Month: September 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Pope St John Paul II was deeply grieved by the paedophilia crisis. Shortly before he died he summoned all the bishops from the US to Rome and spoke to them of the gravity of the situation. In order to underline the seriousness with which he viewed this crime, he quoted from today’s Gospel reading: ‘Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him is a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown in the sea’. Sobering and really quite frightening words.

Sin & evil are a mystery. God is infinitely good, and the world we live in is wonderful and beautiful in so many ways, but we cannot escape the dark side, the shadows so prevalent both in our own nature and in the world at large. St Augustine famously reflected, ‘I sought whence evil comes from and there was no solution.’ His quest for answer to this dark problem led him ultimately to conversions to Christ and the living God. Years later he would say that ‘the mystery of lawlessness is clarified only in the light of the mystery of faith. ‘There is no escaping the reality of sin in human history and in our own lives. We, for our part, must resist the tendency so prevalent today to ignore it or to give it a name other than sin. This kind of approach is futile, because giving it another name does not change its awful reality. 

Sin is really an abuse of our freedom as creatures, leading us into darkness and all kind of confusion. We are sinners, we live in a sinful work, and in this life at least we cannot be free from sin and its influence. However, we can resist it, we can overcome it, and we can learn to recognise and identify those movements in our own hearts and minds which lead us away from God and Christ. 

OCTOBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: As we are about to enter the month of October, I would advocate that all our families pray a decade of the Rosary together every day. ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ There are plenty of rosaries for purchase in our parish repository; every Catholic should possess a rosary. It is a truly beautiful prayer, using the great mysteries of Jesus & Mary to help with our prayer. Use Google for guidelines on the rosary 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

b) If you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John for a Certificate of Catholic Practice as he will be unable to provide you with this document. Instead, apply directly to the Catholic School of your choice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

d) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have been practising your faith, Please submit a copy of your SIF form for reference purposes to Fr. John at the interview. (Fr John has copies at the Presbytery). If you state that you have been practicing weekly and you only practice fortnightly or monthly, this form will not be signed. 

e) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John. Instead, apply directly to the non-Catholic school of your choice.

f) There will only be a virtual talk and tour of Trinity Catholic High School again this year for Prospective Year 7 pupils & parents, which will take place on 29^th September, you can tune in at any time from that date until the closing date of the 31^st October. 

Davenant Foundation School Open Evening 7^th October; 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm. Please consult Davenant Website (Admissiions) for more details

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue. 

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you! 

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 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

PARISH FINANACES: As you can appreciate, during this pandemic the parish income took a severe hit, and we are still not back at the same levels as we were prior to 2020. My sincere and grateful thanks to those who have signed up for online giving and Gift Aid, this is helping. Many parishioners have not returned to the regular practice of faith, and many Gift Aid boxes were not collected this year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God.  

IN JOY & THANKSGIVING: We congratulate two newly married couples this weekend.  Gemma Munro & Marc Tuffs married on Friday; Sanusha Balachandran & Adrian Chiu married on Saturday. As they begin their married lives, may the Lord protect them and give them many graces and blessings. 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Josephine Colebrook (Jo), who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 29^th September at 1.00pm at St Edmund’s, and Cremation at Forest Park Crematorium at 2.15pm  

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Restoration of friendship with God  If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email:  loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will continue on Sunday 26^th September at 10.00am. Please put these class dates in your diary. Thank you!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives. 

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/

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!

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 

WHY SUNDAY IS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS: Sunday is a day of life and glory. On that day, Christ, the life of the faithful, rose from the dead. We remember and celebrate this saving event in a special way on a Sunday. But more than that, the Crucified and Risen Christ comes to us in the celebration of the Mass. He speaks to us through the living word of the Sacred Scriptures. He feeds us, body and soul, with his own divine life in Holy Communion. He calls us out of our individual activities and isolation and gathers us together as His Church, a people set apart to give thanks and praise to Him. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, when we meet the Risen Christ and formed into a community of faith, hope and love by Holy Spirit.

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects.  If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Media, Economics, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Film Studies, Food Tech, French, Geography, History, Maths & Further Maths, PE, Physics, Politics, Product Design (DT), Psychology, Sociology, Spanish,  & Theatre Studies.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

1. One of the new projects to help adult lay men and women deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith is a series of online talks given by priests of our diocese. This is not a systematic course that one needs to commit to in order to benefit from but rather online talks that people can dip in and out of as they wish. I wonder if you would be kind enough to include this brief notice in your newsletter or bring these talks to the attention of your parish as you see fit:

THE THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS are a series of talks for adults who want to grow in understanding and confidence when questioned or speaking about their Catholic Faith. The talks and discussion will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The talk is on the 26th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address:

to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org 

For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk 

2. I would also like to draw your attention to another online project developed by Mauro Iannicelli that provides an accessible guide to the Bible for adults. Mauro is a committed Catholic layman in our diocese and has provided input for the Newham Deanery in the past. He is also willing to send to your parish 200+ course invitation A6 flyers, completely free of charge. Just drop him an email request for the flyers at mauro@comeandsee.org, or to ask him any questions about the course. I recommend this initiative to you and if you feel able to do so, to promote his course in your newsletter or elsewhere:

The YouTube Bible Timeline Course Do you feel the Bible is too big and too difficult to understand? Do you get lost with all the characters and stories? If so, this course aims to help you better understand the riches of the Bible in a simple and straightforward way. The course begins on Wednesday 29 Sept, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org

THE CRY OF THE POOR – STUDY DAY FOR THE SEASON OF CREATION: A study day on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti on ‘fraternity and social friendship’ will be live-streamed from 11.00 to 12.30 BST on Saturday 2^nd October. The study day, entitled ‘The Cry of the Poor’, is organised from Gidea Park parish, and the speaker is Fr Ashley Beck, expert on Catholic Social Teaching. The event is free of charge and no registration is necessary. The encyclical is a challenge to see the implications of faith in Christ in the face of the widespread xenophobia and discrimination prevalent in our society and in so many parts of the world. To access the livestream go to www.whatgoodnews.org where the previous study day ‘The Cry of Creation’ (exploring Laudato si’) is also available.

A REAL MOMENT OF SADNESS: It’s heart-breaking and makes me really sad, that many of our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in June have not returned to Holy Mass since that day of celebration. It’s not only an insult to Almighty God, but makes a farce of attending the programme in the first place, and all the hard work that was put in by our Confirmation Catechists. If it meant so little, why on earth did you do it?  Of all the things that I have to contend with in Pastoral Ministry, this is the thing that makes me really sad!  I know many people are walking away from the practice of the faith, and many have not returned after Covid. But to be a Roman Catholic is not just about fulfilling our Sunday Obligation, but about the whole of our lives lived in the light of Christ Jesus. What has happened to personal integrity & honesty? SAD! SAD! SAD! 

DIARY SEPTEMBER 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: Giovanni Venturoli RIP And 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! 

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.

ALTAR SOCIETY: If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation!  

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021

Sat 25th	10.00am	Conor Ferguson
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 25th	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 26th	9.00am	Ann Willsdon (sick) (McGeady Family)
Sun 26th	11:00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacaui Family)
Mon 27th	10.00am 10.30am	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 28st	10.00am	Sue McGuiggan (sick) (Kendal Family)
Wed 29th	10.00am	Rose & Margaret Faloon RIP
Thurs 30th	10.00am 10.30am	Dominic Donnelly RIP (M Ryan) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 1stOctober	9.00am 10.30am	Kieran Halliwell RIP (G O’Donoghue) NO HOLY HOUR TODAY
Sat 2nd	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 2nd	6.00pm	Thanksgiving (Teresa Fabri)
Sun 3rd	9.00am	Luvina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 3rd	11:00am	People of the Parish

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. 

Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492  Email: Loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Numbers 11:25-29

The Lord came down in the Cloud. He spoke with Moses, but took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came on them they prophesied, but not again.

  Two men had stayed back in the camp; one was called Eldad and the other Medad. The spirit came down on them; though they had not gone to the Tent, their names were enrolled among the rest. These began to prophesy in the camp. The young man ran to tell this to Moses, ‘Look,’ he said ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ Then said Joshua the son of Nun, who had served Moses from his youth, ‘My Lord Moses, stop them!’ Moses answered him, ‘Are you jealous on my account? If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):8,10,12-14

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

  it revives the soul.

The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,

  it gives wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

The fear of the Lord is holy,

  abiding for ever.

The decrees of the Lord are truth

  and all of them just.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

So in them your servant finds instruction;

  great reward is in their keeping.

But who can detect all his errors?

  From hidden faults acquit me.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

From presumption restrain your servant

  and let it not rule me.

Then shall I be blameless,

  clean from grave sin.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

Second Reading : James 5:1-6

An answer for the rich. Start crying, weep for the miseries that are coming to you. Your wealth is all rotting, your clothes are all eaten up by moths. All your gold and your silver are corroding away, and the same corrosion will be your own sentence, and eat into your body. It was a burning fire that you stored up as your treasure for the last days. Labourers mowed your fields, and you cheated them – listen to the wages that you kept back, calling out; realise that the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. On earth you have had a life of comfort and luxury; in the time of slaughter you went on eating to your heart’s content. It was you who condemned the innocent and killed them; they offered you no resistance.

Gospel : Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

  ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.

  ‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

What were the disciples arguing about? Given that a good number of them were fishermen, were they comparing sizes of nets, boats or their biggest catch? Was Matthew boasting about the cash he had made during his time as a chief tax collector? Or was the row about physical prowess, stamina, or endurance (they were all men after all!)? Or was it about more personal matters, and to do with family wealth, their children, their wives?

Because we will never know, it is impossible to speculate (although good fun and an interesting exercise). There can be little doubt, however, that the detail of the row would have been at a very low level and clearly cast them all in a very poor light indeed. In a way, though, such incidents point to the utter reliability and authenticity of the Scriptures. Because if the Gospel writers were simply writing propaganda (as they can sometimes be accused of), they would have sought to gloss over or cover up this kind of embarrassing weakness and failure. Instead, their insecurity and self-doubt are on show for all the world to see for all time.

If you want to be great, Jesus tell them and us, become the least, the servant of all; better still, take on the disposition and attitude of a child (children and women were virtually non-citizens in these ancient cultures). The teaching isi staggering – so refreshing, so radical, so alternative, so counter-nature, let alone counter-cultural. There is true freedom in humility, bus it is always grounded in true knowledge of God and self. We grow in humility to the degree that we grow in our knowledge of God’s greatness and our smallness. ‘God is great’, is the prayer of the humble! 

BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR: This week I had the joy and privilege of celebrating a wonderful Assembly with Kew Stage one children, and Holy Mass with Key Stage Two children at St. John Fisher School. It was the first time since March 2020 that we had been able to celebrate together. The children were absolutely wonderful. The younger ones were so vivacious in their answers to questions. I really look forward to more beautiful liturgies at the school over the next Academic Year. Please keep the school and the children in your prayers.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS. 

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

b) If you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John for a Certificate of Catholic Practice as he will be unable to provide you with this document. Instead, apply directly to the Catholic School of your choice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

d) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have been practising your faith, Please submit a copy of your SIF form for reference purposes to Fr. John at the interview. (Fr John has copies at the Presbytery). If you state that you have been practicing weekly and you only practice fortnightly or monthly, this form will not be signed. 

e) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John. Instead, apply directly to the non-Catholic school of your choice.

f) There will only be a virtual talk and tour of Trinity Catholic High School again this year for Prospective Year 7 pupils & parents, which will take place on 29^th September, you can tune in at any time from that date until the closing date of the 31^st October. 

Davenant Foundation School Open Evening 7^th October; 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm. Please consult Davenant Website (Admissiions) for more details

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue. 

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you! 

  With God’s Blessing for the coming week,   

 

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

PARISH FINANCES: During the Pandemic, over the past 19 months, you may be aware that the Parish Finances took a bit of a nosedive. Unfortunately, with a large number of people not attending church anymore there has been a dramatic reduction in income. Many parishioners signed up for online giving (details across the page); some joined the Gift Aid Scheme and give through monthly direct debit. I would like to encourage all parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory. This is your act of thanksgiving to Almighty God, and of course, is the main source of upkeep for the parish. There are spare Gift Aid application Forms in the Porch if you would like to join the scheme; you have to be a Tax Payer to join. Also, as we are having great difficulty in paying in our weekly offertory now, due to the HSBC bank closing, and many other branches not taking counter pay-in, can I recommend more parishioners going over to GA scheme through weekly/monthly direct debit, or online giving! This would be so helpful! Thank you for your generosity!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Original Sin.  If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email:  loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00am 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!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.  

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/

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!

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

DIARY SEPTEMBER 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: Joseph Olivelle RIP, Gerard Pampellonne RIP. And 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! 

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.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

1. One of the new projects to help adult lay men and women deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith is a series of online talks given by priests of our diocese. This is not a systematic course that one needs to commit to in order to benefit from but rather online talks that people can dip in and out of as they wish. I wonder if you would be kind enough to include this brief notice in your newsletter or bring these talks to the attention of your parish as you see fit:

THE THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS are a series of talks for adults who want to grow in understanding and confidence when questioned or speaking about their Catholic Faith. The talks and discussion will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The first talk is on the 19th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org 

For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk 

2. I would also like to draw your attention to another online project developed by Mauro Iannicelli that provides an accessible guide to the Bible for adults. Mauro is a committed Catholic layman in our diocese and has provided input for the Newham Deanery in the past. He is also willing to send to your parish 200+ course invitation A6 flyers, completely free of charge. Just drop him an email request for the flyers at mauro@comeandsee.org, or to ask him any questions about the course. I recommend this initiative to you and if you feel able to do so, to promote his course in your newsletter or elsewhere:

The YouTube Bible Timeline Course Do you feel the Bible is too big and too difficult to understand? Do you get lost with all the characters and stories? If so, this course aims to help you better understand the riches of the Bible in a simple and straightforward way. The course begins on Wednesday 29 Sept, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org

THE CRY OF THE POOR – STUDY DAY FOR THE SEASON OF CREATION: A study day on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti on ‘fraternity and social friendship’ will be live-streamed from 11.00 to 12.30 BST on Saturday 2^nd October. The study day, entitled ‘The Cry of the Poor’, is organised from Gidea Park parish, and the speaker is Fr Ashley Beck, expert on Catholic Social Teaching. The event is free of charge and no registration is necessary. The encyclical is a challenge to see the implications of faith in Christ in the face of the widespread xenophobia and discrimination prevalent in our society and in so many parts of the world. To access the livestream go to www.whatgoodnews.org where the previous study day ‘The Cry of Creation’ (exploring Laudato si’) is also available.

A REAL MOMENT OF SADNESS: It’s heart-breaking and makes me really sad, that many of our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in June have not returned to Holy Mass since that day of celebration. It’s not only an insult to Almighty God, but makes a farce of attending the programme in the first place, and all the hard work that was put in by our Confirmation Catechists. If it meant so little, why on earth did you do it?  Of all the things that I have to contend with in Pastoral Ministry, this is the thing that makes me really sad!  I know many people are walking away from the practice of the faith, and many have not returned after Covid. But to be a Roman Catholic is not just about fulfilling our Sunday Obligation, but about the whole of our lives lived in the light of Christ Jesus. What has happened to personal integrity & honesty? SAD! SAD! SAD!

ALTAR SOCIETY: If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation! 

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: Please pray for the repose of the souls of Teresa Weight & Josephine Colebrook who passed away this week. We extend our condolences to their families in this time of great loss

WHY SUNDAY IS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS: Sunday is a day of life and glory. On that day, Christ, the life of the faithful, rose from the dead. We remember and celebrate this saving event in a special way on a Sunday. But more than that, the Crucified and Risen Christ comes to us in the celebration of the Mass. He speaks to us through the living word of the Sacred Scriptures. He feeds us, body and soul, with his own divine life in Holy Communion. He calls us out of our individual activities and isolation and gathers us together as His Church, a people set apart to give thanks and praise to Him. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, when we meet the Risen Christ and formed into a community of faith, hope and love by Holy Spirit.

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects.  If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Media, Economics, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Film Studies, Food Tech, French, Geography, History, Maths & Further Maths, PE, Physics, Politics, Product Design (DT), Psychology, Sociology, Spanish,  & Theatre Studies.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 18th	10.00am	Veronique Marc RIP (Mary Marc-Peterkin)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 18th	6.00pm	Margaret & Frank Irving RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 19th	9.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (John & Sue Campbell)
Sun 19th	11:00am	Rose Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)
Mon 20th	10.00am 10.30am	Jhana Marc-Peterkin’s Ints (M M-Peterkin) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 21st	10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (Frank Westcott)
Wed 22nd	10.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (Veronica & Steve Short)
Thurs 23rd	10.00am 10.30am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 24th	10.00am  10.30am	Thanksgiving (Mary Marc-Peterkin) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 25th	10.00am	Conor Ferguson
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 25th	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 26th	9.00am	Ann Willsdon (sick) (McGeady Family)
Sun 26th	11:00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacani Family)

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. 

Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492  Email: Loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Wisdom 2:12,17-20

The godless say to themselves:

‘Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us

and opposes our way of life,

reproaches us for our breaches of the law

and accuses us of playing false to our upbringing.

‘Let us see if what he says is true,

let us observe what kind of end he himself will have.

If the virtuous man is God’s son, God will take his part

and rescue him from the clutches of his enemies.

Let us test him with cruelty and with torture,

and thus explore this gentleness of his

and put his endurance to the proof.

Let us condemn him to a shameful death

since he will be looked after – we have his word for it.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 53(54):3-6,8

The Lord upholds my life.

O God, save me by your name;

  by your power, uphold my cause.

O God, hear my prayer;

  listen to the words of my mouth.

The Lord upholds my life.

For proud men have risen against me,

  ruthless men seek my life.

  They have no regard for God.

The Lord upholds my life.

But I have God for my help.

  The Lord upholds my life.

I will sacrifice to you with willing heart

  and praise your name for it is good.

The Lord upholds my life.

Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3

Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony, and wicked things of every kind being done; whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure; it also makes for peace, and is kindly and considerate; it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.

  Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven’t got it; so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition that you cannot satisfy; so you fight to get your way by force. Why you don’t have what you want is because you don’t pray for it; when you do pray and don’t get it, it is because you have not prayed properly, you have prayed for something to indulge your own desires.

Gospel : Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.

  They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The goal and purpose of the Christian life are to reveal the person of Jesus, in who the whole of God’s eternal design reached fulfilment and perfection. This is exactly the understanding that St. Peter comes to in today’s reading. Mere flesh and blood could not have opened his mind to this truth; he could never have figured it out by his natural ability. He received a revelation form God the Father, who opened his mind and his heart to humbly acknowledge Jesus as the Christ.

The word ‘Christ’ comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew ‘Messiah’, which means ‘anointed’. In Israel those consecrated to God for a mission that he gave were anointed in his name. This was the case for kings, priests, and in rare instances, prophets. Through grace of revelation, St Peter understood that this was the name and title proper to Jesus. Jesus is Messiah, the Christ, the Lord’s Anointed, and he fulfilled the messianic hope of Israel in his threefold office of priest, prophet and King. 

The Holy Spirit works in us, as he did in St Peter, so that we too can proclaim with heartfelt faith ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ to the glory of God the Father. The sublime mystery of God made man is at the very heart of the faith which the apostles handed on to us: ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal which was with the Father and was made manifesto us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to your so that you may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.  

STAY ALERT: In listening to the daily Covid reports, there are still a high number of people who are contracting this awful disease. Please be as careful and attentive as you can. Protect yourselves and others. We will continue to employ the use of face masks at Mass each day; with hand sanitisation at entry and exit of the church; our track & trace system is still in place, but thankfully we have had no cases reported at church. Unfortunately, it appears that we have to live with Covid, and try to make the best of the situation we have; but always being protective of one another is important! 

Dear Friends in Christ,                      24th Sunday of the Year 2021

Last weekend we had the most people here at Mass since the Pandemic began back in March 2020. It was truly wonderful to see, and may I continue to encourage you all to share and celebrate in our weekend masses. We can only hope and pray that the Covid situation will not be too difficult over the autumn and winter period. That’s why we all need to continue to take care of ourselves and one another.

During this coming week we will have the first of our Parents’ Meetings for the First Holy Communion Programme on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the parish hall.  As you’re aware, due to Covid we had to cancel last year’s programme. So this year, we will have two year groups 3 & 4. This is an Information evening, where parents are introduced to our Catechists, and all relevant information re the programme will be shared; I will also share with you some guidelines in preparation for the children’s first session on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Hall. (Enrolment Mass at 11am).  The Golden Book which will be presented by you to your children costs £20. Please bring along your money for the book. The Catechists and I would like to encourage parents to join the sessions on a Sunday morning. It would be good for you to see how we teach the programme. Please pray for all the children this year. 

PARISH FINANCES: During the Pandemic, over the past 19 months, you may be aware that the Parish Finances took a bit of a nosedive. Unfortunately, with a large number of people not attending church anymore there has been a dramatic reduction in income. Many parishioners signed up for online giving (details below); some joined the Gift Aid Scheme and give through monthly direct debit. I would like to encourage all parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory. This is your act of thanksgiving to Almighty God, and of course, is the main source of upkeep for the parish. There are spare Gift Aid application Forms in the Porch if you would like to join the scheme; you have to be a Tax Payer to join. Also, as we are having great difficulty in paying in our weekly offertory now, due to the HSBC bank closing, and many other branches not taking counter pay-in, can I recommend more parishioners going over to GA scheme through weekly/monthly direct debit, or online giving! This would be so helpful! Thank you for your generosity!

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 anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday. We had an introductory evening last Thursday; but it’s still not too late to join the programme. If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email:  loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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: A very big thank you to all who joined us for the Grand Clean of the Church this weekend, your help was truly appreciated. If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation! 

LIVE-STREAMING IN THE PARISH: Literally from day one of the Pandemic we have live-streamed Mass in the Parish. It truly was a life-saver for many when the church was closed for nearly 5 months during last year. Hopefully with more and more returning to the weekly practice of faith once again, we will only be live-streaming the 11am Mass on Sunday’s now, encouraging our people to return to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist together. Weekday livestreaming will continue for the sick & housebound.  

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/

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! 

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

 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! 

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.

WHY SUNDAY IS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS: Sunday is a day of life and glory. On that day, Christ, the life of the faithful, rose from the dead. We remember and celebrate this saving event in a special way on a Sunday. But more than that, the Crucified and Risen Christ comes to us in the celebration of the Mass. He speaks to us through the living word of the Sacred Scriptures. He feeds us, body and soul, with his own divine life in Holy Communion. He calls us out of our individual activities and isolation and gathers us together as His Church, a people set apart to give thanks and praise to Him. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, when we meet the Risen Christ and formed into a community of faith, hope and love by Holy Spirit.

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects.  If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Media, Economics, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Film Studies, Food Tech, French, Geography, History, Maths & Further Maths, PE, Physics, Politics, Product Design (DT), Psychology, Sociology, Spanish,  & Theatre Studies.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION

1. One of the new projects to help adult lay men and women deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith is a series of online talks given by priests of our diocese. This is not a systematic course that one needs to commit to in order to benefit from but rather online talks that people can dip in and out of as they wish. I wonder if you would be kind enough to include this brief notice in your newsletter or bring these talks to the attention of your parish as you see fit:

THE THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS are a series of talks for adults who want to grow in understanding and confidence when questioned or speaking about their Catholic Faith. The talks and discussion will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The first talk is on the 19th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org 

For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

2. I would also like to draw your attention to another online project developed by Mauro Iannicelli that provides an accessible guide to the Bible for adults. Mauro is a committed Catholic layman in our diocese and has provided input for the Newham Deanery in the past. He is also willing to send to your parish 200+ course invitation A6 flyers, completely free of charge. Just drop him an email request for the flyers at mauro@comeandsee.org, or to ask him any questions about the course. I recommend this initiative to you and if you feel able to do so, to promote his course in your newsletter or elsewhere:

The YouTube Bible Timeline Course Do you feel the Bible is too big and too difficult to understand? Do you get lost with all the characters and stories? If so, this course aims to help you better understand the riches of the Bible in a simple and straightforward way. The course begins on Wednesday 29 Sept, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org

SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022: Always in September, the parents of children who are in Year 6 at Primary School will receive notification of the Admissions procedure to take place in securing a place for your child in September 2022. Whichever school you chose for your child should always be made in light of the information given by the school, and not on hearsay from other parents. As Roman Catholics we have a moral obligation to support our Roman Catholic Schools, both Primary & Secondary. We are very fortunate to have a Primary School in our own Parish.  Our Local Catholic Secondary School is Trinity in Woodford Green. This school is fed by nine parishes in the locality and we are number 4 on the list.  The Prerequisites are very clear and are known by Catholics in our parishes. Your child must be a Baptised, practicing (weekly attendance) Roman Catholics; not just making an appearance a few weeks before applications are made. Every priest has the right to refuse the signing of a form if applications are made by non-practicing Catholics, or incorrect information has been submitted. This also applies to applications to other Christian Schools. Only if a school is not oversubscribed will a non-practicing Catholic’s application be considered. PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ ALL THE RELEVANT LITERATURE WITH REGARDS THE APPLICATIONS PROCESS. THANK YOU! 

A REAL MOMENT OF SADNESS: It’s heart-breaking and makes me really sad, that many of our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in June have not returned to Holy Mass since that day of celebration. It’s not only an insult to Almighty God, but makes a farce of attending the programme in the first place, and all the hard work that was put in by our Confirmation Catechists. If it meant so little, why on earth did you do it?  Of all the things that I have to contend with in Pastoral Ministry, this is the thing that makes me really sad!  I know many people are walking away from the practice of the faith, and many have not returned after Covid. But to be a Roman Catholic is not just about fulfilling our Sunday Obligation, but about the whole of our lives lived in the light of Christ Jesus. What has happened to personal integrity & honesty? SAD! SAD! SAD! 

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 11th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 11th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 12th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP (O’Regan & Tuson Families)
Sun 12th	11:00am	People of the Parish.
Mon 13th	10.00am 10.30am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 14th	10.00am	Maria & Joao Servo RIP, Modesta & Joaquim Alves RIP
Wed 15th	10.00am	Irene Olivelle (sick) (Veronica, Margaret  & Pat)
Thurs 16th	10.00am 10.30am	Emma Syrett & Family (Ann Petch) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 17th	10.00am  10.30am	Tony Tyler RIP (M Ryan) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 18th	10.00am	Veronique Marc RIP (Mary Marc-Peterkin)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 18th	6.00pm	Margaret & Frank Irving RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 19th	9.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (John & Sue Campbell)
Sun 20th	11:00am	Rose Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)

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. 

Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492  Email: Loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?

Then let us go to court together.

Who thinks he has a case against me?

Let him approach me.

The Lord is coming to my help,

who will dare to condemn me?

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 114(116):1-6,8-9

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

I love the Lord for he has heard

  the cry of my appeal;

for he turned his ear to me

  in the day when I called him.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

They surrounded me, the snares of death,

  with the anguish of the tomb;

they caught me, sorrow and distress.

  I called on the Lord’s name.

O Lord, my God, deliver me!

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

How gracious is the Lord, and just;

  our God has compassion.

The Lord protects the simple hearts;

  I was helpless so he saved me.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

He has kept my soul from death,

  my eyes from tears

  and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord

  in the land of the living.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

Second Reading: James 2:14-18

Take the case, my brothers, of someone who has never done a single good act but claims that he has faith. Will that faith save him? If one of the brothers or one of the sisters is in need of clothes and has not enough food to live on, and one of you says to them, ‘I wish you well; keep yourself warm and eat plenty’, without giving them these bare necessities of life, then what good is that? Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead.

  This is the way to talk to people of that kind: ‘You say you have faith and I have good deeds; I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds – now you prove to me that you have faith without any good deeds to show.’

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Jesus and his disciples left for the villages round Caesarea Philippi. On the way he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ And they told him. ‘John the Baptist,’ they said ‘others Elijah; others again, one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he asked ‘who do you say I am?’ Peter spoke up and said to him, ‘You are the Christ.’ And he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.

  And he began to teach them that the Son of Man was destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

  He called the people and his disciples to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.

Statement of Bishop Alan for Education Sunday, 2021

Please read out and/or make available to parishioners 

during the weekend of the 11/12th September

Education Sunday is a day on which can we focus on the wonderful work that is done in Catholic schools up and down the country. The last year has been a challenging time for all, as we have had to face the full impact of the pandemic and find new ways to live and work. Only time will show the full impact of the days that our children have had to stay at home and try to study. There are, I fear, some areas of inequality in the provision of the pupils’ learning, which may impinge on their development for some time. Having said that however, I know that the schools in the diocese have worked tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the children. On behalf of the diocese, I offer my deep gratitude to our Catholic schools for all that they have done and achieved during the pandemic. 

When the Catholic hierarchy was re-established in the ninetieth century, one of the first actions was to establish schools to support the Catholic community and help them overcome the many obstacles, including illiteracy, in the way of so many people. In our times the call to make Education a priority has not diminished in any way. As your bishop I heed the call of Pope Leo XIII given over a hundred years ago when he called on the bishops of the world to carry on “making the young your chief care; press onward in every way your work; and cultivate with enthusiasm and hopefulness whatever good seeds you find: for God, who is rich in mercy will give the increase.”[1] 

In recent times some of our schools have had to face hostile approaches from those who do not share our vision for Catholic education. They would want to influence the direction of travel for their own purposes rather than for the benefit of the children and young people in our Catholic schools. Pope Francis writes that “Education is an enterprise that demands cooperation on the part of all involved – the family, the school and social, cultural and religious institutions.”[2] A positive way of achieving this cooperation which, in turn, furthers the vision and tradition of those pioneers, is for our schools to work more closely together by joining Catholic Multi Academy Trusts (CMATs). Whilst this may be in line with thinking coming out of national Government it is also genuinely my firm belief that this is the best future for our schools. It is an opportunity for schools to work together actively and formally to shape the Catholic education system in their locality. It is this approach that will enable high standards of Catholic education to be maintained and where schools can contribute more widely as beacons of good practice in the local community. Indeed, where CMATs have been established in our diocese benefits have already been identified, including financial savings, greater inter-school support and renewal of the mission they share as Catholic schools. 

As the pandemic recedes and a growing sense of normality returns, I know that we will be able to move forward collaboratively with the wonderful work of enabling our young people to reach their full potential. I encourage all associated with our Catholic schools, as Pope Francis has said, to “persevere with courage and tenacity”[3]. Once again, thank you to all who work in and support Catholic education whether as pupils, staff, governors or parents. I will keep you in my prayers and ask that you join me in praying for the flourishing of our Catholic School communities. 

Yours in Christ and Mary, 

Bishop Alan, sm 

Bishop of Brentwood 

[1] Spectata Fides p.6 1885 

[2] Address of his Holiness Pope Francis to participants at the seminar “Education: the global compact” 

[3] Ibid

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

St Mark records: ‘looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephatha’ that is, ‘Be opened’. What did Jesus mean at that sigh? Did it express a sense of relief or of frustration or even exasperation and despair?  

We know for sure that Jesus was often astounded by people’s lack of faith. Strikingly, the man in today’s miracle was healed despite not expressing any explicit faith in Jesus. He was not healed against his will, but there is no evidence that he participated in the healing process. In Isaiah, God promises that the Messiah would do the very miracle that Jesus had just done: ‘Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped…the tongues of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, the streams in the desert.’ The Holy Spirit is at work in all our lives to open our eyes and ears and loosen our tongues so that we can sing the praises of God for what he has done in Christ. 

All of this is wonderful and true and for it we praise and thank God. However, there can be no escaping that St Mark is recording for us an actual healing miracle, demonstrating Jesus’ power over sickness and disease. We need to consider the question of whether such miracles can happen today. Once again, we turn to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for its wisdom and guidance: ‘Christ invites his disciples to follow him by taking up their cross in their turn. By following him they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick’. What is this new outlook? It must be the new outlook of Christ who said to the Apostles: ‘Heal the sick!’ The Church has received this charge from the lord himself and strives to carry it out praying for the sick. 

AS OUR SCHOOLS RE-OPEN: This past week our Catholic Primary School, St John Fisher opened after the summer recess. This coming week the remainder of our schools will reopen. We pray that all of our staff, students and children will have had a wonderful rest over the summer and return refreshed and ready for another academic year. The past 19 months have been difficult, and catching up with education is a gargantuan task. Congratulations to all of our high school young people who received their exam results. Some will now be preparing to go off to University & College; wishing them every happiness in their pursuits. Let us ask God’s blessing on this new Academic Year. 

Dear Friends in Christ,                          23^rd Sunday of the Year

Unlike last year, hopefully we are able to resume all of our Catechetical Programmes. Therefore, our First Holy Communion Programme will commence in a couple of weeks’ time. This year there will be two year groups preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist, Years three and four. Our RCIA Programme will commence this coming week on Thursday 9^th September at 7.30pm at the Presbytery. It is hoped that there will not be any further interference with lockdowns and remote learning. Some semblance of normality needs to be maintained during the coming months.

Obviously, this Pandemic has not gone away, and I have been flabbergasted to hear the number of people still contracting Coronavirus on a daily basis. I know we will have to live with this disease for the foreseeable future, and we should all be aware and conscious of one another in our protection of our health. While in church, I would continue to recommend the use of face-coverings, hand sanitisation, track & trace slips, and respecting each other’s space. If we are all sensible we will keep ourselves safe and well.

I have been so heartened by so many of our parishioners who have faithfully who are present at Holy Mass weekly; it’s truly wonderful to see. One person who rang me regularly throughout this pandemic stated; “I don’t know what I would have done without my faith; it’s the one thing that’s kept me going.” I’m sure a sentiment shared by many! It’s strange that in the times of crisis you often see the most extraordinary responses of kindness and generosity. I commend our Stewards, our Altar Society members, and many others for your selfless acts of charity and generosity. I really do hope more and more parishioners will return to the regular practice of faith. There’s one thing I’ve realised personally, that I can’t do this on my own, and I need the family of the church around me. You are the Church, and your presence is a blessing! If you’re finding it difficult to return to church on Sunday, why not come to one of our weekday masses at 10.00am each day.

Holy Mass will be live-streamed for the sick & housebound during the week at 10.00am and on Sunday’s at 11.00am Please join us!

May God Bless You All, 

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY- URGENT APPEAL: 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 19 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat. 

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: 

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

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!

CHURCH CLEANING -Next Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am.  If you’re able to give an hour or so we would be truly grateful, just turn up and there will be plenty to do or contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com We pride ourselves on how beautiful the church is kept.

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

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/

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! 

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 

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. 

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! 

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 35:4-7

Say to all faint hearts,

‘Courage! Do not be afraid.

Look, your God is coming,

vengeance is coming,

the retribution of God;

he is coming to save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

the ears of the deaf unsealed,

then the lame shall leap like a deer

and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy;

for water gushes in the desert,

streams in the wasteland,

the scorched earth becomes a lake,

the parched land springs of water.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 145(146):7-10

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

  who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

  the Lord, who sets prisoners free.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

  who raises up those who are bowed down.

It is the Lord who loves the just,

  the Lord, who protects the stranger.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

The Lord upholds the widow and orphan

  but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

  Zion’s God, from age to age.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Second Reading : James 2:1-5

My brothers, do not try to combine faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord, with the making of distinctions between classes of people. Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, beautifully dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time a poor man comes in, in shabby clothes, and you take notice of the well-dressed man, and say, ‘Come this way to the best seats’; then you tell the poor man, ‘Stand over there’ or ‘You can sit on the floor by my foot-rest.’ Can’t you see that you have used two different standards in your mind, and turned yourselves into judges, and corrupt judges at that?

  Listen, my dear brothers: it was those who are poor according to the world that God chose, to be rich in faith and to be the heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

Gospel : Mark 7:31-37

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. ‘He has done all things well,’ they said ‘he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.’

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 4th	10.00am	Frank Westcott’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 4th	6.00pm	Maria Julia Torrielli de Montoya RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)
Sun 5th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25th Wedding Anniversary (Steve & Teresa Wallace)
Sun 5th	11:00am	Tom O’Donovan RIP (Moira & Brian Carter)
Mon 6th	10.00am10.30am	Pat Pinagli RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 7th	10.00am	Caroline Akinyemi (Get Well) (Geraldine O’Donoghue)
Wed 8th	10.00am	Dominic McLaughlin Sp Int (Michael & Gemma)
Thurs 9th	10.00am10.30am	Janique Stanislaus RIP (M Marc-Peterkin)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 10th	10.00am 10.30am	Mary Gillard (get well) (G O’Donoghue)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 11th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 11th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 12th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP (O’Regan & Tuson Families)
Sun 12th	11:00am	People of the Parish.