August 2021 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Twenty-Second Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

To truly grasp the Good News we have to understand the ‘bad news’: the Fall of Man or Original Sin. We can lose sight of this profound truth, which eloquently explains the darkness and evil in the human condition. For Jesus, the problem is the human heart. He shines his spotlight onto it, and what is revealed is not pretty. It can be sobering and rather disturbing to be confronted with the state of our own hearts.

The Lord is forthright and direct about the dark forces at work in the human heart. He says that inside the human person are the following dark drives and impulses: ‘evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, greed, malice, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.’ Do you recognise yourself? Does this describe your heart? Or do you find this diagnosis (so to speak) too depressing or overly negative? While without doubt the human heart, created in the image and likeness of God, is capable of great nobility, dignity and heroism, nevertheless there lurks deep within us another side to our characters and personalities. We do not shout about it, we don’t like it, and only those open to the convicting work of the Spirit can see it clearly, but the truth is that we have a ‘dark side’.

Socrates taught us, to ‘know thyself’. The Holy Spirit teaches us, too, to know ourselves because it is only the Holy Spirit who can show us sin but also show us the remedy – repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit, too, gives us wisdom to understand.

ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On behalf of the whole parish we welcome all of our children back to school this coming week on Thursday. I trust you’ve all had a good summer break and are well rested. A very special welcome to Mr Ian Kendal, one of our own parishioners, who will be acting Interim Headteacher until a new Headteacher is appointed. I truly appreciate Ian stepping in to help us during this interim period, as he is also the Head of the Harlow Academy Trust. Also we welcome Mrs Sarah Dodd who is our newly appointed Deputy Head teacher. Let us ask God’s blessing on this new academic year that it may be fruitful and filled with many graces.

Dear Friends in Christ, 22^nd Sunday of the Year
welcome church clipart - Clip Art Library

This is the last public holiday weekend before Christmas. And as we rapidly approach the end of the summer holidays, and the children prepare to return to school, let us reflect on the past 8 months. At the beginning of the year we saw an incredible spike in Coronavirus cases with the Delta variant; many people were sick and also many lost their lives to this terrible disease, some from our own parish. With the advent of the vaccine we have seen approximately 90% of the population taking the opportunity of having the jab, and nearly 75% who have had both jabs. We’re not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting each other.

It would be true to say that since March 2020 our Catholic lives have been completely disrupted. We were closed on two separate occasions for a period of nearly 5 months. Personally it was very hard on a daily basis walking into an empty church and only being allowed to live-stream, but at the same time, I was so glad that you were able to access the livestreaming and have contact with the church. As more and more people have been jabbed, I have seen a slow and gradual return by many to weekly mass, this is very heartening. Sadly, the reality is that some will not return to the practice of the faith, I pray about this on a daily basis; but we all have free will, and many have found that they can manage without being practicing Catholics. Free Welcome Back Clipart Black And White, Download Free Welcome ...

In conscience, if we are true to ourselves and to God, we know what’s asked of us is very little; to give one hour a week to express our thanks to God for everything that he gives to us is not much to ask – Our health & happiness, our families, our homes, food on the table, our employment, friendship; the list can go on and on. Life is not a dress rehearsal, every day it’s the real thing; and as we only pass this way but once, it would be a great shame if there were missed opportunities in the life of faith. Reflecting on what Jesus did for us, the least we can do for him is to give him one hour a week! The Lord is always calling us home!

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. Our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless you All,

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

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. I am hoping to begin our programme in September, following a systematic instruction in all aspects of Catholicism. It would be wonderful to have a few people on the programme. Could you spread the word about please! If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr. John at the Presbytery for more detials on Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Start Date for Programme: Thursday 9^th September 2021.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The programme will commence with a Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00, and the children will be formally presented as candidates of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at the 11.00am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary. Thank you!

ALTAR SOCIETY: Grand Church Clean next Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am PLEASE COME AND HELP US FOR AN HOUR OR SO!

Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

MASS INTENTIONS: There are plenty of openings for Mass Intentions in the parish diary. If you would like a mass celebrated for a special intention; deceased family members; birthdays etc. Please complete Mass Intention envelope and return to the Presbytery as soon as possible please! Fr John will always try to accommodate the date you’ve requested. Thank you!

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They 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 have asked for support with the following items: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

BAPTISMS: It is now permissible once again to have Baptisms with larger groups of family & guests. Manifestly, there are many people who haven’t been able to have baptisms over the past 18 months. Kindly contact Fr. John to arrange your child’s baptism as soon as possible please. There is a Baptism Programme for first time parents.

PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGES FOR 2022/23: If anyone is planning on getting married wihin the next 18 months, could you kindly make contact with the Church. As the Pandemic has delayed many marriages over the past 16 months, there is now a catch-up taking place, and many people have had to rescedule their weddings and receptions accordingly. For marriages abroad, we need at least nine months notice, as all the documentation has to be completed at least two months in advance of the wedding and sent abroad. There is also an Engaged Couple’s Marriage Prepraration Programme to complete; which is a requirement for Catholic Marriage. For those couples getting married in your own parish church, a six month notification is needed. There is now a new format for the Civil Registration of Marriage. There is no more signing of registers, this is now abrogated for a simpler form of signatures; but all of these procedures take time. So please notify the church in plenty of time for weddings. Thank you!

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

MASS INTENTIONS: It has always been a custom within the Roman Catholic Faith to have an Intention offered when celebrating Holy Mass. Intentions can be for all occasions: e.g. For a deceased member of a family; deceased anniversary mass; Birthday intention; Special Occasions; Get Well Mass; Success in exams; Special milestone anniversaries, Wedding, Ordination, Confirmation. In fact, you can offer a Mass for almost every occasion! There are Mass Intention envelopes and Special Mass Cards for all occasions in the Repository at the back of the Church. (Please complete Mass envelope and enclose your Mass Offering and drop off at the Presbytery); I will always try to accommodate the date you have requested, or the nearest date to it. It’s always beautiful to receive a Mass card from someone!

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An irregualr marriage is one tht has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secualr venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to recetify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 28^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Nicanor Rey Zulueta RIP (Melinda Staines)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25^th Wedding Anniversary
Sun 29^th	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 30^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 31^st	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Wed 1^stSeptember	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Thurs 2^nd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 3^rd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 4^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Maria Julia Torrielli de Montoya RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25^th Wedding Anniversary (Steve & Teresa Wallace)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Tom O’Donovan RIP (Moira & Brian Carter)

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.

Twenty-First Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The disciples could be slow on the uptake; they could be dull and passive, and they often misunderstood and missed the point. Today, however, they are spot on and show that they have indeed understood what Jesus was teaching. In fact, so clear and crisp is their grasp of Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist that many turned back and no longer followed him. In fact, as if in unison they declared in protest, “This is intolerable language; how could anyone accept it?”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church sheds light on this reaction: ‘The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalised them: ‘This is a hard saying, who can listen to is?’ The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks. It is the same mystery and it never ceases to be an occasion of division. ‘Will you also go away?’ The Lord’s question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has the words of eternal life and that to receive in faith the gift of the Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself.’ (CCC. 1336).

The Holy Spirit helps us comprehend the miracle of the Eucharist. Perhaps we receive the Eucharist week after week without pondering and reflecting on the awesome privilege it is to receive Christ in this way? What is truly shocking and scandalous about the Eucharist is that the gift held out to us is that of the whole Christ. The body and blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ, is truly, really and substantially made present to us. In other words, Jesus is made real and present in the most full and complete sense. Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is substantial in that he himself in wholly and entirely present. What a gift! What a blessing! What a grace!

COVID UPDATE: This week our 16 & 17 year olds are being encoruaged to take up the vaccination against Covid. As the schools prepare to open up at the beginning of September this is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to protect themselves against this terrible virus. I truly believe we all have a moral responsbility to protect each other and the more people who have the jab the safer we will feel.

Dear Friends in Christ, 21^st Sunday of the Year

Once again it was very heartening to see so many of our parishioners returning to weekly mass. I remember when we opened last year one parishioner had said to me the thing she missed most of all was being present with the community week by week, and receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. To be deprived of so great a gift was almost too much to bear. The Eucharist is our weekly life source; we are nourished & fed by the Lord Jesus himself. The Eucharist strengthens our faith, empowers us to bear witness to Christ in our daily lives.

Unfortunately, this terrible Pandemic has taken its toll on many people’s lives in all sorts of different ways. There are still a lot of people who are very apprehensive and sacred about venturing out and mixing with people once again. We have all lost nearly 18 months of our lives through this terrible disease; and tragically, many have lost loved ones. But with more and more being vaccinated there is some hope for the future. Trying to regain some semblance of normality in our everyday existence is the aspiration of everyone. If we are all sensible and aware of each other this can probably be achieved.

I would like to invite all of our parishioners to return to the weekly practice of faith. As most of you know by now we have taken all measures possible to protect everyone who attends weekly mass. Your health & safety are of supreme importance. Thankfully, we haven’t had one single case cited through the attending of weekly mass. Being united together in faith was the wish of the Lord Jesus, ‘that they all be one’. Please ponder and reflect on these sentiments.

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Last week our local HSBC Bank closed for the last time. The parish and diocese bank with HSBC and our account has been transferred to Walthamstow. Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. As I have already mentioned our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless You All This Week

https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/donations?parish=loughton

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

ALTAR SOCIETY: Grand Church Clean on Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am PLEASE COME AND HELP US FOR AN HOUR OR SO!

Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean? During lockdown we have only asked for a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass-ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

https://clipground.com/images/food-bank-clip-art-3.jpg

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 have asked for support with the following items: Long-life fruit juice, tinned tomatoes, instant mash, tinned fish, tinned peas, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, small jars of instant coffee, small or medium bags of rice, sponge pudding, snack bars, chocolate bars, chocolate spread and savoury crackers Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGES FOR 2022/23: If anyone is planning on getting married wihin the next 18 months, could you kindly make contact with the Church. As the Pandemic has delayed many marriages over the past 17 months, there is now a catch-up taking place, and many people have had to rescedule their weddings and receptions accordingly. For marriages abroad, we need at least nine months notice, as all the documentation has to be completed at least two months in advance of the wedding and sent abroad. There is also an Engaged Couple’s Marriage Prepraration Programme to complete; which is a requirement for Catholic Marriage. For those couples getting married in your own parish church, a six month notification is needed. There is now a new format for the Civil Registration of Marriage. There is no more signing of registers, this is now abrogated for a simpler form of signatures; but all of these procedures take time. So please notify the church in plenty of time for weddings. Thank you!

GARDENING: Is there any parishioner/s who would be willing to cut the hedge in the front garden of the presbytery for me; also trim some of the shrubs and bushes along the path leading to the church, I’d be truly grateful. There is a hedge trimmer in the garage at the back of the Presbytery.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 21^st	10.00am	David Faud RIP B’day Anni ( The Rooney Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Martin Duffy RIP 2^nd Anni (Sarah Duffy)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	For sick family members (Peter Wright)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Thanksgiving B’d Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Mon 23^rd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 24^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Wed 25^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Thurs 26^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 28^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Nicanor Rey Zulueta RIP (Melinda Staines)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	For the Int’s of Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal on their 25^th Wedding Anniversary
Sun 29^th	11:00am	People of the Parish

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Joshua 24:1-2,15-18

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem; then he called the elders, leaders, judges and scribes of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Then Joshua said to all the people, ‘If you will not serve the Lord, choose today whom you wish to serve, whether the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are now living. As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.’

The people answered, ‘We have no intention of deserting the Lord and serving other gods! Was it not the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery, who worked those great wonders before our eyes and preserved us all along the way we travelled and among all the peoples through whom we journeyed? What is more, the Lord drove all those peoples out before us, as well as the Amorites who used to live in this country. We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33(34):2-3,16-23

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : Ephesians 5:21-32

Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy. He made her clean by washing her in water with a form of words, so that when he took her to himself she would be glorious, with no speck or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and faultless. In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies; for a man to love his wife is for him to love himself. A man never hates his own body, but he feeds it and looks after it; and that is the way Christ treats the Church, because it is his body – and we are its living parts. For this reason, a man must leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one body. This mystery has many implications; but I am saying it applies to Christ and the Church.

Gospel : John 6:60-69

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

‘It is the spirit that gives life,

the flesh has nothing to offer.

The words I have spoken to you are spirit

and they are life.

‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/The-Assumption-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary–2021-e15ukjs/a-a6bnbs3

Mary’s Assumption points to John 14:3: ‘and when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and I will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.’ Marr was assumed body and soul into heaven to be with Jesus, the Son of God, who had gone to prepare a place for her. In 1950 Pope Pis XI said ‘Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.’We accept this teaching, this doctrine of the Church, as an article of faith. We believe and so we pray, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace.’ Mary is truly the Queen of Heaven.

We celebrate her life and rejoice in her everlasting reward. Through the witness of Mary, we are slo reminded that today is an opportunity for us to renew our own hope in the promise, that on the last day, our soul, which separates form our body at death, is reunited with our resurrection body,a nd we rise to life everlasting, body and soul. This is an exciting and wonderful truth thatshould spur us on in the living out of our faith, day by day. Speaking of that body, St. Paul writes: ‘What is sown is persishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in wekeness; it is raised in power. It is sown in a physical body; it is raised in a spititual body.’

Today, we rejoice in Mary, our Mother in faith, and give praise to God for her faithfulness, obedience and love. She is the perfect model of every Christian virtue, and it is fitting that Scripture and tradition unite to proclaim her assumption into eternal rewad in heaven.

COVID UPDATE: As more and more of the country opens up, we still need to be vigilant during the Pandemic. It has not gone away, and there are many countries in the world that are suffering really badly. Protecting each other is fundmentally at the heart of our daily living. Encouraging all to receive the vaccination is extrmely important. At church we continue to abide by health and sefety guideleines; Face coverings; hand sanitisation; track & trace paper slips; communion under one species; ventilation in the church. It’s wonderful to see so many parishioners retruning to the weekly practice of the faith. Sunday Masses have resumed the old schedule: Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.00pm. Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am

Dear Friends in Christ, The Assumption of the BVM

Once again it was truly wonderful to see so many of our parishioners, who have returned to regular practice of faith through Sunday Mass. I would like to encourage the whole parish community to take heart in all the measures we have taken to protect health and safety here in the parish church. As the country slowly opens up, there still maybe those who are apprehensive and scared. Never before in our lifetimes have we experienced anything quite like this Pandemic. It’s affected the whole world. Here in the UK we are streets ahead of many other countries throughout the world with nearly 90% on the population being vaccinated, and 74% with second vaccinations. This is remarkable, and hopefully the numbers will start to reduce of people contracting the virus. 16 to 18 year olds have now also been given the go ahead for vaccinations. The Church will continue the highest health and safety standards. Over a two week period we were checked by our health and safety officer and have received an excellent report back, which I’m truly grateful for.

I thank the whole of our community for being so understanding during the past 18 months, it’s not been easy. We are trying to move forwards. To those who have got out of the habit of coming to Church – obviously we opened up back in July 2020 – but I would really encourage all families to make that very special effort to return to the weekly practice of faith. As Roman Catholics we belong to a community of faith, and together we are strong and united in Christ Jesus. I think the whole community for your ongoing Weekly Support through your Offertory. All parishes have experienced a dramatic drop in income, and now we have to cut our cloth accordingly! Hand lettering words Thank you with floral wreath

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Last Friday our local HSBC Bank closed for the last time. The parish and diocese bank with HSBC and our account has been transferred to Walthamstow. Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. As I have already mentioned our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless You All This Week

https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/donations?parish=loughton

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

ALTAR SOCIETY: Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com UNFORTUNATELY, THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE RESPONSE TO THIS REQUEST. IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE LET US KNOW. THANKS!

A LEVEL & GCSE RESULTS: Congratulations to all our young people on their A Level & GCSE results. I hope you all gained the grades you need for University & Sixth Form! Obviously this has been a difficult year with regards examinations, and talking to some of our young people, they had to work even harder for teacher assessments on their work. I pray that all our young people will get the required results they need to pursue their chosen subjects in the future.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Pinagli, long time parishioners at St. Edmund’s, who passed away during the week. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 19^th August at 1.00pm at St. Edmund’s. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There are a large number of gifts and cards available in the Repository. There are rosaries, statues, medals, candles, special cards, prayer crosses, Anniversary Cards for all occasions, and many other items that would be suitable gifts for all occasions. Please leave your money in the basket provided. Thanks

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY:

Can you help please? During the pandemic, the work of the Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society (bccs) in counselling and supporting children and their families in need throughout the Diocese has greatly increased. During this time, bccs has been unable to run many of its fund-raising events to assist with the cost of supporting this vital work and income has dropped significantly as a result.

A major fund-raising event, called ‘bccs Relay 100’, has recently been launched by Bishop Alan on behalf of bccs which involves 100 legs and links every parish in the Diocese. Volunteers from each parish are invited to walk, run or jog one or more of these legs – each leg being a distance of several miles between two or three of their own and surrounding parishes. They will be in good company, because Bishop Alan has already completed one of the legs!

Here in Loughton, the Burrowes, Poulter and Jewell families have kindly agreed to walk some of these legs to represent our Parish in this cross-Diocese event and it would be much appreciated if many of us could sponsor them.

Our three volunteer families are aware, as we all are, of the many calls for support from worthwhile charities during these difficult times and may not wish to bother you unduly, but bccs as you know is an extremely worthwhile cause close to our hearts and we hope that you feel able to sponsor them.

You can do this in any of the following ways:

By offering your sponsor donation directly to them.

By donating through the website https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Relay100

By sending your donation to bccs, Childcare House, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh, SS6 9EH

By making your donation via on-line banking to Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society, account number 31094130 and sort code 40 13 22

Whichever way you choose, kindly mention our Parish and the name(s) of our volunteers who you are sponsoring. Also, if you are a tax payer, please confirm if you are willing for your donation to be Gift-Aided.

We know that bccs will be extremely grateful for whatever donation, large or small, you can offer to sponsor our Parish walkers in this important Diocese-wide fund-raising event. Thank you very much.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.alBlzI8cXHuxCkkY1-jE7QHaHa&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

HOLIDAYS: As we’re in the midst of the the holiday season of the year. I would like to wish all of our families a happy holiday. I hope you will be able to take a break and possibly get away for a while. For many of us, it’s been nearly two years since we’ve had a break. Everyone needs that special time away to recharge batteries. Have a good rest and relaxation. With the lifting of restrictions, people may even be able to get abroad. Continue to keep safe and well. Although we are nearly 90% vaccinated here in UK, it’s not the same in Europe.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 14^th	10.00am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	David Staines B’day Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Robert Taylor RIP (Eileen Lee)
Mon 16^th	10.00am 10.30am	Teresa Kane RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 17^th	10.00am	John Patrick Gormley (John Gormley)
Wed 18^th	10.00am	Mary Faherty B’day Int’s (K Faherty)
Thurs 19^th	10.00am 10.30am 1.00pm	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament Requiem Mass. PATRICIA PINAGLI RIP
Fri 20^th	10.00am 10.30am	Andrew Hurley’s Int’s (K Faherty) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 21^st	10.00am	David Faud RIP B’day Anni ( The Rooney Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Martin Duffy RIP (2^nd Anni) (Sarah Duffy)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	For sick family members (Peter Wright)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Thanksgiving B’d Int’s (Melinda Staines)

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Solemnity

First Reading : Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10

The sanctuary of God in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it.

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready.

Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 44(45):10-12,16

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.

On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:

forget your own people and your father’s house.

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

So will the king desire your beauty:

He is your lord, pay homage to him.

They are escorted amid gladness and joy;

they pass within the palace of the king.

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is to be put under his feet.

Gospel : Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

And Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit exults in God my saviour;

because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.

Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,

for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name,

and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.

He has shown the power of his arm,

he has routed the proud of heart.

He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.

The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.

He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy

– according to the promise he made to our ancestors –

of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

The Nineteenth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Despite him miraculously feeding them, the people took offence ‘How can he say he came down from heaven?’ they ask. ‘we know who he is. He is Mary & Joseph’s son.’ Flesh and blood cannot grasp the mystery of God made man. Jesus said: ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws hum’. God draws people to himslef; he tteaches so that they can believe in him.

Sadly, nowawdays many people reject Jesus as a miracle-worker or divine, but they are willing to accept and admire him on the level as a great moral teacher. However the great Christian apologist C S Lewis argues powerfully agains this conclusion:

‘I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would nt be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to … Now it seems to me obvious that he was neither a lunatic nor a fiend; and consequently, however strange, or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that he was and is God.’

ONGOING COVID SITUATION: Obviously this isi something that we are now learning to live with on a daily basis. To look after each other and care for each other is our repsonsibility. I encourage all to receive the vaccination. We will continue to be careful at Church, using face coverings, hand snitisation on entry and exit, written track & trace, Communion under one species the Body of Christ, also respecting each others space, ventilation in the church. Sunday Masses are: Vigil Mass Saturday at 6.00pm. Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am. PLEASE NOTE 10.00am Mass now discontinued. Please make every effor to join us if you can. If you can’t make Sunday, please come during the week at 10.00am.

Dear Friends in Christ, 18^th Sunday of the Year

I just want to say how wonderful it is to see that so many have returned to weekly Mass in the recent months. Obviously this Pandemic has taken its toll on many people’s lives. And for those of us who’ve had Coronavirus, it’s not very nice! But as we try to regain some kind of semblance of normality back in our lives once again, to see so many of you each week is really heartening. Never before in our lives have we experienced anything quite like this. And never before did we have to close our churches, not even during the war years. I know many people are still very nervous about venturing out, and even coming to church, but slowly and gradually as more and more people are vaccinated, hopefully this virus will diminish as we’re protected. As you know my main concern has always been your health and safety, and all the measures are in place at Church to continue to maintain this health and safety. May I thank the whole parish community for your understanding during these past 18 months, and also your loyalty to your parish, it’s truly wonderful to see! Also for your ongoing upkeep on the parish through your Weekly Offertory, this has helped to sustain the parish during this difficult time; admittedly our offertory has taken a severe nose-dive of the past 16 months. Let us, dear friends, now move onwards and upwards!

PARISHIONERS, PLEASE CAN YOU HELP US? As of next Friday 13^th August, the HSBC Bank in Loughton will be closing. As the Parish and Diocese use HSBC, it is going to be more difficult to pay in our Weekly Offering on a Weekly basis, as now we have to travel to Walthamstow. Deliveries will be less frequent. I would encourage our parishioners to begin giving online, through the various methods cited on the opposite page. Also, the bank is rather reluctant to take a lot of coinage these days. Obviously many of you use the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and that is wonderful. But some who are giving online are not quoting their GA number, so it’s extremely difficult at times matching up your offering as Gift Aided, and therefore we lose the return Tax. Please would all parishioners kindly check your online giving and ensure that the GA number is cited. Thank you! Any queries to Fr. John or Maria Mosquera.

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

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The programme will commence with a Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00, and the children will be formally presented as candidates of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at the 11.00am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS: There are plenty openings for Mass Intentions in the parish diary. If you would like a mass celebrated for a special intention; deceased family members; birthdays etc. Please complete Mass Intention envelope and return to the Presbytery as soon as possible please! Fr John will always try to accommodate the date you’ve requested. Thank you!

A LEVEL RESULTS: Will come out this coming Tuesday 10^th August. Wishing all of our young people sincere well wishes and luck with their exam results; and of course, with their decisions about College & University for the future. Obviously this has been a difficult year with regards examinations, and talking to some of our young people, they had to work even harder for teacher assessments on their work. I pray that all our young people will get the required results they need to pursue their chosen subjects in the future. Also for those who sat GCSE’s this year, once again a difficult time. Hopefully you are able to continue with further A Level studies.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Panagli, long time parishioners at St. Edmund’s, who passed away during the week. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 19^th August at 1.00pm at St. Edmund’s. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss.

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 100 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 30 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms: you are now allowed up to 30 persons at a Baptism; not too sure what the restrictions are for social event after though! These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the distribution 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.

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY:

You can do this in any of the following ways:

By offering your sponsor donation directly to them.

By donating through the website https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Relay100

By sending your donation to bccs, Childcare House, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh, SS6 9EH

By making your donation via on-line banking to Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society, account number 31094130 and sort code 40 13 22

Whichever way you choose, kindly mention our Parish and the name(s) of our volunteers who you are sponsoring? Also, if you are a tax payer, please confirm if you are willing for your donation to be Gift-Aided.

DIARY AUGUST 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 7^th	10.00am	Tom Swan RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 7^th	6.00pm	Catrina Hamilton Int’s (Kathleen Faherty)
Sun 8^th	9.00am	Violet Hall RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 8^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 9^th	10.00am 10.30am	Felicity Corcoran Int’s (Kathleen Faherty) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 10^th	10.00am	Maurice Onwkwar Int’s (N Hassan)
Wed 11^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Thurs 12^th	10.00am 10.30am	Bridget Kinsella’s Int’s (Maree, Pat & Margaret) Holy Hour with Exposition of BL Sacrament
Fri 13^th	10.00am 10.30am	Breege & Michael Kerrane RIP (Mary) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 14^th	10.00am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	David Staines B’day Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Robert Taylor RIP (Eileen Lee)

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 1 Kings 19:4-8

Elijah went into the wilderness, a day’s journey, and sitting under a furze bush wished he were dead. ‘O Lord,’ he said ‘I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down and went to sleep. But an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked round, and there at his head was a scone baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank, and strengthened by that food he walked for forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 33(34):2-9

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called, the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal for you to be set free when the day comes. Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.

Try, then, to imitate God as children of his that he loves and follow Christ loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.

Gospel : John 6:41-51

The Jews were complaining to each other about Jesus, because he had said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ ‘Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph’ they said. ‘We know his father and mother. How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus said in reply, ‘Stop complaining to each other.

‘No one can come to me

unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me,

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets:

They will all be taught by God,

and to hear the teaching of the Father,

and learn from it,

is to come to me.

Not that anybody has seen the Father,

except the one who comes from God:

he has seen the Father.

I tell you most solemnly,

everybody who believes has eternal life.

‘I am the bread of life.

Your fathers ate the manna in the desert

and they are dead;

but this is the bread that comes down from heaven,

so that a man may eat it and not die.

I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever;

and the bread that I shall give is my flesh,

for the life of the world.’