St Edmunds – Page 13 – St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Second Sunday of Easter 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Some may not believe in God but God believes in them. Unbelief is common these days, but it’s different from doubt. Thomas knew all about doubt. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because God gave us minds to think and reason. Faith is truly a gift, intended to work together in harmony with reason.

The Lord appeared to Thomas to lead him from unbelief to faith: ‘Do not be faithless, but believing’. Through seeing the Risen Lord, Thomas came to a profound faith, and his confession of faith should be on the lips of every believer: ‘My Lord and my God’. However, faith is often tested and tried, and we struggle with doubts. We doubt that God lives us. We doubt that he has a plan for our lives and will take care of us. We doubt that he can change certain areas of our lives, especially those with which we have struggled for years.

We, like Thomas, need Jesus to lead us from doubt to faith, from unbelief to belief. Paul wrote, ‘So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes from the preaching of Christ’. We tend to understand a text of Scriptures like this to mean that the Gospel should be preached by a bishop, priest or deacon, but actually we must first learn to preach the Gospel to ourselves. We must learn, if you like, to be the bearer of the Good News to ourselves and to the situations and challenges we face. We need to let the Gospel enter us and change us.

What truths do we need to proclaim? The truth of the Gospel; is that God is love and that God loves you. Make this prayer during your day: ‘Lord, I know you love me and died for me. Give me a deeper knowledge and understanding of your divine mercy.’ Also, try and praise God during your day, praying, ‘Praise you, Lord Jesus. You are the Holy One and you are worthy of glory, honour and praise.’

Dear Friends in Christ: Second Sunday of Easter 2022

I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking the whole parish community for such a wonderful Holy Week. I really felt we were getting back to some semblance of normality after the revious two years of Pandemic. But we should also remember that Covid is still with us!

So many people enriched our Holy Week Service. This year our Choir were excpetional, learning new pieces of music and singing in full force. If anyone else would like to join the choir, please go and introduce yourself to Sue Farrowy our Choir Director. We are only too happy for more new members, especially if you enjoy singing.

My thanks to David Knott & Robert Hatt our MC’s and all our Altar Servers; it was wonderful to see you serving at the Triduum Service last week. This year we were joined by 4 Deacons & 6 seminarians from the Pntifical North American College, which really enhanced our Liturgy and Holy Week Services. It’s truly wonderful to have the seminarians back witih us once again, after a two year hiatus. They have asked me to convey their thanks to the whole parish community for their incredible & hosptiable welcome. Also on a personla note a big thank you to all parishioenrs who dropped off Desserts, Pies & Cup Cakes, also bottles of Gin, Whiskey & Port. They certinaly appreciated it, and put a big dent in all those goodies!

My thanks to the Altar Society for all their hard work in prepratation for Easter; but also throughout the rest of the eyar. Unfortunaly, many people have stopped helping with the Society, and we are in desperate need of some additional help in maintiaing, cleaning the church. If you are able to help for an hour or so a month, please contact Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: From the private revelations to St Faustina; Jesus asked Faustina to make known his great love and mercy. He wants people to trust in his mercy, to ask for it, and to allow themselves to be vessels of his mercy for others. Traditionally, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 3.00pm the time of the Lord’s death. St. Faustina recounted that Jesus asked people to pray and reflect on his Passion during this hour, and to ask for God’s mercy on the world. He promised that “In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.”

May God Bless you All this week,

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: If you have not made your Easter Offering yet, it’s still not too late! Envelopes are still available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Porch. The new financial year has begun so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be joyfully singing and playing at our next Mass, 11am on Sunday, 1^st May, which is the Third Sunday of Easter. Would all singers kindly arrive by around 10.35 so that we can run through the hymns and Mass setting? We’d really like to see more of our regular singers turn up and any young families or new singers who may like to join us would be made very welcome! With thanks and we look forward to seeing you all there.

ST EDMUND’S PARISH HALL: Is in the process of being redecorated. It’s a number of years since the last decoration. Hopefully it should be completed by the end of next weekend. We have also ordered brand new curtains for the hall. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused to various groups. The Church will also hopefully be decorated both inside and out during May & June. It’s over 25 years since the outside of the church was decorated and 16 years for the inside. As you can see it’s beginning to look a little tired. Thankfully the diocese has given permission for these projects, and the proceeds of the sale of St Thomas More site will offset all the costs. I will notify you when I’ve been given the dates for commencing work on the Church.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The children will meet on Sunday 24^th April at 10.00am. Theme; Receiving the Eucharist. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they prepare to receive Holy Communion of the first time next month. Rehearsals for Frist Communion on Wednesday 11^th May at 4pm group 1, 5pm group 2, 6pm group 3. First communion celebrations: Saturday 14^th May at 12Noon, Sunday 15^th May at 1.00pm. Sunday 22^nd May, 11.00am Going Forth Mass. Communion Party

AID FOR UKRAINE: We have begun Lent this year conscious of the unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine. 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/

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

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/

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.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to this year, with 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. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith Can you help me clipart.

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 3^rd May at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm. The speaker will be Fr Gary Dench. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 28th May 2022: Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham as we celebrate the Year of the Family ‘Hearing and Doing the Word of God’. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House. If you would like to come we would need to organise a Parish pilgrimage from the Church.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. 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. Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

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.

DIARY APRIL – 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: Jamie McRory RIP, Michael Tuohy RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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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

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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 23rd – 30th July 2022. Assist pilgrims going to Masses and services, shops and cafes of the beautiful French town, join in social time together, take part in retreats, reconciliation service, visit the baths, the stunning mountain town of Gavarnie, enjoy social nights, party and experience the amazing Lourdes processions. The cost is £625 for the week, and is open to all those in school year 11 and above (funding and grant opportunities are available). For more information and to book you can visit www.bcys.net/events/sl22 – applications close Sunday 20^th February

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 Irregualr Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secualr 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 recetify 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

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 frist time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022 EASTER WEEK

Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd’s Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 24^th	9.00am	Mrs Aida DeGala Carlos (Rey Bacani)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Dorothy Joan Goodman RIP (Haybee Ylaya)
Mon 25^th	10.00am	Kenneth George Tudhope RIP (M Duffy)
Tues 26^th	10.00am	Dec’d members of Munro family ((The Munro family)
Wed 27^th	10.00am	Sylvester Duff RIP (M Ryan)
Thurs 28^th	10.00am	Int’s of Antonia Clancy (Christine Perrett)
Fri 29^th	10.00am	Kathleen ‘Babs’ Wood RIP (Anthony family)
Sat 30^th	10.00am	Ann Hawkes Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Nora Reardon RIP (Kathleen Pampellonne)
Sun 1^stMay	9.00am	Lynnanne Rollocks (sick) (K Pampellonne)
Sun 1^stMay	11:00am	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)

Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter)

First Reading : Acts 5:12-16

The faithful all used to meet by common consent in the Portico of Solomon. No one else ever dared to join them, but the people were loud in their praise and the numbers of men and women who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily. So many signs and wonders were worked among the people at the hands of the apostles that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds and sleeping-mats in the hope that at least the shadow of Peter might fall across some of them as he went past. People even came crowding in from the towns round about Jerusalem, bringing with them their sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were cured.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 117(118):2-4,22-27

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

‘His love has no end.’

Let the sons of Aaron say:

‘His love has no end.’

Let those who fear the Lord say:

‘His love has no end.’

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord;

we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

O Lord, grant us salvation;

O Lord, grant success.

Blessed in the name of the Lord

is he who comes.

We bless you from the house of the Lord;

the Lord God is our light.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Second Reading : Apocalypse 1:9-13,17-19

My name is John, and through our union in Jesus I am your brother and share your sufferings, your kingdom, and all you endure. I was on the island of Patmos for having preached God’s word and witnessed for Jesus; it was the Lord’s day and the Spirit possessed me, and I heard a voice behind me, shouting like a trumpet, ‘Write down all that you see in a book.’ I turned round to see who had spoken to me, and when I turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands and, surrounded by them, a figure like a Son of man, dressed in a long robe tied at the waist with a golden girdle.

When I saw him, I fell in a dead faint at his feet, but he touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid; it is I, the First and the Last; I am the Living One, I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of the underworld. Now write down all that you see of present happenings and things that are still to come.’

Gospel : John 20:19-31

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me,

so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:

‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

For those whose sins you forgive,

they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain,

they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

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Easter Sunday 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Dear Friends in Christ

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Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we gather together to celebrate the greatest event in history, the triumph over sin & death by Jesus Christ Our Lord; we thank God for the gift of his Son, who, through his Life, Passion, Death & Resurrection has won for us Eternal Life. A New Life began on that first Easter morning. Everything that Jesus did with the Apostles would now come to fruition with the beginning of the Church. You and I are part of that ongoing story of Salvation History.

Today, we gather to worship the Risen Lord, and thank God for the gift of his Son and His saving action. We have much to be grateful for, and even in the darkest moments of our lives, and many have experienced these over the past twelve months, we can express our gratitude to Almighty God. Hope is at the heart of the Easter story, and combined with faith and love, our lives are filled with the Joy of the Resurrection. Our lives have meaning and purpose and our goal is ultimately Heaven. ‘The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!’

Dear Friends in Christ: Easter Sunday 2022

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make our Holy Week ceremonies so wonderful. It’s truly wonderful to be able to celebrate our Holy Week this year with some semblance of normality. The past two years have been very challenging in all sorts of ways. I make this impassioned plea to all Catholics to return to the full-practice of faith. My sincere thanks go to our Steward Volunteers, serving the parish every week, To all those who work behind the scenes, sacristans, altar society, MC’s & servers, Choir director and choirs, Readers & Eucharistic Ministers. Special thanks to all the ladies who did the flowers for Easter and for all who donated lilies in remembrance of loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We still have a long way to go, in rebuilding our parish again after this Pandemic. Obviously, we all still have to keep vigilant. But to be part of a worshipping community is one of the greatest blessings as Catholic Christians; and being able to express our faith on this Easter Day is the greatest Joy of all! Thank you one and all!

Wishing you and all your Loved Ones a Very Happy & Holy Easter.

May the Peace & Joy of the Risen Lord be with you All.

Love & God Bless,

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

THANK YOU: To all parishioners who have so kindly delivered desserts and other goodies during the stay of our North American College Seminarians. Your generosity is boundless. It’s been truly wonderful having the guys back with us once again after a two year hiatus. They have all expressed their thanks for your wonderful hospitality. Thankyou

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Quigley RIP, late of this parish, who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 20^th April at 12.15pm and interment at Barkingside Cemetery at 2.00pm. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss.

ALSO: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Vivienne Roe RIP, whose Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 21^st April at 12.15pm, followed by burial at Theydon Bois Cemetery. Our condolences to her family in this time of loss.

ALSO: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Baby Burgess RIP, whose funeral Mass will take place on Friday 22^nd April at 2.30pm. Our sincere condolences to Mr & Mrs Burgess at the terrible loos of their baby.

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MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022 EASTER WEEK

Sat 16^th	10.30am	Confessions for Easter
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	8.00pm	EASTER VIGIL John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sun 17^th Easter Day	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 17^th Easter Day	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 18^th	10.00am	Michael DoBosh Int’s. (Private)
Tues 19^th	10.00am	Maria Docarmo Feijo RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Wed 20^th	10.00am 12.15pm	Joe Brown RIP (Betty Brown) Requiem Mass. Elizabeth Quigley RIP
Thurs 21^st	10.00am 12.15pm	Dec’d members of the McDermott Family Requiem Mass. Vivienne Roe RIP
Fri 22^nd	10.00am 2.30pm	Annam Kutty Anthony RIP (G O’Donoghue) Funeral Mass for Baby Burgess RIP
Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd’s Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 24^th	9.00am	Mrs Aida DeGala Carlos (Rey Bacani)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Dorothy Joan Goodman RIP (Haybee Ylaya)

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

Easter Sunday

First Reading: Acts 10:34,37-43

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117(118):1-2,16-17,22-23

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

‘His love has no end.’

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

and recount his deeds.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.

Gospel: John 20:1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

This is Holy Week 2022

St Edmund of Canterbury & St Thomas More

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

In this most beautiful of all weeks in the Church’s Liturgical Year I would like to re-iterate my invitation that I made on Palm Sunday, that, in a very special way this year we make an extra special effort to participate in the beautiful ceremonies, especially the Sacred Triduum.

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICE: This evening Tuesday 12^th April at 8.00pm with visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What more fitting way to prepare for the Resurrection of the Lord, than to receive God’s unconditional, merciful & loving forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession. There will also be a visiting Polish priest who will hear confessions in Polish & English.

CHRISM MASS: At Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 13^th April at 11.00am. This is an open invitation to the whole Diocese. The Blessing of the Sacred Oils for the celebration of the Sacraments takes place, and also all the Priest renew their Priestly Vows of commitment and service. All welcome!

THE SACRED TRIDUUM

MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPPER: Thursday 14^th April at 8.00pm. This beautiful celebration commemorates the First Eucharist, where Jesus gave his disciples the gift of his Body & Blood. Also the beautiful and humble act of Service shown by Jesus in the washing of the disciple’s feet. There will be watching until midnight.

GOOD FRIDAY: THE SACRED PASSION OF OUR LORD: 15^th April. The main Service on Good Friday is always the Passion of the Lord, celebrated at 3.00pm – the moment of his death. This simple Liturgy allows us to hear St John’s Passion Account, and also to venerate the Cross of Jesus. The veneration is an act of Love and reverence for what the Lord was willing to sacrifice for each one of us. Children’s Stations of the Cross at 11.00am. Solemn Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm

HOLY SATURDAY: THE SACRED EASTER VIGIL – Saturday 16^th April at 8.00pm. The first Mass of Easter resurrection encapsulates the whole of Salvation History, to that moment when Christ was Raised from the dead in the triumph of Resurrection. There will be two receptions into the Church on Holy Saturday, and a reception in the Parish Hall afterwards. I ask all of our Parishioners to seriously think about attending the Easter Vigil, it is the most beautiful of all ceremonies throughout the Liturgical year. Easter Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am (sung)

Wishing you all a very Happy & Holy Easter

Palm Sunday 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Palm Sunday of the Passion, Year c, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ THIS IS HOLY WEEK

We are about to embark upon our Holy Week 2022. Thank God we are able to gather with some semblance of normality once again for our Holy Week Services, journeying with Our Blessed Lord and accompanying Him in faith and love, through his Pasion & Death, and, to share in the triumph of resurrection Faith on East Easter Day.

Our Palm Sunday celebration reminds us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City, to cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. This, of course, is overshadowed by the religious authorities and crowds, who in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with the words, ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ This Palm Sunday sets the scene for the rest of our Holy Week.

THE SACRED TRIDUUM: The three Holy Days – are seen as one continuous celebration of faith. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper where the institution of the Holy Eucharist took place; the eternal gift the Lord gave to the Apostles on the night before he died. He journey’s to Gethsemane where he prays to the Father. The arrest takes place in the garden; and the Apostles flee in fear.

Good Friday: this sacred and solemn day calls to mind, the cruel treatment of Jesus, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, his condemnation through false evidence brought against him. Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, and he begins the journey up the Hill of Calvary to his brutal Crucifixion & Death.

Holy Saturday: Commences with the silence of the Tomb. And yet God raises Jesus out of death. We celebrate the first Mass of Easter at our Vigil celebration. Jesus triumphs over sin and death and invites us to share in the New Life of Resurrection faith.

My Dear Friends in Christ, Palm Sunday 2022

As we enter into the Greatest Week of the Church’s liturgical year, we accompany the Lord Jesus in the days ahead, journeying with him to Jerusalem, the Holy City, to the beauty of the Last Supper & the Lord’s great witness of Service through the Washing of Feet, to the giving of the first Eucharist. His betrayal by Judas, and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The denial by Peter; the orchestrated and mock trial. His eventual condemnation to death by Pilate; and the horrendous nature of death by Crucifixion. But of course for the Christian this is not the end of the story. Easter Resurrection is our joy and hope. A New Life will begin – the Church was born – and here we are over two thousand years later still celebrating this great event of faith. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE A PART OF OUR HOLY WEEK CELEBRATIONS.

PARISH LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE: Traditionally, part of our spiritual preparation for Easter would be to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year on Tuesday 12^th April we will have our Penance Service at 8.00pm. There will be visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Confession; also a Polish priest to accommodate our Polish parishioners. Please can I appeal to all of our parishioners to make a very special effort this year and join us for the Penance Service and receive God’s merciful and loving forgiveness! There is no greater feeling than to be free from the burdens of sin. Unfortunately due to Covid over the past two years we missed out on our Penance Service. Even more reason this year to celebrate the Sacrament.

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: it is with great joy that we welcome back once again Deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College who will be with us for this Palm Sunday weekend, Holy Week & Easter. There will be ten students during this period, not all at the same time, but we will have five with us for the Triduum & Easter. You are always so kind to them when they’re here. Can I make an appeal to your generosity? My housekeeper is truly wonderful feeding these boys; but could I ask for some desserts. My experience through the years is that they all love desserts, especially home-made desserts, apple pies, trifles, etc. also as you can appreciate they like a drink as well; if anyone has any spare bottles of Whiskey, Gin or Port, it would not be wasted. I hope you don’t mind me asking! Thanking you in anticipation.

Wishing you A Blessed Holy Week,

YOUR PERSONAL EASTER OFFERTORY TO FR JOHN:

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 ‘EASTER OFFERING’ + Gift Aid Number

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

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

PLEASE TRY TO JOIN US FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES THIS YEAR 2022

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS I commend to your prayers Neil MacKinnon & Mark Shelton who are at the final stages of preparation to be received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil 8.00pm Easter Saturday 16^th April. Please come and support Neil & Mark on this very special occasion, celebrating the First Mass of Resurrection. If you want to know more about the RCIA (Journey of Faith) programme, please contact Fr John Telephone No: 020 8508 3492

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The traditional devotion during the Lenten Season. I would encourage all our parishioners to attend the Stations of the Cross either on Fridays at 10.30am or Sundays at 5.00pm. This beautiful devotion follows the last journey made by Jesus on Good Friday to Calvary.

Special Stations of the Cross for Children on Good Friday at 11.00am

Class Teacher vacancy KS2/1/EYFS at St John Fisher, Loughton.

The Governors of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an excellent, enthusiastic, and caring classroom teacher to join our successful team.Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. The closing date for application is Closing date for Applications: 25^th April 2022 with interviews 3^rd April. Please email finance@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk or alternatively call 02085086135. For further details please visit https://www.st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk/

BIG CHURCH CLEAN FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER: There will be a Big Church Clean for Easter on Tuesday 12^th April from 9.30 onwards – immediately after the 9.00am Mass. Please note that there will be no private prayer after Mass. If you can come for an hour or so to assist with the cleaning of the Church, all volunteers will be most welcome. Please! Please! Please! We need your help. Thank you!

Lilies at Easter 2022

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 14^th

April 2022

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

HOLY WEEK VISITATION TO THE SICK: Fr John will bring Holy Communion to the Sick & Housebound during this Holy Week

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. There are some beautiful Easter Cards from Quidenham Carmelite Monastery. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

MASS INTENTIONS, HOLY WEEK & EASTER – APRIL 2022

Sat 9^th	9.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)
Sun 10^th Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	Marcela Sanchez RIP (Bacani Family) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction
Mon 11^th	10.00am	Graham Howes RIP (Howes Family)
Tues 12^th	9.00am 8.00pm	Alan & Doreen Wiltshire RIP (Smith Family) Parish Penance Service with visiting clergy
Wed 13^th	9.00am 11.00am	Michael O’Donoghue RIP (G O’Donoghue) Chrism Mass at Brentwood Cathedral
Thurs 14^th	9.00am 8.00pm	Tenebrae (Office of Readings & Morning Pr) THE MASS OF THE LAST SUPPER Bill Ronan RIP (Mary Ryan)
Fri 15^th Good Friday	9.00am 11.00am 3.00pm 7.00pm	Tenebrae (Office of Readings & Morning Pr) Children’s Stations of the Cross THE PASSION OF OUR LORD Solemn Stations of the Cross. All welcome
Sat 16^th	10.30am 11.00am	Confessions Rehearsal for Easter Vigil
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	8.00pm	SOLEM EASTER VIGILJohn & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sun 17^th Easter Day	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

Palm Sunday

First Reading : Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord has given me

a disciple’s tongue.

So that I may know how to reply to the wearied

he provides me with speech.

Each morning he wakes me to hear,

to listen like a disciple.

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 21(22):8-9,17-20,23-24

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me.

They curl their lips, they toss their heads.

‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him;

let him release him if this is his friend.’

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Many dogs have surrounded me,

a band of the wicked beset me.

They tear holes in my hands and my feet

I can count every one of my bones.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

They divide my clothing among them.

They cast lots for my robe.

O Lord, do not leave me alone,

my strength, make haste to help me!

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell of your name to my brethren

and praise you where they are assembled.

‘You who fear the Lord give him praise;

all sons of Jacob, give him glory.

Revere him, Israel’s sons.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Second Reading : Philippians 2:6-11

His state was divine,

yet Christ Jesus did not cling

to his equality with God

but emptied himself

to assume the condition of a slave

and became as men are;

and being as all men are,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death,

death on a cross.

But God raised him high

and gave him the name

which is above all other names

so that all beings

in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld,

should bend the knee at the name of Jesus

and that every tongue should acclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel : Luke 22:14-23:56

Key: N. Narrator. ✠ Jesus. O. Other single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.

N. When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them,

✠ I have longed to eat this passover with you before I suffer; because, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

N. Then, taking a cup, he gave thanks and said,

✠ Take this and share it among you, because from now on, I tell you, I shall not drink wine until the kingdom of God comes.

N. Then he took some bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying,

✠ This is my body which will be given for you; do this as a memorial of me.

N. He did the same with the cup after supper, and said,

✠ This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you.

And yet, here with me on the table is the hand of the man who betrays me. The Son of Man does indeed go to his fate even as it has been decreed, but alas for that man by whom he is betrayed!

N. And they began to ask one another which of them it could be who was to do this thing.

A dispute arose also between them about which should be reckoned the greatest, but he said to them,

✠ Among pagans it is the kings who lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are given the title Benefactor. This must not happen with you. No; the greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves. For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? The one at table, surely? Yet here am I among you as one who serves!

You are the men who have stood by me faithfully in my trials; and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Simon, Simon! Satan, you must know, has got his wish to sift you all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.

N. He answered,

O. Lord, I would be ready to go to prison with you, and to death.

N. Jesus replied,

✠ I tell you, Peter, by the time the cock crows today you will have denied three times that you know me.

N. He said to them,

✠ When I sent you out without purse or haversack or sandals, were you short of anything?

N. They answered,

C. No.

N. He said to them,

✠ But now if you have a purse, take it; if you have a haversack, do the same; if you have no sword, sell your cloak and buy one, because I tell you these words of scripture have to be fulfilled in me: He let himself be taken for a criminal. Yes, what scripture says about me is even now reaching its fulfilment.

N. They said,

C. Lord, there are two swords here now.

N. He said to them,

✠ That is enough!

N. He then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When they reached the place he said to them,

✠ Pray not to be put to the test.

N. Then he withdrew from them, about a stone’s throw away, and knelt down and prayed, saying,

✠ Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.

N. Then an angel appeared to him, coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

When he rose from prayer he went to the disciples and found them sleeping for sheer grief. He said to them,

✠ Why are you asleep? Get up and pray not to be put to the test.

N. He was still speaking when a number of men appeared, and at the head of them the man called Judas, one of the Twelve, who went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said,

✠ Judas, are you betraying the son of Man with a kiss?

N. His followers, seeing what was happening, said,

C. Lord, shall we use our swords?

N. And one of them struck out at the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. But at this Jesus spoke:

✠ Leave off! That will do!

N. And touching the man’s ear he healed him.

Then Jesus spoke to the chief priests and captains of the Temple guard and elders who had come for him. He said,

✠ Am I a brigand, that you had to set out with swords and clubs? When I was among you in the Temple day after day you never moved to lay hands on me. But this is your hour; this is the reign of darkness.

N. They seized him then and led him away, and they took him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed at a distance. They had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and Peter sat down among them, and as he was sitting there by the blaze a servant-girl saw him, peered at him, and said,

O. This person was with him too.

N. But he denied it.

O. Woman, I do not know him.

N. Shortly afterwards someone else saw him and said,

O. You are another of them.

N. But Peter replied,

O. I am not, my friend.

N. About an hour later another man insisted, saying,

O. This fellow was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean.

N. Peter said,

O. My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.

N. At that instant, while he was still speaking, the cock crew, and the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered what the Lord had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will have disowned me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Meanwhile the men who guarded Jesus were mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying,

C. Play the prophet. Who hit you then?

N. And they continued heaping insults on him.

When day broke there was a meeting of the elders of the people, attended by the chief priests and scribes. He was brought before their council, and they said to him,

C. If you are the Christ, tell us.

N. He replied,

✠ If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.

N. Then they all said,

C. So you are the Son of God then?

N. He answered:

✠ It is you who say I am.

N. They said,

C. What need of witnesses have we now? We have heard it for ourselves from his own lips.

N. The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate.

They began their accusation by saying,

C. We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of the tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.

N. Pilate put to him this question:

O. Are you the king of the Jews?

N. He replied,

✠ It is you who say it.

N. Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowd,

O. I find no case against this man.

N. But they persisted,

C. He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judaea; it has come all the way from Galilee, where he started, down to here.

N. When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean; and finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction he passed him over to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod was delighted to see Jesus; he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him; moreover, he was hoping to see some miracle worked by him. So he questioned him at some length; but without getting any reply. Meanwhile the chief priests and the scribes were there, violently pressing their accusations. Then Herod, together with his guards, treated him with contempt and made fun of him; he put a rich cloak on him and sent him back to Pilate. And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before, they were reconciled that same day.

Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leading men and the people. He said,

O. You brought this man before me as a political agitator. Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against the man in respect of all the charges you bring against him. Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us. As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, So I shall have him flogged and then let him go.

N. But as one man they howled,

C. Away with him! Give us Barabbas!

N. (This man had been thrown into prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.)

Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again, but they shouted back,

C. Crucify him! Crucify him!

N. And for the third time he spoke to them,

O. Why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death, so I shall have him punished and then let him go.

N. But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder.

Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for, who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder, and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.

As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said,

✠ Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For the days will surely come when people will say, ‘Happy are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne, the breasts that have never suckled!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’; to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if men use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry?

N. Now with him they were also leading out two other criminals to be executed.

When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him there and the two criminals also, one on the right, the other on the left. Jesus said,

✠ Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.

N. Then they cast lots to share out his clothing.

The people stayed there watching him. As for the leaders, they jeered at him, saying,

C. He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.

N. The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said,

C. If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.

N. Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals hanging there abused him, saying,

O. Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.

N. But the other spoke up and rebuked him:

O. Have you no fear of God at all? You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

N. He replied,

✠ Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.

N. It was now about the sixth hour and, with the sun eclipsed, a darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The veil of the Temple was torn right down the middle; and when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he said,

✠ Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

N. With these words he breathed his last.

All kneel and pause a moment

When the centurion saw what had taken place, he gave praise to God and said,

O. This was a great and good man.

N. And when all the people who had gathered for the spectacle saw what had happened, they went home beating their breasts.

All his friends stood at a distance; so also did the women who had accompanied him from Galilee, and they saw all this happen.

Then a member of the council arrived, an upright and virtuous man named Joseph. He had not consented to what the others had planned and carried out. He came from Arimathaea, a Jewish town, and he lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He then took it down, wrapped it in a shroud and put him in a tomb which was hewn in stone in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day and the sabbath was imminent.

Meanwhile the women who had come from Galilee with Jesus were following behind. They took note of the tomb and of the position of the body.

Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And on the sabbath day they rested, as the Law required.

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Sex grabs our attention. It also sells most things: magazines, newspapers, cars, boats, jewellery, – you name it; sexual imagery is used to promote it and persuade us to buy it. And it’s not just aimed at men, but women just as much. We’re sexual beings and sexuality, let’s be honest, plays an integral part of our lives. There is, however, a notion that Christians are easily scandalised and shocked by all things sexual, and indignant towards those who fall from grace in this area.

The idea of the religious prude is firmly stuck in literature and culture. Interestingly, the early manuscripts of St John’s Gospel don’t carry today’s incident of the woman caught in adultery. It’s missing from our oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts and seems to have been unknown to the early Greek Fathers, since they didn’t comment on it. The earliest specific reference to it is found in the third-century writing on Church discipline called Didascalia.

Why this happened we cannot be sure. Some scholars believe that it reads incredibly like a Lucan narrative. Dealing as it does with sin and mercy – and with a woman! Others suggest that Jesus’ response was so shocking, the forgiveness so radical, his compassion and mercy so scandalous, that it was thought best to remove it from the canon altogether.

Interestingly, St Jerome tried to have the Song of Songs removed from Scripture because of the danger of erotic interpretation of what is in essence a love song and allegory for Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. Thankfully, common sense prevailed for both these events, and we revere them as Sacred Scripture, divinely inspired and given to teach us the way of salvation. In his encounter with the woman caught in adultery Jesus is full of compassion, kindness and mercy but also firm and clear that she must strive with all her heart and soul not to sin in this way.

“Has no one condemned you?” “No one sir!”

“Neither do I condemn you, go away and sin no more!”

My Dear Friends in Christ, 5^th Sunday of Lent 2022

Today marks the beginning of Passiontide. You will notice that all of the Statues and Crucifix have been covered with Lenten Purple. It is where we start to prepare earnestly to enter into our Holy Week – the greatest week of the church’s liturgical year. Manifestly, Lent has been a time of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Charity. But it is also penitential, meaning that each one of us is trying to rid ourselves of the of sin, and the barriers that can often create divisions between ourselves and Almighty God. Jesus gave us a Sacrament to assist and help us in this area of human frailty within our lives. Like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father is always looking out for his son; – God is looking out for us also. He sees us while we are still ‘long way off’, and he runs to meet us with joy and love, and merciful forgiveness. There is more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner.

NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: It is my real joy to welcome back once again Deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College who will be with us for Palm Sunday weekend, Holy Week & Easter. There will be ten students during that period, not all at the same time, but we will have six with us for the Triduum & Easter. You are always so kind to them when they’re here. Can I make an appeal to your generosity? My housekeeper is truly wonderful feeding these boys; but could I ask for some desserts. My experience through the years is that they all love desserts, especially home-made desserts, apple pies, trifles, etc. also as you can appreciate they like a drink as well; if anyone has any spare bottles of Whiskey, Gin or Port, it would not be wasted. I hope you don’t mind me asking! Thanking you in anticipation.

May God Bless You All,

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to this year, with 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. My thanks to those who have volunteered and agreed to help. Planning Meeting Wednesday 6^th April at 7.30pm in the Retreat. If anyone else wishes to join the meeting please just turn up. Can you help me clipart.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday 3^rd April, which will be the fifth Sunday of Lent. It would be good if many of our singers could be there – a great way to start Lent! Any parishioners who may consider joining us would be made very welcome. Simply come along. Also, we’d like to spend some more time in practicing, so we’d really appreciate you coming along early at about 10.10am before Mass. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.

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 5^th April at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm. The speaker will be Msgr Kevin Hale. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

DIARY FEBRUARY – MARCH 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Harvey RIP, Peggy Davies 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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES THIS WEEKEND

BCYS YOUTH MASS: Thursday 7^th April, Brentwood Cathedral. Come along from 6pm for pizza; FOLLOWED BY Stations of the Cross in the Cathedral for Lent, before Youth Mass starts at 7.30pm. Open to all those in years 9 and above, no booking necessary. (YOUTH MASS takes place on the First Thursday of every month and groups are always welcome! Please let us know in advance if you wish to bring a group, if you are able, so that we can have an idea how much pizza to order! Any groups are always welcome!)

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.

A SUNDAY EVENING PARISH YOUTH MASS: We’ve had a couple of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly in the New Year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration. Hopefully, we will also have a social gathering in the hall afterwards

Class Teacher vacancy KS2/1/EYFS at St John Fisher, Loughton.

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2022

Sat 2^nd	9.00am	John Dowd’s Int’s ((M Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 3^rd Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	James McLay RIP ((Monica Maycraft) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction
Mon 4^th	12.15pm	Mary Harvey RIP (Anni) (Fr. John)
Tues 5^th	10.00am	Paul Croft RIP (Peter & Christine Burrowes)
Wed 6^th	10.00am 10.30am	Vera & Joe Duffy RIPHoly Hour
Thurs 7^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Fri 8^th Lenten Devotions	10.00am 10.30am	Michael Do Bosh Ints (Private) Holy Hour / With Stations of Cross
Sat 9^th	10.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)
Sun 10^th LentenDevotions	11:00am 5.00pm	Marcela Sanchez RIP (Bacani Family) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction

Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

5th Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the Lord,

who made a way through the sea,

a path in the great waters;

who put chariots and horse in the field

and a powerful army

which lay there never to rise again,

snuffed out, put out like a wick:

No need to recall the past,

no need to think about what was done before.

See, I am doing a new deed,

even now it comes to light; can you not see it?

Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness,

paths in the wilds.

The wild beasts will honour me,

jackals and ostriches,

because I am putting water in the wilderness

(rivers in the wild)

to give my chosen people drink.

The people I have formed for myself

will sing my praises.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 125(126)

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,

it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

on our lips there were songs.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels

the Lord worked for them!’

What marvels the Lord worked for us!

Indeed we were glad.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage

as streams in dry land.

Those who are sowing in tears

will sing when they reap.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

They go out, they go out, full of tears,

carrying seed for the sowing:

they come back, they come back, full of song,

carrying their sheaves.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Second Reading : Philippians 3:8-14

I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.

Gospel : John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them.

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’ They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’

Lilies at Easter 2022

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 14^th

April 2022

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

THIS IS HOLY WEEK 2022

Dear Friends in Christ: Preparing for Holy Week 2022

As we are about to prepare for Holy Week 2022, It is truly wonderful to see that some semblance of normality has returned to everyday life once again. It is truly heartening to see many of our parishioners have returned to the practice of the faith and Sunday Mass. But I would still like to encourage everyone to make that extra special effort to return to Church. As Holy Week approaches, what more beautiful time of the year to enter into the beauty of Our Lord’s Paschal Mystery!

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of our Holy Week 2022. We will travel with the Lord Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with the cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, as they lay their palm branches before him. We also must remember this same crowd in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with cries of ‘crucify him, crucify him’!

THE TRIDUUM OF THE LORD The most powerful liturgy that we experience during the church’s liturgical year. I encourage you all to participate fully in these most wonderful celebrations of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We share together the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday Liturgy, and the Easter Vigil, as one continuous celebration of Salvation History.

WELCOME: On behalf of the whole parish I would like to welcome a number of deacons and Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College, who will be with us throughout our Holy Week. It’s truly wonderful to welcome the Seminarians back once again after a two year hiatus. There will be various Seminarians with us over the Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Weekend. Please extend them your usual hospitable welcome.

CAN YOU HELP?: This is where I appeal to your generosity of spirit; having a good number of students, could I ask for some help with desserts? Home-made apple pies, etc. Most of them have a sweet tooth and really enjoy English Desserts. Also most of them drink Wine, Whisky & Gin, if you have any spare bottles at home, these would be gratefully received. Thank you! I look forward to sharing with you this Holy Week 2022, May God Bless You All,

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK 2022

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: 9^th / 10^th April

6.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sat. 9^th April)

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sun 10^th April)

11.00 a.m St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms . ..

5.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of Cross and Benediction

MONDAY 11^th April

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Confessions after Mass

TUESDAY 12^th April

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Confessions after Mass

8.00pm Penance Service – With visiting priests for confessions

WEDNESDAY 13^th April

9.00 a m St. Edmund’s

11.00 a m CHRISM MASS – Brentwood Cathedral, All welcome!

THE TRIDUUM

MAUNDY THURSDAY 14^th April

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer, Tenebrae /Confessions

8.00 p.m. MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER St. Edmund’s

Watching until midnight with Night Prayer / Confessions

GOOD FRIDAY 15^thApril Day of Fasting and Abstinence

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer. Tenebrae

11.00 a.m. Children’s Stations of the Cross

3.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

7.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of the Cross. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY: 16^th April 2022

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Morning Prayer, Tenebrae, Confessions.

12.30 p.m. Swieconka: Polish Blessing for Easter Food Baskets

8.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. THE EASTER VIGIL

EASTER SUNDAY 17^th April THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

11.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Family Mass

HOLY WEEK 2022

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICE

It was difficult over the past two years to have a proper Penitential Service due to Covid. This Year our Penance Service is on Tuesday 12^th April at 8.00pm with visiting Confessors. There will also be a Polish Priest hearing Confessions. I will also schedule Confessions after all the Masses & Services during this coming week & Holy Week. Please try to avail yourselves of the Sacrament in preparation for Easter. Thank you

PALM SUNDAY 10^th April:

Our Two Sunday Morning Masses will commence outside of the Church with the Blessing of Palm, and Procession into the Church. Please bring your Hymn Book with to sing opening Hymn: All glory Lord & Honour

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING:

This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 ‘EASTER OFFERING’ + Gift Aid Number

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES 2022:

Please note that the Easter Vigil Mass will take place on Saturday 16^th April at 8.00pm

Easter Sunday Masses will be at 9.00am, & 11.00am.

THANK YOU: My sincere thanks this year to all of our Stewards who have been so faithful and helpful in looking after our Parish Community during the Pandemic.

St. Edmund of Canterbury

and

St. Thomas More

This is Holy Week

& Easter 2022

Fourth Sunday of Lent, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Fourth-Sunday-of-Lent–2022-e1gak6d

Laetare Sunday

British Summertime begins, Clocks go Forward one hour

Jesus attracted those outside of conventional society; tax collectors and prostitutes clearly enjoyed his company, and were drawn by his acceptance of them. This made them open to hearing what he had to say. The Pharisees, in contrast, were scandalised by the company he kept, and they harshly judged those whey saw as morally bankrupt or spiritually inferior.

Typically, Jesus seized the moment to teach about his Father, which is the essence of his mission. Our image of God is often tainted or distorted, and we can fall into two extremes; on one hand we imagine God as a tyrannical judge who’s constantly angry; on the other, we feel he’s over indulgent and avuncular, and it’s easy to pull the wool over his eyes. We may feel that God’s teachings and commandments have little bearing on our lives.

Jesus’ parable brings us right into the heart of his Father. God has given each of us free will and we’re at liberty to follow or reject him. However, this carries with it a profound responsibility, as we’re accountable to our actions and decisions. The son in the parable exercised his freedom and chose to leave the safety of his father’s house. At the dawn of creation, humankind also freely chose the path leading away from God. Removed from the love, security and protection of the Father’s house, we lost our way. Sin, death and corruption robbed us of the dignity we once possessed. Like the prodigal son we became slaves of our passions and drives.

The image of the chastened son returning home is deeply moving. We’d do well to ponder and meditate upon this picture of profound human abjection encountering divine mercy. Jesus’ teaching about our father exposes us to a love so divine and compelling that it has the power to melt the hardest hearts. As we journey through this Lent, we too can experience the warm embrace of our heavenly Father. Pope Francis writes in Evangelii gaudium: ‘“Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace.” How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more; God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.’

My Dear Friends in Christ, 4th Sunday of Lent 2022

Today is ‘Laetare Sunday’- meaning ‘Rejoice’. It marks the midway point in the Lenten Season. We look forward in anticipation to the great Joy of Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the day when traditionally, the austerity of the Lenten Season is lessened. We change the colour of our Vestments to Rose. The rigours of Lent can be relaxed today. Laetare Sunday always coincides with Mothering Sunday. We pray for our dear Mothers; and also remembering all of our deceased mothers who are now with God. Let us all savour this relaxation today and truly ‘Rejoice’!

MOTHERING SUNDAY: Today is Mothering Sunday. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to thank Almighty God for our Mothers. Expressing our gratitude for the incredible influence they have on our lives; how they are the heart of our homes, always there when we need them; nurturing us, our strengths and talents, teaching us about the beauty of love and family; loving our fathers, all that’s good in helping us to be the best version of ourselves. Let us also remember those whose mothers are now with God in Heaven. Even though not physically present, they will always be in our hearts.

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR ON SUNDAY MORNING

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS: Today will be at 10am. On this Mothering Sunday the children will be assisting with the Liturgy at the 11.00am Mass. Please continue to pray for them as they prepare for their First Holy Communion in May. Last Week’s Penitential Services were truly wonderful, not only for the children but also for the parents.

END OF TERM: As Easter is so late this year, the school term ends next Friday the 1^st April. I would like to thank our Executive Head Teacher Mr Iain Kendal and all the Staff at St John Fisher Primary School for everything you have done for our children over the past term. It’s truly wonderful to be able to get back into school again and celebrate various liturgies with the Staff & children. I wish you all a very Happy Easter Holiday. School returns on the 19^th April.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to this year, with 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. My thanks to those who have volunteered and agreed to help. Planning Meeting Wednesday 6^th April at 7.30pm in the Retreat. If anyone else wishes to join the meeting please just turn up. Can you help me clipart.

DIARY FEBRUARY – MARCH 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: 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

PARISH FINANCES: THIS WEEKEND ALL OF THE NEW GIFTAID BOXES ARE READY FOR COLLECTION. PPLEASE PICK UP YOUR BOX AS YOU LEAVE THE CHURCH TODAY. 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 last year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God. Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ...

MARRIAGES FOR 2022: If anyone is planning on getting married in 2022, please could you make contact with Fr. John at the beginning of January. For those getting married in the parish we normally ask for six months’ notice; for those getting married outside of the parish at least nine months’ notice. The documentation and preparation takes quite a long time and organising Marriage Preparation Courses through Marriage Care in the responsibility of the Couple. To avoid any disappointments, please make contact as soon as possible.

BCYS LENTEN REVISION RETREAT: 2nd – 3rd April, Walsingham House

In years 11 -13 and preparing for exams this year? Get a change of scenery and a fresh perspective at Walsingham House at Abbotswick this lent for times of prayer, socialising and activities, but mostly to revise, alongside friends and the Walsingham House team members. As always the chapel is here for times of quiet reflection throughout the day. Book online NOW at www.bcys.net/events.

SPONSORED SLEEPOUT: 8th – 9th April, 8pm – 8am. Wherever you are in the Diocese, take part in your gardens, schools or parishes, on your own or as part of a group and spend 12 hours sleeping rough outdoors to raise money for a local charity supporting the homeless. Email sleepout@dioceseofbrentwood.org for more information and to take part.

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.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.KmTSLI_W0s2kCiMgol1PnAHaJn&pid=Api&P=0&w=140&h=182

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH – APRIL 2022

Sat 26^th	9.00am	Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 26^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 27^th	9.00am	CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUREve Buenaventura
Sun 27^th Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	Denis Byrne’s Int’s (M Ryan) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction
Mon 28^th	10.00am 10.30am	Dec’d members of McDermott FamilyHoly Hour
Tues 29^th	10.00am	Margaret & Bertrand Smith RIP (Smih Family)
Wed 30^th	10.00am 10.30am	Joanne Taylor RIP (Gunn Family) Holy Hour
Thurs 31^st	10.00am	Michael Hill RIP
Fri 1^stApril Lenten Devotions	10.00am10.30am	Dec’d relatives of the Epsom FamilyHoly Hour / With Stations of Cross
Sat 2^nd	10.00am	John Dowd’s Int’s ((M Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Catarina Frazoni RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 3^rd Lenten Devotions	11:00am 5.00pm	James McLay RIP ((Monica Maycraft) Holy Hour / Stations of Cross / Benediction

Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12

The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have taken the shame of Egypt away from you.’

The Israelites pitched their camp at Gilgal and kept the Passover there on the fourteenth day of the month, at evening in the plain of Jericho. On the morrow of the Passover they tasted the produce of that country, unleavened bread and roasted ears of corn, that same day. From that time, from their first eating of the produce of that country, the manna stopped falling. And having manna no longer, the Israelites fed from that year onwards on what the land of Canaan yielded.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 33(34):2-7

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called, the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work. It was God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the work of handing on this reconciliation. In other words, God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, not holding men’s faults against them, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled. So we are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God.

Gospel : Luke 15:1-3,11-32

The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:

‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery.

‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father.

‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate.

‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property – he and his women – you kill the calf we had been fattening.”

‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”’

The Consecration of the Ukraine to Our Lady

Beloved Queen and Our Mother, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Help of

Christians, Salvation of the human race, Victorious Virgin, here we

humbly fall before you, that you may bring our sincere prayers to

Almighty God in the Trinity.

We come in full confidence that we beg for mercy and protection for

our Motherland in this dramatic time of war. Mother of Mercy, we ask

this not for our merits, which we do not count on, but in view of the

infinite goodness of your Heart and the saving Blood of Christ, your

Son.

May the suffering and cries for help of so many people touch you.

Have mercy on the wounded and victims of the shelling, orphans and

widows, all those who were forced to leave their homes and seek

refuge in safer places. Ask for mercy for those who gave their lives

defending their neighbours and our Motherland.

O Immaculate Mother, ask God for the grace of conversion, and we

especially ask for the conversion of Russia and all those who are

blinded by hatred or thirst for power. Pray for us first of all for those

graces which can change human hearts in an instant, and which will

prepare and bring such a coveted peace. Above all, bring us the gift of

spiritual peace so that the Kingdom of God may grow in peace and

harmony.

Queen of Peace, ask us for the grace of true reconciliation with God

and with each other, so that we can give each other a hand of help

and support.

Throne of Wisdom, inspire all rulers to make wise decisions and

strengthen the efforts of those who contribute to the end of war and

the return of peace.

Queen of the Apostles, ask for our pastors the gift of strong faith and

zeal in the celebration of the Sacraments, so that at this time we may

all be united at the Eucharistic table and in zealous prayer.

Heal the sick, strengthen all medical staff and volunteers who care for

the sick and wounded, ask for their spiritual and physical strength.

Be healing for the sick, strength for the dying and joy for their loved

ones. Just as the Church and all mankind were consecrated to the Heart of

Your Divine Son, and in Him we hope to become an inexhaustible

source of victory and salvation for all, so we dedicate ourselves forever

to You and to Your Immaculate Heart, our Mother and Queen, that

Your love and care may ensure the victory of the Kingdom of God, and

that our Ukraine and all nations reconciled among themselves and

with God may bless and glorify You. Amen!

THE LEONINE PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF RUSSIA

To be said after Mass are:

Three ‘Hail Marys,’ one ‘Hail Holy Queen’ and The Leonine Prayers

“O God, our refuge and our strength, look down in mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the Glorious and Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph Her Spouse, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church, we ask this through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.” “Holy Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: And do thou, Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God thrust down to hell satan and all wicked spirits, who wander throughout the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”

“Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.”

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.”

Lilies at Easter 2022

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 14^th

April 2022

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

Third Sunday of Lent, 2022

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Third-Sunday-of-Lent–2022-e1fuo6u

Disasters and tragedies have a way of focusing our minds and grabbing our attention. Think of how the collapse of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York on 11^th September 2001 focused the entire world’s attention.

There is, for sure, a morbid streak in human nature, a voyeuristic tendency to dwell on the misfortunes of others in a way that is neither healthy nor helpful. Seasoned traffic officers, for example, complain bitterly of the phenomenon of ‘rubbernecking’, when traffic slows down as motorists gawp at the aftermath of a crash scene, despite knowing full well that tailbacks and congestion will follow.

In the ancient world tragedies and disasters were construed as a sign of God’s displeasure or anger because of sin. The Book of Job captures this well when Eliphaz, one of Job’s advisers, chimes in with great earnestness, ‘Consider now; who being innocent has ever perished? Where were the uptight ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plough evil and those who sow trouble reap it.’

The view is, however, not restricted to the ancient world. It emerged very much in the aftermath of 9/11 and expresses a way of thinking about God and the world which is wrong and distorted. Jesus strongly refuted the idea that those who fall victim to tragic events were especially sinful and taught that we all need to approach life with a repentant and contrite heart. The truth is that evil and terrible things happen to both good and bad people.

Furthermore, those who choose to live a righteous life often have to endure all manner of contempt and suffering, whereas the unrighteous are embraced by the world and enjoy its rewards. This is, without a doubt, one of the mysteries of life. We need to have a deep understanding of repentance as well as a deep grasp of God’s forgiveness and mercy. Rooted and anchored in this knowledge we must learn to move through life praying with all our heart. ‘Lord have mercy on me a sinner.’

My Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of Lent 2022

It’s been absolutely heart-breaking to watch the continual bombardment of Ukraine over the past three weeks, people homes and lives being destroyed; the displacement of three million women and children throughout Europe. The men have stayed behind to fight for their country, for democracy and freedom. What is happening is pure evil! Ukraine, unlike Russia is a predominantly Christian Country. The humanitarian response has been incredible throughout Europe, and the rest of the world. So many people have contributed to various aid agencies in a bid to offer financial help to Ukraine, and hopefully this will continue. I attach contact details for continued assistance:

THE LATIN RITE BISHOPS OF THE UKRAINE: Have asked our prayers and solidarity as they look to Mary, Mother of God for Her particular intercession, and commend the attached Prayer of Consecration for both private and public use. We learnt a couple of days ago that our Holy Father is going to Consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Next Friday 25^th March Feast of the Annunciation in Union with the Holy Father we will join in that Consecration. Please make a special effort to be at Holy Mass at 10.00am

PRAYERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF RUSSIA: Many of our older parishioners would remember that at the end of Holy Mass prayers for the conversion of Russia were recited. This was the request of Our Lady of Fatima in one of her appearances. Never before do we need those prayers as much as we do now. I also attach herewith the Prayer for conversions of Russia:

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS Our final meeting will take place at the Presbytery on Thursday 24^th March at 7.30pm. Theme: The Paschal Mystery. I commend to your prayers Neil MacKinnon & Mark Shelton who are at the final stages of preparation to be received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. If you want to know more about the programme, please contact Fr John,

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTION: What does it mean to talk about Christ as our Redeemer? Input will be given by Msgr John Armitage, Parish Priest of Canning Town, today, Sunday 20^th March, 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. via Zoom. To join these Zoom meetings simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

DIARY FEBRUARY – MARCH 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Robert Lockheart RIP, Helen Cooper 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:

https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/donations?parish=loughton

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

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!

BCYS LENTEN REVISION RETREAT: 2nd – 3rd April, Walsingham House

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 23rd – 30th July 2022. Assist pilgrims going to Masses and services, shops and cafes of the beautiful French town, join in social time together, take part in retreats, reconciliation service, visit the baths, the stunning mountain town of Gavarnie, enjoy social nights, party and experience the amazing Lourdes processions. The cost is £625 for the week, and is open to all those in school year 11 and above (funding and grant opportunities are available). For more information and to book you can visit www.bcys.net/events/sl22 – applications close Sunday 20^th February

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.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic. It has been rescheduled to Friday 8^th July 2022, with 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. It would be helpful to form a working party to arrange the event. I have already spoken to our Parish Music Director with regards to Music & the Liturgy. Can you help me clipart.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. There are cards and gifts for Mother’s Day. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books about Lent. 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. Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

3rd Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Exodus 3:1-8,13-15

Moses was looking after the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law priest of Midian. He led his flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the shape of a flame of fire, coming from the middle of a bush. Moses looked; there was the bush blazing but it was not being burnt up. ‘I must go and look at this strange sight,’ Moses said, ‘and see why the bush is not burnt.’ Now the Lord saw him go forward to look, and God called to him from the middle of the bush. ‘Moses, Moses!’ he said. ‘Here I am,’ Moses answered. ‘Come no nearer,’ he said. ‘Take off your shoes, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your fathers,’ he said, ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this Moses covered his face, afraid to look at God.

And the Lord said, ‘I have seen the miserable state of my people in Egypt. I have heard their appeal to be free of their slave-drivers. Yes, I am well aware of their sufferings. I mean to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians and bring them up out of that land to a land rich and broad, a land where milk and honey flow, the home of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites.’

Then Moses said to God, ‘I am to go, then, to the sons of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.” But if they ask me what his name is, what am I to tell them?’ And God said to Moses, ‘I Am who I Am. This’ he added ‘is what you must say to the sons of Israel: “I Am has sent me to you.”’ And God also said to Moses, ‘You are to say to the sons of Israel: “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” This is my name for all time; by this name I shall be invoked for all generations to come.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 102(103):1-4,6-8,11

The Lord is compassion and love.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

all my being, bless his holy name.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

and never forget all his blessings.

The Lord is compassion and love.

It is he who forgives all your guilt,

who heals every one of your ills,

who redeems your life from the grave,

who crowns you with love and compassion,

The Lord is compassion and love.

The Lord does deeds of justice,

gives judgement for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses

and his deeds to Israel’s sons.

The Lord is compassion and love.

The Lord is compassion and love,

slow to anger and rich in mercy.

For as the heavens are high above the earth

so strong is his love for those who fear him.

The Lord is compassion and love.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12

I want to remind you, brothers, how our fathers were all guided by a cloud above them and how they all passed through the sea. They were all baptised into Moses in this cloud and in this sea; all ate the same spiritual food and all drank the same spiritual drink, since they all drank from the spiritual rock that followed them as they went, and that rock was Christ. In spite of this, most of them failed to please God and their corpses littered the desert.

These things all happened as warnings for us, not to have the wicked lusts for forbidden things that they had. You must never complain: some of them did, and they were killed by the Destroyer.

All this happened to them as a warning, and it was written down to be a lesson for us who are living at the end of the age. The man who thinks he is safe must be careful that he does not fall.

Gospel : Luke 13:1-9

Some people arrived and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, ‘Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’

He told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”