Saints Peter and Paul

These two have been in the news recently because of the happenings in Rome. The shrine of St Peter is in the Basilica of the Vatican where Pope Leo went to pray before his inauguration as the successor of St Peter. As Bishop of Rome he visited the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls. Both were martyred as witnesses to Christ.

We honour them as Founders of the Church, and they will be celebrated by the many Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee Year.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, I invite you all to join me in prayer for Pope Leo, that he continues to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in his task as shepherd of the flock entrusted to him. As our Holy Father, he brings particular gifts to the Church through his experience in Peru, where he served with some of the priests of our own Diocese; his times of leadership of the Augustinian Friars, and his service in the Dicastery for Bishops.

He comes to the Petrine Office at a difficult time for the world. Let us join him in fervent prayer for peace – for which he has called so many times in these first weeks of his papacy. With him, and in the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, let us continue to strive for justice and promote the dignity of every person at every moment of life.

St Peter, our first Pope, could not have imagined the steps he would be called to take in the service of the Lord. This is true of Pope Leo and, indeed, of every one of us. The life that is given to us in baptism – life lived in the love of the Holy Trinity – calls us to follow the Lord Himself, wherever he may lead us. As His disciples, we are called to learn from Him, to grow ever closer to Him, to be always faithful in our witness to Him. This is what it means to be a Pilgrim of Hope, for we journey towards the One who died and rose from the dead that we might have life – and whose first gift after the Resurrection was the gift of peace.

As Pilgrims of Hope, may we – with Pope Leo – strive to share that gift with the world.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Clergy In-Service

This week we have two days away together to focus on “How do we live our vocation in the parishes of the future.” Say a prayer for us.

The Pastoral Plan

At the forthcoming Council of Priests the Bishop will hear from each of the existing Deaneries with the Moderators elect of the proposed New Parishes, made up of the parish communities, before he decrees their election.

The Vision Meeting

Thank you for those who have offered to participate in the Vision making process on 10^th July.

Your Questions

What do you consider the mission of the one Parish will be ?
What mission objectives do you consider important ?
What are your expectations for the new Parish?

Have a think and put pen to paper and return your response to the box in the Entrance.

Our Patronal Feast

Next Sunday we will celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of our Church , its consecration and St Thomas More. After Mass we will have a social gathering and celebratory drink.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 29th June 10am Solemnity SS Peter and Paul
Monday 30th June 8:15am St Mary’s House
Tuesday 1st July 9:30am Anniversary of Arundel Cathedral
Friday 4th July 9:30am St Thomas Apostle
Sunday 6th July 10am Patronal Feast Mass

Peter, blessed shepherd to you was entrusted the power of opening the gate of heaven,
Paul, teacher without equal, fashion our live aright and carry off our hearts with yours till faith is sole master of our hearts.

Fifth Week Of Easter

The inauguration of Pope Leo takes place this Sunday at a Celebration Commencing at 9am BST. The main feature of the Liturgy will be the placing of the Pallium on him. This is taken from the tomb of St Peter and is made of lambswool. Then he will be presented with the ring and seal of Peter the Fisherman. These moments will be accompanied by prayers invoking the Holy Spirit. After this the Pope will give the Homily. You can find the English translation by clicking on Useful Websites- then The Holy See and finding the Booklet for the Celebration.

The English text is on the left hand side from page 2 onwards.

Pope Leo XIV Inauguration Download

Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Reflection

Mass Schedule

Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Sunday Of Easter
Monday 19th May 8:15am St Mary’s House (St Dunstan)
Wednesday 21st May 9:30am
Friday 23rd May 9:30am
Sunday 25th May 10am 6th Sunday Of Easter

The Pastoral Plan

We will be moving towards the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the Communities of Brighton and Hove and over the next few weeks you will hear more information. Bishop Richard is planning for the eleven deaneries with parishes to become eleven parishes with the available clergy being for us the Brighton and Hove Clergy Team (BHCT) in the United Parish of Brighton and Hove. The Clergy are meeting every fortnight, and a leadership team of Laity & Clergy is being formed.

Update

Canon Kieron O’Brien gives an update and more information taking into account synodality. Please click here for further details.

Migrants’ Mass

Read the Report and photographs of last Sunday’s Mass. Were you there? The report can be found here.

May Prayer For Vocations

There is an ever present need to find men with a call to serve the People of the Church as Pastoral Priests. It starts with prayer of families and parishioners.

The Assisted Suicide Bill

The voices of those who recognise the need to improve and finance palliative care and support of Hospices must grow louder.

In Remembrance

Pray for the repose of the souls of Angela McCulloch and Darren Hazel who have died and for family members who have been bereaved.

All my hope on God is founded
He doth still my trust renew
Me through change and chance he guideth
Only good and only true
God unknown. He alone
Calls my heart to be his own

We Have A Pope

The Media have kept us in touch with the Election of a new Pope in succession to Pope Francis RIP. We give thanks for the gift of a Shepherd for the Universal Church. He is the 267th to follow Peter the Apostle. He is the Bishop of Rome, the head of the College of Bishops. The Vicar of Christ and the Shepherd of the Universal Church. A priest of the Augustinian Order, a missionary in Peru building up the Particular Churches or Dioceses along with other priests of the Order such as the ones in Chulucanas. At every Mass along with our Bishop Richard, as Your Servant Leo our Pope, he will be remembered.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters,

Through our baptism, each and every one of us is called to be a “Pilgrim of Hope.” With eyes fixed on the person of Jesus, our minds and hearts are opened to His call to us. This Sunday, the Church throughout the world reflects on the particular calls to priesthood and to religious life. I ask you to join with me in praying that those who are called to give their lives in service as priests, and those called to religious life, may be truly open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Fr Tristan Cranfield, our Vocations Director, has provided an easy-to-use resource that will support our prayer for vocations to priesthood, in particular, during these coming weeks leading to Pentecost. The vocational call is heard in prayer and, so very often, in quietness. Let us all give a little extra time to prayer in these coming weeks for those whom God is calling, for our seminary students and for the families of our Diocese – that our homes will always be places where an openness to God’s call is nurtured.

Pray, too, for the priests, deacons and religious of our Diocese, in thanksgiving for their wonderful ministry, example, and service to us all.

With every blessing,

+Richard

Statement On The Election Of Pope Leo XIV

The Diocese of Arundel & Brighton welcomes yesterday’s election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. Responding to the news, Bishop Richard said:‍

“We give thanks that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the Cardinals have elected Pope Leo XIV.

“Pope Leo brings to the office of the Holy Father considerable experience as a bishop and pastor including in Chulucanas, so closely associated with our diocese, together with his more recent service as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. His prayer for peace in his first words from the balcony at St Peter’s will resonate with Catholics and all people of good will.

“This is a significant moment for the Catholic Church and for the world, and we offer our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins his Pontificate.”

‍Pope Leo, the first Pope from the United States of America, was born Robert Provost, on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in the province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Saint Louis. On 29 August 1981 he made his solemn vows. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology.

At the age of 27 he was sent by the Order to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical Saint Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum). He received priestly ordination on 19 June 1982. He received his licentiate in 1984, and was then sent to work in the mission of Chulucanas, in Piura, Peru (1985-1986); the Diocese of Chulucanas.

In 1987, he was awarded a doctorate with the thesis: “The role of the local prior in the Order of St Augustine”. In the same year he was elected director of vocations and director of the missions of the Augustinian province of “Mother of Good Counsel” of Olympia Fields, Illinois.

On 3 November 2014, Pope Francis appointed him apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular diocese of Sufar. He was ordained a bishop on 12 December, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the cathedral of his diocese, and was created a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 30 September 2023.‍

‍Bishop Richard will celebrate Mass for the Holy Father’s intentions at the Confirmation Mass at Arundel Cathedral this Sunday at 2pm, with additional Masses celebrated across the Diocese.

Good Shepherd Sunday

During May we are encouraged to pray for Vocations especially for the Priesthood.

As Catholics, we know that God has called each of us by name and that everyone has a vocation; some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life, and some to the single life. This year, in the light of the Pastoral Plan, The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission, the whole Diocese is invited to come together for four weeks of prayer to the Holy Spirit to grant us a missionary spirit, through the raising up of new vocations to all walks of life in the Church.

Foremost among these vocations, we need priests. The priesthood is a special gift to the Church, through which Christ is always present to pour out His Spirit on His people through the holy sacraments.

It’s not always easy to know if God is calling you to priesthood. Our diocesan Days of Discernment aim to explore some simple tools for finding out, with time for prayer and an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful vocation of the diocesan priest, along with other men following the same path. Certainty is not required: the day may just be a chance for you to start thinking, to pray, and to ask questions. Our next day is on Saturday 10 May in Crawley, led by Fr Nicholas Harden. If you are a Catholic, unmarried man who is considering this vocation and would like to attend, please contact our Vocations Director Fr Tristan Cranfield.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 11th May 10am 4th Easter (Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV)
Monday 12th May 8:15am St Mary’s House
Wednesday 14th May 9:30am St Matthias (Apostle)
Friday 16th May 9:30am
Sunday 18th May 10am 5th Easter

Migrants’ Mass

Sunday May 11^th St Joseph’s Church Elm Grove. 5.30am Bishop Richard Presiding. All welcome. See Poster.

Regina Caeli

The Son whom you merited to bear, Alleluia
Has risen as he said, Alleluia
Pray for us to God. Alleluia

(Eastertide anthem to Mary, replacing the Angelus)

The Second Sunday Of Easter

The Church has witnessed the dying of its Pastor and Shepherd, Pope Francis. I heard the news just before celebrating Easter Monday Mass and so missed his name in the Eucharistic Prayer but prayed for his eternal rest. We will soon begin our prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of a new Pope, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pastor.

Bishop Richard’s Weekly Message

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Thomas professes his faith in the Risen Lord, following his time of doubt. This is a moment of greatest encouragement for us all – if we have times of doubt, the Risen Lord takes doubt away and fills us with His love. The closeness that we see between Thomas and Jesus is the same closeness that we are invited to share with the Lord. We say, with Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

This close relationship to which Jesus calls us is an expression of His Divine Mercy – that we celebrate especially on this Divine Mercy Sunday.

The theme of mercy has been a particular mark of Pope Francis’ Petrine ministry. On so many occasions, he called us to deepen our love for the Word of God. From reflection on the Scriptures, he called us be merciful, to care for our brothers and sisters and for the world that is God’s gift to us. In Fratelli tutti, in particular, through reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he called us to a real and active love for others – for in them we see the person of Christ.

On Saturday, as the mortal remains of Pope Francis are laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, let us pray that Mary’s Son, who calls us all to be His, will welcome Pope Francis into the Kingdom after his life of devoted service to the Church and the world.

With every blessing,

+ Richard

Bishop Richard’s Message On The Death Of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died at 7.35am on Easter Monday aged 88, with his death announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. The Holy Father was elected to the papacy on 13 March 2013, and was the 265th successor of St Peter.

In a statement issued on Monday morning, Bishop Richard said: “As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we can also be deeply grateful for his life of service to the Universal Church. Bringing his experience of the Church in South America, informed and enlightened by his life as a member of the Society of Jesus, he called us all to simplicity of life, a renewed openness to the gift of mercy, a deeper understanding of the dignity of the human person and a respect and care for creation. The work of the Synod, that has marked the more recent years of his papacy, is sure to inform to the life and mission of the Church in the proclamation of the Gospel and his faithful dedication, even as he lived with failing health, is an example to us all.”

Bishop Richard offered a public Mass for the Repose of the Pope’s Soul on Tuesday morning at Arundel Cathedral. Speaking during the homily, he said: “I was in Rome with a number of diocesan deacons as part of the Holy Year celebrations, when Pope Francis first went into hospital in February. We prayed for the Holy Father during his time in hospital, and then came the news that he had returned once more to the Vatican. Pope Francis remained seriously ill; those of you who might have watched the Urbi et Orbi Easter Message on Easter Sunday would have seen just how much he was struggling and yet all of us, I’m sure, were shocked and surprised yesterday morning when the news came that the Holy Father had died…

“The Pope’s last great letter, Dilexit nos – published late last year – was about the love that we see in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I rather wonder whether history will look back and see Dilexit Nos as the greatest of the Pope’s encyclical letters, because it calls us to the very heart of things; to the love that we see in the person of Jesus Christ – a love that we experience in His Word, a love that we encounter in the Eucharist, a love that we are called as His followers to share with our brothers and sisters across the world that ‘the merciful love of the Lord fills the Earth’.

“We saw the Pope simply living out a life of service on Easter Sunday morning, when as a very sick man – I suspect, knowing that his days were numbered – he insisted on being with the people of God. Giving us – each and every one of us – the Easter Blessing.” The Pope’s funeral will be celebrated on Saturday 26 April at 9am (UK time) and will be broadcast live on most major TV channels and on the Vatican’s YouTube channel. Following Mass in St Peter’s Square, the Pope’s body will be transferred to the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major for burial.

How to read and watch reactions to the death of Pope Francis

Cardinal Nichols’ Thought For The Day can be heard here

The website of The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales contains more links

The live feed of the official Vatican website can be found here

The BBC amongst other broadcasters will be covering the funeral of Pope Francis from 8:30am on Saturday 26th April.

Blessed Carlo Acutis

You may have noticed more young people queuing to view the coffin. This because Sunday is described as the Jubilee Day for Teenagers, and he was to be canonised this Sunday. This is now delayed until we have a new Pope.

Mass Schedule

Sunday 27th April 10am Second Sunday of Easter int. Pope Francis RIP
Monday 28th April 8:15am St George Patron of England St Mary’s House
Monday 28th April 10am
Wednesday 30th April 9:30am St Joseph The Worker
Friday 2nd May 9:30am St Athanasius
Saturday 3rd May 8:30am HMP Lewes
Sunday 4th May 10am Third Sunday of Easter

Thank You

For participating in the Triduum and for the readers and musicians

St Bernadette’s School

On Friday the Cross was decorated with flowers accompanied by joyful singing and a with number of parents present. It was then placed by the Tulip Tree as a memorial to Pope Francis.

In Conclusion…

From the will of Pope Francis

 Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in eternal life…

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:

‍

“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.

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