January 2021 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Fourth Sunday of the Year 2021, Year B

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fourth Sunday of the Year 2021

As the Universal Pandemic continues, and as we listen daily to the various implications and consequences of this situation, we have seen the emergence this week of another vaccine, that hopefully will assist in protecting more and more people from this terrible disease. Health & Safety will always remain the top priority for everyone. As more and more people are receiving the vaccine, manifestly this will have the knock-on effect of reducing the number of people being admitted to hospital. But obviously, we wont see the benefits of this for another few weeks. Sadly, this past week we peeked at a hundred thousand deaths in the UK. Every single one of these people came from a family, and there are literally hundred of thousands of people grieving at this time. I spent the largest part of the past two weeks talking to families who’ve lost loved ones. Because people are so isolated, even from their own family members, it’s very hard when you’ve lost a loved one, and there’s very little personal support because of isolation and social distancing. Just being able to listen to loved ones talking about their deceased family member is very humbling. Please pray for all who have lost loved ones recently.

I would like to personally thank the many parishioners who have so kindly sent messages and letters & cards about contintuing to provide Masses to the Faith Community. A beautiful card I received during the week talked of the open Church as a ‘life-line in this darkest of times.’ To be able to come in and pray, and light a candle, and also to be able to attend Holy Mass, has been a real source of strength and support to so many. The fact that we are able to contiune to be able to celebrate Funeral Masses, compared to last year when we could only conduct a grave-side service, is a blessing and grace in itself. As you know we follow strictly Governmental & Public Health England & Diocesan Guidelines. Our Health & Safety Officer has checked and approved all the safety measures we have in place, and have given approvel. The Church is open for Mass every day and at weekends, but it is up to the individual as to whether they attend or not. I can assure you, Church is a safe space.

Dear Friends in Christ: Fourth Sunday of the Year,B

Today we see Jesus in the Synagogue at Capernaum; when he is presented with what people at that time considered possession, Jesus completely takes control, and ‘with authority’ releases the man from his infirmity. The words ‘with authority’ have real power behind them. Where does this authoriity come from? Of course, it comes directly from God. That’s why Jesus had such an effect and recognition from the people. But at the same time, it agitated the religious leaders, because they were never able to achieve such faith, in the same way the people believed in the Lord. We have to constatnly remind ourselves who Jesusis, the Son of God; his authority comes directly from the Father, and he never doutbs in what the Father can do in and through him.

These of course, are powerful lessons in faith in our own time also. In an age that is far less conscious of the sacred and divine; in a age of scepticism and cynicism; in an age of apathy and indifference; we have to truly be strong in faith. Faith in God, faith in Christ Jesus, faith in the Church, are the means whereby the Lord continues to reveal himself in the world of the twenty-first century. A take-it-or-leave-it attitude, or Cafeteria style religion is not true Catholicism; total commitment and a desire for understanding in faith are the key constituents of a life lived in Christ. These are not pious sentiments, they are important facts and realities about the life of faith as it can be lived today; It’s up to you if you want to live that life!

May God Bless You All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: My grateful thanks to all our Confirmation Candidates who tuned in via ZOOM last Wednesday for the beginning of our Confirmation Programme for 2021. After a few technical hitches, we were able to conduct the session resonably well. My thanks to Mark Anthony our Porgramme Director, and also our Catechists who helped in this new venture. Confirmation Welcome Visitors Our Church Greetings - Sacrament Of Confirmation Word Clipart - Full Size Clipart (#1263314) - PinClipart

This is truly a wonderful time in a young person’s life. It’s when you personally make a decision about your ongoing life of faith. Basically, it’s about becoming a young mature adult. The decisions that we make in our lives will always affect the future for all of us. The decision to be Confirmed in Faith is no exception to that rule. It affects the decision to marry in the future; to become a committed Catholic Christian; to assume our rightful place within the life of faith and the Church.

Our next meeting will take place via ZOOM on Wednesday 10^th February at 7.30pm. A few practical notes; and you will be reminded of these prior to the meeting. Whichever email you submitted to Fr. John & Mark Anthony should be maintained throughout the programme, because your email addresses have been fed into the programme so we can break you up into your groups. If you intend using another e.mail you must let us know immediately. At each session of the programme you will be registered present. If you are unable to be present at a particular session through sickness please get a parent to contact Fr. John directly. I would once again encourage parents of our candidates to be present at the sessions. It shows how we conduct the programme, but will also be a great support to your son or daughter. In our Catechists Meeting after the session it was discussed that all Candidates should kindly make themselves visibly present, and not just have a blank image only with your name. And kindly refrain from using your phone for texting during the session. We only a little over an hour each session, and have to cover a lot of material.

The Programme we use is called Sycamore. It was created by Fr. Stephen Wang, who features throughout the programme. Fr Stephen is Chaplain to London University. It is an engaging programme and will give the Candidate a lot to think about over the next several months in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The one thing we ask of all our candidates is total commitment to the programme. None of this will make any sense whatsoever if you’re not genuinely committed. In addition, if you are able to attend Holy Mass, (and we have four on the weekend), please kindly do so. I notice many are already attending. Our presence at Holy Mass is not only our personal witness to Christ and our faith, but also affords us the grace that we need to become a real strong young Catholics in the Church today. As the Late Pope St. John Paul II, said on his pastoral Visit to the UK back in 1982 of our young people: “In the Church of today, you are the hope of tomorrow.”

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the Sacrament of Mission. Think of the first Apostles, who at Pentecost received the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to, ‘Go out into the whole world and procalaim the Good News.’ The Catechism tells us that we become a Soldier of Christ at Confirmation.

All Candidates will have now received a Copy of the Programme with dates and times etc. Please ensure that you start to check in about 7.20pm for each session, so that we can start on time at 7.30pm. Hopefully this will help to avoid and technical hitches

All Zoom sessions will be attended by at least two adults – Mark Anthony and Fr John. Where break-out rooms are used, each of these will be attended by an adult catechist and these will be monitored by Mark Anthony and Fr John. For all sessions, the following guidelines must be followed:

• No 1:1s, groups only

• Catechists and children must wear suitable clothing, as should anyone else in the household.

• Any computers used should be in appropriate areas, for example, not in bedrooms; and the background should be blurred, if possible.

• All Zoom sessions will be set up with a password, to reduce the chance of hacking.

• Language must be professional and appropriate, including any family members in the background.

• The catechists will record, the length, time, date and attendance of any sessions held.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank during these difficult times. The Foodbank are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown throughout the pandemic and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. Basic staple items are always welcome including the unbranded supermarket basic ranges which can make your generous donations go even further. Currently they are in urgent need of the following items: tinned fruit, tinned ham, tinned carrots, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, Nutella, toilet rolls (2 or 4 pack), washing up liquid, laundry tablets/powder and shower gel. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with

the Foodbank via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

CRIB COLLECTION: Each year is for the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. They do incredible work up and down the Diocese with thousands of children and their families. As you can appreciate most of the Aid Agencies over the past twelve months have been unable to fund-raise due to the Pandemic, so this annual Crib Collection is extremely important. For those who Gift Aid, there should be a Special Envelope in your boxes for Crib Collection on 2^nd February. If you wish to use the online Banking System to make a Crib Offering just use the Heading Crib BCCS. You are extremely generous every year, could I make this extra special appeal this year under these difficult circumstances; with grateful thanks. As you can see we have two beautiful Cribs this year, and there are collection Boxes at each of them. They will remain until 2^nd February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: There have been several deaths in the Parish

Barbara Pope RIP Cremation Service Tuesday 2^nd February at 1.30pm

Louis Salvoni RIP Requiem Mass Tuesday 4^th February at 12Noon

Margaret White RIP Forest Park Crematorium 8^th February at 12.00pm

Michael Barrass RIP Requiem Mass Monday 15^th February at 12.30pm

Mary Walstow RIP Requiem Mass Tuesday 16^th February at 12.15pm

Kathleen Whitty RIP Funeral Service Thursday 18^th February at 12.15pm

I commend all the deceased to your prayers, and please remember their families at this great time of loss. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 1101965

God Bless You All Fr. John

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021: There has been very little response this year to applicants for the First Holy Communion Programme. I have spoken at length to Kathryn Poulter who runs the programme; and in light of the Coronavirus restrictions at this present time, with the virus raging out of control, it is going to be almost impossible to run any kind of meaningful interactive programme for the children. We considered the prepration for the Sacraments of Reconciliation & the Holy Eucharist far too important to run a programme with no engagment from the children. Therefore, we will postpone the Programme this year until we know when it is safe to gather again as a community. I know this may sound very disappointing; but your Health & Safety are our first priority at this very difficult time. Please pray for all the families of our Parish. Thank you. Fr. John.

HOLY SEASON OF LENT: I know we are barely out of the Christmas Season, but each of the Liturgical Seasons of the Year help to prepare us for the great events in the Life of Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Sadly, last year, we locked down during Lent & Easter. Hopefully, we will be able to remain open this year. Manifestly, we will have to be attentive to Governmental Guildelines. Ash Wednesday is on 17^th February. I would presume that this lockdown will continue to be in place. But there will be various different ways that each one of us can enter the Lenten Season. Please continue to refere to the Parish newsletter and I will give you a whole programme for Lent 2021. With thanks, Fr John.

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Maureen Barker RIP, Celia Roe RIP, Eileen Bevan RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £287.08 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 4^th February 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: Eschatology – the four last things. Please pray for our enquirer. This programme is a systematic study of all aspects of the Roman Catholic Faith, with the view of the enquirer deciding to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 5 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 30 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 15 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent of the vaccine, that things will change dramatically this year. If there are any couples who are thinking about getting married, please notify the parish immediately. Thank you. Obviously until restrictions are lifted all of the above applies for the foreseeable future.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Sat 30^th	10.00am	Evelyn Bearne Int’s (Veronica & Noreen)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Kevin Hopkins Int’s ((Nancy Hands)
Sun 31^st Sun 31^st	9.00am 10.00am	Alan Baker RIP (John & Sue Campbell) People of the Parish
Sun 31^st	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 1^stFebruary	10.00am	Mike & Maggie Duley 55^th Wedding Anni
Tues 2^nd	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Margaret & Pat)
Wed 3^rd	10.00am	Geraldine Lucey RIP (Monica Maycraft)
Thurs 4^th Thurs 4^th	10.00am 12.15pm	Joseph Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy) Requiem Mass: Louis Salvoni RIP
Fri 5^th	10.00am	Ann Hawkes Int’s (Remy)
Sat 6^th	10.00am	Margaret Tucker RIP (Maree Kavanagh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 6^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 7^th	9.00am	Jacqueline Dodd RIP (S & J Campbell)
Sun 7^th	11:00am	Dorothy Walker RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)

SUNDAY MASS AT 10.00am: I introduced the additional 10.00am Sunday Mass some months ago to accommodate the numbers attending, and to assist with the social distancing. There are so few attending now that I have decided to revert back to our 9am & 11am masses only, where there are still plenty of spaces. If, after the lockdown (March 8^th), the numbers increase again, I will reintroduce it. Thank you!

Third Sunday of the Year 2021, Year B

Dear Friends in Christ

As the Pandemic continues all around the world; not to sound lik e some broken record, I would like to reiterate that my one main concerm throughout this situation has always been the Health & Safety of every single person. From the outset of the Pandemic, the Sunday Obligation was lifted with regards to attending Sunday Mass. As you know there have been various lockdowns, and the Church remained closed for 18 weeks in total. As the Scientists and Experts have got to learn more about the virus, so our response has changed. In this present lockdown according to Governmental, Public Health England & our Diocesan Guidelines, places of worship are allowed to remain open for Services & Private Prayer. The decision to attend Holy Mass is ultimately yours. We have complied with all the Governmental recommendations witih reagrds to Hand Sanitisation on entry & exit of the Church; Following the One way System both on entry & exit & the distribution of Holy Communion; The Mandatory Wearing of Face Coverings, which is now Law; the Track & Trace completion of infortmation dockets as you enter the Church (please leave your soiled pens in the buckets provided). Social distancing is maintained, alternate benches have been cordoned off. The Church is disinfected after each service; PPE is available for all of our Stewards, who have volunteered for this great Service to the whole community. Please aquaint yourselves with these guidelines. Manifestly, there are fewer people attending the Church at this time. As I conclude every Mass – Keep Safe & Well. Safety Book Stock Illustrations – 4,510 Safety Book Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

Obviously, with the Vaccine being offered to those who are 70 and upwards, hopefully this will have a dramatic effect and reduction in numbers having to to be admitted to Hospital. Please continue to pray for all those working on the Frontline; they’re all being stretched to the liimits, and the emotional strain it is putting on everyone’s lives is most definitely showing. Let us continue to pray earnetly for an end to this Pandemic. Ultimately, it is always God who is in control.

My Dear Friends,

Last Monday 18^th January at 10.10am we lost our dear Mary Walstow at St. Clare’s Hospice, where she had been for three weeks. There have been some wonderful tributes paid to Mary since her death and it is clear that she was truly loved by the whole parish community. Mary lived in Loughton all her life; and examining the Baptismal registers, Mary’s was the third Baptism in the Parish after it was established back in 1926; a truly long history! Many of you have known Mary for such a long time, and her total dedication to the Parish of St. Edmund’s is unquestionable. Daily Mass was the highpoint of her day; and I would suggest if anyone wanted to do something special in remembrance of Mary, it would be to have Mass celebrated for her. There are deceased Mass Cards in the Repository. Mary very kindly ran the Sacristy for many years, and in gratitude of that she was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal for Service to the Church back in 2009. Mary continued to serve the Church in all sorts of different ways even after she retired from the Sacristy. She had boundless energy, and people were often surprised when they learnt how old she was. Over the past 18 months, she was suffering a little, but it stop her coming daily to Holy Mass, even if at times she didn’t feel a hundred percent. I know she found the past year very difficutl with Covid. It was only in October last year that she stopped driving. Mary lived a good long life, happy with her lot in life. She now enjoyes her eternal reward in heaven. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen $C:\Users\User3\Downloads\HR_POV0138.jpg$

Mary’s Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 16^th February at 12.15pm. Her remains will be brought into St. Edmund’s on Monday 15^th February at 4.30pm. (perhaps some may like to attend the reception of the Body – We will pray the Holy Rosary). Unfortunately, during this Pandemic only 30 people are allowed to be present at the Funeral. There will be about 8 family and close friends, and the rest will be parishioners, most of whom have known Mary many decades. With the help of Social Media I will livestream the funeral mass, and if anyone would like to pay a personal tribute to Mary, please congregate in the Church Car Park at approximately 12.55pm. Please wear your face coverings and ensure social distancing thankyou! There will be Family Flowers only; any donations should be made to St. Clare’s Hospice.

May God Bless You All,

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: There have been several deaths in the Parish

Michael John Roe RIP Requiem Mass Wednesday 27^th Jan at 12.15pm

Barbara Pope RIP Cremation Service Tuesday 2^nd February at 1.30pm

Louis Salvoni RIP Requiem Mass Tuesday 4^th February at 12Noon

Mary Walstow RIP Requiem Mass Tuesday 16^th February at 12.15pm

Kathleen Whitty RIP Funeral Service Thursday 18^th February at 12.15pm

Michael Edward Barrass RIP To be announced

I commend all the deceased to your prayers, and please remember their families at this great time of loss. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

CRIB COLLECTION: Each year is for the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. They do incredible work up and down the Diocese with thousands of children and their families. As you can appreciate most of the Aid Agencies over the past twelve months have been unable to fund-raise due to the Pandemic, so this annual Crib Collection is extremely important. For those who Gift Aid, there should be a Special Envelope in your boxes. You are extremely generous every year, could I make this extra special appeal this year under these difficult circumstances With grateful thanks. As you can see we have two beautiful Cribs this year, and there are collection Boxes at each of them. They will remain until 2^nd February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

Please put your name as reference and your Gift Aid number if you have one. If you can set it up as a regular payment this would be excellent and save a lot of time in the future. If you don’t have GIFT AID this is a good time to start, you can do this by e-mailing Maria Mosquera (mjm70@hotmail.com).
With continued thanks for your generosity.

God Bless You All Fr. John

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: A very big thank you to all of our Young People who have made application to enrol in the Sacrament of Confrimation. Much to my surpirse we have 44 applications. I have sat down and read every single application; some were only a sentence or two, but others were very thoughtful personal reflections on the Sacrament and what it means to the young person. I found this very inspiring and hopeful! Confirmation Welcome Visitors Our Church Greetings - Sacrament Of Confirmation Word Clipart - Full Size Clipart (#1263314) - PinClipart

Our Programme will commence on Wednesday 27^th January at 7.30pm. We will be using ZOOM which is online. Please ensure that you have the passcode and entry details for the Zoom Meeting. If I haven’t got your email address, you will not have received these details. Each time you sign in with Zoom please kindly register your presence. If you are unable to be present through sickness, kindly speak to Fr John directly. Mr Mark Anthony is our Programme Director, and I will also assist Mark in the Programme. I would encourage the Paretns of our Candidates to also be present for the sessions. It not only shows support to your son or daughter, but will also afford you the oportunity of importance and power of this Sacrament which has been requested by your child. The Porgramme we will use this year is called Sycamore. It was created by Fr Stephen Wang, a Priest of the Westminster Diocese.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82159217708?pwd=VE9GNTFvY2JJbkt2a0RlS3BaWkt4QT09

Meeting ID: 821 5921 7708

Passcode: jVf5ZN

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021

Wednesday 27^th January 19.30

Session 1: The Search for Happiness

Wednesday 10^th February 19.30

Session 2: The Existence of God

HALF TERM

Wednesday 24^th February 19.30

Session 3: Who is Jesus?

Wednesday 3^rd March 19.30

Session 4: The Power of Prayer

Wednesday 10^th March 19.30

Session 5: Finding True Freedom

Thursday 18^th March 19.30

Session 6: The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation

EASTER HOLIDAYS

Wednesday 21^st April 19.30

Session 7: Forgiveness, Healing and Mission

Wednesday 5^th May 19.30

Session 8: The Christian Vocations

Wednesday 19^th May 19.30

Session 9: The Holy Eucharist

June (TBC) 19.30

Penitential service & rehearsal

June/July 19.00

Confirmation Mass

Safeguarding

• No 1:1s, groups only

• Catechists and children must wear suitable clothing, as should anyone else in the household.

• Any computers used should be in appropriate areas, for example, not in bedrooms; and the background should be blurred, if possible.

• All Zoom sessions will be set up with a password, to reduce the chance of hacking.

• Language must be professional and appropriate, including any family members in the background.

• The catechists will record, the length, time, date and attendance of any sessions held.

We will not be able to have the voluntary work aspect of the course this year due to COVID-19. We hope to run a retreat, but this will be dependent upon government guidelines and will not take place until after Eater at the earliest

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Barbara Pope, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Walstow, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved

ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Frederick George Burgess RIP, Bruna Maria Morelli RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 28^th January 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Sacrament of the Sick. Please pray for our enquirer. This programme is a systematic study of all aspects of the Roman Catholic Faith, with the view of the enquirer deciding to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

DIOCESAN YEAR BOOK: Is now available for purchase from the Parish Repository. It cost £2.80. It really is worth investing in a Yearbook, as it gives all the latest details of parishes, priests’ addresses, statistics, general information about the Catholic Faith and the Church. PLEASE BUY ONE!

PARISH REPOSITORY: Has a large selection of Religious items; gifts for baptisms; Medals, Statues, Religious books for children, Mass cards for all occasions, Bibles, Prayer Books, and many other items. If there is something that would specifically like to order please see Teresa Wallace or Fr. John. Our thanks to those who purchased various Christmas items this year; especially Cribs and Advent Calendars. The Christmas stock has now been removed. Thank you to Teresa for keeping the Repository so well stocked for all occasions.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2021

Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Debbie Clarke’s Int’s (Maree Kavanagh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Pat Sheehy RIP (The Ruiz Family)
Sun 24^th Sun 24^th	9.00am10.00am	Anne Jones RIP (John & Sue Campbell)People of the Parish)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Joyce Casey RIP (Evelyn Bearne)
Mon 25^th	10.00am	Denzil Rose RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)
Tues 26^th	10.00am	David Emslie RIP (N Ironside)
Wed 27^th	10.00am12.15pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Veronica & Steve)Requiem Mass:
Thurs 28^th	10.00am	Kathy Lowe’s Int’s (Nalan Hassan)
Fri 29^th	10.00am	Martin Maher (sick) (Monica Maycraft)
Sat 30^th	10.00am	Evelyn Bearne Int’s (Veronica & Noreen)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Kevin Hopkins Int’s ((Nancy Hands)
Sun 31^st Sun 31^st	9.00am10.00am	Alan Baker RIP (John & Sue Campbell)People of the Parish
Sun 31^st	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

BOOKING MASSES: If you wish to book masses for various anniversaries, or any occasion, please use the Mass Envelopes available in the Porch of the Church. Complete the details on the front, place your Mass Offering inside and post through the Presbytery Front Door. I will always try to accommodate the nearest date possible for each Mass Intention. Thank you!

Second Sunday of the Year 2021, Year B

Dear Friends in Christ

As I stated to you last week, in light of this Pandemic, every day there is a new story to tell. Over the past week we have heard of the largest number of cases of Coronoavirus in the UK since the Pandemic began. They have exceeded last year’s numbers at this time; and the number of deaths is now approximately eighty seven thousand. This is extrmely frightening! It was vitally necessary for this lockdown to take place, and for everyone to take heed of the warnings set before us daily. But sadly, there are still those who think they know better, and are endangering other people’s lives by flagrant disregard of the law, and for others. Conspiracy theories still abound. Keeping safe, is staying at home, unless you have to go out, or have to work outside the home. As difficult as self-isolation is, the health and safely of every individual should be at the top of our list of priorities. Let us pray for a speedy delivery of the vaccine over these coming months. See the source image

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR: St John’s Gospel today shows us how St. John the Baptist recognises Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’; this evokes in two of the disciples the desire to knlw more about him. Jesus’ response to their question, ‘where do you live?’ has echoed down through the centuries of time; ‘Come and see’, is the invitation that is extended to each one of us also. It’s an invitation to share in the life of Jesus Christ at the most intimate level; to really know him, to grow in love of him and to serve him. This is a clear description of what it truly means to be Christian – one who is like Christ. As the Gospel continues, we see Adrew introduce his brother Simon to the Lord – Simon is renamed by Jesus to Peter, the rock, on which Jesus will build the Church. Already we see Jesus’ work of evengelisation beginning and the seeds of the new Church slowly emerging. There will be an incredible journey for each of the Aposltes; it will be an incredible journey of faith leading to eternal life! That is also the journey of every Chrsitian committed in faith to Christ.

My Dear Friends,

Week by week for the past ten months we have listened daily to the news of this Pandemic. This week we learnt that two million people world wide have lost their lives to this terrible disease. Every single one of these people came from a family, and those families are hearbroken at the loss of their loved ones. Some of our own parishioners have lost family members, and we extend our sincere condolences to them. We are all feeling the affects of this Pandemic; our third lockdown. Many people feel isolated and scared. We cannot go anywhere at present; there is no travel or holiday plans afoot for most people. Planning for the future is somewhat limited, until we know how the vaccine is going to impact on the whole of society. Our NHS has been stretched to its capacity; each doctor and nurse and care worker is a human being, and to witness on the TV the emotional stress and exhaution these professionals are experiencing is truly heartbreaking. But each day they get up and go back to work and do it all over again! These are the real heroes during this Pandemic. We can only stand in admiration of them.

Health & Safety, has always been at the top of the list, as far as I am concerned. In accord with the Governmental & Health Advisory Boards we continue to enjoy the facility of keeping our Churches open. They have recognised that our Health & Safety measures are so stringent, and that they are there to protect each person who enters our Churches. The incredible work of our Stewards over the past several months has been a wonderful example of not only service to the community, but the selfless action of parishioners whose faith is enbling us to remain open and the celebration of daily Mass. For many who are sick & housebound, the facility of being able to live-stream our masses on a daily basis and at weekends, has been a lifeline. This is a not of reassurance to all parishioners, that we will continue to place Health & Safety at the top of the list of priorities. As I have said the whole way through this Pandemic, it’s probably far safer to attend Church than making a visit to the Supermarket. Safety Book Stock Illustrations – 4,510 Safety Book Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

May God Bless you All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: A very big thank you to all of our Young People who have made application to enrol in the Sacrament of Confrimation. Much to my surpirse there were 44 applications. I have sat down and read every single application; some were only a sentence or two, but others were very thoughtful personal reflections on the Sacrament and what it means to the young person. I found this very inspiring and hopeful!

The Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Brentwood is for Young People 14 years upwards. It is a decision that the young person should come to as individuals, but with the support of their faithful family. Obviously, teenage years can be challenging in all sorts of different ways, and to actually come to decision about receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, is very much a mature decision not only of commitment in faith, but also about their future lives as practicing Catholics. I was so delighted recently when a young man said to me that he wanted to be Confirmend in his faith, because he wanted to be married in the Catholic Church. Obviously, he had thought very seriously about the meaning of the Sacrament and its consequences. In some of the letters, our young people talked of how their lives of faith were growing, especially as they were beginning to understand more fully the meaning and signigificance of all of the Sacraments. Others talked about wanting to make a deeper commitiment to Jesus Christ. Confirmation Welcome Visitors Our Church Greetings - Sacrament Of Confirmation Word Clipart - Full Size Clipart (#1263314) - PinClipart

The Late Pope St. John Paul II, said on his pastoral Visit to the UK back in 1982 that our young people: “In the Church of today, you are the hope of tomorrow.” These words still apply; you young people are our hope of tomorrow. To be strong in faith and bearing witness to Jesus Christ through your young and enthusiastic lives, gives inspiration to us all! I share with you another beautiful quote from Pope St. John Paul II: “It is Jesus you seek when you dream of happiness; he is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is he who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal

I have had a long discussion with our Director Mark Anthony with regards to the commencement of the Confirmation Programme this year. Our Bishop was due to have come on a Pastoral Visitation at the beginning of March, but I don’t think this will be happening this year; and, we would never have been able to get a Programme completed by then. Manifestly, with the situation regarding Covid-19 raging throughout the country at present and with Schools closed and online learning taking place; we have decided that the Programme will commence through Zoom; First Session: will take place on Wednesday 27^th January 2021 at 7.30pm. You will need to consult the Parish Newsletter for the Zoom Link on each occasion we meet. There is a registration for each meeting. Obviously, this is not what anyone of us would have wanted, but Health & Safety are of utmost importance. We don’t want to rush the programme, it’s far too important; and with the vaccination programme having been initiated, hopefully by the summer most people will have been immunised, and we can return to some semblance of normality once again. We ask you to kindly be patient; even if it means being Confirmed much later in the year; the most important thing is that you will receive the Sacrament. As many of you are now off School, could I recommend that you Google the Sacrament of Confirmation, and find out as much as you can about the Sacrament. I hope most people have access to laptop or desk top computer. The more knowledge you have the better. JW Digital Clipart Zoom Meeting Cartoon Clipart | Etsy

We would request all of our Young People to join us weekly for Holy Mass; our churches are still permitted to remain open. Even if we’re locked down, we can make that extra special effort to tune in through social Media to our on-line masses. It shows commitment and seriousness about the Sacrament. We would also like to ask our young people to really think seriously about the Sacrament of Confirmation that you’re preparing for. Think of the different ways you can personally bear witness to your Catholic Faith over these next months. Are there things that you can do personally? Involvement in the life of faith and the church is not exclusively for older people. The life is faith is something that can be active. Think about ways in which you can truly put into action your Christian values and principles. Confirmation is the Sacrament of Mission – which is something active! Contact Us - Love In Action Outreach

Finally, could I ask all prospecitive candidates to kindly forward their e.mail addresses as soon as possible please. With thanks. Parents, please wncoruage your son/daughter to read this item in the Parish Newsletter.

CRIB COLLECTION: Each year is for the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. They do incredible work up and down the Diocese with thousands of children and their families. As you can appreciate most of the Aid Agencies over the past twelve months have been unable to fund-raise due to the Pandemic, so this annual Crib Collection is extremely important. For those who Gift Aid, there should be a Special Envelope in your boxes. You are extremely generous every year, could I make this extra special appeal this year under these difficult circumstances With grateful thanks. As you can see we have two beautiful Cribs this year, and there are collection Boxes at each of them. They will remain until 2^nd February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Donate

God Bless You All

Fr. John

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021: There has been very little response this year to applicants for the First Holy Communion Porgramme. I have spoken at length to Kathryn Poulter who runs the programme; and in light of the Coronavirus restrictions at this present time, with the virus raging out of control, it is going to be almost impossible to run any kind of meaningful interactive programme for the children. We considered the prepration for the Sacraments of Reconciliation & the Holy Eucharist far too important to run a programme with no engagment from the children. Therefore, we will postpone the Programme this year until we know when it is safe to gather again as a community. I know this may sound very disappointing; but your Health & Safety are our first priority at this very difficult time. Please pray for all the families of our Parish. Thank you. Fr. John.

HOLY SEASON OF LENT: I know we are barely out of the Christmas Season, but each of the Liturgical Seasons of the Year help to prepare us for the great events in the Life of Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. Sadly, last year, we locked down during Lent & Easter. Hoepfully, we will be able to remain open this year. Manifestly, we will have to be attentive to Governmental Guildelines. Ash Wednesday is on 17^th February. I would presume that this lockdown will continue to be in place. But there will be various different ways that each one of us can enter the Lenten Season. Please continue to refere to the Parish newsletter and I will give you a whole programme for Lent 2021. With thanks, Fr John.

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Barbara Pope, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Walstow, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Brenda Deamer RIP, William Hatley RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £420.00 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 21^st January 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Sacrament of Holy Orders. Please pray for our enquirer. This programme is a systematic study of all aspects of the Roman Catholic Faith, with the view of the enquirer deciding to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

the Foodbank via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2021

Sat 16^th	10.00am	Kathleen & Tommie Mullaney RIP (Monica Maycraft)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Margaret Whelen RIP (Marie Sulleyman)
Sun 17^th Sun 17^th	9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Maura Hutchins RIP (Alice McCusker)
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Margaret Meaney RIP (Evelyn & Robert Bearne)
Mon 18^th	10.00am	Dec’d members of the Epsom Family
Tues 19^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow (sick) ((The Ruiz Family)
Wed 20^th	10.00am	Ade Osonowo (sick) (Mrs O’Donoghue)
Thurs 21^st	10.00am	Barry O’Rourke RIP (Colette Wenborn)
Fri 22^nd	11.00am	Dorothy Goodman RIP
Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Debbie Clarke’s Int’s (Maree Kavanagh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Pat Sheehy RIP (The Ruiz Family)
Sun 24^th Sun 24^th	9.00am 10.00am	Anne Jones RIP (John & Sue Campbell) People of the Parish
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Joyce Casey RIP (Evelyn Bearne)

PLEASE BOOK ANNIVERSARY MASSES IN ADVANCE. THANK YOU

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord 2021

Dear Friends in Christ

We have entered this New Year of 2021 with Covid levels even higher now thatn they were at the peak in 2020. Obviously this is a very frighteneing scenarionn for many people, especially our elderly. With the new variant being so contageous a lot of people are self-isolating once again. Manifestly, Health and Safety are always the top priorities for all families. Unfortunately, you still see individuals who think they are invincible and that the virus wont affect them. My brother recently told me how frightening the Covid Ward in the hospital was, and that it wasn’t just old people who were on ventilators. Thankfully he is home now recovering. Obviously, with the vaccine programme now in full swing, and hopefully increasing in the number of injections being given on a daily basis, it will give some protection to our elderly people, which ultimately should result in less people being admitted to hospital. But this is certinaly going to take some weeks before we see a reduction in numbers, and sadly, there will still be more deaths. Please keep safe and well. See the source image
Baptism of Jesus-Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady | Arte cristiano, Arte de jesús, San juan bautista

SOLEMNITY OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD:

Do you know that date you were baptised? Pope St John Paul II, believed the day of his baptism was the greatest day of his life. Our initiation into the Christian life commences on the day of our Baptism. In the Gospel today we see Jesus’ baptism. It actually wasn’t necessary for him to be baptised as he was free from sin; but he uses it as a witness to those around, how he wishes to be associated with with sinful humanity, as Saviour. The sacred promises made by our loving paretns on the day of child’s baptism are an eternal legacy to the child, that they will do everything in their path to keep that child on the path of Jesus Christ, and ultimately, leading to God. Baptism, is the gateway to the Sacremntal Life; we begin that great jounrney of discovery, and live out daily those promises so solemnly made on our behalf. Perhaps, you can look at your Baptismal Certificate today and memorise the date of your Baptism. (Picture: Baptism of Jesus, LosAngeles Cathedral)

My Dear Friends,

As the song goes “What a difference a day makes!” As the rates of death have peaked to record levels over the past twenty-four hours, and as the Covid virus rages throughout our country. My first concern is for the health and Safety of all our parishioners. As yet, we haven’t heard anything from the Bishop or the Bishops’ Conference with reagrds to clebrating public masses. Hopefully, at some stage today (Saturday), a statement should be made. At present, the directives from Government are that Communal Worship may continue. But listening to the News today they statd that one in twenty people in London are testing positive with the virus, and the contageous nature of the virus is getting out of control. I would ask all of our parishioners, at present, to use your own discretion as to whether you attend public masses. Until we receive Governmental & Diocesan guidelines, I will continue to celebrate Holy Mass, but they will also be live-streamed. YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY ARE MY MAIN CONCERN. Safety Book Stock Illustrations – 4,510 Safety Book Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

Manifestly, with our schools being closed, once again our children are having to access some on-line learning. Obviously, with losing out so much time last year mthese are difficult times in education. With the executive decision being made to cancel GCSE’s & A Levels this year, many of our young adults have been left disappointed and frustrated. After all the hard work they have put in through their coruses; thankfuly, the decision by Governement for Teacher’s Assessment is a much better solution than last years adjusment by an algorithm. This is a more fair way to assess our young people. Their teachers will always know best. Please pray for all our Young people and chidlren, and of coruse all our Teachers at this difficult time.
Thank you to all the Contributors to this board I send you my heartfelt thanks for all of your be… | Thank you quotes gratitude, Thank you images, Thank you quotes

Once again, an incredibly BIG THANK YOU, to the whole parish community for your ongoing suppport during this Pandemic. The number of parishioners who have volunteered as Stewards and helpers during this difficult period of time is truly inspiring; and the selfless help and charitable acts of kindness, especially to those who are vulnerable, housebound and sick has been outstanding. Please continue to keep safe, and always be kind and loving to one another.

With Love & Peace to you All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: A very big thank you to all of our Young People who have made application to enrol in the Sacrament of Confrimation. Much to my surpirse there were 42 applications. I have sat down and read every single application; some were only a sentence or two, but others were very thoughtful personal reflections on the Sacrament and what it means to the young person. I found this very inspiring and hopeful!
Confirmation Welcome Visitors Our Church Greetings - Sacrament Of Confirmation Word Clipart - Full Size Clipart (#1263314) - PinClipart

JW Digital Clipart Zoom Meeting Cartoon Clipart | Etsy

I have had a long discussion with our Director Mark Anthony with regards to the commencement of the Confirmation Programme this year. Our Bishop was due to have come on a Pastoral Visitation at the beginning of March, but I don’t think this will be happening this year; and, we would never have been able to get a Programme completed by then. Manifestly, with the situation regarding Covid-19 raging throughout the country at present and with Schools closed and online learning taking place; we have decided that the Programme will commence through Zoom. Obviously, this is not what anyone of us would have wanted, but Health & Safety are of utmost importance. We don’t want to rush the programme, it’s far too important; and with the vaccination programme having been initiated, hopefully by the summer most people will have been immunised, and we can return to some semblance of normality once again. We ask you to kindly be patient; even if it means being Confirmed much later in the year; the most important thing is that you will receive the Sacrament. As many of you are now off School, could I recommend that you Google the Sacrament of Confirmation, and find out as much as you can about the Sacrament. I hope most people have access to laptop or desk top computer. The more knowledge you have the better.

We would request all of our Young People to join us weekly for Holy Mass; even if we’re locked down, we can make that extra special effort to tune in through social Media to our on-line masses. It shows commitment and seriousness about the Sacrament. We would also like to ask our young people to really think seriously about the Sacrament of Confirmation that you’re preparing for. Think of the different ways you can personally bear witness to your Catholic Faith over these next months. Are there things that you can do personally? Involvement in the life of faith and the church is not exclusively for older people. The life is faith is something that can be active. Think about ways in which you can truly put into action your Christian values and principles. Confirmation is the Sacrament of Mission – which is something active! Contact Us - Love In Action Outreach

Finally, could I ask all prospecitive candidates to kindly forward their e.mail addresses as soon as possible please. With thanks. Parents, please wncoruage your son/duaghter to read this item in the Parish Newsletter.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021: There has been very little response this year to applicants for the First Holy Communion Porgramme. I have spoken at lentgth to Kathryn Poulter who runs the programme; and in light of the Coronavirus restrictions at this present time, with the virus raging out of control, it is going to be almost impossible to run any kind of meaningful interactive programme for the children. We considered the prepration for the Sacraments of Reconciliation & the Holy Eucharist far too important to run a programme with no engagment from the children. Therefore, we will postpone the Programme this year until we know when it is safe to gather again as a community. I know this may sound very disappointing; but your Health & Safety are our first priority at this very difficult time.

Please pray for all the families of our Parish. Thank you. Fr. John

the Foodbank via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

Admissions open on the Essex website on 9^thNovember 2020, and the closing date is this week 15^th January 2021. We ask parents to complete a supplementary form, also obtainable from the admissions page, (especially if they wish to be considered under criteria 2 or 3 of the admissions policy) and can be returned directly to the school. If you need further information, please contact Mrs McGrenra on tmcgrenra@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk.

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes are still available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to their Parish Priest. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas offering’. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

God Bless You All Fr. John

DIARY 2020

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Barbara Pope, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Walstow, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: For all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 14^th January 2021 at 8.00pm unfortunately, due to the latest Government guidelines we cannot meet together in the Presbytery; therefore, there will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Sacrament of Matrimony. Please pray for our enquirer. This programme is a systematic study of all aspects of the Roman Catholic Faith, with the view of the enquirer deciding to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2021

Sat 9^th	10.00am	Joan Moffat (Nancy Ironside & Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Julius Zuluetta Rolle (Melinda Staines)
Sun 10^th Sun 10^th	9.00am10.00am	Margaret Whelen RIP (M Duffy)People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 11^th	10.00am	Eileen Newton (sick) (Bill & Helen Walsh)
Tues 12^th	10.00am	Devid Emslie RIP (Anni) (M Duffy)
Wed 13^th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Thurs 14^th	10.00am	Aoife Hogan RIP (20^th Anni) (Frank, Sue, Jack & Ryan)
Fri 15^th	11.00am	Eugene Kane RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Sat 16^th	10.00am	Kathleen & Tommie Mullanie RIP (Monica Maycraft)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Margaret Whelen RIP (Marie Suleyman)
Sun 17^th Sun 17^th	9.00am10.00am	People of the ParishMaur Huthins RIP (Alice McCusker)
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Margaret Meaney RIP (Evelyn & Robert Bearne)

PLEASE BOOK ANNIVERSARY MASSES IN ADVANCE. THANK YOU

Second Sunday after Christmas Day 2021

Dear Friends in Christ

NEW YEAR 2021: As we embark upon a New Year 2021. May I take this opportunity of wishing you and all your loved ones a very Happy New Year. Obviously the past twelve months have challenged the whole world in ways we could never have dreamed of; and even still we enter this New Year with many issues to face with regards the World Pandemic. In the past few weeks, we have seen an incredible increase of people contracting this dreadful disease. Many of our own parishioners and family members have been sick and isolating, and still the disease rages. Hopefully the latest implementation of restrictions will alert people to the serious nature of this pandemic. We can only hope and pray that with the advent of the vaccines, that an immunisation programme will begin to take place quickly. As I always say: ‘Keep safe & well, and always be kind and loving to one another.’ See the source image

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: Holy Day of Obligation, Wednesday 6^th January 2021. As part of the ongoing Nativity Story, we have now reached the point with the arrival of the Magi; the Wise men from the East, probably Star gazers. In following the Star, they arrive in Bethlehem to find the Christ-child. The Magi represent the outside world being introduced to the King of kings. Do they know who he is? Possibly not! But they recognise that this is no ordinary child; in their encounter their lives are transformed. We never hear of them again, but as they return to their own lands, already the work of Evangelisation has begun. Let us also visit the manger and like the shepherds and Magi fall on our knees before our Saviour. He came to bring light into darkness, hope into fear, love into a lack of faith. Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, is the Son of God – that love is revealed at a moment in time, and the world will never be the same again. We need to remind ourselves of that reality, especially as we embark upon this New Year.

Wishing you all A Happy New Year, 2021

My Dear Friends,

I would peronsally like to reiterate my sincere and grateful thanks to the whole parish community for your throughfulness and generosity over the Christmas with your greetings and gifts. Also to thank you for your Christmas Offertory, which makes up the majority of the priests’ salary throughout the year. I’m truly grateful.

At the beginning of this New Year of 2021, we have to acknowledge that things are not back to normal in any of our parishes. As we live in the South East of England, there are even more stringent measures being placed upon our schools because of the rapid spread of this variant of the Coronavirus. We are all aware of people, family members, parishioners who have tested positive in the past month, and how it is having such a devastating affect on the National Health Service, being stretched to the limits. At this time of the year there is always an upsurge in flus and colds, but added to that the contagious nature of the conronovirus, they have reached critical levels. Social responsbility, is the only way forward. Thankfully, in our church we have always maintained strict levels of social distancing, hand sanitisation, the wearing of face covereings, stewarding, sanitisation of the church after each service. As I have told you over many months, you’re probably far safer coming to church than going to the supermarket.

They often say that a crisis brings out the best in people. Over these past nine months, I have weitnessed for myself, the incredible kindness and charity of many of our parishioners. Those who have colunteered to be our Stewards at all of our Masses throughout the week and Sundays. Giving of their own time in service of the whole parish family. Iain McLay, who has co-ordinated the whole Stewarding Rotas, and also our Christmas masses. Iain & Martin who built the beautiful crib for us this year. Also the continual weekly response to the Food Bank, your charity and geneoristy is boundless. At a personla leve, I would like to thank those parishioerns who so kindly wrote messages and notes to me over Christmas in your cards; I was very humbled and grateful for your thoughfulness. My role as a Parish Priest is to serve, and I do it willingly and lovingly. Thank you one and all!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 7^th January 2021 at 8.00pm unfortunately, due to the latest Government guidelines we cannot meet together in the Presbytery; therefore, there will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Sacrament of Confirmation – Sacrament of Mission. Please pray for our enquirers. This programme is a systematic study of all aspects of the Roman Catholic Faith, with the view of the enquirer deciding to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

THANKING THE WHOLE PARISH COMMUNITY: I was completely overwhelmed by the incredible response from the whole parish community to the GRAND DRAW that we organised in place of our Annual Parish Bazaar. You truly embraced the spirit of the Draw by your generosity in not only supplying gifts and items for the Draw, but also in the sale of Draw Tickets over the past few weeks. During these difficult times, and it is a real tribute to the whole community in working together for the ongoing support of the parish. My grateful thanks to our Bazaar Committee for the innovation of making up Christmas Hampers as prizes; we had 45 different Christmas hampers and 12 larger prizes. The final figure was £4,595.00, which is truly wonderful! Congratulations to the whole parish community. See the source image

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

God Bless You All Fr. John

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021:

My thanks to the young people who have made application for the programme. Most of the applications came in over the last two days. I had specifically stated in the Newsletters that candidates for the Sacrament, should be attending weekly mass. Much to my surprise a number of applications have come in from people I have not seen at mass, sometimes for over a year; and others sporadically. Our churches re-opened on 4^th July this year, with stringent Governmental guidelines to protect the Health & Safety for all who attend Holy Mass; and I still didn’t see students or families return to the practice of their faith. I’m sorry, we cannot use the Coronavirus always as an excuse, because all of these young people up until a couple of weeks ago were attending school.

We are now adopting a really strict interpreation of Practice of Faith, which, according the Code of Canon Law means fulfilling our obligation by attending weekly Sunday Mass. If candidates don’t feel able to do this, then they should think twice about prepration for the Sacrament; and if you have no intention of continuing in the practice of faith afterwards, then I would strongly suggest postponing preparation until you feel ready to commit. I feel very strongly about this; we are not playing games here with the life of faith. If this Pandemic has taught me anything, it is of the importance of our faith. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same! This isn’t just about stamping the Sacramental Passport and moving on.

I would like to think that the decision is being made by our young people and not by their parents. If you do not feel that you can commit to half an hour a week at the Sunday Mass, then don’t put yourselves forward. I don’t want this to sound negative, but historically, the disappointment of young people receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, and then walking away, sometimes the week after the celebration, has been very prevalent in the 19 years I have been in this parish. I would sooner have a class of five totally committed than a class of forty who make no contribution whatsoever. I will have no hesitation whatsoever this year to dismiss students if they are not attending weekly Mass. It makes an absolute farce of the Sacrament if they are not present with the worshipping community on a weekly basis. It’s about being present, committed and making a contributuion to the community of faith.

I have spoken to Mark Anthony, our Confirmation Programme Director, with regards to how we will conduct the programme this year. Logistically, it is going to be quite difficult; as yet, we haven’t got a starting date for the programme, but hopefully within the next month. Please watch the newsletter for further details. I ask all the candidates to kindly send me your email addresses this week, no later than Friday 8^th January 2021. There will be a register kept for the sessions; and if anyone is missing from sessions you will need to contact Fr John directly.

You may think these requirements are somewhat stringent; but all we are asking our candidates and families is to be present at Holy Mass; which is what they should be doing on a weekly basis anyway. I don’t think this is too much to ask. For those who have not been attending Mass for the past year, I speak plainly to you, think very seriously about this. If you are really serious about your faith, and you’re not being forced into this, then these requests will be be easy to respond to. If not, I would ask you all once again, to think very seriously about enrolment in this programme. Postponement is not a problem; it’s much better to have a willing candidate, than one who is being forced into this by a parent. If anyone has a problem with any of the sentiments in this script, which I have thought and prayed about long and hard, please speak directly to Fr. John

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021

Once again, thank you to the Parents who have responded to enrolment of your children into a First Holy Communion Programme this year. There have been very few applications. At present, as we’re not allowed to gather together for formal instruction, we are trying to organise a programme that would be suitable for the children and their parents. As you can appreciate, the programme usually starts in September and runs through to May. Obviously, this cannot happen this year, and we may find ourselves in the same situation as last year, by preparing the children and having separate celebrations for a couple of families per week at our Sunday Masses. Manifestly, needs must! I will be meeting with Kathryn Poulter, our Programme Director to finalise details with regards to a way forward in the Programme, it may mean some form of online classes with the children and parents present. If there are any problems with this please contact Fr. John or Kathryn.

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING TIER 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 30 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 15 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent of the vaccine, that things will change dramatically this year. If there are any couple who are thinking about getting married, please notify the parish immediately. Thank you. Obviously until restrictions are lifted all of the above applies for the foreseeable future.

ST. JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL: (School Applications for September 2021) will not be offering any on-site tours to view our school this year. Instead we have prepared a virtual tour. Please visit our school website on www.st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk (our admissions page is under the Statutory Info section). The virtual tour will give parents the opportunity to see what the school is like.Admissions open on the Essex website on 9^thNovember 2020, and the closing date is 15^th January 2021. We ask parents to complete a supplementary form, also obtainable from the admissions page, (especially if they wish to be considered under criteria 2 or 3 of the admissions policy) and can be returned directly to the school. If you need further information, please contact Mrs McGrenra on tmcgrenra@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk.

DIARY 2020

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Barbara Pope, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Walstow, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: For all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescat in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £321.91 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2021

Sat 2^nd	10.00am	Vera Watt RIP (Pat & Margaret)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Church resumes regular Sunday Schedule*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Rosemary Mahoney RIP (Bill & Helen Walsh)
Sun 3^rd Sun 3^rd	9.00am 10.00am	Christine Slisz RIP Stefan & Jacqui Slisz) People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	Nell Hayes Int’s (Maureen Perry)
Mon 4^th	10.00am	Jean Fitt RIP (Pat Ata)
Tues 5^th	10.00am	Norah, William & Terry Fitt RIP (Pat & Margaret)
Wed 6^th Epiphany	10.00am 12.00pm 8.00pm	People of the Parish Bridget Kinsella B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret) Eileen Guerin Int’s (Rooney Family)
Thurs 7^th	10.00am	Irene Phillips RIP (Pat Ata)
Fri 8^th	10.00am	R Ward’s Ints (P Ward)
Sat 9^th	10.00am	Joan Moffat (Nancy Ironside & Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Julius Zuluetta Rolle (Melinda Staines)
Sun 10^th Sun 10^th	9.00am 10.00am	Margaret Whelen RIP (M Duffy) People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

PLEASE BOOK ANNIVERSARY MASSES IN ADVANCE. THANK YOU