The Sixth Week Of Easter

Preparing For Pentecost

Ascension Thursday marks a moment of change when Jesus returns to his Father and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip us to continue the mission. Moving into the future requires determination and patience and above all a sense of hope. What the Church in Brighton and Hove will be like may seem like a dream but it will be formed of believers whose focus is on belonging, walking with others, and relating to Jesus by communicating with prayer. Let us make sure we invite the Holy Spirit on the journey.

Anniversaries

May 28th 1965 was the day of the announcement that the Diocese of Southwark would be divided and that a ne Diocese called Arundel & Brighton would be created with Bishop David Cashman as its first Bishop.

May 28^th 2015 is the Anniversary of Bishop Richard being installed as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese.

The Diocese Of Chulucanas, Peru

The second collection this Sunday is for the Diocese of Chulucanas in the North of Peru which A&B supports.

Four of our Priests have worked there along with the Augustinian Priests like Pope Leo.

The Pastoral Plan

Last Tuesday’s Zoom meeting explained the structures for the future and the forming of a finance group.

The Mass Schedule

Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday of Easter
Monday 26th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 28th May 12pm Arundel Cathedral Diocesan anniversaries (live streamed)
Thursday 29th May 9:30am and 7pm Ascension Day (Holy Day)
Friday 30th May 9:30am The Visitation Of Our Lady
Saturday 31st May 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 1st June 10am 7th Sunday of Easter

World Communications Day

This is next Sunday (8th June)

The Basilica Of St John Lateran

This Sunday afternoon 4pm BST Pope Leo will be installed on the Cathedra (Chair) of the Diocese of Rome of which he is the Bishop,

On our website go to Vatican News under Useful Websites) On the right side you will find Vatican TV to watch the ceremony.

To the member's of Christ's body
To the branches of the Vine
To the Church in faith assembled
To her midst as gift and sign:
Come,  Holy Spirt, come!

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 Lent Download

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 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 27^th 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.

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 8^th 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

Sunday of The Word of God

The third Sunday in Ordinary time is denoted as the Word of God Sunday to remind us of our use of Scripture deepening our prayer life. The prayerful reading and reflection -Lectio Divina – as it is called is recommended. There is a new resource to help with praying the Psalms (Click here) Our Readings this Sunday are appropriate and we do begin the reading of St Luke’s Gospel -the Evangelist for 2025.

This Week

This Sunday afternoon we are invited to a gathering in St Mary’s Hall at 5pm about the future shape of Brighton and Hove as a united Parish. This is part of the journey envisaged in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as it unfolds. Do come along to participate.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Monday is the 80^th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Continuing last week’s theme of Peace we pray for the building of peace and respect for each person.

Next Sunday

February 2^nd is the day we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and is Candlemas Day. At our Sunday Mass we will have the blessing of candles, a simple procession and Mass. It takes precedence over the texts of the 4^th Sunday.

100+ Draw

After Mass, next Sunday (2nd February) coffee will be available in the Hall and a Draw will take place. Do come in to meet and socialise.

The Jubilee

As Pilgrims of hope we will hear of various opportunities. Bishop Richard is leading one to Lourdes – please click here.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 26th January 10am 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 27th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 29th January 9:30am St Thomas Aquinas
Friday 31st January 9:30am St John Bosco
Sunday 2nd February 10am The Presentation of The Lord

Jubilee

The Jubilee was launched in our Schools last week. See the notice board.

The Diocesan Bulletin

How I long to see you
Jesus face to face
How the heart is thirsting
Living spring of grace
Show me soon your glory
Be my great reward
Be my joy for ever
Jesus, gracious Lord.

St Thomas Aquinas no 396

Christ The King

Thy Kingdom Come

Our daily prayer reminds us of the Kingship of Christ, his kingdom which is constantly being established and the place given in our hearts to him. Christ has to present to the Father “a Kingdom of truth and life. A kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.”

This Sunday marks the end of the Liturgical Year B, when on most Sundays we have listened to the Gospel of St. Mark. Next Sunday we commence the celebration of Advent in Year C , when the Gospel of St Luke will mainly be read.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. It is fitting that, on this last Sunday in the Church’s year, we look to the Kingdom, to our destiny as children of the God who is all love. Jesus’ kingship is not of an earthly nature – He makes this very clear in His response to Pontius Pilate, that we hear proclaimed in this Sunday’s Gospel.

Jesus exercises power that is so completely different to that exercised by Pilate. We must reflect that we, in our following of Jesus, must live in His way, not that of a world consumed by wealth, power over others, and political gain. We see power being abused so often in the world at the expense of the vulnerable. We see that which is deemed expedient, placed above the dignity that belongs to every person as a wonder of God’s creation.

Our baptism brings with it the responsibility to live every moment of life in preparation for the wonder of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is this Kingdom – that is of a different kind – in which we are called to live, and that we are called to proclaim, bringing others to the hope that points our way to the Kingdom.

We rejoice in His Kingship and we rejoice in His death and resurrection; the victory that He has won for us – for with Him, as St Paul reminds us – we are co-heirs to the Kingdom of God.

Our world needs this message in every place and in every aspect of the human condition – most especially, at a time when so many parts of our world are torn apart by war and conflict, when the dignity of every human being is threatened, and when so many live without the hope that leads to the fullness of life. Let us proclaim this message with every greater urgency and joy.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Opposing The Second Reading Of The Assisted Dying Bill

The cards to send off to your MP are on the table in the entrance.

Informing yourself of the issues is important. Last week we had our Bishop’s Pastoral Message and the Statement form the Bishops of the UK.

We have all been asked to make special prayer on Friday 29^th November for the voting down of this Bill.

Our Friday Mass 9.30 am will have a period of adoration added until 10.30 for those able to give half an hour.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 24th November Christ the King Sunday Mass 10am
Monday 25th November St Mary’s House Mass 8.15am
Wednesday 27th November Mass 9.30am
Saturday 30th November HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
December 1st The First Sunday of Advent Mass 10am.

The bi-weekly Newsletter of St Mary’s and St Thomas More’s is available after Mass.

Soup and Sandwich Lunch This Thursday In Our Hall 12 Noon

An opportunity to meet up. See the poster.

The Lectionary

The four volumes will be blessed next Sunday. They have distinctive covers. As liturgical books for worship they are to be treated with care and respect.


Hail Redeemer, King divine
Priest and Lamb, the throne is thine
King whose reign shall never cease
Prince of everlasting peace.

Angels, saints and nations sing
Praised be Jesus Christ our King
Lord of life, earth sky and sea
King of love on calvary

The Seventh Week Of Easter

Following the celebration of the Ascension we enter a time of inviting the Holy Spirit to come to renew us and fill us with spiritual energy to be the followers of Jesus and to understand more clearly His message – what He has done and is doing for us. The Novena days ahead encourage us to invite the Holy Spirit to remind us of His presence first gifted at Baptism, then at Confirmation and subsequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Anointing and the Eucharist. Just focus on the times the Holy Spirit is invoked during Mass.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

There is no video this week but Bishop Richard’s reflection can be found here.

World Communications Day

The Sunday after the Ascension is observed as a day with communications at its heart. Pope Francis has written a letter about one aspect of social communication – “Artificial Intelligence and the wisdom of the heart. Towards a fully human Communication”. You can read the Pope’s Letter here. You can watch the video below.

There is a second collection to support the Catholic media office which provides material for the Media in this country.

Impact Of The Criminal Justice Bill

Amendments attempting to decriminalise aspects of present legislation relating to abortion will be debated further endangering life of the unborn. Do read the response of the Bishops which can be found here.

The Word Of Life Leaflet For May

This leaflet is now available to use in your prayerful reflection during the month of May. The way to use it is to reflect daily on the scripture text, to read the commentary and to make it part of your Christian attitudes and action.

Praying For Vocations To The Priesthood

During the Seventh week of Easter we remember how the Holy Spirit “has been sent for the forgiveness of sins” words of absolution and we pray for more priests who will celebrate the sacraments of healing with the living and the dying.

2025 The Year Of The Jubilee

Pope Francis has addressed the Universal Church with a Letter introducing the 2025 Jubilee, described as Bull which describes the lead seal authenticating it a document from the Pope. You can read it here. There are also photographs of him at one of the doors of St Peter’s through which pilgrims will enter the Basilica.

Mass Schedule

Sunday May 12th Mass 10am
Monday May 13th St Erconwald, Abbot of Chertsey, Diocesan Proper. Mass 8.15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday May 15th St Matthias Apostle Mass 9.30am
Friday May 17th Ascensiontide Mass 9.30am
Pentecost Sunday May 19th Mass 10am

Novena To The Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful
And kindle in them the fire of your love
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be recreated
And you will renew the face of the earth.