January 2022 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourth Sunday of the Year, 2022

People either loved or despised Jesus. It was impossible to be indifferent to him, as his message was both sweet and bitter, Many hearts and minds were won over; yet many were repulsed.

Jesus’ reading from Isaiah had been received with reverence. Afterwards, Jesus makes a shocking declaration. ‘Today this reading is fulfilled in your hearing.’ The response of the people is fascinating. Amazed by his gracious words and conscious of his background, ‘All spoke well of him.’ All seems well with the world; the prophet is honoured and the people are happy. Bit Jesus shatters this illusion, realising that they have missed the implications of what he said.

He challenges them to understand that God works outside their predetermined mind-set and ideas. Jesus uses the examples of the widow in Zaraphath, and Naaman the Syrian, both Gentiles who were helped by God’s prophets. Israel, in contrast, had a history of turning its back on God’s chosen messengers. Now, in their presence, stood the One to whom the law and the prophets testified. Jesus declares that to reject him is much more severe than to reject the previous prophets.

God’s plan of Salvation is made present in Jesus. Listening to his teaching, the people’s approval of Jesus quickly wanes. Their thoughts turn from praise to murder in a matter of seconds. This incident highlights a fundamental question: Who do you think Jesus is? A prophet? A holy man? An impressive religious leader? We can’t go through life and not address this question. The synagogue congregation couldn’t ignore him; he challenged and rocked their world and he challenges and rocks ours too. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Me (white)

Lord Jesus, you endured the humiliation of being a prophet without honour. But you are much more than a prophet; you are true God and true man. You are the light of the world and you call us to be prophetic witnesses to your life.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 4^th Sunday of the Year, 2022

LATEST COVID GUIDELINES: From the Bishop’s Conference of England & Wales: England has returned to Plan A with regard to measures to protect against COVID-19. People are advised to continue to wear a face-covering in crowded indoor spaces; allow in plenty of fresh air when meeting/ gathering indoors and follow test and self-isolation rules where necessary. Bear in mind that although the Plan B rules have now been relaxed and we are moving towards learning to live with the virus, COVID-19 is still in circulation in our communities. COVID-19 risk assessments will still need to be kept up to date. The precautions you apply in your parishes should continue to be based on the position in your local community to ensure that clergy, employees and volunteer workers stay safe and individuals participating in services, activities and events can be confident about taking personal responsibility for their own risk.

Please read the Guidance for Churches on the Parish Website:

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact hs@dioceseofbrentwood.org

AT ST EDMUND’S: As of this weekend, there will be no further ‘track & trace’ filling in of slips of paper with your details. Also the QR Cod will be removed. This is not required by law anymore. As you know there is plenty of ventilation in the church as the back doors are left open. Please be aware of this when you come to Mass, by wearing appropriate overcoats. Ventilation is the key to keeping people safe.

Face Coverings: It is still recommended that Face Coverings be worn at Mass and services in the church.

Offertory Collection: Will resume this weekend. With the knowledge that transmission through contact is rare bishops have given permission for collections using baskets. (We will not use the money pouches with metal handles, only baskets from now on). Many churches have introduced baskets which have multiple places to touch. The assistance of the Stewards with regards the Offertory Collection would be very helpful.

Hymn Books: I have just purchased some beautiful New Hymn Books for the Parish; it’s nearly twenty years since the last books were purchased. As they will only be used by one person during Holy Mass it is a personal choice as to whether you wish to take one or not! I really would like us to be able to sing properly once again.

HAND SANITISERS: Will still be available at all the masses on the weekend and during the week. Thankfully we have got into a good routine with the cleaning of hands. Also Fr John & The Eucharistic Minister will thoroughly clean their hands prior to the distribution of Holy Communion.

God Bless You All

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Wednesday 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. This Weekend we will collect in Gift Aid envelopes for the 2^nd February & any additional offerings. I thank you on behalf of the Catholic Children’s Society, in anticipation of your offerings. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 30^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. Dr Paul Doherty will give the talk. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 27^th January 2022. Theme: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. 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

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: Will be given by Fr Paul Keane, Priest of the diocese, presently Vice Rector of Oscott Seminary, Birmingham on Sunday 30^th January 2022, 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. Theme Question: What do the Martyrs teach us about the life of faith? If you would like to join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

VISITATION OF THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND: In the latest guidelines from the Bishops, we have now been given permission once again to resume our visitation of sick & housebound parishioners. If anyone would like a visit or receive Holy Communion at home, please contact Fr John.

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 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: UHT milk, laundry powder and tablets, tinned tomatoes, sponge puddings, cleaning spray / cloths, instant mash, toilet paper, chocolate bars, rice pudding and jam. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

The Parish Altar Society: has been running for over 70 years. This involves keeping the Church in pristine condition through cleaning and care. It’s always good to have more volunteers to go onto the Rota. E.g. there is the cleaning of the church, cleaning of windows, Cleaning of Sacristies, Cleaning of the Organ Loft, Care of Sanctuary, Washing of Altar Linens, Cleaning of the Brass; if you can help in any way whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

Altar Serving: We are always looking for new altar Servers. Sadly, we lost a lot of our Severs during the Pandemic, who have decided not to return to weekly serving. If your child has made their First Holy Communion, and would like to serve please speak to Fr. John.

Joining Choir or Contemporary Music Group: If you enjoy singing, or that you’re a musician, you may consider joining our Choir or the Contemporary Music Group. These two groups meet regularly for practice, and enrich our Sunday Liturgy.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

DIARY JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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: Frederick Burgess RIP, Bruna Morelli RIP. Please pray 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 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.

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

We really would love more parishioners to go over to Direct Debit giving, as there is no HSBC bank in Loughton anymore. Please think about this and use the necessary forms available in the porch of the the Church. If you need any help please let Fr. John know.

MARRIAGES FOR 2022: If anyone is planning on getting married in 2022, please could you make contact with Fr. John at the beginning of January. For those getting married in the parish we normally ask for six months’ notice; for those getting married outside of the parish at least nine months’ notice. The documentation and preparation takes quite a long time and organising Marriage Preparation Courses through Marriage Care in the responsibility of the Couple. To avoid any disappointments, please make contact as soon as possible.

Bishop’s Certificate in Catechesis and Youth Ministry: The Bishop’s Certificate is designed to be an entry level qualification to help in the ongoing formation of adults involved in sacramental preparation or youth ministry in the Diocese of Brentwood. It includes both the development of practical skills & the deepening of theological knowledge. The course is online and taught through engaging, short videos with expert interviews. The course will begin on the evening of 24th February, with an introduction and welcome evening, held at Walsingham House at Abbotswick. For more information please see our website: https://bcys.net/bishops-cert/ or email your expression of interest to bishopscertificate@dioceseofbrentwood.org by Monday 22^nd February.

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

If you are 18+ and looking for an exciting gap year opportunity, then a year on the Walsingham House Team could be for you. Spend a year as a volunteer in a thriving young Catholic Community, working with thousands of young people from Essex and East London. We are looking for inspiring individuals who want to share their faith with other young people and are also looking to learn new skills, grow deeper in their own faith and enjoy a challenge. For more information please contact Joseph Beattie, manager of Walsingham House, by emailing josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or calling 01277 373959. There is more information about our work on our website (www.bcys.net) and social media @Brentwoodcys

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 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

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

WHAT IS A MASS INTENTION?: Anyone can request a Mass intention. They can be offered for all occasions: – For someone who has recently passed away; Anniversary of a death, Birthdays, for someone who is sick, A person’s feast day, Private & special intentions, for success in exams or an interview, the beginning of a new school year. Etc. Their origin goes back to medieval times, when people would make a request for a Mass and as an offering would provide the priest with his daily allowance. So the Mass Stipend (the offering given) was to keep the priest for a day. If anyone would like to Book a Mass Intention, there are Mass envelopes in the porch of the church, complete the Intention and place your offering inside, and leave at the Presbytery. The priest will try to accommodate your request as soon as possible. For anniversary Masses, please ensure that you drop your Mass Intention Envelope off several weeks in advance, as many people book their anniversary masses at the beginning of the year. This saves any disappointment if a particular date has already been requested.

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

PARISH FINANCES: 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 29^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Dr Philip Prashner RIP (Anthony Family
Sun 30^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Tisi Family)
Mon 31^st	10.00am	Jim Sullivan (sick) (Joan O’Sulivan)
Tues 1^stFebruary	10.00am	Mel O’Reilly RIP (Maureen O’Reilly)
Wed 2^nd	10.00am	Peter Webber (sick) (Mike & Maggie Duley)
Thurs 3^rd	10.00am	Maureen Barker RIP (Mark Barker)
Fri 4^th	10.00am	Elizabeth Brown RIP (G Taylor)
Sat 5^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (1^st Anni) (Teresa Faud & Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Daly Family)
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Alois Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19

In the days of Josiah, the word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying:

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

before you came to birth I consecrated you;

I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.

‘So now brace yourself for action.

Stand up and tell them

all I command you.

Do not be dismayed at their presence,

or in their presence I will make you dismayed.

‘I, for my part, today will make you

into a fortified city,

a pillar of iron,

and a wall of bronze

to confront all this land:

the kings of Judah, its princes,

its priests and the country people.

They will fight against you

but shall not overcome you,

for I am with you to deliver you –

it is the Lord who speaks.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 70(71):1-6,15,17

My lips will tell of your help.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me.

My lips will tell of your help.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked.

My lips will tell of your help.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My lips will tell of your help.

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

My lips will tell of your help.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them.

If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever.

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.

Love does not come to an end. But if there are gifts of prophecy, the time will come when they must fail; or the gift of languages, it will not continue for ever; and knowledge – for this, too, the time will come when it must fail. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect; but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will disappear. When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man, all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known.

In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.

Gospel :

Luke 4:21-30

Jesus began to speak in the synagogue: ‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.’ And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. They said, ‘This is Joseph’s son, surely?’

But he replied, ‘No doubt you will quote me the saying, “Physician, heal yourself” and tell me, “We have heard all that happened in Capernaum, do the same here in your own countryside.”’

And he went on, ‘I tell you solemnly, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.

‘There were many widows in Israel, I can assure you, in Elijah’s day, when heaven remained shut for three years and six months and a great famine raged throughout the land, but Elijah was not sent to any one of these: he was sent to a widow at Zarephath, a Sidonian town. And in the prophet Elisha’s time there were many lepers in Israel, but none of these was cured, except the Syrian, Naaman.’

When they heard this everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They sprang to their feet and hustled him out of the town; and they took him up to the brow of the hill their town was built on, intending to throw him down the cliff, but he slipped through the crowd and walked away.

Third Sunday of the Year, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Gentiles, like Luke himself, believed in Christ on the testimony of others, not because they were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection. But attacks on the historical existence of Jesus began to undermine their faith. To build up their faith, Luke wrote and account of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word’ .

Luke’s Gospel show the continuity between God’s promises made through the prophets and their fulfilment in Jesus. Jesus, reading from the prophet Isaiah the promise that God would send one who would free his people from oppression and imprisonment, and restore their freedom and liberty, announced, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,’

His words electrified his audience. They had heard this promise many times before, but now Jesus, standing in front of them, was saying, ‘I am fulfilling this great promise of God. I am the Spirit-Bearer foretold by Isaiah and, in the creative power of God’s Spirit. I am bringing in a new age of freedom and divine favour, restoring men and women to health, and casting out demons.’ It’s not surprising that. ‘The eyes of the entire synagogue were fixed on him.’ It’s also unsurprising that they couldn’t accept him as later, ‘rose up and put him out of the city.’

Jesus stands before us, proclaiming the Good News, and restoring to us our inheritance as God’s children, freeing us from oppression and liberating us from whatever imprisons us. Do we believe this and go to Jesus for his grace and life? Or do we not believe that he can do all this and so reject him? Jesus stands before us as he stood before his fellow townspeople and challenges us to approach him for healing and freedom. The choice, however, always remains ours.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of the Year, 2022

The Synodal Pathway: Pope Francis initiated this enquiry and consultation process throughout the whole world; a journey in which the whole Church is engaged around the theme: “‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,’ three pillars. Three phases are foreseen, which will take place between October 2021 and October 2023. This itinerary was thought out as dynamism of mutual listening. I want to stress this: a dynamism of mutual listening carried out at all levels of the Church, involving all the People of God. The Cardinal Vicar and the Auxiliary Bishops must listen to one another, the priests must listen to one another, the Religious must listen to one another, the laity must listen to one another and then, all inter-listening to one another; to listen to one another; to talk to one another and to listen to one another. It’s not about gathering opinions, no. This is not a survey, but about listening to the Holy Spirit.” (Pope Francis)

As this is a listening process, and everyone has a contribution to make in the life of faith and the Church, if you would like to make comments and suggestions by the end of February, please submit them to Fr Andrew Headon, SS Peter & Paul Parish, 342 High Road, Ilford, Essex. IG1 1QP. Email:

ilfordsspp@dioceseofbrentwood.org

Some areas you may like to consider:

Communion:

During the pandemic, what strengths did you find in your faith and in your Parish? In what ways did the grace of God most clearly touch and uplift you? How were you disappointed or sorrowful?

Participation:

What gives you joy in belonging to your Parish

Mission:

What areas of mission and outreach do we need to develop in our Parish?

Each Diocese will prepare a 10 page report in light of various contributions made by parishes, individuals, groups & sodalities. We have until the end of February to submit any comments or reflections. Once ever diocese has submitted their reports, as a Country this will be forwarded to Rome for the gargantuan task of disseminating and formulating the subject matter for the World Synod in Rome in October 2023. Let us keep this process in prayer.

Have a Blessed Week, & keep safe and well,

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Next Weekend we will collect in Gift Aid envelopes for the 2^nd February & any additional offerings. I thank you on behalf of the Catholic Children’s Society, in anticipation of your offerings. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 23^rd January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: Will be given by Fr Paul Keane, Priest of the diocese, presently Vice Rector of Oscott Seminary, Birmingham on Sunday 23^rd & 30^th January 202, 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. Theme Question: What do the Martyrs teach us about the life of faith? If you would like to join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

UP TO DATE COVID GUIDELINES: As of Thursday 27^th January the Government will be lifting many of Covid restrictions. There will be no more track & trace. We can use Hymn Books once again, and the Weekly Offertory with Baskets can resume. See Newsletter next weekend. Website

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/

DIFFERENT WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

Altar Serving: We are always looking for new altar Servers. Sadly, we lost a lot of our Severs during the Pandemic, who have decided not to return to weekly serving. If your child has made their First Holy Communion, and would like to serve please speak to Fr. John.

Joining Choir or Contemporary Music Group: If you enjoy singing, or that you’re a musician, you may consider joining our Choir or the Contemporary Music Group. These two groups meet regularly for practice, and enrich our Sunday Liturgy.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

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

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.vURSDAn0WzLsHFbz_iM-jAHaIz&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

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

DIOCESAN YEAR BOOK: Is now available for purchase from the Parish Repository. It cost £2.80. It really is worth investing in a Yearbook, as it gives all the latest details of parishes, priests’ addresses, statistics, general information about the Catholic Faith and the Church. PLEASE BUY ONE! Available in the Porch.

JOB VACANCY: School site Manage, at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School. St John Fisher Catholic Primary School is seeking to appoint a Resourceful and self-motivated Site Manager, who will take great pride in the school and school grounds. This is a full-time post 37 hours per week. Closing date for application Friday 28^th January 2022. Please email the school for further details. Admin@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk.

DIARY JANUARY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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: Frederick Burgess RIP, Bruna Morelli RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 22^nd	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Cecilia Adams RIP (Mary & Eddie Pointer)
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Derek Dodd RIP (Anthony Family)
Mon 24^th	10.00am	Nell Hayes Int’s (John & Sara)
Tues 25^th	10.00am	Dec’d members of the McMorrow family (Maureen Perry)
Wed 26^th	10.00am	William Brown B’day Int’s (Geraldine & Robert Taylor)
Thurs 27^th	10.00am	Brenda Tisi (Diana & Ferdi & Tisi Family)
Fri 28^th	10.00am	Adrian Pearce RIP (Anthony Family)
Sat 29^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Dr Philip Prashner RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 30^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Tisi Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

3^rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

First Reading : Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10

Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women, and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose. In full view of all the people – since he stood higher than all the people – Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read.

Then Nehemiah – His Excellency – and Ezra, priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people, said to all the people, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.’ For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law.

He then said, ‘Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):8-10,15

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

it revives the soul.

The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,

it gives wisdom to the simple.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

they gladden the heart.

The command of the Lord is clear,

it gives light to the eyes.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The fear of the Lord is holy,

abiding for ever.

The decrees of the Lord are truth

and all of them just.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

May the spoken words of my mouth,

the thoughts of my heart,

win favour in your sight, O Lord,

my rescuer, my rock!

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.

Nor is the body to be identified with any one of its many parts. If the foot were to say, ‘I am not a hand and so I do not belong to the body’, would that mean that it stopped being part of the body? If the ear were to say, ‘I am not an eye, and so I do not belong to the body’, would that mean that it was not a part of the body? If your whole body was just one eye, how would you hear anything? If it was just one ear, how would you smell anything?

Instead of that, God put all the separate parts into the body on purpose. If all the parts were the same, how could it be a body? As it is, the parts are many but the body is one. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you’, nor can the head say to the feet, ‘I do not need you.’

What is more, it is precisely the parts of the body that seem to be the weakest which are the indispensable ones; and it is the least honourable parts of the body that we clothe with the greatest care. So our more improper parts get decorated in a way that our more proper parts do not need. God has arranged the body so that more dignity is given to the parts which are without it, and that there may not be disagreements inside the body, but that each part may be equally concerned for all the others. If one part is hurt, all parts are hurt with it. If one part is given special honour, all parts enjoy it.

Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. In the Church, God has given the first place to apostles, the second to prophets, the third to teachers; after them, miracles, and after them the gift of healing; helpers, good leaders, those with many languages. Are all of them apostles, or all of them prophets, or all of them teachers? Do they all have the gift of miracles, or all have the gift of healing? Do all speak strange languages, and all interpret them?

Gospel : Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21

Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have taken place among us, exactly as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus, so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.

Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues and everyone praised him.

He came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day as he usually did. He stood up to read and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written:

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,

for he has anointed me.

He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,

to proclaim liberty to captives

and to the blind new sight,

to set the downtrodden free,

to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.

He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them, ‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.

PRAYER FOR SYNODAL PROCESS

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality

influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Second Sunday of the Year, 2022

In today’s Gospel, we encounter John’s ‘sign theology’ for the first time. He puts it so beautifully: ‘This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee.’ As usual, the question is: ‘What does this sing mean?’ Like all the signs the meaning is profound and many-faceted. St Thomas More said that the Scriptures were such that a mouse could put his tiny foot in them whilst an elephant wade in their deep waters!

The changing of water into wine is many people’s favourite miracle. A wedding in first-century Palestine was a joyous affair with plenty of food and wine, and lasted a whole week. Quite some party, that’s for sure! Running out of wine was clearly embarrassing for the bride’s father but a sign perhaps of how much people were enjoying themselves. The water used in the miracle was not ordinary water, but had been blessed for ceremonial washing. This special water was not changed into vin ordinaire, as the French say, but a top-vintage; six jars of it, holding up to 25 gallons. What a miracle! Indeed, it dumbfounded the guests.

Believer or unbeliever, we all understand the message a superabundance of wine gives. It conveys joy, celebration, etc. In Israel and abundance of wine was associated with a prophetic turn of speech for the new Messianic Age. There is also a passage in 2 Baruch which echoes this sentiment: ‘On each vine there shall be a thousand branches, and each branch shall bear a thousand clusters, and each grape produce a cor (120 gallons of wine)…because these are they who have come to the consummation of time.

For John the miracle was a sign of Messianic Age, the passing form the old to the new. The wedding feast illustrated the heavenly banquet to which we’re all invited by virtue of our baptism. The bridegroom is Jesus, and the joy of the heavenly banquet would come after the ‘hour’ of Jesus’ suffering: the cross, his death, his glory.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of the Year, 2022

RENEWAL IN THE FAITH: As we are now into the third week of the New Year; and as the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all parishes to think about what it means to be Church in 2022. I make this special appeal to the whole parish community, also to those who may be lapsed from the practice of the faith, to think very seriously about what it means to be Roman Catholic, and also how commitment in faith involves every aspect of our lives, our marriages and family life, our community, the way we relate to one another, the practice of our faith by being actively present and involved in the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass. Our time, our treasure and our talent, are all contributing factors to leading an active committed life of faith.

To know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour is fundamentally at the heart of what it means to be Catholic. I ask every Catholic in this parish to seriously think about their personal commitment to Jesus Christ. To be Catholic is to make a personal witness to the Lord in every aspect of our lives. Parents witness to children by showing them the best values of life; but as Catholic parents, the sacred promises made on the day of your child’s baptism are binding forever, and should never be taken lightly. I suppose how we prioritise our faith is at the heart of how we live out our faith. These are challenging times, The Pandemic over the past two years has most certainly had a detrimental effect on the life of faith and the Church; but we can’t allow it to dictate and control our lives, we need to take back again the sacred & holy in our lives of faith.

CHURCH PRACTICES: During the past two years we have had to adapt to living with the Governmental and Diocesan guidelines with regard to the Pandemic. The objective has been and will continue to be so, to protect the health and safety of all our parishioners. Our Stewards have assisted and really helped in this process in every parish. It has been very hard to try and maintain a sense of real dignity and reverence in the Sacred Liturgy, but I feel we have most definitely achieved this, with the assistance of the Choir & Contemporary Music Group. I will be ordering new Hymn Books for the Parish, enabling us once again to be able to participate fully in the singing at Holy Mass. Also, we will resume with the Weekly Offertory Collection, and Offertory Procession; most parishes in the diocese resumed this some months ago. We need to get back to some semblance of normality once again.

May God Bless You All,

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 16^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 20^th January 2022. Theme: The Sacred Priesthood. 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

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: What is the point of canon law? Will be given by Fr Gary Dench, assistant priest at Brentwood Cathedral on Sunday 16th January 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. To join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.s7-pS7ljlHJkxAexkmsZ7AAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: I would like to thank all of our altar Servers for their commitment in their Serving throughout the years. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible. If there are any Albs that have not been returned yet please kindly do so as soon as possible please.

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/

WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

DIARY JANUARY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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: Michael Barrass RIP, Brenda Deamer RIP, William Hatley RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

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

Spiritual Thought

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work.

St John Henry Newman

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 15^th	10.00am	Mary Falzon RIP (Pat Bentley)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Geraldine Staines Int’s. (Kathy Forwood)
Sun 16^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Richard Marian Melon RIP (Monika Melon)
Mon 17^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s (John & Sara)
Tues 18^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (1^st Anni) (Teresa Walstow)
Wed 19^th	9.00am	Dennis Moriarty RIP (Geraldine & Robert Taylor)
Thurs 20^th	10.00am	Int’s Francis & Sam Murray & Family (M Duffy)
Fri 21^st	10.00am	Bridget Burrowes RIP (Geraldine Taylor)
Sat 22^nd	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Cecilia Adams RIP (Mary & Eddie Pointer)
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Derek Dodd RIP (Anthony Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 62:1-5

About Zion I will not be silent,

about Jerusalem I will not grow weary,

until her integrity shines out like the dawn

and her salvation flames like a torch.

The nations then will see your integrity,

all the kings your glory,

and you will be called by a new name,

one which the mouth of the Lord will confer.

You are to be a crown of splendour in the hand of the Lord,

a princely diadem in the hand of your God;

no longer are you to be named ‘Forsaken’,

nor your land ‘Abandoned’,

but you shall be called ‘My Delight’

and your land ‘The Wedded’;

for the Lord takes delight in you

and your land will have its wedding.

Like a young man marrying a virgin,

so will the one who built you wed you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride,

so will your God rejoice in you.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 95(96):1-3,7-10

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

O sing a new song to the Lord,

sing to the Lord all the earth.

O sing to the Lord, bless his name.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Proclaim his help day by day,

tell among the nations his glory

and his wonders among all the peoples.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Give the Lord, you families of peoples,

give the Lord glory and power;

give the Lord the glory of his name.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Worship the Lord in his temple.

O earth, tremble before him.

Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’

He will judge the peoples in fairness.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.

Gospel : John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’, and they filled them to the brim. ‘Draw some out now’ he told them ‘and take it to the steward.’ They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the servants who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom and said, ‘People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.’

This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

The Baptism of the Lord, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Today the Season of Christmastide draws to a close, and reaches a wonderful climax in a definitive event in Jesus life: his baptism. This was a remarkable event because the baptism offered by John the Baptist was for repentance. T immersion in the waters of the Jordan was a sign of conversion, of a person changing direction in life.

John’s message was addressed to tax collectors, soldiers and ordinary men and women. It was a message of moral reform, of preparing for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus’ baptism began his public life and in this moment God is revealed as the Blessed Trinity.

The Trinity is unique to Christianity. We are united to Muslims and Jews because we share a common believe in One God, but at this point our faiths depart sharply from one another because we believe that God is Three Persons in One God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Jesus’ baptism was the manifestation, the epiphany, of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

The unveiling of Jesus nature and mission brought forth from the Father a tender and heart-warming affirmation: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ Jesus baptism was the acceptance and inauguration of his Mission as God’s Suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners; his is truly ‘the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’

In today’s Gospel we see the ‘fulfilling of righteousness.’ We are witnesses of Jesus consenting to submit himself entirely to his Father’s will, his death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The coming down of the Spirit at his baptism looked forward to the Spirit coming down on us – a prelude to the new creation. We commit ourselves to enter more deeply in to the mystery of our baptism, praying about it, seeking to understand it and growing in our appreciation of this wonderful grace.

My Dear Friends in Christ, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2022

As this New Year begins, I would like to encourage all of our parishioners to make an extra special effort to resolve to be totally committed in the life of faith. I know there was a lot of sickness at Christmas, and many people were isolating, almost a repeat of the same time last year. I would say that the numbers over the Christmas Holiday were down by about 50 per cent. But as I have stated this is a New Year 2022, and it gives us the opportunity to really take seriously our life of faith, especially if we are parents with children. As today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, think about those sacred promises you made on behalf of your child on the day they were baptised, sacred promises to Almighty God for the most precious gift of life in your child. I remember reading many years ago, Pope Saint John Paul II said that the most important day of his life was the day he was Baptised; as we truly do become members of God’s family. Do you know the day of your own baptism?

WELCOME TO NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE SEMINARIANS: On behalf of the whole parish community, I would like to welcome Deacon Michael Hoye & Deacon Dillon Bruce. Unfortunately, the other two Deacons, who were due to come with them contracted Covid while travelling in France, and had to isolate. Michael and Dillon have been with us since last Tuesday and return to Rome today to resume their studies.

Our own seminarian from the parish Frank Westcott will be helping and assisting me personally for the next two weeks. At this time every seminarian at Oscott College is assigned to a parish as part of their formation and to give them an insight into the running of a parish and parish life.

Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, especially in our own diocese of Brentwood

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Thank You!

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. It was extremely disappointing to see so few of our families at Holy Mass over the Christmas holidays. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 13^th January 2022. 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

ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOUGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: As your parish school, St John Fisher provides 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. THIS IS A FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: What is the point of canon law? Will be given by Fr Gary Dench, assistant priest at Brentwood Cathedral on Sundays 9th and 16th January 4.00 – 5.00 p.m.. To join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

PARISH REPOSITORY: A big thank you to the whole parish for your wonderful response to all the Christmas gifts and items in the repository this year. We have been able to sell a lot of the stock. There are a large selection of Mass Cards for all occasions; also candles are extrmely popular. There is a tin available for the money. If it’s a large sum of money could you please drop it off at the presbytery

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING. This year, as always, envelopes are available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22 ‘Xmas Offering’ + GA Number

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

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/

GIDEA PARK STUDY DAY: THE EVOLUTION OF THE MASS: On Saturday 15^th January 2022 Professor John Morrill will lead a Study Day on ‘The Evolution of the Mass’, tracing the development of the Eucharistic liturgy from the earliest centuries to the present day. He will explore in particular the teaching of Trent and Vatican II, and the latest papal instructions on the celebration of Mass. To access this free live stream event simply go to www.whatgoodnews.org The event begins at 11.00 GMT and ends by 13.30. No prior registration is needed. To be added to our mailing lists simply follow the instructions on the home page of the website.

For access to this free live stream event go to www.whatgoodnews.org and follow the instructions. No registration needed. Talks will be available subsequently on www.whatgoodnews.org To join the www.whatgoodnews.org mailing list please email gideapark@dioceseofbrentwood.org

DIARY JANUARY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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: Barbara Pope RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 8^th	10.00am	Kay & Harry Thain RIP (Thain Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Teresa & Family)
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Christine Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (Eileen Ward)
Mon 10^th	10.00am	Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Tues 11^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s. (Maureen Perry)
Wed 12^th	10.00am	Molly Miitchell sick, (Margaret Duffy)
Thurs 13^th	10.00am	Luigia & Pietro Tisi RIP, Odilia & Albert Maton RIP. (Diana & Ferdi Tisi)
Fri 14^th	10.00am	Aoife Hogan RIP. (The Hogan Family)
Sat 15^th	10.00am	Mary Falzon RIP (Pat Bentley)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Geraldine Staines Int’s. (Kathy Forwood)
Sun 16^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Richard Marian Melon RIP (Monika Melon)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

The Baptism of the Lord – Feast

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11

‘Console my people, console them’

Says your God.

‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem

and call to her

that her time of service is ended,

that her sin is atoned for,

that she has received from the hand of the Lord

double punishment for all her crimes.’

A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness

a way for the Lord.

Make a straight highway for our God

across the desert.

Let every valley be filled in,

every mountain and hill be laid low.

Let every cliff become a plain,

and the ridges a valley;

then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed

and all mankind shall see it;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

Go up on a high mountain,

joyful messenger to Zion.

Shout with a loud voice,

joyful messenger to Jerusalem.

Shout without fear,

say to the towns of Judah,

‘Here is your God.’

Here is the Lord coming with power,

his arm subduing all things to him.

The prize of his victory is with him,

his trophies all go before him.

He is like a shepherd feeding his flock,

gathering lambs in his arms,

holding them against his breast

and leading to their rest the mother ewes.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 103(104):1-4,24-25,27-30

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Lord God, how great you are,

clothed in majesty and glory,

wrapped in light as in a robe!

You stretch out the heavens like a tent.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Above the rains you build your dwelling.

You make the clouds your chariot,

you walk on the wings of the wind,

you make the winds your messengers

and flashing fire your servant.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

How many are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you have made them all.

The earth is full of your riches.

There is the sea, vast and wide,

with its moving swarms past counting,

living things great and small.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

All of these look to you

to give them their food in due season.

You give it, they gather it up:

you open your hand, they have their fill.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

You hide your face, they are dismayed;

you take back your spirit, they die.

You send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the earth.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Second Reading : Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7

God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.

Gospel :

Luke 3:15-16,21-22

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’

Second Sunday after Christmas, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR: I would like to take this opportunity of wishing the whole parish community a Very Happy New Year for 2022. The past couple of years have been extremely difficult for everyone; let us pray that 2022 will be a little kinder to all of us! Even though the Pandemic continues to affect all of our lives, we just have to get on a live as best we can and take all precautions necessary with regards our health and safety.

A New Year is always a new beginning for so many different things. The Church has been affected profoundly since the beginning of the Pandemic. Personally, I have tried to maintain a programme of normality throughout the whole of this time. Mass is scheduled daily and at weekends. Of course, your health and safety has always been at the forefront of my mind. Following the guidelines from the Government and the Diocese it has been fairly successful in protecting everyone. We will continue to wear face coverings, use the sanitiser on entry and exit from the Church, and continue to sign our slips of paper for the track & trace system. It has been wonderful to see so many people return to the practice of the faith once again.

I know there has been a lot of sickness over the Christmas holiday, and if you were unable to attend any of the Christmas Masses, you may like to make that extra special effort to attend Mass this weekend at the beginning of this New Year 2022. What greater gift could you give the New Born Saviour than to celebrate the greatest gift that he left us, in the Holy Mass. It would be truly wonderful if everyone returned to the full-time practice of their faith.

Today we listen to the Prologue from St John Ch. 1 vv1-18. Probably one of the most beautiful pieces of Scripture ever written! St John talks of Jesus as the Logos – Word who becomes flesh. That God would deign to share our human condition in the Christ-child of Bethlehem far surpassed the expectations of the Chosen People. God would dwell among his people; the child would grow and Jesus would show us a way of life that millions have followed for the past two millennia. This Way of Life we call our Catholic Faith. How we respond to the Lord’s invitation is something which is very personal; but it can also be life changing when we make true commitment to Jesus Christ. The New Year affords us this opportunity to commit.

WELCOME TO NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE SEMINARIANS: On behalf of the whole parish community, I would like to welcome 4 Deacons from the Pontifical North American College, who arrive on Tuesday 4^th January for a few days. It’s two years since any seminarians have joined us. Please make them welcome if you see them. A Request: I hope you don’t mind me asking; could anyone provide some sweet desserts, home-made apple pie, etc. As I’m not a desert eater, I’m not too sure what’s popular these days. The boys will be with us until Sunday 9^th January.

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: 6^thJanuary 2022, Holy Day of Obligation. In the Infancy Narrative of St Matthew we read that the wise men came from the east, following the Star to Bethlehem. The Magi represent the outside world coming and doing homage before in the infant king, they travel a long distance to encounter the King of Kings.

The Greek word ‘epiphania’ means manifestation. The Magi recognise Jesus being the Son of God; they come in bow low and worship him. This evocative event unveils the truth that Christ came to redeem all of humanity: Gentile & Jew. The Magi were men of good will and seekers of the truth and were attracted by the light of Christ. Many today are just like them; people of good will, seekers of truth attracted by the light of Christ.

The Magi’s journey of discovery led them to the Christ-child. Hopefully our journey of discovery will reveal the truth of Christ; the one whom we place our hope, our trust and our love.

Wishing You All A Happy & Blessed Week,

With Love & Peace for the New Year 2022

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING. This year, as always, envelopes are available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22 ‘Xmas Offering’ + GA Number

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 2022: As we have just begun our New Year 2022, you may like to think about the resolutions you would like to make and ask God’s blessings on your lives. All we seem to have heard about over the past 22 months is Covid; and sadly many people have left the practice of the faith during that period of time. They may have got out of the habit. Many have returned, but very sadly, a lot of families have not! There will most definitely come a time when you will need God and your faith. Perhaps you could ask the Lord God Almighty to give you a faithful and true heart of commitment to Jesus Christ through the practice of your faith in this New Year 2022.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will break for the Christmas holiday and resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation.

Wishing You All A Very Happy New Year for 2022

May the lord’s blessing be with you

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: Sincere congratualtions to Tom Ruiz, Sophie Owers & Natalie Poulter who received their Silver Altar Servers Medal last weekend for 10 years long-term service. I would like to thank all of our altar Servers for their commitment in their Serving throughout the years. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible. If there are any Albs that have not been returned yet please kindly do so as soon as possible please.

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

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

DIARY DECEMBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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: Helen Munro RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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/

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 1^st New Year’s Day	11.00am	Ann Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 1^st	6.00pm	Teresa & Brian Fabri’s Int’s
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	John Dunne RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Contemporary Music Group)
Mon 3^rd	10.00am	Relatives & Recently Departed, (Jenny & Arthur Catterall)
Tues 4^th	12.15pm	Teresa Walstow’s Int’s (Nallan Hassan)
Wed 5^th	10.00am	Andrew Jeffreys RIP (Barbara Jeffreys)
Thurs 6^th Epiphany	9.00am12.15pm7.30pm	Sr. Raphael’s Int’s (Maureen Perry)Stanley Wood RIP (Fr. John)David Jeffreys RIP (Barbara Jeffreys)
Fri 7^th	10.00am	Mike Shead RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Sat 8^th Jan	10.00am	Kay & Harry Thain RIP (Thain Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Teresa & Family)
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Christine Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (Eileen Ward)

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

A NEW YEAR’S BLESSING 2022

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is only by pondering in the heart, in other words, by piecing together and finding unity in all we experience, that, following Mary, we can penetrate the mystery of a God who was made man out of love and who calls us to follow him on the path of love; a love to be expressed daily by generous service to the brethren. May the New Year which we are confidently beginning today be a time in which to advance in that knowledge of the heart, which is the wisdom of saints? Let us pray, as we heard in the First Reading, that the Lord may “make his face to shine” upon us, “and be gracious” to us (cf. Nm 6: 24-7) and bless us. We may be certain of it: if we never tire of seeking his Face, if we never give in to the temptation of discouragement and doubt, if also among the many difficulties we encounter we always remain anchored to him, we will experience the power of his love and his mercy. May the fragile Child who today the Virgin shows to the world make us peacemakers, witnesses of him, the Prince of Peace? Amen!”

Pope Benedict XVI

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