Tag: church

The Sixth Week Of Easter

Preparing For Pentecost

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

Anniversaries

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

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

The Diocese Of Chulucanas, Peru

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

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

The Pastoral Plan

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

The Mass Schedule

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

World Communications Day

This is next Sunday (8th June)

The Basilica Of St John Lateran

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

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

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



Fifth Week 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!

November

A month with time to remember those we have loved and lost awhile along with those fallen in wars and the Faithful Departed. Remember our invocation for the deceased -Eternal Rest grant unto her/him/them. A time to visit graves, get the old photographs out, have a Mass offered and remember. St Augustine put it like this, “If we had no care for the dead, we would not be in the habit of praying for them.”

The Synod

Pope Francis surprised everyone by accepting the Final Report and no need to wait until 2025 for an  Apostolic Exhortation. It will no doubt soon be available as a booklet.

May I suggest you read a review of the Synod by Bishop Nicholas Hudson who was a participating member. Please click here.

Opposing Proposed Legislation For Assisted Suicide

Inform yourself of the Catholic Teaching on Life issues including Statements by Bishops. Write to your MP even if their Party Manifesto included favoured Assisted Suicide.

New Sunday Missals

These contain the Readings for the Three Year Cycle.

Sign in with name and telephone number. Or visit the CTS or Redemptorist Publications if you wish.

The Word Of Life

November’s leaflet is now available to help with your prayer and reflection.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 3rd November 10am 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 4th November 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 6th November 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Friday 8th November 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Saturday 9th November 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 10th November 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Remembrance Sunday

Retired Priests’ Fund

The Second Collection next Sunday is for the Retired Priests’ Fund. The contactless machine will accept your donation and gift aid.

Blessing Of Graves

In each of the cemeteries of the City including Southwick and Rottingdean there will be the Blessing of Graves at 3pm. In the old Brighton and Preston entrance from Hartington Road meet at the Old Chapel form 2pm.

The New Lectionary

Wednesday 6th November Fr Paul Wilkinson n leads a Deanery Presentation at 7.45pm.This will be Zoomed. Please contact Fr Tony Milner at tony.milner@abdiocese.org.uk for the Zoom link. Details on Noticeboard.

Inconvenience

The Parish phone has been off since the 23rd October and my apologies for the inconvenience. A parishioner told me there is a message on it that says the voicemail box is full!  My hope is that a line will be in action from Tuesday!

Covid

Vaccination on Thursday 11am

O Lord support us all the day long of this troublous life,
Until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes
And the busy world is hushed,
And the fever of life is over and our work is done
Then Lord in thy mercy
Grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest
And peace at the last. Amen.

St John Henry Newman

Thirtieth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Another ending and a beginning. October draws to a close – the Rosary month for reflective prayer – and the Synod in Rome. The delegates have been exploring the insights on Communion (not Holy Communion but fellowship and unity) Participation and Mission. Themes which are described as synodality or walking together. It will not be until 2025 that Pope Francis will publish how this may be achieved as we look to the future.

Action On Assisted Suicide

Information and how to make your views known is available here.

The Lectionary

Our readers met to be introduced to the new lectionary. There are four volumes which will be in use from Advent. They are beautifully presented and have cost £600. (Four bookplates accompanied them just in case anyone might wish to sponsor one in memory)

Sunday Missals

The CTS and Redemptorists are publishing Sunday Missals with the 3 Year Cycle of Readings. There are Order Sheets if you wish to purchase a copy. They cost £19.95 each. The CTS Sunday Missal can be bought here and the Redemptorist Sunday Missal can be bought here.

Further Information

There will be two sessions in November given by priests of the Deanery. See the poster and note you can receive them by Zoom.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 27th October 10am
  • Monday 28th October 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
  • Wednesday 30th October 9:30am (Intention Fr Gerry Vann RIP)
  • Friday 1st November 9:30am All Saints’ Day (Holy Day of Obligation)
  • Saturday 2nd November 8:30am HMP Lewes All Souls’ Day
  • Saturday 2nd November 11am For the Faithful Departed
  • Sunday 3rd November 10am (31st in Ordinary Time)

The New Encyclical Dilexit Nos

“Dilexit nos” Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, retraces the tradition and relevance of thought on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” calling for a renewal of authentic devotion to avoid forgetting the tenderness of faith, the joy of serving, and the fervour of mission. More can be read here.

O Sacred Heart,
Our trust is all in thee
For though earth's night be dark and drear
Thou breathest rest where thou art near
O Sacred Heart

World Mission Sunday (20th October)

“Go and invite everyone to the banquet ” Pope Francis in his letter to us uses these words from St Matthew’s Gospel 22:9 to remind us that Mission is a tireless going out to all men and women to encounter God and enter into a union with Him. We think of the Missionary Orders which serve in countries where the Church is growing despite the difficulties which can arise and also the annual collection for a different group each year. There are also the Red Boxes for the coins in your pockets or purses – they do mount up. On the grey radiator in the entrance there are some Red boxes which could do with a home.

Why not offer your October Rosary for the world missionary endeavour?

Mission Today Magazine

Copies available for you to take home and read.

Donation Envelopes

To send off your gift or to bring in with a donation next week.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The First Reading this Sunday, taken from the Song of the Suffering Servant of the Prophet Isaiah, looks to the moment when Christ takes on Himself the faults, the sins, of the world. Jesus, as the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, took on our nature in every way, but sin. He urges us never to lose faith in the One who suffered, died and rose from the dead for us.

Our openness to the gift of faith is our way to conformity to Christ – to becoming one with Him. This is the path of sanctity, to which we are all called. This, as we know all too well, is no easy path. Jesus reminds us that “to those who are given much, much is expected.” In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see what happens when the relationship with Him becomes centred on ourselves. James and John fall to the temptation to pride. Their closeness to Jesus brings them to think they deserve special treatment in the Kingdom.  

Jesus tells them very clearly that His way is one of humility and service. This is true greatness in our following of Him. The life of faith, lived in trust, and the living out of the two-fold command to love God and love neighbour, brings us to be the disciples we are called to be.  

The world around is in the greatest need of this witness. We live in a world that is not at peace, a world in which the dignity of life is not respected. We, as Jesus’ followers – His disciples, must step into this space with the witness of our lives of faith, humility and service, that all might find life in the One who died and rose from the dead for us.  

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 20th October 10am World Mission Sunday Mass
  • Monday 21st October 8:15am St Mary’s Convent Mass
  • Wednesday 23rd October 9:30am Pope St John Paul II Mass
  • Friday 25th October 9:30am Mass
  • Saturday 26th October 8:30am Mass HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 27th October 30th 10am Sunday Ordinary Time

Clocks To Change!

Please remember that the clocks go back one hour on Sunday 27th October at 2am

A Week of Health and Safety

  • Monday Fire Risk Assessment on the Church and Hall
  • Tuesday Five Year Electrical Testing and PAT testing on the Priest’s House
  • Annual Testing of the Lightning Conductor of the Church
  • Risk Assessment of Mower used by the Contractor cutting the grass around the Church .

Ministry of Readers

Wednesday Evening  October 23 7pm. In the Hall our readers have a meeting to introduce the New Lectionaries – four volumes

Schools’ Admission Dates

Please note the dates for open days:

  • Saint Bernadette’s 13th November 9:15am, 20th November 1:30am
  • Cardinal Newman Catholic School Thursday 24th October from 9:15am

Farewell

Thank you for participating in the Requiem Mass for John. He had a very full life with interests in sport – running the marathon -the Park Run as well as his professional role. He will be remembered by parishioners as a reader, a weekday Mass attender, the organiser of the 100+ Club, the Catenians and latterly representing STM with the Deanery Discussions.

Our prayers are with Maura and the Family  for “one loved and lost awhile “

From the commissioning at the end of Mass

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!
Thanks be to God

The Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

The breathless post-event interviews have been fascinating as the athlete expresses their joy, their thankfulness, their gratitude to family, coaches and supporting crowds at the Olympics. No doubt it will be the same in a fortnight when the Paralympics commence. What a contrast to the rest of the news, not only about prejudice but also those who have shown true respect by gathering to support and protect. Nor should we forget those who have faced aggression in all its forms, fulfilling their duty to server the community.

Our penitential rite and prayer will reflect our attitudes.

Statements Of Faith Leaders And Ecumenical Leaders

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference. has joined the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Imam and the Chairman of the Imams National Advisory Board, to speak out against the violence and rioting that has been taking place across the UK.

Please click here for further details.

Bishop Richard’s Statement

Bishop Richard’s Calls For Renewed Openness Download

Ecumenical Leaders’ Statement On Violent Protests

Please click here.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 11th August 10am – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 12th August 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
  • Wednesday 14th August 9:30am – St Maximilian Kolbe
  • Thursday 15th August 9:30am and 7:30pm HOLYDAY – The Assumption Of Our Lady
  • Friday 16th August 9:30am St Stephen Of Hungary
  • Sunday 18th August 10am – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • Sunday 18th August 3pm – Mass with Sacrament of Anointing – St Mary’s Church

The Word Of Life

September leaflet to help with your prayer. “Lord it is good for us to be here.” cf. The Transfiguration.

The Sacrament Of Anointing

Next Sunday with St Mary’s we will be celebrating a Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing at 3pm followed by tea. During the Lourdes pilgrimage those with health conditions, disabilities and acute illnesses are anointed as Christ is present as physician and in Holy Communion. The oil for the sacrament is one of the three blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass and received at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The oil is put on the forehead and palms of the hands. Those accompanying pray with faith for those being anointed and those persons may receive the sacrament more than once. Remember that over fifty years ago at the Second Vatican Council the name of the sacrament was changed from “Unctio In Extremis”. If uncertain, have a word with Fr John.

The Assumption Of Our Lady

August 15th is a holiday in many European Countries as holidaymakers will experience. It is an Holyday of Obligation. The Obligation is to assist at Mass and if possible, from work, We have two Masses on Thursday 9:30am and 7:30pm.

Guide me O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land,
I am weak but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand,
Bread of heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till want no more.

Our Patronal Feast and Dedication Anniversary

Every Year around the Anniversary of St Thomas More’s Church and Parish we celebrate with a Mass of thanksgiving, remembering the Founder Priest and members who built the Church in 1963 and the comings and goings since then. We think of the benefactors who raised the funds and those who generously continue to support the Parish.

Why was it named after the Martyr, St Thomas More? Fr Edward Fooks and his brother, also a priest were sons of Arnold Fooks of the legal firm Arnold, Fooks and Chadwick who were the lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Southwark which then covered the territory of South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. When the Canonisation of Thomas More and John Fisher was to take place in 1935, Mr Fooks sought permission to take his sons to Rome – they were both students for the priesthood at the time – and Bishop Amigo agreed. When Fr Fooks was Parish Priest at St Mary’s and recognised the need to build a Church for the growing areas of Patcham, Hollingbury and Westdene he requested that the new church would have the title of St Thomas More.

When Bishop Murphy O’Connor consecrated the Church on 10th July 1983, anointing the altar with Chrism – that is why the Celebrant kisses it – Fr Fooks was present and anointed the 12-consecration points around the church. Under the Table of the Altar the Bishop inserted a relic of the Martyr St Philip Howard.

Remembrance

We remember Fr Gerry Vann RIP and Fr Peter Rogers RIP who have served this Parish and Fr John who recently passed another anniversary of priesthood on 24th May, having been ordained in St Dominics, Waddon, Croydon, 1964.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 7 July 10am Patronal Dedication and Feast Day
  • Monday 8 July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
  • Wednesday 10 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Friday 12 July 9:30am Weekday Mass
  • Saturday 13 July 8:30am HMP Lewes

The Word of Life

The leaflet for July takes for the scripture a line from Psalm 23.

The New Lectionary

From Advent, the Scripture will be taken out of the translation known as the ESV CE -The English Standard Version, Catholic Edition. It contains those Readings omitted from some Bibles.

Thank You

To the trio, Mike Mason, John Mason and Jim Pal who weeded the courtyard and gave a ‘short back and sides’ to the driveway. Thank you!

100+ Fundraiser

The Summer Draw will take place after Mass this Sunday. Annual Subscription £30.

Sea Sunday

Next Sunday the annual appeal for Stella Maris – The Apostleship of the Sea – will have a retiring collection.

Contactless Giving

A technical problem with the Card Machine should now have been corrected. In these days when cash is not normally used it should be easier to make your offerings. Follow the instructions on the table.

Give me Thy grace to long for Thy holy Sacraments and especially to rejoice in the Presence of Thy very blessed Body, sweet Saviour Christ, in the holy sacrament of the altar and duly to thank Thee for Thy gracious visitation in it.

- From St Thomas More's 'Treatise on The Blessed Body of The Lord'

The Body and Blood Of Christ

The description of the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life” does not immediately engage us or reveal the richness of Christ’s gift to His followers. It takes a lifetime to appreciate the riches it contains. Remembering the first time we received Holy Communion is a starting point. Where was it? What preparations were made? Who was there? What can you remember of the day? Maybe we could think of how it draws us closer to Jesus or how it strengthens our sense of belonging as a member of the Church – the great family of Catholics who are attached to the worldwide Catholic Church or the local Church of the Diocese or the community of the Parish. Take time to think about the meaning of Communion in all its forms. Our response, of course, is one of thanksgiving, worshipping , promising and adoring.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

No video this week, but the text can be found here.

National News

A new publication – ‘Called to be Peacemakers’ has now been published. Click here for further details.

Grand News

A newsletter for grandparents is now available. Please click here. Details of the Grandparents Pilgrimage to West Grinstead are included June 26th 11am – 3pm.

The General Election

The Bishops’ Conference has highlighted the issues. Do consider them. Please click here.

The Day For Life

Will take place on Sunday 16th June. More information can be found here.

The New Lectionary

These are now being ordered. Read all about it! Here.

100 +

Do see if you could join this fundraising venture for the Parish – annual subscription £30.

Word of Life

The leaflet for your prayer during June is now on the table. Keep it handy during the month and let the scripture text become part of you.

Mass Rota

  • Sunday 2nd June 10 am The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ followed by Adoration concluding at 11:30 am
  • Monday 3rd June 8:15 am St Mary’s Convent Mass
  • Wednesday 5th June 9:30 am St Boniface Mass
  • Friday 7th June 7 pm Solemnity Of The Sacred Heart
  • Sunday 9th June 10 am 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus, who gave himself for you,
Upon the cross to die
Open to you his sacred heart
O to that heart draw nigh.
You hear how kindly he invites,
You hear his words so blest.
All you that labour come to me,
And I will give you rest.

Fifth Week of Easter

The Season is rushing by, and Thursday week (May 9th) will be Ascension Thursday, a Holyday of Obligation. We have another image used by Jesus, one understood by the Chosen People, and one we can easily grasp. It reminds us to find strength by adhering to Jesus, like a branch attached to its stem. Every now and then it is good to ask ourselves how we are developing our understanding of the Faith and what it means for our sense of membership. There is a regular reminder as we pray the Eucharistic Prayer with parts  such as “that we may become on body one spirit in Christ”, in union of mind and heart with Pope Francis and our shepherd, Bishop Richard.

‘Intricately Woven By The Lord’ – from the Bishops of England & Wales

A Pastoral reflection on gender by the Bishops. With all the media comments and hype, a calm informative document to inform the discussions in which we may be involved, to read please click here.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 28th April 10am 5th Sunday of Easter
  • Monday 29th April, St Mary’s House St Catherine of Siena (Patron of Europe)
  • Wednesday 9:30am St Joseph The Worker
  • Friday 3rd May 9:30am St Philip & St James (Apostles)
  • Sunday 5th May 10am 6th Sunday of Easter

Praying For Vocations

We continue praying for responses to vocations to Priesthood. Praying for the families from which will come future candidates.

Do you ever talk about his at home? Do you ever pray about it ?

Please equip yourself with a prayer card and a leaflet.

Read what Pope Francis says to us here.

SVP & CAFOD

In preparation for a General Election, the SVP and CAFOD are to equip Catholics to question candidates about tackling issues of poverty and injustice.

CAFOD’S SUDAN CRISIS APPEAL

You can read more about this appeal and donate here. You can also donate cash to the wall box in the entrance.

Catch Up

Peter Cropp has received the Benemerenti Medal for his long commitment to the SVP, including managing of gift aid in the Parish. Well done! There was a tribute to Hilda Searle’s involvement in the Parish, her charitable activities with the SVP and her fidelity to the Mass. Thank you to those able to attend her Requiem.

Memorial Bench

The Family of Rita and Melville Smith RIP have kindly donated a bench for the courtyard in their memory. It is awaiting a plaque to dedicate it.

Polling Station

On Thursday it is the election for the Police & Crime Commissioner. Remember to bring Photo ID when you come to vote.

Saints of the Week

  • St Catherine of Siena who was influential in bringing the Pope back from Avignon to Rome
  • St Joseph the Worker, the carpenter who reminds us of the value of work
  • SS Philip and James – Apostles

New Lectionary to be introduced from Advent 2024

From 1st December this year a new lectionary will be introduced in England and Wales. More information about this can be found here

St George Patron of England

St George appeared to have received very little publicity this week.

Leader, now on earth no longer
Soldier of the eternal King
Victor in the fight for heaven
We thy loving praise sing

Great Saint George our patron
Help us, in the conflict be thou nigh,
Help us in that daily battle,
Where each one must live or die.

No. 414