October 2021 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS, 2021

One of the striking features of the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus sat down to teach. It was an act of solidarity with his disciples by not towering over them in the fashion of pagan rulers. Indeed, in John’s Gospel the Lord says, ‘I have called you friends, for all that I heard from my Father I have made known to you’. And from his seated position, the Lord gives a beautiful blueprint for Christian living.

The danger is to ‘pick and choose’ Beatitudes, rather than viewing them as a collective whole. St. Gregory of Nyssa taught that the Beatitudes build upon each other, culminating in the promise of the kingdom of heaven.

We find the most perfect embodiment of the Beatitudes in the life of Mary. Indeed, there is a striking mirror of language between the Beatitudes and elements in her Magnificat. She speaks of how ‘all generations will call me blessed’, with a keyword in this context being ‘blessed’. She is blessed and so will the people of God that Jesus envisages as he teaches his Sermon on the Mount. She is mournful, particularly at the foot of the cross where no one can share the sharpness of her grief, and her heart is pierced by sorrow as the suffering of her divine Son. Her thirst for justice can be found when she proclaims that God, ‘has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty’.

She is pure of heart, by reason of her Immaculate Conception and her immunity from Original Sin, and with her coronation in heaven she is afforded the full sight of God’s face. She was also persecuted for the cause of uprightness, when she was forced to flee to Egypt as a result of King Herod decreeing the death of all new-born babies.

So, on this Feast of All Saints we invoke the help of our most Blessed Mother and reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

Dear Friends in Christ, All Saints Day

We not only celebrate the great Solemnity of All the Saints today, but on Tuesday we commemorate in a special way all of the Faithful Departed on All Souls day. WE REMEMBER OUR DEAD and the communion that we still enjoy with them during this month of November. We also pray and offer Masses for the repose of their souls in the eternal life of God. Why do we offer Mass for the dead? We believe that there exists a living communion between us and our brothers and sisters “who have gone ahead of us marked the sign of faith”. Just as we pray for each other and share each other’s burdens on earth, we can offer prayers and sacrifices to help the departed souls undergoing purification, and no better prayer could be offered than that of the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

It is a deep and ancient instinct for Catholics to pray and offer Mass for the dead. St. Ambrose (d. 397) preached, “We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord.” St. Augustine (d. 430) recorded the dying wishes of his mother, St. Monica in his Confessions: “One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” Pope St. Gregory (d. 604) said, “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.”

NOVEMBER DEAD ENVELOPES: During November, please write and place the names of your deceased in these envelopes. The names of your deceased will be placed before the altar at every Mass and those “who have gone ahead of us marked by the sign of faith” will be raised up before the Lord in prayer. Also a decade of the rosary will be prayed at the end of each weekday mass for ther repose of their souls. Please place the name(s) of your deceased loved ones with your donation in the ‘Month of the Holy Souls’ envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery before 2^nd November.

There will be three masses offered on All Souls Day in Commemoration of the Faithful Departed: 10.00am, 12.15pm & 7.30pm. Please make a very special effort to attend one of these Masses. Also during the Pandemic we have lost a number of Parishioners. There will be a special mass on Friday 19^th November at 7.30pm I ask all those families who have lost loved ones this year, to come and pray for the repose of their souls.

May God bless you all during the coming week,

BRTISH SUMMER TIME END THIS EVENING. PLEASE PUT

YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.PksgenkNVMwF2XWxHkXnzgHaHp&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

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.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 4^th November Theme: How do we recognise the Church today? 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 resume again on Sunday 7^th NOVEMBER at 10.00am. (NO CLASS THIS WEEK) 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.

PERSONAL NOTE: Unfortunately, during lockdown last November 2020 I had to go into hospital to have a small tumour removed from my bladder. On a recent check-up they discovered two more back in the bladder. I had surgery earlier in the month, and my consultant is very happy with the biopsy results. The reason I share this with you is to avoid speculation and rumour, as a few people have already spoken to me about being unwell. All I ask are your prayers; I have great faith in Almighty God and also my wonderful consultant. Thank you! Fr John x

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GRAND DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS May I appeal to your incredible generosity once again this year, as we’ve decided not to have a formal traditional Bazaar. Last year we had a successful Grand Draw with Hampers, which proved to be very successful. There are Boxes to receive your gifts and food items and bottles, in the Porch of the Church, in Fr John’s Garage, and at the front do of the Presbytery. These will be emptied on a daily basis. Money gifts are also welcomed – if you use the Gift Aid Scheme, please use one of your spare envelopes to gift aid your money donation.

Some ideas for the Grand Draw are Flat Screen TV, Laptop, Other New Electrical Goods, Restaurant Vouchers, Hotel Vouchers, National Trust Family Memberships, Crate of Wine, Department Store Vouchers. Also Smart Tech Wearables: Fit Bits, Garmins, Air Pods, Beats. Suggested Hamper Donations: Luxury Brand Christmas Cakes & Christmas Puddings; Bottles of Champagne, Prosecco, Spirits, Port & Wine; Tinned Meats – Gammon Ham, Potted Duck Pates; Tinned Fish – Salmon, Dressed Crab & Lobster; Jars of Fruit in Syrup; Jars of Pickles, Chutneys & Olives; Festive Marmalades; Tea & Coffee, Hot Chocolate. Biscotti, Ginger Snaps & Shortbread. Diced Fruit & Nuts; Chocolate Nut selections. Sweetmeats – Turkish Delight. Biscuits & Crackers for Cheese. Boxes of Luxury Chocolates & truffle.

THANKING YOU ALL IN ANTICIPATION OF OUR GIFTS AND HAMPER ITEMS

COP 26 on CLIMATE CHANGE: Most of the leaders and governments of the world will be meeting in Glasgow over the next two weeks for this historic gathering; to discuss, most importantly, the situation of Climate Change. The destruction of our land, oceans and forests is threatening people’s homes and their ability to earn a living. The future of the planet and civilisation depends of agreement between nations to reduce carbon gases; slowing down changes to the world’s climate.

We are custodians of the planet and our duty is to look after and care for that which is entrusted to us. But sadly, with the destruction of rain forests through logging, and the use of fossil fuels, abuses have taken place, which has resulted in an increase of carbon gases, which in affect is changing the world’s climate. In recent years we have seen an increase of the world’s temperature. Climate change is already having visible effects on the world. The Earth is warming, rainfall patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising. These changes can increase the risk of heatwaves, floods, droughts, and fires.

Please pray for this COP 26 summit that agrrement can be reached by all!

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 take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.

The next talks will be on the 31^st October & 7the November and the question being explored is What does it mean to talk about morality? Fr Martin Boland, dean of Brentwood Cathedral will consider this question.

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. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.CIDMEvmJI68yfIptmd7fFwHaJQ&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION & MISSION: Pope Francis wants us to be more synodal at every level of the Church which is why he has convokeda synod about synodlaity itself. Communion, participation, and mission looked very dofferent in our country during the Reformation; and manifested itself, again, in different ways, for example, after the restoration of the hierarchy in the 19^th Century. Missions preceded parishes. Communities came together to build churches and schools.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to us now as Church? What are the opportunities that are opening up? How might the Church look tomorrow? Pope Francis is inviting us all to pray, listen and discern together what the Holy Spiriti saying to us in our own community, to our diocese and the whole Universal Church. This will be the first phase of a process which will conclude in Rome in 2023. The Pope is asking us to be more Synodal, calling each and everyone of us to have a say in how the Church could change by discerning together the signs of the times and dreaming where we would like to be. This is a chance to all to have a voice, and see where we would like to be.

DIARY OCTOBER 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: Vi Clarke RIP, Phil Lawless RIP, Neil Millward RIP Sheila Quinn RIP/ And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Irene Olivelle RIP, who passed away this week. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Friday 12^th November at St Edmund’s Church at 12.15pm followed by Cremation at Forest Park at 1.30pm.

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 20 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!

CATECHISTS TRAINING & RESOURCES DAY: Saturday 6^th November, Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, Upminster. 10am (arrivals for 10.30am start) – 3pm. The school is a short walk from Upminster Station, on the District & C2C Lines.

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/

PARISH REPOSITORY: We have a large selection of religious items available in the Parish Repository. There are lots of candles, especially candles for cemetaries during the month of November & the Holy Souls. In a couple of weeks we wiill displaying a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, and Christmas Cribs.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An irregular marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secualar 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 rectify 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

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 30^th	10.00am	Pina & Albert Martinelli (M Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Maree Kavanagh Int’s (Remy)
Sun 31^st All Saints	9.00am	Dec’d Member of Lawless Family (The Ryan Family)
Sun 31^st All Saints	11:00am	Guilermo Remo Jnr RIP (Jane Bacuetes)
Mon 1^st November	10.00am	Mary Ann Hannon RIP (Kelly Family)
Tues 2^nd All Souls Day	10.00am 12.15pm 7.30pm	Peter Smith RIP H/S (Paul Falco) Nancy Ironside RIP H/S (Pat Ata) Odilia, Albert & John Maton RIP (Diana & Ferdi Tisi) HOLY SOULS
Wed 3^rd	10.00am	Nancy Ironside RIP H/S (Veronica & Steve Short)
Thurs 4^th	10.00am	Michael Barrass RIP H/S (Anne Barrass)
Fri 5^th	10.00am 10.30am	Ann Cullin ((sick) H/S (Joe Harvey) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 6^th	10.00am	Nancy Hands Int’s H/S (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 6^th	6.00pm	Mass for Helen & Family (The Godsave Family) H/S
Sun 7^th	9.00am	Richard Black RIP H/S (Kendal Family)
Sun 7^th	11:00am	Bernard John Gilley RIP H/S (Eileen Ward)

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

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

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

First Reading:

I, John, saw another angel rising where the sun rises, carrying the seal of the living God; he called in a powerful voice to the four angels whose duty was to devastate land and sea, ‘Wait before you do any damage on land or at sea or to the trees, until we have put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.’ Then I heard how many were sealed: a hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel.

After that I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language; they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. They shouted aloud, ‘Victory to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels who were standing in a circle round the throne, surrounding the elders and the four animals, prostrated themselves before the throne, and touched the ground with their foreheads, worshipping God with these words, ‘Amen. Praise and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen.’

One of the elders then spoke, and asked me, ‘Do you know who these people are, dressed in white robes, and where they have come from?’ I answered him, ‘You can tell me, my lord.’ Then he said, ‘These are the people who have been through the great persecution, and they have washed their robes white again in the blood of the Lamb.’

Responsorial Psalm:

Second Reading

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

by letting us be called God’s children;

and that is what we are.

Because the world refused to acknowledge him,

therefore it does not acknowledge us.

My dear people, we are already the children of God

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

all we know is, that when it is revealed

we shall be like him

because we shall see him as he really is.

Surely everyone who entertains this hope

must purify himself, must try to be as pure as Christ.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened

and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Alleluia!

Gospel Reading:

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:

they shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful:

they shall have mercy shown them.

Happy the pure in heart:

they shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers:

they shall be called sons of God.

Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Thirtieth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Two significant themes in the Bible are light/darkness and being blind/able to see. Baptism has always been understood as a journey from the darkness of sin into the light of grace. We all need moments of revelation, in which we who once were blind now come to see. However, there are none so blind as those who cannot see, wonderfully illustrated by the following story.

One bleak winter’s day, a man stood on a soapbox at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London, intent on pouring scorn on Christianity and not hiding his contempt: ‘People tell me the God exists, but I can’t see him. People tell me that there is life after death, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is a judgement to come, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is a heaven and a hell, but I can’t see them.’ He descended the soapbox to cheap applause. Another man approached the soapbox, but needed help getting up onto it. He was nervous and unused to this kind of platform but was intent on speaking nevertheless. He began: People tell me that there is green grass all around, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is a blue sky above, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there are trees nearby, but I can’t see them. You see, I am blind.

Bartemaeus was blind, but even in the darkness of blindness he had the light of faith, and was the only person in Mark’s Gospel to call Jesus ‘Master’. The only other occurrence in the whole of the New Testament was when Mary Magdalene encountered the Risen Lord near the empty tomb. (see Jn 20:16). So Bartemaeus was not so blind after all! We all have shadows and blind spots in our lives, which we need the light of Christ to illuminate. We have no reason to fear the darkness, for – like Bartemaeus – we just need to turn to the Lord and request the gift of sight.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 30^th Sunday of the Year

Once again this week we have seen an incredible number of people contracting Coronavirus. This terrible disease is still raging throughout the world, and a couple of days this week we topped 50 thousand daily cases. Obviously this is worrying as we enter into the winter months. If you haven’t had a vaccination yet I appeal to you to make every effort to get the jab, you’re not only protecting yourselves, but your protecting everyone else as well. I pleaded with an elderly parishioner earlier on in the year to get the vaccine; sadly that parishioner passed away some weeks ago without the vaccine. A lot of the information on social media is not correct, and conspiracy theories abound. People don’t think twice about vaccination for all the childhood diseases; we have alleviated polio, TB. The fact that we have a vaccination that can save people’s lives is a real wonder and blessing. Having it produced so quickly during this pandemic was an incredible feat in itself. God gifts scientists to create medicine that will enrich and enhance and protect our lives. Please think about these sentiments.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GRAND DRAW: As yet, we’ve only received two bottles of red wine in our appeal for gifts and items for the Grand Draw & Christmas Hampers. May I ppeal to your incredible generosity once again this year, as we’ve decided not to have a formal traditional Bazaar. Last year we had a successful Grand Draw with Hampers, which proved to be very popular. There are Boxes to receive your gifts and food items and bottles, in the Porch of the Church, in Fr John’s Garage, and at the front do fo the Presbytery. These will be emptied on a daily basis. Money gifts are also welcomed – if you use the Gift Aid Scheme, please one of your spare envelopes to gift aid your money donation.

Wishing you all a Blessed Week,

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 28^th October; Theme: The beginnings of the Church. 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 resume again on Sunday 17^th October at 10.00am. (NO CLASS THIS WEEK OR NEXT WEEK – HALF TERM) 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.

NOVEMBER DECEASED LIST: As we rapidly approach the Month of November, the Month of Holy Souls, may I encourage the whole parish community to remember in a very special way all of your deceased loved ones through the November Deceased List. There are special envelopes available. Please kindly complete your list and enclose your mass offering in the envelope and return to the Presbytery before the 2^nd November All Souls Day. Mass will be celebrated Daily throughout November for all of our Deceased. Also a decade of the Holy Rosary will be prayed daily after each of the Weekday Masses. Perhaps you could make an extra special effort to attend an additional weekday mass during November. There will be three Masses on All Souls Day 2^nd November 10.00am, 12.15pm & 7.30pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

My sincere & grateful thanks to all of the parents who came to see me this week with the signing of CCP & SIF forms for schools’ application process. It was good to be able to speak with you all. Please ensure that you submit your online Essex County Form by 31^st October.

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.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

The next talks will be on the 24th October and the question being explored is “What is the universal call to holiness?” Fr Adrian Lowe, assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead, will consider this question. If you would like to join this discussion, please forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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

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 OCTOBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Joyce Gregory RIP, Mary Fox RIP, Maura Highland RIP. And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane (Mary)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Neil Milward RIP (Carole Milward)
Sun 24^th	9.00am	Lorcan Canavan RIP (John & Sue Campbell)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Guilermo Remo Jnr RIP (Jane Bacuetes)
Mon 25^th	10.00am	John Lawless (recovery) (Maura Ryan)
Tues 26^th	10.00am	Fr Barto Blaj (B’day Int’s) (Mary Burton)
Wed 27^th	10.00am	Vi Clarke RIP (Pat & Margaret)
Thurs 28^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Tess, Veronica & Eileen)
Fri 29^th	10.00am 10.30am	Pat & Margaret’s Int’s (Remy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 30^th	10.00am	Pina & Albert Martinelli (M Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Maree Kavanagh Int’s (Remy)
Sun 31^st	9.00am	Dec’d Member of Lawless Family (The Ryan Family)
Sun 31^st	11:00am	Alan Edward Quaife RIP (Ann Cocklin)

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

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Jeremiah 31:7-9

The Lord says this:

Shout with joy for Jacob!

Hail the chief of nations!

Proclaim! Praise! Shout:

‘The Lord has saved his people,

the remnant of Israel!’

See, I will bring them back

from the land of the North

and gather them from the far ends of earth;

all of them: the blind and the lame,

women with child, women in labour:

a great company returning here.

They had left in tears,

I will comfort them as I lead them back;

I will guide them to streams of water,

by a smooth path where they will not stumble.

For I am a father to Israel,

and Ephraim is my first-born son.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 125(126)

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,

it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

on our lips there were songs.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels

the Lord worked for them!’

What marvels the Lord worked for us!

Indeed we were glad.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage

as streams in dry land.

Those who are sowing in tears

will sing when they reap.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

They go out, they go out, full of tears,

carrying seed for the sowing:

they come back, they come back, full of song,

carrying their sheaves.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Second Reading : Hebrews 5:1-6

Every high priest has been taken out of mankind and is appointed to act for men in their relations with God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins; and so he can sympathise with those who are ignorant or uncertain because he too lives in the limitations of weakness. That is why he has to make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honour on himself, but each one is called by God, as Aaron was. Nor did Christ give himself the glory of becoming high priest, but he had it from the one who said to him: You are my son, today I have become your father, and in another text: You are a priest of the order of Melchizedek, and for ever.

Gospel : Mark 10:46-52

As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (that is, the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting at the side of the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and to say, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ And many of them scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he only shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus spoke, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Rabbuni,’ the blind man said to him ‘Master, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned and he followed him along the road.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year, 2021

T S Eliot once said, ‘Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important.’ This observation would undoubtedly be applied to James and John. Their thirst for ambition stirred up resentment and indignation among the disciples. Quite what was going on in their hearts is hard to figure out; it was not a particularly edifying kind of ambition. We say ‘particularly edifying’ for – rather like pride – not all ambition is wrong. Parents are proud of their children; we can be proud of our work; we are proud to be associated with teams, events or organisations. Such pride is human and understandable. It’s the same with ambition, is it not?

However, the Scriptures are quick to point out that selfish ambition is sinful. Indeed, through the process of maturity and grace, James himself wrote many years later: ‘If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth…For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

St Bernard of Clairvaux also condemned the vice in no uncertain terms: ‘Ambition is the mother of hypocrisy and prefers to sulk in corners and dark places. It cannot endure the light of day. It is an unclean vice wallowing in the depths, always hidden, but ever with an eye to advancement.’

So there is no doubt that ambition of the kind displayed by the disciples was not noble or impressive. What then is the right kind of ambition? We are called to grow in holiness, and to be ambitious for the kingdom of God: for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of Christ’s kingdom on earth.

RETURNING TO WEEKLY MASS: I would like to invite all of our parishioners to return to the weekly practice of faith, fulfilling our Sunday Obligation to keep the Sabbath Day holy. At least two thirds of the parish community have returned to regular practice of faith, but there are still a large number of parishioners whom I have not seen since the start of the Pandemic. The Church is always open, and it is so important to get back into the regular routine of Sunday Mass. Live-streaming is not a substitute for being present and receiving the Sacrament of the Body of Christ. Please come home to your Church.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 29^th Sunday of the Year

The terrible stabbing to death of Sir David Amess RIP has truly shocked the nation. Sir David was a committed Roman Catholic at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Leigh-on-Sea. He died in such tragic circumstances serving the people and constituents where he had been an MP for many decades. He was a family man married with five children. The latest news has now stated this as a terrorist incident. This senseless killing devastates not only the immediate family, but all of the people who Sir David tirelessly served for such a long time. This is the second murder in 5 years, the first being Jo Cox. In our prayers this week let us pray for the repose of the soul of Sir David Amess, and also remember his wife Julia and his children in this time of great loss. Requiescat in Pace.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GRAND DRAW: Last weekend you will have received a handout about our Annual Christmas Grand Draw. Due to the ongoing Covid situation, it was decided that the traditional Parish Bazaar may cause some people a few problems with regards to social distancing. So we will repeat what we did last year with a Big Grand Draw. Can I make an appeal to the whole parish community to your incredible generosity in providing Gifts and Items for the Grand Prize Draw & Christmas Hampers! Also, if there are any parishioners who would like to make financial donations, please ensure you use your Gift Aid envelopes, as we will be able to claim the Tax back through the Scheme.

If any parishioners could provide wicker hamper style baskets, please drop them off at the Presbytery. There will be Christmas boxes to receive your gifts and items in the Porch of the Church, in Fr John’s Garage, Also at the Presbytery Front Door.

May God Bless You,

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 21^st October; Theme: Jesus Christ, Truly God, truly man. 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 17^th October 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.

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. Please bring your completed Certificate to the meeting at the Presbytery so Fr John can countersign it. Certificates can be downloaded from the School Website under Admissions.

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) 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.

g) 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!

THIS WILL BE THE LAST CALL FOR PARENTS TO BOOK MEETING FOR SIGNING OF FORMS WITH FR JOHN. THANK YOU!

What is the Holy Sp[irit saying to us now as Church? What are the opportunities that are opening up? How might the Church look tomorrow? Pope Francis is inviting us all to pray, listen and discern together what the Holy Spiriti saying to us in our own community, to our diocese and the whole Universal Church.

At the Sunday evening Mass at Brentwood Cathedral, Bishop Alan will launch the ‘Synodal Process’; this will be the first phase of a process which will conclude in Rome in 2023. The Pope is asking us to be more Synodal, calling each and everyone of us to have a say in how the Church could change by discerning together the signs of the times and dreaming where we would like to be. This is a chance to all to have a voice, and see where we would like to be.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

The next talks will be on the 17th and 24th October and the question being explored is “What is the universal call to holiness?” Fr Adrian Lowe, assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead, will consider this question. If you would like to join this discussion, please forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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

DIARY OCTOBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 16^th	10.00am	Agnes & Colin Lamb RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Kelly Cottam (Stephanie Hemsworth)
Sun 17^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Kitty Mulvaney RIP (Eileen Lee)
Mon 18^th	10.00am10.30am	Rachel Frances Murrary RIP (M Diffy)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 19^th	10.00am	Josephine Colebrook RIP (Catherine Mills)
Wed 20^th	10.00am	Teresa Weight RIP (Veronica, Pat & Margaret)
Thurs 21^st	10.00am 10.30am	Margaret & John Kane RIP (M Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 22^nd	10.00am 10.30am	Noreen Cahill RIP (Noreen Smith) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane (Mary)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Neil Milward RIP (Carole Milward)
Sun 24^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Guilermo Remo Jnr RIP (Jane Bacuetes)

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

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 53:10-11

The Lord has been pleased to crush his servant with suffering.

If he offers his life in atonement,

he shall see his heirs, he shall have a long life

and through him what the Lord wishes will be done.

His soul’s anguish over,

he shall see the light and be content.

By his sufferings shall my servant justify many,

taking their faults on himself.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 32(33):4-5,18-20,22

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

The word of the Lord is faithful

and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right

and fills the earth with his love.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

The Lord looks on those who revere him,

on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord.

The Lord is our help and our shield.

May your love be upon us, O Lord,

as we place all our hope in you.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Second Reading : Hebrews 4:14-16

Since in Jesus, the Son of God, we have the supreme high priest who has gone through to the highest heaven, we must never let go of the faith that we have professed. For it is not as if we had a high priest who was incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us; but we have one who has been tempted in every way that we are, though he is without sin. Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help.

Gospel : Mark 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said to him ‘we want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’

When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

We have an amazing ability to avoid talking about important things. The desire to talk about life’s profound questions seems increasingly unusual in modern life. Nowadays, such questions are considered too ’deep’ or ‘heavy’, and most feel that politics and religion shouldn’t be discussed in polite circles. The clergy and those who working church related roles have often swallowed the ‘black humour pill’ and teasing is commonplace for anyone who is perceived as being ‘too intense’ or who ‘ takes things too seriously’ by simply asking a question about faith or life. This attitude is to our detriment because in avoiding these topics we are avoiding the fundamental and vital issues of life on earth.
Rich Young Man Coloring Page

The ancient world did not suffer from any such reticence, as we witness in today’s Gospel. The rich young man – clearly focused on obtaining eternal life – approaches the very One who can give it, and reveals that, although he is committed to keeping the Ten Commandments, he is unable to renounce his possessions. His departure from Jesus is one of the most moving and poignant moments in the New Testament, as he was brought face to face with his inability to relinquish that which prevented him from entering into the eternal life he longed for.

Thomas à Kempis said: ‘For small reward a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life many will hardly take a single step.’ Today’s Gospel story also illustrated that the moral life, while noble, falls far short of the life of grace. Although the rich young man honoured the law, he lacked the insight to understand that his heart was not right with God and only Jesus could set him free. Jesus – who came to redeem and save sinners – in the One who gives eternal life. As Paul so eloquently said to Timothy, our goal is to ‘Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good profession in the presence of many witnesses.

THANK YOU LORD: I give thanks to Almighty God this week for the beginning of my Twentieth Year as your Pastor. The years have flown by, and I’m truly grateful to Almighty God for the many graces and blessings that I personally have received from all of you. Please pray for me, as I do for you every day.

May God Bless You All. Fr John

My Dear Friends in Christ, 28^th Sunday of the Year

It is now exactly 19 months since the beginning of the Pandemic, which rocked the whole world. The great fear it engendered in the world’s population, and the number of deaths that have occurred has really taken its toll on everyone. There are families in our own parish that have been profoundly affected; and many people have had the virus. Thankfully, with the incredible work of scientists and medical researchers, a vaccine was produced in less than a year. People’s way of life changed literally overnight, and it is only now that we are starting to revert back to some semblance of normality.

Sadly, one of the consequences of the Pandemic, was the non-attendance at Holy Mass. Many parishioners have returned to the weekly practice of faith, and it has been wonderful to see; but there are a large number who have not come back. As one elderly parishioner put it to me recently; ‘Father, I feel I’ve lost two years of my life, and I’m not going to lose anymore!’ Life cannot be put on hold, otherwise we stop living. There may well be a number of people, who will never return to the practice of their faith, and of course, this is always sad; but at the same time it also depends what value you put on the life of faith as well. Life is not a dress rehearsal, and every day counts. The greatest sadness of all is that families, with children have not returned, and have completely got out of the habit of attending Holy Mass; now the young people don’t want to come to church, and find all sorts of excuses not to. The Church has followed the strictest guidelines both from Government and Diocese during this Pandemic; we have maintained a secure environment and worship space for the whole community, and continue to do so. If you are going out, and attending supermarkets and shops and restaurants, then coming to Holy Mass once a week, should be a ‘walk in the park’. But if you have decided not to return, please consider the long-term consequences of that decision, not just for yourself but for your whole family. Our church doors are always open and everyone is welcome!

I think this Pandemic has probably been the greatest challenge this world has ever known. It has brought out the best in many people through charity and kindness. But at the same time, in faith, I think we now have to stand up and be counted. Which path have you chosen?

May God Bless You All This Week,

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 14^th October; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Jesus Christ, Truly God, truly man. 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 10^th October at 10.00am. PARENTS’ MEETING Wednesday 13^th October at 7.30pm. 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.

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL HANDOUT THIS WEEK, IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE DROP OFF GIFTS & ITEMS AT THE PRESBYTERY AT ANYTIME OR LEAVE IN PORCH OF CHURCH

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.

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.

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

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!

THIS WILL BE THE LAST CALL FOR PARENTS TO BOOK MEETING FOR SIGNING OF FORMS WITH FR JOHN. THANK YOU!

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

The next talks will be on the 3rd and 10th October and the question being explored is “What does it mean to talk about God?” Fr Mark Reilly, parish priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford, will consider this question. If you would like to join this discussion, please forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

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

“HISTORY MYSTERY, Trinity Catholic High School Upper Site, Mornington Road, Thursday 14th October at 7.30pm in the Ratcliffe Hall. Dr Paul Doherty will be staging an exciting History Mystery, “The Ghosts of Berkeley” which focuses on one of the most exciting and mysterious incidents in English history, the murder of King Edward II and its implications for our present royal family. Admission fee £2.00, refreshments will be available. Dr Doherty hopes to raffle copies of his most recent novels. All proceeds to the school fund.”

DIARY OCTOBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 9^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Veronica, Margaret & Pat)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Olympia Panong RIP (Bacani Family)
Sun 10^th	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 11^th	10.00am	Niamh Harvey (Get well) (Maureen Perry)
Tues 12^th	10.00am	Archie Campbell (B’day Anni) (B Bryant)
Wed 13^th	10.00am	Maria & Joao Servo RIP Modesta & Joaquim RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Thurs 14^th	10.00am 10.30am	Bridget Kinsella (Get Well) ((M Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 15^th	10.00am 10.30am	John Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 16^th	10.00am	Agnes & Colin Lamb RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Kelly Cottam (Stephanie Hemsworth)
Sun 17^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Kitty Mulvaney RIP (Eileen Lee)

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

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

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Wf1Md-pfnInfl5p-IanHAwHaHa&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

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.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Wisdom 7:7-11

I prayed, and understanding was given me;

I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I esteemed her more than sceptres and thrones;

compared with her, I held riches as nothing.

I reckoned no priceless stone to be her peer,

for compared with her, all gold is a pinch of sand,

and beside her silver ranks as mud.

I loved her more than health or beauty,

preferred her to the light,

since her radiance never sleeps.

In her company all good things came to me,

at her hands riches not to be numbered.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 89(90):12-17

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

Make us know the shortness of our life

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

Show pity to your servants.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction

for the years when we knew misfortune.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

Show forth your work to your servants;

let your glory shine on their children.

Let the favour of the Lord be upon us:

give success to the work of our hands.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice

Second Reading : Hebrews 4:12-13

The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves.

Gospel : Mark 10:17-30

Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’ And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’ Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, ‘My children,’ he said to them ‘how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were more astonished than ever. ‘In that case’ they said to one another ‘who can be saved?’ Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he said ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’

Peter took this up. ‘What about us?’ he asked him. ‘We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

A prevalent view today is that divorce or separation can be amicable and reasonable (which is of course preferable to complete breakdown), but also that it is painless and civilised – i.e. the process is legally smooth and financially uncontentious, and both parties can remain on speaking terms. However, for many the experience is brutal and painful ad lives are torn apart.

Form the very beginning monogamy was part of God’s plan: a man and a woman become ‘one flesh’. However, this ideal wasn’t upheld by the people of Israel and polygamy was widespread in Old Testament times. The Mosaic Law – while containing provisions to protect women – did permit divorce, although according to Jesus this concession was because of their hardness of men’s hearts.

Still, today one in every two marriages ends in divorce. The tragedy of the Fall is that we all experience evil and discord both within and without. From the beginning, the marriage union has always been threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy and conflict that can and often does escalate into hatred and eventually separation

Marriage is a divine institution: ‘What God has joined together let no man separate’. Marriage is God’s plan for the human race and the marriage bond is a sign of God’s covenant. It is a gift of love, and by God’s grace couples partake in restoring God’s original order of creation in which men and women were united to live together in covenant and unity.

Married couples, then, have received a lofty and noble vocation. There is a very real way in which the entire Christian life bears the mark of the spousal live Christ has for the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her.

OCTOBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: At the end of each of our weekday masses we will pray a decade or the Holy Rosary for the intentions of our parish. Parents, please teach your children the rosary, it is a truly beautiful prayer.

Dear Friends in Christ,

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.3TlNLstUJYczsc3lGE2wxgHaD4&pid=Api&P=0&w=324&h=171

The second encyclical letter of Pope Francis was called ‘Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home is the appeal from Pope Francis addressed to “every person living on this planet” for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candour and humility. The title is taken from the first line of the encyclical, “Laudato si’, mi Signore,” or “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.

Our Bishop Alan has sent a Pastoral Letter this week to coincide with the launch of our own Diocesan initiative. This can be downloaded from the Parish Website and is attached to your newsletter. You will receive a handout also on the Laudato Si Invitations, Commitments & Actions 2021 – 2024. This is a personal invitation to every Catholic in the Brentwood Diocese to pray and act, to cherish God’s creation and strive for justice for the world’s poorest people. The handout gives a litany of suggestions of the things that each one of us can do in protecting and enriching our planet. All of them are practical and achievable; whether we are recycling all our waste, growing our own vegetables, walking or cycling more, being more informed on climate change, installing smart meters & insulating our homes, etc. If everyone does a little a lot gets done!

The pope is expected to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) taking place in Glasgow in November 1-12. He will only be present briefly giving his approval, in light of the Laudato Si encyclical, that each human being should be a custodian of our creation, and to do everything where possible to preserve our planet.

PRAYERS PLEASE: I would personally like to ask your prayers over the next few days for a very special intention. We should never underestimate the power of prayer. If you could pray a decade of the Rosary every day during the month of October, (Month of the Holy Rosary).

God Bless You All,

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RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 7^th October; 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 3^rd October 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.

ST EDMUND’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Talking to our Bazaar Committee, we have decided once again to have a Grand Christmas Raffle with about 30 Prizes. This was extremely successful last year thanks to your generosity; and with the precarious nature of the Pandemic still with us, and many people still feeling uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, we have decided to move forward with this. If you would like to donate gifts for Christmas Hampers, both Food & Bottle Hampers (Champagne, Wines, Spirits, Prosecco; Brand Name – Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings Mince Pies, Pickles, Crackers, Sweets, Boxes of chocolates, Chocolate selection boxes, Turkish Delight, Christmas Nuts, these would be gratefully accepted. Also some really big Gifts, Colour TV, Latest X Box, Theatre Tickets, Restaurant Vouchers, M & S Vouchers, New Glassware (Crystal), Spa Vouchers, etc. Also if you’re able to help in anyway in collecting gifts and items please let us know. There may be some parishioners who have commercial contacts, who would be willing to donate gifts and items. We would preferably want all new items as Christmas gifts for the Draw. Free christmas bazaar clipart

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.

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.

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!

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

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 OCTOBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 2^{nd OCTOBER}	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 4^th	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
Tues 5^th	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
Wed 6^th	10.00am	Int’s of Mrs Margaret Duffy (The Leith Family)
Thurs 7^th	10.00am 10.30am	Edna Bourne RIP (The Chalk Family) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 8^th	9.00am 10.30am	Rose McMorrow Ints (Maureen Perry) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 9^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Veronica, Margaret & Pat)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Olympia Panong RIP (Bacani Family)
Sun 10^th	11:00am	People of the Parish

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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Genesis 2:18-24

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.’ So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one was to bear the name the man would give it. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him. So the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh. The Lord God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. The man exclaimed:

‘This at last is bone from my bones,

and flesh from my flesh!

This is to be called woman,

for this was taken from man.’

This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 127(128)

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labour of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper.

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table.

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

in a happy Jerusalem

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children.

On Israel, peace!

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Second Reading : Hebrews 2:9-11

We see in Jesus one who was for a short while made lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and splendour because he submitted to death; by God’s grace he had to experience death for all mankind.

As it was his purpose to bring a great many of his sons into glory, it was appropriate that God, for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists, should make perfect, through suffering, the leader who would take them to their salvation. For the one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers.

Gospel : Mark 10:2-16

Some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him. He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ ‘Moses allowed us’ they said ‘to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, ‘The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’

People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Pastoral Letter for The launch of Brentwood Diocesan Laudato Si’

Invitations, Commitments and Actions

Please read out and/or make available in the weekend of 2nd/3rd October 2021 27th Sunday of Year B (conclusion of the Season of Creation)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In today’s first reading, from the Book of Genesis, we heard about the creation of Eve, from the rib of Adam. In the Gospel Jesus tells us, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.”

These two images chime deeply with this pivotal moment in the life of our planet. God’s creation was gifted to us in that same Book of Genesis. Adam and Eve are asked to “till” and “keep” the earth – to steward it, care for it, and cherish it. Yet as we consider the children in the Gospel, so precious in Jesus’ sight, we have to ask ourselves what kind of world we are handing on to our children, and children yet unborn? This summer has seen wild fires raging in Southern Europe, traumatic flooding in India, Pakistan and America, and a devastating earthquake in Haiti. There can be no doubt that weather patterns are shifting, and it is the poorest people in the world who are often the ones that are suffering the most.

So how can we respond? Our faith roots us in a Biblical landscape full of natural images – lakes and mountains, fish and sheep, fig trees and olive groves, wheat and lambs. Pope Francis says, “The Lord was … in constant touch with nature, lending it an attention full of fondness and wonder.” The Pope wrote those words in 2015, in a letter addressed to the whole world. It is called Laudato Si’ and these are the first words of a prayer of St Francis of Assisi – they translate as, Praise Be.

“Praise Be to brother sun and sister moon,” writes St Francis as he continues referring to all creation as brother and sister. In those simple words he reminds us that we are all interconnected. St Thomas Aquinas, the great Philosopher and Theologian, said “In every living creature there is a trace of the Trinity.” In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis draws together these centuries of prayer and wisdom, and asks us urgently to “Listen to the Cry of the Earth, and the Cry of the Poor.” Now, in the autumn of 2021, we find ourselves at a moment which will define how human beings respond to the challenges of Climate Change. In less than a month world leaders gather in Glasgow, and the decisions they make will affect us all. So today you are receiving information about what the Diocese is doing, and what you are invited to do, as individuals and as a parish. As part of this, each of us are asked to make three personal pledges, three ways in which we will act differently. This is not just another environmental campaign; it is an integral part of our faith. In making your personal pledges – in working to heal the planet, and in striving for justice for the poorest people in the world – you are a living witness to Jesus Christ: do not be afraid to tell people why you are doing whatever you choose to do.

Let me now offer some very personal words. I have been deeply blessed in my life to explore mountains, often in Scotland. Mountains are part of the Biblical landscape, where they are places of encounter with God. For me, they are places where I see the immense scale, detail, force and wonder of God’s creation. There are moments when I have savoured the stillness and peace of an unparalleled view from a mountain peak. I sense God, and such moments inspire me to pray. So as I see the destruction of God’s creation due to the effects of climate change, I take the pledges that I make today very seriously. I will be eating less meat; I will be walking more often; I will be praying much more regularly on the challenges to God’s Creation and the urgent issues around climate change.

Today, I am also mindful of my role as Shepherd of the Diocese. It is a feature of our Church that much good work can remain hidden. This weekend, unusually, we are shining a light on what we do, so that you know about it and can share it. For over thirty years Brentwood Diocese has firmly refused to invest in tobacco or weapons manufacturers, into addition to those who produce pornography, or those who make chemical products that go against our teaching that all life is sacred. Now we have added to this; in the last three months we have divested completely from companies that produce or trade fossil fuel. In 2018 we became an employer that pays the real living wage, lifting families from poverty. The electricity and gas used in almost all our Diocesan buildings now comes from renewable sources.

To reinforce these Diocesan actions, and our personal pledges, today I urgently encourage every school and parish to work towards the Cafod LiveSimply award; this will have a great effect across East London and Essex. The Diocese is full of natural beauty, and we can help to enhance that, creating new havens for wildlife, volunteering with local charities, and growing fruit and vegetables on our land. Personally, I am very pleased to be helping to lead work which will seriously examine our use of energy in the Diocese, most especially in our buildings, and you will hear more about that in your own parish during 2022.

In an interview, Mother Teresa, now a Saint of our Church, was once asked about how her work with the poorest people in Calcutta could possibly make a difference, as there were so many of them. She replied, “Is what I am doing to serve the poor just a drop in the ocean? Yes. It is. But many drops make a different ocean.” Our personal pledges are drops in the ocean – but there are, at least, over 45,000 committed Catholics in our Diocese. That’s 135,000 pledges! Making sacrifices; listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. In this way, in the name of Jesus Christ, we can help to make a different ocean.

I ask you, with me, to offer it all in prayer: “Teach us afresh, Lord, to care for our common home in the way that you care for us Teach us afresh, Lord, to see ‘a trace of the Trinity’ in every part of creation Teach us afresh, Lord, the precious truth that each person we meet is a sister or brother of your Son, Jesus Christ.”

Yours in Christ and Mary Bishop Alan Williams, sm