Christmastide

The twelve days of Christmas are racing to the finish. We have been reflecting on the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the presence of God made Man in our midst with help of the First Letter of John, his Gospel and that of St Matthew the Evangelist for 2026. The Holy Day of the Epiphany on Tuesday celebrates the homage of the three Wise Men, Kings, Magi to the infant Jesus, prior to the escape of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 4th January 10am 2nd Sunday of Christmas
Monday 5th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 6th January 10am The Epiphany of The Lord (Holy Day)
Wednesday 7th January 10am Epiphanytide
Friday 9th January 10am Epiphanytide
Sunday 11th January 10am The Baptism of The Lord

Please note that from next week (w/c 11th January) Wednesday and Friday Masses return to their usual time of 9:30am.

Gerald Fleet RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Gerald Fleet husband of the late Maureen Fleet RIP.

Regina Stripp

Regina has now moved to the Maples Care Home in Peacehaven

Bishop Richard

Archbishop Elect of Westminster. Bishop Richard will be installed in Westminster Cathedral on 14^th February.

We will be receiving guidance for prayer for a new shepherd for Arundel and Brighton shortly. Please follow this link for further information.

Back to school

Both St. Bernadette’s and Cardinal Neman School re-open their doors on Monday morning (weather permitting). Please check emails and local media for any advice re school closures.

Be prudent

Do take care out and about. If you have flu or a heavy cold observe advice, stay at home and do not share.

My thanks

May I thank you for the Christmas Offering, the Greetings and your thoughtful gifts. Your generosity and support is much appreciated.

This is he whom seers and sages
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the writings of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word;
Now he shines, the long expected;
Let our songs declare his worth, 
Evermore and evermore.

508

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 17^th 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 17^th we begin the countdown of “Greater Advent “. In the Mass and the Office, we begin using a form of invitation when we recall the titles of the expected one. These are also contained in the Advent Hymn – “O come, O come and Rejoice”. Make the most of the remaining days of Advent with a sense of patient waiting.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday finds us celebrating Gaudete Sunday – Rejoicing Sunday – taking its name from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass: Rejoice. The vestment colour changes to Rose, a sign that we are at a mid-point in the Season of Advent. We rejoice that the coming of the Lord is near.

The readings speak of waiting in patience. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as the greatest person born of woman. Yet He compares John to the least in the Kingdom of heaven – we wait in patience for the coming of the Kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the promise of God’s coming and the need for us to be ready – but patience is needed, for the Lord has not yet come.

James, in his letter, calls plainly for patience. His words reflect Isaiah – we must be ready for the coming of the Lord and be patient until He comes again.

We live in a world where so many expect instantaneous results. The world seems, perhaps, to move faster – and there are many in our communities, our homes, who feel the pain of isolation. Like those to whom James writes, we need to learn the patience of the farmer, who must wait for the rain, the sun and the results of the crop.

As Jesus’ followers, we have an opportunity for a particular witness to the world – a certain slowing of pace that is the witness of patient and joyful waiting. Spending time in prayer, living the rhythm of the seasons of the Church’s year, reflecting on the Scriptures and giving time to our brothers and sisters. Such life prepares us for the coming of the Kingdom of God and will enable us to truly celebrate the feast of the Lord’s birth.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Carol Service

Come along on Sunday Evening (14th December) to St Mary’s at 7pm. Enjoy, listen and sing. Refreshments in the Hall. Donations for the roof fund.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 14th December 10am 3rd Sunday of Advent
Monday 15th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 17th December 9:30am
Wednesday 17th December 12pm Requiem Mass for John Glasheen RIP
Friday 19th December 9:30am
Sunday 21st December 10am 4th Sunday of Advent

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

St Thomas More Saturday 12 noon
St Mary’s Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
St Joseph’s Saturday 11am to 11:45am
Sacred Heart Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Sacred Heart Sunday 21st December 3pm – four priests will be available to hear confession

The Assisted Suicide Bill

This is with the House of Lords. Have your say.

Unlike MPs, Members of the House of Lords do not have constituents, meaning there is not a Peer whose job it is to represent you based on the area of the country in which you live.

For this reason you should take some time to think about which Peer you will write to and why – such as whether you have a personal or professional connection with them, or you have professional expertise in medicine or healthcare. If you know a former MP for your constituency has been elevated to the House of Lords they may be interested in hearing from you. Click here to continue.

Herald of the joyful tidings
Stand upon the mountain high
Lift your voice, O be not frightened
Bravely raise the Gospel cry.
God himself will come to save us
From our grave iniquities
Soon our longing eyes will see him
Jesus, Saviour Prince of peace.

Thirty-fourth Week In Ordinary Time. The Solemnity Of Christ The King

The liturgical year concludes with the solemnity of Christ the King. A title which reminds us of our allegiance to him as believers. It was in our mother’s arms that the moment of our being anointed with Chrism that the words “as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King , so may you live always as a member of his body” were spoken. You will, of course, recall the positioning of screens for the anointing with oil of King Charles. This was followed by Prince William promising to be his liege servant. Reflect on the relationship we have as baptised and anointed members.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

The feast we celebrate this Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 – the 16^th Centenary of the Council of Nicaea when the definition of Christ being consubstantial with the Father was made – an anniversary that the Church has been keeping again this year.

Jesus is our King – the word Christ means ‘the anointed one’ – and we are all called to share in His Kingship. Indeed, we are reminded of this at our baptism when we are anointed with Chrism in a prayer that speaks of our sharing in His Kingship.

In an age when there are so many challenges to the Christian Way, challenges to the Kingship of Christ, it is good for us to be able to celebrate this feast, for it reminds us of who we are, and it speaks of our destiny as the children of God.

Jesus, sprung from the race of David – who had been anointed by Samuel for his role as king – fulfils the Father’s plan. We read of this in today’s second reading. All is brought to fulfilment in the One who died on the Cross and rose from the dead; Christ who is the Word of God, Who existed before all things and in Whom all is created. We are His body; He is the head. He is King.

The Gospel this Sunday speaks of that destiny in a most powerful way. Jesus tells the thief who recognises the Lord’s goodness: “today, you will be with me in paradise.” These are words we must all wish to hear, for when we do we have confirmation of our destiny, we know we shall share in the life of the Anointed One, Christ our King – that we shall live the fullness of what it means to be His.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Community Gathering

After Mass this Sunday an opportunity to meet up and hear about the Vision for the Parish of Brighton and Hove and our place in it.

Participation

There are some information videos from the Central Diocesan Offices about Finance and Health and Safety you may find informative.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 23rd November 10am Christ the King
Monday 24th November 8:15am St Mary’s House The Martyrs of Vietnam
Wednesday 26th November 9:30am Susan Cook RIP
Friday 28th November 9:30am The Holy Souls
Saturday 29th November 8:15am HMP Lewes
Sunday 30th November 10am 1st Sunday of Advent

School Admissions

A reminder of the necessity to do two things – 1 complete B&H council form 2 Complete the School SIF with Certificate of Baptism.

Advent Retreat Day

Saturday 6^th December based at St John the Baptist, Kemp Town. Book with monksinthecity@worth.org.uk See poster.

Inauguration Of Two Surrey Areas

In the next few days the Bishop will inaugurate the Parish of Guildford and the Parish of Weybridge, just like B&H, gatherings of the existing parish communities.

Advent Sacrament Of Reconciliation

Like Lent this is a season when we should avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession: STM Saturday 11.30-12noon. St Mary’s Sats 5.15-5.45pm. As always by arrangement 01273 563017.

Christ is King, Let joy and gladness
Greet him let his courts resound
With the praise of faithful subjects
To his love in honour bound.

17th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Holiday time for many, catching up with family and friends, journeys far and wide and pilgrimages. In particular there is the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this year with the theme -With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope. We may not be there in person but we can be there virtually.

To visit the Grotto using your Tablet, PC or smart phone by clicking here. You will then be at the Lourdes website to find the Grotto and also the Processions of the Blessed Sacrament, the Torchlight Procession and Masses. Remember France is one hour ahead of the UK – so the Blessed Sacrament and Blessing of the Sick commences BST 4pm.

Another way to participate is to find the Pilgrimage Prayer Book with lots of information and the daily programme by visiting this link. There is the link to the Prayer Book at the bottom of the page and you can turn the pages.

Bishop Richard Moth will be posting on social media during the pilgrimage. The diocesan X account can be followed here.

From The Diocesan Website

Our annual pilgrimage

Our pilgrimage to Lourdes is one of the most significant pastoral events in our annual diocesan calendar, with hundreds of members of our community of faith visiting the Grotto together each year.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 27th July 10am Ordinary Time (17)
Monday 28th July 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 30th July 9:30am St Peter Chrysologus – int. Therese Lelliott RIP
Friday 1st August 9:30am St Alphonsus Liguori – int. Terrence Sweeney RIP (Foundation Mass)
Sunday 3rd August 10am Ordinary Time (18)

First Holy Communions

Please keep in your prayers the six children who received Holy Communion for the first time last Sunday and their parents and family members.

For the poor, sick, afflicted
Thy mercy we crave
And comfort the dying
Thou light of the grave.
Ave! Ave! Ave, Maria!

Following Bishop Richard In Lourdes this week…

Here is a link to the official diocesan Instagram account – click here.

Pentecost

The 50 Days are now finished and our Easter hope is established. In so many different ways the Paschal Mystery has been a reality with life, suffering, and death – and life, change, and growth happening. We just need to recall the events in our own lives and in the world around us.

Now as the ascended Christ promised, we are not abandoned but recipients of the Holy Sprit who comes as gifts with their effects. It is in the sacraments that we receive the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Statement On The Assisted Dying Bill

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, is fast approaching its decisive vote in the House of Commons which will likely take place on either the 13 or 20 of June. Please click here to read more.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 8th June 10am Pentecost
Monday 9th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 11th June 9:30am St Barnabas, Apostle
Thursday 12th June 12pm Arundel Cathedral – Jubilarians’ Mass
Friday 13th June 9:30am St Anthony of Padua
Sunday 15th June 10am Trinity Sunday

The Word Of Life

The June copies are now available for you to pick up and use during the month to shape your prayer.

Thursday 12th June – Soup And Sandwich

Come along to meet and enjoy – 12 noon.

Margaret Perrin RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Margaret and for her bereaved family members.

Pilgrimage To Walsingham

Remember the people from the Diocese on pilgrimage there this weekend.

Day For Life

Next Sunday – retiring collection. Please follow this link for more information.

Events Posters

Do take a look at the Noticeboards so as not to miss anything.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of thy love.
Send forth thy Spirit and they will be a new creation and you will renew the face of the earth.

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

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 8^th 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

Sunday of The Word of God

The third Sunday in Ordinary time is denoted as the Word of God Sunday to remind us of our use of Scripture deepening our prayer life. The prayerful reading and reflection -Lectio Divina – as it is called is recommended. There is a new resource to help with praying the Psalms (Click here) Our Readings this Sunday are appropriate and we do begin the reading of St Luke’s Gospel -the Evangelist for 2025.

This Week

This Sunday afternoon we are invited to a gathering in St Mary’s Hall at 5pm about the future shape of Brighton and Hove as a united Parish. This is part of the journey envisaged in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as it unfolds. Do come along to participate.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Monday is the 80^th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Continuing last week’s theme of Peace we pray for the building of peace and respect for each person.

Next Sunday

February 2^nd is the day we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and is Candlemas Day. At our Sunday Mass we will have the blessing of candles, a simple procession and Mass. It takes precedence over the texts of the 4^th Sunday.

100+ Draw

After Mass, next Sunday (2nd February) coffee will be available in the Hall and a Draw will take place. Do come in to meet and socialise.

The Jubilee

As Pilgrims of hope we will hear of various opportunities. Bishop Richard is leading one to Lourdes – please click here.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 26th January 10am 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Monday 27th January 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 29th January 9:30am St Thomas Aquinas
Friday 31st January 9:30am St John Bosco
Sunday 2nd February 10am The Presentation of The Lord

Jubilee

The Jubilee was launched in our Schools last week. See the notice board.

The Diocesan Bulletin

How I long to see you
Jesus face to face
How the heart is thirsting
Living spring of grace
Show me soon your glory
Be my great reward
Be my joy for ever
Jesus, gracious Lord.

St Thomas Aquinas no 396

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 29^th 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