November 2022 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

First Sunday of Advent, Year A Matthew, 2022

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Friends in Christ, 1^st Sunday of Advent 2022

As we embark upon of Advent Journey, and begin our New Liturgical Year, we pray that the Lord will be with us in these weeks ahead as we prepare for his birth once again into our lives this Christmastide. How we prepare determines how we will celebrate the Incarnation of the Lord. It’s only a year since we were all still experiencing the effects of the Pandemic, but here we are twelve months on, living with the ongoing presence of Covid throughout the whole world. Thankfully science and medicine through vaccines has assisted and helped everyone.

We have also experienced the difficulties with the political situation in our country, three Prime Ministers within as many months. The cost of living going through the roof; the gargantuan increase of utility bills, and general uncertainty about the future. The one constant in this changing world is the presence of Jesus Christ; we have to learn how to place our trust and our hope in Christ. His birth changed the whole course of human history.

GRAND DRAW ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY, 11^th DECEMBER

GRAND DRAW TICKETS: If you didn’t receive any Grand Draw Tickets for the Grand Draw & Christmas Hampers there are plenty still available in the porch. Once again I appeal to your generosity in taking as many books of Tickets as you can. As this is our only fund-raising even of the year please be generous in your response. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 11^th December after the 11am Mass. We will be having a Coffee Morning at the same time, so we ask all of our parishioners to join us on this occasion. Cake makers we make a special appeal for home-made Cakes & Pies for sale at the Grand Draw.

GRAND DRAW PRIZES: My grateful thanks to those who have donated Christmas food items, bottles etc. for the hampers. Could I make a special appeal to everyone for some Luxury Grand Draw Prizes, we really want to make this Draw worthwhile. Some ideas for the Grand Draw are Flat Screen TV, Laptop, Other New Electrical Goods, Restaurant Vouchers, Hotel Vouchers, National Trust Family Memberships, Crate of Wine, and Department Store Vouchers. Also Smart Tech Wearables: Fit Bits, Garmins, Air Pods, Beats, Echo & Alexa Devices, (There are still Black Friday bargains on offer) You can leave off prizes and Hamper items at the Presbytery anytime. There are boxes to receive gifts and items in the porch of the church, and at the Presbytery Front Door

May God Bless You All,

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Charles Westcott, father of Frank Westcott our parish seminarian studying for the priesthood for our Diocese of Brentwood. Charles passed away during the week after being in hospital for several weeks. We offer our condolences to Frank & his sister Lorraine in this time of great loss. As yet, no funeral arrangements.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 27^th November at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. The next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 30th November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Sarah Barber will be our guest speaker. If you are unable to attend for some reason please contact Fr. John directly.

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 half 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

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4^th December which is the second Sunday of Advent. Beforehand, we’ll be holding a brief practice on Thursday, 1^st December from 7pm until 8pm. We hope that many of you can make the practice and that all of you will be at the Mass. Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts. Thank you. New singers and musicians who may like to join us will be made very welcome!

PARISH ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICE: Monday 19^th December at 7.30pm. I encourage all of our parishioners to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas. There will be visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament, and also a Polish priest for many of our Polish parishioners. If you haven’t been to Confession for a long time this will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate.

ADVANCED NOTICE OF CHRISTMAS MASSES: Christmas Eve there will be two Masses at 6.00pm Family Mass & 10.00pm (with carols at 9.45pm). Christmas Day two Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am. Please note the times of all the Christmas Masses this year.

DAILY MASS AT ST EDMUND’S: I would like to make this special appeal, especially to those who may be retired, to think seriously about attending one or more of our daily masses at 10.00am Monday – Saturday. Daily Mass is truly a wonderful gift that is offered in nearly every parish. I get saddened sometimes as to how few people attend our weekday masses. We teach that the Holy Mass is the ‘source & summit’ of our Catholic Lives of faith. There is no greater gift that Christ gave us before his Passion, Death & Resurrection. Please think seriously about attending an additional Mass during the week; the Lord will afford you many graces and blessings.

INAUGURATION OF ADVENT: Service with the lighting of the Advent Wreath, prayers, readings and music on Sunday 27th November at 4.00 p.m. in Brentwood Cathedral. The Service will be led by Bishop Alan Williams. Music from the Brentwood Cathedral choir. You can also watch the service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c2KQhRXzOFU

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. Mrs Sharon Chalk runs our Baptismal Programme. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVEN’T RETURNED TO THE PRACTICE OF FAITH SINCE THE PANDEMIC: The greatest tragedy of the Pandemic is that so many of the faithful haven’t returned to the practice of their faith. It’s so easy to get out of the routine and habit of going to church, and as the passage of time passes, the conscience eases, until you reach a point when you don’t even think about it anymore. We all have so much to be grateful to Almighty God for; and being part of a Catholic Christian Community gives us all a great sense of belonging and identity. As we enter the Advent season I would like to invite all those Catholics who have not returned to the regular practice of faith to seriously think about your Catholic Vocation to be part of the life of Jesus Christ. As we prepare for his birth once again into our lives this Christmas, it would be a wonderful opportunity to return to the practice of faith. When you reflect on the shortness of our lives, you begin to realise that life is not a dress-rehearsal, every day counts, and before you know it life has passed and we stand alone before God accounting for our life. Never let there be missed opportunities!

DIARY NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, 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: Pat Murphy RIP, Catherine Wright RIP & All our Holy Souls. 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. Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ...

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/

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

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.

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!

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.

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

REGISTERING AT THE PARISH: It’s always important to have details of all of our parishioners. There are Parish Registration Forms in the Porch of the Church. Please complete and return to the Presbytery.

PARISH UTILITIES: Thankfully, the weather has been pretty mild up to now. May I make an appeal to the whole parish community to kindly remember in your weekly offertory, and especially during this autumn and winter, the use of the utilities in our very big buildings. We are now all on the receiving end of larger Utility Bills. I’m sure we’re all being very careful with the usage of heating and lighting. I don’t think this is something that is going to go away!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? At present we only have five seminarians training for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Brentwood. The period of formation for each is several years. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the priesthood, or who feels they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

ESCORTED PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, IRELAND on 29th May 2023, led by Bishop Alan Williams. £699.00 per person, sharing; single supplement £150.00. Price includes flight, all transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with full board. All entertainment and excursions included. Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Contact Patricia on 01268 762278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Christmas Greetings Cards, Cribs, Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles. 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2022

Sat 26^th	10.00am	Margaret & Pat Int’s (Frank Westcott) Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 26^th	6.00pm	Lucy McLay RIP (Gormley Family)
Sun 27^th	9.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Pat Hodgeson) Holy Souls
Sun 27^th	11:00am	Lynette MacDonald Int’s for successful cancer treatment. Kathleen Pampellonne
Mon 28^th	10.00am	Maree Kavanagh B’day Int’s. (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 29^th	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Ann Petch)
Wed 30^th	10.00am	Norah Rynne RIP (9John McKernan & Family)
Thur 1^st December	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Fri 2^nd	10.00am	Paul Marianyagam Int’s (Steve & Veronica Short)
Sat 3^rd	10.00am	Remy’s Int’s (Frank Westcott)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 3^rd	6.00pm	Jacqueline Bonaventure Sheehy RIP (Mike Sheehy)
Sun 4^th	9.00am	Dennis Randall RIP (The Randall Family)
Sun 4^th	11:00am	Maria Trillana (Get Well) (Sarah Ruiz)

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

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.

1st Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Isaiah 2:1-5

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the days to come

the mountain of the Temple of the Lord

shall tower above the mountains

and be lifted higher than the hills.

All the nations will stream to it,

peoples without number will come to it; and they will say:

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the Temple of the God of Jacob

that he may teach us his ways

so that we may walk in his paths;

since the Law will go out from Zion,

and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.’

He will wield authority over the nations

and adjudicate between many peoples;

these will hammer their swords into ploughshares,

their spears into sickles.

Nation will not lift sword against nation,

there will be no more training for war.

O House of Jacob, come,

let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

I rejoiced when I heard them say:

‘Let us go to God’s house.’

And now our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

It is there that the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel’s law it is,

there to praise the Lord’s name.

There were set the thrones of judgement

of the house of David.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:

‘Peace be to your homes!

May peace reign in your walls,

in your palaces, peace!’

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For love of my brethren and friends

I say: ‘Peace upon you!’

For love of the house of the Lord

I will ask for your good.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

Second Reading : Romans 13:11-14

You know ‘the time’ has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer than it was when we were converted. The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon – let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime: no drunken orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no wrangling or jealousy. Let your armour be the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel : Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.

‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

The Solemnity of Christ the King, 2022

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Luke’s retelling of the Passion and death of Jesus has several unique features. He shows Jesus speaking warmly to the disciples at the Last Supper: ‘You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom…’ He also speaks of Peter’s future role: ‘…when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers’. Furthermore, Luke has little interest in the disciples’ abandonment and states that, ‘…all his acquaintances…who had followed him from Galilee…’ witnessed Jesus’ death. During the journey to Calvary he records the women of Jerusalem weeping for him and Jesus’ prayer to the Father for those who will crucify him: ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’.

As with the above examples, Jesus’ encounter with the good thief is only recorded in Luke’s Gospel. Genius storyteller that he was he’s always interested in showing how Jesus reaches out to the lost, especially sinners. Jesus’ promise to the good thief is something of a climax. It’s Jesus’ last act of kindness before he commends his spirit to the Father. ‘…today you will be with me in Paradise’. Through this, Jesus offers once more the ‘today’ of salvation.

We read this passage on the Solemnity of Christ the King because the kingship of Jesus is seen in his reaching out to the lost. Jesus’ kingdom, to quote the Gospel of John, is ‘not of this world’. Instead, it’s the kingdom of God where peace and mercy reign, not an earthly kingdom which can be fought over in war and violence. Jesus has come to ‘bring good news to the poor’, and to seek and…save the lost.’

St Cyril of Alexandria wrote: ‘How wise the reasoning and how excellent the thoughts of the penitent thief! He became the confessor of the Saviour’s glory and the accuser of the pride of those who crucified him. Let us look at his most beautiful confession of faith. He says: “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” You see him crucified and call him a king.

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

CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR 2022: Event will be on Sunday 11^th December after 11am Mass, with Cake Stall & Refreshments & Grand Christmas Draw.

This weekend we will distribute Grand Draw Tickets for the Annual Grand Draw and Hampers. We will distribute two books to each parishioner. Tickets are £2 each – £10 a book. Please ask your family to support our Grand Draw this year. I know these are difficult times for everyone, but please be as supportive as possible. 1^st Prize Smart Colour TV; 2^nd Prize £200; 3^rd Prize £100 Various other Prizes – Restaurant Vouchers, London Hotel Afternoon Tea Vouchers, Six Bottles of Wine, & Various Hampers.

We would like to appeal to your incredible generosity once again for donations of indulgent foods and drinks to create a fabulous selection of luxury Christmas Hampers. Items for a Grand Christmas Draw would be a Flat Screen TV, Laptop, Other New Electrical Goods, Crate of Wine, Theatre Vouchers, Restaurant Vouchers, Hotel Vouchers, National Trust Annual Family Membership, Department Store Vouchers, Fitbits, Air Pods, Beats Headphones.

SUGGESTED HAMPER DONATIONS: Luxury Brand Christmas Cakes & Puddings, Bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Port & Wine. Tinned meats – Gammon Ham, Potted Duck, and Pates. Tinned Fish – Salmon, Dressed Crab & Lobster, Jars of Fruit in Syrup, Jars of Pickles, Chutneys & Olives. Festive Jams or Berry Preserves. Festive Marmalades, Jars of Honey, Tea & Coffee, Hot Chocolate. Dried Fruit & Nuts. Biscotti, Ginger Snaps & Shortbread, boxes of Chocolates & Truffles, Turkish Delight. Panettone, Mince Pies, Stollen. Biscuits and Crackers for Cheese. Bottles of Live Oil, Balsamic Vinegar & Marinades, Dried Stuffing Mixes. Boxes of Table Crackers. All Toiletries

If anyone wants to make a Cash Donation please mark it Christmas Fund, and please use your Gift Aid envelope so we can claim the Tax back on the Donation. Thank you! Box in Church Porch & Presbytery Porch for your gifts & offerings.

If any parishioners would be willing to donate suitable wicker hamper style baskets, these will help us present our Christmas Hampers in the traditional way. Thanking you all in anticipation of your generosity!

PLEASE SUPPPORT US AND BUY SOME DRAW TICKETS, THANK YOU!

May God Bless You All,

APPLICATIONS FOR RECEPTION PLACES AT ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2023: If there are any parents who wish to apply for a place for their child in Reception Class 2023, at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, and need a Certificate of Catholic Practice signed, please see Fr John ^assoon as possible For some of you this will be the first time you have engaged in the admissions procedure. You have to complete the Essex County Form by the 15^th January 2023. It’s so important that we support our local Catholic Primary School, which gives an excellent education to our children.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 20^th November at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. The next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. If you are unable to attend for some reason please contact Fr. John directly.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUPWe will be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4^th December which is the second Sunday of Advent. Beforehand, we’ll be holding a brief practice on Thursday, 1^st December from 7pm until 8pm. We hope that many of you can make the practice and that all of you will be at the Mass. Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts. Thank you. New singers and musicians who may like to join us will be made very welcome!

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

THE ADVENT LECTIONARY: A Journey towards Christmas with the Bible. The Advent lectionary is particularly rich, with readings from the prophets, gospels about John the Baptist, the ‘O’ antiphons, and the gospel accounts of events before Jesus’ birth. Fr Adrian Graffy, parish priest in East London, and a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, will give an introduction to the Scripture readings of Advent, and present ‘Scripture Readings: Advent’ on www.whatgoodnews.org The website pages will provide the text of the readings (Revised New Jerusalem Bible) for every day of Advent, with commentary on each, and suggestions for prayer and reflection. Wednesday 23^rd November 2022 19.00 –20.00 GMT This free event is both in-person and live-stream. Good transport links on the Elizabeth Line. Easy access to the church and ample parking. For live stream simply go to www.whatgoodnews.orgon the day. No booking necessary. A recording of the talk will be made available after the event on the same website. Christ the Eternal High Priest Catholic Church, 410 Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH

DIARY NOVEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Dr Douglas St-John Murphy RIP, Eileen Hills RIP, & All our Holy Souls. 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

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY: 20^th November 2022. Is a unique opportunity to celebrate the role and significance of young people in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, along with the global Church. A representative of the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service will be speaking about their work, and holding a retiring collection (you can also donate online www.bcys.net/donate ) Anything you can give is so greatly appreciated, as any money raised will go towards supporting those in need of financial support to go on pilgrimages and to events, as well as allowing us to continue running our events. Providing support and training to those working with young people and so much more. And of course, please do pray for all young people in your parish, in our Diocese and around the world.

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER 2022

Sat 19^th	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Frank Westcott)Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 19^th	6.00pm	Stephen Griffiths RIP (Mylinah) Holy Souls
Sun 20^th	9.00am	Martin Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle) Holy Souls
Sun 20^th	11:00am	Margaret Mary & Karl Joseph Britz RIP(Karl Britz) Holy Souls
Mon 21^st	10.00am	Communion Service Holy Souls
Tues 22^nd	10.00am	Communion Service Holy Souls
Wed 23^rd	10.00am	Communion Service Holy Souls
Thur 24^th	10.00am	Communion Service Holy Souls
Fri 25^th	10.00am	Communion Service Holy Souls
Sat 26^th	10.00am	Margaret & Pat Int’s (Frank Westcott) Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 26^th	6.00pm	Lucy McLay RIP (Gormley Family)
Sun 27^th	9.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Pat Hodgeson) Holy Souls
Sun 27^th	11:00am	Lynette MacDonald Int’s for successful cancer treatment. Holy Souls

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

Christ the King – Solemnity

First Reading : 2 Samuel 5:1-3

All the tribes of Israel then came to David at Hebron. ‘Look’ they said ‘we are your own flesh and blood. In days past when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel in all their exploits; and the Lord said to you, “You are the man who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you shall be the leader of Israel.”’ So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a pact with them at Hebron in the presence of the Lord, and they anointed David king of Israel.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 121(122):1-5

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

I rejoiced when I heard them say:

‘Let us go to God’s house.’

And now our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

Jerusalem is built as a city

strongly compact.

It is there that the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

For Israel’s law it is,

there to praise the Lord’s name.

There were set the thrones of judgement

of the house of David.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

Second Reading : Colossians 1:12-20

We give thanks to the Father who has made it possible for you to join the saints and with them to inherit the light.

Because that is what he has done: he has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves, and in him, we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.

He is the image of the unseen God

and the first-born of all creation,

for in him were created

all things in heaven and on earth:

everything visible and everything invisible,

Thrones, Dominations, Sovereignties, Powers –

all things were created through him and for him.

Before anything was created, he existed,

and he holds all things in unity.

Now the Church is his body,

he is its head.

As he is the Beginning,

he was first to be born from the dead,

so that he should be first in every way;

because God wanted all perfection

to be found in him

and all things to be reconciled through him and for him,

everything in heaven and everything on earth,

when he made peace

by his death on the cross.

Gospel : Luke 23:35-43

The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’

Thirty-Third Sunday of the Year, 2022

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Traditionally November is the month the Church focuses on the four last things: death, the final judgement, heaven (and hell and purgatory), and the Second Coming – sombre subjects, to be sure, but essential and foundational to our faith. Today’s reading invites us to contemplate what the signs will be of the end of the world. The Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the talk of the Third World War makes the end of the world seem even closer.

However, the end of the world isn’t necessarily a topic we give much thought to – although sometimes the challenges and difficulties we face can make it seem like the end of the world! Believers and unbelievers alike acknowledge that one day the end will come – life on earth cannot be forever. Scientists suggest that our sun will burn up the earth in about five billion years, and throughout history false prophets have proclaimed with dogmatic certainty that the ‘end is nigh’, only to be exposed as frauds and charlatans.

The truth is, no one knows the day or the hour of our own death or the end of life on earth. What we do know, however, is that we can rely on a number of key truths. The first is that Christ lives and he has overcome death and the powers of darkness. We can also be certain that Christ is with us. In Christ the future world has already begun. The future is not darkness, confusion or fear, but by having a sure confidence that God is with us we can face it with courage and dignity.

We believe that the Lord will return – as Judge and Saviour. Jesus is the good judge: we know his face that of the Risen Christ, of Christ crucified for us. We walk and live by faith, not by sight, and even if we might rather leave the body to live with the Lord, what definitively matters is that we live lives that are pleasing to him.

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

THIS IS A PLEA FOR YOUR HELP WITH THE CHRISTMAS EVENT THIS YEAR. ONLY ONE MONTH TO GO. UNFORTUNATELY VERY LITTLE HAS BEEN HANDED IN SO FAR. PLEASE HELP US! IF EVERYONE BROUGHT AN ITEM OR TWO, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, THIS WOULD BE WONDERFUL!

CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR 2022: There will be a Grand Christmas Draw & Christmas Hampers. Obviously, this also takes some organising as well, and if there are any volunteers who can help us, we would be most grateful. Event will be on Sunday 11^th December after 11am Mass, with Cake Stall & Refreshments & Grand Christmas Draw.

May God Bless You All,

ST PATRICK’S CEMETERY, LEYTONSTONE: November Mass for the Deceased will be celebrated on Monday 14^th November at 11.30am All welcome! Many have deceased family buried at St Patrick’s Cemetery.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Veronica Godsave RIP, who passed away recently. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss. Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday 15^th November at 12.15pm, with Cremation at 1.30pm at Forest Park Crematorium.

DAVENANT FOUNDATION SCHOOL: If there are any parents who have made application for a place at the Davenant Foundation School for their child for Year 7 in September 2023, I need a copy of your submission of Catholic Practice. As I mentioned to all the parents who came for meetings, the applications procedure is completely different from the Catholic sector. I cannot complete and sign the Supplementary Information Form without your ‘Practice Form’; without this, forms will be returned to Davenant unsigned.

APPLICATIONS FOR RECEPTION PLACES AT ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2023: If there are any parents who wish to apply for a place for their child in Reception Class 2023, at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, and need a Certificate of Catholic Practice signed, please see Fr John during the week November 14^th – 18^th. For some of you this will be the first time you have engaged in the admissions procedure. You have to complete the Essex County Form by the 15^th January 2023. It’s so important that we support our local Catholic Primary School, which gives an excellent education to our children.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 13^th November at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. The next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. If you are unable to attend for some reason please contact Fr. John directly.

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

DIARY NOVEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Sheila Quinn RIP, Jan Leach RIP, Anthony Orsini RIP, Joyce Gregory RIP, Pat Salter RIP, Maureen Finnegan RIP, Lucy Byrne-Ingle RIP, Doreen Wiltshire RIP, Terrence Callahan RIP, & All our Holy Souls. 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

https://tse4.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.82Iz4z848_74ROZ5P-evjQHaD8&pid=Api&P=0

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER 2022

Sat 12^th	10.00am	Peter Martin RIP (Chris Draper – Catenians) Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 12^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 13^th	9.00am	Matt McLoughlin RIP (Veronica & Steve Short) Holy Souls
Sun 13^th	11:00am	Eugene & Ellen Carney RIP (C Knight) Holy Souls
Mon 14^th	9.00am	Modesta Borges RIP. (Adelaide Alves) Holy Souls
Tues 15^th	12.15pm	Requiem Mass – Veronica Godsave RIP
Wed 16^th St Edmund	10.00amFeast	Margaret Duffy & Pat Ata Int’s (Frank Westcott) Holy Souls
Thur 17^th	9.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Pat & Margaret) Holy Souls
Fri 18^th	10.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Frank Westcott)Holy Souls
Sat 19^th	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Frank Westcott)Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 19^th	6.00pm	Stephen Griffiths RIP (Mylinah) Holy Souls
Sun 20^th	9.00am	Martin Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle)
Sun 20^th	11:00am	Margaret Mary & Karl Joseph Britz RIP(Karl Britz) Holy Souls

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

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.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Malachi 3:19-20

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 97(98):5-9

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp

with the sound of music.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

acclaim the King, the Lord.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Let the sea and all within it, thunder;

the world, and all its peoples.

Let the rivers clap their hands

and the hills ring out their joy

at the presence of the Lord.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

For the Lord comes,

he comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the world with justice

and the peoples with fairness.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Second Reading : 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

Gospel : Luke 21:5-19

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

The Gospel of the Lord

Thirty-Second Sunday of the Year, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.UU_zQfLmCful1eoCmUTqSwHaFc&pid=Api&P=0

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were both attracted and repelled by Jesus, and they couldn’t stop trying to catch him out. The aristocratic Sadducees scorned the middle-class Pharisees and their modern interpretation of the law. They had a narrow world view and were true conservatives, accepting only the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (The Pentateuch) and rejecting any belief in the resurrection of the body or of any existence after death.

Under the Levirate law, if a Jewish man’s brother died childless, the man was supposed to marry the widow and provide and heir, so that the estate wouldn’t leave the family and the brother’s name would continue. The Sadducees, who were too clever by half, posed a scenario which they didn’t even believe would occur, hoping to force Jesus to renounce the resurrection or allow polyandry (a woman having more than one husband).

Jesus pointed out that the resurrection life and our current earthly existence are not to be compared. In heaven the relationship of a married couple will be transcended by an entirely new kind of relationship. As Christians, we don’t simply believe that after death we live on in some way; what we do believe is that on the last day our bodies will be raised incorruptible. This is our blessed hope and the very essence of what it meant to believe in the resurrection.

As Paul said, ‘…God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power’. Of course, this is a mystery, but one which through faith we can enter into and takes hold of in a way which can transform our lives. St Clement of Rome saw the truth of the resurrection built into nature’s cycle: Day and night give us examples of resurrection. The night sinks to sleep, the day rises; the day departs, the night comes on. ‘His namesake in Alexandria said of Christ, ‘He has turned our sunsets into dawn.

Dear Friends in Christ, 32^nd Sunday of the Year 2022

If anyone wants to make a Cash Donation please mark it Christmas Fund, and please use your Gift Aid envelope so we can claim the Tax back on the Donation. Thank you! Box in ChurchPorch & Presbytery Porch for your gifts & offerings. AS YET ONLY A FEW ITEMS DONATED!

NOVEMBER: THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS. It is customary throughout the Month of November to remember our deceased loved ones in a very special way. Holy Mass will be offered daily for the repose of all of our Holy Souls. And at the end of our weekday masses a decade of Rosary & Prayers for the deceased will be recited.

May God Bless You All,

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Kieran Dodd RIP, His Body will be received into SS Peter & Paul Church, High Road, Ilford on Wednesday 9^th November at 7.00pm and his Requiem Mass will be celebrated by the Bishop on Thursday 10^th November at 11.30am. Please keep his family in your prayer at this time of great loss.

APPLICATIONS FOR RECEPTION PLACES AT ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2023: If there are any parents who wish to apply for a place for their child in Reception Class 2023, at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, and need a Certificate of Catholic Practice signed, please see Fr John during the week November 14^th – 18^th. For some of you this will be the first time you have engaged in the admissions procedure. Hopefully by now you will have received notice from Essex Education Authority that your child is due to commence school next September 2023. You have to complete the County Form by the 15^th January 2023. It’s so important that we support our local Catholic Primary School, which gives an excellent education to our children.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 6^th November at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. The next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. If you are unable to attend for some reason please contact Fr. John directly.

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.

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP We will next be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 6^th November. It was really good to see so many of our singers (and new ones too!) at our last Mass, and we hope you will all be able to come and sing again at this next Mass. Because of time restraints, we’ll not be having a practice during the week beforehand, but it would be appreciated if you could arrive before the Mass starts so that we can quickly run through the music and hymns. Thanks very much and we look forward to seeing you there in full force!

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

DIARY NOVEMBER 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? “Enquirers’ Evening” on Tuesday 8^th November 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 Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

MASS INTENTIONS – NOVEMBER 2022

Sat 5^th	10.00am	Sandy Sandhu RIP Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12NoonVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	Dorothy Goodbun RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Lily Brennan RIP (Senan Pierce) Anni Holy Souls
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Bernard John Gilley RIP (Eileen Ward) Anni Holy Souls
Mon 7^th	12.15pm	Carmen Antaki RIP (Frank Westcott) Holy Souls
Tues 8^th	12.15pm	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Frank Westcott) Holy Souls
Wed 9^th	10.00am	Michael DoBosh RIP (Celine Sullivan) Holy Souls
Thur 10^th	9.00am	Irene Olivelle RIP Birthday Remembrance (Joe Olivelle) Holy Souls
Fri 11^th	10.00am	Bridie Boyle RIP (Paul Boyle) Holy Souls
Sat 12^th	10.00am	Peter Martin RIP (Chris Draper – Catenians) Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12NoonVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 12^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 13^th	9.00am	Matt McLoughlin RIP (Veronica & Steve Short) Holy Souls
Sun 13^th	11:00am	Eugene & Ellen Carney RIP (C Knight) Holy Souls

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

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

There were seven brothers who were arrested with their mother. The king tried to force them to taste pig’s flesh, which the Law forbids, by torturing them with whips and scourges. One of them, acting as spokesman for the others, said, ‘What are you trying to find out from us? We are prepared to die rather than break the laws of our ancestors.’

With his last breath the second brother exclaimed, ‘Inhuman fiend, you may discharge us from this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up, since it is for his laws that we die, to live again for ever.’

After him, they amused themselves with the third, who on being asked for his tongue promptly thrust it out and boldly held out his hands, with these honourable words, ‘It was heaven that gave me these limbs; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again.’ The king and his attendants were astounded at the young man’s courage and his utter indifference to suffering.

When this one was dead they subjected the fourth to the same savage torture. When he neared his end he cried, ‘Ours is the better choice, to meet death at men’s hands, yet relying on God’s promise that we shall be raised up by him; whereas for you there can be no resurrection, no new life.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 16(17):1,5-6,8,15

I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory, O Lord.

Lord, hear a cause that is just,

pay heed to my cry.

Turn your ear to my prayer:

no deceit is on my lips.

I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory, O Lord.

I kept my feet firmly in your paths;

there was no faltering in my steps.

I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God.

Turn your ear to me; hear my words.

I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory, O Lord.

Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings

As for me, in my justice I shall see your face

and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory.

I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory, O Lord.

Second Reading : 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has given us his love and, through his grace, such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, comfort you and strengthen you in everything good that you do or say.

Finally, brothers, pray for us; pray that the Lord’s message may spread quickly, and be received with honour as it was among you; and pray that we may be preserved from the interference of bigoted and evil people, for faith is not given to everyone. But the Lord is faithful, and he will give you strength and guard you from the evil one, and we, in the Lord, have every confidence that you are doing and will go on doing all that we tell you. May the Lord turn your hearts towards the love of God and the fortitude of Christ.

Gospel : Luke 20:27-38

Some Sadducees – those who say that there is no resurrection – approached Jesus and they put this question to him, ‘Master, we have it from Moses in writing, that if a man’s married brother dies childless, the man must marry the widow to raise up children for his brother. Well then, there were seven brothers. The first, having married a wife, died childless. The second and then the third married the widow. And the same with all seven, they died leaving no children. Finally the woman herself died. Now, at the resurrection, to which of them will she be wife since she had been married to all seven?’

Jesus replied, ‘The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are sons of God. And Moses himself implies that the dead rise again, in the passage about the bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all men are in fact alive.’

The Gospel of the Lord