May 2022 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Seventh Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The prayer of Jesus to the Father in John 17 sheds light on how important it is to pray for unity: in the family, the parish, the diocese and the Church at large. Today his prayer is for unity among those who will come to believe in him through the word (the teaching, preaching and News Testament writings) that will be passed on by Jesus’ disciples. But why should there be unity among Jesus’ disciples? And more importantly, how is this unity to come about? What is it about believing in Jesus that brings about unity as a consequence? EC_07G

It is all about the new creation that is established through Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus is himself the first-born of God’s new creation. When Jesus died, he took with him to the cross the sin and fallen nature of all of humanity. Humanity’s fallen nature is that nature in which the self-life has been allowed to rule and control us. It is a nature that, in the end, cannot have union with God, because the self-life-refuses to let God take the central place – it is my will that I do, rather than God’s will. Jesus throughout his life revealed a true human life which was completed surrendered to the will of the Father. However, the cross was necessary because the power of the self-life, and of the self-will, needed to be put to death. It was brought to an end on Calvary. The resurrected Jesus is not the source of a life that is entirely one with the will of God.

For the same life to be manifested in us today, it is essential that we have union with both the death and resurrection of Jesus. The key elements of our willingness to let go of the self-life that can so dominate our lives – even, and perhaps especially, when our self-will produces actions and thoughts that we consider good. Part of the difficulty for us is that we often fail to realise just how much and how often our actions are determined by self-will. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal the extent of our self-will, and as he brings this to light, it will be his work also to bring that self-life to the cross. EB_07D

Dear Friends in Christ, Seventh Sunday of Easter

REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: Commencing Monday 30^th May the company we have contracted to decorate will begin on the outside of the Church. Health and Safety measures are in place; but please do be careful if you are around the church at this time. On Monday 6^th June, the contractors will commence work on the inside of the Church. This will take place throughout the whole month of June. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during this period of time. During the Week, Monday to Saturday, the 10.00am Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Hall (On Wednesday’s the Mass will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 11^th, 18^th 25^th June; & 2^nd July, between 9.00am – 10.30am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting& cleaning the benches and generally cleaning the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!

PARISH ALTAR SOCIETY: In recent months we have lost so many members of the Parish Altar Society, who assist and help with keeping our church clean and tidy. We are desperately looking for new volunteers to help and assist in cleaning the church. ‘If everyone does a little, a lot gets done.’ If you can give an hour once a week or once a month, please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice or Fr John, all help will be gratefully received.

A REALLY BIG THANK YOU: On behalf of the First Holy Communion Catechists and their helpers, I would like to thank all the parents of our First Holy Communion Class this year for your incredible thoughtfulness and generosity to each one of us in the gifts you presented last Sunday; also for the very personal thank you notes and gifts that we received. It was a great pleasure to help the children over the past nine months. As I stated may this be the first of many Communions in the children’s lives of faith. This is now a way that the children can become more involved with the life of the parish. If any parents would like to join the Catechists team please see Kathryn or Fr John.

May God Bless You All

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 a 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. There will be a Marquee the length of the Parish Car Park for the Reception afterwards; we will need a lot of help on the day organising the church and additional seating; organising the Marquee with Buffet Tables, seating etc. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith. Can you help me clipart.

EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams. Free Student Clipart

ST BONAVENTURE HIGH SCHOOL: Alumni Event – 17^th June 2022, 4.00pm-6.30pm. All former students and staff are welcome to attend – please help spread the word! Order a Ticket at: www.stbons.org/alumni – EMail any questions to alumni@stbons.org

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 first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism takes place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.UINmrnrevk72YyvS_TQITAHaKA&pid=Api&P=0&w=115&h=155

NEW ALTAR SERVERS: I would like to extend an invitation to any of the boys and girls who received their First Holy Communion recently; if you would like to consider becoming an Altar Server at St Edmund’s. This is truly a wonderful way of serving God & the Church. Please speak to Fr John.

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 7^th June at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

AID FOR UKRAINE: The unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine are atrocious, many amounting to genocide. 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/

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/

JUBILEE JAMBOREE AT ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On Saturday 11th June, from 2-5pm the St John Fisher Catholic Primary PTA will host our biggest event in years, the Jubilee Jamboree! With bouncy castles, fairground games, stalls, a petting zoo, sports day races, face painting, crafts and live performances, there is something for everyone! Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, hot dogs, burgers and sweets, and cold drinks. Bring your family and friends, a picnic blanket, and settle down for an afternoon of traditional fun and games. Advance tickets cost just £1 for adults and children or £6 for children’s unlimited bouncing on the inflatables. Under 2s are free. Tickets on the door will cost £2 for the adults and £7 for the children. Please email us on sjfpta@outlook.com if you’d like to purchase some. The SJF Jubilee Jamboree is an event not to be missed so do come along and support our local school. We’d love to see you there!

NOTE TO OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

We will be singing and playing at our next Mass, which is the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5^th June (Pentecost Sunday). It would be appreciated if all our singers could be there by around 10.40am so that we can quickly run through the hymns before Mass starts. Thank you.

If there are any parishioners who would like to join our group, simply come along – you will be made very welcome!

PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.

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.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. First Holy Communion gifts and items. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books. 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. Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23^rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation

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.

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE: Fr Paul Keane has been appointed as the Catholic Chaplian to the University of Cambridge. Fr Paul has served as Vice-Rector of Oscott College during very challenging times and, hopefully, will be able to take a break before taking up his new responsbilities in the Autumn.

FR KEIRAN DODD: Will be celebrating 60 years of Sacred Priesthood this year. A concelebrated mass with two other Jubilarians Fr George Towler & Fr John McKeon will be presided by Bishop Alan on Friday 10^th June at midday at SS Peter & Paul Parish Ilford.

MONTHLY YOUTH MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL: Will take place on Thursday 2^nd June, Canon Martin O’Connor will preach the homily. There will be refreshments, Pizza & Drinks beforehand at 6pm in the parish Hall. The Mass will be at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome!

DIARY 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: 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

PARISH GIFT AID SCHEME: I would like to appepal to the whole parish community with regard to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. This is a truly wonderful way, if you are a Tax Payer, of Gift Aiding to the Parish. We have expereinced a soncdierable drop in Income, espcially since the Pandemic. If you join the Gift Aid Scheme, it means that we are able to collect 25 pence in the £1. E.g. If you give £5 a week, £1.25p can be claimed back through tax and divereted to the Church. Which really does help each year.

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. Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ...

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 Irregular Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secular venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non-Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to rectify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. John’s Day Off. In cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688. This would also apply if Fr. John is away for a few days break or on Retreat. All the local funeral directors have a contact number for Fr. John if a funeral needs to be arranged in his absence.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY / JUNE 2022

Sat 28^th	10.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (M Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Martin Kendal RIP (Kendal Family)
Sun 29^th	11:00am	Sylvester Duff RIP (M Ryan)
Mon 30^th	10.00am	Elsie Poulter RIP (Kendal Family)
Tues 31^st	9.00am	Remy B’day Int’s (Frank Westcott)
Wed 1^stJune	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Thurs 2^nd	10.00am	Jack Creighton RIP (Paul Fleming)
Fri 3^rd	10.00am	Pat & Margaret B’day (Veronica & Steve Short)
Sat 4^th	9.00am	Pat & Margaret B’day Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Helen McLaughlin RIP (Ann McLaughlin)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	For Sick Daughter (Dr Peter Wright)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	John Anthony Harvey RIP (40 Anni) (Fr John)

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

First reading

Acts 7:55-60 ©

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’; and with these words he fell asleep.

Responsorial Psalm

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,

the many coastlands be glad.

His throne is justice and right.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The skies proclaim his justice;

all peoples see his glory.

All you spirits, worship him.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

For you indeed are the Lord

most high above all the earth,

exalted far above all spirits.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

SECOND READING

I, John, heard a voice speaking to me: ‘Very soon now, I shall be with you again, bringing the reward to be given to every man according to what he deserves. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Happy are those who will have washed their robes clean, so that they will have the right to feed on the tree of life and can come through the gates into the city.’

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to make these revelations to you for the sake of the churches. I am of David’s line, the root of David and the bright star of the morning.

The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ Let everyone who listens answer, ‘Come.’ Then let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free.

The one who guarantees these revelations repeats his promise: I shall indeed be with you soon. Amen; come, Lord Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord;

I will come back to you,

and your hearts will be full of joy.

Alleluia!

GospelJohn 17:20-26 ©

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:

‘Holy Father,

I pray not only for these,

but for those also

who through their words will believe in me.

May they all be one.

Father, may they be one in us,

as you are in me and I am in you,

so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.

I have given them the glory you gave to me,

that they may be one as we are one.

With me in them and you in me,

may they be so completely one

that the world will realise that it was you who sent me

and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.

Father, I want those you have given me

to be with me where I am,

so that they may always see the glory you have given me

because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Father, Righteous One,

the world has not known you,

but I have known you,

and these have known that you have sent me.

I have made your name known to them

and will continue to make it known,

so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,

and so that I may be in them.’

Sixth Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Two things dominate the human condition: war and fear. The opposite of war is peace; the opposite of fear is courage. Peace, as the Bishops at the Second Vatican Council taught us, is not just the absence of war but an inner tranquillity, the fruit of knowing that we are reconciled with God and justified by the blood of Christ. This peace transcends our understanding and can, if we let it, rule our hearts.
EC_06G

Jesus taught that two significant fruits of being his disciples would be peace and courage. We can know these two blessings in our lives in a real and tangible way. This must be true because Jesus promised: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. Well, that’s the teaching and there’s the promise, but what of the reality?

Even a cursory examination of our lives can bring to light not peace but an inner turmoil and not courage but timidity. So what is going on? Why is it like this? Jesus promises peace and tells us simply not to be afraid. Why isn’t this good enough and why doesn’t it work? Well, the truth is it is good enough and it does work – however, we play a part. Our faith isn’t magic; it’s faith. The key is the Holy Spirit: ‘But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you,’

But we can’t be reminded of what Jesus said unless we read the Scriptures. So there is a way in which our peace and courage has a relationship with our reading the Scripture. The Spirit counsels us to immerse ourselves in his life-giving Word. Remember this: ‘Bibles that are falling apart are often read by people whose lives are not.’ Now, that does not mean that those who read the Scriptures do not give in to fear or at times lose their peace, but, because they remind themselves frequently of what Jesus said, the Spirit is able to lead them back to peace. And give them courage.

Dear Friends in Christ, Sixth Sunday of Easter

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASSES: This Saturday our third and final group of Communicants received Jesus is the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This is a truly momentous occasion in all chidlren’s lives. Tomorrow, Sunday at the 11am Mass all three groups come together for their Going Forth Celebration Mass. May this be the first of many communions in the future lives of all our children. I encourage all of our parents to continue to bring your children to Holy Mass so that they can participate fully in the Eucharistic Celebration. If there are any of these boys or girls who would like to become Altar Servers, please see Fr John as soon as possible. As Roman Catholics the most important thing that we ever do is to attend the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It helps us to grow in our lives of faith; it is the source of food for the journey of faith, and is the source and summit of all Christian devotion. Following the Mass the Commicants will have their own Communion Party in the Parish Hall.

My thanks once again to our dedicated Catechists, Kathryn Poulter & Elena Manara and their team of young helpers. Without their commitment and dedication we wouldn’t be able to run a Sacramental Programme. If there are any parents who would like to think about joining our Catechists Team please see Kathryn or Fr John

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD: Takes place next Thursday 26^th May, and is a Holy Day of Obligation, which has the same staus as a Sunday. Forty Days after the Resurrection the Lord Jesus bade his Disciples farewell and returned home to his righful place at the right hand of the Father. As we hear in the sacred scriptures, it was only his return to the Father that he could send us the gift of the Holy Spirit. On this feast we celebrate the life Jesus has won for us. He is Lord of life and has conquered sin, death and the tyranny of evil. He has secured for us an eternal and glorious inheritance in heaven, free from corruption, sin, death and suffering. There will be three masses on Ascension Thursday: 9.00am, 12.15pm & 7.30pm Please come and join us.

God Bless You All,

EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they prepare to sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams. Free Student Clipart

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 a 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. We will definitely need help on the day. Can you help me clipart.

REDECORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH: With the approval of the Diocese of Brentwood the work on the redecoration of the Church will commence soon. The outside of the Church will be started first on Monday 30^th May, and then, from Monday 6^th June for four weeks the inside of the Church. In advance I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. During the month of June during the week we will celebrate holy Mass in the Parish Hall. All of the Health & Safety protocols are being put in place in advance of the work commencing. We will be asking for some help on Friday afternoons or Saturday Morning to dust the benches in advance of Weekend Masses. Please help us if you can while the Church is being redecorated. Thank You!

CANDLE STAND: Sadly, I saw someone raiding the Candle Stand by Our Blessed Lady. Before I realised what had happened he was out of the church. He is about 40 years of age, tall and very thin. He rides a canary yellow Bicycle which is quite distinctive. I’ve seen him before; be careful of him.

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/

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 7^th June at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

MAY THE MONTH OF MARY: The Church gives the Month of May to Our Blessed Lady. Devotion to Mary has always been part and parcel of the Roman Catholic tradition. I would encourage every family in the parish to pray at least a decade of the Rosary each day throughout the month of May. The Rosary is a very powerful prpayer, and it’s mysteries remind us not only what Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ has won for us through his act of selfless love, but also the great example of Our Blessed Lady in her response to God’s Holy will to become the Mother of His Son.

NOTE TO OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

If there are any parishioners who would like to join our group, simply come along – you will be made very welcome!

PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass from Saturday 7th May. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.

DIARY MAY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

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.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregular 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

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2022

Sat 21^st	9.00am12Noon	Fr Patrick Hayward Int’s (M Duffy)First Holy Communion Celebration
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Elizabeth Quigley RIP (Veronica & Steve)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Doris DeSouza)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (The Munro Family)GOING FORTH MASS
Mon 23^rd	10.00am	Sarah & Peter McQuade RIP (M Duffy)
Tues 24^th	10.00am	Patrick Daly, Get well Int’s (Geraldine O’Donoghue)
Wed 25^th	10.00am	David Clancy RIP (Christine Perrett)
Thurs 26^th AscensionDay	9.00am12.15pm7.30pm	Valarie Tisi RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi & Family)Helen McLaughlin RIP (Michael & Gemma)Elizabeth Quigley RIP (The Ryan Family)
Fri 27^th	10.00am	Maurice Onokwai Int’s
Sat 28^th	9.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Martin Kendal RIP (Kendal Family)
Sun 29^th	11:00am	Sylvester Duff RIP ((M Ryan)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

6th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 15:1-2,22-29

Some men came down from Judaea and taught the brothers, ‘Unless you have yourselves circumcised in the tradition of Moses you cannot be saved.’ This led to disagreement, and after Paul and Barnabas had had a long argument with these men it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and others of the church should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the problem with the apostles and elders.

Then the apostles and elders decided to choose delegates to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; the whole church concurred with this. They chose Judas known as Barsabbas and Silas, both leading men in the brotherhood, and gave them this letter to take with them:

‘The apostles and elders, your brothers, send greetings to the brothers of pagan birth in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. We hear that some of our members have disturbed you with their demands and have unsettled your minds. They acted without any authority from us; and so we have decided unanimously to elect delegates and to send them to you with Barnabas and Paul, men we highly respect who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accordingly we are sending you Judas and Silas, who will confirm by word of mouth what we have written in this letter. It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to saddle you with any burden beyond these essentials: you are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols; from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from fornication. Avoid these, and you will do what is right. Farewell.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Second Reading : Apocalypse 21:10-14,22-23

In the spirit, the angel took me to the top of an enormous high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven. It had all the radiant glory of God and glittered like some precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. The walls of it were of a great height, and had twelve gates; at each of the twelve gates there was an angel, and over the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel; on the east there were three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. The city walls stood on twelve foundation stones, each one of which bore the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I saw that there was no temple in the city since the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were themselves the temple, and the city did not need the sun or the moon for light, since it was lit by the radiant glory of God and the Lamb was a lighted torch for it.

Gospel : John 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we shall come to him and make our home with him.

Those who do not love me do not keep my words.

And my word is not my own:

it is the word of the one who sent me.

I have said these things to you while still with you;

but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and remind you of all I have said to you.

Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,

a peace the world cannot give,

this is my gift to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.

If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,

for the Father is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it happens,

so that when it does happen you may believe.’

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Shortly after his death Jesus gave his disciples, and us, a new commandment: ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another’. To be a disciple is to be called to a life of love. And in particular to agape love, which is rooted in self-sacrifice, in loving without thought of return, freely and unconditionally. Christian love is probably both the most important of all Christian virtues and the hardest to achieve. We may have faith, we may have hope, but don’t always have love.

Here’s the thing about love: we all want to be loved – more than anything else in the world we crave love. The Greek philosopher Aristotle said: ‘No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.’ In other words, we were created to receive love and to give love. None of us is an island; none of us is without the capacity to love and be loved. Love, however, is rather like mercy: to show mercy we must first receive mercy; to love, we must first know we are loved.

So we see that to be a Christian is to be called to a life of love. But how far short we fall! None of us loves as we should love. Our hearts incline so easily to malice, envy, jealousy and rage. How can this be when we are called to love? We cannot love with our old hearts – they are callous and hard. No, a new commandment requires a new heart: the heart of the new creation, the heart of Christ.

This new heart of love is a blessing of the Spirit which we receive when we call upon God’s help, grace and strength to love in those situations where we find it hard to love, to forgive, and to show mercy where we, left to our own devices, are devoid of mercy. This kind of love, agape love, is the blessing and fruit of the Spirit and to this we are called and for this we receive every spiritual blessing and grace.

Dear Friends in Christ, 5^th Sunday of Easter

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASSES: This weekend we congratulate the first two groups of children from our parish who made / will be making their First Holy Communion, yesterday at 12Noon & Sunday at 1.00pm. This is truly a wonderful moment in their young lives of faith. They will remember this day for the rest of their lives. I encourage all our parents of our First Communicant’s to continue to bring your chidlren to Holy Mass each week, so that they can fully participate in the Eucharistic Liturgy, and truly be an active member of the Parish Community. Next Saturday 21^st May the final group of children will celebrate their Holy Communion, and on Sunday 22^nd May all three groups of 31 children will gather together at the 11.00am for the Going Forth Mass. It is always an honour and great privilege to be able to celebrate the First Holy Communion Masses. ‘May God who has begun this good work in you bring it to fulfilment!’

On behalf of the Parish I would like to thank our Programme Director Kathryn Poulter and Elena Manara, and their young helpers, who have given of their time and talent throughout the past nine months in preparing our children for the Sacraments. This is no mean task! Also thank you to the many parents, some of whom came each week, to help with the classes. If there are any parents who would like to continue to volunteer to become Catechists for the Sacramental Programme, please see Fr John or Kathryn Poulter. Big thank you also to Sue Farrow our Music Director for the lovely music at the masses; and also the ladies who did the beautiful flowers for the celebrations.
Free Student Clipart

EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they prepare to sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams.

May God Bless You All

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 a 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. We will definitely need help on the day. Can you help me clipart.

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.

REDECORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH: With the approval of the Diocese of Brentwood the work on the redecoration of the Church will commence soon. The outside of the Church will be started first; and then, from the 6^th June for four weeks the inside of the Church. In advance I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. During the month of June during the week we will celebrate holy Mass in the Parish Retreat above the Parish Hall. All of the Health & Safety protocols are being put in place in advance of the work commencing. We will be asking for some help on Friday afternoons to dust the benches in advance of Weekend Masses. Please help us if you can while the Church is being redecorated. Thank You!

REDECORATION OF PARISH HALL: If you have been into the parish hall recently you will see that it has been beautifully redecorated. Obviously work on this scale is not cheap, and I’m grateful that we can call on the some of the proceeds of the sale of St Thomas More Site; likewise with the redecoration inside and outside of the Church. REQUEST: Could I ask all hall users to please respect the hall, and try to keep it as pristine as possible. I request that nothing be stuck on the walls or surfaces at all, as it tends to rip off the paint afterwards and spoil the decoration. THANK YOU!

May God Bless You All This Coming 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.

DIARY MAY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Josei Jaego RIP, Mary Christina Leith 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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

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.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregular Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secular 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

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

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2022

Sat 14^th	9.00am12Noon	Dec’d Parents of Julie Day RIP (C Perrett)Martin C Scahill RIP (C Grant & Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	Elizabeth Prashner RIP ((Anthony Family)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	Brian Beveridge RIP (In memoriam)
Sun 15^th	11:00am1.00pm	Bernard & Muriel Gilley RIP (Eileen Ward)First Holy Communion Celebration
Mon 16^th	10.00am	Margaret & Pat Lawless RIP (The Ryan Family)
Tues 17^th	10.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Mariet)
Wed 18^th	10.00am	Rita Appleby (Get Well) Mrs O’Donoghue
Thurs 19^th	10.00am	Emma O’Rourke-Dorn Int’s (John O’Rourke)
Fri 20^th	10.00am	Dec’d Parents of Angela Exley (Christine Perrett)
Sat 21^st	9.00am12Noon	Fr Patrick Hayward Int’s (M Duffy)First Holy Communion Celebration
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Elizabeth Quigley RIP (Veronica & Steve)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Doris DeSouza)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (The Munro Family)

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Please keep all 3 groups of children in your prayers as they receive First Holy Communion this weekend 14^th / 15^th May, and Next Saturday 21^st May. On Sunday 22^nd May, 11.00am The Going Forth Mass will be celebrated. This will be followed in the Parish Hall by the Children’s Communion Party. May God bless these children and their families.

5th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 14:21-27

Paul and Barnabas went back through Lystra and Iconium to Antioch. They put fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith. ‘We all have to experience many hardships’ they said ‘before we enter the kingdom of God.’ In each of these churches they appointed elders, and with prayer and fasting they commended them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.

They passed through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia. Then after proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia and from there sailed for Antioch, where they had originally been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

On their arrival they assembled the church and gave an account of all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the pagans.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 144(145):8-13a

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

How good is the Lord to all,

compassionate to all his creatures.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,

and your friends shall repeat their blessing.

They shall speak of the glory of your reign

and declare your might, O God,

to make known to men your mighty deeds

and the glorious splendour of your reign.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

Yours is an everlasting kingdom;

your rule lasts from age to age.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

Second Reading : Apocalypse 21:1-5

I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice call from the throne, ‘You see this city? Here God lives among men. He will make his home among them; they shall be his people, and he will be their God; his name is God-with-them. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The world of the past has gone.’

Then the One sitting on the throne spoke: ‘Now I am making the whole of creation new.’

Gospel : John 13:31-33,34-35

When Judas had gone Jesus said:

‘Now has the Son of Man been glorified,

and in him God has been glorified.

If God has been glorified in him,

God will in turn glorify him in himself,

and will glorify him very soon.

‘My little children,

I shall not be with you much longer.

I give you a new commandment:

love one another;

just as I have loved you,

you also must love one another.

By this love you have for one another,

everyone will know that you are my disciples.

Fourth Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Good Shepherd Sunday

Good things come in small packages. Today’s brief reading carries quite a punch. It teaches us all we need to know about prayer; that it’s in the quiet and solitude of prayer that we most effectively hear the Lord’s voice. For sure, in the hustle and bustle of daily life and through the pangs of conscience the Lord prompts, urges and guides us, but it’s primarily in prayer that we, his sheep, hear his voice.

The practice of taking time out to be still with the Lord is in decline and it has become fashionable these days to speak of one’s whole life being a prayer: we can be too busy to carve out space in our busy schedules to pray so we offer up prayers as we move through our day. God is so much part and parcel of life that spontaneous, intimate chat becomes second nature. While no one can deny the importance of having an ongoing conversation with the Lord through the course of our day, the wise advice of St Teresa of Avila speaks down the centuries to us today: ‘We are always in the presence of God, yet it seems to me that those who pray are in His presence in a very different sense.’

One of the real problems we have concerning prayer is deciding to carve out the time. When we have so much to do the idea of taking time out to pray can seem impractical and unreasonable. The benefits and blessings of prayer, however, far outweigh the very real and very pressing demands of our frantic and frenetic schedules, as the Holy Spirit will reveal to us, if we allow him to. It’s the gentle voice of the Spirit who invites us into God’s presence so that we can be renewed and refreshed in body and spirit. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who dedicated service to the poor was rooted in prayer and the Eucharist, said: ‘Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of Himself.’

Dear Friends in Christ: Fourth Sunday of Easter 2022

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and is the world day of prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The past thirty years we have seen an incredible decline in vocations to the priesthood, especially here in our Diocese of Brentwood. We have one Ordination this year, Deacon Damian Wade on 25^th June. We are also fortunate enough to have a seminarian from our own parish Frank Westcott who is completing the second year of a four year programme. But with the age of the clergy in the diocese being very top-heavy, within a matter of five years, we are going to be considerably stretched. And with the Stewards of the Gospel Programme advocating partnership with parishes, it is conceivably possible that one priest could be looking after two and three parishes.

The Lord himself tells us to ‘Ask the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into his harvest.’ Our asking is our prayer, and I truly believe that we should pray daily for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood. As the saying goes; ‘No priest, no Mass!’ These are difficult times. The Pandemic has profoundly affected the Church. Many people have not returned to the practice of the faith, and have given up on religion. I really believed that the Pandemic would have focused people’s lives, helping them to value and see that life and faith go hand in hand. Sadly, for many it had the opposite effect. The 64 thousand dollar question is how do you encourage those who are no longer with us weekly to return to the practice of the faith

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATIONS: I commend to your prayers all the children who will be making their First Holy Communion next weekend, 14^th / 15^th May & the following Saturday 21^st May. This is a really special moment in these children’s lives and their families. I would like to publicly thank Kathryn Poulter & Elena Manara, our Catechists, and their young helpers who work so hard throughout the year teaching the children about the Sacraments; we are truly blessed and have a really wonderful programme of instruction. We are always looking for additional help with Catechists. Parents, if you have enjoyed being a part of the instruction programme this year, you might want to offer your help to Kathryn & Elena.

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATIONS: The children’s Frist Holy Communion celebrations will take place on Saturday 14^th May, 12Noon (Group 1). Sunday 15^th May, 1.00pm (Group 2). Saturday 21^st May, 12Noon (Group 3). Please keep the children and their families in your prayers over these next couple of weeks at this important time in their faith journey. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday 11^th May: Group 1 meet at 4.00pm. Group 2 meet at 5.00pm. Group 3 meet at 6.00pm.

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 a 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. We will definitely need help on the day. Can you help me clipart.

REDECORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH: With the approval of the Diocese of Brentwood the work on the redecoration of the Church will commence on Thursday 12^th May. The outside of the Church will be started first; and then, from the 6^th June for four weeks the inside of the Church. In advance I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. During the month of June during the week we will celebrate holy Mass in the Parish Retreat above the Parish Hall. All of the Health & Safety protocols are being put in place in advance of the work commencing. We will be asking for some help on Friday afternoons to dust the benches in advance of Weekend Masses. Please help us if you can while the Church is being redecorated. Thank You!

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2022 (14^th May-21^st May) This year we will be doing something quite exciting for Christian Aid Week. We will be having a sponsored walk on Saturday 21st May that will visit all the churches in Loughton. It will start from St Edmund’s at 10.30am, where Father John will give us a blessing, and we will then walker together around all the Loughton Churches, ending at Loughton Methodist Church at around 1pm. Maps and directions will be provided. Please email Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com) for sponsorship forms and more details or maybe just to let us know you will be doing the walk and making a donation. Full details of the route are on the Just Giving Site (search for “Loughton Christian Aid Week” on the site) or click this link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/loughton-christian-aid-week-group-2022 where you can also make donations.

BILLY THE DOG’S WALKIES FOR CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: During Christian Aid Week Billy-The-Dog, with Iain McLay holding the lead, will be hoping to become the holiest dog in Christendom by visiting all the churches in the City of London (50) and then joining the official Christian Aid Walk on the 21^st May to visit all the churches in Loughton. If you would like to sponsor Billy please go to the Just Giving Site and search “Loughton Christian Aid Week” or click on this link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/loughton-christian-aid-week-group-2022 . Iain and Billy will be collecting sponsorship after masses this weekend.

VACANCY FOR EYFS CLASS TEACHER: The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint an EYFS Class Teacher (it may be possible to consider other year groups). The closing date for application is Tuesday 17th May 2022 – 4pm TBC. For further details please visit www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383.

PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass from Saturday 7th May. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. First Holy Communion gifts and items. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books. 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 you request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

MAY THE MONTH OF MARY: The Church gives the Month of May to Our Blessed Lady. Devotion to Mary has always been part and parcel of the Roman Catholic tradition. I would encourage every family in the parish to pray at least a decade of the Rosary each day throughout the month of May. The Rosary is a very powerful prayer, and it’s mysteries remind us not only what Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ has won for us through his act of selfless love; but also the great example of Our Blessed Lady in her response to God’s Holy will to become the Mother of His Son.

DIARY MAY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Josie Jaego RIP, Mary Christina Leith 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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

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.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregular Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secular venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non-Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non-sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to rectify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492

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

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2022

Sat 7^th	10.00am	Nicole Gillen RIP (Mary Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 7^th	6.00pm	Dec’d members of the Ray Family
Sun 8^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 8^th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 9^th	10.00am	Lena Perry RIP
Tues 10^th	10.00am	Fiona McCreesh (Christine Perrett)
Wed 11^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Thurs 12^th	10.00am	Mick Harrington RIP
Fri 13^th	10.00am	Tommy & Kathleen Mullaney RIP ((Monica Maycraft)
Sat 14^th	9.00am12Noon	Dec’d Parents of Julie Day RIP (C Perrett)Martin C Scahill (Claire Grant & Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	Elizabeth Prashner RIP ((Anthony Family)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	Brian Beveridge RIP (In memoriam)
Sun 15^th	11:00am1.00pm	Bernard & Muriel Gilley RIP (Eileen WardFirst Holy Communion Celebration

Third Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

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 (spiritual reading).

Supremely we are fed by the Eucharist and the Sacraemtns, food for our soul and food which is good for this life and the next. We don’t live in a parched land; God has given us rich sources of spiritual food, and a banquet of teaching and spiritual life has been prepared for us. Just as with our physical bodies, eating on the run isn’t ideal; we must carve out time and space with the Lord where we can be nourished by him.

Dear Friends in Christ: Third Sunday of Easter 2022

You may have been aware that the Parish Hall was closed during the past two weeks as it has just been redecorated. It’s a number of years since the last decoration and because of the vast use of the hall it was certinaly beginning to look a little tired. Thankfully, it has been completed and will resume use again as of Sunday 1^st May. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused various groups. We have also ordered new curtians, which obviously will take a few weeks to make. I really hope you all like the finished redecoration.

Also, as I mentioned in last week’s Newsletter we will commence redecoration of the Church both inside and outside in May & June. It’s over 25 years since the outside of the church has been decorated and 16 years for the inside of the Church, both are in desperate need of attention. Obviously, with the painting of the Church we will have to celebrate Holy Mass in the Parish Retreat each weekday, and on Friday afternoons have a big clean-up to prepare the Church for the weekends. I will be appealing for some help on Fridays during June to assist in preparing the church. If you can assist, this would be of great help to the whole parish community. The Interior decoration will probably take a month commencing on the 6^th June.

You may have noticed the front porch entrance to the Presbytery. I have been extrmely concerned about this for some time now; the plasterwork is extremely precarious, and to avoid any falling debris, this project will also be tackled soon; the replastering and making good of the porch and balcony will take place soon.

For the past several years the area behind the parish hall and along each side of the hall has overgrown dramatically; it’s in a pretty bad state. I have managed to secure a landscape gardener who will commence work on its clearance. This is no mean task and will take a while, but it is all in abid to make our property look presentable. We had to replace some panels recently at the back of the propeprty which were damage a couple of months ago with the severe winds.

This is just to keep you all inform ed with what is happeneing. The Diocese has given the go ahead for all these projects with the proceeds from the Sale of the Site at St Thomas More, Debden.

Wishing You All A Happy Week

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

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. We will definitely need help on the day.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The children will meet on Sunday 8^thMay 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 First 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/

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

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, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. The speaker will be Fr Gary Dench. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

MAY THE MONTH OF MARY: The Church gives the Month of May to Our Blessed Lady. Devotion to Mary has a.lways been part and parcel of the Roman Catholic tradition. I would encoruage every family in the parish to pray at least a decade of the Rosary each day throughout the month of May. The Rosary is a very powerful prpayer, and it’s mysteries remind us not only what Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ has won for us through his act of selfless love, but also the great example of Our Blessed Lady in her response to God’s Holy will to become the Mother of His Son.

DIARY MAY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Brian & Paul Street 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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

IN MEMORIAM: A special mass of Thanksgiving for the life of Brian Beveridge RIP will be celebrated on Saturday 14^th May at 12 Noon at St Thomas of Canterbury, Woodford Green. Brian passed away late last year and his family and friends and parishioners will gather together on this day in thanksgiving for his life. ALSO: Holy Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Brian Beveridge will be celebrated on Sunday 15^th May at 9.00am at St Edmund’s Parish Church.

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

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. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm.

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL – MAY

Sat 30^th	10.00am	Ann Hawkes Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Nora Reardon RIP (Kathleen Pampellonne)
Sun 1^st May	9.00am	Lynnanne Rollocks (sick) (K Pampellonne)
Sun 1^st May	11:00am	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)
Mon 2^nd	10.00am	Dec’d parents of Lorraine McDonagh (Christine Perrett)
Tues 3^rd	10.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Mariet)
Wed 4^th	10.00am	Eamonn Commins RIP
Thurs 5th	10.00am	Remy 70^th Birthday (Pat & Margaret)
Fri 6^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Sat 7^th	10.00am	Nicole Gillen RIP (Mary Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 7^th	6.00pm	Dec’d members of the Ray Family
Sun 8^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 8^th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)

3rd Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 5:27-32,40-41

The high priest demanded an explanation of the Apostles. ‘We gave you a formal warning’ he said ‘not to preach in this name, and what have you done? You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and seem determined to fix the guilt of this man’s death on us.’ In reply Peter and the apostles said, ‘Obedience to God comes before obedience to men; it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus, but it was you who had him executed by hanging on a tree. By his own right hand God has now raised him up to be leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel. We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ They warned the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.

Responsive Psalm: Psalm 29(30):2,4-6,11-13

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, you have raised my soul from the dead,

restored me to life from those who sink into the grave.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you who love him,

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life.

At night there are tears, but joy comes with dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

The Lord listened and had pity.

The Lord came to my help.

For me you have changed my mourning into dancing:

O Lord my God, I will thank you for ever.

I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.

Second Reading : Apocalypse 5:11-14

In my vision, I, John, heard the sound of an immense number of angels gathered round the throne and the animals and the elders; there were ten thousand times ten thousand of them and thousands upon thousands, shouting, ‘The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing.’ Then I heard all the living things in creation – everything that lives in the air, and on the ground, and under the ground, and in the sea, crying, ‘To the One who is sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, for ever and ever.’ And the four animals said, ‘Amen’; and the elders prostrated themselves to worship.

Gospel : John 21:1-19

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ They replied, ‘We’ll come with you.’ They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night.

It was light by now and there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, ‘Have you caught anything, friends?’ And when they answered, ‘No’, he said, ‘Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.’ So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it in. The disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’ At these words ‘It is the Lord’, Simon Peter, who had practically nothing on, wrapped his cloak round him and jumped into the water. The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net and the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land.

As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there, and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it. Jesus said, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, ‘Who are you?’; they knew quite well it was the Lord. Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.

After the meal Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’ Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.

‘I tell you most solemnly,

when you were young

you put on your own belt

and walked where you liked;

but when you grow old

you will stretch out your hands,

and somebody else will put a belt round you

and take you where you would rather not go.’

In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, ‘Follow me.’