March 2021 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Palm Sunday of the Passion, Year B, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ THIS IS HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday 2021

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR

We are about to embark upon our Holy Week 2021. This time last year I celebrated all of the Holy Week masses & services in an empty church, while parishioners tuned in via social media. Thank the Lord, this year we can gather together once again to journey with Our Blessed Lord through this Holy Week, to accompany Him in faith and love, and to share in the triumph of Easter Day.

Our Palm Sunday celebration reminds us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City, to cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. This, of course, is overshadowed by the religious authorities and crowds, who in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with the words, ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ This Palm Sunday sets the scene for the rest of our Holy Week.

THE SACRED TRIDUUM: The three Holy Days – are seen as one continuous celebration of faith. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper where the institution of the Holy Eucharist took place; the eternal gift the Lord gave to the Apostles on the night before he died. He journey’s to Gethsemane where he prays to the Father. The arrest takes place in the garden; and the Apostles flee in fear.

Good Friday: this sacred and solemn day calls to mind, the cruel treatment of Jesus, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, his condemnation through false evidence brought against him. Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, and he begins the journey up the Hill of Calvary to his brutal Crucifixion & Death.

Holy Saturday: Commences with the silence of the Tomb. And yet God raises Jesus out of death. We celebrate the first Mass of Easter at our Vigil celebration. Jesus triumphs over sin and death and invties us to share in the New Life of Resurrection faith.

Dear Friends in Christ: Palm Sundayof the Passion, 2021

The world has certainly changed over the past twelve months! The Pandemic has changed everyone’s way of life, and whenever we return to ‘normal’ things will be very different. The one constant in the life of faith is Jesus Christ, and as we begin this journey of Holy Week, it’s so important for each and every one of us to be thankful to the Lord for bringing us through this difficult time. Many people lost their lives over the past year during this Pandemic, and many people have also been sick. This Holy Week we remember in a particular way the Sufferings of Jesus Christ, and why he was willing to offer Himself up for each one of us as a sacrifice that takes our sins away. Let us unite ourselves with Him in this Journey and look forward to the celebration of Resurrection faith on Easter Day!

I would like to take this public opportunity of expressing my sincere and grateful thanks to all who have helped over the past twelve months of Pandemic. In particular, I would like to thank Iain McLay who has coordinated everything in church for many months; also the many Steward helpers who faithfully assist at every Mass on Sundays and throughout the week. Your Service to the whole community has truly been exemplary. I will be asking for some more volunteers during this Holy Week, if you can assist and help with the cleaning and sanitizing after each service, this would be of great help. Can We Help You Clipart.

We have had some good news this week with the number of people who have received the vaccine. This is very heartening. But as the situation in Europe gets worse, we cannot let down our guard. Until everyone is vaccinated we have to continue to remain vigilant.

As we embark upon this Holy Week, let us truly commit ourselves in faith and love to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us accompany him on the road that leads to Salvation and Eternal Life. You are invited personally to share his life, and share in the triumph of Easter Resurrection Faith.

May God Bless You All

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

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: 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

FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE PARISH: You may have noticed that the Weekly Offertory, on some occasions, is extremely low. Obviously, we are all experiencing financial issues during this Pandemic. Some parishioners have reverted to online giving since last year. Others have opted to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and are using Direct Debit weekly/monthly payments. I would say that the Weekly Offertory has probably dropped by a half over the past twelve months. Manifestly we have to cut our cloth accordingly. It would be really good if we could get everyone onto the Gift Aid Scheme or making your Weekly Contribution to the Parish Account (see above). Let us try over the next year to get these proposals in place. I would like to thank all of our parishioners for your ongoing support of the parish and all its buildings. There is no other income, other than your weekly contribution. Thank you One and All!

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: As we have not been able to have a Penance Service since Advent 2019, I would like to encourage all of our parishioernes to avail yourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter. Commencing this week, there will be Confessions after each of the masses; there will also be two brief Penance Services during Holy Week – Tuesday 30^th & Wednesday 31^st March at 7.00pm; Fr. John will be available for Confession in the ‘Back Sacristy’ after each of the services, enabling social distancing & privacy. Please make an extra special effort to celebrate the Sacrament.

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. The Foodbank has a list of 40 items needed during Lent and they are also supporting families with packed lunches and food parcels during the Easter holidays. Here are the 40 items being requested during Lent: Laundry tablets, anti-bacterial spray, washing-up liquid, UHT milk, long-life fruit juice, squash, instant coffee, tinned ham, corned beef, vegetarian tinned meal, microwave rice, instant noodles, packet mashed potato, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, tinned sweet corn, custard, sponge pudding, rice pudding, chocolate bars, tinned spaghetti, cous-cous sachet, packet soup, hot chocolate powder, peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, breakfast bars, cereal bars, biscuits, halal tinned meat, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face masks, strong carrier bags. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

CHURCH CLEANING FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER: Could I make an appepal for some volunteers to come and help with the Church leaning on Tuesday 30^th March at 9.30am (There will be no holy hour today). We want to make the Church nice a clean for the Triduum & Easter celebrations.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: We have completed several sessions together now; and I would like to take this oppportunity of thanking our Programme Director Mark Anthony, and all our Catechists for faithfully helping and assisting with our young people in their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Also a really big thank you to all our Confirmandi for participating weekly in the programme. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a very informative and interesting programme. Fr. Sthephen Wang & the Sycamore programme certainly gives us all plenty to think about. We will now be breaking for the Easter Holidays and won’t resume again until Wednesday 21^st April. Please think carefully about the reason why you want to be Confirmed in your Catholic Faith. Also, think about your Sponsor and Confirmation Name during the break. Mark Anthony will contact you with Zoom details the next time we’re due to meet.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER: You’ll be breaking up fairly soon for the Easter holidays. I would like to encoruage you all to really enter into the spirit of Holy Week & Easter. We’re all making this spiritual journey with Our Lord during the last days of his life; and the richness of the liturgy during Holy Week is very powerful and engaging. It’s not enough to just be some kind of casual onlooker, we have to really make the journey with Jesus through his Passion, Death & Resurrection as real companions. Ask for the grace to be able to make this journey with the Lord.

You may not always consider your presence at Holy Mass important, but it is. You are part of this bigger familiy, God’s family; and to be an active participant in the family can only enrich the whole family. You are precious in the sight of God, and your expressions of your love for him, even for half and hour each week, is something that will continue to transform your lives. Being a Roman Catholic isn’t just an Sunday exercise, it affects everything that we are, and who we are trying to become in life. Let God in!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme has been completed this year Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. This is a wonderful moment in his life as he will join our Parish Family through Initiation. This will take place on Sunday 11^th April at the 11.00am Mass. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John Tel: 0208 508 3492 RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 30 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 12 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.

EASTER LILIES: If there are any parishioerns who would like to purchase an Easter L:ily in rememberance of da deceased loved one, kindly complete the attached form in this Newsletter and return to the Presbytery, no later than Thursday 1^st April. We want to decorate the Church for Easter, and this is a lovely way to remember our deceased loved ones in a special way. Thanks! Clip Art: Religious: Cross with Easter Lilies Color I.

Lilies at Easter 2021

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 1^st

April 2021

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Noel Johnson, 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: Mary Harvey RIP (4^th April). And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £450.47 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 – MARCH / APRIL – HOLY WEEK 2021

Sat 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	Ann Wright RIP (Brenda Bryant) Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 27^th	6.00pm	Tessa Mansfield (sick) ( B & H Walsh) CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR
Sun 28^th Palm Sunday	9.00am 10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (F Westcott) People of the Parish
Sun 28^th Palm Sunday	11:00am 5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Carmen Antaki) Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 29^th	10.00am 10.30am	Kathy & Bernie Harvey RIP (M Hopkinson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 30^th	9.00am 7.00pm	David Faud RIP NO HOLY HOUR Penance Service – Fr John – Confessions
Wed 31^st	9.00am 7.00pm	Pat Fahy RIP (M Ryan) NO HOLY HOUR Penance Service – Fr John – Confessions
Thurs 1st Maundy Thursday	9.00am 8.00pm	Tenebrae – Office of Readings /Morning Prayer MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Maura Stone RIP (Anthony Family)
Fri 2^nd Good Friday	9.00am 10.00am 3.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm	Tenebrae – Office of Readings /Morning Prayer Children’s Stations of the Cross Simple Form THE PASSION OF OUR LORD THE PASSION OF OUR LORD STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Confessions
Sat 3^rd Holy Saturday	9.00am 10.30am	Tenebrae – Office of Readings / Morning Prayer Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 3^rd Easter Vigil	7.30pm	SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday	8.00am 9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Mary Walstow RIP (Maureen Perry) The Manley Family (The Gormley Family)
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday	11:00am	John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr. John )

A Happy & Holy Easter to you All!

Palm Sunday

First Reading : Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord has given me

a disciple’s tongue.

So that I may know how to reply to the wearied

he provides me with speech.

Each morning he wakes me to hear,

to listen like a disciple.

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 21(22):8-9,17-20,23-24

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me.

They curl their lips, they toss their heads.

‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him;

let him release him if this is his friend.’

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Many dogs have surrounded me,

a band of the wicked beset me.

They tear holes in my hands and my feet

I can count every one of my bones.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

They divide my clothing among them.

They cast lots for my robe.

O Lord, do not leave me alone,

my strength, make haste to help me!

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell of your name to my brethren

and praise you where they are assembled.

‘You who fear the Lord give him praise;

all sons of Jacob, give him glory.

Revere him, Israel’s sons.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

His state was divine,

yet Christ Jesus did not cling

to his equality with God

but emptied himself

to assume the condition of a slave

and became as men are;

and being as all men are,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death,

death on a cross.

But God raised him high

and gave him the name

which is above all other names

so that all beings

in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld,

should bend the knee at the name of Jesus

and that every tongue should acclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47

Key: N. Narrator. ✠ Jesus. O. Other single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.

First thing in the morning, the chief priests together with the elders and scribes, in short the whole Sanhedrin, had their plan ready. They had Jesus bound and took him away and handed him over to Pilate.

Pilate questioned him:

O. Are you the king of the Jews?

N. He answered,

✠ It is you who say it.

N. And the chief priests brought many accusations against him. Pilate questioned him again:

O. Have you no reply at all? See how many accusations they are bringing against you!

N. But, to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.

At festival time Pilate used to release a prisoner for them, anyone they asked for. Now a man called Barabbas was then in prison with the rioters who had committed murder during the uprising. When the crowd went up and began to ask Pilate the customary favour, Pilate answered them

O. Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?

N. For he realised it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over. The chief priests, however, had incited the crowd to demand that he should release Barabbas for them instead. Then Pilate spoke again:

O. But in that case, what am I to do with the man you call king of the Jews?

N. They shouted back,

C. Crucify him!

N. Pilate asked them,

O. Why? What harm has he done?

N. But they shouted all the louder,

C. Crucify him!

N. So Pilate, anxious to placate the crowd, released Barabbas for them and, having ordered Jesus to be scourged, handed him over to be crucified.

The soldiers led him away to the inner part of the palace, that is, the Praetorium, and called the whole cohort together. They dressed him up in purple, twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on him. And they began saluting him,

C. Hail, king of the Jews!

N. They struck his head with a reed and spat on him; and they went down on their knees to do him homage. And when they had finished making fun of him, they took off the purple and dressed him in his own clothes.

They led him out to crucify him: they enlisted a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull.

They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he refused it. Then they crucified him, and shared out his clothing, casting lots to decide what each should get. It was the third hour when they crucified him. The inscription giving the charge against him read: ‘The King of the Jews.’ And they crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.

The passers-by jeered at him; they shook their heads and said,

C. Aha! So you would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days! Then save yourself: come down from the cross!

N. The chief priests and the scribes mocked him among themselves in the same way. They said,

C. He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the king of Israel, come down from the cross now, for us to see it and believe.

N. Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.

When the sixth hour came there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

✠ Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

N. which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’ When some of those who stood by heard this, they said

C. Listen, he is calling on Elijah.

N. Someone ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar and, putting it on a reed, gave it him to drink, saying:

O. Wait and see if Elijah will come to take him down.

N. But Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

All kneel and pause for a moment.

And the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The centurion, who was standing in front of him, had seen how he had died, and he said,

O. In truth this man was a son of God.

N. There were some women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary of Magdala, Mary who was the mother of James the younger and Joset, and Salome. These used to follow him and look after him when he was in Galilee. And there were many other women there who had come up to Jerusalem with him.

It was now evening, and since it was Preparation Day (that is, the vigil of the sabbath), there came Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent member of the Council, who himself lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God, and he boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate, astonished that he should have died so soon, summoned the centurion and enquired if he was already dead. Having been assured of this by the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph who bought a shroud, took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in the shroud and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset were watching and took note of where he was laid.

This is Holy Week & Easter 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ: Preparing for Holy Week 2021

As we are about to prepare for Holy Week 2021, I’m sure the events of the past twelve months with a world-wide Pandemic are not far from our thoughts. We have all been profoundly affected by Covid 19 and this time last year, we weren’t even allowed to gather as a worshiping community of faith. But thank God this year, with the advent of the vaccine, and the third lockdown the R number has drastically been reduced. I encourage all our parishioners to participate in this year’s Holy Week if you can!

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of our Holy Week 2021. We will travel with the Lord Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with the cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, as they lay their palm branches before him. We also must remember this same crowd in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with cries of ‘crucify him, crucify him’! See the source image

THE TRIDUUM OF THE LORD The most powerful liturgy that we experience during the church’s liturgical year. I encourage you all to participate fully in these most wonderful celebrations of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We share together the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday Liturgy, and the Easter Vigil, as one continuous celebration of Salvation History. See the source image

Just a note of reassurance to the whole parish concerning Health & Safety. We have employed all the necessary guidelines to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors of the Church is safe. Hand sanitising upon entry & exit; face coverings; track & trace; social distancing; one-way system in church; stewards available to facilitate welcome & the distribution of Holy Communion; thorough cleaning of the church after each Service.

I make a very special appeal this year to everyone, especially those who have not yet returned to the Church because of the Pandemic, to make a special effort to really enter the spirit of this Holy Week. It is the high point in the Church’s liturgical Calendar. Parents, this is your opportunity to teach your chidlren about the importance of this Holy Week.

May God Bless You All,

SCHEDULE OF MASSES & SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK 2021

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28 MARCH

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: 27^th /28^th March

6.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sat. 27^th March)

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sun 28^th March)

10.00 am. St. Edmund’s Blessing of Palms .. ..

11.00 am St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms .. ..

5.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of Cross and Benediction

MONDAY 29^th March

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Confessions after Mass

TUESDAY 30^th March

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Mass – Confessions after Mass

9.30 a.m. Cleaning of Church for Holy Week & Easter. Please help us!

7.00pm Penance Service – Only Fr John present for confessions

WEDNESDAY 31^st March

9.00 a m St. Edmund’s

11.00 a m Chrism Mass – Brentwood Cathedral – Clergy only

7.00 p.m. Penance Service – Only Fr John present for confessions

THE TRIDUUM

MAUNDY THURSDAY 1^st April

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer, Tenebrae /Confessions

8.00 p.m. MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER St. Edmund’s

Only short period of watching after Mass / Confessions

GOOD FRIDAY 2^nd April Day of Fasting and Abstinence

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer. Tenebrae

10.00 a.m. Children’s Stations of the Cross – Short Service

3.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

5.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHIRST

7.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of the Cross. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY: 3^rd April 2021

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Morning Prayer, Tenebrae, Confessions.

12.30 p.m. Swieconka: Polish Blessing for Easter Food Baskets

7.30 p.m. St. Edmund’s. THE EASTER VIGIL

EASTER SUNDAY 4^TH April THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

8.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

11.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Family Mass

RESURREXIT SICUT DIXIT, ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

HOLY WEEK 2021

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICES:

I have scheduled two very brief Penitential Services during Holy Week, on Tuesday 30^th March & Wednesday 31^st March at 7.00pm. As I will be on my own, and we’re not allowed to use the Confessional, I will be available in the back sacristy, with social distancing. I will also schedule Confessions after all the Masses & Services during this coming week & Holy Week. Please try to avail yourselves of the Sacrament in preparation for Easter. Thank you

PALM SUNDAY:

Due to the nature of Palm Sunday, Holy Mass is always a bit longer with the Passion being read. This year we will use the shorter version. But as there is also an additional Mass at 10.00am, could I ask for some extra help with Stewarding and cleaning the Church after the 9am & 10am masses. Please contact Iain McLay if you can help. Thank you!

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:

This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

‘Easter Offering’

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES:

Please note that the Easter Vigil Mass will take place on Saturday 3^rd April at 7.30pm

Easter Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8.00am, 9.00am, 10.00am & 11.00am. We may need a little additional help with the Stewarding and cleaning of the church in between each mass. If you can help just remain after the mass ends, it will only take a few minutes if there is plenty of help. Thank you!

Fifth Sunday of Lent 2021, Passiontide, Year B

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fifth Sunday of Lent 2021

Personally, I have been a little shocked this week at the reaction by many of the larger European Countries at the suspension of use of the Oxford vaccine. Sadly, this means that there will be a halt in Europe to the ongoing vaccination programme, and with an incredible surge throughout many of the countries once again, this is going to have a devastating effect of the wellbeing and even the death of many more people. Following the science, those responsible for the Oxford vaccine have given a reassurance that it is safe, and with ongoing assessment all the time, people should not feel fearful about receiving their first jab. Here in the UK over twenty-five million people have now received the vaccine, and we are beginning to see the green shoots of recovery. This week it was reported that in the past month alone there was an 85% drop in Covid deaths in the 80’s plus age group. This is incredible! The vaccine is making a difference. Who knows whether the European situation is politically or socially motivated, but people’s lives are at risk and the resumption of inoculation is essential. Let us continue to pray for the success of the vaccine. If you’re invited to receive the ‘jab’, please don’t hesitate, we’re talking about matters of life and death here!

INVITATION TO HOLY WEEK SERVICES: This weekend you will receive a hard copy of the Parish newsletter along with the e-mail copies sent to your homes. Newsletter is also on the Parish Website. In addition to the Newsletter, I have included A Holy Week & Easter Card, stating all the times of the various Masses & Services over Holy Week & Easter. Please keep this in a safe place. During this difficult past 12 months, I know many parishioners have been very reluctant to attend Holy Mass, and possibly only livestream. But I am appealing to the whole parish community to enter into the spirit of this Holy Week, and attend as much as possible. In accord with Governmental & Diocesan guidelines, all Health & Safety measures are in place. We have been open for Sunday masses since last July, and many have returned. Many have now received the Vaccine, which enhances your health & safety. It would be wonderful to see everyone return to the regular practice of faith. We truly do miss our parish family! Please come Home!

BRITIISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28^thMARCH

Dear Friends in Christ: Fifth Sunday of Lent,Year B

Today’s Gospel takes place in the last days of Jesus’ life. The unusual request to see Jesus is met by an even more unusual answer by the Lord; he predicts his own Passion & Death. Those who seek to know Jesus must look within the Cross where his glory is revealed; to look within the Cross. Today’s Gospel invites us to turn our gaze to the Crucifix which is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory — abused at times! Rather, it is a religious symbol to contemplate and to understand. Within the image of Jesus crucified is revealed the mystery of the death of the Son as a supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all ages. We have been healed in his wounds.

In order to explain the meaning of his death and Resurrection, Jesus uses an image and says: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (v. 24). He wants to explain that his extreme fate — that is the Cross, death and Resurrection — is an act of fruitfulness — his wounds have healed us — a fruitfulness which will bear fruit for many. He thus compares himself to a grain of wheat which, rotting in the earth, generates new life. Jesus came to earth through the Incarnation, but this is not enough. He must also die to redeem man from the slavery of sin and to offer him a new life reconciled in love. I said “to redeem man”: but to redeem me, you, all of us, each of us. He paid that price. This is the mystery of Christ. Go towards his wounds, enter, contemplate, see Jesus — but from within. John 12:24 Unless A Grain Of Wheat Dies:red

SPECIAL REQUEST FOR HOLY WEEK: As you know Holy Week is the busiest week of the Liturgical Year. We will need additional help at all the Masses & Services this year with Stewarding and especially in ensuring the Church is cleaned in between Masses. There was a truly wonderful response at Christmas, I appeal to you all again for Holy Week. We have PPE equipment for all Stewards available at the back of the Church. This is truly a wonderful way to help service the whole parish community Can you help? Please

contact Iain McLay Can We Help You Clipart.

May God Bless You All

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

FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE PARISH: You may have noticed that the Weekly Offertory, on some occasions, is extremely low. Obviously, we are all experiencing financial issues during this Pandemic. Some parishioners have reverted to online giving since last year. Others have opted to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and are using Direct Debit weekly/monthly payments. I would say that the Weekly Offertory has probably dropped by a half over the past twelve months. Manifestly we have to cut our cloth accordingly. I would like to thank all of our parishioners for your ongoing support of the parish and all its buildings. There is no other income, other than your weekly contribution. Thank you One and All!

RETURNING TO THE PRACTICE OF THE FAITH: Never before in the history of Christianity have we been prevented from attending Holy Mass on Sunday’s; not even during the war years, the Mass was always celebrated and available to everyone. This Pandemic has certainly changed the game-plan in most people’s lives. But at the same time it’s also very easy to get out of the habit; one person recently told me it was ‘far more convenient to watch mass through social media’. I appreciate that priests and parishes had to learn very quickly how to livestream our masses; and from day one we have transmitted Holy Mass. Many of our housebound and sick parishioners, and those who have had to self-isolate, have truly appreciated the benefit of social media. It maintains a spiritual connection with the parish community. But I’m sure everyone would agree nothing can replace the physical presence and being together as community, and actually receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Many people have now received their vaccine, and I would appeal to our parishioners to make every effort possible to return to the weekly practice of your faith. The Church is a very safe place, as we follow all the necessary guidelines to protect the health & safety of everyone. Please think about these sentiments. Thank you! Fr. John

PARISH CONFIRMATION PRPOGRAMME 2021

HOLY WEEK & EASTER: You’ll be breaking up fairly soon for the Easter holidays. I would like to encoruage you all to really enter into the spiriti of Holy Week & Easter. We’re all making this spiritual journey with Our Lord during the last days of his life; and the richness of the liturgy during Holy Week is very powerful and engaging. It’s not enough to just be some kind of casual onlooker, we have to really make the journey with Jesus through his Passion, Death & Resurrection as real companions. Ask for the grace to be able to make this journey with the Lord.

NEW RECTOR: You may be interested to learn that Fr. Stephen Wang, who wrote the Sycamore Programme has just been asked by Cardinal Vincent Nichols to become the New Rector of Venerable English College in Rome. Many congratulations to Fr Stephen.

EASTER LILIES: If there are any parishioners who would like to purchase an Easter Lily in rememberance of a deceased loved one, kindly complete the attached form in this Newsletter and return to the Presbytery, no later than Thursday 1^st April. We want to decorate the Church for Easter, and this is a lovely way to remember our deceased loved ones in a special way. Thanks Clip Art: Religious: Cross with Easter Lilies Color I.

Lilies at Easter 2021

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 1^st

April 2021

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Robert Lockhart RIP, Helen Cooper 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 25^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Paschal Mystery. Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. This is a wonderful moment in his life as he will join our Parish Family through Initiation. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28^TH MARCH

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2021

Sat 20^th	10.00am10.30am	Peter Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Confessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Hornett Family)
Sun 21^st	9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Stephanie (Eileen Lee)
Sun 21^st	11:00am 5.00pm	Gladys Hockley RIP (M Ryan) Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 22^nd	10.00am 10.30am	Michael Scudder RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 23^rd	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Wed 24^th	10.00am 10.30am	Winnie Dunger RIP (P & B Hatch) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Thurs 25^th	10.00am	Eileen Newton RIP ((Bill & Helen Walsh) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 26^th	10.00am 10.30am	Canon Giles Goward RIP (Frank Westcott) Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Sat 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	Ann Wright RIP (Brenda Bryant) Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 27^th ^{Palm Sunday}	6.00pmVigil Mass	Tessa Mansfield (sick) ( B & H Walsh) CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR
Sun 28^th Palm Sunday	9.00am 10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (F Westcott) People of the Parish
Sun 28^th^{Palm Sunday}	11:00am 5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Carmen Antaki) Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.

Please kindly be patient with your mass requests. I will try to accommodate your requested dates, but there have been a large number of requests recently and we celebrate masses in the order in which we receive them.

5th Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Jeremiah 31:31-34

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel (and the House of Judah), but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant of mine, so I had to show them who was master. It is the Lord who speaks. No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, ‘Learn to know the Lord!’ No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest – it is the Lord who speaks – since I will forgive their iniquity and never call their sin to mind.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 50(51):3-4,12-15

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervour sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Second Reading : Hebrews 5:7-9

During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel : John 12:20-33

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them:

‘Now the hour has come

for the Son of Man to be glorified.

I tell you, most solemnly,

unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,

it remains only a single grain;

but if it dies,

it yields a rich harvest.

Anyone who loves his life loses it;

anyone who hates his life in this world

will keep it for the eternal life.

If a man serves me, he must follow me,

wherever I am, my servant will be there too.

If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.

Now my soul is troubled.

What shall I say:

Father, save me from this hour?

But it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour.

Father, glorify your name!’

A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ People standing by, who heard this, said it was a clap of thunder; others said, ‘It was an angel speaking to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not for my sake that this voice came, but for yours.

‘Now sentence is being passed on this world;

now the prince of this world is to be overthrown.

And when I am lifted up from the earth,

I shall draw all men to myself.’ By these words he indicated the kind of death he would die.

Fourth Sunday of Lent 2021, Year B

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fourth Sunday of Lent 2021

The past twelve months have probably been the most testing time that any of us could ever have imagined within our lives. Many families have lost loved ones, even here in our own parish. Life has changed dramatically. The disruption to almost every aspect of our everyday existence has led to all sorts of difficulties and problems. Learning to master computer online learning; Zoom calls & conferences; not being able to meet in person; social distancing and the wearing of face coverings; loved ones not being able to visit care homes and nursing homes; the psychological effect that this has had on many people will be with us for a long time to come. Obviously, our schools opened last Monday, much to the joy of the children and students themselves. Many months of classroom learning have been lost over the past twelve months. How you recapture or regain that lost learning is going to be an ongoing problem.

In contrast to the above; we have witnessed incredible responses from the NHS and those in the Care Sectors. I would like to think that people would have become a little more tolerant and kinder to one another. Have we been consciously aware of those who are suffering; those out of work and those who have been furloughed for nearly a year? Hope against hope, I pray that our people would have developed a deeper relationship with God. Truly, we are nothing without the Lord in our lives. It’s easy to think that we can achieve everything on our own; but as people of faith, it is the Lord who affords us all of the opportunities in our lives. And even in the most difficult situations of life, the Lord never leaves us. There are many lessons that we can learn from the past twelve months; the danger is that we slowly and gradually come to terms with this world-wide Pandemic, and as the vaccines roll out for everyone, that we will easily forget and become complacent. Coronavirus may well be something that we have to learn to live with for the foreseeable future. If you’re invited for the ‘jab’ please don’t refuse it! It will save lives!

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

Today is ‘Laetare Sunday’- meaning ‘Rejoice’. It marks the midway point in the Lenten Season. We look forward in anticipation to the great Joy of Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the day when traditionally, the austerity of the Lenten Season is lessened. We change the colour of our Vestments to Rose. The rigours of Lent can be relaxed today. Laetare Sunday always coincides with Mothering Sunday. We pray for our dear Mothers; and also remembering all of our deceased mothers who are now with God. Let us all savour this relaxation today and truly ‘Rejoice’!

As mentioned, I have also reintroduced the additional 10.00am on Sunday mornings. Thankfully, with the increase of the number of people attending our Weekend Masses, and of course, in a bit to maintain social distancing, I deemed it necessary to put this Mass back on again. Could I encourage Parishioners to avail themselves of this Mass. Over the past couple of weeks the 11.00am Mass has been full to capacity, and some parishioners had to remain outside. There is plenty of space at the 6.00pm Saturday Vigil Mass and the 10.00am Sunday Mass. We will never turn anyone away. Please always follow the direction of the Stewards. Thank you! Clip Art for Religious Education - Site Reviews

IS GOD CHALLENGING YOU? Lent is very much a time of reflection and renewal. Every single person has so much to be thankful for. Even in spite of this Pandemic, let us thank God of our families, our health & happiness. Hopefully, you are still immersed in the Holy Lenten Season, and haven’t fallen by the wayside. Think of the different challenges that have presented themselves to you during Lent. Have you stuck to your Lenten resolutions? Have you prayed daily? Do you ever read the Scriptures? Have you attended an additional Mass during the Week? Have you prayed the Rosary? Do you ever read a spiritual book? Have you been kind & generous to one another? Have you remembered the Poor? You can personally add to this litany. “The Lord who sees all that is done in secret will reward you”!

May God Bless You All This Week,

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

FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE PARISH: You may have noticed that the Weekly Offertory, on some occasions, is extremely low. Obviously, we are all experiencing financial issues during this Pandemic. Some parishioners have reverted to online giving since last year. Others have opted to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and are using Direct Debit weekly/monthly payments. I would say that the Weekly Offertory has probably dropped by a half over the past twelve months. Manifestly we have to cut our cloth accordingly. I would like to thank all of our parishioners for your ongoing support of the parish and all its buildings. There is no other income, other than your weekly contribution. Thank you One and All!

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: Our sixth session in the Confirmation Programme will be streamed Via ZOOM on Wednesday 17^th March. At 7.30pm. Please check in at 7.20pm There were a few of our young people missing from the programme last week. As a matter of courtesy kindly notify Fr. John if you’re unable to attend the Zoom meeting. Thank you! You can catch up on this session, Mark Anthony wiill be able to forward you the details. Parents please remind your sons and daughters of the importance of each session; you are also welcome to attend the sessions, and see how the programme is taught.

THIS WEEK’S TALK: The Sacraments of Baptism & Confirmation. It will help to really explore the meaning of these two Sacraments; one you have already received, the second you are prearing for at present. As an infant your paprents brought you in love to the Church to initiate you in the life of God who is Father, Son & Holy Spirit. You began your journey of faith, and along that journey there are many milestones. As young people, in faith, you have made a decision to receive the Sacraemnt of Confirmation. It is the Sacrament of Mission, empowering you and strengthening you to go out and become a really strong and active member of God’s Church. Ask yourselves daily ‘Why do I want to be Confirmed’?

As you begin grow in your understanding of the whole meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation, hopefully this will give you the information necessary to make the right decisions in your young lives. Every action has a consequence; e.g. every time we say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ it has a domino effect in our lives, and can profoundly touch the lives of so many different people. Even the most private actions of our lives, effect, not only our person bu the lives of those around us. We all make mistakes, but our lives are not determined by our faults and failings, but on how much we learn can learn and grow through these issues. That’s why the Church has always advocated the Sacrament of Reconciliation to assist and help us.

http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/321164.jpg

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Lent is a Penitential Season – which means that every Catholic should avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We all need to celebrate Christ’s forgiveness, Confession and Penance. This has always been a spiritual custom during the Special Holy Seasons of the Year. Not one of us is perfect, and our faults and failings can mount up over a period of time. The Sacrament affords us the opportunity to be released from the burden of sin, to be free or those things which create barriers between ourselves and Almighty God. I will be hearing Confessions throughout the weeks of Lent on various different days, please try to prepare for Easter by celebrating the Sacrament. Thank you!

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £534.18 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 18^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Paschal Mystery. Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. This is a wonderful moment in his life as he will join our Parish Family through Initiation. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2021

Sat 13^th	10.00am10.30am	David Faud RIPConfessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	Patrick O’Donoghue (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 14^th	9.00am10.00am	Bernie (Get Well) (Bridget Kinsella)People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	11:00am5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (The Poulter Family)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 15^th	10.00am10.30am	Duncan Lowther RIP (Brenda Bryant)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 16^th	10.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke’s Int’s (O’Rourke daughters)
Wed 17^th	10.00am10.30am	Danny Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Thurs 18^th	10.00am	Susan O’Toole RIP (Mike Sheehy)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 19^th	10.00am10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Catherine Mills)Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Sat 20^th	10.00am10.30am	Peter Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Confessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Hornett Family)
Sun 21^st	9.00am10.00am	People of the ParishStephanie (Eileen Lee)
Sun 21^st	11:00am5.00pm	Gladys Hockley RIP (M Ryan)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.

MASS INTENTIONS: If you wish to book a Mass for a particular intention, please let us have it well in advance of the date. This will avoid disappointments if that date has already been taken. Thank you!

Lilies at Easter 2021

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 1^st

April 2021

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

First Reading : 2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23

All the heads of the priesthood, and the people too, added infidelity to infidelity, copying all the shameful practices of the nations and defiling the Temple that the Lord had consecrated for himself in Jerusalem. The Lord, the God of their ancestors, tirelessly sent them messenger after messenger, since he wished to spare his people and his house. But they ridiculed the messengers of God, they despised his words, they laughed at his prophets, until at last the wrath of the Lord rose so high against his people that there was no further remedy

Their enemies burned down the Temple of God, demolished the walls of Jerusalem, set fire to all its palaces, and destroyed everything of value in it. The survivors were deported by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; they were to serve him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. This is how the word of the Lord was fulfilled that he spoke through Jeremiah, ‘Until this land has enjoyed its Sabbath rest, until seventy years have gone by, it will keep Sabbath throughout the days of its desolation.’

And in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfil the word of the Lord that was spoken through Jeremiah, the Lord roused the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation and to have it publicly displayed throughout his kingdom: ‘Thus speaks Cyrus king of Persia, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; he has ordered me to build him a Temple in Jerusalem, in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God be with him! Let him go up.”’

Resposorial Psalm : Psalm 136(137):1-6

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

By the rivers of Babylon

there we sat and wept,

remembering Zion;

on the poplars that grew there

we hung up our harps.

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

For it was there that they asked us,

our captors, for songs,

our oppressors, for joy.

‘Sing to us,’ they said,

‘one of Zion’s songs.’

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

O how could we sing

the song of the Lord

on alien soil?

If I forget you, Jerusalem,

let my right hand wither!

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

O let my tongue

cleave to my mouth

if I remember you not,

if I prize not Jerusalem

above all my joys!

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

Second Reading : Ephesians 2:4-10

God loved us with so much love that he was generous with his mercy: when we were dead through our sins, he brought us to life with Christ – it is through grace that you have been saved – and raised us up with him and gave us a place with him in heaven, in Christ Jesus.

This was to show for all ages to come, through his goodness towards us in Christ Jesus, how infinitely rich he is in grace. Because it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God; not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit. We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it.

Gospel : John 3:14-21

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘The Son of Man must be lifted up

as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.

Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost

but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world

not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.

No one who believes in him will be condemned;

but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,

because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.

On these grounds is sentence pronounced:

that though the light has come into the world

men have shown they prefer darkness to the light

because their deeds were evil.

And indeed, everybody who does wrong

hates the light and avoids it,

for fear his actions should be exposed;

but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light,

so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

Third Sunday of Lent 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ

On a more optimistic note this week we have seen an incredible decrease in the number of people in hospital with Covid by a third; and the number of deaths is decreasing almost daily compared to a month ago. Obviously we still have to keep vigilant and continue to protect ourselves against this terrible disease. Many of our parishioners have received the first ‘jab’, giving them a little more confidence and hope about the future. The reports through the media, and the scientific assessments, has far surpassed the expectations of all those who have produced the vaccine. We are now starting to see the results after a few months of distributing the vaccine, and these are really positive, so much so, that Europe has changed it minds about our Oxford vaccine and are now distributing it in the various countries. Manifestly, according to reports, this may well be something we may have to live with for the foreseeable future. We may need ‘top-up’ vaccines that coincide with our annual flu vaccine. Obviously it’s an unknown quantity at present, but if you have the opportunity to receive the vaccine, please don’t refuse it. It is most definitely saving lives!

This week we will welcome all of our children back to school. Throughout the Pandemic, we have to remember our schools have always been open, for those children of key and front-line workers. I would like to commend our Headteacher and Staff who have maintained a great disci0line in trying to teach online classes for our children. Obviously, this is a completely new phenomenon for many of them, and they have had to adapt very quickly to ensure that the children receive as much learning as possible. The Government are certainly erring on the side of caution with regards to opening all sectors at once. There will be close assessment of how these next five weeks will fare, once the schools, colleges & universities are opened up once again. Please God; this will be the last lock-down that we have to experience. We have been closed up approximately 26 weeks over the past twelve months.

Dear Friends in Christ:

In the scriptures today, Jesus drives the money-changers out of the Temple, quoting the scriptures saying: ‘my house shall be a house of prayer’. The Lord’s anger was righteous; they have turned the House of God into a Market selling their wares animals and changing money. Obviously this really angered those who were present, and even the scribes and Pharisees should have known better than to allow this happen. But once again, they turned a blind eye. The Temple was the most sacred place and was the House of God. As far as the Lord was concerned they were desecrating this sacred place. The Jews enraged question Jesus about his authority to do such a thing. His reply was somewhat of an enigma to them; ‘destroy this Temple and I will raise it up in three days’; manifestly he is talking about the Temple that was his body. But they failed to understand. It’s only after the resurrection that the Apostles really understood what he meant.

I wrote to the Parish last Thursday informing you that I would reintroduce the additional Mass at 10.00am on Sunday Mornings. I trust the majority of you will have received this news by now. I want every parishioner to know that you are always welcome at Sunday Mass. Last weekend there was an extremely good attendance, that’s why I’ve reintroduced this additional Mass. With an increase of those who have received the vaccine, and people’s confidence growing, I’m really hoping that the faithful will seriously return to the practice of the faith in person. Virtual screening is all well and good, but it is not the same as the faith community gathered together, and being able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. I encourage all of our families to seriously consider this invitation. As we are now well into our Lenten Season, it’s an opportunity to really enter into the spirit of this Penitential Season. There are a number of spare places available at the 6.00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings. Also when I was celebrating the 10.00am before there were a good number of spaces at this particular celebration.

May God Bless You All This Week,

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Anthony Rattigan RIP, Pat Steele RIP, and 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 11^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: THE HOLY TRINITY of Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

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

FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE PARISH: You may have noticed that the Weekly Offertory, on some occasions, is extremely low. Obviously, we are all experiencing financial issues during this Pandemic. Some parishioners have reverted to online giving since last year. Others have opted to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and are using Direct Debit weekly/monthly payments. I would say that the Weekly Offertory has probably dropped by a half over the past twelve months. Manifestly we have to cut our cloth accordingly. I would like to thank all of our parishioners for your ongoing support of the parish and all its buildings. There is no other income, other than your weekly contribution. Thank you One and All!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021: There has been 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, 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.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Patricia Gardener RIP, who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 10^th March at 12.15pm. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss. May she rest in peace.

THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: For those who postponed marriage last year, and for those who are thinking about getting marriage, could you kindly let Fr. John know your plans. Obviously, a great dealing of preparation has to go into marriage. It is good to know well in advance please.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: Our fourth session in the Confrimation Programme will be streamed Via ZOOM on Wednesday 10^th March. There were a number of our young people missing from the programme last week. As a matter of courtesy kindly notify Fr. John if you’re unable to attend the Zoom meeting. Thank you! You can catch up on this session, Mark Anthony wiill be able to forward you’re the details. Parents please remind your sons and daughters of the importance of each session; you are also welcome to attend the sessions, and see how the programme is taught.

THIS WEEK’S TALK: Findiing True Freedom – Is there such a thing as right and wrong? Are there any limits to our freedom? People have such different views about moral issues, but most people have some kind of moral code. What are the values that shape our lives? How can we find moral guidance when we need it. Ask yourselves the question, who are the people in your lives that have given you a moral compass? Do your Catholic Christian morals truly affect your lives? This session on the Sycamore programme will help to explore these important questions and many more.

Lilies at Easter 2021

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 1^st

April 2021

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2021

Sat 6^th	10.00am	Tony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 6^th	6.00pm	Michael Carrig RIP
Sun 7^th	9.00am10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Esther Penn)People of the Parish
Sun 7^th	11:00am5.00pm	Ellen Manley RIP (M Ryan)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 8^thMarch	9.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Frank Westcott)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 9^th	10.00am	David Faud RIP (John O’Rourke)
Wed 10^th	10.00am10.30am12.15pm	Mark Rowley RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. SacramentRequiem Mass; Patricia Gardner RIP
Thurs 11^th	12.15pm	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (M Duffy)
Fri 12^th	10.00am10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Irene Olivelle)Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Sat 13^th	10.00am	David Faud RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	Patrick O’Donoghue Int’s (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 14^th	9.00am10.00am	Bernie (Get Well) (Bridget Kinsella)People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	11:00am5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (The Poulter FamilyStations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.

3rd Sunday of Lent

First Reading :

Exodus 20:1-17

God spoke all these words. He said, ‘I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

‘You shall have no gods except me.

‘You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God and I punish the father’s fault in the sons, the grandsons, and the great-grandsons of those who hate me; but I show kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

‘You shall not utter the name of the Lord your God to misuse it, for the Lord will not leave unpunished the man who utters his name to misuse it.

‘Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath for the Lord your God. You shall do no work that day, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals nor the stranger who lives with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that these hold, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why the Lord has blessed the sabbath day and made it sacred.

‘Honour your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God has given to you.

‘You shall not kill.

‘You shall not commit adultery.

‘You shall not steal.

‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

‘You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his servant, man or woman, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is his.’

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 18(19):8-11