The Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

The breathless post-event interviews have been fascinating as the athlete expresses their joy, their thankfulness, their gratitude to family, coaches and supporting crowds at the Olympics. No doubt it will be the same in a fortnight when the Paralympics commence. What a contrast to the rest of the news, not only about prejudice but also those who have shown true respect by gathering to support and protect. Nor should we forget those who have faced aggression in all its forms, fulfilling their duty to server the community.

Our penitential rite and prayer will reflect our attitudes.

Statements Of Faith Leaders And Ecumenical Leaders

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference. has joined the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Imam and the Chairman of the Imams National Advisory Board, to speak out against the violence and rioting that has been taking place across the UK.

Please click here for further details.

Bishop Richard’s Statement

Bishop Richard’s Calls For Renewed Openness Download

Ecumenical Leaders’ Statement On Violent Protests

Please click here.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 11th August 10am – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday 12th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 14th August 9:30am – St Maximilian Kolbe
Thursday 15th August 9:30am and 7:30pm HOLYDAY – The Assumption Of Our Lady
Friday 16th August 9:30am St Stephen Of Hungary
Sunday 18th August 10am – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 18th August 3pm – Mass with Sacrament of Anointing – St Mary’s Church

The Word Of Life

September leaflet to help with your prayer. “Lord it is good for us to be here.” cf. The Transfiguration.

The Sacrament Of Anointing

Next Sunday with St Mary’s we will be celebrating a Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing at 3pm followed by tea. During the Lourdes pilgrimage those with health conditions, disabilities and acute illnesses are anointed as Christ is present as physician and in Holy Communion. The oil for the sacrament is one of the three blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass and received at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The oil is put on the forehead and palms of the hands. Those accompanying pray with faith for those being anointed and those persons may receive the sacrament more than once. Remember that over fifty years ago at the Second Vatican Council the name of the sacrament was changed from “Unctio In Extremis”. If uncertain, have a word with Fr John.

The Assumption Of Our Lady

August 15^th is a holiday in many European Countries as holidaymakers will experience. It is an Holyday of Obligation. The Obligation is to assist at Mass and if possible, from work, We have two Masses on Thursday 9:30am and 7:30pm.

Guide me O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land,
I am weak but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand,
Bread of heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till want no more.

The Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

August is a time of change and rest: holidays happen, harvesting gets underway and energy is recaptured. Among the feasts of the Church will be the Transfiguration and the Assumption of Mary. Reading Chapter 6 of St John’s Gospel is a highlight exploring faith in Jesus and gradually understanding more about the gift of Jesus as he promises himself in the Eucharist.

Bishop Richard

After leading the Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Bishop Richard will be going on retreat and then having a rest before returning to his usual busy life and routine – and his weekly video messages.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 4th August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time
Monday 5th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Dedication of St Mary Major, Rome
Tuesday 6th August 9:30am The Transfiguration of The Lord
Thursday 8th August 9:30am St Dominic
Friday 9th August 9:30am St Teresa Bendicta of The Cross
Sunday 11 August 10am 19th in Ordinary Time

The Word of Life

The leaflet to help your prayer during August is now in the Entrance. Remember the text from Scripture has a commentary and during the month let the Word sink in and cause your prayer.

The Lectionary

It will not be too long before the Lectionaries and the Sunday Missals will become available. Do follow this link that gives plenty of information. You will also discover what is meant by the Catholic Edition of the Bible and why we will have a new Translation.

Jesus Shepherd of the sheep
Your true flock in safety keep
Living bread, your life supply
Strengthen us, or else we die.

- from Lauda Sion

The Seventeenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

This is the Day for Grandparents and the Elderly following Friday’s Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne. As at least two grandparents commented during the week they had both had SOS messages to go to their daughters to help out. Now that the school holidays have commenced there is evidence of grandpas and grannies out with the children while parents are out at work. Know that you are special!

The 50th Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Bishop Richard leads the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and you can follow it at home on the Diocesan Website at Lourdes Pilgrimage where you can receive his daily message.

On Wednesday the Diocese celebrates Mass in the Grotto and everyone at home in the Diocese will be included in the prayers.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 28 July 10am 17th in Ordinary Time
Saturday 3 August 8:15am HMP Lewes
Sunday 4 August 10am 18th in Ordinary Time

Grandparents’ Day

Pope Francis has written a Message for this Day. You can also see a video from Cardinal Vincent (please see below) There is also a reflection about Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of Mary and therefore Grandparents of Jesus.

There is a great devotion to Saint Anne in Brittany.

The Olympic Games in Paris

The Parishes in Paris are welcoming the many visitors to the City and we had a glimpse of Notre Dame Cathedral which is almost finished after its restoration. Read what Pope Francis said here.

And finally…

To holidaymakers – welcome to St Thomas More’s! To those travelling –bon voyage!

The Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

With the end of the School Year, holiday time is here and a time for a break and change of routine, hopefully without a repeat of the chaos with the outages. For Teachers and Staff of our Schools a thank you for all your commitment to the young.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Over 700 Pilgrims from the Diocese begin journeying to Lourdes on Thursday and Friday – 17 year olds from the Secondary Schools, nurses, disabled and sick people and lots of helpers. You may catch sight of them by visiting “The Sanctuary of Lourdes” via our website or the Diocesan Website. It will be the 50^th Anniversary of A&B’s Pilgrimage.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 21st July 10am 16th Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 22nd July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 24th July 11am Requiem Mass for Adela Page RIP St Mary’s Church
Friday 26th July 9:30am Ss Joachim and Anne (parents of Our Lady)
Sunday 28th July 10am 17th Sunday Ordinary Time. Day for the elderly and grandparents

Our Lady of Walsingham

Her memorial on September 24^th has now been decreed to be a liturgical Feast.

St Mary Magdalene

Monday is now her Feast Day. She is described as ‘The Apostle To The Apostles’. From the Preface:

He appeared in the garden and revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, who had loved him in life, witnessed him dying on the Cross, sought him as he lay in the tomb, and was the first to adore him, newly risen from the dead.

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

This Sunday is set aside as Sea Sunday, when we think of seafarers who live and work on the sea – be they on container ships, cruise ships, ferries or fishing vessels- men and women with families, The Apostleship of the Sea or Stella Maris is the Catholic charity which provides pastoral care in ports where the ships call in, not only in the UK but also around the world. Do visit the website of the charity via the link on the parish website. A time to reflect on where food and goods come from and how they travel here. There is a second or retiring collection or you can donate on line by following this link.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 14th July 10am
Monday 15th July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
Tuesday 16th July 1:30pm St Bernadette’s Leavers’ Mass, St Mary’s Church
Wednesday 17th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 19th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Sunday 21st July 10am Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The End of the School Year

By the end of the week the Schools will be closing for the Summer Break. We wish the staff, students and parents a restful and happy time.

Our Patronal Feast

Thank you for celebrating our Patron St Thomas More, the dedication of ourselves as the visible Church and in giving thanks for our predecessors, also for socialising.

The 100+ Draw

The winners in the Summer Draw are no39 Paula O’Sullivan no9 Cora Kiernan no 32 Juliet Taylor no6 Stephanie Lewis no 4 Loretta D’Souza.. Our gratitude to subscribers- annual fee £30 – and to John Mason and Julia for refreshments and organising.

The cheque for the 23-24 year was presented and gratefully received for major roof repairs.

The Synod

In preparation for the second part of the Synod in Rome in October, a Document has been published. It is 60 pages long and can be found as a download file on this webpage.

St Thomas More – Patron of Politicians and Statesmen

Appropriately following the General Election and the Bidding for the newly elected here are the dates of his political and legal career:

Studied Law at Oxford and London
Elected to Parliament 1504
1510 engaged in a Diplomatic Mission at the request of Henry VIII
Member of the King’s Council
Presiding Judge of various Tribunals
1523 Speaker of the House of Commons
1529 Lord Chancellor.- the first layman to hold this Office (when you enter the Church observe the Chain of Office around his neck with the English rose in the centre.)
1532 Not wishing to support Henry’s intention to take control of the Church and being true to his principles he was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London.

“I die the King’s faithful servant but God’s first”

The July Word of Life

Don’t forget to take a copy to help with your prayerful reflection.

Our Patronal Feast and Dedication Anniversary

Every Year around the Anniversary of St Thomas More’s Church and Parish we celebrate with a Mass of thanksgiving, remembering the Founder Priest and members who built the Church in 1963 and the comings and goings since then. We think of the benefactors who raised the funds and those who generously continue to support the Parish.

Why was it named after the Martyr, St Thomas More? Fr Edward Fooks and his brother, also a priest were sons of Arnold Fooks of the legal firm Arnold, Fooks and Chadwick who were the lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Southwark which then covered the territory of South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. When the Canonisation of Thomas More and John Fisher was to take place in 1935, Mr Fooks sought permission to take his sons to Rome – they were both students for the priesthood at the time – and Bishop Amigo agreed. When Fr Fooks was Parish Priest at St Mary’s and recognised the need to build a Church for the growing areas of Patcham, Hollingbury and Westdene he requested that the new church would have the title of St Thomas More.

When Bishop Murphy O’Connor consecrated the Church on 10^th July 1983, anointing the altar with Chrism – that is why the Celebrant kisses it – Fr Fooks was present and anointed the 12-consecration points around the church. Under the Table of the Altar the Bishop inserted a relic of the Martyr St Philip Howard.

Remembrance

We remember Fr Gerry Vann RIP and Fr Peter Rogers RIP who have served this Parish and Fr John who recently passed another anniversary of priesthood on 24^th May, having been ordained in St Dominics, Waddon, Croydon, 1964.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 7 July 10am Patronal Dedication and Feast Day
Monday 8 July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 10 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 12 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Saturday 13 July 8:30am HMP Lewes

The Word of Life

The leaflet for July takes for the scripture a line from Psalm 23.

The New Lectionary

From Advent, the Scripture will be taken out of the translation known as the ESV CE -The English Standard Version, Catholic Edition. It contains those Readings omitted from some Bibles.

Thank You

To the trio, Mike Mason, John Mason and Jim Pal who weeded the courtyard and gave a ‘short back and sides’ to the driveway. Thank you!

100+ Fundraiser

The Summer Draw will take place after Mass this Sunday. Annual Subscription £30.

Sea Sunday

Next Sunday the annual appeal for Stella Maris – The Apostleship of the Sea – will have a retiring collection.

Contactless Giving

A technical problem with the Card Machine should now have been corrected. In these days when cash is not normally used it should be easier to make your offerings. Follow the instructions on the table.

Give me Thy grace to long for Thy holy Sacraments and especially to rejoice in the Presence of Thy very blessed Body, sweet Saviour Christ, in the holy sacrament of the altar and duly to thank Thee for Thy gracious visitation in it.

- From St Thomas More's 'Treatise on The Blessed Body of The Lord'

The Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

A Holyday of Obligation on June 29th, transferred to Sunday this year. Both died for the Faith that they preached, being put to death in Rome. The two great basilicas – St Peter’s and St Paul’s outside the walls are places of Pilgrimage for the many millions who visit Rome. They are described in the Preface as “Peter foremost in confessing the Faith, who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel: Paul its outstanding preacher, master and teacher of the Gentiles that you call”
Along with many other Martyrs the rousing hymn expresses our loyalty and respect for their faithfulness.
“Faith of our Fathers, Holy Faith
We will be true to thee till death!
We will be true to the till death!”

The Pastoral Plan

As promised, a brief note on the meeting of the parish reps and priests of the present deanery of Brighton and Hove in a “get to know you meeting” in the light of the Pastoral Plan. Those of you who follow the Diocesan Website or the Diocesan ebulletin will have read how some of the Deaneries have moved to new structures to work together in various aspects of Church Life. There are unfamiliar descriptions which will need explanation but nothing to be alarmed about! We will look forward so that the mission of the Church in Brighton and Hove can flourish. Some of the items raised were: keeping in touch, communication, sacramental preparation, formation, utilising skills, the role of Catholic Schools, social media, cooperation.

In a separate meeting with Father Sebastian initial plans were discussed and will be brought forward to be realised.

Have another read of the Plan – in the green covered booklets – and pray the prayer for the implementation of the Plan.

You may remember how at Mass just after Easter the Bishop’s Vision was reviewed. Under his photograph you can read Our Parish Mission.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 30 June 10am Solemnity of Ss. Peter & Paul
Wednesday 3 July 9:30am St Thomas the Apostle
Friday 5 July 12 midday Requiem Mass for Fr Laurence Quin-Morris RIP, St Joseph’s, Redhill
Sunday 7 July 10am Patronal Feast of the parish and dedication of Saint Thomas More.

The Word of Life Leaflet for July

To help you pray with scripture during the month.

The General Election

Thursday July 4th Polling Stations Open 7am – 10.00pm
Remember to take Photographic ID with you to be able to vote – Bus Pass, Passport etc.

Patronal Feast

Do come into the Hall after Mass on 7 July for some light refreshment, the Summer Draw and a meet up after the 10am Mass.

Words of Saint Thomas More

Let us not lose this time, therefore, suffer not this occasion to slip, which we can never little tell whether ever we shall get it again or never. Let us endeavour ourselves to keep him still, and let us say - ‘Stay with us. Good Lord.’

The Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

After celebrating the Seasons of Easter and the solemnities of Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity, the Body and Blood of Christ and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we return to remembrance of the ministry of Jesus with his teachings as we read St Mark’s Gospel. This has another title -translated from the Latin as “Ordinary Time“- a poor translation which in English implies something of little significance! One attempt at clarifying the term is “ordered“. In the meantime you will notice the green vestment and the abbreviation ‘OT’.

The Day For Life

For information on this year’s theme please follow this link.

A Bishop has written drawing attention to the “culture of death “ prevalent in proposed legislation.

Patronal Feast

Each year on the Sunday nearest to the Anniversary of the Dedication of our Church we celebrate the Patronal Feast. This year we will be celebrating on Sunday 7^th July at the 10am Mass and afterwards with a drink.

Missio

The Missions Society – has sent us reports of recent activity. Thank you for filling the red boxes with those coins that are not seen so often. There are some red boxes available for you.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 9th June 10am 10th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 12th June 9:30am St Anthony of Padua
Friday 14th June 9:30am Weekday Mass
Sunday 16th June 10am 11th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 19th June 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 21st June 9:30am St Aloysius Gonzaga
Saturday 22nd June HMP Lewes Mass 8:30am
Sunday 23rd June 10am 12th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 26th June 11:30am Funeral Mass for Tom Perrin RIP
Friday 28th June 9:30am St Irenaeus
Sunday 30th June 10am Saints Peter and Paul
Wednesday 3rd July 9:30am St Thomas, Apostle
Friday 5th July 9:30am Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart
Sunday 7th July 10am Patronal Feast
Wednesday 10th July 9:30am St Benedict
Friday 12th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Sunday 14th July 10am 15th Sunday in OT
Wednesday 17th July 9:30am Weekday Mass
Friday 19th July 9:30am Weekday Mass

Tom Perrin RIP

Tom died last Monday, a staunch Catholic and family man, husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace.

His Requiem Mass and funeral will be in St Thomas More’s Church on Wednesday 26^th June at 11.30am followed by cremation at Woodvale, North Chapel at 1pm. Remember in your prayers Margaret his wife and Kath, Mary and the other members of the Perrin Family.

Foundation Governors for Catholic Schools

An informative poster will be displayed inviting response from practising Catholics for the role .

Reminders

St Bernadette’s Summer Festival Saturday 29th June
St Thomas More’s Patronal Feast Day July 7th

The Lectionary

The new version will be in use from the First Sunday of Advent.

You can read about it here.

The Clergy have in-service training on it this week so you will be hearing more about it in the future.

The Parish Website

Our parish website will be having a short break before returning. Please keep up to date by checking the noticeboard in the entrance to the church.

Brother, sister, let me serve you,
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.

The Body and Blood Of Christ

The description of the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life” does not immediately engage us or reveal the richness of Christ’s gift to His followers. It takes a lifetime to appreciate the riches it contains. Remembering the first time we received Holy Communion is a starting point. Where was it? What preparations were made? Who was there? What can you remember of the day? Maybe we could think of how it draws us closer to Jesus or how it strengthens our sense of belonging as a member of the Church – the great family of Catholics who are attached to the worldwide Catholic Church or the local Church of the Diocese or the community of the Parish. Take time to think about the meaning of Communion in all its forms. Our response, of course, is one of thanksgiving, worshipping , promising and adoring.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

No video this week, but the text can be found here.

National News

A new publication – ‘Called to be Peacemakers’ has now been published. Click here for further details.

Grand News

A newsletter for grandparents is now available. Please click here. Details of the Grandparents Pilgrimage to West Grinstead are included June 26^th 11am – 3pm.

The General Election

The Bishops’ Conference has highlighted the issues. Do consider them. Please click here.

The Day For Life

Will take place on Sunday 16th June. More information can be found here.

The New Lectionary

These are now being ordered. Read all about it! Here.

100 +

Do see if you could join this fundraising venture for the Parish – annual subscription £30.

Word of Life

The leaflet for your prayer during June is now on the table. Keep it handy during the month and let the scripture text become part of you.

Mass Rota

Sunday 2nd June 10 am The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ followed by Adoration concluding at 11:30 am
Monday 3rd June 8:15 am St Mary’s Convent Mass
Wednesday 5th June 9:30 am St Boniface Mass
Friday 7th June 7 pm Solemnity Of The Sacred Heart
Sunday 9th June 10 am 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus, who gave himself for you,
Upon the cross to die
Open to you his sacred heart
O to that heart draw nigh.
You hear how kindly he invites,
You hear his words so blest.
All you that labour come to me,
And I will give you rest.

Trinity Sunday

Our response to God is one of Faith – I believe – and is the relationship which builds up each day. Through the Scriptures we discover God revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God. Do not attempt to work it out like an equation. It is a Mystery of Revelation. We find in our prayer life that we are close to God when, like his Son, we say “ Our Father. Abba”; when we pray to “Our Lord Jesus Christ”, and when we invite the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. This feast reminds us to become more aware of how we address God at the beginning of prayer and how we conclude our praying. We may be amazed how Trinitarian our prayer and worship become.

The General Election

The Bishops of England and Wales remind us to bear in mind the Common Good and have set out some of the issues to be discerned and considered in our voting and discussion. In recent months some leaflets from political parties have come through the letterbox mainly about local issues . When the Parties Manifestos are published then we should examine them carefully and be prepared to question candidates and callers on their content. One example would be the role of Faith Schools , remembering how important a place they have in the Church’s mission for education.

To research further you can find on the Bishops’ Conference some of the issues which may not be heard in the Media deluge over the next 6 weeks.

Click here to read more about the following issues: Criminal Justice, domestic poverty, family life, education . environment, life issues, migration, international relations, the common good.

Corpus Et Sanguinis Christi – The Body and Blood of Christ

The annual celebration of this Solemnity takes place next Sunday at the 10.am Mass to be followed by a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and thanksgiving for our Holy Communions. A time to remember our First Holy Communion Day and to recall how our devotion has developed since.

Arundel Cathedral Celebration

The long tradition marking this Feast in Arundel with a Solemn Mass and Procession into the grounds of Arundel Castle will commence on Wednesday May 29^th with the display of the Carpet of Flowers and on Thursday 30^th May with the Mass and Procession at 5.30pm

You can read more here.

Online Live Broadcasts

Arundel Cathedral website.

From Lourdes. Each day you can follow the Procession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 4pm BST. Go to Useful Websites on our website – The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, The procession ends with blessing of the Sick and a time of Adoration.

Mass Schedule

26th May Trinity Sunday Mass 10am
28th May Tuesday Mass 9.30am For the Diocese & Bishop Richard
29th May Wednesday Mass 9.30am Memorial of St Pope Paul VI
31st May Friday Mass 9.30am The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2nd June Sunday. The Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ. Mass 10am.

Tuesday’s Anniversaries

The Diocese of Arundel and Brighton was created on May 28^th 1965
Bishop Richard became the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton on May 28^th 2015

The 100 Club

On Sunday 7th July, our Patronal Feast Day we will have a Summer draw and celebration. Membership of the 100 Club is £30 pounds a year. If you can please join.

The Catenians

Please see the poster below about the work of The Catenians. The local Sussex branch can be contacted below by visiting this website or by calling 07795 233908

Father, Jesus, Spirit, we adore you.
Lay our lives before you,
How we love you.