Tag: faith

The Second Week Of Lent

Encouraging transformation

Always on the Second Sunday of Lent there is a Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It is a moment before what would seem to be devastating that Jesus anticipates the Resurrection by letting his glory be seen. It shows the disciples that what he had told them about his forthcoming Passion would lead to his victory. ‘Be prepared!’ is his advice to them – as it is for us.

Our Diocesan Administrator

Canon Jonathan Martin has been elected as Diocesan Administrator while the process of appointing a Bishop for the Diocese gets underway. He has explained this in a short video. Please remember him in prayer.

The Lent Fast

The Catholic Agency for Overseas’ Development, CAFOD invite us to fast this Friday and make a donation to support their work. There are some fundraising envelopes for your giving – do not be put off by the insert –

It may be easier to make a donation with your card or pop it in the wall box in the entrance. This is one way to practise almsgiving.

Lent and Ramadan

Bishop Patrick McKinney, the Lead Bishop for Interreligious Dialogue for the Bishops’ Conference, has welcomed a Vatican message to Muslims on the occasion of the month of Ramadan and for the feast of Id al-Fitr.

Followers of both religions find themselves fasting and praying at this time:

Follow this link to read more…

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 1st March 10am 2nd of Lent
  • Monday 2nd March 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 4th March 9:00am – N.B. change of time
  • Friday 6th March 7pm N.B. change of time
  • Saturday 7th March 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 8th March 10am 3rd of Lent

The Word Of Life

Follow up on the call to prayer by using the leaflet to reflect on the verse of Scripture and to live it out. You may also like to use one of the daily readings available if you scroll down useful websites.

The Way Of The Cross

You may wish to walk the Way, stopping in front of the stations to reflect on what it says to you. There are fourteen and the fifteenth  is in the Blessed Sacrament chapel.

St David Patron Of Wales

The Prince & Princess of Wales as we saw on the news visited the country wearing Daffodils on their coats – 2 days early. Because of the Lenten Sunday his Feast day is not being observed on March 1st this year.

"Be joyful and keep your faith!' 
St David

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 Fourth Week In Ordinary Time

Have the snowdrops appeared in your garden yet? On cue there are some in the Presbytery garden – the first sign of approaching Spring. Sometimes associated with February 2nd,the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas day. It will be 40 days since Christmas and the final day for removing cribs and a sign of the approaching season of Lent.

After the Mass of thanksgiving for the Ministry of Bishop Richard, in two weeks he will be installed as Archbishop of Westminster. Then it will be “sede vacante” and time for a lot of prayer.

Racial Justice Sunday

The media reports daily on issues of racism and there are worrying scenes of citizens marching.

Bishop Paul McAleenan, the Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, speaks on the issue.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Details of how to apply are now available. Visit the Diocesan Website for various ways of travel, costs and dates. Please click here for further details.

Lourdes Fund Appeal

Next Sunday there will be a second collection for the Fund which is for assisted pilgrims and helpers. There are some envelopes and parish purple envelopes may be used. The card machine can also be used.

Brighton & Hove Parish Meeting

About 70 people joined the gathering from the various communities to discuss Discipleship – what it means, how it develops and how it becomes a personal relationship. Being baptised is not the end but the beginning of the journey in faith. Lots to reflect on.

The February Word of Life Leaflet

This is now available to have to hand for your reflection.

The Order of Mass Cards

A supply has been ordered to assist you in responding at Mass

The Diocesan Directory 2026

There are some copies for purchase £5. Information for the Liturgy, Catholic societies, Clergy addresses and much more.

Old Palm Branches

Remember to bring your old palm crosses along next Sunday. They will be used to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 1st February 1st 10am
  • Monday 2nd February 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Monday 2nd February 9:30am The Presentation of The Lord (Candlemas)
  • Wednesday 4th February 9:30am (In thanksgiving Bishop Richard)
  • Friday 6th February 9:30am St Paul Miki & Companions (Intention Holy Souls)
  • Saturday 7th February 8:30am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 8th February 10am Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
At last, all -powerful Master
You give leave to your servant to go in peace,
According to your promise.
For my eyes have seen your salvation
Which you have prepared for all nations
The light to enlighten the Gentiles 
And give glory to Israel, your people.

Nunc Dimittis - The Canticle of Simeon

The Third Week In Ordinary Time

Word Of God Sunday

It was Pope Francis who introduced the theme for the 3rd 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 29th January In St Bernadette’s Hall 7.15 to consider the mission. STM will have a table.

The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

24TH – 30TH 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 8th 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 30th 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 ShepherdDownload

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 Fourth Sunday Of Advent

Nearly there with just two days to wait. Our invitation “Come Lord Jesus come” will be met with the birth in Bethlehem of Jesus. There will be the 12 Days of Christmas to celebrate. The Creed reminds us of the meaning of the feast – unlike the thin and dim media statements “this is Christmas” from November onwards. “I believe in the only begotten Son of God…God from God, Light from Light… incarnate of the Virgin Mary”. At the crib at home and in the church – wonder, pray and be filled with joy.

Archbishop Elect Of Westminster

A surprise this Friday morning. Our Bishop Richard has been appointed to the Diocese of Westminster by Pope Leo. Our Prayers will be offered for him in gratitude for his ministry with us and for his new ministry with major responsibilities. Please click here for more on this story.

Bishop Ricard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

With the focus in Advent moving, from the 17th December, to the proximate preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth, this Sunday’s readings focus very clearly on the Incarnation.
 
Isaiah’s message is clear: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel – God-with-us. St Paul, in the first words of his letter to the Romans, is clear in his witness to the Saviour, from the House of David. 
 
Matthew’s account of the announcement of Jesus’ coming focuses on Joseph – of the House of David, and the angel’s words to this man of integrity, astounded at what he has been told, are those of Isaiah.  
 
The One who is to be born is the fulfilment of the prophecies of old, of David’s line and coming to the world in simplicity and in wonder. As we prepare in these final few days before the celebration of Christmas, may our response be that of Joseph: wonder, reflection and – now that our salvation has been won for us – obedience to the Word made flesh, God-with-us. 

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Joint Statement From Bishop Richard and Archbishop Bernard Longley

Today, 17 December, sees the beginning of the octave before Christmas, an ancient part of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, with a focus upon the coming of Christ the Prince of Peace at Christmas and marked by the singing of the ‘O Antiphons’ at the evening Office of Vespers.

The Christmas story gives us inspiration and hope in a world that can feel divided. We are concerned about the tensions that are growing in society and the desire by some groups to sow seeds of division within our communities. This does not reflect the spirit or message of Christmas.

From the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” referring to Jesus’ birth and second coming, Advent is a time of preparation. Parishes will have an Advent wreath with candles which are lit each Sunday as we approach Christmas. The candles symbolise hope, peace, joy and love. For Catholics these form the focus of our liturgy, prayer and social action. Our participation in Advent and the celebration of Christmas is our lived response in opposition to those who seek division.

Please click here to read more on this topic.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 21st December 10am
  • Monday 22nd December 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 23rd December 9:30am
  • Wednesday 24th December 9:30am
  • Wednesday 24th December 6pm CHRISTMAS MASS WITH BLESSING OF CRIB
  • Thursday 25th December 10am CHRISTMAS DAY MASS WITH CAROLS
  • Friday 26th December 10am St Stephen’s Day
  • Saturday 27th December 8:15am St John Apostle HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 28th December 10am Holy Family
  • Monday 29th December 8:15am St Thomas Becket St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 30th December 10am
  • Wednesday 31st December 10am
  • THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2026
  • Thursday 1st January 11am Mary, Mother of God
  • Friday 2nd January 9:30am Ss Basil and Gregory
  • Saturday 3rd January Holy Name of Jesus
  • Sunday 4th January 10am 2nd Sunday of Christmas

May I wish you joy, peace, and hope for these days of Christmas.

O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!

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 17th 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 8th 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 19th 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.