Tag: catholic

Saints Peter and Paul

These two have been in the news recently because of the happenings in Rome. The shrine of St Peter is in the Basilica of the Vatican where Pope Leo went to pray before his inauguration as the successor of St Peter. As Bishop of Rome he visited the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls. Both were martyred as witnesses to Christ.

We honour them as Founders of the Church, and they will be celebrated by the many Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee Year.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, I invite you all to join me in prayer for Pope Leo, that he continues to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in his task as shepherd of the flock entrusted to him. As our Holy Father, he brings particular gifts to the Church through his experience in Peru, where he served with some of the priests of our own Diocese; his times of leadership of the Augustinian Friars, and his service in the Dicastery for Bishops.

He comes to the Petrine Office at a difficult time for the world. Let us join him in fervent prayer for peace – for which he has called so many times in these first weeks of his papacy. With him, and in the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, let us continue to strive for justice and promote the dignity of every person at every moment of life.  

St Peter, our first Pope, could not have imagined the steps he would be called to take in the service of the Lord. This is true of Pope Leo and, indeed, of every one of us. The life that is given to us in baptism – life lived in the love of the Holy Trinity – calls us to follow the Lord Himself, wherever he may lead us. As His disciples, we are called to learn from Him, to grow ever closer to Him, to be always faithful in our witness to Him. This is what it means to be a Pilgrim of Hope, for we journey towards the One who died and rose from the dead that we might have life – and whose first gift after the Resurrection was the gift of peace.  

As Pilgrims of Hope, may we – with Pope Leo – strive to share that gift with the world.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Clergy In-Service

This week we have two days away together to focus on “How do we live our vocation in the parishes of the future.” Say a prayer for us.

The Pastoral Plan

At the forthcoming Council of Priests the Bishop will hear from each of the existing Deaneries with the Moderators elect of the proposed New Parishes, made up of the parish communities, before he decrees their election.

The Vision Meeting

Thank you for those who have offered to participate in the Vision making process on 10th July.

Your Questions

  1. What do you consider the mission of the one Parish will be ?
  2. What mission objectives do you consider important ?
  3.  What are your expectations for the new Parish?

Have a think and put pen to paper and return your response to the box in the Entrance.

Our Patronal Feast

Next Sunday we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our Church , its consecration and St Thomas More. After Mass we will have a social gathering and celebratory drink.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 29th June 10am Solemnity SS Peter and Paul
  • Monday 30th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 1st July 9:30am Anniversary of Arundel Cathedral
  • Friday 4th July 9:30am St Thomas Apostle
  • Sunday 6th July 10am Patronal Feast Mass
Peter, blessed shepherd to you was entrusted the power of opening the gate of heaven,
Paul, teacher without equal, fashion our live aright and carry off our hearts with yours till faith is sole master of our hearts.

Fifth Week Of Easter

The inauguration of Pope Leo takes place this Sunday at a Celebration Commencing at 9am BST. The main feature of the Liturgy will be the placing of the Pallium on him. This is taken from the tomb of St Peter and is made of lambswool. Then he will be presented with the ring and seal of Peter the Fisherman. These moments will be accompanied by prayers invoking the Holy Spirit. After this the Pope will give the Homily. You can find the English translation by clicking on Useful Websites- then The Holy See and finding the Booklet for the Celebration.

The English text is on the left hand side from page 2 onwards.

Pope Leo XIV InaugurationDownload

Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Reflection

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Sunday Of Easter
  • Monday 19th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (St Dunstan)
  • Wednesday 21st May 9:30am
  • Friday 23rd May 9:30am
  • Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday Of Easter

The Pastoral Plan

We will be moving towards the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the Communities of Brighton and Hove and over the next few weeks you will hear more information. Bishop Richard is planning for the eleven deaneries with parishes to become eleven parishes with the available clergy being for us the Brighton and Hove Clergy Team (BHCT) in the United Parish of Brighton and Hove. The Clergy are meeting every fortnight, and a leadership team of Laity & Clergy is being formed.

Update

Canon Kieron O’Brien gives an update and more information taking into account synodality. Please click here for further details.

Migrants’ Mass

Read the Report and photographs of last Sunday’s Mass. Were you there? The report can be found here.

May Prayer For Vocations

There is an ever present need to find men with a call to serve the People of the Church as Pastoral Priests. It starts with prayer of families and parishioners.

The Assisted Suicide Bill

The voices of those who recognise the need to improve and finance palliative care and support of Hospices must grow louder.

In Remembrance

Pray for the repose of the souls of Angela McCulloch and Darren Hazel who have died and for family members who have been bereaved.

All my hope on God is founded
He doth still my trust renew
Me through change and chance he guideth
Only good and only true
God unknown. He alone
Calls my heart to be his own

The Third Week Of Easter

After the funeral rites for Pope Francis and the nine days of prayer remembering him, all of us who form the Church are now praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning who is to be the next Bishop of Rome, Chief Shepherd of the Universal Church, and Pope. As we turn to the back page of the Memorial Card and pray for the Holy Spirit’s Presence with the Cardinals in Conclave we join together at our Masses and prayers with this great intention. There is a precedent in a feast next week when the Apostles prayed for someone to fill the vacancy cf. Acts 1 vv 24 -30 (St Matthias). Maybe by Friday we will have seen the white smoke.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witnessing to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit.

At this time when the Cardinals are preparing for the conclave, let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, in their solemn task of electing the next successor of St Peter.

I ask your prayers, too, for the young people of our Diocese who, over the coming weeks, will receive the gifts of Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important moment for each of them, as they take this very significant step on the path of discipleship. It is also a time of celebration for the whole Diocese, as we rejoice in their openness to the life of the Gospel and pray that they will take their place in the mission of the Church.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

The Conclave

This commences on Wednesday 7th  May when the Cardinals celebrate Mass and then move into the Sistine Chapel to commence the voting. Should you have seen the fictional film Conclave remember it is not the portrayal of what will be happening in Rome this week! For regular updates tune into our website – USEFUL WEBSITES -VATICAN NEWS.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 4th May 10am (Int. Pope Francis RIP and the people of the parish)
  • Monday 5th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Wednesday 7th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Friday 9th May 9:30am (Int. For the election of a Pope)
  • Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Sunday of Easter (Int. For the people of the parish)

Preparing For Holy Communion 2026

Meeting for parents whose children are to be prepared for Holy Communion and Reconciliation form the Parish Communities of St Thomas More’s & St Mary’s Church. In St Mary’s 7pm. See Poster.

Migrants’ Mass

The Catholic Parish of Brighton and Citizens UK are arranging a Mass for Migrants on Sunday 11th May in St Joseph’s Church, Elm Grove at 5.30pm. Bishop Richard will be presiding. See poster.

The Brighton Festival

The annual festival is under way with an amazing variety of artistic talents and couple with these the Fringe Festival adds even more variety

With Open Houses and much more. Enjoy!

The Word Of Life

The Scripture text and commentary Leaflet for May is now available for you to help you focus your prayer. A very appropriate text put to the first Pope.

Queen Of The May

Bring flowers of the rarest
Bring blossoms the fairest
From garden and woodland ,and hillside and dale
Our full hearts are swelling
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest flower of the vale
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May

(Traditional)

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…

Fifth Week In Ordinary Time

Pilgrims of Hope

During this jubilee Year there will be many opportunities to move forward with joyful hope. This week is just a beginning. We celebrate the World Day for the Sick, remembering those who are unwell and those who care for them, there is an appeal for the Lourdes Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the details of a young persons Pilgrimage to Rome , one to Walsingham and a Deanery Meeting to introduce the future shape of the Catholic Church in Brighton and Hove. In St Bernadette’s School a special Assembly and remembrance of the Lourdes Convent which was run by the Sisters of Nevers.

Pope Francis and his message for the World Day of The Sick

Please click on the following link

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 9th February 10am Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 10th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 11th February 9:30am Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Wednesday 12th February 9:30am
  • Friday 13th February 10am
  • Saturday 14th February HMP Lewes 8:15am
  • Sunday 15th February Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Word Of Life Leaflet

February’s leaflet is available to help the word of scripture.

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

This Thursday (13th February) at 12 noon. Do come along to our hall.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Details can be found on the diocesan website. Please click here.

Rest In Peace

Frances Austin died Saturday February 9th in Maycroft Care Home.

She received the Sacrament of Anointing  and prayed the Hail Mary on Friday “pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen”

100+ Winners

James Pal, Julia Hoy, Julian and Wendy Taylor, and Paula O’Sullivan 

Immaculate Mary
Our hearts are on fire,
That title so wondrous 
Fills all our desire.
Ave,ave,ave, Maria!

Remembrance

Following All Souls Day, the month of November continues with Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with Assemblies in Schools.

Parades in towns at war memorials, Blessing of graves, Masses for the Dead and other opportunities to call to mind those who have died.

In every Eucharistic Prayer there is always an intercession for the Dead…

Blessing of Graves

In the Cemeteries of Brighton and Hove 3pm and Brighton & Preston, Hartington Road, 2pm.

Bishop Richard’s Request

Holy Hour for the Dignity of the Human Person

Next week, the Bishops of England & Wales gather in Leeds for the Autumn Plenary Meeting.  On Wednesday 13th, at 5.30pm, they will gather for a Holy Hour for prayer to promote the dignity of the human person and the culture of life in our countries in the face of the assisted suicide legislation before the UK Parliament.  

I do encourage you to arrange Holy Hours on the same day – where possible at the same time – in our parishes, thereby facilitating a  powerful moment of prayer in our lands promoting the intrinsic dignity of every person.

With every Blessing,

+ Richard 

Holy Hour

This will be on WEDNESDAY of this week -13th November 5.30 -6.30pm

Please try to come in even for part of the time. It has the theme of praying for the dignity of Human Life.

Mass Schedule

  • 32nd Sunday Mass 10am
  • Monday St Mary’s House. St Martin of Tours Mass 8.15am
  • Wednesday Weekday Mass 9.30am
  • Friday St Albert the Great Mass 9.30am
  • 33rd Sunday Mass 10am World Day of the Poor

The New Lectionary

Not long to go before its introduction.

Orders for the 3 Year Sunday Missals may be given using the sign up sheet in the Entrance – either the CTS edition or the Redemptorist publication £ 19.95 each.

To learn more about the Lectionary read from the following link.

Cardinal Newman Catholic School – Outstanding

Read the Principal’s letter

Annual Retired Priests’ Fund

This can be gift Aided, Contactless available.

Of your charity…

Pray for the soul of Dick Lock, husband of late Mary Lock. His coffin is to be draped in the Sussex Police flag.

North Brighton Parishes’ Newsletter

This is now available in the entrance

May the choirs of angels lead you into paradise
And my the martyrs come to welcome you
To bring you home into the holy city
So you may dwell in new Jerusalem

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 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 15th 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 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 50th 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 24th 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.

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 10th 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 24th 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'