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 5^th 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 6^th 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)

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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

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 27^th 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

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