Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
Dear Friends in Christ, Twentieth Sunday of the Year
The reaction of Jesus’ disciples to the mother of the demon-possessed child, suggests that the woman had been pursuing them and they have had enough of her. They ask Jesus to send her away. In a reply that seems totally unrelated, Jesus reveals the reason his lack of response to the woman’s need: ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’. Jesus’ primary mission was to gather all the faithful together into God’s kingdom so that they would become a people covenanted by God and each other and so be a light to the nations.
What a shame that we only know this courageous woman by her nationality and not her name! She does not give up but cries out one more time: ‘Lord help me!’ Jesus’ response to her plea is hard for us to hear but bear with us and light will be shed. He says: ‘It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs’. In using the word ‘dogs’ Jesus is drawing on a popular stereotype used by the Jews in contempt of Gentiles but he in fact adopted a kinder term which might be translated ‘pups’. He is continuing this theme of his mission to minister to the Jewish nation. In her response, the woman reveals no resentment, just profound faith: ‘Yes, Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their mater’s table’. Identifying immediately with her ‘great faith’ Jesus duly rewards her with her daughter’s healing.
The woman’s witness of courageous perseverance and utter determination to cling to the Lord holds out hope for us all. It’s easy to be despondent and lose faith if our prayers aren’t answered immediately. We must be persistent in prayer!
Fr John will be leaving St Edmund’s Parish on Wednesday 30th August
to take up his new assignment as Dean of Brentwood Cathedral.
Fr Adrian Lowe will arrive at St Edmund’s on
Friday 1st September to take us his assignment as Prish Priest.
Please keep them both in your prayers as they begin
this new chapter in their Priestly lives.
Dear Friends in Christ 20th Sunday of the Year 2023
This will be my last full week at St Edmund’s Parish as I will be leaving on Wednesday 30th August to take up my new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral. As you can appreciate, moving is never easy, especially after twenty-one years of being your Pastor. But as priests, it is the life we embrace; on the day of ordination, I took a sacred promise of obedience to my bishop, so I have always responded with acceptance. Being with you for so long as my spiritual family I have watched families grow, seen the children I baptised become young men and women making their way in the world, these are some the wonderful memories that I will carry with me in my heart. To have met so many wonderful people during these years has certainly been a grace and blessing. As I told you recently half of my Priesthood has been spent with you here in Loughton. I have been extremely happy here and thank Almighty God for giving me such a long assignment. Now a new chapter must begin! I ask for your prayers in the weeks and months ahead that I settle quickly at the Cathedral Parish, and that I can continue to serve the People of God.
I would like to express my sincere and grateful thanks to those who helped to pack books and my belongings ready for the move. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of time and energy. I don’t think I will need anymore help now, so a big thank you to you all.
I also ask you prayers for all the priest who will be moving over the next week to take up their new assignments, especially Fr Adrian Lowe who will be your new Parish priest. I know he is really excited about coming to St Edmund’s.
It is customary for the outgoing Parish Priest to be invited back to his former parish for a thanksgiving celebration. I have been invited by Fr Adrian for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 1st October at the 11.00am Mass. As I will actually be leaving before the resumption of the school academic year, and also many people will still be on holiday, it will be lovely to say a formal goodbye to the whole community on the 1st October; I trust you’ll be able to join me. I would like to thank Fr Adrian for this kind invitation. Fr Adrian has been invited back to Wanstead for his celebration by the new PP on Sunday 17th September at 6.30pm.
MASS OF INSTALLATION AS DEAN OF BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL This invitation is extended to the whole parish of St Edmund’s, you will be most welcome to come to the Installation Mass on Friday 22nd September at 7.00pm. Our Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate the Installation Mass.
Address: Brentwood Cathedral, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM15 8AT
God Bless You All,
FR JOHN’S LAST SUNDAY MASSES: Over the past twenty-one years I have baptised many children, given First Holy Communion to hundreds of children, performed many marriages, celebrated Confirmation with many of our teenagers. It would be truly wonderful if as many as possible could attend next weekend’s masses. I know it is still holiday time, but it would be lovely to see as many as possible before I leave on the 30th August. I thank Almighty God for being able to assist so many in our parish on the faith journey and pray for you all. St Edmund’s will always have a special place in my heart. I thank you for the many things you have taught me as your Pastor. I now ask your prayers.
PARISH SECRETARIAL EMPLOYMENT: I have forwarded the names of the various individuals who made enquiry about the part-time secretarial work at St Edmund’s Parish to Fr Adrian. Manifestly, he will contact these various people when he arrives in the Parish.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: The new First Holy Communion Programme will commence on Wednesday 13th September with a Parents’ Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. (You will be able to purchase your child’s workbook ‘I Belong’ £8.00). The children’s first class will take place on Sunday 17th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. (This is the big meeting room above the Parish Hall). This is such an important time in your child’s life and this preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist is the next stage on their Faith Journey. Katheryn Poulter and Elena Manara are our First Holy Communion Catechists. We encourage all the children’s parents to be involved with the programme throughout the year. Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Just a short note to inform all our candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, that the Bishop’s Office will notify your new Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, when the Parish Visitation and Confirmation will take place next year 2024. Until then, we cannot give a specific date for starting the programme. Mark Anthony and several other parishioners are the Catechists for the preparation of the Sacrament. Also, please pray for all the Confirmation Candidates.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Our next 11am Sunday Mass will be held on the 3rd September and we will be having a practice for this Mass on Thursday,31st August between 7pm and 8pm. Would all our singers and musicians make every effort to come to the practice as well as the Mass please. The 3rd September will be our first Sunday Mass with our new Parish priest, Fr. Adrian, and it would be nice if we could be well practised to welcome him!
It would also be great if we had more young singers and their families to join our group and you would be made very welcome!
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.
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.
FORWARD PLANNING: As the new Academic Year approaches, 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.
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 niht” 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.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667EPPING 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/
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
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 GIFTS TO GOD & HIS CHURCH
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!
MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2023
| Sat 19th | 10.00am | Frances Jesse Perrett RIP |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 19th | 6.00pm | Gerard Pampellonne RIP (K. Pampellonne) |
| Sun 20th | 9.00am | Michael Sexton RIP (Sue & John Campbell) |
| Sun 20th | 11:00am | David Faud RIP (Theresa Faud) |
| Mon 21st | 9.00am | Charley Convery RIP (Potter & Bacon families) |
| Tues 22nd | 9.00am | Nancy Hands 90th B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret) |
| Wed 23rd | 9.00am | Terry Weight RIP (Heavenly B’day) 9Lucy Weight) |
| Thur 24th | 11.00am | John & Sharon Fitzmaurice 25th Wedding Anniversary) |
| Fri 25th | 9.00am | Thomas More Haggar RIP (Helen & Bill Walsh) |
| Sat 26th | 9.00am | Teresa Kane RIP (Anni) (Margaret Duffy) |
| Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 26th | 6.00pm | People of the Parish |
| Sun 27th | 9.00am | Vincent Brown RIP (Sue & John Campbell) |
| Sun 27th | 11:00am | Mary Maher RIP (Walsh Family ) |
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
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading : Isaiah 56:1,6-7
Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest.
Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.
Responsive Psalm : Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
O God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your saving help.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and exult
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples,
you guide the nations on earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
till the ends of the earth revere him.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Second Reading : Romans 11:13-15,29-32
Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.
Gospel : Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.