Tag: news

Parish Weekly

  • Seeking God in prayer
  • Growing together in faith
  • Reaching out in love

Calendars

Now is the time to find your 2026 diary or calendar so you know what date it is and what to plan. This comes to mind in that I have two hospital appointments – one in March and the other in August ! It may feel rather like the irritation some of you may have felt in that suddenly last Sunday was not the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time but the Solemnity of St Philip Howard. Similar moments are ahead. So a little explanation. There is a) The General Calendar of the Church b) The national calendar for England and Wales and c) The Diocesan Calendar for A&B – sometimes called the Propers. They regulate which feasts are to be observed, which ones take precedence or are transferred. This is where the annual Diocesan Directory provides guidance in the section Ordo for Liturgical Celebrations. Do ask if you want further information.

Bishop Richard’s Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Jesus’ parable that forms this Sunday’s Gospel reading teaches us on a number of levels. The first is that of prayer. The prayer of the tax collector has become what is often referred to as the “Jesus Prayer”, it is a text used especially, but not exclusively, in the Orthodox Church and, in its simplicity, enables us to place ourselves before the Lord as we truly are – sinners in need of mercy, conscious that the love of the Lord means He wants nothing more than for us to be totally His.  

The way in which the Pharisee presents himself is, in fact, not faithful to reality. He looks at himself in a way that is full of pride and compares himself to others, rather than being open to the relationship with God that is the focus for true prayer.

Prayer must always be honest. There is no need to be anything but honest, because God knows us better than we know ourselves. Why try to be someone else?  

Truthfulness and humility are deeply related. Michael Casey, the Australian Cistercian Monk and writer of a number of books, describes humility as “Truthful Living.” This is, surely, a very helpful reflection. In the parable, the tax collector is truthful about himself, honest before God. Our prayer – our lives – must be the same. Indeed, “Truthful Living” is a mark of the Christian, for real humility enables us to rely not on ourselves, but on Christ. This is the path to life, and to effective witness to the Gospel, for all around us.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Missio Annual Collection

You can still return your envelope next Sunday. Thank you for your card donations direct to HQ please use this link.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 26th October 10am 30th in Ordinary Time
  • Monday 27th October 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 28th October 11am St Mary’s Church Requiem Mass for Maureen Fleet RIP
  • Wednesday 29th October 9:30am Int Fr Gerry Vann RIP anniversary
  • Friday 31st October 9:30am Carole Hastie RIP
  • Saturday 1st November 11am Requiem Mass for Dom Kevin Taggart OSB
  • Sunday 2nd November 10am All Saints’ Mass
  • Monday 3rd November 9:30am All Souls’ Mass

King Charles visits Pope Leo at The Vatican

Enjoy the coverage and pray for unity. Visit useful websites and search  Vatican News and the Conference of Bishops of England & Wales for reports.

The Catholic Children’s Society

See publicity from the society at the entrance. You can also follow this link.

Vaccinations

Flu in the left and Covid in the right arm. Have you had yours ?

The more affliction for Christ in this world, the more glory with Christ in the next.


St Philip Howard in The Tower of London 1587

Twenty-Second Week Of Ordinary Time

Changing Times

The change of Season was abrupt with a long awaited downpour just as September arrives. It marks the RETURN – getting back to normal after the summer break- starting the new school term, preparing maybe for Further Education and a range of new projects, meetings and opportunities . Do involve yourself with new energy and enthusiasm.

The Season Of Creation

This runs from September 1st to the feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4th. You can read a Statement from Bishop John Arnold on the environment and care for our common home at CBCEW (click)It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Letter of Pope Francis with its teaching on the environment -Laudato Si. Pope Leo has also sent us a Message for the World Day of Prayer.

After a month when we have experienced some results of Climate change, heatwaves, wild fires, floods, drought water shortages we must be aware of what is happening and our need to take heed.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 31st August 10am 22nd in OT
  • Monday 1st September 8:15am St Mary’s House (Care of Creation)
  • Wednesday 3rd September 9:30am St Gregory The Great (Ena Cripps RIP – FM)
  • Friday 5th September 9:30am Therese Elliott RIP
  • Saturday 6th September 8:15am HMP Lewes
  • Sunday 7th September 10am 23rd in OT

Back To School

St Bernadettes Primary. Thursday

Cardinal Newman Secondary Thursday Years 7 &12

Beryl Cheeseman RIP

Died last Sunday, a well known parishioner of St Mary’s who looked after the clergy living there, a member of the Deanery Choir. May she rest in peace.

Monks In The City

Do view their planned activities on the noticeboard. Their website can be found here.

The Festival Of Hope

Celebrating the Jubilee of Hope and the 60th anniversary of the Diocese.

Saturday 20th September 10am – 4.30am at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.

We have been allocated 10 places and a coach will be taking us. We have been asked to register attendees. Please read the information on the noticeboard.  

Yes be praised in all your creatures
Brother sun and sister moon
In the stars and in the wind
Air and fire and flowing water 
Laudato si, O mi Signore

St Francis.                                                                                

                                                                     

The Third Sunday Of Lent


This week we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord to  Mary and this marks the  Incarnation of the Lord and Saviour that we acclaim in the second paragraph of the Nicene Creed. News which will be to the fore in nine months’ time.

Pope Francis

People across the world have been united in prayer for Pope Francis since his hospitalisation for pneumonia on 14 February. In recent days, medical bulletins provided by the Holy See Press Office have highlighted improvements in the Pope’s condition, with a photograph issued by the Vatican on Sunday, showing the Pope in Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel, breathing unaided. More details can be found here.

The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham

There is a weekend Pilgrimage by the Diocese to Walsingham in Norfolk, celebrating being Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year.

The Bishops of England and Wales have asked for a Second Collection this Sunday for the support of the Shrine (Lenten almsgiving . Here is information from the Diocese.

The national collection for the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady at Walsingham will take place in many A&B parishes this weekend, approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. The collection is dedicated to supporting the Shrine’s Jubilee projects and initiatives, which aim to enhance the Jubilee pilgrim experience, and further the spiritual mission of the Shrine. To find out more, please see the poster sent to each church or visit the Shrine’s website.

People across our Diocese are invited to journey to Walsingham with Bishop Richard this summer. To find out more about our Walsingham pilgrimage, see the events calendar here.

Canon Oliver Heaney RIP

On Tuesday Bishop Richard with concelebrating priests and former parishioners will offer Mass for the repose of his soul prior to his burial back home in Co Mayo. The Mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s, Preston Park at 12 noon. There will be refreshments afterwards in the hall at 1:30pm.

Eileen Higgins RIP

Eileen died on St Joseph’s Day. She had been supported by family members over the last weeks. Her Requiem Mass will be at St John the Baptist Church at a date to be announced.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 23rd March 10am 3rd Sunday of Lent
  • Monday 24th March 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Tuesday 25th March 12 noon The Solemnity of the Annunciation of The Lord St Mary’s Church for the repose of the soul of Canon Oliver Heaney
  • Wednesday 26th March 9:30am
  • Friday 28th March 9:30am
  • Saturday 29th March 8:15am HMP Lewes

Spring Forward!

Please remember that British Summer Time begins next week so we need to adjust our clocks before Mass next Sunday!

The angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flames
All hail said he
Thou lowly maiden, Mary
Most highly favoured lady. Gloria

The Presentation Of The Lord

Forty Days after Christmas we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple by Mary and Joseph – part of a Jewish ritual in thanksgiving for the birth of a child. It was the occasion of the family meeting Simeon and Anna and the utterance “a light to enlighten the Gentiles”. Jesus is the light for the world. This is recognised with the blessing of candles and a procession entering the Temple.

For Missal users the Mass texts may be found with the feasts of the Lord in the pages towards the back.

Coffee After 10am Mass

There will be coffee after the 10am Mass tomorrow (Sunday 2nd February)in the church hall. Please do come along.

North Brighton Parishes Meeting

Thank you to St Thomas More’s Parishioners who were there and participated with ideas. A report of the meeting is on the noticeboard for you to read

There will be more to report after a meeting of the clergy on February 11th.

Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

Booking is now open and details will become available on the noticeboard. Please click here for more information.

The Jubilee Year

Please click here to find out more details.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 2nd February 10am Feast of Presentation
  • Monday 3rd February 8:15am St Mary’s House
  • Wednesday 5th February 9:30am St Agatha
  • Friday 7th February 9:30am
  • Sunday 9th February 10am 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Word Who Is Life

The February leaflet to help with your prayer reflection during the month is now in the entrance for you to collect.

For Sale

  • New Sunday Missals £19:95
  • The Diocesan Directory 2025 £5

Soup and Sandwich Lunch

The next on will be on Thursday 13th February at 12 noon. Do come along!

Requiem Mass

For Wendy Woodland RIP. Friday 21st February at 12 noon.

At The Temple

There filled with holy joy
Simeon in his hands
Takes up the promised child
The glory of all lands

O light of all the world
We light our lives with thee
The chains of darkness gone
All sons of God are free.

November

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

The Synod

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

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

Opposing Proposed Legislation For Assisted Suicide

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

New Sunday Missals

These contain the Readings for the Three Year Cycle.

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

The Word Of Life

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

Mass Schedule

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

Retired Priests’ Fund

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

Blessing Of Graves

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

The New Lectionary

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

Inconvenience

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

Covid

Vaccination on Thursday 11am

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

St John Henry Newman

The Twenty Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time

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!

Pope Francis’ Appeal

Please click here for more details.

Message of Bishop Richard

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:

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“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.

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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.

More information can be found here too.

Mass Schedule

  • Sunday 6th October Mass 10am
  • Monday 7th October Mass 8:15am St Mary’s Convent
  • Monday 7th October Mass 10am St Thomas More
  • 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.

St John Henry Newman


Our Patronal Feast and Dedication Anniversary

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

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

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

Remembrance

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

Mass Schedule

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

The Word of Life

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

The New Lectionary

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

Thank You

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

100+ Fundraiser

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

Sea Sunday

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

Contactless Giving

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

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

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

The Body and Blood Of Christ

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

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

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

National News

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

Grand News

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

The General Election

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

The Day For Life

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

The New Lectionary

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

100 +

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

Word of Life

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

Mass Rota

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