Tag: christianity

We Have A Pope

The Media have kept us in touch with the Election of a new Pope in succession to Pope Francis RIP. We give thanks for the gift of a Shepherd for the Universal Church. He is the 267th to follow Peter the Apostle. He is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the College of Bishops. The Vicar of Christ and the Shepherd of the Universal Church. A priest of the Augustinian Order, a missionary in Peru building up the Particular Churches or Dioceses along with other priests of the Order such as the ones in Chulucanas. At every Mass along with our Bishop Richard, as Your Servant Leo our Pope, he will be remembered.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
Through our baptism, each and every one of us is called to be a “Pilgrim of Hope.” With eyes fixed on the person of Jesus, our minds and hearts are opened to His call to us. This Sunday, the Church throughout the world reflects on the particular calls to priesthood and to religious life. I ask you to join with me in praying that those who are called to give their lives in service as priests, and those called to religious life, may be truly open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  
 
Fr Tristan Cranfield, our Vocations Director, has provided an easy-to-use resource that will support our prayer for vocations to priesthood, in particular, during these coming weeks leading to Pentecost. The vocational call is heard in prayer and, so very often, in quietness. Let us all give a little extra time to prayer in these coming weeks for those whom God is calling, for our seminary students and for the families of our Diocese – that our homes will always be places where an openness to God’s call is nurtured.

Pray, too, for the priests, deacons and religious of our Diocese, in thanksgiving for their wonderful ministry, example, and service to us all.
 
With every blessing,
 
+Richard 

Statement On The Election Of Pope Leo XIV

The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton welcomes yesterday’s election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. Responding to the news, Bishop Richard said:‍

“We give thanks that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the Cardinals have elected Pope Leo XIV.

“Pope Leo brings to the office of the Holy Father considerable experience as a bishop and pastor including in Chulucanas, so closely associated with our diocese, together with his more recent service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His prayer for peace in his first words from the balcony at St Peter’s will resonate with Catholics and all people of good will.

“This is a significant moment for the Catholic Church and for the world, and we offer our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins his Pontificate.”

‍Pope Leo, the first Pope from the United States of America, was born Robert Provost, on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis. On 29 August 1981 he made his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.

At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum). He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986); the Diocese of Chulucanas.

In 1987, he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of St Augustine”. In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois.

On 3 November 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar. He was ordained a bishop on 12 December, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese, and was created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 30 September 2023.‍

‍Bishop Richard will celebrate Mass for the Holy Father’s intentions at the Confirmation Mass at Arundel Cathedral this Sunday at 2pm, with additional Masses celebrated across the Diocese.

Good Shepherd Sunday

During May we are encouraged to pray for Vocations especially for the Priesthood.

As Catholics, we know that God has called each of us by name and that everyone has a vocation; some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life, and some to the single life. This year, in the light of the Pastoral Plan, The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission, the whole Diocese is invited to come together for four weeks of prayer to the Holy Spirit to grant us a missionary spirit, through the raising up of new vocations to all walks of life in the Church.

Foremost among these vocations, we need priests. The priesthood is a special gift to the Church, through which Christ is always present to pour out His Spirit on His people through the holy sacraments.

It’s not always easy to know if God is calling you to priesthood. Our diocesan Days of Discernment aim to explore some simple tools for finding out, with time for prayer and an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful vocation of the diocesan priest, along with other men following the same path. Certainty is not required: the day may just be a chance for you to start thinking, to pray, and to ask questions. Our next day is on Saturday 10 May in Crawley, led by Fr Nicholas Harden. If you are a Catholic, unmarried man who is considering this vocation and would like to attend, please contact our Vocations Director Fr Tristan Cranfield.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Easter (Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV)
  • Monday 12th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 14th May 9:30am St Matthias (Apostle)
  • Friday 16th May 9:30am
  • Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Easter

Migrants’ Mass

Sunday May 11th St Joseph’s Church Elm Grove. 5.30am Bishop Richard Presiding. All welcome. See Poster.

Regina Caeli

The Son whom you merited to bear, Alleluia
Has risen as he said, Alleluia
Pray for us to God. Alleluia

(Eastertide anthem to Mary, replacing the Angelus)

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…

Holy Week 2025

In Holy Week the Church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of the earthly life beginning with his messianic entry into Jerusalem.

The journey of Lent comes to its conclusion as in prayer and action we remember every moment of the events from the cheering as Christ enters Jerusalem until he reaches Calvary. May we make room in our hearts for Jesus Christ.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and  sisters in Christ,  

This Sunday, as we gather for the Palm Sunday  celebration, our Holy Week begins.  

The joyous  message that greets the Messiah as he enters Jerusalem must, surely, bring  hope to a world in which so many of our brothers and sisters are suffering  the effects of conflict, injustice and the impact of natural  disasters.  

As we enter  Jerusalem in the celebration of the Palm Sunday Liturgy, let us take with us  in prayer our brothers and sisters across the world. In our prayer, in our  lives, let us seek to walk with them in their suffering as, in the coming  days, we spend time with the One who is the Suffering Servant.  

As the Passion  is read this Sunday, let us make every effort to walk with Jesus in every  step that he takes. In the days to come this week, I invite you to take parts  of the Passion account and make use of them for Lectio Divina. This prayerful reflection on the sacred text will bring  the words of the Gospel to a place in the heart, where we listen in faith to  the One who calls us to be His. The more we dwell in the Gospel, the more we  dwell in Christ, in the One who suffered, died and rose again for  us.  

May God bless  you all,

+ Richard

Holy Week

  • PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION 10AM  Blessing of the Palms in the Hall, Procession into the Church, The Passion of St Luke,  Mass.
  • Monday in Holy Week Mass. St Mary’s House 8.15am
  • Tuesday in Holy Week Mass 9.30am
  • Spy Wednesday Mass 9.30am
  • The CHRISM MASS Arundel Cathedral 6pm.Live streamed.
  • The blessing of the Holy Oils. The Sacrament of Baptism, The Chrism for the Sacraments of Confirmation and The order of Priesthood. The Holy Oil for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Renewal of Priestly Promises.
  • HOLY THURSDAY or MAUNDY THURSDAY -from the Mandate to loving service. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm. The Washing of feet, the Mass, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose. Prayer, Watching until 10pm
  • GOOD FRIDAY 
  • 10 AM The Way of the Cross
  • 3 PM  Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, The Passion of St John, The Intercessions, the Veneration of the Cross. Holy Communion.
  • HOLY SATURDAY
  • HMP LEWES. EASTER MASS 8.30AM
  • THE EASTER VIGIL In St Mary’s Church 8pm
  • EASTER SUNDAY MASS 10AM

Pastoral Notes Good Friday.

Observed as a Day of Fasting & Abstinence.

Basket Collection for the Holy Land Places at both Services.

The Assisted Dying Bill

The Catholic Medical Association  has provided comments on the proposed Bill – more details can be found here

Myanmar

CAFOD & the Disasters Emergency Committee have appeals for Myanmar after the earthquakes. Card donations can be made here.

The royal banners forward go

The cross shines forth in mystic glow

Where he in flesh, our flesh who made

Our sentence bore, our ransom paid

The Second Week Of Lent

A time for transformation and renewal is one way to mark the season of Lent. In the moments of the partial eclipse of the moon and its return to glowing brightness another reminder of transitional change. This Sunday we hear of a moment of transfiguration and a glimpse of glory. There is too in the Second Reading the promise and hope of our homeland in heaven. Take the opportunities offered by Lent for yourself.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This week, the Gospel – as is always the case on the Second Sunday of Lent – is the account of the Transfiguration, this year from Luke’s Gospel. Jesus gives to Peter, James and John the experience of His Transfiguration in order that they be strengthened for the events that are to come – His Passion and death. Even though we know that the Lord’s death was not the end, the Lord’s Transfiguration strengthens us too.  

The scale of the Lord’s suffering is beyond our experience. The very fact that He who is without sin, the Incarnate Word, suffers and dies for us is a reality so deep, so vast, that it calls forth from us prayer, love and a response in action. We cannot gaze on the crucified Lord without being changed.   

When we see suffering in the world, we see the Cross – this experience calls us to prayer, to love, to action – for in serving our brothers and sisters we serve Christ, the One who suffered and died for us. 

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday March 16th 10am 2nd in Lent
  • Monday March 17th 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Monday March 17th 10am The Feast of St Patrick
  • Wednesday March 19th 9:30am The Solemnity of St Joseph
  • Friday March 21st 9:30am
  • Sunday March 23rd 10am 3rd in Lent

CAFOD

Your donations may be placed in a basket or by card here.

Service of Reconciliation

Bishop Richard will lead this for the parishes of the Deanery at St Mary Magdalen’s Upper North Street Thursday 27th at 7.30pm. At least six priest confessors available.

Jubilee Pilgrimages

  • Weekend to Walsingham
  • Rome
  • Lourdes

See posters or enquire

St Patrick

Bishop and missionary. Patron of Ireland. Mass for his feast Monday 10am at St Thomas More.

St Joseph

Foster- father of Christ and husband of Mary, carpenter. Patron of the Universal Church. ‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.’

Mass Wednesday at 9.30am

Saint Joseph when you pray for me
Pray to the Three-in-One
But talk in human words with him
Who let you call him Son.

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

Half term is over and it is back to School. Following last week’s Gospel of the Beatitudes, this Sunday speaks of those in real dire need, responding even if not appreciated. Luke. focuses on generosity and compassion. The Old Testament reading tells of the moment when David had the opportunity to kill Saul and refrains from doing so.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday’s Gospel is, probably, a very challenging one for each of us, in our different ways. Indeed, we might use the text as an examination of conscience – perhaps at the end of each day, and especially in our preparation for the Sacrament of Penance.

Take time to read this text. If you are in the habit of Lectio Divina, use it for Lectio. Every sentence holds treasures, themes for our reflection, themes that may bring us to sorrow, or to joy.

In the second half of the text, Jesus calls us to a place where we do not judge one another, where we pardon, where we show compassion – walk alongside our brother or sister and share their burdens. Ultimately, He calls us to give. We all know that when we give of ourselves it brings rewards far greater than the passing happiness of our own comfort. This is far more than just the satisfaction in knowing we have done a good thing – it is a joy that comes because we are doing what the Lord asks of us. Our service is an expression of the Lord’s self-giving for us. When we truly walk with another, we are able to see Christ present in them; we are sharing His love with them. 

In our present world of consumerism and the cult of the celebrity, the Lord calls us to a different path. The First Reading this Sunday provides the example of David who did what was right. He had the chance to do away with Saul, who was seeking to kill him. He took the more difficult – but righteous and compassionate – path. He spared his enemy. So with us, we are called to do what is right in every circumstance of our lives, for this will be the path of service, the path that leads to life.

Let us, too, pray most ardently for peace in our troubled world, remembering especially the need for an end to the war in Ukraine, the present troubles in Congo, that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold and that the tensions on the boarder of Lebanon will ease. 

Also, as Pope Francis continues his stay in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, let us remember him very specially in our prayers. 

With every blessing,

+Richard

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 23rd February 10am 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 24th February 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 26th February 9:30am
  • Friday 28th February 9:30am
  • Sunday 2nd March 10am 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lourdes Fund

Thank you for your generosity in responding to this appeal. Do you think you could be a helper?

Commissioned Ministers of Holy Communion

There is to be a Saturday Morning course for existing and new candidates March 8th 11am-1pm in St Mary’s Hall. Have a word with Fr John if you are attending.

Parish Clergy Meeting

The first Meeting of the active Clergy of the future Parish will be on Wednesday 26th. Keep them in your prayers.

Next Week (2nd March – 8th March)

Wednesday 5th March will be Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent. There will be 2 Masses – 9.30am and 7pm.

Do bring last year’s palms to the entrance next Sunday. They will be burnt to create the ashes.

Whatsoever you do
To the least of my people
That you do unto me.

No. 726

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!

Peace Sunday

The World Day of Peace is observed in England and Wales on the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Message of Pope Francis in this Jubilee develops the concepts of hope and forgiveness from which a genuine conversion of hearts at a personal, local, and international level will peace flourish.

This Sunday our hope is that a ceasefire in the Holy Land will be a step in the cessation of the destruction and violence and the restoration of peace for the people.

World Day of Peace MessageDownload

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 19th January 10am
  • Monday 20th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 22nd January 9:30am (St Vincent, Deacon)
  • Friday 24th January 9:30am (St Francis de Sales)
  • Saturday 25th January 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 26th January 10am (3rd in Ordinary Time)

This Week

  • Wednesday 22nd January Dentist
  • Thursday 23rd January 12pm Soup and Sandwich Lunch (Church Hall) – An invitation to everyone to come into our hall for lunch and meet up
  • Sunday 26th January 5pm St Mary’s Church Hall. Gathering of North Brighton parishes to begin to look to the future. Do not miss this!

The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity (18th – 25th January)

Remember to pray for Unity among all Christians our fellow Christians of All Saints, The Ascension, Westdene, The Methodists and the Elim Fountains Centre, and not forgetting spouses and neighbours. More information can be found here.

Monks in the City invite you to join them at St John the Baptist Church at 4pm on Sunday – especially this year when we celebrate 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea. During the Vespers service of hymns, psalms, readings and prayers, we will reaffirm the Nicene Creed and Bishop Lindsay Urwin will preach. Followed by light refreshments.

Pax Christi

The International Movement for Peace, based on the Gospel and inspired by faith. Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in all its forms. Our Friday self denial wall box in the Entrance will be ready to receive your gifts to assist the work of promoting Peace during 2025.

Looking Ahead

This Year The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, Candlemas Day. February 2nd  is on a Sunday. It commences with the blessing of candles and a procession into Mass.

Thank You

To the willing hands who put away the Christmas crib and decorations.

For the healing of the nations
Lord we pray with one accord
For a just and equal sharing
Of the things that earth affords
To a life of love in action
Help us rise and pledge our word.

The Baptism Of The Lord

This feast marks the end of the Christmas Season with its feasts helping us appreciate the meaning of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem.

I hope you have been aware of Christ’s presence for us. Our families and friends, neighbours and those we have met remind us of being part of God’s family.

May I thank you for you kind greetings, gifts and the Christmas Offering – much appreciated as the sixtieth year as a priest moves into its second part.

2025 is a Holy Year in which the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ will be celebrated with pilgrimages of all kinds – Rome, Walsingham, Lourdes, Arundel, events and reflection on the virtue of Hope.

We will also be remembering the Church of Arundel and Brighton’s 60 years of existence. And the gradual implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.

Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Letter

6780ddfb88f4ba76938fa89b_Pastoral Letter – 12th January 2025 – Feast of the Baptism of the LordDownload

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 12th January 10am The Baptism Of The Lord
  • Monday 13th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 15th January 9:30am (Int. Theresa and Patrick)
  • Friday 17th January 9:30am St Anthony (Abbot) (int. Gordon Cropp)
  • Sunday 19th January 10am

Invitation

Soup and sandwich lunch onThursday 23rd January at 12pm. Do come along to our church hall.

North Brighton Parishes General Meeting

Sunday 26th January at St Mary’s Hall at 5pm. Discover our future together in faith. All are welcome to attend.

Ordinary Time

After this Sunday we advance to Ordinary Time. Week one. Sunday Lectionary Year C.

See Christ who on the river's shore
With John the Baptist stood
His secret in the name he bore
The Holy Lamb of God

Christ The King

Thy Kingdom Come

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

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

With every blessing,


+Richard

Opposing The Second Reading Of The Assisted Dying Bill

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

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

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

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

Mass Schedule

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

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

Soup and Sandwich Lunch This Thursday In Our Hall 12 Noon

An opportunity to meet up. See the poster.

The Lectionary

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


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

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