th April 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 15th April 9:30am
  • Wednesday 16th April 9:30am
  • Wednesday 16th April The Chrism Mass, Arundel Cathedral
  • Thursday 17th April 7pm The Mass of The Lord’s Supper
  • Friday 18th April 10am Way of The Cross
  • Friday 18th April 3pm Celebration Of The Passion Of The Lord
  • Saturday 19th April 8pm The Easter Vigil St Mary’s Church
  • Sunday 20th April 10am Easter Sunday Mass
My song is love unknown
My Saviour's love to me
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die

The Fourth Week Of Lent

REJOICE – the opening word of the  Entrance chant for mid- Lent and an opportunity for a breather before we commence our reflection on the Passion, Death and Rising of the Lord. In the other preparatory season, Advent there is a similar midpoint and in Churches that have them, the wearing of Rose-coloured vestments. It also encourages us to engage in the forthcoming Feasts.

An old English title for this Sunday was Mothering Sunday when domestic staff were given leave to attend Church. Tradition now has it as Mother’s Day when we show our love and affection for our own Mother. A joyful day for all the Mothers.

Pope Francis

As we do at every Mass we do pray for the Pope and now in thanksgiving for his release from hospital.

Mass Schedule – N.B. Clocks Go Forward At 1 am Sunday!

  • Sunday 30th March 10 am Fourth Sunday of Lent
  • Monday 31st March 8:15 am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 2nd April 7 pm Stations of the Cross and Lent Weekday Mass
  • Friday 4th April 9:30am Lent Weekday Mass
  • Sunday 6th April 10 am Fifth Sunday of Lent
  • Sunday 6th April 3 pm Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at St Mary’s Church

Way Of The Cross

The journey of Christ to the Cross. Wednesday Evening including Mass 7pm. At other times when you are in Church follow the Way of the 14 pictures.

The Word Of Life

The April Edition is now in the Entrance for you to pick up and use during the month of April for your reflective prayer.

Lent Retreat Day

With the Monks in the City. Saturday 5th April at St john the Baptist’s  10am – 4pm. See poster for details. An opportunity to deepen your spiritual preparation this Lent, to affirm your need for God’s grace and renewal as we approach the commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life. Please bring your own lunch. Teas and Coffees provided. Book your place(s) via brightonmonks@worth.org.uk or phone 07444 802368

Mass With The Sacrament Of The Anointing Of The Sick

In St Mary’s  Sunday 6th April 3pm. The Sacrament is available in this communal setting for those with a serious illness, those are awaiting an operation, those of advanced age who have become noticeably weakened, also for those who have received the Sacrament previously and continue with ill health. Have a word with Fr John if unsure. Tea will follow.

Schools Break Up

From Friday 4th April returning on Easter Tuesday (22nd April)

Passiontide

This commences next Saturday

Finances

Good news the Contactless Card machine is now working and parishioners around the Diocese are finding this helpful (Did you read fewer children are swallowing coins now they are rarely used?) Offertory envelopes 2025-2026.Peter Cropp will be handing these to you after Mass. They do help if as a taxpayer you gift aid your giving. Standing Order Forms. If you prefer to donate this way Peter has forms for you. The Parish Accounts will be available after Easter. The two major leaks in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and by the Lady Altar have been patched £960.

Reconciliation

On Wednesday 2nd April Years 4,5,6, will have the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament following  an Assembly. (Please note the change in time our Mass – it starts at 7pm)

Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten
Those who seek God shall never go wanting
Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten 
God alone fills us
     Nada te turbe no 880 Taize

The Third Sunday Of Lent


This week we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord to  Mary and this marks the  Incarnation of the Lord and Saviour that we acclaim in the second paragraph of the Nicene Creed. News which will be to the fore in nine months’ time.

Pope Francis

People across the world have been united in prayer for Pope Francis since his hospitalisation for pneumonia on 14 February. In recent days, medical bulletins provided by the Holy See Press Office have highlighted improvements in the Pope’s condition, with a photograph issued by the Vatican on Sunday, showing the Pope in Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel, breathing unaided. More details can be found here.

The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham

There is a weekend Pilgrimage by the Diocese to Walsingham in Norfolk, celebrating being Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year.

The Bishops of England and Wales have asked for a Second Collection this Sunday for the support of the Shrine (Lenten almsgiving . Here is information from the Diocese.

The national collection for the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady at Walsingham will take place in many A&B parishes this weekend, approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. The collection is dedicated to supporting the Shrine’s Jubilee projects and initiatives, which aim to enhance the Jubilee pilgrim experience, and further the spiritual mission of the Shrine. To find out more, please see the poster sent to each church or visit the Shrine’s website.

People across our Diocese are invited to journey to Walsingham with Bishop Richard this summer. To find out more about our Walsingham pilgrimage, see the events calendar here.

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

On Tuesday Bishop Richard with concelebrating priests and former parishioners will offer Mass for the repose of his soul prior to his burial back home in Co Mayo. The Mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s, Preston Park at 12 noon. There will be refreshments afterwards in the hall at 1:30pm.

Eileen Higgins RIP

Eileen died on St Joseph’s Day. She had been supported by family members over the last weeks. Her Requiem Mass will be at St John the Baptist Church at a date to be announced.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 23rd March 10am 3rd Sunday of Lent
  • Monday 24th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 25th March 12 noon The Solemnity of the Annunciation of The Lord St Mary’s Church for the repose of the soul of Canon Oliver Heaney
  • Wednesday 26th March 9:30am
  • Friday 28th March 9:30am
  • Saturday 29th March 8:15am HMP Lewes

Spring Forward!

Please remember that British Summer Time begins next week so we need to adjust our clocks before Mass next Sunday!

The angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flames
All hail said he
Thou lowly maiden, Mary
Most highly favoured lady. Gloria

The Second Week Of Lent

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

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

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

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

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

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

CAFOD

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

Service of Reconciliation

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

Jubilee Pilgrimages

  • Weekend to Walsingham
  • Rome
  • Lourdes

See posters or enquire

St Patrick

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

St Joseph

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

Mass Wednesday at 9.30am

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

The Season Of Lent

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Pope Francis Gives Us His Message

Dear brothers and sisters,

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

Prayer For The Pope

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

Mass Schedule

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

CAFOD Fast Day

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

Lenten Reconciliation Service

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

The Vocation of The Permanent Diaconate

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

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

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

The Catholic Social Action Network Survey

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

Diocesan Vacancies

P/T clergy welfare officer

Health and safety officer

For details of these positions please click here.

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

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


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

The Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

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

Fasting & Abstinence

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

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

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

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

Pope Francis

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

The Permanent Diaconate

Are you being called?

The Permanent Diaconate .pdfDownload

The March Word of Life

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

The Jubilee Hymn – Pilgrims of Hope 

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

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

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

The Lourdes Fund

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

Commissioned Ministers of Holy Communion

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

Parish Clergy Meeting

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

Next Week (2nd March – 8th March)

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

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

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

No. 726