Month: April 2022

We know that God cares for us body and soul. By death the soul is separated from the body, but our hope is that they will be reunited on the last day. Jesus’ resurrection revealed the nature of this new body, a risen body, infused with God’s light and life, and not prone to sin or death.

             John’s Gospel records some deeply personla and intimate mometns in Jesus’ life, such as when he wept at Lasarus’ death, or when he invited his disciples to ‘Come and have breakfast after cooking fish for them.

             The breakfast story leads into a fascinating exchange between Jesus and Peter, in which Peter is asked three times to feed the Lord’s sheep. This meant that as the Rock, Peter must ensure that beleivers are fed with the noursihment of Christ. We see this in Peter’s First Letter: ‘Like newborn babaies, crave pur spiritual milk, so that by it you that you may grow up in your slavation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.’              One way we can literally feed off this pure spiritual milk is by prayerfully studying the meditating on peter’s two letters. When we do this, we draw directly from the origianl rock on which the Church was built, the pure well of our salvation. If we don’t eat (feed), we grow weak and unhealthy. This is also true in our spiritual lives and the staple diet from which we feed is: prayer, the Scriptures, the Church’s teaching (the Magisterium) and Lectio Divine (spiritu

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Some may not believe in God but God believes in them. Unbelief is common these days, but it’s different from doubt. Thomas knew all about doubt. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because God gave us minds to think and reason. Faith is truly a gift, intended to work together in harmony with reason.

The Lord appeared to Thomas to lead him from unbelief to faith: ‘Do not be faithless, but believing’. Through seeing the Risen Lord, Thomas came to a profound faith, and his confession of faith should be on the lips of every believer: ‘My Lord and my God’. However, faith is often tested and tried, and we struggle with doubts. We doubt that God lives us. We doubt that he has a plan for our lives and will take care of us. We doubt that he can change certain areas of our lives, especially those with which we have struggled for years. 

We, like Thomas, need Jesus to lead us from doubt to faith, from unbelief to belief. Paul wrote, ‘So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from the preaching of Christ’. We tend to understand a text of Scriptures like this to mean that the Gospel should be preached by a bishop, priest or deacon, but actually we must first learn to preach the Gospel to ourselves. We must learn, if you like, to be the bearer of the Good News to ourselves and to the situations and challenges we face. We need to let the Gospel enter us and change us.

What truths do we need to proclaim? The truth of the Gospel; is that God is love and that God loves you. Make this prayer during your day: ‘Lord, I know you love me and died for me. Give me a deeper knowledge and understanding of your divine mercy.’ Also, try and praise God during your day, praying, ‘Praise you, Lord Jesus. You are the Holy One and you are worthy of glory, honour and praise.’ 

Dear Friends in Christ:                                 Second Sunday of Easter 2022

I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking the whole parish community for such a wonderful Holy Week.  I really felt we were getting back to some semblance of normality after the revious two years of Pandemic. But we should also remember that Covid is still with us!

So many people enriched our Holy Week Service. This year our Choir were excpetional, learning new pieces of music and singing in full force. If anyone else would like to join the choir, please go and introduce yourself to Sue Farrowy our Choir Director. We are only too happy for more new members, especially if you enjoy singing.

My thanks to David Knott & Robert Hatt our MC’s and all our Altar Servers; it was wonderful to see you serving at the Triduum Service last week. This year we were joined by 4 Deacons & 6 seminarians from the Pntifical North American College, which really enhanced our Liturgy and Holy Week Services. It’s truly wonderful to have the seminarians back witih us once again, after a two year hiatus. They have asked me to convey their thanks to the whole parish community for their incredible & hosptiable welcome. Also on a personla note a big thank you to all parishioenrs who dropped off Desserts, Pies & Cup Cakes, also bottles of Gin, Whiskey & Port. They certinaly appreciated it, and put a big dent in all those goodies!

My thanks to the Altar Society for all their hard work in prepratation for Easter; but also throughout the rest of the eyar.  Unfortunaly, many people have stopped helping with the Society, and we are in desperate need of some additional help in maintiaing, cleaning the church. If you are able to help for an hour or so a month, please contact Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: From the private revelations to St Faustina; Jesus asked Faustina to make known his great love and mercy. He wants people to trust in his mercy, to ask for it, and to allow themselves to be vessels of his mercy for others. Traditionally, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 3.00pm the time of the Lord’s death. St. Faustina recounted that Jesus asked people to pray and reflect on his Passion during this hour, and to ask for God’s mercy on the world. He promised that “In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.” 

May God Bless you All this week, 

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:  If you have not made your Easter Offering yet, it’s still not too late! Envelopes are still available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). 

The details of the bank account are: 

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651    Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Porch. The new financial year has begun so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible. 

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be joyfully singing and playing at our next Mass, 11am on Sunday, 1^st May, which is the Third Sunday of Easter. Would all singers kindly arrive by around 10.35 so that we can run through the hymns and Mass setting? We’d really like to see more of our regular singers turn up and any young families or new singers who may like to join us would be made very welcome! With thanks and we look forward to seeing you all there.

ST EDMUND’S PARISH HALL: Is in the process of being redecorated. It’s a number of years since the last decoration. Hopefully it should be completed by the end of next weekend. We have also ordered brand new curtains for the hall.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused to various groups. The Church will also hopefully be decorated both inside and out during May & June. It’s over 25 years since the outside of the church was decorated and 16 years for the inside. As you can see it’s beginning to look a little tired. Thankfully the diocese has given permission for these projects, and the proceeds of the sale of St Thomas More site will offset all the costs. I will notify you when I’ve been given the dates for commencing work on the Church.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The children will meet on Sunday 24^th April at 10.00am. Theme; Receiving the Eucharist.  Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they prepare to receive Holy Communion of the first time next month. Rehearsals for Frist Communion on Wednesday 11^th May at 4pm group 1, 5pm group 2, 6pm group 3.  First communion celebrations: Saturday 14^th May at 12Noon, Sunday 15^th May at 1.00pm.  Sunday 22^nd May, 11.00am Going Forth Mass.   Communion Party

AID FOR UKRAINE: We have begun Lent this year conscious of the unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine. Our brothers and sisters there are experiencing terrible suffering as they struggle to defend their country and preserve their human rights and life itself. We are doing what we can from afar: assisting by the charity of our prayers and also with what practical means we can muster. Aid to the Church in Need is on the frontline of charitable assistance to Ukrainians. If you can help, you will find this link takes you to the ACN website where you can donate: https://acnuk.org/news/ukraine-charity-rolls-out-emergency-aid/

HELPING THOSE IN UKRAINE & UKRAINIAN REFUGEES: Caritas Brentwood are regularly updating information on their website, covering donations, prayer and welcoming those who are fleeing the Ukraine. You will find everything at: http//www.caritasbrentwood.org/Ukraine/

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,   

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. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022.  As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to this year, with concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan, Priests of the Diocese, Family & Visitors from all over the world, and of course, My Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith

ARE YOU INTERSTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 3^rd May at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm. The speaker will be Fr Gary Dench. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 28th May 2022: Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham as we celebrate the Year of the Family ‘Hearing and Doing the Word of God’. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House. If you would like to come we would need to organise a Parish pilgrimage from the Church.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. A Variety of Easter Cards. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon. 

DIARY APRIL – MAY 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, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Jamie McRory RIP, Michael Tuohy RIP.  Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you! 

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.

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 23rd – 30th July 2022. Assist pilgrims going to Masses and services, shops and cafes of the beautiful French town, join in social time together, take part in retreats, reconciliation service, visit the baths, the stunning mountain town of Gavarnie, enjoy social nights, party and experience the amazing Lourdes processions. The cost is £625 for the week, and is open to all those in school year 11 and above (funding and grant opportunities are available). For more information and to book you can visit www.bcys.net/events/sl22 – applications close Sunday 20^th February

BCYS YOUTH GATHER: 22nd – 23rd October, Mersea Island. Stay in cabins and try a brilliant range of outward bound activities from climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. Open to all those in years 9 and above, book NOW at www.bcys.net/events

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.

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

BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact Fr John as soon as possible. For frist time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm 

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022 EASTER WEEK

Sat 23rd	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd’s Int’s (Remy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 23rd	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 24th	9.00am	Mrs Aida DeGala Carlos (Rey Bacani)
Sun 24th	11:00am	Dorothy Joan Goodman RIP (Haybee Ylaya)
Mon 25th	10.00am	Kenneth George Tudhope RIP (M Duffy)
Tues 26th	10.00am	Dec’d members of Munro family ((The Munro family)
Wed 27th	10.00am	Sylvester Duff RIP (M Ryan)
Thurs 28th	10.00am	Int’s of Antonia Clancy (Christine Perrett)
Fri 29th	10.00am	Kathleen ‘Babs’ Wood RIP (Anthony family)
Sat 30th	10.00am	Ann Hawkes Int’s (Remy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 30th	6.00pm	Nora Reardon RIP (Kathleen Pampellonne)
Sun 1st May	9.00am	Lynnanne Rollocks (sick) (K Pampellonne)
Sun 1stMay	11:00am	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)

Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter)

First Reading : Acts 5:12-16

The faithful all used to meet by common consent in the Portico of Solomon. No one else ever dared to join them, but the people were loud in their praise and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily. So many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds and sleeping-mats in the hope that at least the shadow of Peter might fall across some of them as he went past. People even came crowding in from the towns round about Jerusalem, bringing with them their sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were cured.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 117(118):2-4,22-27

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Let the sons of Aaron say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Let those who fear the Lord say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

The stone which the builders rejected

  has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

  a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord;

  we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

O Lord, grant us salvation;

  O Lord, grant success.

Blessed in the name of the Lord

  is he who comes.

We bless you from the house of the Lord;

  the Lord God is our light.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Second Reading : Apocalypse 1:9-13,17-19

My name is John, and through our union in Jesus I am your brother and share your sufferings, your kingdom, and all you endure. I was on the island of Patmos for having preached God’s word and witnessed for Jesus; it was the Lord’s day and the Spirit possessed me, and I heard a voice behind me, shouting like a trumpet, ‘Write down all that you see in a book.’ I turned round to see who had spoken to me, and when I turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands and, surrounded by them, a figure like a Son of man, dressed in a long robe tied at the waist with a golden girdle.

  When I saw him, I fell in a dead faint at his feet, but he touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of the underworld. Now write down all that you see of present happenings and things that are still to come.’

Gospel : John 20:19-31

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me,

so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:

‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

For those whose sins you forgive,

they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain,

they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Dear Friends in Christ                      

Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we gather together to celebrate the greatest event in history, the triumph over sin & death by Jesus Christ Our Lord; we thank God for the gift of his Son, who, through his Life, Passion, Death & Resurrection has won for us Eternal Life.  A New Life began on that first Easter morning. Everything that Jesus did with the Apostles would now come to fruition with the beginning of the Church. You and I are part of that ongoing story of Salvation History. 

Today, we gather to worship the Risen Lord, and thank God for the gift of his Son and His saving action. We have much to be grateful for, and even in the darkest moments of our lives, and many have experienced these over the past twelve months, we can express our gratitude to Almighty God. Hope is at the heart of the Easter story, and combined with faith and love, our lives are filled with the Joy of the Resurrection. Our lives have meaning and purpose and our goal is ultimately Heaven. ‘The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!’   

Dear Friends in Christ:                                         Easter Sunday 2022

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make our Holy Week ceremonies so wonderful. It’s truly wonderful to be able to celebrate our Holy Week this year with some semblance of normality. The past two years have been very challenging in all sorts of ways. I make this impassioned plea to all Catholics to return to the full-practice of faith.  My sincere thanks  go to our Steward Volunteers, serving the parish every week, To all those who work behind the scenes, sacristans, altar society, MC’s & servers, Choir director and choirs, Readers & Eucharistic Ministers. Special thanks to all the ladies who did the flowers for Easter and for all who donated lilies in remembrance of loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  We still have a long way to go, in rebuilding our parish again after this Pandemic. Obviously, we all still have to keep vigilant. But to be part of a worshipping community is one of the greatest blessings as Catholic Christians; and being able to express our faith on this Easter Day is the greatest Joy of all! Thank you one and all! 

Wishing you and all your Loved Ones a Very Happy & Holy Easter. 

May the Peace & Joy of the Risen Lord be with you All.

Love & God Bless,    

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:  Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). 

The details of the bank account are: 

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651    Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

THANK YOU: To all parishioners who have so kindly delivered desserts and other goodies during the stay of our North American College Seminarians. Your generosity is boundless. It’s been truly wonderful having the guys back with us once again after a two year hiatus.  They have all expressed their thanks for your wonderful hospitality. Thankyou 

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Porch. The new financial year has begun so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible. 

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Quigley RIP, late of this parish, who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 20^th April at 12.15pm and interment at Barkingside Cemetery at 2.00pm. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss. 

ALSO: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Vivienne Roe RIP, whose Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 21^st April at 12.15pm, followed by burial at Theydon Bois Cemetery. Our condolences to her family in this time of loss. 

ALSO: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Baby Burgess RIP, whose funeral Mass will take place on Friday 22^nd April at 2.30pm. Our sincere condolences to Mr & Mrs Burgess at the terrible loos of their baby. 

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. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022 EASTER WEEK

Sat 16th	10.30am	Confessions for Easter
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 16th	8.00pm	EASTER VIGIL John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sun 17th Easter Day	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 17th   Easter Day	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 18th	10.00am	Michael DoBosh Int’s. (Private)
Tues 19th	10.00am	Maria Docarmo Feijo RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Wed 20th	10.00am 12.15pm	Joe Brown RIP (Betty Brown) Requiem Mass. Elizabeth Quigley RIP
Thurs 21st	10.00am 12.15pm	Dec’d members of the McDermott Family Requiem Mass. Vivienne Roe RIP
Fri 22nd	10.00am 2.30pm	Annam Kutty Anthony RIP (G O’Donoghue) Funeral Mass for Baby Burgess RIP
Sat 23rd	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd’s Int’s (Remy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 23rd	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 24th	9.00am	Mrs Aida DeGala Carlos (Rey Bacani)
Sun 24th	11:00am	Dorothy Joan Goodman RIP (Haybee Ylaya)

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

Easter Sunday

First Reading: Acts 10:34,37-43

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117(118):1-2,16-17,22-23

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

or

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

  for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

  ‘His love has no end.’

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

or

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

  his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

  and recount his deeds.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

or

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The stone which the builders rejected

  has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

  a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.

Gospel: John 20:1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

  So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

St Edmund of Canterbury & St Thomas More

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

In this most beautiful of all weeks in the Church’s Liturgical Year I would like to re-iterate my invitation that I made on Palm Sunday, that, in a very special way this year we make an extra special effort to participate in the beautiful ceremonies, especially the Sacred Triduum.

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICE: This evening Tuesday 12^th April at 8.00pm with visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  What more fitting way to prepare for the Resurrection of the Lord, than to receive God’s unconditional, merciful & loving forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession. There will also be a visiting Polish priest who will hear confessions in Polish & English.

CHRISM MASS: At Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 13^th April at 11.00am. This is an open invitation to the whole Diocese. The Blessing of the Sacred Oils for the celebration of the Sacraments takes place, and also all the Priest renew their Priestly Vows of commitment and service. All welcome!

THE SACRED TRIDUUM

MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPPER: Thursday 14^th April at 8.00pm. This beautiful celebration commemorates the First Eucharist, where Jesus gave his disciples the gift of his Body & Blood. Also the beautiful and humble act of Service shown by Jesus in the washing of the disciple’s feet. There will be watching until midnight.

GOOD FRIDAY: THE SACRED PASSION OF OUR LORD: 15^th April. The main Service on Good Friday is always the Passion of the Lord, celebrated at 3.00pm – the moment of his death. This simple Liturgy allows us to hear St John’s Passion Account, and also to venerate the Cross of Jesus. The veneration is an act of Love and reverence for what the Lord was willing to sacrifice for each one of us. Children’s Stations of the Cross at 11.00am.  Solemn Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm

HOLY SATURDAY: THE SACRED EASTER VIGIL – Saturday 16^th April at 8.00pm. The first Mass of Easter resurrection encapsulates the whole of Salvation History, to that moment when Christ was Raised from the dead in the triumph of Resurrection. There will be two receptions into the Church on Holy Saturday, and a reception in the Parish Hall afterwards. I ask all of our Parishioners to seriously think about attending the Easter Vigil, it is the most beautiful of all ceremonies throughout the Liturgical year. Easter Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am (sung)

Wishing you all a very Happy & Holy Easter

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Palm Sunday of the Passion, Year c, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ         THIS IS HOLY WEEK              

 

We are about to embark upon our Holy Week 2022. Thank God we are able to gather with some semblance of normality once again for our Holy Week Services, journeying with Our Blessed Lord and accompanying Him in faith and love, through his Pasion & Death, and, to share in the triumph of resurrection Faith on East Easter Day. 

Our Palm Sunday celebration reminds us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City, to cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. This, of course, is overshadowed by the religious authorities and crowds, who in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with the words, ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ This Palm Sunday sets the scene for the rest of our Holy Week.

THE SACRED TRIDUUM: The three Holy Days – are seen as one continuous celebration of faith. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper where the institution of the Holy Eucharist took place; the eternal gift the Lord gave to the Apostles on the night before he died. He journey’s to Gethsemane where he prays to the Father. The arrest takes place in the garden; and the Apostles flee in fear. 

Good Friday: this sacred and solemn day calls to mind, the cruel treatment of Jesus, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, his condemnation through false evidence brought against him. Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, and he begins the journey up the Hill of Calvary to his brutal Crucifixion & Death.

Holy Saturday: Commences with the silence of the Tomb. And yet God raises Jesus out of death. We celebrate the first Mass of Easter at our Vigil celebration. Jesus triumphs over sin and death and invites us to share in the New Life of Resurrection faith. 

 My Dear Friends in Christ,             Palm Sunday 2022

As we enter into the Greatest Week of the Church’s liturgical year, we accompany the Lord Jesus in the days ahead, journeying with him to Jerusalem, the Holy City, to the beauty of the Last Supper & the Lord’s great witness of Service through the Washing of Feet, to the giving of the first Eucharist. His betrayal by Judas, and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The denial by Peter; the orchestrated and mock trial. His eventual condemnation to death by Pilate; and the horrendous nature of death by Crucifixion. But of course for the Christian this is not the end of the story. Easter Resurrection is our joy and hope. A New Life will begin – the Church was born – and here we are over two thousand years later still celebrating this great event of faith. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE A PART OF OUR HOLY WEEK CELEBRATIONS.

PARISH LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE: Traditionally, part of our spiritual preparation for Easter would be to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year on Tuesday 12^th April we will have our Penance Service at 8.00pm. There will be visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Confession; also a Polish priest to accommodate our Polish parishioners. Please can I appeal to all of our parishioners to make a very special effort this year and join us for the Penance Service and receive God’s merciful and loving forgiveness! There is no greater feeling than to be free from the burdens of sin. Unfortunately due to Covid over the past two years we missed out on our Penance Service. Even more reason this year to celebrate the Sacrament.      

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: it is with great joy that we  welcome back once again Deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College who will be with us for this Palm Sunday weekend, Holy Week & Easter. There will be ten students during this period, not all at the same time, but we will have five with us for the Triduum & Easter. You are always so kind to them when they’re here.  Can I make an appeal to your generosity? My housekeeper is truly wonderful feeding these boys; but could I ask for some desserts. My experience through the years is that they all love desserts, especially home-made desserts, apple pies, trifles, etc. also as you can appreciate they like a drink as well; if anyone has any spare bottles of Whiskey, Gin or Port, it would not be wasted. I hope you don’t mind me asking! Thanking you in anticipation.

Wishing you A Blessed Holy Week, 

YOUR PERSONAL EASTER OFFERTORY TO FR JOHN: 

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are: 

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651     ‘EASTER OFFERING’ + Gift Aid Number

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

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

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. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

PLEASE TRY TO JOIN US FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL 

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES THIS YEAR 2022

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS I commend to your prayers Neil MacKinnon & Mark Shelton who are at the final stages of preparation to be received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil 8.00pm Easter Saturday 16^th April. Please come and support Neil & Mark on this very special occasion, celebrating the First Mass of Resurrection.  If you want to know more about the RCIA (Journey of Faith) programme, please contact Fr John Telephone No: 020 8508 3492

MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.

SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you! 

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.

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The traditional devotion during the Lenten Season. I would encourage all our parishioners to attend the Stations of the Cross either on Fridays at 10.30am or Sundays at 5.00pm. This beautiful devotion follows the last journey made by Jesus on Good Friday to Calvary.

Special Stations of the Cross for Children on Good Friday at 11.00am   

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon. 

Class Teacher vacancy KS2/1/EYFS  at St John Fisher, Loughton.

The Governors of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an excellent, enthusiastic, and caring classroom teacher to join our successful team.Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. The closing date for application is Closing date for Applications:  25^th April 2022 with interviews 3^rd April.  Please email finance@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk or alternatively call 02085086135. For further details please visit https://www.st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk/

BIG CHURCH CLEAN FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER: There will be a Big Church Clean for Easter on Tuesday 12^th April from 9.30 onwards – immediately after the 9.00am Mass. Please note that there will be no private prayer after Mass. If you can come for an hour or so to assist with the cleaning of the Church, all volunteers will be most welcome. Please! Please! Please! We need your help. Thank you!

Lilies at Easter 2022

Every year at Easter we remember 

our deceased loved one by decorating 

the Church with White Lilies. 

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in 

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season, 

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the 

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 14^th  

April 2022

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

………………………………        ………………………………

………………………………        ………………………………

………………………………        ………………………………

……………………………….        .……………………………..

Amount enclosed     £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

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, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Sheila Tremble RIP.  Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

HOLY WEEK VISITATION TO THE SICK: Fr John will bring Holy Communion to the Sick & Housebound during this Holy Week

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 28th May 2022: Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham as we celebrate the Year of the Family ‘Hearing and Doing the Word of God’. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House. If you would like to come we would need to organise a Parish pilgrimage from the Church.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. There are some beautiful Easter Cards from Quidenham Carmelite Monastery. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc

MASS INTENTIONS, HOLY WEEK & EASTER – APRIL 2022

Sat 9th	9.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 9th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 10th	9.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)
Sun 10th    Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	Marcela Sanchez RIP (Bacani Family) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction
Mon 11th	10.00am	Graham Howes RIP (Howes Family)
Tues 12th	9.00am 8.00pm	Alan & Doreen Wiltshire RIP (Smith Family) Parish Penance Service with visiting clergy
Wed 13th	9.00am 11.00am	Michael O’Donoghue RIP (G  O’Donoghue) Chrism Mass at Brentwood Cathedral
Thurs 14th	9.00am 8.00pm	Tenebrae (Office of Readings & Morning Pr) THE MASS OF THE LAST SUPPER Bill Ronan RIP (Mary Ryan)
Fri 15th     Good Friday	9.00am 11.00am 3.00pm 7.00pm	Tenebrae (Office of Readings & Morning Pr) Children’s Stations of the Cross THE PASSION OF OUR LORD Solemn Stations of the Cross. All welcome
Sat 16th	10.30am 11.00am	Confessions Rehearsal for Easter Vigil
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 16th	8.00pm	SOLEM EASTER VIGILJohn & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sun 17th                                       Easter Day	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 17th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

 REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Quigley RIP, late of this parish, who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 20^th April at 12.15pm and interment at Barkingside Cemetery at 2.00pm. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss. 

ALSO: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Vivienne Roe RIP, whose Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 21^st April at 12.15pm, followed by burial at Theydon Bois Cemetery. Our condolences to her family in this time of loss. 

Palm Sunday

First Reading : Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord has given me

a disciple’s tongue.

So that I may know how to reply to the wearied

he provides me with speech.

Each morning he wakes me to hear,

to listen like a disciple.

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 21(22):8-9,17-20,23-24

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me.

  They curl their lips, they toss their heads.

‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him;

  let him release him if this is his friend.’

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Many dogs have surrounded me,

  a band of the wicked beset me.

They tear holes in my hands and my feet

  I can count every one of my bones.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

They divide my clothing among them.

  They cast lots for my robe.

O Lord, do not leave me alone,

  my strength, make haste to help me!

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell of your name to my brethren

  and praise you where they are assembled.

‘You who fear the Lord give him praise;

  all sons of Jacob, give him glory.

  Revere him, Israel’s sons.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Second Reading : Philippians 2:6-11

His state was divine,

yet Christ Jesus did not cling

to his equality with God

but emptied himself

to assume the condition of a slave

and became as men are;

and being as all men are,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death,

death on a cross.

But God raised him high

and gave him the name

which is above all other names

so that all beings

in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld,

should bend the knee at the name of Jesus

and that every tongue should acclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel : Luke 22:14-23:56

Key: N. Narrator. ✠ Jesus. O. Other single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.

  N. When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them,

  ✠ I have longed to eat this passover with you before I suffer; because, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

  N. Then, taking a cup, he gave thanks and said,

  ✠ Take this and share it among you, because from now on, I tell you, I shall not drink wine until the kingdom of God comes.

  N. Then he took some bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying,

  ✠ This is my body which will be given for you; do this as a memorial of me.

  N. He did the same with the cup after supper, and said,

  ✠ This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you.

  And yet, here with me on the table is the hand of the man who betrays me. The Son of Man does indeed go to his fate even as it has been decreed, but alas for that man by whom he is betrayed!

  N. And they began to ask one another which of them it could be who was to do this thing.

  A dispute arose also between them about which should be reckoned the greatest, but he said to them,

  ✠ Among pagans it is the kings who lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are given the title Benefactor. This must not happen with you. No; the greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves. For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? The one at table, surely? Yet here am I among you as one who serves!

  You are the men who have stood by me faithfully in my trials; and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

  Simon, Simon! Satan, you must know, has got his wish to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.

  N. He answered,

  O. Lord, I would be ready to go to prison with you, and to death.

  N. Jesus replied,

  ✠ I tell you, Peter, by the time the cock crows today you will have denied three times that you know me.

  N. He said to them,

  ✠ When I sent you out without purse or haversack or sandals, were you short of anything?

  N. They answered,

  C. No.

  N. He said to them,

  ✠ But now if you have a purse, take it; if you have a haversack, do the same; if you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one, because I tell you these words of scripture have to be fulfilled in me: He let himself be taken for a criminal. Yes, what scripture says about me is even now reaching its fulfilment.

  N. They said,

  C. Lord, there are two swords here now.

  N. He said to them,

  ✠ That is enough!

  N. He then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When they reached the place he said to them,

  ✠ Pray not to be put to the test.

  N. Then he withdrew from them, about a stone’s throw away, and knelt down and prayed, saying,

  ✠ Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.

  N. Then an angel appeared to him, coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

  When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief. He said to them,

  ✠ Why are you asleep? Get up and pray not to be put to the test.

  N. He was still speaking when a number of men appeared, and at the head of them the man called Judas, one of the Twelve, who went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said,

  ✠ Judas, are you betraying the son of Man with a kiss?

  N. His followers, seeing what was happening, said,

  C. Lord, shall we use our swords?

  N. And one of them struck out at the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. But at this Jesus spoke:

  ✠ Leave off! That will do!

  N. And touching the man’s ear he healed him.

  Then Jesus spoke to the chief priests and captains of the Temple guard and elders who had come for him. He said,

  ✠ Am I a brigand, that you had to set out with swords and clubs? When I was among you in the Temple day after day you never moved to lay hands on me. But this is your hour; this is the reign of darkness.

  N. They seized him then and led him away, and they took him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed at a distance. They had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and Peter sat down among them, and as he was sitting there by the blaze a servant-girl saw him, peered at him, and said,

  O. This person was with him too.

  N. But he denied it.

  O. Woman, I do not know him.

  N. Shortly afterwards someone else saw him and said,

  O. You are another of them.

  N. But Peter replied,

  O. I am not, my friend.

  N. About an hour later another man insisted, saying,

  O. This fellow was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean.

  N. Peter said,

  O. My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.

  N. At that instant, while he was still speaking, the cock crew, and the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered what the Lord had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will have disowned me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.

  Meanwhile the men who guarded Jesus were mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying,

  C. Play the prophet. Who hit you then?

  N. And they continued heaping insults on him.

  When day broke there was a meeting of the elders of the people, attended by the chief priests and scribes. He was brought before their council, and they said to him,

  C. If you are the Christ, tell us.

  N. He replied,

  ✠ If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.

  N. Then they all said,

  C. So you are the Son of God then?

  N. He answered:

  ✠ It is you who say I am.

  N. They said,

  C. What need of witnesses have we now? We have heard it for ourselves from his own lips.

  N. The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate.

  They began their accusation by saying,

  C. We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of the tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.

  N. Pilate put to him this question:

  O. Are you the king of the Jews?

  N. He replied,

  ✠ It is you who say it.

  N. Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowd,

  O. I find no case against this man.

  N. But they persisted,

  C. He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judaea; it has come all the way from Galilee, where he started, down to here.

  N. When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean; and finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction he passed him over to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

  Herod was delighted to see Jesus; he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him; moreover, he was hoping to see some miracle worked by him. So he questioned him at some length; but without getting any reply. Meanwhile the chief priests and the scribes were there, violently pressing their accusations. Then Herod, together with his guards, treated him with contempt and made fun of him; he put a rich cloak on him and sent him back to Pilate. And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before, they were reconciled that same day.

  Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leading men and the people. He said,

  O. You brought this man before me as a political agitator. Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against the man in respect of all the charges you bring against him. Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us. As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, So I shall have him flogged and then let him go.

  N. But as one man they howled,

  C. Away with him! Give us Barabbas!

  N. (This man had been thrown into prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.)

  Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again, but they shouted back,

  C. Crucify him! Crucify him!

  N. And for the third time he spoke to them,

  O. Why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death, so I shall have him punished and then let him go.

  N. But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder.

  Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for, who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder, and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.

  As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said,

  ✠ Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For the days will surely come when people will say, ‘Happy are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne, the breasts that have never suckled!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’; to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if men use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry?

  N. Now with him they were also leading out two other criminals to be executed.

  When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him there and the two criminals also, one on the right, the other on the left. Jesus said,

  ✠ Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.

  N. Then they cast lots to share out his clothing.

  The people stayed there watching him. As for the leaders, they jeered at him, saying,

  C. He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.

  N. The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said,

  C. If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.

  N. Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

  One of the criminals hanging there abused him, saying,

  O. Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.

  N. But the other spoke up and rebuked him:

  O. Have you no fear of God at all? You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

  N. He replied,

  ✠ Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.

  N. It was now about the sixth hour and, with the sun eclipsed, a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle; and when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he said,

  ✠ Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

  N. With these words he breathed his last.

  All kneel and pause a moment

  When the centurion saw what had taken place, he gave praise to God and said,

  O. This was a great and good man.

  N. And when all the people who had gathered for the spectacle saw what had happened, they went home beating their breasts.

  All his friends stood at a distance; so also did the women who had accompanied him from Galilee, and they saw all this happen.

  Then a member of the council arrived, an upright and virtuous man named Joseph. He had not consented to what the others had planned and carried out. He came from Arimathaea, a Jewish town, and he lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He then took it down, wrapped it in a shroud and put him in a tomb which was hewn in stone in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day and the sabbath was imminent.

  Meanwhile the women who had come from Galilee with Jesus were following behind. They took note of the tomb and of the position of the body.

  Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And on the sabbath day they rested, as the Law required.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Sex grabs our attention. It also sells most things: magazines, newspapers, cars, boats, jewellery, – you name it; sexual imagery is used to promote it and persuade us to buy it. And it’s not just aimed at men, but women just as much. We’re sexual beings and sexuality, let’s be honest, plays an integral part of our lives. There is, however, a notion that Christians are easily scandalised and shocked by all things sexual, and indignant towards those who fall from grace in this area.

The idea of the religious prude is firmly stuck in literature and culture. Interestingly, the early manuscripts of St John’s Gospel don’t carry today’s incident of the woman caught in adultery. It’s missing from our oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts and seems to have been unknown to the early Greek Fathers, since they didn’t comment on it. The earliest specific reference to it is found in the third-century writing on Church discipline called Didascalia. 

Why this happened we cannot be sure. Some scholars believe that it reads incredibly like a Lucan narrative. Dealing as it does with sin and mercy – and with a woman! Others suggest that Jesus’ response was so shocking, the forgiveness so radical, his compassion and mercy so scandalous, that it was thought best to remove it from the canon altogether.

Interestingly, St Jerome tried to have the Song of Songs removed from Scripture because of the danger of erotic interpretation of what is in essence a love song and allegory for Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. Thankfully, common sense prevailed for both these events, and we revere them as Sacred Scripture, divinely inspired and given to teach us the way of salvation. In his encounter with the woman caught in adultery Jesus is full of compassion, kindness and mercy but also firm and clear that she must strive with all her heart and soul not to sin in this way. 

“Has no one condemned you?” “No one sir!”

“Neither do I condemn you, go away and sin no more!”

My Dear Friends in Christ,         5^th Sunday of Lent 2022

Today marks the beginning of Passiontide. You will notice that all of the Statues and Crucifix have been covered with Lenten Purple. It is where we start to prepare earnestly to enter into our Holy Week – the greatest week of the church’s liturgical year.  Manifestly, Lent has been a time of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Charity. But it is also penitential, meaning that each one of us is trying to rid ourselves of the of sin, and the barriers that can often create divisions between ourselves and Almighty God.  Jesus gave us a Sacrament to assist and help us in this area of human frailty within our lives. Like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father is always looking out for his son; – God is looking out for us also. He sees us while we are still ‘long way off’, and he runs to meet us with joy and love, and merciful forgiveness. There is more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. 

PARISH LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE: Traditionally, part of our spiritual preparation for Easter would be to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year on Tuesday 12^th April we will have our Penance Service at 8.00pm. There will be visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Confession; also a Polish priest to accommodate our Polish parishioners. Please can I appeal to all of our parishioners to make a very special effort this year and join us for the Penance Service and receive God’s merciful and loving forgiveness! There is no greater feeling than to be free from the burdens of sin. Unfortunately due to Covid over the past two years we missed out on our Penance Service. Even more reason this year to celebrate the Sacrament. 

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: It is my real joy to welcome back once again Deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College who will be with us for Palm Sunday weekend, Holy Week & Easter. There will be ten students during that period, not all at the same time, but we will have six with us for the Triduum & Easter. You are always so kind to them when they’re here.  Can I make an appeal to your generosity? My housekeeper is truly wonderful feeding these boys; but could I ask for some desserts. My experience through the years is that they all love desserts, especially home-made desserts, apple pies, trifles, etc. also as you can appreciate they like a drink as well; if anyone has any spare bottles of Whiskey, Gin or Port, it would not be wasted. I hope you don’t mind me asking! Thanking you in anticipation.

    May God Bless You All, 

AID FOR UKRAINE: We have begun Lent this year conscious of the unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine. Our brothers and sisters there are experiencing terrible suffering as they struggle to defend their country and preserve their human rights and life itself. We are doing what we can from afar: assisting by the charity of our prayers and also with what practical means we can muster. Aid to the Church in Need is on the frontline of charitable assistance to Ukrainians. If you can help, you will find this link takes you to the ACN website where you can donate: https://acnuk.org/news/ukraine-charity-rolls-out-emergency-aid/

HELPING THOSE IN UKRAINE & UKRAINIAN REFUGEES: Caritas Brentwood are regularly updating information on their website, covering donations, prayer and welcoming those who are fleeing the Ukraine. You will find everything at: http//www.caritasbrentwood.org/Ukraine/

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022.  As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to this year, with concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan, Priests of the Diocese, Family & Visitors from all over the world, and of course, My Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. My thanks to those who have volunteered and agreed to help. Planning Meeting Wednesday 6^th April at 7.30pm in the Retreat. If anyone else wishes to join the meeting please just turn up. 

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday 3^rd April, which will be the fifth Sunday of Lent. It would be good if many of our singers could be there – a great way to start Lent!   Any parishioners who may consider joining us would be made very welcome. Simply come along.   Also, we’d like to spend some more time in practicing, so we’d really appreciate you coming along early at about 10.10am before Mass. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.  

ARE YOU INTERSTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 5^th April at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm. The speaker will be Msgr Kevin Hale. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.

DIARY FEBRUARY – MARCH 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, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Harvey RIP, Peggy Davies RIP.  Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you! 

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.

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The traditional devotion during the Lenten Season. I would encourage all our parishioners to attend the Stations of the Cross either on Fridays at 10.30am or Sundays at 5.00pm. This beautiful devotion follows the last journey made by Jesus on Good Friday to Calvary.   

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS I commend to your prayers Neil MacKinnon & Mark Shelton who are at the final stages of preparation to be received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. If you want to know more about the RCIA (Journey of Faith) programme, please contact Fr John, 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 28th May 2022: Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham as we celebrate the Year of the Family ‘Hearing and Doing the Word of God’. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House. If you would like to come we would need to organise a Parish pilgrimage from the Church.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. A Variety of Easter Cards. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

BCYS YOUTH MASS: Thursday 7^th April, Brentwood Cathedral. Come along from 6pm for pizza; FOLLOWED BY Stations of the Cross in the Cathedral for Lent, before Youth Mass starts at 7.30pm. Open to all those in years 9 and above, no booking necessary. (YOUTH MASS takes place on the First Thursday of every month and groups are always welcome! Please let us know in advance if you wish to bring a group, if you are able, so that we can have an idea how much pizza to order! Any groups are always welcome!)

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 23rd – 30th July 2022. Assist pilgrims going to Masses and services, shops and cafes of the beautiful French town, join in social time together, take part in retreats, reconciliation service, visit the baths, the stunning mountain town of Gavarnie, enjoy social nights, party and experience the amazing Lourdes processions. The cost is £625 for the week, and is open to all those in school year 11 and above (funding and grant opportunities are available). For more information and to book you can visit www.bcys.net/events/sl22 – applications close Sunday 20^th February

BCYS YOUTH GATHER: 22nd – 23rd October, Mersea Island. Stay in cabins and try a brilliant range of outward bound activities from climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. Open to all those in years 9 and above, book NOW at www.bcys.net/events

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.

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

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 

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon. 

Class Teacher vacancy KS2/1/EYFS  at St John Fisher, Loughton.

The Governors of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an excellent, enthusiastic, and caring classroom teacher to join our successful team.Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. The closing date for application is Closing date for Applications:  25^th April 2022 with interviews 3^rd April.  Please email finance@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk or alternatively call 02085086135. For further details please visit https://www.st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk/

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022

Sat 2nd	9.00am	John Dowd’s Int’s ((M Ryan)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 2nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 3rd	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 3rd  Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	James McLay RIP ((Monica Maycraft)  Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction
Mon 4th	12.15pm	Mary Harvey RIP (Anni) (Fr. John)
Tues 5th	10.00am	Paul Croft RIP (Peter & Christine Burrowes)
Wed 6th	10.00am 10.30am	Vera & Joe Duffy RIPHoly Hour
Thurs 7th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Fri 8th    Lenten                                Devotions	10.00am 10.30am	Michael Do Bosh Ints (Private) Holy Hour / With Stations of Cross
Sat 9th	10.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 9th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 10th	9.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)
Sun 10th                 LentenDevotions	11:00am 5.00pm	Marcela Sanchez RIP (Bacani Family) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction

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

5th Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the Lord,

who made a way through the sea,

a path in the great waters;

who put chariots and horse in the field

and a powerful army

which lay there never to rise again,

snuffed out, put out like a wick:

No need to recall the past,

no need to think about what was done before.

See, I am doing a new deed,

even now it comes to light; can you not see it?

Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness,

paths in the wilds.

The wild beasts will honour me,

jackals and ostriches,

because I am putting water in the wilderness

(rivers in the wild)

to give my chosen people drink.

The people I have formed for myself

will sing my praises.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 125(126)

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

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,

  it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

  on our lips there were songs.

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

The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels

  the Lord worked for them!’

What marvels the Lord worked for us!

  Indeed we were glad.

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

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage

  as streams in dry land.

Those who are sowing in tears

  will sing when they reap.

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

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

  carrying seed for the sowing:

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

  carrying their sheaves.

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

Second Reading : Philippians 3:8-14

I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.

Gospel : John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them.

  The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’ They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’

Lilies at Easter 2022

Every year at Easter we remember 

our deceased loved one by decorating 

the Church with White Lilies. 

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in 

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season, 

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the 

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 14^th  

April 2022

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

………………………………        ………………………………

………………………………        ………………………………

………………………………        ………………………………

……………………………….        .……………………………..

Amount enclosed     £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

Dear Friends in Christ:               Preparing for Holy Week 2022   

As we are about to prepare for Holy Week 2022, It is truly wonderful to see that some semblance of normality has returned to everyday life once again. It is truly heartening to see many of our parishioners have returned to the practice of the faith and Sunday Mass. But I would still like to encourage everyone to make that extra special effort to return to Church. As Holy Week approaches, what more beautiful time of the year to enter into the beauty of Our Lord’s Paschal Mystery! 

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of our Holy Week 2022. We will travel with the Lord Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with the cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, as they lay their palm branches before him. We also must remember this same crowd in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with cries of ‘crucify him, crucify him’! 

THE TRIDUUM OF THE LORD The most powerful liturgy that we experience during the church’s liturgical year. I encourage you all to participate fully in these most wonderful celebrations of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We share together the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday Liturgy, and the Easter Vigil, as one continuous celebration of Salvation History. 

WELCOME: On behalf of the whole parish I would like to welcome a number of deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College, who will be with us throughout our Holy Week. It’s truly wonderful to welcome the Seminarians back once again after a two year hiatus. There will be various Seminarians with us over the Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Weekend. Please extend them your usual hospitable welcome. 

CAN YOU HELP?: This is where I appeal to your generosity of spirit; having a good number of students, could I ask for some help with desserts? Home-made apple pies, etc. Most of them have a sweet tooth and really enjoy English Desserts. Also most of them drink Wine, Whisky & Gin, if you have any spare bottles at home, these would be gratefully received. Thank you! I look forward to sharing with you this Holy Week 2022,       May God Bless You All,     

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK 2022

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION:  9^th / 10^th April 

  6.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s.   Blessing of Palms (Sat. 9^th April)

  9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s.   Blessing of Palms (Sun 10^th April)

 11.00 a.m St. Edmund’s.   Blessing of Palms     . .. 

  5.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s.   Stations of Cross and Benediction

MONDAY 11^th April

  10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s.   Confessions after Mass

TUESDAY 12^th April  

 10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Confessions after Mass 

  8.00pm Penance Service – With visiting priests for confessions

WEDNESDAY 13^th April

  9.00 a m St. Edmund’s

11.00 a m  CHRISM MASS – Brentwood Cathedral, All welcome! 

THE TRIDUUM

MAUNDY THURSDAY 14^th April

  9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer, Tenebrae /Confessions

  8.00 p.m. MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER   St. Edmund’s 

Watching until midnight with Night Prayer / Confessions

GOOD FRIDAY 15^thApril     Day of Fasting and Abstinence

  9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer. Tenebrae

11.00 a.m. Children’s Stations of the Cross  

  3.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

  7.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s.   Stations of the Cross. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY: 16^th April 2022 

  9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s  Morning Prayer, Tenebrae, Confessions.

12.30 p.m. Swieconka:  Polish Blessing for Easter Food Baskets

  8.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. THE EASTER VIGIL 

EASTER SUNDAY 17^th  April THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

  9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

11.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Family Mass

HOLY WEEK 2022

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICE

It was difficult over the past two years to have a proper Penitential Service due to Covid. This Year our Penance Service is on Tuesday 12^th April at 8.00pm with visiting Confessors. There will also be a Polish Priest hearing Confessions. I will also schedule Confessions after all the Masses & Services during this coming week & Holy Week. Please try to avail yourselves of the Sacrament in preparation for Easter. Thank you

PALM SUNDAY 10^th April:

Our Two Sunday Morning Masses will commence outside of the Church with the Blessing of Palm, and Procession into the Church. Please bring your Hymn Book with to sing opening Hymn: All glory Lord & Honour

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: 

This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651     ‘EASTER OFFERING’ + Gift Aid Number

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES 2022: 

Please note that the Easter Vigil Mass will take place on Saturday 16^th April at 8.00pm

Easter Sunday Masses will be at 9.00am, & 11.00am. 

THANK YOU: My sincere thanks this year to all of our Stewards who have been so faithful and helpful in looking after our Parish Community during the Pandemic. 

St. Edmund of Canterbury

and

St. Thomas More

This is Holy Week

& Easter 2022