World Mission Sunday (20th October)

“Go and invite everyone to the banquet ” Pope Francis in his letter to us uses these words from St Matthew’s Gospel 22:9 to remind us that Mission is a tireless going out to all men and women to encounter God and enter into a union with Him. We think of the Missionary Orders which serve in countries where the Church is growing despite the difficulties which can arise and also the annual collection for a different group each year. There are also the Red Boxes for the coins in your pockets or purses – they do mount up. On the grey radiator in the entrance there are some Red boxes which could do with a home.

Why not offer your October Rosary for the world missionary endeavour?

Mission Today Magazine

Copies available for you to take home and read.

Donation Envelopes

To send off your gift or to bring in with a donation next week.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The First Reading this Sunday, taken from the Song of the Suffering Servant of the Prophet Isaiah, looks to the moment when Christ takes on Himself the faults, the sins, of the world. Jesus, as the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, took on our nature in every way, but sin. He urges us never to lose faith in the One who suffered, died and rose from the dead for us.

Our openness to the gift of faith is our way to conformity to Christ – to becoming one with Him. This is the path of sanctity, to which we are all called. This, as we know all too well, is no easy path. Jesus reminds us that “to those who are given much, much is expected.” In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see what happens when the relationship with Him becomes centred on ourselves. James and John fall to the temptation to pride. Their closeness to Jesus brings them to think they deserve special treatment in the Kingdom.  

Jesus tells them very clearly that His way is one of humility and service. This is true greatness in our following of Him. The life of faith, lived in trust, and the living out of the two-fold command to love God and love neighbour, brings us to be the disciples we are called to be.  

The world around is in the greatest need of this witness. We live in a world that is not at peace, a world in which the dignity of life is not respected. We, as Jesus’ followers – His disciples, must step into this space with the witness of our lives of faith, humility and service, that all might find life in the One who died and rose from the dead for us.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 20th October 10am World Mission Sunday Mass
  • Monday 21st October 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
  • Wednesday 23rd October 9:30am Pope St John Paul II Mass
  • Friday 25th October 9:30am Mass
  • Saturday 26th October 8:30am Mass HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 27th October 30th 10am Sunday Ordinary Time

Clocks To Change!

Please remember that the clocks go back one hour on Sunday 27th October at 2am

A Week of Health and Safety

  • Monday Fire Risk Assessment on the Church and Hall
  • Tuesday Five Year Electrical Testing and PAT testing on the Priest’s House
  • Annual Testing of the Lightning Conductor of the Church
  • Risk Assessment of Mower used by the Contractor cutting the grass around the Church .

Ministry of Readers

Wednesday Evening  October 23 7pm. In the Hall our readers have a meeting to introduce the New Lectionaries – four volumes

Schools’ Admission Dates

Please note the dates for open days:

  • Saint Bernadette’s 13th November 9:15am, 20th November 1:30am
  • Cardinal Newman Catholic School Thursday 24th October from 9:15am

Farewell

Thank you for participating in the Requiem Mass for John. He had a very full life with interests in sport – running the marathon -the Park Run as well as his professional role. He will be remembered by parishioners as a reader, a weekday Mass attender, the organiser of the 100+ Club, the Catenians and latterly representing STM with the Deanery Discussions.

Our prayers are with Maura and the Family  for “one loved and lost awhile “


From the commissioning at the end of Mass

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!
Thanks be to God

The Twenty Eighth Week In Ordinary Time

Sometimes a week can be brimming over with news, events and things to do.

This last one has been one of a deanery meeting, a looking to the future meeting, a deluge of appeals and requests for action. 

Prisons Week begins and we are reminded to pray for all involved in the service – the families of prisoners, the men on remand, those who appeared in court, the men and women Prison Officers, the Chaplaincy teams, and the volunteers. All real people as the subject of Prisons features in the TV and media.(I am going through a vetting process for the renewal of my pass and have had to answer whether I am a member of a gang ?)

Then there is the forthcoming introduction of a bill to introduce Assisted Suicide and the call for Catholics to make known the moral response. Having studied the party manifestos before the general election we need to be cautious and make our voices heard.

Last Monday was a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land – this continues as we pray with the Rosary.

As lead Bishop for Prisons he makes an appeal for PACT – the Catholic Charity that helps prisoners stay in contact with their families and children.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols

In a Message addressed to Catholics he explains why we should react to the attempt to undermine the value of life.

Information on how to contact our MPs can be found by going to CBCEW – please click here.

CAFOD

Donations to CAFOD may be put in the Basket marked CAFOD donations. The envelopes have become more complicated fund raising requests.

Catholic Schools Admissions

Parents intending to seek places in the Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools of the area are reminded of the deadlines to do so and are encouraged to avail themselves of the published open days.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday October 13th 10am 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Wednesday October 16th 9:30am St Ignatius of Antioch
  • Thursday October 17th 10am Requiem Mass for John Mason RIP
  • Friday October 18th 9:30am St Luke the Evangelist
  • Sunday October 20th 10am World Mission Sunday

The New Lectionary

In the weeks ahead, in various ways, there will be information as we prepare for the introduction of the new Lectionary on the First Sunday Of Advent. A poster in now on display about a deanery Introduction which will be available on Zoom. 

With those who can access YOUTUBE you can find videos of Introductory talks. Type in The (new)Lectionary.

The Friday Self Denial Wall Box

The project is for the Diocesan Refugee Fund

Tower House Community Centre

Please see poster in foyer


Lord of life, you give us all our days
Let your life fill us with hope and praise
May our learning, seeking, yearning
Lead us on to share your risen life

Hymn 451

The Twenty Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

The evenings are drawing in rapidly and talk about putting on the heating at home is becoming more frequent. October is here and the change of season is more evident as we pray with the Rosary – the Gospel prayer as it is sometime called. Using the events in the life of Jesus in the four sets of Mysteries we pray with Mary and reflect on those events. It is recommended that we slow down to reflect on what happened and why and to be able to mean what we say.

Pope Francis has asked us to pray especially on Monday for Peace in the Holy Land and what better way than to pray with your Rosary and even use the 10 fingers of your hand to help you!

Pope Francis’ Appeal

Please click here for more details.

Message of Bishop Richard

On Wednesday 2 October, at the Mass to mark to the opening of the Synod, the Holy Father called for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel in the face of conflict:

“Brothers and sisters, we begin anew our synodal path with an eye toward the world, since the Christian community is always at the service of humanity in order to announce the joy of the Gospel. In such a dramatic time in our history, when the winds of war and the flames of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations, there is need for this message.

“In order to invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy for the gift of peace, I will recite the holy rosary and make a heartfelt plea to the Virgin in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major this coming Sunday. If possible, I ask all members of the Synod to join me for this occasion.”

“The following day, 7 October, I ask everyone to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world. Let us walk together. Let us listen to the Lord and allow him to guide us by the “breath” of the Spirit.

In response to this plea from Pope Francis, Bishop Richard has asked that intercessions, both for the work of the Synod and for peace, be included in the Prayers of the Faithful this Sunday. He has also invited members of clergy and lay people share the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting on Monday 7 October, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.  

During the month of October, Bishop Richard asks that whenever the Rosary is prayed publicly, we “offer one decade for Peace and one decade for the work of the Synod”, and he encourages the same in private recitation of the Rosary.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The vocation of marriage is a most wonderful gift – for those who are called to it, for the Church and for the world. This Sunday’s readings enable us all to reflect on this gift. In the Gospel, Jesus, making reference to the Book of Genesis (from which we also hear this Sunday), highlights the permanence and fidelity that are intrinsic to marriage, for husband and wife are in a relationship with each other and with God our loving Father. It is this relationship, with and in God, that gives Christian marriage both its meaning and its fulfilment – for the love of wife for husband and husband for wife is an expression of the love of God Himself.  

In this Sunday’s Second Reading, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ total self-giving. This is an important reflection for the vocation of marriage, too – for in marriage husband and wife give to each other. It is giving, not taking. In this regard, marriage is an example for every Christian, for every one of us is called through baptism to the essential vocation to be a Christian – a follower of Christ, a person who serves, a person who gives rather than takes.  

In a society where the spirit of taking – of acquisition, satisfaction of self, power – is so prevalent, the vocation of the Christian, the vocation of those called to marriage, is a powerful witness to another way – nothing less than the way of Christ Himself.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

The Second Session Of The Synod In Rome

The discussions have commenced. You can follow the daily events by going to Useful Websites and clicking on Vatican News.

More information can be found here too.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 6th October Mass 10am
  • Monday 7th October Mass 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
  • Monday 7th October Mass 10am St Thomas More
  • Wednesday 9th October Mass 9:30am St John Henry Newman
  • Friday 11th October Mass 9:30am Pope Jon XXIII
  • Sunday 13th October Mass 10am 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Word Of Life

The October leaflet to assist with your reflection  and prayer during the month are available for you.

CAFOD

Envelopes will be handed out after Mass for your kind donations to this charity. The simplest way to respond is with your debit/credit card online. Please click here.

School Admissions

It is the time for Open Days in both our Primary and our Secondary School to assist you in making decisions to apply for places. Information on the noticeboards.

100+ Club

Thank you to those who arranged the Draw and Refreshments last Sunday .John Mason’s contribution to this fundraiser was recognised by his daughter Julia and all present.The following were the lucky four.-no5 Julie Plumstead, no9 Val Lowry, ,no25 Kevin McCormick, no30 Regina Stripp.

New members always welcome.

Bishop Richard Visits Tower House

Bishop Richard joined Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, at the St Vincent de Paul Centre in Brighton on 25 September, to visit the charity’s dedicated over-50s community hub. Known to locals as Tower House, the Grade II listed building offers a lifeline to people across the community, providing specialist services which include HERE’s Stroke & Musculoskeletal Disorders Peer Support Group, Age UK’s Dementia Daybreak service, an SVP Carer’s Support Group and an Art Therapy Group run by Starling Arts. 

Speaking after the visit, Bishop Richard said: “The over 50s Community Hub at Tower House offers a vital service to people across the local community, particularly those who are isolated or wish to access extra support. The dedication and commitment of the Centre’s staff and volunteers is tangible, with the many support groups, activity sessions, and social events providing an important and enriching lifeline to people across the city.

Have You Had Your Flu Vaccination Yet?

Fr John had his on Saturday at 11:24am


Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead Thou me on
Keep Thou my feet: I do not ask to see
The distant scene -one step enough for me.

St John Henry Newman


Twenty Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time

We have the World day of Migrants and Refugees this Sunday. It has a long history in that it is the 110th ! Yet how relevant at this time in the Media, the Party Conferences and conversations. Numbers of people crossing the English Channel in dingies with red life jackets are reported and added up like scores and slogans of “stop the boats ” are mouthed. We may feel helpless in the face of the controversies which surround the happenings. We should not forget that it is not just crossings from to Dover or Newhaven but similar movements in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. What is not understood is that the people are men, women and children leaving their homes for safety, escape from persecution, poverty and lack of work. In his Letter to us “God walks with his people ” highlights the text from Matthew 25 ” I was a stranger and you welcomed me “. We unite in prayer for them ,voice their needs and if by your Friday self denial charitably support the Refugee Fund.

The Season of Creation

This draws to an end on Friday 4th October the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and what a reminder there has been this last week with the torrential rain !

The Lead Bishop John Arnold of Salford reminds us to care for Creation

Medjugorje

This town has become a popular place in Croatia for pilgrims. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a report which can be read in Useful websites -The Holy See. “a river of goodness amid human imperfections”

Mass Schedule


  • Sunday Mass 10am
    Monday St Mary’s Convent 8.15am
    Wednesday The Holy Guardian Angels Mass 9.30am
    Friday St Francis of Assisi Mas 9.30am
    27th Sunday in Ordinary Time mass 10am

Mass Intention Envelopes

There are envelopes for your Mass intentions for the living or the dead

School Admissions

It is that time of the Year when parents will be thinking about their children’s education. Do see the Posters with information.

John Mason RIP

Last Sunday’s news of the sudden death of John came as a shock. On the death of someone who has been so active in our Parish and in other areas of community life there is a real gap for Family and parishioners. We commend him in prayer to God that he may rest in peace.

The traditional Catholic Funeral Rites will take place with a Requiem Mass on Thursday 17th October at 10am

The 100+ Club

John managed this so well over the years and we have received the personal invitation to the Autumn Draw this Sunday signed by John so do join us in the Hall for Coffee and Tea etc after Mass with the Draw.


Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,
Bless the bed that I lie on.
Before I lay me down to sleep
I give my soul to Christ to keep
Four corners to my bed
Four angels there a-spread
Two to foot and two to head
And four to carry me when I'm dead

Twenty Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Three is a popular number in many contexts. This was the case if you looked up at night this week. There was the Supermoon, the Harvest moon and Redmoon as the week came to a close. The Season of Creation has been marked as it moves into Autumn with celestial and earthly wonders including an absconding Capybara and a depleted presence of butterflies.

This weekend we give thanks for the Harvest we have seen happening on the Downs and in the countryside having been held up by slow moving Combine Harvesters. Take a look in your kitchens and reflect on what is there to feed you. Who produced it,who harvested it and what does it mean for you ?

Harvest Thanksgiving

As a sign of our thanksgiving for the good of the earth that are used for our wellbeing, if you are able, please bring some food items at the Offertory to time to the Altar. These in turn will be shared with a Foodbank.

The Second Session Of The Synod In Rome

This will commence in early October. You will remember the 3 themes -Communion. Formation and Mission. Clergy have a briefing session this Monday evening.

Migrants & Refugees Sunday

Next Sunday will be observed a Day of prayer and reflection on this issue which is very much in the news at the moment. There is a call form Pope Francis and an introduction to view here

Our Lady of Walsingham

On Tuesday 24th September the celebration is now raised to the status of a Feast in England. It is the English Feast honouring Mary remembering the ancient place of Pilgrimage in Norfolk. To enable you to learn more of the History and Devotion to Mary there is now a link under Useful Websites.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 22nd September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving
  • Monday 23rd September 8:15am St Pius of Pietreclina (Padre Pio) St Mary’s Convent
  • Tuesday 24th September 9:30am Our Lady of Walsingham
  • Wednesday 25th September 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Friday 27th September 9:30am St Vincent de Paul
  • Sunday 29th September 10am 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope

In preparation for 2025 we are asked to pray. Click here for further details.

The Parishes of North Brighton

You will see the new Logo describing St Mary’s and our Parish as the Parishes of North Brighton reflecting the Parishes of East Brighton and those in the West of Hove( originally the description was used for the area by the Brighton Police!).

England’s Nazareth

This was how Walsingham was known. In the former Priory there was a replica of the house of the Holy Family in Nazareth. Here is an extract from the new Preface of the Feast.

"At Nazareth she receives with faith the message of Gabriel.
And becomes the Mother of your Son
In the holy house of Nazareth,
As the first disciple of her Son,
She receives the message of the Gospel.”

Twenty-fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Growing as missionary disciples

This Sunday is known as Home Mission Sunday but now has a new name taken for the Apostolic letter of Pope Francis called Evangelii Gaudium-which means the Joy of the Gospel in which he writes about us as missionary disciples. This is not always understood even as it is part Of the Pastoral Plan. May I recommend you watch and listen to Bishop David Oakley who explains the meaning.

The Season Of Creation

This continues as daily we hear of people speaking up against efforts to delay measures to ameliorate climate change and others speaking of the wonder here in Sussex as we have witnessed the Northern Lights.
One reaction for us is to observe next Sunday as Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday by bringing along some goods which in turn will be donated to the Food Bank.
It is always a joy to see the variety of bags with packets, cans and what else you might eat to share with those who  can’t.

Assisted Suicide

Votes will be taken as this subject comes before Parliament. Care not killing seeks another way in Palliative care and the support of others.
So that you understand the moral position take time to reflect on the teaching by clicking here.

Mass Schedule

Bishop Richard’s Mass intention this week is for the deanery parishes of Brighton and Hove.

  • Monday 16th September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Ss Cornelius & Cyprian
  • Wednesday 18th September 9:30am – Weekday Mass
  • Friday 20th September 9:30am St Matthew – Apostle & Evangelist
  • Sunday 22nd September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving

Second Collection

Home Mission Sunday. There will be a basket or the card machine will be available. 

St Bernadette’s School

Monday assembly for the new school year

Mass Count

The annual count for four Sundays commences next week. Do your best to invite families and friends to return to Mass.

The Season of Creation

Yes be praised in all your creatures
Brother sun and sister moon
In the stars and in the wind
Air and fire and flowing water..

Look out on Tuesday after 7pm for the Supermoon which will appear large because of its proximity to earth and red in colour.  Hymn 412 St Francis of Assisi

Education Sunday

It is amazing to learn that this is the 176th Day of prayer for Catholic Schools. That time ago Catholics established schools where the Faith was taught and the practice of it was evident in the lives and spirit of those who taught there. Over the years parishioners gave generously to provide the schools, for many years taking part in football pools and other fund raising events to raise the money to build them. There was too, the generosity of religious sisters and brothers and here in Brighton where we have inherited the site of Lourdes Convent and for the Cardinal Newman School and College. The Sacred Heart Sisters & the Xaverian & De La Salle Brothers. This is all too easy to forget.

We take the opportunity give thanks and pray for God’s Blessing at the commencement of a new School Year.

Do read the Message from the Bishop who heads up Catholic Education by clicking here.

The Season of Creation

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

Adoremus

Next weekend the National eucharistic Congress takes place at Oscott College, honouring the Blessed Sacrament. All the Parishes have been asked to have a period of time after Mass of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

This we will do for half an hour.

Monks In The City


We have developed a programme of opportunities to join with the community for prayer with reflection, contemplation and the teaching of the Rule of St Benedict.

Read more here

Jubilee Year 2025

Next year will be a Jubilee year for the Catholic Church and Pope Francis has invited us to pray in preparation. Please click here for further details

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 8 September 10am Education
  • Monday 9 September 8:15am St Mary’s Convent, St Peter Claver
  • Wednesday 11 September 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Friday 13 September 9:30am St John Chrysostom
  • Saturday 14 September 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 15 September 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Contactless Giving

The machine is now working and you can make your Offerings on it.When there is a Second Collection ,as next week, you will see it on the screen. Thank you as always for your support and generosity. Remember the only source of income is what parishioners give.

The Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis

This continues in Papua New Guinea and the Timor ending in Singapore.

Go to Useful Websites and select Vatican News.

Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore his sacred Name

O Lord , once lifted on the glorious tree,
As thou hast promised, draw the world to thee.

The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The 22nd Sunday In Ordinary Time

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

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

The Season of Creation

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

Education Sunday

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

The National Eucharistic Congress At Oscott College

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

Preparing For First Holy Communion

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

Healing Service

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

Sunday 8th September

St Peter’s Church,

Portland Road, Hove 3-4.30pm

Mass Schedule

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


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

The Twenty-first Week In Ordinary Time

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.


The Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time

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'