Month: April 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ                               Fourth Sunday of Easter 2021

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, and is the world day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthtood & Religious Life. Let us pray especially for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, especially here in our own Dicoese of Brentwood. We have two deacons due for Ordinationto Priesthood this year; please keep them in your prayers. The age of the clergy is now very top heavy, and there will inevitbly be several retirements. We desperately need priests for our parishes – no priest, means no Mass – We have to ask the Good Shepherd for more priests. ‘Lord give us shepherds after the heart of God’.  Let us pray earnestly for this intention. 

The Gospel today uses one of the famous ‘I am’ statements in St, John’s Gospel. Jesus states: ‘I am the Good Shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.’ Jesus prophetically refers to his own self-sacrifice. He will lay down his life for the salvation of the whole of humanity. This will be the saving action of the Cross, and will become the key element in the Apostolic preaching of the Good News. 

Ravenna Mosaic – Jesus the Good Shepherd

POSTPONEMENT OF JUBILEE: I am due to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on 11^th July this year. Unfortunately, due to the Pandemic it has been virtually impossible to make any definite arrangements. I had originally asked our Bishop Alan to come on the 9^th July in the evening for a Thanksgiving Mass, but as we really don’t know what the state of play will be with regard to total opening of Churches without social distancing until the latter part of June, I thought it would be prudent to postpone the Jubilee Celebration. Obviously, I’m a little disappointed, but the health and safety of everyone is far more important. I originally had family from Ireland; friends for the United States & Italy, a big family and of course all of you my spiritual family. None of us knows what kind of situation we’ll be in in July, and it’s so important to give people plenty of notice about celebrations & invitations, especially with regard to planning, liturgy, music, catering, stewarding etc. The actual date of Jubilee 11^th July falls on a Sunday, and for me the most important part of the Jubilee of a priest would be the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. I have therefore designated the 11.00am Mass on that day as a Jubilee Mass, and invite only the parish community to share with me. Weather permitting we might be able to share a glass of wine and a piece of cake afterwards. As a Jubilee lasts for one year, I will seriously think about having the bigger celebration in July of 2022. 

Thank you, and God Bless You!  Fr. John x

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: In this unusual past year, thankfully, we have been able to conduct our Confirmation Programme through Social Media. I’m truly grateful to Mark Anthony & all our Catechists for their help and assistance to our 47 young people preparing for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Unfortunately, the Bishop hasn’t been able to attend parishes during the Pandemic, and therefore, has delegated the Parish Priests’ to celebrate the Sacrament as the extra-ordinary minister. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June, also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. Please pray for our Confirmandi.

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

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: There are still a large number of Gift Aid envelopes which have not been collected by those who belong to the scheme. The table will be outside the Church again this weekend for collection, and then placed in Fr. John’s garage throughout the week. As stated, the HSBC bank will be closing on 13^th August, it would be good for as many parishioerns as possible to go over to the direct giving through your bank. If you wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, please see Fr. John or Maria Mosquera.   Thank you for your ongoing support to the Parish.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Faith possibly with the view of receiving the Easter Sacraments in 2022, please contact Fr. John at the Presbytery on Tel No: 020 8508 3492. The programme usually commences in September. If would be wonderful to have a number of enquirers. We follow a systematic programme of instruction, covering all aspects of Catholicism. Please spread the word about this programme. Thank you!

BRENTWOOD ECCLESIASTICAL EDUCATION FUND: The annual collection for the education of our future priests is extremely important. At present we have eight seminarians studying for the priesthood; our own Frank Westcott is coming to the end of his first year at St. Mary’s College, Oscott. There will be two ordinations to the Priesthood this summer. But there will also be retirements. As you can appreciate the age of the clergy of the diocese is now top-heavy. We continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood in our diocese. Please kindly give generously in the retiring collection at the end of all masses this weekend.

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. Here are the 40 items being requested: 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/ 

HSBC BANK LOUGHTON CLOSING: 13^th August 2021. As we belong to the Diocesan Central Banking system, unfortunately the HSBC Loughton brance will close in August. It would be good if we could get most parishioners on to the Gift Aid Direct Debit Scheme. 

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, 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: Jamie McRory RIP, Michael Touhy 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! 

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL / MAY 2021

Sat 24th	10.00am	Ron Bryant RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 24th	6.00pm	Ben & Katie Romford Paramedics (B Brown)
Sun 25th           Sun 25th	9.00am 10.00am	Kenneth Tudhope RIP (M Duffy) Roxana – For good health & well being
Sun 25th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 26th	10.00am 10.30am	Thomas & Patricia Simpson RIP (J Simpson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 27th	10.00am	Gillian Fallon (Get Well) (G O’Donoghue)
Wed 28th	10.00am 10.30am	Kavanagh Family RIP (Maree Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 29th	10.00am	John Maton RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi)
Fri 30th	10.00am  10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Remy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 1st May	10.00am	Brian Perring RIP (anni) ((Eden Burn)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 1st	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)
Sun 2nd  Sun 2nd	9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Sun 2nd	11:00am	Muriel & Bernard Gilley RIP (Eileen Ward)

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.

4th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 4:8-12

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said: ‘Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

  for his love has no end.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

  than to trust in men;

it is better to take refuge in the Lord

  than to trust in princes.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

I will thank you for you have answered

  and you are my saviour.

The stone which the builders rejected

  has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

  a marvel in our eyes.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Blessed in the name of the Lord

  is he who comes.

We bless you from the house of the Lord;

You are my God, I thank you.

  My God, I praise you.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;

  for his love has no end.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Second Reading : 

1 John 3:1-2

Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,

by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are.

Because the world refused to acknowledge him,

therefore it does not acknowledge us.

My dear people, we are already the children of God

but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;

all we know is, that when it is revealed

we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.

Gospel : John 10:11-18

Jesus said:

‘I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.

The hired man, since he is not the shepherd

and the sheep do not belong to him,

abandons the sheep and runs away

as soon as he sees a wolf coming,

and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep;

this is because he is only a hired man

and has no concern for the sheep.

‘I am the good shepherd;

I know my own

and my own know me,

just as the Father knows me

and I know the Father;

and I lay down my life for my sheep.

And there are other sheep I have

that are not of this fold,

and these I have to lead as well.

They too will listen to my voice,

and there will be only one flock,

and one shepherd.

‘The Father loves me,

because I lay down my life

in order to take it up again.

No one takes it from me;

I lay it down of my own free will,

and as it is in my power to lay it down,

so it is in my power to take it up again;

and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Third Sunday of Easter 2021, Year B

Dear Friends in Christ             Third Sunday of Easter 2021

Once again this week we have listened to one of the Post-Resurrection accounts of the Apostles’ encounter with the Risen Lord. There were ten separate appearances after the Resurrectiton, and each one reassured the Apostles and disiciples of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. He could not be contained anymore by time or space. The reassurance that he gave to his followers, was what they needed to begin the public ministry of preaching the Good News. Everything that Jesus had promised had now come to pass; their sadness turns to joy, their fear turns to courage, their doubts turn to real faitih in the Risen Lord. Nothing can now hold them back in their mission. And with the gift of the Holy Spirit promised by the Lord, their lives are totally transformed, and so the ‘New Life’ begins. 

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: There are still a large number of Gift Aid envelopes which have not been collected by those who belong to the scheme. The table will be outside the Church again this weekend for collection, and then placed in Fr. John’s garage throughout the week. As stated, the HSBC bank will be closing on 13^th August, it would be good for as many parishioerns as possible to go over to the direct giving through your bank. If you wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, please see Fr. John or Maria Mosquera.   Thank you for your ongoing support to the Parish.

May God Bless You All during this Easter Season.  

Dear Friends in Christ,             3rd Sunday of Easter

Thomas Merton once wrote, “The real reason why so few men believe in God is that they have ceased to believe that even a God can love them.” That’s the great challenge, isn’t it – to believe that an almighty God could care about, much less love, small and sinful me? But the Christian claim is that he absolutely does: God took flesh for my sake, and yours, and died for our sins in order to raise us to eternal life. In today’s Gospel, we hear how the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples not in anger or vengeance, but in reconciliation: “Peace be with you.” It is this peace, this reconciliation that is the mission of the Church – not just bishops and priests, but all of us. We, as the community of believers, must proclaim by our witness and demonstrate by our unity that, in Jesus Christ, God has proven his love for all.

SLOWLY OPENING UP AGAIN: This week, after many weeks of lock down, we saw the second phase of re-opening take place. It is hoped that with so many of the population having received one or both doses of the vaccine, it will  assist in giving a lot more confidence to people in this fight against Covid. We cannot lower our guard, and still have to abide by the social distancing measures and face coverings when inside; but with the warmer weather arriving, and hopefully, society trying to get back to some semblance of normality, we will be able to resume life in a more relaxed manner. Obviously, this Pandemic is still raging throughout our world, and even though we may feel a lot safer, there are many countries that have barely even begun a vaccination programme. Foreign travel is still very questionable! Let us continue to be vigilant.

COMING HOME: ‘Landings’, is the name of a programme designed to encourage people to the return of the practice of their Catholic Faith. For over a year now, many people have not felt safe enough to attend weekly mass, even though we have provided Government guidelines and all the necessary PPE provisions to ensure people’s safety when attending public services. We have been fortunate enough to have been open since last July 2020, and many are now slowly returning to Holy Mass. But as I stated last year, it’s very easy to get out of the habit of attending Mass, and before we know it, many will not even bother with virtual attendance either. As I stated nothing can ever replace the physical presence, being part of the worshipping community and receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Will resume again on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare for this next stage in their Faith Journey. You will be notified by Mark Anthony the day before the programme begins with Zoom details. I was very saddened & disappointed to see so few Confirmandi attend Easter Masses. Some Candidates have not been to the Church throughout the whole of the Program or over the past year; others, I have seen every week. If you have returned to school, obviously you are going out and mixing. Think seriously about Confirmation in these weeks ahead. If you are not able to make this commitment which involves the practice of your faith, think very carefully about the sacred action of Confirmation and the promises that you make.   

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

EASTER OFFERING: Please ensure that you specify ‘Easter Offering’ & your Gift Aid number.

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Faith possibly with the view of receiving the Easter Sacraments in 2022, please contact Fr. John at the Presbytery on Tel No: 020 8508 3492. The programme usually commences in September. If would be wonderful to have a number of enquirers. We follow a systematic programme of instruction, covering all aspects of Catholicism. Please spread the word about this programme. Thank you! 

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. Here are the 40 items being requested: 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/ 

HSBC BANK LOUGHTON CLOSING: 13^th August 2021. As we belong to the Diocesan Central Banking system, unfortunately the HSBC Loughton brance will close in August. It would be good if we could get most parishioners on to the Gift Aid Direct Debit Scheme. 

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, 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: Reginald Rogers RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace. 

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £597.38 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!

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 17th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy & Pat Ata (Remy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 17th	6.00pm	Ben Waters RIP (Ann Petch)
Sun 18th           Sun 18th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe Caffrey RIP (Smith Family) Gerald McCarthy Get Well (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 18th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 19th	10.00am 10.30am	Patrick Daly (Get well) (G O’Donoghue) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 20th	10.00am	Joe Brown RIP (Betty Brown)
Wed 21st	10.00am 10.30am	William Stephens RIP (Marie Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 22nd	10.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 23rd	10.00am  10.30am	Msgr Henry Posluszny RIP (F Westcott) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 24th	10.00am	Ron Bryant RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 24th	6.00pm	Ben & Katie Romford Paramedics (B Brown)
Sun 25th	9.00am 10.00am	Kenneth Tudhope RIP (M Duffy) People of the Parish
Sun 25th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

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. 

SACRED SCRIPTURES READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 2021

First Reading :   Acts 3:13-15,17-19

Peter said to the people: ‘You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses.

  ‘Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.’

Resposorial Psalm : Psalm 4:2,4,7,9

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

When I call, answer me, O God of justice;

  from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me!

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

It is the Lord who grants favours to those whom he loves;

  the Lord hears me whenever I call him.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

 ‘What can bring us happiness?’ many say.

  Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once

  for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

Second Reading :  1 John 2:1-5

I am writing this, my children,

to stop you sinning;

but if anyone should sin,

we have our advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ, who is just;

he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away,

and not only ours,

but the whole world’s.

We can be sure that we know God

only by keeping his commandments.

Anyone who says, ‘I know him’,

and does not keep his commandments,

is a liar,

refusing to admit the truth.

But when anyone does obey what he has said,

God’s love comes to perfection in him.

Gospel :   Luke 24:35-48

The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread.

  They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes.

  Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.

THE GOSPEPL OF THE LORD

Dear Friends in Christ         Second Sunday of Easter 2021

In this beautiful Gospel we see the first appearance of Jesus to the Apostles. Thomas is absent, and unless he sees Jesus for himself he will not believe. 8 days later, Jesus shows himself to the Apostles again, this time he speaks to Thomas; he’s not angry, but he wants to reassure Ttomas “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.” This underscores the very important task that Jesus wants us to undertake even with our human weakness. Jesus will still use us to spread His Gospel to the whole world.

FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY: St. Faustina, a poorly educated daughter of a humble Polish family, kept a 600-page diary of the apparitions she claimed continued for years. Her entries focus on God’s mercy, the call to accept God’s mercy and to be merciful, the need for conversion, and the call to trust in Jesus. It had been Jesus’ own wish, she wrote, to establish a feast day: “I [Jesus] desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls. . . . I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy.”

Dear Friends in Christ:                                         2^nd Sunday of Easter 2021

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the whole parish community for your kind Easter Cards & Gifts over the Easter Weekend; I truly appreciate your generosity & thoughtfulness. Also for your Easter Offerings, which form the major part of Priest’s salary. Thank you! It was a real honour and privilege to have been able to celebrate all of the Holy Week & Easter ceremonies with you.

Sadly, there are still a large number of parishioners who do not feel safe attending Church, even though we have put in place the strictest of guidelines for Health & Safety, which has always been my number one priority. I actually haven’t seen anywhere up and down the high street those who employ as strict guidelines as we do at Church; and people still go shopping! Many people have now received either one or both doses of the the Vaccine, which affords so much security to each of us. As long as we continue to maintain social distancing, face coverings, hand sanitisation & track & trace facilities; we are doing everything that the Government guidelines have requested of us.

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of replacing the actual physical presence of the worshipping community with a Virtual Reality online version; obviously it has met a need at a very difficult time, but there will come a time when online live streaming will cease. To be able to participate and receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, is ultimately the goal within this Pandemic in every parish throughout the world. It’s a new world order, and we will never look at life in the same way ever again. We have all adapted incredibly. Many diocese’s throughout the world are slowly reinstating the Sunday Obligation after this Pandemic.

I make this heartfelt appeal to the whole parish community, to seriously think about your weekly presence at Holy Mass. The Gathering together for the Sacred Liturgy is the most important thing that we do together as Catholics. Let us come and worship the Lord!

May God Bless You All during this Easter Season,

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:  Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which, is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his 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’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Fr. John’s Garage. The new financial year is about to begin so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible. The HSBC Bank will be closing in August; which means that we will only be able to pay in the Offertory every two to three weeks. With standing Orders you don’t have to worry about envelopes, other than for Special Collections.  Maria Mosquera is our Gift Aid Organiser.  

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Will resume again on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare for this next stage in their Faith Journey. You will be notified by Mark Anthony the day before the programme begins with Zoom details. I was very saddened & disappointed to see so few Confirmandi attend Easter Masses last weekend. Some Candidates have not been to the Church throughout the whole of the Program; others, I have seen every week. If you have returned to school, obviously you are going out and mixing. Think seriously about Confirmation in these weeks ahead. If you are not able to make this commitment which involves the practice of your faith, think very carefully about the sacred action of Confirmation and the promises that you make. 

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/ 

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

HSBC BANK LOUGHTON CLOSING: 13^th August 2021. As we belong to the Diiocesan Central Banking system, unfortunately the HSBC Loughton brance will close in August. It would be good if we could get most parishieorns on to the Gift Aid Direct Scheme. 

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH 

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, 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: Sheila Tremble 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 has been completed this year Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who will receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist on Sunday 11^th Apriil at the 11.00am Mass 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 Tel: 0208 508 3492

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. 

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 10th	10.00am	Gladys Hockley RIP (D Bryant)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 10th	6.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Teresa & Brian Fabbri)
Sun 11th           Sun 11th	9.00am 10.00am	Tim Hadley RIP (Pat Ward) People of the Parish
Sun 11th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 12th	10.00am 10.30am	Pam Houghton RIP ((M Hopkinson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 13th	10.00am	William Kendal (Get Well) Kendal Family
Wed 14th	10.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 15th	10.00am	Vera & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 16th	10.00am	Mary & Judith Gormley RIP (J Gormley)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 17th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy & Pat Ata (Remy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 17th	6.00pm	Ben Waters RIP (Ann Petch)
Sun 18th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe Caffrey RIP ((Smith Family) Gerald McCarthy Get Well (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 18th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

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. 

THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

(for the recitation on ordinary rosary beads of five decades. (at the beginning)

 Make the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. —- 

(then on the Our Father beads)

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. 

(then on the Ten Small Hail Mary beads) 

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(conclude with Holy God – repeat three times) 

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. 

(repeat for the remaining decades Saying the “Eternal Father” on the “Our Father” bead and then 10x “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” on the following “Hail Mary” beads)

You may download your Divine Mercy app at: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/app 

IT IS A POWERFUL PRAYER:

In a vision to St. Faustina in 1935, the Lord revealed 

a powerful prayer that He wanted everyone to say – 

the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy – Jesus said to Faustina:

“The Lord‟s Promise: The souls that say this chaplet will 

be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and 

especially at the hour of their death.” – (Diary, 754).

 “[…] I desire that the whole world know My infnite mercy. 

I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those 

souls who trust in My mercy.” – (Diary, 687).

“My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which 

I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything 

they ask of Me by saying the chaplet […]” – (Diary, 1541).

 “[…] Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, 

if he were to recite this chaplet only once, 

he would receive grace from 

My infnite mercy […]” – (Diary, 687).

Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter)

First Reading : Acts 4:32-35

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common.

  The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and they were all given great respect.

  None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):2-4,15-18,22-24

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Let the sons of Aaron say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Let those who fear the Lord say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

  his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

  and recount his deeds.

I was punished, I was punished by the Lord,

  but not doomed to die.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end

.

The stone which the builders rejected

  has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

  a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord;

  we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Second Reading : 1 John 5:1-6

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ

has been begotten by God;

and whoever loves the Father that begot him

loves the child whom he begets.

We can be sure that we love God’s children

if we love God himself and do what he has commanded us;

this is what loving God is –

keeping his commandments;

and his commandments are not difficult,

because anyone who has been begotten by God

has already overcome the world;

this is the victory over the world –

our faith.

Who can overcome the world?

Only the man who believes that Jesus is the Son of God:

Jesus Christ who came by water and blood,

not with water only,

but with water and blood;

with the Spirit as another witness –

since the Spirit is the truth.

Gospel : John 20:19-31

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them

and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Dear Friends in Christ                   Easter Sunday 2021

Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we gather together to celebrate the greatest event in history, the triumph over sin & death by Jesus Christ Our Lord; we thank God for the gift of his Son, who, through his Life, Passion, Death & Resurrection has won for us Eternal Life.  A New Life began on that first Easter morning. Everything that Jesus did with the Apostles would now come to fruition with the beginning of the Church. You and I are part of that ongoing story of Salvation History. 

Today, we gather to worship the Risen Lord, and thank God for the gift of his Son and His saving action. We have much to be grateful for, and even in the darkest moments of our lives, and many have experienced these over the past twelve months, we can express our gratitude to Almighty God. Hope is at the heart of the Easter story, and combined with faith and love, our lives are filled with the Joy of the Resurrection. Our lives have meaning and purpose and our goal is ultimately Heaven.

‘The Lord is risen indeed, Alleuia!’ 

SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL: 7.30pm First Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

EASTER SUNDAY: There will be 4 Masses: 8am, 9am, 10am & 11am

THERE WILL BE MANY SPARE PLACES AT THE 8am & 9am Masses

Dear Friends in Christ:                                       Easter Sunday 2021

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make our Holy Week ceremonies so wonderful. This time last year we were celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord behind locked doors; now we are able to gather together and savour these wonderful Holy Week Liturgies. I am truly humbled by the incredible kindness and thoughtfulness of you all during the past twelve months; the many Steward Volunteers, serving the parish every week, helping everyone during this Pandemic. To all those who work behind the scenes, sacristans, altar society, MC’s & servers, Choir director and choirs, Readers & Eucharistic Ministers. Special thanks to all the ladies who did the flowers for Easter, and for all who donated lilies in remembrance of loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  We still have a long way to go, in rebuilding our parish again after this lockdown and Pandemic. Obviously, we all still have to keep vigilant. But to be part of a worshipping community is one of the greatest blessings as Catholic Christians; and being able to express our faith on this Easter Day is the greatest Joy of all! Thank you one and all! 

Wishing you and all your Loved Ones a Very Happy & Holy Easter. 

May the Peace & Joy of the Risen Lord be with you All.

Love & God Bless,    

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:  Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his 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’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Fr. John’s Garage. The new financial year is about to begin so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible. The HSBC Bank will be closing in August; which means that we will only be able to pay in the Offertory every two to three weeks. With standing Orders you don’t have to worry about envelopes, other than for Special Collections.  Maria Mosquera is our Gift Aid Organiser.  

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Will resume again on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare for this next stage in their Faith Journey. You will be notified by Mark Anthony the day before the programme begins with Zoom details.  

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/ 

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 3rd Easter Saturday	10.00am	Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		Vigil Mass for Sunday:
Sat 3rd Easter Vigil	7.30pm	Fr. John’s Intentions
Sun 4th          Easter Sunday Sun 4th	8.00am  9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Mary Walstow RIP (Maureen Perry) The Manley Family (The Gormley Family)
Sun 4th                 Easter Sunday	11:00am	John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr. John)
Mon 5th	10.00am 10.30am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 6th	10.00am	Norman Taylor RIP (Brenda Bryant)
Wed 7th	10.00am	Pat Quinn RIP (M Ryan)Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 8th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Fri 9th	10.00am	Christopher GilfordHoly Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 10th	10.00am	Gladys Hockley RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 10th	6.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Teresa & Brain Fabbri)
Sun 11th	9.00am 10.00am	Tim Hadley RIP (Pat Ward) People of the Parish
Sun 11th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)

A Happy & Holy Easter to you All!

Easter Sunday

First Reading : Acts 10:34,37-43

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):1-2,16-17,22-23

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

  for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

  his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

  and recount his deeds.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

The stone which the builders rejected

  has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

  a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Second Reading : 

Colossians 3:1-4

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.

Gospel : John 20:1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

  So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.