Sixth Week of Easter

Thursday of this week marks the Ascension of the Lord. In the Nicene creed it is described as “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” It marks the end of Jesus’ historical physical life and the beginning of a far-reaching, all pervasive presence unlimited by time or location. We who believe are given the promise that we shall one day share his glory”. There are now nine days of preparation for Pentecost.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 10th May 10am Sixth Sunday of Easter
Monday 11th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 12th May 9:30am Carthusian Martyrs’ Mass
Thursday 14th May 9:30am and 7pm Ascension Day – Holy Day of Obligation
Friday 15th May 9:30am
Sunday 17th May 10am Seventh Sunday of Easter

Pope LeoXIV’s First Anniversary

Please read this message from Archbishop Richard Moth

The Carthusian Martyrs

At Mass on Tuesday we will remember the courage of the monks from the London Charthouse taken to the gallows at Tyburn. It is said St Thomas More saw them being taken from the Tower to their martyrdom under Henry the eighth.

England’s remaining Charterhouse, St Hugh’s, is just up the road from Henfield to Cowfold.

The Life of Christ

Discover the wonder of Jesus’ life with an unforgettable event for all the family. The Life of Christ is a play like no other, placing you in the middle of an immersive theatre experience. Join over a hundred actors in the stunning grounds of Wintershall Estate as this magnificent story is movingly recreated with authentic detail in an epic open-air production. Watch the Wedding in Cana, the Feeding of the 5000 and the Last Supper unfold before your eyes. It’s the perfect day out for families, faith groups, theatre lovers and schools.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.wintershall.org.uk/event/life-of-christ/

World Communications Day

Next Sunday with retiring collection/ Dona card machine.

Message From The Diocesan Administrator

My dear brothers and sisters,

It’s become a regular Sunday evening ‘thing’ for me to flick through parish websites and social media platforms to get a glimpse of the life of our communities of faith. How blessed we are to be in such good company with one another in our discipleship of Jesus and in our service of the Gospel. I recently spent a week in Rome with the Bishops of England and Wales, amongst whom there was much talk of, and encouraging interest in our Diocesan Pastoral Plan. I know that, across the Diocese, you are working closely with your priests and deacons to help realise the beautiful vision Bishop (Archbishop) Richard set out for us in ’The Word Who is Life’.

I pray for you all daily. I’m especially mindful of the people of the parishes in which I have been privileged to serve; of the specific needs, sorrows, and joys marking the life of our parish communities in any given week; and of those whose names appear in your newsletters by reason of receiving the Sacraments, or in sickness or bereavement, and the souls of those of our number who have died. All of these prayers I gather together in the Mass I am asked to offer each Sunday ‘for all the people of the Diocese’. Please pray for me; and keep praying, each day, for the election of a new Bishop for our Diocese.

God bless you all.

Father Jonathan Martin

Diocesan Administrator

Prayer For Vocations

During the Month of May keep up our prayers for vocations to Priesthood.

His glory still praising

On thrice holy ground

The apostles still gazing

His mother around

With hearts that beat faster

With eyes full of love

they watched while their

Master ascended above.

No. 493 Venerable Bede

Holy Week

The forty days seem to have gone quickly and we may be saying what have they meant for us? The small efforts, the moments of prayer, the acts of reaching out, the returns or turn arounds, the moments of growth and so… you name them.

After the time of preparation of Lent we now come to the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where he faces his destiny. In the last 3 days or Triduum we recall in slow motion what he says, what he does and what he goes through and it is up to each one to understand more fully why.

Our Holy Week Schedule

Sunday 29th March 10am Palm Sunday Of The Passion, The blessing of Palms, the procession and the Passion of Jesus from St Matthew’s Gospel
Tuesday 31st March 9:30am Mass
Wednesday 1st April 9:30am Mass
Wednesday 1st April 6pm The Chrism Mass in Arundel Cathedral. All welcome or you can livestream. The renewal of Priestly Promises and the blessing of the oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and for those seriously ill.
Thursday 2nd April 7pm Maundy Thursday, The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the new Commandment
At the end of Mass the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Chapel and there is “watching”, silent praying, – as did Jesus and Apostles in the Mount of Olives or Gethsemane until 9pm
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10am Way of The Cross in church
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10am – 11am Walk of Witness – from India Gate (Pavilion Gardens) to St Nicholas’ church by Christians of Brighton and Hove
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 3pm – The Passion Of The Lord and Veneration Of The Cross
Saturday 4th April Holy Saturday 7pm The Easter Vigil and Mass Of The Resurrection
Sunday 5th April 10am Easter Sunday Mass

Easter is celebrated as The Easter Octave

Practical Notes

The palms will first be blessed and then handed out.

Good Friday is a Day of Fasting & Abstinence

Do join in the crowd parts of the Passion Reading

A collecting Basket will be on a table for the Holy Places in the Holy Land under prevailing war conditions -AM & PM

Holy Saturday. Candles with drip trays to be picked up on arrival and for a light from the Paschal Candle to gradually be shared.

Three Films Explaining Holy Week

Do take time to watch three short videos by three of our priests describing the Three Days of Holy Week

The Fourth Week Of Lent

This commences with Sunday called “Rejoicing Sunday” – is it because we have reached the half way point of Lent? Realistically, it is about being people of the light, perceiving Christ as the light, the guide -“light from light ” – The Nicene Creed. Our days are being filled with light with longer hours as we head towards Summer Time and to the experience of Easter.

This Sunday is one when mothers will be foremost in our minds, as with grandmothers they are thanked. There is another feature of calling it, in olden times as “mothering Sunday”, originally when servants were enabled to attend church – returning to “Mother Church”.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 15th March 10am 4th Sunday of Lent
Monday 16th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 17th March 9:30am St Patrick’s Day
Wednesday 18th March 9:30am
Thursday 19th March 9:30am St Joseph’s Day
Friday 20th March 7pm
Sunday 22nd March 10am 5th Sunday of Lent

This Week’s Feasts

The Lenten pattern is broken with the feasts of St Patrick, patron of Ireland and St Joseph, husband of Mary. The Gloria will be prayed on those days.

Mission Council Meeting

Thursday evening at 7:15pm there will be a meeting of the communities of the Parish of B&H to explore the idea of Mission and Discipleship in the light of the Mission Statement. It will be in St Bernadette’s Hall with parking at the back. If you are free and interested have a word with Fr John.

Reconciliation Services

Friday 27th March in St Joseph’s 6:45pm with a number of priest confessors

Thursday St Bernadette’s School 1:20pm Years 4-6.

CAFOD

Thank you for your donations. The wall box in the entrance may be used for your Lenten almsgiving.

Prayer For Peace

Do watch the video of Pope Leo praying for peace.

Christ be in me, Christ be beneath me, Christ be above me,
Christ be on my left, Christ be on my right, Christ be in the heart of everyone
Who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.

From St. Patrick's Breastplate

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.