Month: September 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Old Testament saw wealth as a blessing from God, a sign of divine generosity. It was not wrong to have wealth: it was something good, to be received with thanksgiving. . Nevertheless, the prophets also taught that it carried obligations. Recognising the source of their blessings, the rich had to imitate divine generosity. The rich man in the parable was guilty not of being rich but rather of being an untrustworthy steward of his possessions. He failed to acknowledge the source of his blessings and to imitate the divine generosity towards him by sharing with those in need. He was oblivious to the need of Lazarus, who ‘desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table’, and never comforted him by satisfying his hunger. The rich man’s self-absorption with pursuing pleasure made him totally indifferent to the needs of others. Keeping all the good things for himself, he refused to share them. He singularly failed to listen to the prophets. 

In the developing world our brothers and sisters have immense needs. Jesus came to ‘preach the good news to the poor. How can we fail to lay greater emphasis on the Church’s preferential option for the poor and the outcast? Indeed, it has to be said that a commitment to justice and peace in a world like ours, marked by so many conflicts and economic inequalities, compels us to raise our voice on behalf of the poor. Thus, in the spirit of the book of Leviticus, we shout out loud on behalf of all the poor in the world. 

The call for justice for the world’s poor is ever pressing, and as yet there has been no lasting solution offered for the debt many nations find themselves in. We cannot, like the rich man, simply ignore the needs of the poor. We must raise our voices on their behalf. Consider this: the world’s military spending is now over $1.2 trillion. 2.5 per cent of the global GDP. Even if 1 percent of it were directed towards development, the world would be much closer to achieving the simple goal that billions of people don’t go to bed hungry and have clean drinking water. 

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,       26^th Sunday of the Year

Did the mini-budget help you? Listening to radio and TV reports, it really doesn’t sound very promising unless you’re very rich. Also the rise in interest rates will affect those with mortgages. Obviously certain concessions have been made with regard to Utilities, but we are still going to be paying over the usual amounts that we have been accustomed to. Sadly, some people will be put in the position of making the decisions as to ‘heat or eat’! As I have been sharing with you over the past weeks, having such large buildings are going to be difficult to light and heat this winter. We all need to wrap up really well; living in Canada taught me how to layer clothing, which really makes a difference.  We are going to try and have some additional fundraising social events to raise funds for the utilities. I ask the whole parish community to support these events please!

REQIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the souls of John Hogan RIP (Father of Frank Hogan) who passed away recently; Requiem Mass Friday 14^th October at 12Noon Our Lady of Grace & St Teresa, Chingford. Lucy McLay RIP (Mother of Iain McLay) The Requiem Mass will take place at St Edmund’s on Thursday 13^th October at 12.15pm. The Body will be received into the Church on Wednesday 12^th October at 4.30pm.  Also John Cocklin RIP (Father of Ann Cocklin) who passed away recently.  Please also remember Canon Pat Sammon RIP Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead, who passed away recently. His Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes on Thursday 29^th September at 11.30am. Solemn reception into the Church on Wednesday 28^th September at 7.00pm with sung Vespers with the Chapter of Canons. We extend our sincere condolences to all these families at this time of the great loss of loves ones. 

SPECIAL COFFEE MORNING: After the 11.00am Mass, on Sunday 2^nd October. I have a special announcement to make at the 11.00am Mass that day.  The Coffee Morning will be a social opportunity for parishioners to meet and also support our efforts in deepening our Community awareness. If any parishioners would be able to bring along some homemade cakes or biscuits these would be gratefully accepted. All funds raised will now go towards the increasing costs of utility bills. We hope to have regular Coffee Mornings this year. Please join us!

May God Bless You All

GREATEST SADNESS OF ALL: Sadly, after the Pandemic, many families have not returned to the weekly practice of faith. I really believed that the Pandemic would have focused people’s lives to the most important priorities, and that the practice of faith would have been up there at the top of the list. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen; if anything, some people completely have given up on the life of faith. People can find all sorts of excuses as to why they don’t practice their faith, but the bottom line is, if you want to do something you’ll do it! One day, everyone will need the Church at some time, time passes very quickly; don’t leave it too late! 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23:  Continues on Sunday 25^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat Room. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. If you are unable to attend for some reason please contact Fr. John. Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! We are using a new Programme this year and the children’s work book will cost £8.00, Parents please bring money along to the meeting.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: Just a head’s up, especially to those Year Six parents who will be considering Secondary School places for their children in September 2023. According to the Brentwood Diocesan guidelines a very strict Admissions Criteria is in place, and if parents and children are not practicing their faith, e.g. weekly attendance at Holy Mass, they will not be eligible for a school place in our schools next September. All families are very aware of these facts, and it’s no use just making an appearance a couple of times prior to a Certificate of Catholic Practice being signed. Everyone has had years to prepare for this moment. Parents will be notified by Essex Education Authority as to when you have to make your application for Secondary School places. You will usually have until 31^st October to make the application. Signing of Certificate of Catholic Practice will take place from Monday 10^th October until Friday 14^th October. (PLEASE PHONE FOR APPOINTMENT) If you are making an application to Davenant Foundation School, I will need a copy of the Form which states the practice of your faith – Weekly / Fortnightly / Monthly / Occasionally. Thank You!

TRINITY Prospective Year 7 Open Evening on Wednesday 28^th September 6pm – 8pm/ Dr Paul Doherty will be speaking at 6.00pm & 7.00pm. Parents, please kindly attend Open Evenings before you complete your Essex County Form.  

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? “Enquirers’ Evening” on Tuesday 4^th October at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Our guest speaker will be Fr Damian Wade – newly Ordained. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month.  For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 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 first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism takes place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm  

ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pligrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Bretnwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022.   Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18^th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound.  If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, or to receive Holy Communion regularly at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE: BCYS Youth Mass Thursday 6^th October, Brentwood Cathedral.  Commencing at 6.00pm for Pizza, we are delighted to be joined by Fr Paschal Uche and others to share their Vocations Stories and answer your questions before we begin the Mass at 7.30pm where Fr Paschal will be preaching.  Open to all those in Years 9 and above, no booking necessary. 

DIARY SEPTEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Giovanni Venturoli 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.

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/   hiccups 

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/

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. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. 

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number.  I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order.  Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

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.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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

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

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2022

Sat 24th	10.00am	Richard Griffin  (M Ryan)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 24th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 25th	9.00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Randall Family)
Sun 25th	11:00am	Gerard Pampellonne RIP (Anni) (Kathleen Pampellonne)
Mon 26th	9.00am	Lucja Grzywniak RIP (Margo Edwards)
Tues 27th	10.00am	Agnes & Colin Lamb RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 28th	10.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (R & I Johnson)
Thur 29th	9.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
Fri 30th	10.00am	In Thanksgiving Monica Maycraft
Sat 1st October	10.00am	Mariel Navarra-DeGuia (Bacuetes Family)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 1st	6.00pm	Isabel Coronado RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 2nd	9.00am	Luigi, Rosina & Giovanni RIP (Mrs Cobelli)
Sun 2nd	11:00am	Charles Alan Frost RIP (Martin Frost)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked, 

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust     Registered Charity No. 234092

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Amos 6:1,4-7

The almighty Lord says this:

Woe to those ensconced so snugly in Zion

and to those who feel so safe on the mountain of Samaria,

those famous men of this first of nations

to whom the House of Israel goes as client.

Lying on ivory beds

and sprawling on their divans,

they dine on lambs from the flock,

and stall-fattened veal;

they bawl to the sound of the harp,

they invent new instruments of music like David,

they drink wine by the bowlful,

and use the finest oil for anointing themselves,

but about the ruin of Joseph they do not care at all.

That is why they will be the first to be exiled;

the sprawlers’ revelry is over.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 145(146):7-10

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

  who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

  the Lord, who sets prisoners free.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

  who raises up those who are bowed down.

It is the Lord who loves the just,

  the Lord, who protects the stranger.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

The Lord upholds the widow and orphan

  but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

  Zion’s God, from age to age.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Second Reading : 1 Timothy 6:11-16

As a man dedicated to God, you must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle. Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself the eternal life to which you were called when you made your profession and spoke up for the truth in front of many witnesses. Now, before God the source of all life and before Christ, who spoke up as a witness for the truth in front of Pontius Pilate, I put to you the duty of doing all that you have been told, with no faults or failures, until the Appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who at the due time will be revealed

by God, the blessed and only Ruler of all,

the King of kings and the Lord of lords,

who alone is immortal,

whose home is in inaccessible light,

whom no man has seen and no man is able to see:

to him be honour and everlasting power. Amen.

Gospel : Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

  ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.”

  ‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Today’s readings about our call to be astute, even canny disciples. The Parable of the dishonest Steward is difficult for us to understand because we are unfamiliar with the business practices of the time. Stewards worked to make the maximum profit for their masters. An accepted way of making more money for the master was the practice of charging clients a high interest rate for goods supplied but not yet paid for. But since charging high interest (usury) was against the law, it could not be shown as such in the accounts. Instead, it had to be disguised as extra good’s supplied.

The steward had wasted his mater’s property and not acted in his mater’s best interests. Faced with dismissal, he immediately set about currying favour with his master’s clients in the hope that, remembering how he had saved them a great deal of money, they would later welcome him. He reduced their bills by removing the disguised high interest charge. Her thereby deprived his master of the extra profit and, at the same time, put the clients in debt to him. His master, recognising how shrewdly he had acted – even though it had been at his expense – praised the steward for his astuteness. 

By telling his hearers this parable Jesus wanted them to draw the conclusion that they too should use their money shrewdly. However, the use of money in the kingdom of God is very different from in the world. In the world, money is tainted. It seduces and blinds. It has a way of enslaving us so that all our energies go into becoming richer, even at the expense of others. In the world the use of money is always for our material benefit and advantage. 

In the kingdom of God, however, the shrewd use of money is for the furthering of the kingdom by doing good to others especially the needy. This always brings blessings. When we share our possessions, which are on loan from God, with those in need, we are given the treasure of heaven as our inalienable possession. It is through being generous and kind to others that we become astute Disciples of Christ – for in doing this we store up treasure in heaven, where no thief can destroy or steal. 

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

This past week has seen an incredible outpouring of love and sympathy on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; also, the welcoming of the New King, Charles III. Watching the arrival of the Coffin & cortege at Buckingham Palace last Tuesday was very moving; and her removal to Central Hall Westminster, where she has been lying ‘In State’ has allowed thousands of people to pay their final respects. On Monday 19^th September at 11.00 there will be a Funeral Service at Westminster Abbey for the Her Majesty. It is a public holiday; therefore, it will give everyone the opportunity in their homes and around London to pay their final respects. 

I will celebrate a Requiem Mass on Monday morning 19^th September at 10.00am, giving everyone an opportunity to pray for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Mass should finish about 10.30, giving adequate time to return home and watch the Funeral Service on the television. May Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Rest in Peace, and Rise in Glory!

As the temperature slowly begins to drop with the advent of autumn, we are all concerned about heating and lighting our homes this winter. It is hoped that a certain amount of assistance will be given by the government. Hopefully we will find out more about this assistance this week from the new Prime Minister. As I have been sharing with you over the past weeks, having such large buildings are going to be difficult to light and heat this winter. I read in Holland they had opted to close some of the Churches for the winter months as they are unable to afford the utilities. I pray that this never happens here. We are going to try and have some additional fundraising social events to raise funds for the utilities. I ask the whole parish community to support these events please!     

SPECIAL COFFEE MORNING: After the 11.00am Mass, on Sunday 2^nd October. I have a special announcement to make at the 11.00am Mass that day.  The Coffee Morning will be a social opportunity for parishioners to meet and also support our efforts in deepening our Community awareness. If any parishioners would be able to bring along some homemade cakes or biscuits these would be gratefully accepted. All funds raised will now go towards the increasing costs of utility bills. We hope to have regular Coffee Mornings this year.

May God Bless You All        

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Canon Patrick Sammon, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Parish, Wanstead, who passed away on Friday. We extend our condolences to his family and parish family,, at this time of great loss

Also, Carmen Antaki, late of this parish, the Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 22^nd September at St Edmund’s. at 12.15pm We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: On Sunday the children will meet for the second time for their classes which will take place in the Parish Retreat at 10.00am. It is important that the children are present for each class, as each session will help them clearly understand all the different parts of the Holy Mass

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: Just a head’s up, especially to those Year Six parents who will be considering Secondary School places for their children in September 2023. According to the Brentwood Diocesan guidelines a very strict Admissions Criteria is in place, and if parents and children are not practicing their faith, e.g. weekly attendance at Holy Mass, they will not be eligible for a school place in our schools next September. All families are very aware of these facts, and it’s no use just making an appearance a couple of times prior to a Certificate of Catholic Practice being signed. Everyone has had years to prepare for this moment. Parents will be notified by Essex Education Authority as to when you have to make your application for Secondary School places. You have until 31^st October to make the application. 

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Prospective Year 7 Open Evening on Wednesday 28^th September 6pm – 8pm/ Dr Paul Doherty will be speaking at 6.00pm & 7.00pm. Parents, please kindly attend Open Evenings before you complete your Essex County Form.  

CAN YOU HELP WITH CHURCH CLEANING? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492 We hope to have A Big Clean once a month, if you can help please come along for half an hour. Thank you!      Sadly, only 3 people turned up last Friday morning. 

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  

ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pligrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Bretnwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022.   Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18^th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound.  If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, or to receive Holy Communion regularly at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? “Enquirers’ Evening” on Tuesday 4^th October at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Our guest speaker will be Fr Damian Wade – newly Ordained. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month.  For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

We will be singing and playing at our next 11am Mass on Sunday, 2^nd October. 

Beforehand, though, we have decided to reintroduce our informal monthly practices (which we held before the pandemic) and our first one will be held on Thursday, 29^th September between 7pm and 8pm in the choir loft at St. Edmund’s.

We encourage all our regular singers and musicians to come to this practice and we’d particularly like to welcome any new children, young adults and families in our Parish who might consider joining our group as a musician and/or singer. Don’t worry – you don’t need to sing like a nightingale or have any grades to play instruments (!) – this means that we’d welcome everyone who would simply like to be part of our friendly group. 

With anticipated thanks and we look forward to seeing you all on the 29^th September and at the Mass on the 2^nd October.

DIARY SEPTEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Joseph Olivelle RIP, Gerard Pampellonne 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.

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/   hiccups 

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/

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. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. 

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number.  I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order.  Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

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.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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.

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks on Thursday 22^nd September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492 

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2022

Sat 17th	10.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Pat & Margaret)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 17th	6.00pm	Thanksgiving (Ewa Michalik)
Sun 18th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Susan Monaghan)
Sun 18th	11:00am	Michael Bullock RIP (Steven Bullock)
Mon 19th	10.00am	Requiem Mass for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Requiescat in Pace
Tues 20th	10.00am	Rose Elizabeth Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)
Wed 21st	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Thur 22nd	12.15pm	Requiem Mass for Carmen Antaki RIP
Fri 23rd	10.00am	In Thanksgiving Teresa Fabbri
Sat 24th	10.00am	Richard Griffin  (M Ryan)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 24th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 25th	9.00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Randall Family)
Sun 25th	11:00am	Gerard Pampellonne RIP (Anni) (Kathleen Pampellonne)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked, 

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust     Registered Charity No. 234092

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Amos 8:4-7

Listen to this, you who trample on the needy

and try to suppress the poor people of the country,

you who say, ‘When will New Moon be over

so that we can sell our corn,

and sabbath, so that we can market our wheat?

Then by lowering the bushel, raising the shekel,

by swindling and tampering with the scales,

we can buy up the poor for money,

and the needy for a pair of sandals,

and get a price even for the sweepings of the wheat.’

The Lord swears it by the pride of Jacob,

‘Never will I forget a single thing you have done.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 112(113):1-2,4-8

Praise the Lord, who raises the poor.

Praise, O servants of the Lord,

  praise the name of the Lord!

May the name of the Lord be blessed

  both now and for evermore!

Praise the Lord, who raises the poor.

!

High above all nations is the Lord,

  above the heavens his glory.

Who is like the Lord, our God,

  who has risen on high to his throne

yet stoops from the heights to look down,

  to look down upon heaven and earth?

Praise the Lord, who raises the poor.

From the dust he lifts up the lowly,

  from the dungheap he raises the poor

to set him in the company of princes,

  yes, with the princes of his people.

Praise the Lord, who raises the poor.

Second Reading : 1 Timothy 2:1-8

My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone – petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving – and especially for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet. To do this is right, and will please God our saviour: he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth. For there is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus, who sacrificed himself as a ransom for them all. He is the evidence of this, sent at the appointed time, and I have been named a herald and apostle of it and – I am telling the truth and no lie – a teacher of the faith and the truth to the pagans.

  In every place, then, I want the men to lift their hands up reverently in prayer, with no anger or argument.

Gospel : Luke 16:1-13

Jesus said to his disciples:

  ‘There was a rich man and he had a steward denounced to him for being wasteful with his property. He called for the man and said, “What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an account of your stewardship because you are not to be my steward any longer.” Then the steward said to himself, “Now that my master is taking the stewardship from me, what am I to do? Dig? I am not strong enough. Go begging? I should be too ashamed. Ah, I know what I will do to make sure that when I am dismissed from office there will be some to welcome me into their homes.”

  Then he called his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, “How much do you owe my master?” “One hundred measures of oil” was the reply. The steward said, “Here, take your bond; sit down straight away and write fifty.” To another he said, “And you, sir, how much do you owe?” “One hundred measures of wheat” was the reply. The steward said, “Here, take your bond and write eighty.”

  ‘The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.

  ‘And so I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity. The man who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great; the man who is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in great. If then you cannot be trusted with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches? And if you cannot be trusted with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own?

  ‘No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.’

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

 St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Parable of the Prodigal Son has two parts. The first we easily identify with, with its familiar motifs of joy, repentance, warm embrace and celebration. What is there not to like about it? Perhaps of all the parables, this parable, which could equally be called the Parable of the Father’s Heart, teaches us most about the nature of God the Father, who is ‘kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.’ 

The heroes of the parable are clear; the wandering, wastrel son and the kind, compassionate father. The parable could almost have finished at verse 24 with the words ‘So they began to celebrate;’ except it doesn’t end there. The remaining eight verses explore the villain of the piece; the crotchety, cantankerous, callous, rigid and self-righteous older brother. Do you recognise any of these qualities in yourself?

Now there is the crunch question: of the three characters, whom do you most relate to: the prodigal, his benevolent father or the complaining elder brother? The truth is most of us identify with the repentant younger son and caring father. Few if any identify with the elder brother. This is understandable: he is not very pleasant by any stretch of the imagination. He is moody, self-righteous, resentful, indignant and angry. He is constrained and limited by his own sense of propriety and a festering sense of self-righteousness. 

A parable is not an allegory: in other words there doesn’t have to be direct correlation between each character and one single idea or interpretation. Perhaps there is a bit of all three characters – the father, the younger son and the elder brother – in us all. What is striking is how lost the ‘righteous’ son is, as well as the unrighteous son, and how loving the father is to both of his offspring. The father does not treat him harshly, but rather affirms his love for him and reaches out to him with a touching and moving appeal, ‘we had to celebrate and be glad’. Today we ask the Holy Spirit to bring us ever closer to the Father’s heart, for there we can find rest in the bosom of God.  

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

It is with great sadness this week that our Monarch Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral. Since the death of Prince Philip the Queen’s health and mobility slowly declined. But her Service of 70 years to the United Kingdom & the Commonwealth will be her greatest legacy; serving right to the very end of her long life of 96 years. Even this week she received the new Prime Minister; probably her final act as Monarch. It’s wonderful that all her family were able to be around her; and now a new era has begun. The period of mourning will last until seven days after the State Funeral.  May the Lord embrace Her Majesty the Queen into the joys of Eternity! May she Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. Amen.    

Let us pray for King Charles III as he assumes the mantel of Office as the new Monarch of our land. Long live the King!

There is a Book of Condolence in the Library next door for anyone to sign.

This week the country welcomed a new Prime Minister, Liz Truss. She has immediately taken action with regards to the increasing costs of utilities Gas & Electricity, which are going to profoundly affect all of us this autumn. As I have been sharing with you over the past weeks, having such large buildings are going to be difficult to light and heat this winter. I read in Holland they had opted to close some of the Churches for the winter months as they are unable to afford the utilities. I truly pray to God that this never happens here. We are going to try and have some additional fundraising social events to raise funds for the utilities. I ask the whole parish community to support these events please! 

SPECIAL COFFEE MORNING: After the 11.00am Mass, on Sunday 2^nd October. I have a special announcement to make at the 11.00am Mass that day.  The Coffee Morning will be a social opportunity for parishioners to meet and also support our efforts in deepening our Community awareness. If any parishioners would be able to bring along some homemade cakes or biscuits these would be gratefully accepted. All funds raised will now go towards the increasing costs of utility bills. We hope to have regular Coffee Mornings this year.

May God Bless You All        

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: My thanks to all the Parents who attended the Parents’ Meeting last Wednesday. On Sunday the children meet for the first time for their classes which will take place in the Parish Retreat at 10.00am. At the 11.00am Mass all the children will be presented by their parents as Candidates for the Sacraments.  Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! We are using a new Programme this year and the children’s work book will cost £8.00, Parents please bring money along to the meeting.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: Just a head’s up, especially to those Year Six parents who will be considering Secondary School places for their children in September 2023. According to the Brentwood Diocesan guidelines a very strict Admissions Criteria is in place, and if parents and children are not practicing their faith, e.g. weekly attendance at Holy Mass, they will not be eligible for a school place in our schools next September. All families are very aware of these facts, and it’s no use just making an appearance a couple of times prior to a Certificate of Catholic Practice being signed. Everyone has had years to prepare for this moment. Parents will be notified by Essex Education Authority as to when you have to make your application for Secondary School places. You will usually have until 31^st October to make the application. 

TRINITY Prospective Year 7 Open Evening on Wednesday 28^th September 6pm – 8pm/ Dr Paul Doherty will be speaking at 6.00pm & 7.00pm. Parents, please kindly attend Open Evenings before you complete your Essex County Form.  

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? “Enquirers’ Evening” on Tuesday 4^th October at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Our guest speaker will be Fr Damian Wade – newly Ordained. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month.  For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks on Thursday 15^th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492 

CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492 We hope to have A Big Clean once a month, if you can help please come along for half an hour. Thank you!   Next Big Clean Friday 16^th September at 8.30am 

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  

ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pligrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Bretnwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022.   Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18^th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound.  If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, or to receive Holy Communion regularly at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

DIARY SEPTEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Josephine Colebrook 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.

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/   hiccups 

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/

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. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. 

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number.  I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order.  Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

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.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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.

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

Pastoral Letter, 24th Sunday of the Year.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2022

Sat 10th	10.00am	Int’s of Maree Kavangh
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 10th	6.00pm	Teresa Faud B’day Int’s (Fr John)
Sun 11th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP   (The O’Regans & Tusons)
Sun 11th	11:00am	Luke & Charlie Conlon RIP (Susan Monaghan)
Mon 12th	9.00am	Charlotte Pearce Int’s
Tues 13th	10.00am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
Wed 14th	10.00am	Int’s of Michelle Craven (R Ward)
Thurs 15th	10.00am	Kathleen Hayes Int’s (Maureen Perry)
Fri 16th	10.00am	Sharon Chalk B’day Int’s. (Monica Maycraft)
Sat 17th	10.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Pat & Margaret)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 17th	6.00pm	Thanksgiving (Ewa Michalik)
Sun 18th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Susan Monaghan)
Sun 18th	11:00am	Michael Bullock RIP (Steven Bullock)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked, 

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust     Registered Charity No. 234092

24^th Sunday of the Year 2022

First Reading : Exodus 32:7-11,13-14

The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”’ the Lord said to Moses, ‘I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.’

  But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants to whom by your own self you swore and made this promise: “I will make your offspring as many as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I promised I will give to your descendants, and it shall be their heritage for ever.”’

  So the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 50(51):3-4,12-13,17,19

I will leave this place and go to my father.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

I will leave this place and go to my father.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

I will leave this place and go to my father.

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

My sacrifice is a contrite spirit.

A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

I will leave this place and go to my father.

Second Reading : 1 Timothy 1:12-17

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, and who judged me faithful enough to call me into his service even though I used to be a blasphemer and did all I could to injure and discredit the faith. Mercy, however, was shown me, because until I became a believer I had been acting in ignorance; and the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love that is in Christ Jesus. Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the greatest evidence of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who would later have to trust in him to come to eternal life. To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel : Luke 15:1-32

The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:

  ‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.

  ‘Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” she would say “I have found the drachma I lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.’

  He also said, ‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery.

  ‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father.

  ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate.

  ‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property – he and his women – you kill the calf we had been fattening.”

  ‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Many of the things Jesus said are simple and clear but some are confusing and hard to understand. Take for example, today’s Gospel in which the Lord talks about ‘hating’ mother, father, and family. We know that Jesus cannot mean ‘hate’ in the sense of loathe, despise and wilfully harm them. Indeed the fourth commandment is, ‘Honour your father and mother.’ No, Jesus doesn’t mean ‘hate’ in the conventional definition of the term, but rather he means ‘love less’. He is adopting a form of Jewish exaggeration in order to drive home a point. We do this in our own language with hyperbole. When we are very hungry we might say, ‘I could eat a horse – on the other hand, halfway through eating the horse we realise we are not as hungry as we first thought! We stretch language to breaking points to get across what we want to say. 

Jesus counsels us to take very seriously the call to be a disciple – rather in the same way that a builder evaluates his ability to finish a building project before he embarks upon It., and a general considers the odds of victory before going into battle. We do this often in our own lives. We are not daft or silly when it comes to evaluating what is involved in a project or a new job or new hobby. We estimate cost; we weigh up odds and take calculated risks based on the information and data we have. In the same way Jesus wants us to stare the cost of following him in the face and either rejects it or accepts it and embrace it. To follow Jesus is to be led by him. 

If we want God to lead, we must be willing to follow. We find strength, happiness and Joy in finding the way in which God is going and going that way too. Which way is God going? God always invites us to take up the cross – as Jesus took up his cross – and follow him. The cross is laid on us all. The way of the cross begins with the call to abandon our attachments to this world. Our Old self has to die in order for the new self, the new creation, to shine forth in our lives. 

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

This week we will have a new Prime Minister; their first and most urgent action will be to look at the terrible increase in all utilities. The incredible increase in Gas & Electricity is going to profoundly affect all of us come October, and then reviewed again in January. As I have been sharing with you over the past weeks, having such large buildings are going to be difficult to light and heat this winter. I read in Holland they had opted to close some of the Churches for the winter months as they are unable to afford the utilities. I truly pray to God that this never happens here. We are going to try and have some additional fundraising social events to raise funds for the utilities. I ask the whole parish community to support these events please! 

COFFEE MORNING ON SUNDAY: After the 11.00am Mass, this will be a social opportunity for parishioners to meet and also support our efforts in deepening our Community awareness. If any parishioners would be able to bring along some homemade cakes or biscuits these would be gratefully accepted. All funds raised will go towards the increasing utility bills. We hope to have regular Coffee Mornings this year.  

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: Just a head’s up, especially to those Year Six parents who will be considering Secondary School places for their children in September 2023. According to the Brentwood Diocesan guidelines a very strict Admissions Criteria is in place, and if parents and children are not practicing their faith, e.g. weekly attendance at Holy Mass, they will not be eligible for a school place in our schools next September. All families are very aware of these facts, and it’s no use just making an appearance a couple of times prior to a Certificate of Catholic Practice being signed. Everyone has had years to prepare for this moment. Parents will be notified by Essex Education Authority as to when you have to make your application for Secondary School places. You will usually have until the end of October to make the application   

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? “Enquirers’ Evening” on Tuesday 6^th September at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Our guest speaker will be Bishop Alan Williams. Bishop of Brentwood Diocese.  Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month.  For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 8^th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: The First Holy Communion Programme commences this week with the Parents’ Meeting on Wednesday 7^th September at 7.30pm in the parish hall; and the children meet for the first time on Sunday 11^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Hall. At the 11.00am Mass all the children will be presented by their parents as Candidates for the Sacraments.  Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! We are using a new Programme this year and the children’s work book will cost £8.00, Parents please bring money along to the meeting.

Vacancy for School Business Manager at St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton.  St John Fisher Catholic Primary is seeking to appoint an experienced and well organised School Business Manager.  Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm – 20hpw, Term Time + Non Pupil Days. For more information and to receive a copy of the job description please email finance@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk

Vacancy for Mid-day Assistant at St Antony’s Catholic School, Woodford from September 2022.  For more information and to apply, please visit the vacancies section of school website 

https://www.stantonyscatholicps.co.uk/vacancies/

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We’ll be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4^th September and it would be appreciated if all our singers and musicians could be there by around 10.40am to run through the hymns and music before Mass starts. Hopefully you are all now back from holiday, so it would be nice to have a large number of you there! Any singer or musician in the Parish who may like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!

CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492 We hope to have A Big Clean once a month, if you can help please come along for half an hour. Thank you!   Next Big Clean Friday 16^th September at 8.30am 

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  

ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pligrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Bretnwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022.   Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18^th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound.  If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, or to receive Holy Communion regularly at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

DIARY AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Vera Copeman 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.

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/   hiccups 

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/

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. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. 

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number.  I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order.  Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

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.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2022

Sat 3rd	10.00am	Teresita Alix RIP  (Jane Bacuetes)
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 3rd	6.00pm	Kathleen & Bernard Harvey RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 4th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Nancy Hands)
Sun 4th	11:00am	Esther Mulholland RIP (Mark & Kathy Munro)
Mon 5th	10.00am	Int’s of the Power Family (Ray Kearney)
Tues 6th	10.00am	Fr Guy Brinkworth SJ RIP (Arthur Catterall)
Wed 7th	10.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Frank Westcott)
Thurs 8th	10.00am	Joseph Oliver Snr. RIP (Jackie Taylor)
Fri 9th	10.00am	In Thanksgiving  (Teresa Fabbri)
Sat 10th	10.00am	Int’s of Maree Kavangh
		Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 10th	6.00pm	Teresa Faud B’day Int’s (Fr John)
Sun 11th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP   (The O’Regans & Tusons)
Sun 11th	11:00am	Luke & Chaarlie Conlon RIP (Susan Monaghan)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked, 

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust     Registered Charity No. 234092

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18

What man indeed can know the intentions of God?

Who can divine the will of the Lord?

The reasonings of mortals are unsure

and our intentions unstable;

for a perishable body presses down the soul,

and this tent of clay weighs down the teeming mind.

It is hard enough for us to work out what is on earth,

laborious to know what lies within our reach;

who, then, can discover what is in the heavens?

As for your intention, who could have learnt it, had you not granted Wisdom

and sent your holy spirit from above?

Thus have the paths of those on earth been straightened

and men been taught what pleases you,

and saved, by Wisdom.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 89(90):3-6,12-14,17

O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

You turn men back to dust

  and say: ‘Go back, sons of men.’

To your eyes a thousand years

  are like yesterday, come and gone,

  no more than a watch in the night.

O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

You sweep men away like a dream,

  like the grass which springs up in the morning.

In the morning it springs up and flowers:

  by evening it withers and fades.

O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

Make us know the shortness of our life

  that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

  Show pity to your servants.

O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

  we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Let the favour of the Lord be upon us:

  give success to the work of our hands.

O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next.

Second Reading : Philemon 9-10,12-17

This is Paul writing, an old man now and, what is more, still a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for a child of mine, whose father I became while wearing these chains: I mean Onesimus. I am sending him back to you, and with him – I could say – a part of my own self. I should have liked to keep him with me; he could have been a substitute for you, to help me while I am in the chains that the Good News has brought me. However, I did not want to do anything without your consent; it would have been forcing your act of kindness, which should be spontaneous. I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord. So if all that we have in common means anything to you, welcome him as you would me.

Gospel : Luke 14:25-33

Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

  ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’