St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
The prayer of Jesus to the Father in John 17 sheds light on how important it is to pray for unity: in the family, the parish, the diocese and the Church at large. Today his prayer is for unity among those who will come to believe in him through the word (the teaching, preaching and News Testament writings) that will be passed on by Jesus’ disciples. But why should there be unity among Jesus’ disciples? And more importantly, how is this unity to come about? What is it about believing in Jesus that brings about unity as a consequence?
It is all about the new creation that is established through Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus is himself the first-born of God’s new creation. When Jesus died, he took with him to the cross the sin and fallen nature of all of humanity. Humanity’s fallen nature is that nature in which the self-life has been allowed to rule and control us. It is a nature that, in the end, cannot have union with God, because the self-life-refuses to let God take the central place – it is my will that I do, rather than God’s will. Jesus throughout his life revealed a true human life which was completed surrendered to the will of the Father. However, the cross was necessary because the power of the self-life, and of the self-will, needed to be put to death. It was brought to an end on Calvary. The resurrected Jesus is not the source of a life that is entirely one with the will of God.
For the same life to be manifested in us today, it is essential that we have union with both the death and resurrection of Jesus. The key elements of our willingness to let go of the self-life that can so dominate our lives – even, and perhaps especially, when our self-will produces actions and thoughts that we consider good. Part of the difficulty for us is that we often fail to realise just how much and how often our actions are determined by self-will. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal the extent of our self-will, and as he brings this to light, it will be his work also to bring that self-life to the cross.
Dear Friends in Christ, Seventh Sunday of Easter
REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: Commencing Monday 30th May the company we have contracted to decorate will begin on the outside of the Church. Health and Safety measures are in place; but please do be careful if you are around the church at this time. On Monday 6th June, the contractors will commence work on the inside of the Church. This will take place throughout the whole month of June. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during this period of time. During the Week, Monday to Saturday, the 10.00am Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Hall (On Wednesday’s the Mass will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 11th, 18th 25th June; & 2nd July, between 9.00am – 10.30am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting& cleaning the benches and generally cleaning the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!
PARISH ALTAR SOCIETY: In recent months we have lost so many members of the Parish Altar Society, who assist and help with keeping our church clean and tidy. We are desperately looking for new volunteers to help and assist in cleaning the church. ‘If everyone does a little, a lot gets done.’ If you can give an hour once a week or once a month, please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice or Fr John, all help will be gratefully received.
A REALLY BIG THANK YOU: On behalf of the First Holy Communion Catechists and their helpers, I would like to thank all the parents of our First Holy Communion Class this year for your incredible thoughtfulness and generosity to each one of us in the gifts you presented last Sunday; also for the very personal thank you notes and gifts that we received. It was a great pleasure to help the children over the past nine months. As I stated may this be the first of many Communions in the children’s lives of faith. This is now a way that the children can become more involved with the life of the parish. If any parents would like to join the Catechists team please see Kathryn or Fr John.
May God Bless You All
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic, It has been rescheduled to this year, with a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan, Priests of the Diocese, Family & Visitors from all over the world, and of course, My Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. There will be a Marquee the length of the Parish Car Park for the Reception afterwards; we will need a lot of help on the day organising the church and additional seating; organising the Marquee with Buffet Tables, seating etc. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith.
EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams.
ST BONAVENTURE HIGH SCHOOL: Alumni Event – 17th June 2022, 4.00pm-6.30pm. All former students and staff are welcome to attend – please help spread the word! Order a Ticket at: www.stbons.org/alumni – EMail any questions to alumni@stbons.org
BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact Fr John as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism takes place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm
NEW ALTAR SERVERS: I would like to extend an invitation to any of the boys and girls who received their First Holy Communion recently; if you would like to consider becoming an Altar Server at St Edmund’s. This is truly a wonderful way of serving God & the Church. Please speak to Fr John.
ARE YOU INTERSTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 7th June at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
AID FOR UKRAINE: The unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine are atrocious, many amounting to genocide. Our brothers and sisters there are experiencing terrible suffering as they struggle to defend their country and preserve their human rights and life itself. We are doing what we can from afar: assisting by the charity of our prayers and also with what practical means we can muster. Aid to the Church in Need is on the frontline of charitable assistance to Ukrainians. If you can help, you will find this link takes you to the ACN website where you can donate: https://acnuk.org/news/ukraine-charity-rolls-out-emergency-aid/
HELPING THOSE IN UKRAINE & UKRAINIAN REFUGEES: Caritas Brentwood are regularly updating information on their website, covering donations, prayer and welcoming those who are fleeing the Ukraine. You will find everything at: http//www.caritasbrentwood.org/Ukraine/
EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/
JUBILEE JAMBOREE AT ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On Saturday 11th June, from 2-5pm the St John Fisher Catholic Primary PTA will host our biggest event in years, the Jubilee Jamboree! With bouncy castles, fairground games, stalls, a petting zoo, sports day races, face painting, crafts and live performances, there is something for everyone! Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, hot dogs, burgers and sweets, and cold drinks. Bring your family and friends, a picnic blanket, and settle down for an afternoon of traditional fun and games. Advance tickets cost just £1 for adults and children or £6 for children’s unlimited bouncing on the inflatables. Under 2s are free. Tickets on the door will cost £2 for the adults and £7 for the children. Please email us on sjfpta@outlook.com if you’d like to purchase some. The SJF Jubilee Jamboree is an event not to be missed so do come along and support our local school. We’d love to see you there!
NOTE TO OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP
We will be singing and playing at our next Mass, which is the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5th June (Pentecost Sunday). It would be appreciated if all our singers could be there by around 10.40am so that we can quickly run through the hymns before Mass starts. Thank you.
If there are any parishioners who would like to join our group, simply come along – you will be made very welcome!
PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.
MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.
PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. First Holy Communion gifts and items. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. A Variety of Easter Cards. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.
FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE: Fr Paul Keane has been appointed as the Catholic Chaplian to the University of Cambridge. Fr Paul has served as Vice-Rector of Oscott College during very challenging times and, hopefully, will be able to take a break before taking up his new responsbilities in the Autumn.
FR KEIRAN DODD: Will be celebrating 60 years of Sacred Priesthood this year. A concelebrated mass with two other Jubilarians Fr George Towler & Fr John McKeon will be presided by Bishop Alan on Friday 10th June at midday at SS Peter & Paul Parish Ilford.
MONTHLY YOUTH MASS AT THE CATHEDRAL: Will take place on Thursday 2nd June, Canon Martin O’Connor will preach the homily. There will be refreshments, Pizza & Drinks beforehand at 6pm in the parish Hall. The Mass will be at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome!
DIARY MAY 2022
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH
Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.
ANNIVERSARIES: Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:
Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH
PARISH GIFT AID SCHEME: I would like to appepal to the whole parish community with regard to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. This is a truly wonderful way, if you are a Tax Payer, of Gift Aiding to the Parish. We have expereinced a soncdierable drop in Income, espcially since the Pandemic. If you join the Gift Aid Scheme, it means that we are able to collect 25 pence in the £1. E.g. If you give £5 a week, £1.25p can be claimed back through tax and divereted to the Church. Which really does help each year.
SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you!
PARISH FINANCES: As you can appreciate, during this pandemic the parish income took a severe hit, and we are still not back at the same levels as we were prior to 2020. My sincere and grateful thanks to those who have signed up for online giving and Gift Aid, this is helping. Many parishioners have not returned to the regular practice of faith, and many Gift Aid boxes were not collected this year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God.
BCYS YOUTH GATHER: 22nd – 23rd October, Mersea Island. Stay in cabins and try a brilliant range of outward bound activities from climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. Open to all those in years 9 and above, book NOW at www.bcys.net/events
BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.
THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.
IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregular Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secular venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non-Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to rectify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. John’s Day Off. In cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688. This would also apply if Fr. John is away for a few days break or on Retreat. All the local funeral directors have a contact number for Fr. John if a funeral needs to be arranged in his absence.
MASS INTENTIONS – MAY / JUNE 2022
| Sat 28th | 10.00am | Edward Martin Duffy RIP (M Duffy) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 28th | 6.00pm | People of the Parish |
| Sun 29th | 9.00am | Martin Kendal RIP (Kendal Family) |
| Sun 29th | 11:00am | Sylvester Duff RIP (M Ryan) |
| Mon 30th | 10.00am | Elsie Poulter RIP (Kendal Family) |
| Tues 31st | 9.00am | Remy B’day Int’s (Frank Westcott) |
| Wed 1stJune | 10.00am | Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) |
| Thurs 2nd | 10.00am | Jack Creighton RIP (Paul Fleming) |
| Fri 3rd | 10.00am | Pat & Margaret B’day (Veronica & Steve Short) |
| Sat 4th | 9.00am | Pat & Margaret B’day Int’s (Remy) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 4th | 6.00pm | Helen McLaughlin RIP (Ann McLaughlin) |
| Sun 5th | 9.00am | For Sick Daughter (Dr Peter Wright) |
| Sun 5th | 11:00am | John Anthony Harvey RIP (40 Anni) (Fr John) |
Please kindly be patient with your mass requests. I will try to accommodate your requested dates, but there have been a large number of requests recently and we celebrate masses in the order in which we receive them.
Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092
| First reading | Acts 7:55-60 © |
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’; and with these words he fell asleep.
| Responsorial Psalm |
The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
the many coastlands be glad.
His throne is justice and right.
The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
All you spirits, worship him.
The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.
The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.
SECOND READING
I, John, heard a voice speaking to me: ‘Very soon now, I shall be with you again, bringing the reward to be given to every man according to what he deserves. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Happy are those who will have washed their robes clean, so that they will have the right to feed on the tree of life and can come through the gates into the city.’
I, Jesus, have sent my angel to make these revelations to you for the sake of the churches. I am of David’s line, the root of David and the bright star of the morning.
The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ Let everyone who listens answer, ‘Come.’ Then let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free.
The one who guarantees these revelations repeats his promise: I shall indeed be with you soon. Amen; come, Lord Jesus.
| Gospel Acclamation |
Alleluia, alleluia!
I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord;
I will come back to you,
and your hearts will be full of joy.
Alleluia!
| GospelJohn 17:20-26 © |
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Holy Father,
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us,
as you are in me and I am in you,
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
With me in them and you in me,
may they be so completely one
that the world will realise that it was you who sent me
and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.
Father, I want those you have given me
to be with me where I am,
so that they may always see the glory you have given me
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One,
the world has not known you,
but I have known you,
and these have known that you have sent me.
I have made your name known to them
and will continue to make it known,
so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,
and so that I may be in them.’