Month: November 2021

(Please read and/or make available at all Masses during the weekend of the 27/28th December 2021)

My dear People,

On this, the First Sunday of Advent, we embark on a journey together with the Universal Church. Every diocese throughout the world has been invited by Pope Francis to walk the Synodal Pathway. The journey begins now and will conclude in Rome in 2023.

The Holy Father invites us to enter this Synodal Journey, moving towards greater Communion, Participation and Mission within the Church. These three themes reflect both our calling and ultimately our destination as Catholic Christians.

We begin in Advent, a season of listening, reflected in the most perfect example Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Listening was central to the Annunciation. First, God speaks to Mary; she loves God and she listens to him with an open heart and a willingness to participate in His plan. Later, at the Visitation, Mary cares for and listens to her cousin, Elizabeth. Our Lady shows us what it means to be fully attentive to God and to neighbour.

Now it is our turn. We are being asked to pray together, to talk with, and listen to each other, and to share our dreams for a future Church that is enhanced by communion, participation and mission.

The Holy Father has made it clear that each diocese ought to tailor the pathway to their unique, local situation and with this in mind I would like to encourage you to undertake this task within your Parish Partnerships. These were established as part of our Stewards of the Gospel process, which led, three years ago in the Advent of 2018 to the publication of our Vision Document: Shaping Our Future.

As a diocese, we now have some experience of collective discernment of the will of the Holy Spirit, as the common theme of listening together runs between the Stewards of the Gospel process and the Synodal Pathway. Pope Francis puts it beautifully, saying, “Our journeying together is what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God”. My hope is that the Synodal pathway will help us to discern and implement our own vision and manifest our missionary nature.

Now I urge you to come together in your parish partnership; to pray and to dream of the future of our church, to listen with care and respect to one another, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations.

Everyone should be included in this prayerful listening and discernment and there will be notices in your parish bulletin or on social media with further information.

As we journey together in our pilgrimage to the house of God our Father, I invite you to use the Synod Prayer which will be available in print form and also on diocesan and parish web sites.  Attributed to St Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods for hundreds of years. This version has been designed specifically for the Church’s Synodal Pathway. Please pray it, inviting the Holy Spirit into your busy lives and homes and know that I will be praying for you also.

Yours in Christ and Mary,

+Alan Williams, sm

Bishop of Brentwood

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

We stand today at the beginning of Advent and joyfully anticipate the celebration of Christmastide. Our pilgrimage invites us to revisit and partake in the events surrounding Jesus’ first coming: his birth and entry into human history when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. 

Since the beginning, Advent has been a season in which we reflect on the first coming of Christs but also prepare for his second. The deepest longing of the Holy Spirit is expressed in the cry ‘Come’, which the Spirit gives to the Church. The prayer of both the Spirit and the Church will always be ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’

God always has in view the end towards which the whole history of salvation is directed. Our desire to prepare for Jesus’ return is proportional to our current relationship with him. His return heralds not just the coming of a kingdom, of a new order of things, but the return of the Lord of Lords, the Servant King who loved and died for us.

The call throughout the New Testament is to be active, to prepare, be watchful and be holy as God is holy, so that we can ‘stand before the Son of man’. At Jesus’ first coming he came to save and redeem so that we would know forgiveness and liberation from our sin. At his second coming, we will know the redemption of our bodies and full deliverance for which the whole of creation longs. 

Advent, then, is a time to grow in holiness through repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

‘Behold, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see. This is the season that the Church has always celebrated with special solemnity. We too should always observe it with faith and love, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mercy and love he has shown us in the mystery.’ (St Charles Borromeo) 

Dear Friends in Christ,           1^st Sunday of Advent 2021

As we have just embarked upon our Advent Journey, and begun our New Liturgical Year. We pray that the Lord will be with us in these weeks ahead as we prepare for his birth once again into our lives this Christmastide. How we prepare determines how we will celebrate the Incarnation of the Lord. Last year was strange, and if you remember many people were getting very sick of the Christmas & New Year period. Here we are twelve months on, the Pandemic is still with us, but we are slowly learning to live with the implications of it.  

Obviously, during the Pandemic we should still be very conscious of one another and, hopefully most have been vaccinated by now, and many have received their booster & flu vaccines for this year. We are still maintaining certain precautions at church, with the sanitising of hands at entry and exit of the church; the wearing of face-coverings in respect of one another, and social distancing where necessary. Thank you to everyone for kindly respecting these requests!

GRAND DRAW ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY, 12^th DECEMBER

GRAND DRAW TICKETS: My dear friends, this weekend we will be distributing Grand Draw Tickets for the Grand Draw & Christmas Hampers. Once again I appeal to your generosity in taking as many books of Tickets as you can. As this is our only fund-raising even of the year please be generous in your response. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December after the 11am Mass. We will be having a Coffee Morning at the same time, so we ask all of our parishioners to join us on this occasion.

GRAND DRAW PRIZES: My grateful thanks to those who have donated Christmas food items, bottles etc for the hampers. Could I make a special appeal to everyone for some Luxury Grand Draw Prizes, we really want to make this Draw worthwhile. 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, and Department Store Vouchers. Also Smart Tech Wearables: Fit Bits, Garmins, Air Pods, Beats, Echo & Alexa Devices, (with Black Friday approaching you may be able to get some real bargains as prizes). You can leave off prizes and Hamper items at the Presbytery anytime. There are boxes to receive gifts and items in the porch of the church, Fr John’s Garage (Big Red Box), Presbytery Front Door (Big Red Box). My thanks to those who have already

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 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 session on Thursday 2^nd December Theme: The Sacraments – The Sacrament of Reconciliation – Confession. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, 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 28^th November at 10.00am. Our Theme this week is Listening.  Parents’ Meeting – 1^st December at 7.30pm. (Please note change of date) Thank you!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives. 

OFFICE CHAIRS: Would any parishioners have a couple of redundant Office Chairs for our parish office. Just the simple swivel chairs; unfortunately the ones we have seen better days and are on their last legs. If you have please contact Fr. John directly at the Presbytery Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Thanking you in anticipation!

REPOSITORY: Available this weekend, a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, (please think about sending religious cards, signifying the true meaning of Christmas). Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles, Cribs, and other Christmas Items.  All items are marked with prices, and there is a box available for the proceeds of your items. Thank you!

ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOUGHTON P PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: As your parish school, St John Fisher provide a distinctively Catholic education for your children. St John Fisher is an excellent School where we teach your children, in accordance with our Mission Statement – “The love of God helps us all to live, learn, and grow to be a happy, caring and welcoming community.”  St John Fisher school is a place filled with love of learning. It is a place where, as a Catholic community, we celebrate the successes of our children in all areas of school life through our distinctive curriculum.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please do see for yourself the excellent education and enhanced learning environment we provide. We welcome mid-year applications. 

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal.  Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:          

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022.

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 28^th November and 5^th December and the question being explored is, What are the unique insights of Catholic Social Teaching?  Fr Dominic Howarth, Romford, will consider this question. 

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

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE: You are warmly invited to join us at Walsingham House at Abbotswick for our annual Advent Carol Service on Sunday 12th December. We will have Christmas carols both classic and contemporary performed by our incredibly talented BCYS musicians, accompanied with readings from scripture and Christmas poems & stories. This year we are running two concerts, at 3pm or 7pm, however there will be limited capacity at each event and this will be dependent on any current Government restrictions or social distancing, in place at the time. Tickets are £10 and the money will go towards supporting our pilgrimages to Lourdes. To book your place please contact Joe Beattie, Walsingham House manager on josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 01277 373 959. 

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Applications are now open for our summer pilgrimage to Lourdes for those in Years 11-13, with those of school leaver age (18+) invited to join us as young leaders. This is one of our most popular events and after a 2 year gap we are excited to be returning next year.  The week is spent travelling alongside the main Diocesan pilgrimage as we assist the elderly and infirm with going to Masses and services, as well as visiting shops and cafes within the town.  For those travelling with the BCYS the week will also include a retreat, reconciliation service, as well as social events and a party.  Please see www.bcys.net/events/sl22/ for more information including visas, vaccinations and how to apply

A SUNDAY EVENING PARISH YOUTH MASS: We’ve had a couole of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly in the New Year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration. Hopefully, we will also have a social gathering in the hall afterwards

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: It had taken a number of years to build up a good team of Altar Servers. Sadly, since the Pandemic, many have not returned to serving at the Altar. As a matter of courtesy I would be sincerely grateful to know if you have any intention of returning to the regular practice of  Altar Serving? If you have no intention of serving anymore more it would be good to know; and also, if you could kindly return your albs, laundered please. I really feel saddened by this, as this is a most truly wonderful ministry for our young pepople to participate in. If there are any other young pepople in the parish who would liike to start serving, could you let Fr John know as soon as possible.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregualr Marriage is one that 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 

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

As we’re now into the month of November, I would like to appeal to all of our parishioners to participate in our only fund-rising event of the year. As you are well aware, since the Pandemic our finances have dropped considerably, as many people are not attending church anymore. The Bazaar Committee believe that the Grand Christmas Draw & Hampers, which was such a great success last year, can be repeated again this year. Manifestly, we are wholly dependent on your generosity. No matter how great or small a gift or item may be it will be gratefully received.     

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, and 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 & truffles. 

There are boxes in the Porch of the church, at the Presbytery front door & in Fr John’s Garage to receive your gifs and items, and or course you can always drop off personally at the Presbytery throughout the week.  If there are any parishioners who would like to donate ‘Money Gifts’ these will be gratefully received. Also, if anyone has any gift baskets you could let us have, these will be good to make up the Christmas Hampers.  If you can, please help us once again this year. This is the whole parish working together. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December in the Parish Hall at about 12.30pm there will be refreshments available. 

GRAND DRAW TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEKEND

PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR RESPONSE IN TAKING THEM

KINDLY RETURN ALL COUNTERFLOILS & MONIES BY 

SUNDAY THE 12^th DECEMBER.  THANK YOU!

DIARY NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 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: Pat Murphy RIP, Catherine Wright RIP, Please for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, ALL OF OUR HOLY SOULS.  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 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! The Grand Christmas Clean will tak place on Tuesday 21^st December at 9.30am. Please join us if you can for an hour or so to prepare the Church for our Christmas Masses. 

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/

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2021

Sat 27th	10.00am	Yvonne Poulter RIP (Poulter Family)  HOLY SOULS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 27th	6.00pm	Thomas Berry RIP (Stephanie Hemsworth)HOLY SOULS
Sun 28th	9.00am	Miguel & Carmen Ruiz B’day Ints (Ruiz Family)
Sun 28th	11:00am	Buddy Oriel RIP (Bacuetes Family) HOLY SOULS
Mon 29th	10.00am	Frank Westcott’s Ints (Remy) HOLY SOULS
Tues 30th	10.00am	Dec’d of McCabe /Johnson families RIP (R & I Johnson) HOLY SOULS
Wed 1stDecember	10.00am	Dec’d member of the Epsom Family RIP
Thurs 2nd	10.00am	Vincent & Teresa McMorrow RIP
Fri 3rd	10.00am10.30am	Josie Sison’s Int’s (Remy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 4th	10.00am	Nancy Ironside RIP (Maree Kavangh)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 4th	6.00pm	Sandy Sandhu RIP
Sun 5th	9.00am	Colin Orr RIP (Catherine Mills)
Sun 5th	11:00am	Yvonne Poulter RIP (Steve & Teresa Wallace)

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

1st Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Jeremiah 33:14-16

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah:

‘In those days and at that time,

I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David,

who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.

In those days Judah shall be saved

and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

And this is the name the city will be called:

The-Lord-our-integrity.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 24(25):4-5,8-9,10,14

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Lord, make me know your ways.

  Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

  for you are God my saviour.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

The Lord is good and upright.

  He shows the path to those who stray,

He guides the humble in the right path,

  He teaches his way to the poor.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

His ways are faithfulness and love

  for those who keep his covenant and law.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;

  to them he reveals his covenant.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Second Reading : 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

  Finally, brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it. You have not forgotten the instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Gospel : Luke 21:25-28,34-36

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect; hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.

  ‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

‘Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors! That the King of glory may come in.’ (Ps.24:7)

In the processional hymn which celebrates the Ark of the Covenant entering Jerusalem’s temple, the Psalmist leads us in joyful prayer and praise. For the Jews, the Ark was the seat of God; it was where the Lord dwelt. The worshippers cry for the grates to open so that the Lord of hosts can enter in. We echo this cry on the Feast of Christ the King; we who worship the Father in spirit and truth acknowledge Jesus’ rightful place on the throne of glory, at his Father’s right hand.  

Jesus is the Son, the King, the Lord, the Alpha and the Omega, the One who overcame the deadliest foes: sin, Satan and death. John records the eternal hymn of praise of the four living creatures, capturing the glory, honour, worship and praise which are due to Jesus, the Servant King, because he laid down his life only to take iti up again: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.’ Jesus is truly enthroned as King as we longingly await for the full unveiling and realisation of the kingdom: ‘…until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.’

We are loiving in the age of the Church; the end times have been a reality since Jesus ascended into heaven. When he comes again in glory, sin, death and corruption will be overthrown entirely: ‘When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him (the Father) who put all things under him, that God may be everything to everyone.’

The kingship and lordship of Jesus underpin our faith. Today, as the liturgical year draws to a close, we prepare to celebrate once more the coming of the King of Kings who laid aside his majesty and glory to humble himself by being born, not in regal comfort, but in a lowly stable.

Dear Friends in Christ,     33^rd Sunday of the Year

Today is the grate Solemnity of Christ the King and marks the final week in the Church’s liturgical year. We proclaim the Kingship of Christ crucified, as he reigns from the Cross and triumphs over sin and death. We are invited to share in his new life, which we call our Catholic Christian Faith. The New Liturgical Year commences next weekend with the First Sunday of Advent – we move into Year C – the year of Luke. 

NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY:  21^st November 2021. Is now World Youth Sunday. The Theme this year is Witness. The Lord calls us to 1) Stand Up – Jesus us calls us to not be afraid, and even if we fall or fail, to stand up and know he is with us. 2) You are appointed – You are called and chosen to do a specific job or mission. Jesus sees our particular gifts and talents and calls us to use them. But he also chooses us because he loves us. 3) Go as a witness –The disciples were first-hand witnesses of Jesus’ work on earth and were sent out by Jesus to share the good news. As witnesses of Jesus’ light and love at work in our lives today, we are also sent out to share it!

GRAND DRAW TICKETS: My dear friends, this weekend we will be distributing Grand Draw Tickets for the Grand Draw & Christmas Hampers. Once again I appeal to your generosity in taking as many books of Tickets as you can. As this is our only fund-raising even of the year please be generous in your response. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December after the 11am Mass. We will be having a Coffee Morning at the same time, so we ask all of our parishioners to join us on this occasion.

GRAND DRAW PRIZES: My grateful thanks to those who have donated Christmas food items, bottles etc for the hampers. Could I make a special appeal to everyone for some Luxury Grand Draw Prizes, we really want to make this Draw worthwhile. 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, and Department Store Vouchers. Also Smart Tech Wearables: Fit Bits, Garmins, Air Pods, Beats, Echo & Alexa Devices, (with Black Friday approaching you may be able to get some real bargains as prizes). You can leave off prizes and Hamper items at the Presbytery anytime. There are boxes to receive gifts and items in the porch of the church, Fr John’s Garage (Big Red Box), Presbytery Front Door (Big Red Box). My thanks to those who have already

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 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 session on Thursday 2^nd December Theme: The Sacraments – The Sacrament of Reconciliation – Confession. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, 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 21^st November at 10.00am. Our Theme this week is Listening.  Parents’ Meeting – Wednesday 1^st December at 7.30pm. Thank you!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives. 

OFFICE CHAIRS: Would any parishioners have a couple of redundant Office Chairs for our parish office. Just the simple swivel chairs; unfortunately the ones we have seen better days and are on their last legs. If you have please contact Fr. John directly at the Presbytery Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Thanking you in anticipation!  

REPOSITORY: Available this weekend, a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, (please think about sending religious cards, signifying the true meaning of Christmas). Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles, Cribs, and other Christmas Items.  All items are marked with prices, and there is a box available for the proceeds of your items. Thank you!

ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOUGHTON P PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: As your parish school, St John Fisher provide a distinctively Catholic education for your children. St John Fisher is an excellent School where we teach your children, in accordance with our Mission Statement – “The love of God helps us all to live, learn, and grow to be a happy, caring and welcoming community.”  St John Fisher school is a place filled with love of learning. It is a place where, as a Catholic community, we celebrate the successes of our children in all areas of school life through our distinctive curriculum.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please do see for yourself the excellent education and enhanced learning environment we provide. We welcome mid-year applications. 

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal.  Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:          

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022.

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! The Grand Christmas Clean will tak place on Tuesday 21^st December at 9.30am. Please join us if you can for an hour or so to prepare the Church for our Christmas Masses.

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/

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 talk will be on the 21st November and the question being explored is, Why should we listen to the Church?  Fr Stephen Morrison O Praem, Chelmsford, will consider this question. 

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

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE: You are warmly invited to join us at Walsingham House at Abbotswick for our annual Advent Carol Service on Sunday 12th December. We will have Christmas carols both classic and contemporary performed by our incredibly talented BCYS musicians, accompanied with readings from scripture and Christmas poems & stories. This year we are running two concerts, at 3pm or 7pm, however there will be limited capacity at each event and this will be dependent on any current Government restrictions or social distancing, in place at the time. Tickets are £10 and the money will go towards supporting our pilgrimages to Lourdes. To book your place please contact Joe Beattie, Walsingham House manager on josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 01277 373 959. 

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Applications are now open for our summer pilgrimage to Lourdes for those in Years 11-13, with those of school leaver age (18+) invited to join us as young leaders. This is one of our most popular events and after a 2 year gap we are excited to be returning next year.  The week is spent travelling alongside the main Diocesan pilgrimage as we assist the elderly and infirm with going to Masses and services, as well as visiting shops and cafes within the town.  For those travelling with the BCYS the week will also include a retreat, reconciliation service, as well as social events and a party.  Please see www.bcys.net/events/sl22/ for more information including visas, vaccinations and how to apply.

A SUNDAY EVENING PARISH YOUTH MASS: We’ve had a couole of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly in the New Year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration. Hopefully, we will also have a social gathering in the hall afterwards

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: It had taken a number of years to build up a good team of Altar Servers. Sadly, since the Pandemic, many have not returned to serving at the Altar. As a matter of courtesy I would be sincerely grateful to know if you have any intention of returning to the regular practice of  Altar Serving? If you have no intention of serving anymore more it would be good to know; and also, if you could kindly return your albs, laundered please. I really feel saddened by this, as this is a most truly wonderful ministry for our young pepople to participate in. If there are any other young pepople in the parish who would liike to start serving, could you let Fr John know as soon as possible.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregualr Marriage is one that 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 

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

As we’re now into the month of November, I would like to appeal to all of our parishioners to participate in our only fund-rising event of the year. As you are well aware, since the Pandemic our finances have dropped considerably, as many people are not attending church anymore. The Bazaar Committee believe that the Grand Christmas Draw & Hampers, which was such a great success last year, can be repeated again this year. Manifestly, we are wholly dependent on your generosity. No matter how great or small a gift or item may be it will be gratefully received.     

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, and 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 & truffles. 

There are boxes in the Porch of the church, at the Presbytery front door & in Fr John’s Garage to receive your gifs and items, and or course you can always drop off personally at the Presbytery throughout the week.  If there are any parishioners who would like to donate ‘Money Gifts’ these will be gratefully received. Also, if anyone has any gift baskets you could let us have, these will be good to make up the Christmas Hampers.  If you can, please help us once again this year. This is the whole parish working together. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December in the Parish Hall at about 12.30pm there will be refreshments available. 

GRAND DRAW TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEKEND

PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR RESPONSE IN TAKING THEM

KINDLY RETURN ALL COUNTERFLOILS & MONIES BY 

SUNDAY THE 12^th DECEMBER.  THANK YOU!

DIARY NOVEMBER 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: Dr Douglas St.John Murphy RIP, Eileen Hills RIP, Please for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, ALL OF OUR HOLY SOULS.  Requiescant in Pace. 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Dr Brian Beveridge, who passed away this week. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Vicky and their family in this time of great loss. May he rest in peace. 

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER 2021

Sat 20th	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 20th	6.00pm	Martin Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle)  HOLY SOULS
Sun 21st	9.00am	Noel Anderson RIP (Pover Family) HOLY SOULS
Sun 21st	11:00am	Margaret Mary & Karl Joseph Britz RIP (Karl Jude Britz)  ALL HOLY SOULS
Mon 22nd	10.00am	John Metcalf 90th B’day (Margaret Duffy)   HOLY SOULS
Tues 23rd	10.00am	Ron Bryant RIP (B’day Anni) (B Bryant)  HOLY SOULS
Wed 24th	10.00am	PC Joseph RIP (Kumar Family) HOLY SOULS
Thurs 25th	10.00am	Laurent Giordmaina RIP (Pauline & Barry Hatch) HOLY SOULS
Fri 26th	10.00am10.30am	Nancy Burgess RIP (M Abbs) HOLY SOULSHoly Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 27th	10.00am	Yvonne Poulter RIP (Poulter Family)  HOLY SOULS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 27th	6.00pm	Thomas Berry RIP (Stephanie Hemsworth)HOLY SOULS
Sun 28th	9.00am	Miguel & Carmen Ruiz B’day Ints (Ruiz Family) HOLY SOULS
Sun 28th	11:00am	Buddy Oriel RIP (Bacuetes Family) HOLY SOULS

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

Christ the King – Solemnity

First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14

I gazed into the visions of the night.

And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,

one like a son of man.

He came to the one of great age

and was led into his presence.

On him was conferred sovereignty,

glory and kingship,

and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.

His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty

which shall never pass away,

nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 92(93):1-2,5

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed;

  the Lord has robed himself with might,

  he has girded himself with power.

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

The world you made firm, not to be moved;

  your throne has stood firm from of old.

  From all eternity, O Lord, you are.

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

Truly your decrees are to be trusted.

  Holiness is fitting to your house,

  O Lord, until the end of time.

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

Second Reading: Apocalypse 1:5-8

Grace and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the First-Born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father; to him, then, be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. It is he who is coming on the clouds; everyone will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the races of the earth will mourn over him. This is the truth. Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’ says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.

Gospel : John 18:33-37

‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked. Jesus replied, ‘Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me: what have you done?’ Jesus replied, ‘Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.’ ‘So you are a king then?’ said Pilate. ‘It is you who say it’ answered Jesus. ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.’

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Thirty-Third Sunday of the Year, 2021

There is no escaping the apocalyptic writings in the Bible. We need to come to terms with the fact that some of what we read is dark and scary, bringing us face to face with the prospect of trials, tribulations and turmoil, both on earth and in the heavens.  We can nevertheless discern a consolation at the heart of such passages that overcomes the terror and darkness, which is the coming of Jesus, the son of Man. Borrowing the image of God’s deliverance from Daniel. Mark leaves us in no doubt that one day the world will end, No one knows when: not the Church, not the son, but only the Father. 

Drawing on all the wisdom of the ages which it teaches with authority, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, ‘Since the Ascension Christ’s coming has been imminent even though “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority”. This coming… could be accomplished at any moment, even if both it and the final trial that will precede it are delayed’. 

St Bernard of Clairvaux explained Christ’s three comings: first, the incarnation; second, his return to earth; and third, his coming into our lives and heart. We rejoice in his first coming and long for his second. Perhaps if we prayed and longed for Christ’s Second Coming more, we would help to usher it in. Imagine, we could play some part in his return! Jesus urges us to be on our guard and keep watch. But are we to guard and keep watch over? Our minds, hearts and lives, but also time.

St Augustine said, ‘Time is a threefold present: the present as we experience it, the past as a present memory, and the future as an expectation.’ In guarding and keeping watch over our time we learn to put our lives at God’s service, striving to live in his presence, with growing awareness that the Lord will return, wrap up time and history, and usher in the eternal kingdom of God.

‘Do not walk through time without leaving worthy evidence of your passage.’ (Pope St John XXIII)

Dear Friends in Christ,     32^nd Sunday of the Year

Today is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember in a very special way all of those men and women who gave their lives so gallantly in the two Great Wars; but also those who have given their lives in the subsequent conflicts all over the world. We are very fortunate to live in relatively peaceful times, and one can’t even imagine the horrendous nature of war here in our own country. And yet many of our parents and grandparents had to endure several years of war. We pray for all those who gave up their lives so that we can live in freedom today. My they Rest in Peace. Remembrance Day Service will take place here in Loughton at 12.15pm at the War Memorial, everyone is welcome. 

PERSONAL APPEAL – GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW: My dear parishioners, can I make an impassioned appeal to you all to help with our Grand Christmas Draw & Christmas Hampers. As yet very little has been handed in. We need so really big prizes for the Grand Draw and also quality food items, chocolates, pickles, biscuits, bottles of wine, prosecco & spirits, and lots of other Christmas goodies. The grand Draw is only a month away, and Raffle Tickets will be given out this weekend.  Last Year there was an incredible response, and we had been locked down for a month. There are boxes available in the Porch of the Church, at the Presbytery Front Door, and in Fr John’s Garage to receive you gifts and items. Also money donations will be gratefully received. As you know this is our only fundraiser throughout the year. I thank all those who have already donated items. Fr. John     

SPECIAL MASS OF REMEMBRANCE (19^th November, 7.30pm): For all those parishioners who have lost loved ones over the past year. Many families lost loved ones, some through Covid, over the past twelve months. I would like to invite all families, regardless of whether your deceased passed away in this parish or locality, to come and pray in this Month of Holy Souls at this special Mass which will be at 7.30pm on Friday November 19th. This is an open invitation to the whole parish community; we remember in a very special way all of our Holy Souls in this month of November. Each family will have the opportunity to place a Candle in our Stand in special remembrance of you deceased loved one, and we will pray a decade of the Holy Rosary at the end of Holy Mass for the repose of their souls. 

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 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 18^th November Theme: The Sacraments – Baptism Initiation into the Christian Life.  If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, 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 14^th November at 10.00am. Our Theme this week is Listening.  Parents’ Meeting – Wednesday 24^th November at 7.30pm. Thank you!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives. 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Dr Philip Prashner, who passed away recently. Dr Prashner worked in one of our local surgeries as a GP for many years, and was GP to many of our parishioners. We extend our sincere condolences to David & Tracey and their family in this time of great loss.  

REPOSITORY: Available this weekend, a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles, Cribs, and other Christmas Items.  All items are marked with prices, and there is a box available for the proceeds of your items. Thank you!

DIARY NOVEMBER 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: Please for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, ALL OF OUR HOLY SOULS.  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 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!  

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/

MESSAGE FROM OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER: Robin has highlighted two important points: (i) with the onset of cold weather expected soon it would be wise for parishioners to wrap up when they come to mass as good ventilation will need to be maintained; (ii) it is very important that parishioners do not park in the central section of the car park as this blocks access that may be needed if an ambulance has to be called during mass. 

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:

NEW EARLY YEARS SCOUTING  PROVISIONS FOR 4-6 YEAR OLDS: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group are looking at being one of the first Scout Groups in Essex to start a Squirrel drey. As a forerunner to Beavers, a Squirrel section is where 4 and 5 year olds can join in the fun for the very first time. We hope that this will be the time to fill the little ones lives with Wow and Wonder and set them climbing the family tree of Scouting. We will expect more involvement of parents in this section as we build strong links with families as their children start out on their Scouting journey, we aim to start early 2022 and are looking for adult volunteers and children now to make this happen. If you are interested please call or text James Geller, Group Scout Leader on 07554 456844.

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 14^th & 21st November and the question being explored is, Why should we listen to the Church?  Fr Stephen Morrison O Praem, Chelmsford, will consider this question. 

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

PARISH REPOSITORY: Just to let all of our parishioners know that we have a wonderful stock of Christmas Cards, Christmas Cribs and Chrsitmas gifts and items that will be available next weekend. Religious Christmas Cards truly convey the true meaning of the Christmas Season. There are Religious cards for all occasions also available. Also Statues, Rosaries, Religious Books, Candles, Medals.

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE: You are warmly invited to join us at Walsingham House at Abbotswick for our annual Advent Carol Service on Sunday 12th December. We will have Christmas carols both classic and contemporary performed by our incredibly talented BCYS musicians, accompanied with readings from scripture and Christmas poems & stories. This year we are running two concerts, at 3pm or 7pm, however there will be limited capacity at each event and this will be dependent on any current Government restrictions or social distancing, in place at the time. Tickets are £10 and the money will go towards supporting our pilgrimages to Lourdes. To book your place please contact Joe Beattie, Walsingham House manager on josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 01277 373 959. 

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Applications are now open for our summer pilgrimage to Lourdes for those in Years 11-13, with those of school leaver age (18+) invited to join us as young leaders. This is one of our most popular events and after a 2 year gap we are excited to be returning next year.  The week is spent travelling alongside the main Diocesan pilgrimage as we assist the elderly and infirm with going to Masses and services, as well as visiting shops and cafes within the town.  For those travelling with the BCYS the week will also include a retreat, reconciliation service, as well as social events and a party.  Please see www.bcys.net/events/sl22/ for more information including visas, vaccinations and how to apply

A SUNDAY EVENING PARISH YOUTH MASS: We’ve had a couple of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly early in the new year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration.  Hopefully, we can also have a social gathering in the Hall afterwards.   

THE BCYS MONTHLY YOUTH MASS: This takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm in Brentwood Cathedral. Many young people from around our Diocese attend this regular and happy celebration.  

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: It had taken a number of years to build up a good team of Altar Servers. Sadly, since the Pandemic, many have not returned to serving at the Altar. As a matter of courtesy I would be sincerely grateful to know if you have any intention of returning to the regular practice of  Altar Serving? If you have no intention of serving anymore more it would be good to know; and also, if you could kindly return your albs, laundered please. I really feel saddened by this, as this is a most truly wonderful ministry for our young pepople to participate in. If there are any other young pepople in the parish who would liike to start serving, could you let Fr John know as soon as possible.

NEXT WEEKEND: We celebrate the great Solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the final week in this Liturgical Year. It is also National Youth Sunday. As we rapidly embark upon the Holy Advent Season commencing the Weekend 27^th / 28^th November (1^st Sunday of Advent, The New Liturgical Year), let us ask the Lord to be with us as we endeavour to make this Advent Journey very special and spiritual, leading us up to the great Solemnity of the Incarnation of the Lord at Christmas.  

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

As we’re now into the month of November, I would like to appeal to all of our parishioners to participate in our only fund-rising event of the year. As you are well aware, since the Pandemic our finances have dropped considerably, as many people are not attending church anymore. The Bazaar Committee believe that the Grand Christmas Draw & Hampers, which was such a great success last year, can be repeated again this year. Manifestly, we are wholly dependent on your generosity. No matter how great or small a gift or item may be it will be gratefully received.     

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, and 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. 

There are boxes in the Porch of the church, at the Presbytery front door & in Fr John’s Garage to receive your gifs and items, and or course you can always drop off personally at the Presbytery throughout the week.  If there are any parishioners who would like to donate ‘Money Gifts’ these will be gratefully received. Also, if anyone has any gift baskets you could let us have, these will be good to make up the Christmas Hampers.  If you can, please help us once again this year. This is the whole parish working together. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December in the Parish Hall at about 12.30pm there will be refreshments available. 

GRAND DRAW TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEKEND

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER 2021

Sat 13th	10.00am	Irene Olivelle RIP (Pat & Margaret)HOLY SOULS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 13th	6.00pm	The Dec’d members of Muccini Family RIP(Eleonora Spencer)  HOLY SOULS
Sun 14th	9.00am	Sapper Ramond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant).   HOLY SOULS
	12.15pm	REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE AT THE WAR MEMORIAL Requiescant in Pace
Sun 14th	11:00am	Lily Brennan RIP & Ben Cunnea RIP(Louise & Senan Pierce).HOLY SOULS
Mon 15th	10.00am	Dec’d memebers of Senior Citizens Club  (Briget Kinsella)  HOLY SOULS
Tues 16th	9.00am	Nancy Ironside RIP
Wed 17th	12.15pm	Bernie RIP (Bridget Kinsella)HOLY SOULS
Thurs 18th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrance RIP (Mary) HOLY SOULS
Fri 19th	12.15pm	Bridget Kinsell’s Int’s (RemyHoly Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
	7.30pm	Special Mass for Deceased
Sat 20th	10.00am	NO MASS THIS MORNING
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 20th	6.00pm	Martin Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle)  HOLY SOULS
Sun 21st	9.00am	Noel Anderson RIP (Pover Family) HOLY SOULS
Sun 21st	11:00am	Margaret Mary & Karl Joseph Britz RIP (Karl Jude Britz)  ALL HOLY SOULS

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

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3

‘At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people. There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your own people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace. The learned will shine as brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue, as bright as stars for all eternity.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15(16):5,8-11

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

  it is you yourself who are my prize.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

  since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

  even my body shall rest in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

  nor let your beloved know decay.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

You will show me the path of life,

  the fullness of joy in your presence,

  at your right hand happiness for ever.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14,18

All the priests stand at their duties every day, offering over and over again the same sacrifices which are quite incapable of taking sins away. He, on the other hand, has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin offerings.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

  ‘Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

  ‘But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

In today’s readings we encounter the very real tension which exists between the external religious life (exemplified in the teachers of the law and the Pharisees) and the beauty of the interior life expressed in humble love, service and generosity towards God. Perhaps there is a way in which this tension exists in us all to some extent.  

The fault of the Pharisees was that they loved the recognition, praise, status, social standing and affirmation which have, since time immemorial, been the privilege of those who enjoy elevated status within the community. They enjoyed it, milked it and even financially exploited it. However, their external adherence to the Torah had no impact on the evil and darkness within their own hearts. They assumed a holiness and righteousness which simply did not exist in reality.  

The temptation to rely on status and position must be very real for all bishops, priests, deacons and religious, but it’s equally real for all of us who are baptised and serve in some way or other in our parishes and local communities. We should not seek our security and affirmation from external things but from God and in humbly serving him and our brothers and sisters.

The poor widow had the right attitude: she had the disposition of a true disciple. She was aware of her poverty, and was under no illusion who she was socially or before God.

Another woman who had the disposition of a true disciple was Jeanne Jugan, the founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Although she was removed from all responsibility and given the task of collecting money, food and clothing for the poor – by going both door-to-door and begging in the streets – she accepted this obscure new role willingly and without complaint. To further humiliation she answered with silence, gentleness and abandonment to the will of God. Humility was at the heart of her spirituality, as it was for the poor widow.

Dear Friends in Christ,     32^nd Sunday of the Year

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

As we’re now into the month of November, I would like to appeal to all of our parishioners to participate in our only fund-rising event of the year. As you are well aware, since the Pandemic our finances have dropped considerably, as many people are not attending church anymore. The Bazaar Committee believe that the Grand Christmas Draw & Hampers, which was such a great success last year, can be repeated again this year. Manifestly, we are wholly dependent on your generosity. No matter how great or small a gift or item may be it will be gratefully received.     

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, and 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. 

There are boxes in the Porch of the church, at the Presbytery front door & in Fr John’s Garage to receive your gifs and items, and or course you can always drop off personally at the Presbytery throughout the week.  If there are any parishioners who would like to donate ‘Money Gifts’ these will be gratefully received. Also, if anyone has any gift baskets you could let us have, these will be good to make up the Christmas Hampers.  If you can, please help us once again this year. This is the whole parish working together. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December in the Parish Hall at about 12.30pm there will be refreshments available. 

GRAND DRAW TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED NEXT WEEKEND

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

PARISH FINANACES:   Weekly Offertory £378.28  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 11^th November Theme: The Church’s rules and regulations – Canon Law.  If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, 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. Our Theme this week is Listening.  Parents’ Meeting – Wednesday 24^th November at 7.30pm. Thank you!  Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives. 

ALTAR SERVERS: It took a number of years to gain a good team of Altar Servers in the Parish. Sadly, with the Pandemic, many of them have not returned to Altar Serving; and, as yet have not notified me formally about not serving anymore.  As a matter of courtesy, and also the return of your laundered albs; I would be sincerely grateful if you could let me know your intentions. I personally served at the altar from the age of 7 until my ordination to the Priesthood. This is a wonderful ministry in the church and I would encourage our young people to seriously consider Altar Serving.

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 talk will be on the 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

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. 

THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS: During the month of November Holy Mass will be offered daily for the repose of all of our Holy Souls. Also at the end of each of our weekday masses a decade of the Rosary will be prayed for the repose of all Holy Souls. A special Mass for all who lost loved ones this year will be celebrated on Friday 19^th November at 7.30pm. Please join us! 

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE: You are warmly invited to join us at Walsingham House at Abbotswick for our annual Advent Carol Service on Sunday 12th December. We will have Christmas carols both classic and contemporary performed by our incredibly talented BCYS musicians, accompanied with readings from scripture and Christmas poems & stories. This year we are running two concerts, at 3pm or 7pm, however there will be limited capacity at each event and this will be dependent on any current Government restrictions or social distancing, in place at the time. Tickets are £10 and the money will go towards supporting our pilgrimages to Lourdes. To book your place please contact Joe Beattie, Walsingham House manager on josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 01277 373 959.

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Applications are now open for our summer pilgrimage to Lourdes for those in Years 11-13, with those of school leaver age (18+) invited to join us as young leaders. This is one of our most popular events and after a 2 year gap we are excited to be returning next year.  The week is spent travelling alongside the main Diocesan pilgrimage as we assist the elderly and infirm with going to Masses and services, as well as visiting shops and cafes within the town.  For those travelling with the BCYS the week will also include a retreat, reconciliation service, as well as social events and a party.  Please see www.bcys.net/events/sl22/ for more information including visas, vaccinations and how to apply

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: It had taken a number of years to build up a good team of Altar Servers. Sadly, since the Pandemic, many have not returned to serving at the Altar. As a matter of courtesy I would be sincerely grateful to know if you have any intention of returning to the regular practice of  Altar Serving? If you have no intention of serving anymore more it would be good to know; and also, if you could kindly return your albs, laundered please. I really feel saddened by this, as this is a most truly wonderful ministry for our young pepople to participate in. If there are any other young pepople in the parish who would liike to start serving, could you let Fr John know as soon as possible.

PARISH REPOSITORY: Just to let all of our parishioners know that we have a wonderful stock of Christmas Cards, Christmas Cribs and Chrsitmas gifts and items that will be available next weekend. Religious Christmas Cards truly convey the true meaning of the Christmas Season. There are Religious cards for all occasions also available. Also Statues, Rosaries, Religious Books, Candles, Medals, 

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: Jan Leach RIP, Anthony Orsini RIP, Joyce Gregory RIP, Pat Salter RIP, Maureen Finnegan RIP, Doreen Wiltshire RIP, Lucy Byrne-Ingle RIP, Terrence Callahan RIP And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, ALL OF OUR HOLY SOULS.  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!  

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/

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 6th	10.00am	Nancy Hands Int’s (Remy)  HOLY SOULS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 6th	6.00pm	Mass for Helen & Family (The Godsave Family)  HOLY SOULS
Sun 7th	9.00am	Richard Black RIP  (Kendal Family)HOLY SOULS
Sun 7th	11:00am	Bernard John Gilley RIP  H/S  (Eileen Ward).   HOLY SOULS
Mon 8th	10.00am	NO MASS TODAY
Tues 9th	10.00am	NO MASS TODAY
Wed 10th	12.15pm	Bridie Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle)HOLY SOULS
Thurs 11th	10.00am	Marta & Joao RIP Modesta & Joaquim RIP(Adelaid Alves)     HOLY SOULS
Fri 12th	12.15pm	Requiem Mass; Irene Olivelle RIPNo Holy Hour today.
Sat 13th	10.00am	Irene Olivelle RIP (Pat & Margaret)  HOLY SOULS
		Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm
Sat 13th	6.00pm	The Dec’d members of Muccini Family RIP(Eleonora Spencer)  HOLY SOULS
Sun 14th	9.00am	REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY service 12.15pmSapper Ramond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant).   HOLY SOULS
Sun 14th	11:00am	Lily Brennan RIP & Ben Cunnea RIP(Louise & Senan & S Pierce).HOLY SOULS

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

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

            First Reading : 1 Kings 17:10-16

Elijah the Prophet went off to Sidon. And when he reached the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks; addressing her he said, ‘Please bring me a little water in a vessel for me to drink.’ She was setting off to bring it when he called after her. ‘Please’ he said ‘bring me a scrap of bread in your hand.’ ‘As the Lord your God lives,’ she replied ‘I have no baked bread, but only a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug; I am just gathering a stick or two to go and prepare this for myself and my son to eat, and then we shall die.’ But Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, go and do as you have said; but first make a little scone of it for me and bring it to me, and then make some for yourself and for your son. For thus the Lord speaks, the God of Israel:

“Jar of meal shall not be spent,

jug of oil shall not be emptied,

before the day when the Lord sends

rain on the face of the earth.”’

The woman went and did as Elijah told her and they ate the food, she, himself and her son. The jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied, just as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.

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 : Hebrews 9:24-28

It is not as though Christ had entered a man-made sanctuary which was only modelled on the real one; but it was heaven itself, so that he could appear in the actual presence of God on our behalf. And he does not have to offer himself again and again, like the high priest going into the sanctuary year after year with the blood that is not his own, or else he would have had to suffer over and over again since the world began. Instead of that, he has made his appearance once and for all, now at the end of the last age, to do away with sin by sacrificing himself. Since men only die once, and after that comes judgement, so Christ, too, offers himself only once to take the faults of many on himself, and when he appears a second time, it will not be to deal with sin but to reward with salvation those who are waiting for him.

Gospel : Mark 12:38-44

In his teaching Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’

  He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the treasury, and many of the rich put in a great deal. A poor widow came and put in two small coins, the equivalent of a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, this poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury; for they have all put in money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in everything she possessed, all she had to live on.’

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD