Of the four basilicas in Rome this is the most important, being the Pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome. The name originates form the  Lateran family which owned the land and that the Emperor Constantine bought from them. On the front of the present building there are fifteen colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and twelve Doctors of the Church. It is said that its title has changed during the centuries from St Saviour’s to St John and they could not decide which John so they included the two.

Its dedication is celebrated as a feast because it is regarded as the mother of all churches, the parish church of all Catholics.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

For many of us, when we think of Rome, we think of St Peter’s Basilica. In a Jubilee Year such as this, the entry through the Holy Door of St Peter’s is a high point of any pilgrimage. It is from the Apostolic Palace, next to St Peter’s, that the Holy Father makes his Angelus addresses and it is there that the public audiences take place, as well as significant celebrations in the life of the Church: canonisations, the inaugurations of new popes and the requiem Masses for deceased popes.

Yet it is the Lateran Basilica, built originally by the Emperor Constantine, that is described as “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World.” It is the Cathedral Church of Rome, and popes lived in the Lateran Palace for hundreds of years. It is the Pope’s Cathedral, for he is the Bishop of Rome.

It is for this reason that the whole Church celebrates this feast. It is a celebration of our unity with the Holy Father, the successor of St Peter. 

This Sunday’s first reading, the vision of Ezekiel of the Temple in Jerusalem, speaks of the water that flows from the Temple bringing life to the desert. So it is for the Church. The waters of baptism – in which, as St Paul tells us, we die and rise with the new life of Christ – bring us to live our lives in the love that exists in the Trinity, as members of Christ’s Church.

The celebration of the dedication of any Church is a reminder, as St Paul tells us in this Sunday’s second reading, that the Church is made of the living stones of the baptised. We are the Church, called to reflect the wonder of the Gospel to the world around us. This is the mission that we have been given through our baptism – the mission that calls others to share in the wonder of the Church’s life, the life of Christ.

The Lateran Basilica, the “mother of all the churches” stands as a witness to the world and a reminder to us, who are the living stones, of the mission to which we are called, in union with Pope Leo, the successor of Peter.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Remembrance Sunday

Having celebrated the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War earlier in the year, memories have been refreshed. In the nation there are occasions of remembrance, in moments of silence, parades, assemblies and in prayer for those who have died in wars and armed conflict – it is an opportunity too to be as the Beatitudes reminded us – Peacemakers. At this moment there are parts of the world where violence and destruction continue. Pope Leo reminds us to pray for peace.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 9th November 10am Dedication of St John Lateran and Remembrance Sunday
• Monday 10th November 8:15am St Leo the Great St Mary’s House
• Tuesday 11th November 11am Requiem Mass for deceased clergy who have served the churches of Brighton and Hove
• Wednesday 12th November 9:30am St Josaphat
• Friday 14th November 9:30am
• Saturday 15th November 8:30am HMP Lewes
• Sunday 16th November 10am

Blessing of Graves

Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm – prayers of Remembrance. Pause at the military graves.

Barbara Hatton RIP

The Funeral Service will be at Woodvale North Chapel at 2pm this Friday the 14th November. Remember David in your prayers.

Get Together. Catch Up. Information

Do gather in our hall on Sunday 23rd. Christ the King Sunday. Offers of help and nibbles welcomed, teas and coffees.

So long thy power
Hath  blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen
O'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn
Those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, 
and lost awhile.

St John Henry Newman

The third Sunday of September, formerly known as Home Mission Sunday, now has the title of Evangelii Gaudium Sunday – the Joy of living the Gospel. This was the first of the messages of Pope Francis. The Bishop has sent us a Pastoral Letter for this Sunday and we are invited to donate to the support of the national body of the Bishops promoting the living of the Gospel.

The Inauguration Of The Parish Of Brighton And Hove

Last Sunday in St John the Baptist Church Bishop Richard in augurated the first of the new Parish arrangement by which the pastoral communities of the former Deanery will collaborate in fulfilling the mission of the Church. You can read about it here -Click to dioc.ebulletin.

The clergy meet for the biweekly meeting on Tuesday commencing with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Jubilee Of Justice

Bishop Richard introduces this week’s Theme in the Jubilee Year reflecting on the groups which work for justice Read more here.

The Season For The Care For Creation

Next Sunday is Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday and there will be the opportunity to bring to our Mass goods and produce which in turn will be passed to a local Food Bank.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 21st September 10am
• Monday 22nd September 8:15am St Mary’s House
• Wednesday 24th September 9:30am The Feast Of Our Lady Of Walsingham
• Friday 26th September 11am Requiem Mass for Beryl Cheeseman RIP
• Sunday 28th September 10am Harvest Thanksgiving Mass

To Our Lady Of Walsingham

Here journeyed on the Pilgrims' Way,
With Christendom in youth and flower
The faithful of a happier day
When all the land was Mary's dower
And after many a faithless year
Since not in vain the martyrs sowed
We, as God wills, to worship here.
Return along the ancient road.

Education Sunday

Education remains the largest charitable activity of the Church in this country stemming from the 19^th Century when many schools were established for poor immigrant children. Since then it has become the largest provider of secondary schools and second largest in providing primary schools. The Catholic community continues to support our Schools by providing Foundation Governors and encouraging young persons to train as teachers.

We pray today for those who have found their vocation in Catholic education in one of the many roles which it entails.

Our thanksgiving expressed this day is for the teachers and staff in St. Bernadette’s and Cottesmore primaries and Cardinal Newman Secondary & College.

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 14th September 10am
• Monday 15th September 8:15am St Mary’s House Our Lady of Sorrows
• Wednesday 17th September 10am (NB not usual time) St Robert Bellarmine
• Sunday 21st September 10am (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Inauguration Of The Brighton and Hove Parish

At St John the Baptist Church, Kemp Town today (Sunday 14th September) at 5.30pm All welcome.

The Word Of Life

The September copies are available in the Entrance to assist with your prayerful reflection during the month

Preparing For Holy Communion

For those 8 upwards who may have missed dates please have a word with Fr John

The Festival Of Hope

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese and the Jubilee Year. This coming Saturday at Ardingly Showground 10.30am – 4.30am. Undercover. The Brighton coach is starting from St Joseph’s so you may prefer to travel by car.

Care For Creation

Despite any inconvenience the rain is a “godsend” so that our reservoirs can be replenished for our drinking water.

Lift high the cross

The love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adores his sacred name.

Come Christians follow where our Saviour trod

O'er death victorious,

Christ the Son of God.             No 429

August 15th

A date which surprises holiday makers in certain parts of the world when they find the locals celebrating, shops closed and churches in use. It is a Holy Day for Catholics and for blessing first fruits and crops in southern Europe. In the prayers we hear Mary to be the sign of hope and comfort on our pilgrim way – with Mary’s intercession because she gave birth to Jesus who became our Saviour. It provides us with an opportunity to deepen our devotion to Mary especially when we greet her  the words of Gabriel and Elizabeth – Hail Mary, full of grace. She is a model of prayerful listening.

Annually, the date reminds us of another event and this year in particular of V.J.Day marking the end of the war with Japan, but also of the loss of life by the dropping of nuclear bombs,  killing so many. The fear of such use of these weapons continues to this day – remember what you say “deliver is from Evil”

Mass Schedule

• Sunday 10th August 10am 19th in OT
• Monday 11th August 8:15am St Mary’s House – St Clare of Assisi
• Monday 11th August 12 Noon Requiem Mass for John and Ann Nugent
• Wednesday 13th August 9:30am
• Friday 15th August The Assumption of Our Lady (Holy Day) Masses at 9:30am and 7pm
• Sunday 17th August 10am 20th in OT

Community Event

Patcham Duck Fayre Sunday 24^th August 11am – 4.30am, the school fields of Patcham High School

Devolution

Our Hall is now booked for a date in May 2026 for use as a Polling Station for the election of a Mayor for a single strategic authority for Sussex and Brighton. Do keep informed of the developments in the months ahead. Read the Report on the noticeboard.

Thank You!

To Mike, Jim and Mark who have dealt with the weeds in the courtyard and driveway  and the kind parishioner who removed the rubbish from the steps.

Jubilee Of Young People

During the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV reminds the young people that Jesus is our hope, and urges them to “adventure with the Lord toward eternity” as the Lord is “gently knocking” at the window of their soul.

Jesus is our hope, adventure with Him throughout your life, and let Him enlighten you…

Pope Leo XIV expressed this during the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata in Rome on Sunday, 3 August. You can read more here.

St John Henry Newman – Doctor Of The Church

There are some informative items about St John Henry Newman and his thoughts and writings that can be found here.

Walking Pilgrimage

This is now underway. Do have a look at the poster to see if you might join in a section. It will be under way for the next three weeks.

Happenings

• The parish phone playing up.
• Annual service of gas boilers completed Friday
• Two horse drawn hearses for Monday’s Funeral.
• The car passed its MOT
• Over 30 crab apples thrown at the church by two lads
• Happy holidays!

Holy Mary, Mother of God and queen

Lady of heaven and empress of the world below

Have mercy on us and Christian people.

Every generation will call me blessed for great indeed are all the things the Almighty has done for me!