The First Week Of Lent

The Forty Days

One description of Lent along with the forty fast days. It is the journey to Easter when the three practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are encouraged to help us through the days ahead. Pope Leo in his message to us writes of Lent as a time of conversion, a time to find renewal in our faith and placing God back in our lives. He emphasises listening as making room for the word to enter into a relationship with God. Then he opens up the meaning of fasting in five ways which may surprise us and make us think.

When we hear the word ‘fasting’ we think firstly of limiting what we eat, measuring out how much on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but he goes further and says this act of penance is to cause hunger when spiritually our souls reach out to others. He then reflects on words reminding us to refrain from unkind words, slander, not repeating gossip, rather words of hope and peace. Then screens which withdraw attention on those around, withdrawing us from being present to others, absorbing attention – be it phones, tablets, or TV

Then refraining from complaints, negativity, rehearsing grievances and murmuring. Fifthly, he focuses on indifference , not listening to the challenges, looking away, and maybe unheeding to the call for generosity where possible for Lenten alms and charitable causes.

Pope Leo does make us think.

Lent Weekday Masses

You may not have time for a 9.30am Mass so on Fridays let’s try a 7pm Evening Mass to give more of you the chance to make it as part of your prayer during Lent. A reminder too that every Friday is a day of abstinence or refraining.

The Diocesan Administrator

Canon Jonathan Martin has been elected Diocesan Administrator. You can read more about this appointment here.

Archbishop Richard Moth

Some of you watched the Installation from Westminster Cathedral and the Service is available on Youtube channels.

An account can be seen here

Do look at the photographs (124 of them) and see if you can recognise anyone from the are – Canon David our Moderator, Fr Benny and so on.

One notable moment was when the Archbishop was going around the Cathedral and he stopped to pray at the tomb of Cardinal Cormac.

The Mass Schedule

Sunday 22nd February 10am 1st Sunday of Lent
Monday 23rd February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 25th February 9:30am
Friday 27th February 7pm NB change of time
Sunday 1st March 10am 2nd of Lent

Day of Recollection

Clergy Day of Recollection Worth Abbey Tuesday
B&H Clergy Tean meeting Tuesday

Monks In The City

Do have a look at the Posters on the noticeboard.

The Lourdes Pilgrimage

Booking now underway. Have a word for information.

A Bidding Prayer From The Installation

“We pray for the priests and people of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton that they will soon be given a new Bishop and that the work initiated by Archbishop Richard will continue to bear a rich harvest.”

Fifth Week In Ordinary Time

A varied week ahead , commencing with the day on human trafficking, then (for school governors) a zoom session on Prevent. Wednesday takes us to Lourdes with the promise of a summer pilgrimage and then to Westminster for Friday pre-installation Vespers and to the Mass of Installation of Bishop Richard as the Archbishop of Westminster – and Lent begins next Wednesday (18th February).

Sunday 8th February – Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.

Sr Josephine Bakhita is named as the Saint for the victims , having been trafficked herself. Cardinal Vincent heads up the St Martha’s group bringing the issue to international attention. More details can be found here.

February 11th The Feast Of Our Lady Of Lourdes

Celebrating the first vision Bernadette had of Mary and the response to the call to come on pilgrimage. Please take an envelope if you can make a gift to assist the unwell and frail. A special day at St Bernadette’s because of our connection with Sisters of Nevers who ran the Lourdes Convent on the site.
It is also the Day for the Sick and Pope Leo has sent us a letter.

Visit Lourdes day or night by clicking here.

Bishop Richard’s Thanksgiving Mass Arundel Cathedral

Whether you were part of the overflowing congregation or a virtual participant last Friday it was a grand celebration of thanksgiving for his eleven years as our Bishop. You can read what he said here and also a tribute on behalf of the Diocese by the Chancellor, Canon Jonathan Martin.

Celebrations In Westminster

We can join in two parts – Friday – Solemn Vespers and Saturday the Installation of the Archbishop of Westminster 12 noon. Details of how to follow these events can be found here.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 8th February 10am 5th Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 9th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 11th February 9:30am Our Lady of Lourdes Day of The Sick
Friday 13th February 9:30am
Saturday 14th February 9:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 15th February 10am 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Ash Wednesday Masses

Wednesday 18th February 9:30am
Wednesday 18th February 7pm

Electrical Inspections and PAT Testing

Five Year test. Church, Hall, Priest’s House. Part of the Diocesan Health & Safety requirement.

“Oh, yes my Jesus. From now on, be my all and my life. I shall follow you wherever you go…
Come my soul,  courage. One more day to follow Jesus and Mary and climb to Calvary….
And then with Jesus and Mary, happiness, joy, eternity. “
St Bernadette.

The Third Week In Ordinary Time

Word Of God Sunday

It was Pope Francis who introduced the theme for the 3^rd Sunday in Ordinary time, as a reminder to celebrate and appreciate the Word of God in scripture. This year we are reminded that “the word of Christ dwells among us” and can take up residence in our thoughts, attitudes, and guiding principles. Our monthly leaflet the Word of Life is one way for this to happen by giving a simple commentary on a text of scripture for us to mull over and let it sink in. For example, has this month’s text helped us with the desire to pray and work for unity? Some of our Readers or Proclaimers of the Word have been able to attend a Saturday with Bishop Richard reflecting on the spirituality of the Word in Scripture.

As an exercise in some education about the Scriptures here is a link to the teaching of Vatican 2.

In Thanksgiving For The Ministry Of Bishop Richard

On this Friday (30th January) evening in Arundel Cathedral there will be a Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Richard at 6.30pm to which everyone is invited. If you cannot travel, you can participate on your phone, tablet or other device by live streaming remembering his teaching and pastoral planning. We will recall his frequent encouragement to practise Lectio Divina – the prayerful reading and reflection on Scripture.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 25th January 10am (3rd Sunday OT)
Monday 26th January 8:15am St Mary’s House (Ss Timothy and Titus)
Wednesday 28th January 9:30am (St Thomas Aquinas)
Friday 30th January 9:30am
Sunday 1st February 10am (4th Sunday OT)

The Parish Of Brighton and Hove

Meeting Thursday 29^th January In St Bernadette’s Hall 7.15 to consider the mission. STM will have a table.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

24^TH – 30^TH JULY. Applications are now open. For further information and prices visit www.abdiocese.org.uk/lourdes To support frail, sick or disabled Pilgrims applications are invited from nurses, doctors, and health professionals. Helpers and Young People are essential.

On Sunday February 8^th there will be a Second Collection. Purple envelopes may be used along with Pilgrimage envelopes.

Do also read Bishop Richard’s letter.

Come, adore this wondrous presence,
bow to Christ, the source of grace
here is kept the ancient promise
of God’s earthly dwelling place
sight is blind before God’s presence,
faith alone may see his face.
            
St Thomas Aquinas (Tantum ergo)

Peace and Unity

These two themes are for focus this week. In England, Peace Sunday is observed on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time whereas in Rome the Pope issues a letter about peace along with his frequent calls for the resolution of conflicts (for example in Syria and Iran – click here) “Peace be with you all: towards an unarmed and disarming peace“ Pax Christi is a Catholic organisation which campaigns, promotes, upholds and challenges for peace. If you are able to support Pax Christi please follow this link.

We also enter the week of prayer for Christian unity, concluding next Sunday with Ecumenical Vespers with monks at St John the Baptist at 4pm next Sunday.

Pray with the Pope

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer), the largest prayer-group in the Catholic church, exists to encourage prayer and action for the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church, expressed in the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. This month, the Pope’s intention is that Christians should pray with the Word of God.

It’s a “Way of the Heart”, a mission of compassion for the world that anyone can join. There is nothing to sign up for, no fees to pay and no forms to fill in. You become an Apostle of Prayer by praying each day with the Pope for the concerns in his heart, together with millions all around the world. It’s the Pope’s personal prayer-group!

More details can be found by following this link.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 18th January 10am 2nd Sunday in OT (int for the people)
Monday 19th January 8:15am St Mary’s House – St Wulfstan
Wednesday 21st January 9:30am St Agnes, Martyr
Friday 23rd January 9:30 (int for Christian Unity)
Sunday 25th January 10am 3rd Sunday in OT Sunday of the Word of God

May we see your face in glory
Christ our loving God
With the blessed saints of heaven
Give us lasting Joy
We will then possess true happiness
And love for all eternity..

The Baptism Of The Lord

One of the places Pilgrims visit in the Holy Land is the site where John the Baptist conducted the ritual “dunking“ in the River Jordan with his call to repent and follow faithfully the Covenant. This is recalled in the action of Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus wants to identify with those coming to John for this ritual washing as he sets himself alongside the followers. The Gospel goes on to record Jesus being anointed by the Holy Spirit for his mission to bring the Good News.

By the Sacrament of Baptism we begin to belong the Body of Christ, the Church, becoming God’s children and we are anointed with Holy Oil to be worshipping believers sharing Christ’s life with others. Remember our identity as baptised members. An opportunity to recall where we were baptised, our God parents, the family photographs, and your baptismal candle. Do remember you are baptised and dip your hand into the Holy Water stoup on entering a Church building.

The Gift Of A Shepherd

We are now in the time where we give thanks for the Ministry oof Bishop Richard over the last 10 years. In Arundel Cathedral on Friday 30^th January there will be a Mass of thanksgiving at 6.30pm followed by a reception in Arundel Castle. Note the date. Guidance on how we pray for the gift of a new Shepherd for the Diocese is now available to read

The Gift of a Shepherd Download

Pope Leo appointed Bishop Richard as Archbishop of Westminster on Thursday 19 December. The Archbishop-elect will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009. On hearing of his appointment, +Richard said:

“I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster… Serving the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has given me the wonderful opportunity of sharing the Church’s mission with lay faithful and clergy, and I give thanks for the many blessings of these last ten years.”

Speaking shortly after the announcement, the diocesan Chancellor, Canon Jonathan Martin said: “This is, without a doubt, a cause of great rejoicing for the Church in England and Wales, even if tinged with the sadness of loss for us in Arundel & Brighton. Bishop Richard took possession of our Diocese on the day of our fiftieth ‘birthday’ and has been our much-loved Shepherd for just over a decade.

“He has served us with unstinting generosity and good humour, brought great dignity and devotion to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, and fostered, through his own evident love of the Sacred Scriptures, the practice of Lectio Divina that is now well-established in so many of our parishes. The greatest legacy that Bishop Richard leaves behind is the diocesan Pastoral Plan…

“It is for us to realise this beautiful vision that Bishop Richard set before us and to continue to build upon the firm foundations he established with the courage and vision [that] he will now undoubtedly take to Westminster.”

There will be a Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Richard’s Ministry in Arundel & Brighton at Arundel Cathedral on Friday 30 January at 6.30pm. The Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop-Elect Richard, will be followed by a reception in the Baron’s Hall at Arundel Castle, by kind permission of His Grace, the Duke of Norfolk. There is no need to register to attend the Mass, all are very welcome

Mass Schedule

Sunday 11th January 10am The Baptism Of The Lord
Monday 12th January 8:15am St Mary’s House St Aelred of Rievaulx
Wednesday 14th January 9:30am
Friday 16th January 9:30am
Saturday 17th January 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 18th January 10am Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time

Sunday Cycle – Year A (St Matthew’s Gospel)

Weekday Lectionary – Year 2 (because 2026 is an even year)

Praying With The Pope

Pope Leo is encouraging us to pray with Scriptures.

Do watch the short video and explanation of the Monthly intention.

Please follow this link.

The Word Of Life

The leaflet for January is now available for you to use during the days ahead. Take the Scripture Text, keep it by your side and little by little pray with it so it begins to be you.

Brighton and Hove Clergy Team Meeting

Tuesday afternoon

The End Of The Jubilee

On the feast of the Epiphany Pope Leo conclude the Jubilee Year with the closing of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. The theme that we are Pilgrims of hope continues in our daily practice.

Thank You

May I thank you for the Christmas offering, your personal gifts, greetings and support in so many ways. With hope for the New Year of our Lord 2026.

Fr John

O living water, refresh my soul
O living water refresh my soul
Spirit of joy, Lord of creation
Spirit of hope, Spirit of peace.

The Third Week Of Advent

“In the pink” A possibility where there is a chasuble in that colour or nearby rose. The sign that the third Sunday of Advent also known as Rejoice Sunday marks the fact that our joyful expectation moves us ever closer to the Nativity. John the Baptist who last week was reminding us to review our lives (repent is the way he put it) this week checks out the identity of the one who reveals the work of the Messiah. On Wednesday December 17^th we begin the countdown of “Greater Advent “. In the Mass and the Office, we begin using a form of invitation when we recall the titles of the expected one. These are also contained in the Advent Hymn – “O come, O come and Rejoice”. Make the most of the remaining days of Advent with a sense of patient waiting.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday finds us celebrating Gaudete Sunday – Rejoicing Sunday – taking its name from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass: Rejoice. The vestment colour changes to Rose, a sign that we are at a mid-point in the Season of Advent. We rejoice that the coming of the Lord is near.

The readings speak of waiting in patience. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as the greatest person born of woman. Yet He compares John to the least in the Kingdom of heaven – we wait in patience for the coming of the Kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the promise of God’s coming and the need for us to be ready – but patience is needed, for the Lord has not yet come.

James, in his letter, calls plainly for patience. His words reflect Isaiah – we must be ready for the coming of the Lord and be patient until He comes again.

We live in a world where so many expect instantaneous results. The world seems, perhaps, to move faster – and there are many in our communities, our homes, who feel the pain of isolation. Like those to whom James writes, we need to learn the patience of the farmer, who must wait for the rain, the sun and the results of the crop.

As Jesus’ followers, we have an opportunity for a particular witness to the world – a certain slowing of pace that is the witness of patient and joyful waiting. Spending time in prayer, living the rhythm of the seasons of the Church’s year, reflecting on the Scriptures and giving time to our brothers and sisters. Such life prepares us for the coming of the Kingdom of God and will enable us to truly celebrate the feast of the Lord’s birth.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Carol Service

Come along on Sunday Evening (14th December) to St Mary’s at 7pm. Enjoy, listen and sing. Refreshments in the Hall. Donations for the roof fund.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 14th December 10am 3rd Sunday of Advent
Monday 15th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 17th December 9:30am
Wednesday 17th December 12pm Requiem Mass for John Glasheen RIP
Friday 19th December 9:30am
Sunday 21st December 10am 4th Sunday of Advent

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

St Thomas More Saturday 12 noon
St Mary’s Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
St Joseph’s Saturday 11am to 11:45am
Sacred Heart Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Sacred Heart Sunday 21st December 3pm – four priests will be available to hear confession

The Assisted Suicide Bill

This is with the House of Lords. Have your say.

Unlike MPs, Members of the House of Lords do not have constituents, meaning there is not a Peer whose job it is to represent you based on the area of the country in which you live.

For this reason you should take some time to think about which Peer you will write to and why – such as whether you have a personal or professional connection with them, or you have professional expertise in medicine or healthcare. If you know a former MP for your constituency has been elevated to the House of Lords they may be interested in hearing from you. Click here to continue.

Herald of the joyful tidings
Stand upon the mountain high
Lift your voice, O be not frightened
Bravely raise the Gospel cry.
God himself will come to save us
From our grave iniquities
Soon our longing eyes will see him
Jesus, Saviour Prince of peace.

The Second Week of Advent

The progression of Advent moves on and in this second week, John the Baptist comes on the scene. He has a definite call about a change of direction, an assessment of how we reflect Christ’s ways and will. We do that by taking time to review our consciences – the capacity we have to judge right or wrong. Described like Lent as a penitential season, it provides an opportunity for us to see whether our values are in tune with the kingship of God.

Advent Calendar

Just a week late ! Here is a link to an Advent Calendar with a religious character. It is called a Wave of Hope, picking up on the Jubilee of Hope.Our Bishop provides one item for December 3rd. You can find 25 contributions here.

The Immaculate Conception of Mary

On Monday 8^th December we celebrate Mary’s being chosen from her conception to become the mother of the long-awaited Saviour. For those who love the Pilgrimage to Lourdes and St Bernadette, this is a special day to pray the rosary, or to come to the 9.30 Mass and even to visit the Grotto of Lourdes by going to this link.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters,

The Prophet Isaiah, writing some 800 years before the birth of Jesus, looks forward to a time when there will be peace and justice. His prophecy, which we hear in today’s first reading, speaks of openness to those gifts that we now recognise as the gifts of the Spirit, of mercy and justice for those who are oppressed, of total harmony for all of creation.

In the Gospel this weekend, we find the last of all the prophets – John the Baptist – speaking out against the oppressors of his day and warning them of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, whose message St Paul preaches to the Romans in a way that reflects the prophecy of Isaiah – for Christ has come that all may live in harmony.

At a time in our own history when we see so clearly that this message of peace and justice, of harmony between peoples and across the whole of creation – itself, God’s gift to us – is in peril, let us pray fervently for a renewed openness to the gift of peace. Let us pray for the recognition of the dignity of every person, especially on the part of all those in positions of power. May the world hear the warnings of John the Baptist and be open to the gifts of the Spirit and the peace that is Jesus’ gift to us.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 7th December 10am
Monday 8th December (The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary) 8:15am St Mary’s House, 9:30am (STM)
Wednesday 10th December 9:30am
Friday 12th December 9:30am
Sunday 14th December (3rd Sunday of Advent) 10am

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Wednesday 10th December 10:50am St Bernadette’s School (Years 4-6)
Friday 12th December 12:30pm – 1:30pm Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Saturday 13th December 12 noon to 12:30pm St Thomas More’s Church (Other times by arrangement)

Carol Service Sunday 14th December 7pm, St Mary’s Church

Donations welcomed for St Mary’s Church roof fund. Refreshments in the Hall.

Sunday Missals

Do have a word if you wish to purchase either a Missal of Years A, B, and C or just a copy for Year A.

Requiem Mass

For Susan Cook RIP on Friday December 19^th in St Mary’s 1.30pm

Prepare the way for the Lord
Make a straight path for God
Prepare the way for the lord
Wait for the Lord whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; keep watch take heart.

The First Sunday Of Advent

The countdown to the Solemnity ahead has a last commenced- four weeks which follow a pattern.

The first is about the final coming of Christ, the second prepares a community of repentance, the third is the task of John the Baptist to point out Jesus as the Messiah and on the fourth we have Mary preparing for the birth of her Son.

In the Lectionary we move to Year A when the evangelist is Matthew who has his own way of recording the events of the life of Jesus.

Advent is a time of preparing for the birth of Jesus and that will be our focus. Like Lent, Advent is a time when it appropriate to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession. There will be a number of celebrations which will be planned in the next few weeks with a choice of confessors.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday sees the Church begin a new Liturgical Year. The First Sunday of Advent heralds a time of preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth. It is, also, a “season of two parts.” We begin with a focus on the coming Kingdom of God. The second part, beginning on 17^th December, provides a more intense preparation for Christmas.

In this first part of Advent, we reflect on our hope in the coming Kingdom. This carries a particular resonance this year, perhaps, as we enter the final month of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Advent calls us to be open to the gift of hope. Hope is a virtue. Hope is a gift. It is a mark of the Christian, for our lives are a preparation for the coming of the Lord. We proclaim, every time we profess our faith in the Creed: “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” The Christian life looks forward all the time – in hope – to the wonder of the experience of total love in the Kingdom of the Father. This hope must inform our actions, our encounters with others, our words, our prayer. It is this hope that enables us to live our Christian life, sometimes in the face of opposition and not without suffering and difficulty, here and now – to be Christ’s people each and every day, as we await His coming.

May this season be a time of renewed hope for us all, bringing us to be ever more effective in the work of mission that the Lord has given to us as beacons of hope, witnesses to the coming Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

Sunday 30th November 10am Advent 1
Monday 1st December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 3rd December 9:30am St Francis Xavier
Friday 5th December 9:30am
Saturday 6th December 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 7th December 10am Advent 2

The Word Of Life

The word of the Scriptures are valuable during the season for reflection.

The December Word of Life leaflet is available on the table in the porch for you.

Pope Leo’s Visit To Turkey To Meet The Orthodox Patriarch

Before setting out he published a letter celebrating the 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. You can read more about this by following this link.

Bishop Richard’s Comment On The Lifting Of The Two Child Benefits Cap

Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments. Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments.

More can be found .

Last Sunday’s Gathering

Thank you for meeting up and especially to James who introduced the Vision & Mission Statement and to those who looked after the refreshments and provided goodies.

Seeking God in prayer – Growing together in faith – Reaching out in love

Come prepare the way of the Lord
Open wide the gates of your heart
For the Saviour comes
And all will see the salvation of God.

Thirty-fourth Week In Ordinary Time. The Solemnity Of Christ The King

The liturgical year concludes with the solemnity of Christ the King. A title which reminds us of our allegiance to him as believers. It was in our mother’s arms that the moment of our being anointed with Chrism that the words “as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King , so may you live always as a member of his body” were spoken. You will, of course, recall the positioning of screens for the anointing with oil of King Charles. This was followed by Prince William promising to be his liege servant. Reflect on the relationship we have as baptised and anointed members.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The feast we celebrate this Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 – the 16^th Centenary of the Council of Nicaea when the definition of Christ being consubstantial with the Father was made – an anniversary that the Church has been keeping again this year.

Jesus is our King – the word Christ means ‘the anointed one’ – and we are all called to share in His Kingship. Indeed, we are reminded of this at our baptism when we are anointed with Chrism in a prayer that speaks of our sharing in His Kingship.

In an age when there are so many challenges to the Christian Way, challenges to the Kingship of Christ, it is good for us to be able to celebrate this feast, for it reminds us of who we are, and it speaks of our destiny as the children of God.

Jesus, sprung from the race of David – who had been anointed by Samuel for his role as king – fulfils the Father’s plan. We read of this in today’s second reading. All is brought to fulfilment in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead; Christ who is the Word of God, Who existed before all things and in Whom all is created. We are His body; He is the head. He is King.

The Gospel this Sunday speaks of that destiny in a most powerful way. Jesus tells the thief who recognises the Lord’s goodness: “today, you will be with me in paradise.” These are words we must all wish to hear, for when we do we have confirmation of our destiny, we know we shall share in the life of the Anointed One, Christ our King – that we shall live the fullness of what it means to be His.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Community Gathering

After Mass this Sunday an opportunity to meet up and hear about the Vision for the Parish of Brighton and Hove and our place in it.

Participation

There are some information videos from the Central Diocesan Offices about Finance and Health and Safety you may find informative.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 23rd November 10am Christ the King
Monday 24th November 8:15am St Mary’s House The Martyrs of Vietnam
Wednesday 26th November 9:30am Susan Cook RIP
Friday 28th November 9:30am The Holy Souls
Saturday 29th November 8:15am HMP Lewes
Sunday 30th November 10am 1st Sunday of Advent

School Admissions

A reminder of the necessity to do two things – 1 complete B&H council form 2 Complete the School SIF with Certificate of Baptism.

Advent Retreat Day

Saturday 6^th December based at St John the Baptist, Kemp Town. Book with monksinthecity@worth.org.uk See poster.

Inauguration Of Two Surrey Areas

In the next few days the Bishop will inaugurate the Parish of Guildford and the Parish of Weybridge, just like B&H, gatherings of the existing parish communities.

Advent Sacrament Of Reconciliation

Like Lent this is a season when we should avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession: STM Saturday 11.30-12noon. St Mary’s Sats 5.15-5.45pm. As always by arrangement 01273 563017.

Christ is King, Let joy and gladness
Greet him let his courts resound
With the praise of faithful subjects
To his love in honour bound.

The Dedication Of The Lateran Basilica

Of the four basilicas in Rome this is the most important, being the Pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome. The name originates form the Lateran family which owned the land and that the Emperor Constantine bought from them. On the front of the present building there are fifteen colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and twelve Doctors of the Church. It is said that its title has changed during the centuries from St Saviour’s to St John and they could not decide which John so they included the two.

Its dedication is celebrated as a feast because it is regarded as the mother of all churches, the parish church of all Catholics.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For many of us, when we think of Rome, we think of St Peter’s Basilica. In a Jubilee Year such as this, the entry through the Holy Door of St Peter’s is a high point of any pilgrimage. It is from the Apostolic Palace, next to St Peter’s, that the Holy Father makes his Angelus addresses and it is there that the public audiences take place, as well as significant celebrations in the life of the Church: canonisations, the inaugurations of new popes and the requiem Masses for deceased popes.

Yet it is the Lateran Basilica, built originally by the Emperor Constantine, that is described as “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World.” It is the Cathedral Church of Rome, and popes lived in the Lateran Palace for hundreds of years. It is the Pope’s Cathedral, for he is the Bishop of Rome.

It is for this reason that the whole Church celebrates this feast. It is a celebration of our unity with the Holy Father, the successor of St Peter.

This Sunday’s first reading, the vision of Ezekiel of the Temple in Jerusalem, speaks of the water that flows from the Temple bringing life to the desert. So it is for the Church. The waters of baptism – in which, as St Paul tells us, we die and rise with the new life of Christ – bring us to live our lives in the love that exists in the Trinity, as members of Christ’s Church.

The celebration of the dedication of any Church is a reminder, as St Paul tells us in this Sunday’s second reading, that the Church is made of the living stones of the baptised. We are the Church, called to reflect the wonder of the Gospel to the world around us. This is the mission that we have been given through our baptism – the mission that calls others to share in the wonder of the Church’s life, the life of Christ.

The Lateran Basilica, the “mother of all the churches” stands as a witness to the world and a reminder to us, who are the living stones, of the mission to which we are called, in union with Pope Leo, the successor of Peter.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Remembrance Sunday

Having celebrated the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War earlier in the year, memories have been refreshed. In the nation there are occasions of remembrance, in moments of silence, parades, assemblies and in prayer for those who have died in wars and armed conflict – it is an opportunity too to be as the Beatitudes reminded us – Peacemakers. At this moment there are parts of the world where violence and destruction continue. Pope Leo reminds us to pray for peace.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 9th November 10am Dedication of St John Lateran and Remembrance Sunday
Monday 10th November 8:15am St Leo the Great St Mary’s House
Tuesday 11th November 11am Requiem Mass for deceased clergy who have served the churches of Brighton and Hove
Wednesday 12th November 9:30am St Josaphat
Friday 14th November 9:30am
Saturday 15th November 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 16th November 10am

Blessing of Graves

Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm – prayers of Remembrance. Pause at the military graves.

Barbara Hatton RIP

The Funeral Service will be at Woodvale North Chapel at 2pm this Friday the 14th November. Remember David in your prayers.

Get Together. Catch Up. Information

Do gather in our hall on Sunday 23rd. Christ the King Sunday. Offers of help and nibbles welcomed, teas and coffees.

So long thy power
Hath  blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen
O'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn
Those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, 
and lost awhile.

St John Henry Newman