July 2023 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today’s Gospel contains two parables which challenge our idea of riches. Each parable contains a simile of the kingdom of God; in the first the kingdom of God is compared to hidden treasure and in the second it is compared to a merchant searching for fine pearls. When the man finds the treasure buried in a field, he buys the whole field in order to get hold of the treasure; and when the merchant finds the pearl he sells everything he has in order to buy it.

The meaning of the parables is that the greatest treasure we can ever have in life is discovering the truth of the kingdom of heaven. In comparison all the other riches which this life has to offer are finite and limited in their value. The life of faith invites us to store up treasure in heaven where no thief can break in and steal and no rust can corrode and corrupt. Scripture tells us that our heart will be where our treasure is and that true and lasting treasure can only be found in the Lord.

When set against knowledge and following Christ St. Paul considered everything that this life has to offer as ‘rubbish’. The Greek word he used for ‘rubbish’ was skubalon, which translates more accurately as ‘dung’. We need the gift of grace not only to understand this truth but also to live it because the treasures and rewards of the world can appear very attractive. We need a revelation of the truth that Christ in us is the hope of everlasting glory and that to have found him is to have found everything.

Dear Friends in Christ 17^th Sunday of the Year

It’s very nice to back with you for a few weeks before my departure to Brentwood Cathedral Parish. I visited the present parish priest before I left for holiday, and he showed me around. It’s going to be extremely busy with four schools and the fact that it is the Cathedral. Fr Martin Boland the present Dean, (who was Ordained to the Priesthood here in Loughton in 1996) is being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead. And as I have already mentioned Fr Adrian Lowe, who has been looking after the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, will be coming to Loughton. (Fr Adrian has also been appointed the Vocations Director for the Diocese). It’s a three-way move, so we will have to co-ordinate the move date together. I am hoping to have an Induction Mass at the Cathedral sometime in September, (I’m still waiting for the Bishop’s Office to contact me) to which anyone is welcome to come. I will give you further details before I leave. Brentwood Cathedral of St Mary & St. Helen, Clergy House, 28 Ingrave Road, Brentwood Essex.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: As this is holiday season with the closure of all schools for the summer recess, I wish all our families a blessed holiday. If you’re going away, please keep safe and well, enjoy your time of rest and relaxation and come back refreshed. As I leave before the summer holidays are over, hopefully I will be able to return sometime in September for a final Mass of thanksgiving.

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

PARISH WEEKDAY MASS: As from Monday the 31^st July our weekday masses Monday – Saturday will be at 9.00am. This will be permanent.

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September, you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference, please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

CHANGE OF PRACTICE DATE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: For our next 11am Mass on Sunday, 6th August, we will be having a practice 7 to 8pm on Tuesday 1st August rather than 31st July. Please make every effort to come to the practice and the Mass – it will be our group’s last Mass celebrated by Fr. John before he leaves our Parish and we want to make it special. Please pass the word around to all our singers as we would like a very good turnout! We would also warmly welcome more new singers and their families who may like to join us – simply come along! Thank you very much.

ACROSS PATHS LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: Monica would like to thank the whole parish community for their most generous support for the coffee morning and raffle last Sunday. She raised the wonderful sum of £700 which will help take 6 palliative care pilgrims and a family member to Lourdes in October with ACROSS Paths. It was a joyous occasion for a wonderful cause. Monica will be part of a team of doctors, nurses and carers travelling with the pilgrims.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

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

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!

ARE THERE ANY BAPTISMS? Before Fr John departs for his new assignment, are there any families who want to have their children baptised? Please contact Fr John as soon as possible to arrange a date. jjh152@btinternet.com His last weekend will be 26^th / 27^th August, which is the Bank Holiday weekend

NEW ALTAR SERVERS: If any of our First Holy Communicants would like to become Altar Servers, please see Fr. John. It would be wonderful if some of the children would consider this wonderful ministry of serving God and the Community each week. Serving at the Altar is truly a great honour, and I’m always grateful to everyone who has volunteered to become Altar Servers.

THIS IS A SPECIAL CALL TO ALL ALTAR SERVERS WHO NO LONGER SERVE AT ST EDMUND’S. COULD YOU KINDLY RETUNR YOUR ALB, AS THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THE NEW SERVERS.

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.

DO YOU LIKE SINGING? As you know we have a wonderful Choir and Choir Director in Sue Farrow. We are looking for new choir members who like singing with others. We learn traditional and contemporary pieces of music, and also sing Motets in four parts. If you’re interested please speak to Sue or Fr John. Choir practice on Wednesdays & Saturdays.

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: If there are any parishioners who have become sick or housebound, please notify Fr John, who will be only too happy to make a house call and bring Holy Communion on a regular basis. It’s important that we’re able to keep in touch with all of our parishioners, and especially those who are sick.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There are a variety of First Holy Communion gifts available in the repository – Children’s Missals, Rosaries, medals, statues, candles, Communion Cards, crosses. Teresa Wallace is always very helpful in ordering any religious item you wish. The parish repository is available all week. Please leave your money for items in the box provided. Thank you!

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 struggling during this cost of living crisis. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: sponge pudding desserts, custard, juice, tinned meat, noodles, snack bars, small chocolate bars, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toilet roll and deodorant. Please place any donations in the dedicated plastic boxes in the garage. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. John.

SACRISTANS: Fr John could really do with some additional help in the Sacristy especially during the week. I have been very dependent upon Veronica Short over the past few years. But it would be good if another couple of people could volunteer during the week to help in setting up for Mass each day, and clearing up afterwards. It really doesn’t take that long to do. We could organise a rota of days. Once again this is service of God and the Community.

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 feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org We are hoping to resume our monthly meetings for those who may be enquirers, so please watch this space.

MASS INTENTIONS: There is a lot of availability in the Parish Mass register. If anyone wants a mass intention for any reason, Anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions, for anyone who is sick, please complete the Mass Envelope in the porch and leave off at the presbytery.

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.

BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact your new parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

CHURCH PARKING: Could we please encourage all our able-bodied parishioners to consider using the public car park when coming to Mass, particularly on Sunday. Although you need to get a ticket to place on your dashboard, parking on a Sunday is free for two hours. A few occasions have arisen recently when disabled parishioners and those who have difficulty walking have been unable to park in the Church car park and they have either struggled to walk from the public car park, or have simply had to go home. We are sure you will agree that we need to ensure that our less-able parishioners will always have room to park close to the Church. We should also make allowance for space in the Church car park for drivers who are bringing disabled parishioners to Mass and also of course making sure that there is always access for emergency vehicles. Your consideration will be much appreciated. Thank you.

PARISH NEWLTTER: If you would like to receive the Parish Newsletter via Email each week please contact Iain McLay iain.m.mclay@googlemail.com this gives and extended version of the Weekly bulletin

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY – AUGUST 2023

Sat 29^th	10.00am	Philip Sinnott & Christine Collins getting married today in Ireland (Fr John)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	9.00am	75^th Birthday Int’s Orlando Gracia (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Francis McCoy
Mon 31^st	9.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret
Tues 1^st August	9.00am	Holy Souls
Wed 2^nd	9.00am	Frances Jackson RIP (Steve & Veronica Short)
Thur 3^rd	9.00am	Nancy Dowd Int’s (Mary Ryan)
Fri 4^th	9.00am	Olga Noguira B’day Ints (Pat & Margaret)
Sat 5^th	9.00am	Nancy & Fred Burgess RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Street Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Deacon Frank Westcott’s Int’s (M Ryan)

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@brcdt.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 1 Kings 3:5,7-12

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, ‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’ Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its number cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. ‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said ‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 118(119):57,72,76-77,127-130

Lord, how I love your law!

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,

is to obey your word.

The law from your mouth means more to me

than silver and gold.

Lord, how I love your law!

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Lord, how I love your law!

That is why I love your commands

more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by your precepts,

and hate false ways.

Lord, how I love your law!

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

Lord, how I love your law!

Second Reading : Romans 8:28-30

We know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.

Gospel : Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The parable of the Sower is an important one to understand. In St. Mark’s version Jesus describes it as the key or doorway into all the parables: ‘Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? A problem with this or any other parable is familiarity; many have heard it since they were children and conclude they have understood its meaning and there are no more treasures to mine. When we are familiar with something we stop looking at is closely.

Ironically, this way of thinking reflects the teaching which underpins the parable. For the parable is all about the battle not just for our hearts, but also our minds. It speaks about the daily struggle to fight the good fight of faith and the way we respond to the word of God (the seed). In fact, the soil in the parable can be interpreted as a metaphor for the soil of our mind and the importance for it to be a healthy environment in which the good seed of God’s word can flourish. Of course, we need to meet God halfway by reading his Word and allowing him to root out the thorns and thistles and other impediments to the seed’s healthy growth.

The question facing us very day is: how can our minds be rich, fertile and productive soil in which God’s word can take root? Of course, if we don’t carve out a time and place to read, study and contemplate Scriptures, our minds cannot be renewed, refreshed and enlightened by it. We remain barren soil. This can be challenging: for many of us time is one of our most precious commodities. However, we all know that we make time for what we want to make time for.

We cannot understand God’s Word without the help, action and movement of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given so that we would understand the things of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit reignites our love for the Scriptures so that they come alive and we develop a thirst to read them and a hunger to hear and understand them.

Dear Friends in Christ 15^th Sunday of the Year

On behalf of the Parish this weekend, I would like to welcome Fr Gerard Gostling, who will be supplying in the parish for the remainder of my holiday. Fr Gerry is one of our retired priests of the Diocese. He served for many years in our Twin Diocese of Dundee, in South Africa, and I’m sure he will have a wealth of stories to share with you in his time on the Missions. Once again, I ask you to extend Fr Gerry a very warm welcome. I’m sure he would welcome the opportunity to get to know you, and if you feel so inclined please extend him an invitation for morning coffee, or even a meal at your home.

END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR: This coming Friday 21^st July the Academic Year ends for our Primary and Secondary Schools. I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking our schools for everything you do for our children throughout the School Year. I’m really sorry I am not able to be with you at the end of this school year, and unfortunately, I will have already departed from the parish by the time the school resumes in September. With regards to St John Fisher School, it has been an absolute joy and privilege being able to serve you as your priest for the past 21 years. It’s been incredible to see generations of children going through the school, seeing reception school children now going to University and qualifying in all sorts of different fields. This has been one of the great blessings of being in the parish for such a long time. My thanks to all the Head Teachers whom I have had the privilege to work with and the many teachers through the years that I have got to know; also, all the Governors who I have had the privilege to serve with. We are so fortunate to have a Catholic Primary School in our parish, please continue to support it. I wish you all a Blessed Summer holiday, please go and have a good rest.

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, this doesn’t leave a lot of time when I return from my annual summer holiday. I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the whole process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

COFFEE MORNING FOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: In October (4^th-10^th) Monica Maycraft will be travelling with the ACROSS Paths pilgrimage to Lourdes as a nurse. She will be holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds for the pilgrimage on Sunday 23rd July, after both 9am and 11am masses. The hope is to take 6 palliative care pilgrims, and a family member, to Lourdes. There is also a JustGiving page if anyone wishes to donate that way https://www.justgiving.com/page/across-paths

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 07754700934 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!

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On the 16th December (7.30-9.30pm) the wonderful Winnie Greer, “science teacher by day Jazz singer by night” will be returning to St Edmund’s with her band for an evening of Christmas festive favourites in aid of The Essex based Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. A chance to enjoy some lovely music while raising money for a great cause and sharing a glass of mulled wine. Tickets are £20 each and available from the link below. If you book before 31st August there is an “early bird” rate of £15.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

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 run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 15^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	9.00am	Jose Vaquero Insunza RIP (Ruiz Family)
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Sally Dwyer RIP (Nora Pierce)
Mon 17^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Tues 18^th	10.00am	Bertrand & Margaret Smith RIP (The Smith Family)
Wed 19^th	10.00am	Padhraig (Pat) Garvey RIP (Monica Maycraft)
Thur 20^th	10.00am	Jerry & Bridie Hunt Int’s (Mary Ryan)
Fri 21^st	10.00am	Anne Campbell (B’day Anni) (Brenda Bryant)
Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	Eileen Campbell RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	21^st B’day Thanksgiving for Yzabella Bacani (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)

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@brcdt.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Good News is precious these days. There is little enough of it in our papers and on our television screens! As we contemplate the evils of our world – the injustices, abuses of power, and injuries to the most vulnerable and to children – we can quickly lose hope. People ask how a God so good and so powerful can allow such things to happen. Inwardly we too may often be baffled. How can the love and hope of the gospel exist in a world full of suffering and evil?
OTA_16D

Jesus’ story of the wheat and the weeds has more encouraging answers. First, it is clear that the man sowed good seed in his field: any evil is the work of his enemy. So we cannot blame the bad things in our world on God. Then, given that there are bad things everywhere, it is striking that the owner of the field feels less perturbed by them than so his servants. He is content to let wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. The world is a mixed bag of good and evil, and the Church is composed of saints and sinners. Our own lives too are a mixture of good and evil. We need to be patient – with ourselves and with others – as we strive for the perfection God seeks, looking kindly upon shortcomings and failure. After all, judgement belongs to the Lord, and only at the harvest can the true nature of the plant be judged.
OTA_16G

The glory of the church now is the holiness of ordinary, weak and sinful men and women. It is the shining of small stars in the darkness. The bright shining of the sun will follow the final separation which the Son will accomplish at the close of the age. So let us strive for purity in an impure world, not losing our hope because of the darkness against and within us, but trusting always in the Lord who sowed his good seed in us at baptism. He waits confidently for his seed to bear fruit – let us share his confidence and rejoice.

‘For there is no god, other than you, who cares for everyone, to whom you have to prove that your sentences have been just.’ (Wisd. 12:13)

Dear Friends in Christ 16^th Sunday of the Year

I would like to take this public oppportuntiy of thanking both of the priests who substituted for me while I was on my annual leave this year. I’m truly grateful to Fr Clement & Fr Gerry. It’s so difficult these days trying to find subsititues for the summer period. I will be home this coming Wednesday.

Also I would like to wish all of our parishioners a very Happy Holiday Season. As the schools have just broken up, I would imagine most families will try to get a bit of a holiday over the next several weeks. If you’re travelling anywhere within England & Wales I have a National Directory for the names of Churches and the times of Masses. If you’re going to Europe its always wonderful to expolore the beautiful Catholic Churches & Cathedrals in the various countries, especially the Roman Catholic countries.

A TIME OF CHANGE AND TRANSITION: Bishop Alan announced 15 moves in our Diocese this year, and all of these will take place during the last week of August so that each priest can be in place for the first weekend of September. Change is not easy for anyone because we all get used to the status quo. It’s very hard for priests to move from one parish to another, so I ask your prayers for all the priests who will be on the move over these next weeks. Please also pray for all of the parishes who will be losing one priest and gaining another. For me personally, this will probably be my last move in the Diocese, as the retirement age for clergy is 75. Please pray that God gives me the strength to be a good an holy Pastor to the people of the Cathedral Parish in Brentwood. If you’re in Brentwood please drop in, you’ll always be made welcome!

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, this doesn’t leave a lot of time when I return from my annual summer holiday. I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the whole process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

COFFEE MORNING FOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: In October (4^th-10^th) Monica Maycraft will be travelling with the ACROSS Paths pilgrimage to Lourdes as a nurse. She will be holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds for the pilgrimage on Sunday 23rd July, after both 9am and 11am masses. The hope is to take 6 palliative care pilgrims, and a family member, to Lourdes. There is also a JustGiving page if anyone wishes to donate that way https://www.justgiving.com/page/across-paths

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

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 ...

ARE THERE ANY BAPTISMS? Before Fr John departs for his new assignment, are there any families who want to have their children baptised? Please contact Fr John as soon as possible to arrange a date. jjh152@btinternet.com His last weekend will be 26^th / 27^th August, which is the Bank Holiday weekend

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. John.

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 feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org We are hoping to resume our monthly meetings for those who may be enquirers, so please watch this space.

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	Eileen Campbell RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	21^st B’day Thanksgiving for Yzabella Bacani (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Mon 24^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Tues 25^th	10.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 26^th	10.00am	Shirley & Len Hodgeson RIP
Thur 27^th	10.00am	Alan & Doreen Wiltshire RIP (The Smith Family)
Fri 28^th	10.00am	Bernie O’Mahony RIP
Sat 29^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	9.00am	75^th Birthday Int’s Orlando Gracia (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Francis McCoy

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@brcdt.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The pathway to Etty Hillesum’s life led to the door of the gas chamber at Auschwitz. It was a brutally cold day, 30^th November 1943, when she passed through the door of death and entered into life in the presence of God for whom she had longed during her life. In a diary entry found after her death she had written: ‘Within me there is a spring that is very deep. And in that spring is God. Sometimes I am unable to reach it, more often it is covered with stone and sand; in that moment God is buried, so one must dig him up again.’ This courageous Jewess captured perfectly the deep ache in the human heart for God, which St. Augustine also described: ‘Our hearts, O God, were created for you and in you alone will we find rest.’

Today’s Gospel contains some of the most comforting and consoling words ever spoken. But who could speak them except God – Jesus of Nazareth, God made man? They reveal that through him, with him and in him, in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, we can enjoy God’s rest and peace. No matter who we are, life, let’s face it, can be hard, difficult and burdensome. However, in the quiet of prayer, in the oasis of praying before the Blessed Sacrament, in the retreat from the world, when we read God’s Word, we create the opportunity for God to comfort and console us. Truly, only in prayer can we be comforted and consoled by the Holy Spirit and experience Jesus, gentle and humble in heart, who leads us to rest in the spring of God’s grace.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: ‘Prayer is the test of everything; prayer is also the source of everything; prayer is the driving force of everything; prayer is the director of everything. If our prayer is right everything else is right. For in prayer we find peace and rest for our souls.’ Finding time for prayer is the challenge we face. However, this much is true: the more we pray, the easier it is to pray. The less we pray, the harder it is. And the easier it becomes, the more we will pray.

Lord, today I ask for the grace to be renewed and refreshed by your grace so that I may keep my eyes fixed on heaven, praising you for the gift of your Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Friends in Christ 14^th Sunday of the Year

It was with a sad and heavy heart that I announced to you last weekend that our Bishop, Alan William, has asked me to take up a new assignment commencing at the beginning of September. After twenty-one years here at St Edmund’s parish it will be quite an upheaval changing parishes once again. Bishop Alan has appointed me Parish Priest and Dean of the Cathedral Parish of St. Mary & St Helen, Brentwood.

I have spent half of my priesthood here in Loughton. I have been so happy here and uniquely privileged to have spent such a long time in one parish. To have watched the children I baptised grow into young men and women and making their own way in the world has truly been a great joy. When I look around the church, I am humbled to see all the families I have been privileged to assist and help, either through the sacraments or personally, – Baptisms, Confessions, First Holy Communions, the Sacrament of Confirmation, Marriages, Special Occasions, Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons with you. Priests are uniquely privileged to share in their people’s lives in these very special ways. For this I’m truly grateful; and also for the great friendships that have developed through the 21 years here in the parish.

I sincerely hope and pray that I have always witnessed to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that I have always tried to the best of my ability to lead you all a little bit closer to the Lord. If ever I have offended anyone it was never my intention, and I’m truly sorry. I ask you prayers as I take up this new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral, and of course, if you’re ever in Brentwood, please don’t hesitate to drop in for a cup of tea.

It is with great joy and happiness that I announce that your new Parish Priest will be Fr Adrian Lowe, who is at present looking after Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead since Fr Pat Sammon passed away last September. Fr Adrian is a dear friend, and is so happy about his assignment to Loughton which takes effect from the first weekend of September 2023. The greatest honour you can afford me is to welcome Fr Adrian with the same love and kindness that you have shown to me through these past years.

I know that Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

EXTENDING A VERY WARM WELCOME – To Fr Clement Olumide Abiodun, who is from the Ivory Coast; it is also a French Speaking Country. Fr Clement has been visiting our Diocese of Brentwood for many years, and of course, speaks English. He has been with us since last Monday and will remain until the 14^th July. This has allowed me to take my annual summer holiday; obviously with moving at the end of August it was providential this year that I booked an early holiday. Please extend Fr. Clement your usual warm and hospitable welcome. I know he will only be here for about another week, but if you would like to invite him out for coffee or a meal, I’m sure he would be very grateful.

MESSAGE FROM OUR DEACON FRANK:

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, cards, and most generous gifts – I truly have been overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and love. My time at Oscott Seminary seems to have passed so quickly, “tempus fugit” as they say (my Latin master would be impressed!). There have of course been the usual emotional highs and lows, and it has often been the thought of returning home to Loughton, Father John, and you my parish family that has helped me cope with the latter.

I look forward to seeing you all again over the coming weeks and serving as your Deacon.

God bless,

Love and prayers

Deacon Frank

SEA SUNDAY: This Sunday, 9^th July, is Sea Sunday. Please remember seafarers and fishers in your prayers. Many parishes will hold a second collection for Catholic charity Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea). This organisation provides pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers and fishers. Your prayers and support are greatly needed. To support the charity’s work, please go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate To download the Sea Sunday Resources go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday

FORWARD PLANNING: Is extremely important in the area of Catholic Education. As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Marie Dawson RIP, Mary Cocklin RIP, June Happe RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

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 feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholcism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John who will explain the whole process to you.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 8^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Patrick McCreesh RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	Charlie Flynn RIP (Mary Ryan)
Mon 10^th	10.00am	Veronica Short B’day Int’s. (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 11^th	10.00am	Fr John’s 42^nd Anniversary Int’s
Wed 12^th	10.00am	Kate & Tom Dennison RIP ( Margaret Duffy)
Thur 13^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott Int’s Diaconate Ordination (Dian & Ferdi Tisi)
Fri 14^th	10.00am	Bridget Kinsella RIP (Maria & Terry Abbs)
Sat 15^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	9.00am	Jose Vaquero Insunza RIP (Ruiz Family)
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Sally Dwyer RIP (Nora Pierce)

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@brcdt.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Leaving Loughton Letter, 2023

My Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I have to announce to you all, that after 21 years as your Parish Priest here in Loughton, our Bishop Alan Williams has requested that I take up a new assignment, (and this will be my last one). The Bishop has appointed me Parish Priest & Dean of the Cathedral Parish of St. Mary & St. Helen, Brentwood, effective from the first weekend of September 2023.

I have spent half of my priesthood here in Loughton, and have been extremely happy. It has truly been an honour and privilege to have been able to serve you as your pastor for the past 21 years. I think of all the masses I have celebrated here with you, the children I’ve baptised, all the couples that I’ve prepared for marriage, the young people who have been Confirmed and the many funerals I have officiated at. To be part of people’s lives at all of those very important moments has been rewarding and humbling and filled with God’s grace.

I hope and pray that I have witnessed to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that I have always tried to the best of my ability to lead you all a little bit closer to the Lord. If ever I have offended anyone it was never my intention, and I’m truly sorry. I ask your prayers as I take up this new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral, and if you’re in Brentwood, please don’t hesitate to drop in for a cup of tea.

It is with great happiness that I announce that your new Parish Priest will be Fr. Adrian Lowe, who is at present looking after Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Wanstead. Fr Adrian is a dear friend, and is really happy and looking forward to being with you as your pastor from the first weekend of September 2023. The greatest honour you can afford me is to welcome Fr Adrian with the same love and kindness that you have shown to me through these past years.

With fondest love & prayers for your all,

Rev Canon John J Harvey,

Address from 2^nd September 2023

Clergy House,

28^,Ingrave Road,

Brentwood

Essex. CM15 8AT

Tel No: 01277 265235

Email: jjh152@btinternet.com

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Although being a Sunday we interrupt the flow of readings from Matthew’s eighth chapter, the theme of Jesus’ kingship is no less found in today’s Gospel. In claiming precedence over even our own parents, Jesus is setting his kingly rule in our lives.

Jesus’ statement about the need for us as his disciple to prefer him over our parents is not, as it may sound, to put down our parents or, indeed, our unique love for them. It is rather a statement emphasising that they cannot be the ‘king’ in our lives. It is Jesus who, as God’s appointed Shepherd and our King, is the ultimate source of our truth, and whose justice is the source of our bliss – as today’s Psalm says of ‘the people who acclaim such a king’! Our parents are God’s wonderful gift to us, as we are to them, but they are not the ones who were able to ‘put us right with God’ (this is the meaning of justice). In fact, Jesus is the one who came to put the whole world to right.

When Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate at his trial, he made it clear that his ‘his kingdom is not of this world.’ We need to understand that this did not mean that his kingdom was not ‘in’ this world, but it is not the sort of kingdom or kingship that had been known before. What kind of King becomes King through the sacrifice of his own life? What kind of King takes upon himself the sin and guilt of all his subjects? And indeed, what kind of King requires those who belong to his kingdom ‘to take up their cross’ to follow him?

It was precisely by taking on himself our sin, and by sacrificing his life in loving obedience to the Father, that Jesus has truly put us ‘right’. But we are put right in the most radical of ways. Jesus makes of us ‘a new creation’. In Jesus, the old creation completely passes away. The new creation is ‘dead to sin and alive to God in Christ’. But to become a new creation in Christ, it is necessary to ‘take up our cross’ – to let the old ‘self’ life be put to death in Jesus.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. (Psalm 88:15)

Dear Friends in Christ 13^th Sunday of the Year

ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE: Please pray for our own parishioner Frank Westcott who will be Ordained a Deacon on Sunday 2^nd July at Oscott College by Archbishop Bernard Longley. Many of you know Frank, and it is truly a great honour for our parish and for the Diocese of Brentwood that his Ordination as a Deacon is part of that journey to Priesthood. Frank will be a transitional Deacon, meaning that in twelve months’ time he will be Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ in our own Parish. Frank will be home for the summer and will be able to Deacon at all of our Masses from now on.

May God Bless You All,

MESSAGE FROM OUR DEACON FRANK:

Dear Parishioners,

I look forward to seeing you all again over the coming weeks and serving as your Deacon.

God bless,

Love and prayers

Deacon Frank

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: My thanks to all the Parents of prospective First Holy Communicants for next year who returned their enrolment forms. I can now order the new Work Books for the children. The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are a baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: My thanks to all the prospective Confirmation Candidates who collected and returned their enrolment forms for the Confirmation Programme by last Friday. Bishop Alan is due for a Pastoral Visitation & Confirmation during 2024; as yet we do not have a fixed date. The Bishop’s Office will notify us in September when he will make his visitation. Obviously forward planning is extremely important. Confirmation is another one of those Sacramental milestones in our faith journey. It should never be taken lightly, and young people, please consider very carefully this next step you are about to take. Confirmation is about total commitment to your life of faith; it’s not about stamping the sacramental passport. The Age for Confirmation is 14 years and upwards, (you should be 14 years of age when you receive the Sacrament). Weekly attendance at Holy Mass is essential and is our obligation as Roman Catholics; not just periodic attendance. Please do not waste our time if you have not been attending Holy Mass over the past year or two. I ask the whole parish community to pray for our young people. There are so many distractions in our world today, and it’s very easy to stray away from the practice of the faith. Please be consistent and steadfast in your faith!

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

THIS IS A SPECIAL CALL TO ALL ALTAR SERVERS WHO NO LONGER SERVE AT ST EDMUND’S. COULD YOU KINDLY RETURN YOUR ALBS, AS THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THE NEW SERVERS.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

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 feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogmas of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John who will explain the whole process to you.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: Quite a number of Altar Servers ceased serving at Mass since the Pandemic. I’m making a special appeal to all former Altar Servers to kindly return their Albs to the Sacristy. Albs are extremely expensive to buy these days, and I believe there a quite a few still out there not being used anymore. If any young person wishes to become an Altar Server, please see Fr. John as soon as possible; we can help to prepare you to serve at the Altar. This is a truly wonderful ministry, and it is a special way of serving God and the whole community of faith.
Holy Virgin Godmother Vector Stock Vector.

GREAT HISTORY MYSTERY LECTURE – at Trinity Catholic High School, Thursday 6^th July at 7.30pm Dr Doherty will talk about the hideous and mysterious murder of the disappearance of King Edward II from Berkeley Castle in 1327. Refreshments will be served and Dr Doherty will raffle copies of his novels. Admission fee £2.00. All proceeds to the School Fund.

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 1^st July	10.00am	Int’s of John & Marian Schutz (Remy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 1^st July	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Ordination of Frank Westcott as Deacon(Fr John & Parish of St Edmund’s)
Mon 3^rd	10.00am	Violet Hall RIP
Tues 4^th	10.00am	Kate & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 5^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Thur 6^th	10.00am	Special Intention (Private)
Fri 7^th	10.00am	In Thanksgiving (Brian & Teresa Fabbri)
Sat 8^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Patrick McCreesh RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	Charlie Flynn RIP (Mary Ryan)

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@brcdt.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16

One day as Elisha was on his way to Shunem, a woman of rank who lived there pressed him to stay and eat there. After this he always broke his journey for a meal when he passed that way. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure the man who is constantly passing our way must be a holy man of God. Let us build him a small room on the roof, and put him a bed in it, and a table and chair and lamp; whenever he comes to us he can rest there.’ One day when he came, he retired to the upper room and lay down. He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call our Shunammitess. Tell her this: “Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us, what can we do for you? Is there anything you would like said for you to the king or to the commander of the army?”’ But she replied, ‘I live with my own people about me.’ ‘What can be done for her then?’ he asked. Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son and her husband is old.’ Elisha said, ‘Call her.’ The servant called her and she stood at the door. This time next year,’ he said ‘you will hold a son in your arms.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 88(89):2-3,16-19

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;

through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.

Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,

that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Happy the people who acclaim such a king,

who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

who find their joy every day in your name,

who make your justice the source of their bliss.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

For it is you, O Lord, who are the glory of their strength;

by your favour it is that our might is exalted;

for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord;

our king in the keeping of the Holy One of Israel.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Second Reading : Romans 6:3-4,8-11

When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.

But we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.

Gospel : Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.

‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’