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
“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 evenings are drawing in rapidly and talk about putting on the heating at home is becoming more frequent. October is here and the change of season is more evident as we pray with the Rosary – the Gospel prayer as it is sometime called. Using the events in the life of Jesus in the four sets of Mysteries we pray with Mary and reflect on those events. It is recommended that we slow down to reflect on what happened and why and to be able to mean what we say.
Pope Francis has asked us to pray especially on Monday for Peace in the Holy Land and what better way than to pray with your Rosary and even use the 10 fingers of your hand to help you!
On Wednesday 2 October, at the Mass to mark to the opening of the Synod, the Holy Father called for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel in the face of conflict:
“Brothers and sisters, we begin anew our synodal path with an eye toward the world, since the Christian community is always at the service of humanity in order to announce the joy of the Gospel. In such a dramatic time in our history, when the winds of war and the flames of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations, there is need for this message.
“In order to invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy for the gift of peace, I will recite the holy rosary and make a heartfelt plea to the Virgin in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major this coming Sunday. If possible, I ask all members of the Synod to join me for this occasion.”
“The following day, 7 October, I ask everyone to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world. Let us walk together. Let us listen to the Lord and allow him to guide us by the “breath” of the Spirit.
In response to this plea from Pope Francis, Bishop Richard has asked that intercessions, both for the work of the Synod and for peace, be included in the Prayers of the Faithful this Sunday. He has also invited members of clergy and lay people share the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting on Monday 7 October, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.
During the month of October, Bishop Richard asks that whenever the Rosary is prayed publicly, we “offer one decade for Peace and one decade for the work of the Synod”, and he encourages the same in private recitation of the Rosary.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters,
The vocation of marriage is a most wonderful gift – for those who are called to it, for the Church and for the world. This Sunday’s readings enable us all to reflect on this gift. In the Gospel, Jesus, making reference to the Book of Genesis (from which we also hear this Sunday), highlights the permanence and fidelity that are intrinsic to marriage, for husband and wife are in a relationship with each other and with God our loving Father. It is this relationship, with and in God, that gives Christian marriage both its meaning and its fulfilment – for the love of wife for husband and husband for wife is an expression of the love of God Himself.
In this Sunday’s Second Reading, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ total self-giving. This is an important reflection for the vocation of marriage, too – for in marriage husband and wife give to each other. It is giving, not taking. In this regard, marriage is an example for every Christian, for every one of us is called through baptism to the essential vocation to be a Christian – a follower of Christ, a person who serves, a person who gives rather than takes.
In a society where the spirit of taking – of acquisition, satisfaction of self, power – is so prevalent, the vocation of the Christian, the vocation of those called to marriage, is a powerful witness to another way – nothing less than the way of Christ Himself.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
The Second Session Of The Synod In Rome
The discussions have commenced. You can follow the daily events by going to Useful Websites and clicking on Vatican News.
Wednesday 9th October Mass 9:30am St John Henry Newman
Friday 11th October Mass 9:30am Pope Jon XXIII
Sunday 13th October Mass 10am 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word Of Life
The October leaflet to assist with your reflection and prayer during the month are available for you.
CAFOD
Envelopes will be handed out after Mass for your kind donations to this charity. The simplest way to respond is with your debit/credit card online. Please click here.
School Admissions
It is the time for Open Days in both our Primary and our Secondary School to assist you in making decisions to apply for places. Information on the noticeboards.
100+ Club
Thank you to those who arranged the Draw and Refreshments last Sunday .John Mason’s contribution to this fundraiser was recognised by his daughter Julia and all present.The following were the lucky four.-no5 Julie Plumstead, no9 Val Lowry, ,no25 Kevin McCormick, no30 Regina Stripp.
New members always welcome.
Bishop Richard Visits Tower House
Bishop Richard joined Georgina, Duchess of Norfolk, at the St Vincent de Paul Centre in Brighton on 25 September, to visit the charity’s dedicated over-50s community hub. Known to locals as Tower House, the Grade II listed building offers a lifeline to people across the community, providing specialist services which include HERE’s Stroke & Musculoskeletal Disorders Peer Support Group, Age UK’s Dementia Daybreak service, an SVP Carer’s Support Group and an Art Therapy Group run by Starling Arts.
Speaking after the visit, Bishop Richard said: “The over 50s Community Hub at Tower House offers a vital service to people across the local community, particularly those who are isolated or wish to access extra support. The dedication and commitment of the Centre’s staff and volunteers is tangible, with the many support groups, activity sessions, and social events providing an important and enriching lifeline to people across the city.
Have You Had Your Flu Vaccination Yet?
Fr John had his on Saturday at 11:24am
Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on The night is dark, and I am far from home Lead Thou me on Keep Thou my feet: I do not ask to see The distant scene -one step enough for me.
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.
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.
With the end of the School Year, holiday time is here and a time for a break and change of routine, hopefully without a repeat of the chaos with the outages. For Teachers and Staff of our Schools a thank you for all your commitment to the young.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes
Over 700 Pilgrims from the Diocese begin journeying to Lourdes on Thursday and Friday – 17 year olds from the Secondary Schools, nurses, disabled and sick people and lots of helpers. You may catch sight of them by visiting “The Sanctuary of Lourdes” via our website or the Diocesan Website. It will be the 50th Anniversary of A&B’s Pilgrimage.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 21st July 10am 16th Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 22nd July 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
Wednesday 24th July 11am Requiem Mass for Adela Page RIP St Mary’s Church
Friday 26th July 9:30am Ss Joachim and Anne (parents of Our Lady)
Sunday 28th July 10am 17th Sunday Ordinary Time. Day for the elderly and grandparents
Our Lady of Walsingham
Her memorial on September 24th has now been decreed to be a liturgical Feast.
St Mary Magdalene
Monday is now her Feast Day. She is described as ‘The Apostle To The Apostles’. From the Preface:
He appeared in the garden and revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, who had loved him in life, witnessed him dying on the Cross, sought him as he lay in the tomb, and was the first to adore him, newly risen from the dead.
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'
Following the Emmaus Story and the Thomas incident this week we have another post resurrection moment when the disciples like ourselves are called to be witnesses to the Risen Christ. It is an encouragement for us to reflect on the description of a Parish on the first pages of the Pastoral Plan documents.
Human Dignity
You may have heard the Thought for the Day on Friday by a Catholic Catherine Pepinster. It can be found here. It focussed on a recent Declaration from the Congregation for the Faith . You can read Bishop Richard’s brief summary here and read the full Declaration here.
Vocations Day of Prayer
Next Sunday is Vocations Sunday, a Day of Prayer for Vocations. This is not an easy subject because of the mentality of the time. There is also the annual collection for the six year’s training for future priests.
The Word of Life Leaflet for April
Copies of the leaflet are in the entrance for you to keep handy for reflection on the scripture text with prayer and effort to make it part of your spiritual life and attitude.
Mass Schedule
Sunday 14th April Mass 10am
Monday 15th April St Mary’s Convent 8.15am
Wednesday 17th April Eastertide Mass 9.30am
Friday 19th April Eastertide Mass 9.30am
Saturday 20th April HMP Lewes Mass 8.30am
4th Sunday of Easter (21st April) Mass 10am
Requiem Mass
A Requiem Mass for Hilda Searle (RIP) will be celebrated at 2pm on Tuesday 23rd April.
External Information
May 2nd Polling Day. Remember to bring photo ID when you come to vote.
B&H advice on avoiding falls and information on activities to strengthen mobility – leaflets are available in the porch.
Paschal Prayer To Our Lady
Queen of heaven, rejoice alleluia. For he whom you were worthy to bear alleluia, Has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia, Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. For the Lord has risen indeed, alleluia!
Let us pray. O God, who through the resurrection of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, did vouchsafe to give joy to the world : Grant, we beseech you, that through His Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life, Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 
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