Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
Today we celebrate the Sacrament which is the source and summit of the Christian life. This phrase ‘source and summit’ is a rather awesome one, isn’t it? It is as if in the blessed Eucharist is contained the entire spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Passover Lamb. The great St. Irenaeus put it so beautifully when he said many centuries ago ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.’ What does it mean to have our way of thinking attuned to the Eucharist?
Our word Eucharist has its roots in the Greek words eucharistein and eulogein, which recall the Jewish blessing – especially during a meal – of God’s works of creation, redemption and sanctification. At the very heart then, of the Eucharist is a celebration of praise and thanksgiving at which Christ is made real and present. This is why, on entering a church where the Eucharist is in the Tabernacle, we acknowledge the real presence of Christ and genuflect in adoration.
We must continue to cultivate a genuine sense of Eucharistic wonder and awe. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, he helps us grow in awareness of the fat that it is truly Christ himself whom we are receiving
This understanding that Christ is real and present in the Eucharist cannot be apprehended by the senses but only by faith, and our faith relies on God’s authority, for it was Jesus himself who said: This is my body, which is given for you.’ The eminent Church father St. Cyril said, ‘Do not doubt whether this is true but rather receive the words of the Saviour in faith, for since he is the truth, he cannot lie.’ The Eucharist is our greatest gift; it is our richest blessing and most cherished treasure. Nothing in the Christian life compares to it for in the Eucharist is Christ himself, the ‘Godhead here in hiding’.
Dear Friends in Christ Corpus Christi 2023
In this most wonderful Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we celebrate the Miracle of the Mass, the great gift that Jesus gave to the Apostles at the Last Supper and, which he continues to give to us for all time, His Body & Blood, Soul and Divinity. In faith, we gather each week to celebrate this most wondrous gift. In fulfilling our Sunday Obligation to worship with the Faith Community, we become more like our Divine Master. In living the Christian life we are striving to emulate Jesus Christ in all things. It is the Eucharist which gives us the strength and courage to continue to bear witness to Christ, through the holiness of our lives. Jesus feeds us with his very presence so we can grow in his likeness! Let us always love and respect this priceless gift of his Body & Blood!
URGENT, IMPORTANT MESSAGE – CALLING ACCOUNTANTS OR ANYONE IN FINANCE: UNFORTUNATELY AS YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE – PLEASE CAN I APPEAL AGAIN! After many years of service to our Parish, our Accountant Michael Manzi is retiring from this voluntary post. I would like to publicly thank Michael for the incredible work he has done over many years, it has certainly been invaluable to me personally, but also in general to the whole parish community. His selfless commitment and generosity of time has been invaluable. I now make this urgent appeal to the whole parish community for another volunteer, who would be willing to serve the parish in this capacity? Michael would be willing to help you and show you the ropes. Also being computer literate is necessary, and there is a special programme used for all Parish & Diocesan Accounts. Please contact Fr. John directly if you’re able to help Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Thank you!
ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE: Please pray for our own parishioner Frank Westcott who will be Ordained a Deacon on Sunday 2nd 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. If you would like to send him a card or good wishes his address is: Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B73 5AA.
May God Bless You All,
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: Forward planning is extremely important, as the Holy Communion Programme always starts in September. If there are any families whose children will be going into Year 3 in September, and who would like to enrol in the new programme Fr John will be seeing parents from Monday 19th June to Friday 23rd June. (Please book an appointment with Fr John Tel No: 020 8508 3492) The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are 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: Will be celebrated in 2024. (As yet we have not date from the Bishop’s Office) If there are any young people wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year please see Fr John for an enrolment form. Prerequisites: a) Baptised, Weekly practicing Roman Catholic. b) That you will be 14 years of age and above at the time of Confirmation. c) If you have not been attending church over the past year please don’t waste our time. Sadly, out of the 48 Confirmed in 2021, very few attend weekly Mass; some have never returned since the Day of their Confirmation; this is manifestly an insult to Almighty God and the dignity of the Sacrament. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not about stamping the Sacramental Passport! PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION PLEASE PERSONALLY COLLECT ENROLMENT FORM FROM Fr JOHN AT THE PRESBYTERY. Please kindly return by Friday 30th June 2023 to Fr John, Thank you!
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.
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.
HOLY WATER STOOPS: Have been put back in place at the back of the Church. Our custom as Roman Catholics as we enter the church is to make the sign of the cross with Holy Water. This reminds us of the Day of our Baptism, and that Baptism is an ongoing celebration of the life of faith. The Holy Water Stoops are cleaned and Holy Water renewed on a weekly basis.
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!
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.
‘THE PRIESTS’ – CHARITY CONCERT: Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society announce the singing trio ‘The Priests’ will be performing a second charity concert on Friday 30th June 2023 at the Brentwood Cathedral at 7.30pm. All tickets can be purchased directly through Eventbrite and are £30 per person plus booking fee: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/528414691567 We urge you to book early in order to avoid disappointment. It promises to be a great evening of entertainment. Full details are available on our website: www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/
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!
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: 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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 who will explain the whole process to you.
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.
ST JOHN FISHER VACANCY The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint a KS1/2 Teacher. Closing date Thursday 15th June, 12 noon; Interview date: Tuesday 20th June 2023. For further details please visit website below, or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383. www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk
ST LUKE’s CATHOLIC ACADEMY The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint an EYFS/KS1 Class Teacher. Closing date Thursday 15th June, 12 noon; Interview date: Monday 19th June 2023. For further details please visit website below, or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383. www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk
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 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.
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
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.
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 – JUNE 2023
| Sat 10th CORPUS | 10.00amCHRISTI | John Dowd RIP (Mary Ryan) |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 10th CORPUS | 6.00pm CHRISTI | People of the Parish |
| Sun 11th CORPUS | 9.00amCHRISTI | Shirley Holmes RIP (Sue & John Campbell) |
| Sun 11th | 11:00am | Daniel, Ellen & Betsy Exley RIP (Catherine Knight |
| Mon 12th | 10.00am | Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant) |
| Tues 13th | 10.00am | Martin Ward RIP (Pat Ward) |
| Wed 14th | 10.00am | John William Shea RIP (Fr John) |
| Thur 15th | 10.00am | Jim Sullivan RIP (Celine Sullivan) |
| Fri 16th | 10.00am | Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) |
| Sat 17th | 10.00am | Fr John Deehan’s Int’s (Mary Ryan) |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 17th | 6.00pm | Leo Feord RIP (Clifford Family) |
| Sun 18th | 9.00am | The dedicated Staff at Whipps Cross & UCL Hospitals (Susan & John Campbell) |
| Sun 18th | 11:00am | Richard Dulude’s Int’s (Eileen Lee) |
Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,
Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092
Corpus Christi – Solemnity
First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14-16
Moses said to the people: ‘Remember how the Lord your God led you for forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, to test you and know your inmost heart – whether you would keep his commandments or not. He humbled you, he made you feel hunger, he fed you with manna which neither you nor your fathers had known, to make you understand that man does not live on bread alone but that man lives on everything that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
‘Do not become proud of heart. Do not forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery: who guided you through this vast and dreadful wilderness, a land of fiery serpents, scorpions, thirst; who in this waterless place brought you water from the hardest rock; who in this wilderness fed you with manna that your fathers had not known.’
Responsive Psalm: Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion, praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates
he has blessed the children within you.
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
He established peace on your borders,
he feeds you with finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
The blessing-cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ, and the bread that we break is a communion with the body of Christ. The fact that there is only one loaf means that, though there are many of us, we form a single body because we all have a share in this one loaf.
Gospel : John 6:51-58
Jesus said to the crowd:
‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.
Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever;
and the bread that I shall give is my flesh,
for the life of the world.’
Then the Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you will not have life in you.
Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood
has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day.
For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
lives in me
and I live in him.
As I, who am sent by the living Father,
myself draw life from the Father,
so whoever eats me will draw life from me.
This is the bread come down from heaven;
not like the bread our ancestors ate:
they are dead,
but anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’