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 15th 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 21st 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.
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.
DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28th 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 (4th-10th) 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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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-640159623667SICK & 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.
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 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
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 2023
| Sat 15th | 10.00am | Holy Souls |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 15th | 6.00pm | People of the Parish |
| Sun 16th | 9.00am | Jose Vaquero Insunza RIP (Ruiz Family) |
| Sun 16th | 11:00am | Sally Dwyer RIP (Nora Pierce) |
| Mon 17th | 10.00am | Holy Souls |
| Tues 18th | 10.00am | Bertrand & Margaret Smith RIP (The Smith Family) |
| Wed 19th | 10.00am | Padhraig (Pat) Garvey RIP (Monica Maycraft) |
| Thur 20th | 10.00am | Jerry & Bridie Hunt Int’s (Mary Ryan) |
| Fri 21st | 10.00am | Anne Campbell (B’day Anni) (Brenda Bryant) |
| Sat 22nd | 10.00am | Holy Souls |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 22nd | 6.00pm | People of the Parish |
| Sun 23rd | 9.00am | Eileen Campbell RIP (Sue & John Campbell) |
| Sun 23rd | 11:00am | 21st 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