St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year. Year A,

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

10th September 2023

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

WEEKDAY MASSES: Father Adrian realises that it is difficult for many people to get to Mass at 9am during the week, so weekday Masses will now be at 9:30am. There may be some days when Mass still needs to be celebrated at 9:00, please keep an eye on the times in the newsletter. Thank you.

FATHER JOHN HARVEY’S MASS OF INSTALLATION AS DEAN OF BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL This invitation is extended to the whole parish of St Edmund’s, you will be most welcome to come to the Installation Mass on Friday 22^nd September at 7.00pm. Our Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate the Installation Mass.

FATHER JOHN HARVEY: Father John will return for his farewell Mass on 1^st October at 11am, followed by a gathering in the hall afterwards to thank him for his many years of service in Loughton. There will be a collection for him after Masses on the 17^th and 24^th September.

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme.

VISITS TO THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND: Fortunately, Fr John was able to get around to see all the sick and housebound before his departure. He has passed on all their details to Fr Adrian. If there are any parishioners who are now finding it more difficult to get out, and even get to Holy Mass, please contact the presbytery. Fr Adrian will be only too happy to visit you at home.

Free Back To School Clipart Jpg Library Library - Back To School Clipart Black And White - Free Transparent PNG Download - PNGkey FORWARD PLANNING: As the new Academic Year approaches, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September, you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: The new First Holy Communion Programme will commence on Wednesday 13^th September with a Parents’ Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. (You will be able to purchase your child’s workbook ‘I Belong’ £8.00). The children’s first class will take place on Sunday 17^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. (This is the big meeting room above the Parish Hall). This is such an important time in your child’s life and this preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist is the next stage on their Faith Journey. Katheryn Poulter and Elena Manara are our First Holy Communion Catechists. We encourage all the children’s parents to be involved with the programme throughout the year. Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr Adrian or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

MASS INTENTIONS: There is a lot of availability in the Parish Mass register. If anyone wants a mass intention for any reason, Anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions, for anyone who is sick, please complete the Mass Envelope in the porch and leave off at the presbytery.

BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact your new parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On the 16th December (7.30-9.30pm) the wonderful Winnie Greer, “science teacher by day Jazz singer by niht” will be returning to St Edmund’s with her band for an evening of Christmas festive favourites in aid of The Essex based Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. A chance to enjoy some lovely music while raising money for a great cause and sharing a glass of mulled wine. Tickets are £20 each and available from the link below. If you book before 31st August there is an “early bird” rate of £15.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

WINE TASTING EVENT “Giro D’Italia”: Thursday 19 October, 7.15pm on. Following the success of last year’s event, The Catenians’ Epping Forest Circle is sponsoring an Italian wine tasting evening in the Becket Centre, St Thomas of Canterbury, Woodford, in aid of St Francis Hospice. Wine educator, Gilbert Winfield, will feature samples of fine Italian wines in his informative presentation with some light-hearted audience participation. Tickets £30/head includes wine sampling and light snacks. Please email for tickets or other enquiries to Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

TEACHING VACANCY AT ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust invite applications for the position of KS1 Class Teacher at St John Fisher Primary School. Closing date Wednesday 20th Sept with interviews being held on Monday 25th September. For further details please visit www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk

or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383.

PARISH NEWSLETTER: If you would like to receive the Parish Newsletter via Email each week, please contact Iain McLay iain.m.mclay@googlemail.com this gives and extended version of the Weekly bulletin

The Parish Newsletter can also be obtained and downloaded from the Parish Website. They are always published on a Saturday Morning.

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFTS TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. Adrian’s day off. In cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688. This would also apply if Fr. Adrian is away for a few days break or on Retreat.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2023

Sat 9	9.00am	Daniel Hannigan RIP
		Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 9	6.00pm	Eileen Guerin RIP
Sun 10	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 10	11:00am	Mary Maher RIP
Mon 11	9.30am	Joss Landers RIP
Tues 12	9.00am	Margaret Baldwin INTS
Wed 13	9.30am	Mr. Ebert Fernando RIP
Thur 14	9.30am	Terry Weight RIP (Anniversary)
Fri 15	9.00am	Mayowa and Lucy Okeowo
Sat 16	9.30am	Michael McLoughlin RIP
		Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 16	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 17	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP
Sun 17	11:00am	John Hogan RIP (1st Anniversary)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Twenty-Second Sunday of the Year. Year A, 3rd September 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends

It is my honour and pleasure to join you this weekend to serve you. I will keep introductions brief here as I hope we can start to speak with each other in person at Masses and on other occasions and begin share our faith journeys together.

I have been praying for you all since I knew I would be coming to Loughton – the Lord has placed you on my heart. We keep Father John in prayer as he begins his first weekend as Dean of Brentwood Cathedral, and we also say a prayer of thanksgiving for all he has done for our parish during his time here.

Every blessing

Fr. Adrian

Message from Father John

My Dear Parishioners,

I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere and grateful thanks to you all for your great kindness and farewell at all Masses last weekend. It was truly humbling, and for those who attended the 11:00am the farewell song composed and performed by the choir was the icing on the cake. Thank you for the many cards and gifts I received on my leaving, it was extremely thoughtful of you. I look forward to joining you on Sunday 1st October at the 11:00am Mass for a final Mass of Thanksgiving, hopefully I’ll see you all there.

God Bless You All,

Fr. John

FATHER JOHN HARVEY’S MASS OF INSTALLATION AS DEAN OF BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL This invitation is extended to the whole parish of St Edmund’s, you will be most welcome to come to the Installation Mass on Friday 22^nd September at 7.00pm. Our Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate the Installation Mass

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: The new First Holy Communion Programme will commence on Wednesday 13^th September with a Parents’ Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. (You will be able to purchase your child’s workbook ‘I Belong’ £8.00). The children’s first class will take place on Sunday 17^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. (This is the big meeting room above the Parish Hall). This is such an important time in your child’s life and this preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist is the next stage on their Faith Journey. Katheryn Poulter and Elena Manara are our First Holy Communion Catechists. We encourage all the children’s parents to be involved with the programme throughout the year. Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Just a short note to inform all our candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, that the Bishop’s Office will notify your new Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, when the Parish Visitation and Confirmation will take place next year 2024. Until then, we cannot give a specific date for starting the programme. Mark Anthony and several other parishioners are the Catechists for the preparation of the Sacrament. Also, please pray for all the Confirmation Candidates.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference, please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

FORWARD PLANNING: As the new Academic Year approaches, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September, you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts. Free Back To School Clipart Jpg Library Library - Back To School Clipart Black And White - Free Transparent PNG Download - PNGkey

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses, we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. Adrian. lector clip art - Clip Art Library

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are struggling during this cost of living crisis. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: sponge pudding desserts, custard, juice, tinned meat, noodles, snack bars, small chocolate bars, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toilet roll and deodorant. Please place any donations in the dedicated plastic boxes in the garage. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

REGISTERING AT THE PARISH: It’s always important to have details of all of our parishioners. There are Parish Registration Forms in the Porch of the Church. Please complete and return to the Presbytery.

NEWSLETTER ITEMS: To assist and help Fr Adrian when he arrives in the Parish, could you kindly submit any Newsletter items by Wednesday morning. The Newsletter tends to be put together on Thursday and printed Friday. Obviously late items will appear in the following week’s Newsletter. Thank you!

The Parish Newsletter can also be obtained and downloaded from the Parish Website. They are always published on a Saturday Morning

NEW ALTAR SERVERS: If any of our First Holy Communicants would like to become Altar Servers, please see Fr. John. It would be wonderful if some of the children would consider this wonderful ministry of serving God and the Community each week. Serving at the Altar is truly a great honour, and I’m always grateful to everyone who has volunteered to become Altar Servers.

THIS IS A SPECIAL CALL TO ALL ALTAR SERVERS WHO NO LONGER SERVE AT ST EDMUND’S. COULD YOU KINDLY RETURN YOUR ALB, AS THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THE NEW SERVERS.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.

DO YOU LIKE SINGING? As you know we have a wonderful Choir and Choir Director in Sue Farrow. We are looking for new choir members who like singing with others. We learn traditional and contemporary pieces of music, and also sing Motets in four parts. If you’re interested please speak to Sue or Fr Adrian. Choir practice on Wednesdays & Saturdays.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There are a variety of First Holy Communion gifts available in the repository – Children’s Missals, Rosaries, medals, statues, candles, Communion Cards, crosses. Teresa Wallace is always very helpful in ordering any religious item you wish. The parish repository is available all week. Please leave your money for items in the box provided. Thank you!

SACRISTANS: Fr Adrian could really do with some additional help in the Sacristy especially during the week. I have been very dependent upon Veronica Short over the past few years. But it would be good if another couple of people could volunteer during the week to help in setting up for Mass each day, and clearing up afterwards. It really doesn’t take that long to do. We could organise a rota of days. Once again this is service of God and the Community.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

THE BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY : on 9th September there will be a sponsored walk held jointly with Woodford Parish for BCCS. It starts from The Becket Centre at St Thomas’s at 9.30am. To participate you just need to be at there at 9.30am to register. Sponsorship forms can be obtained from Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). It is great fun, dogs welcome, and it raises a lots of money for BCCS so they can do their wonderful work with young peoples’ emotional and mental health in the diocese, irrespective of their religion. You can read more about their work here:

https://www.bccs.org.uk/who-we-are/

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? At present we only have five seminarians training for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Brentwood. The period of formation for each is several years. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the priesthood, or who feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org We are hoping to resume our monthly meetings for those who may be enquirers, so please watch this space.

CHURCH PARKING: Could we please encourage all our able-bodied parishioners to consider using the public car park when coming to Mass, particularly on Sunday. Although you need to get a ticket to place on your dashboard, parking on a Sunday is free for two hours. A few occasions have arisen recently when disabled parishioners and those who have difficulty walking have been unable to park in the Church car park and they have either struggled to walk from the public car park, or have simply had to go home. We are sure you will agree that we need to ensure that our less-able parishioners will always have room to park close to the Church. We should also make allowance for space in the Church car park for drivers who are bringing disabled parishioners to Mass and also of course making sure that there is always access for emergency vehicles. Your consideration will be much appreciated. Thank you.

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFTS TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Taxpayer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use your envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

Requiescat in Pace: We remember especially Fr Jim Boothman former assistant priest in this parish who passed away recently.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2023

Sat 2^nd	9.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Carmen’s Family)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Rhona Condon RIP (Betty Brown)
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	Mark & Spiro Tanti RIP
Mon 4^th	9.00am	Mr. and Mrs Willoughby INTS 12:30 Wedding Robert Hatt and Laura Byrne
Tues 5^th	9.00am	Anna Cap INTS
Wed 6^th	9.00am	Margaret Baldwin INTS
Thur 7^th	9.00am	Stephen Brown RIP
Fri 8^th	9.00am	Father John Harvey INTS
Sat 9^th	9.00am	Daniel Hannigan RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Eileen Guerin RIP
Sun 10^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	11:00am	Mary Maher RIP

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Twenty-First Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

My Dear Friends in Christ,

A person in a robe

Description automatically generated I sit here writing this final parish newsletter as your parish priest here at St Edmund’s. After twenty-one years of my priestly life with you my parish family, it is with a sad and heavy heart that I take my leave of you all to begin this new chapter in my life at Brentwood Cathedral. While I was on holiday and during these past weeks, I have been reflecting on all my years here in the parish. I have met so many wonderful people during this time, some fleetingly, and for many here, I have watched families grow; the children I first baptised are now young men and women themselves making their way in the world. I think of all the hundreds of Baptisms, First Confessions & Communions, Confirmations, Marriages, Funerals, Converts, and various other celebrations that have taken place here. A priest is uniquely privileged to share in people’s lives at the most intimate of levels, and for this I thank you all.

It has been an honour and privilege to have served as your Parish Priest here in Loughton, and I can only hope and pray that I have helped you to come a little close to the Lord. Obviously, it is Jesus Christ who is at the heart of every Christian Family, and it has always been my desire through preaching and teaching to proclaim the Gospel message to the best of my ability. One of the greatest lessens every priest learns throughout his life is, and I think this reality comes with maturity, is that there is only One Saviour, and it’s not me! I have truly loved being a priest for the past 42 years, and hope that the Lord gives me the health and strength to continue to be at his service in this new venture at Brentwood Cathedral.

I would like to thank all the parishioners who have been involved in all sorts of different ways throughout the past twenty-one years. The collaboration of Priest and People is fundamentally at the heart of all parish life. I will single out a few people who have assisted me and helped our parish in a special way: John Campbell, who helped negotiate the sale of the St Thomas More site in Debden, this was a difficult process with lots of hiccoughs along the way. Michael Manzi, who for many years silently worked in the background looking after all the parish’s finances, which was a totally invaluable service to the Parish. Our new Parish Finance Accountant is Adam Dodds; I thank him for assuming this role. Veronica Short has been such a help to me in the Sacristy, faithfully looking after everything so that our masses and the sacristy can run smoothly. And finally, I would like to thank my housekeeper Josie Sison, who has looked after and cared for me for the past several years. Words cannot express my gratitude for everything she has done; many of you will not know her, but she really has worked very hard to ensure that I was well fed, and that the presbytery was cared for. I appeal to you all to continue to assist and help your new Parish Priest, Fr Adrian; he will certainly need your help in these coming weeks, not only to settle in, but to continue the work that has already been done. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer priest to be sent to you as your Pastor. Please show him the same love and kindness that you have shown to me through the years, this will be your greatest gift to me.

Priests are also very human, and we make mistakes on occasions. I learnt a long time ago that it is so important before you leave any parish to say sorry for any mistakes and If I have offended anyone, it was never my intention, and I’m truly sorry! My desire was always for your good and the building up of the kingdom in this little pocket of the Lord’s Vineyard. I have always believed that the Lord desires that we be the best version of ourselves, and we do that by emulating Him in our Kindness, Generosity & Love.

I will leave St Edmund’s Parish on Wednesday 30^th August. Fr Adrian has kindly invited me back to a special Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell on Sunday 1^st October at the 11.00am Mass. I sincerely hope you’ll be able to join me on that occasion. If ever you’re in Brentwood, please drop in for a cup of tea.

May God Bless you All, please continue to pray for me, and always be kind and loving to one another.

With fondest Love & Peace,

FR JOHN’S NEW ADDRESS as of 30^th August:

Address: Brentwood Cathedral, Clergy House, 28 Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 8AT Phone No: 01277 265235 Email: cathedral@brcdt.org

I would like to express my sincere and grateful thanks to those who helped to pack books and my belongings ready for the move. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of time and energy. I don’t think I will need any more help now, so a big thank you to you all.

I also ask your prayers for all the priest who will be moving over the next week to take up their new assignments, especially Fr Adrian Lowe who will be your new Parish priest. I know he is really excited about coming to St Edmund’s.

It is customary for the outgoing Parish Priest to be invited back to his former parish for a thanksgiving celebration. I have been invited by Fr Adrian for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 1^st October at the 11.00am Mass. As I will actually be leaving before the resumption of the school academic year, and also many people will still be on holiday, it will be lovely to say a formal goodbye to the whole community on the 1^st October; I trust you’ll be able to join me. I would like to thank Fr Adrian for this kind invitation. Fr Adrian has been invited back to Wanstead for his celebration by the new PP on Sunday 17^th September at 6.30pm.

MASS OF INSTALLATION AS DEAN OF BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL This invitation is extended to the whole Parish of St Edmund’s, Loughton, you will be most welcome to come to the Installation Mass on Friday 22^nd September at 7.00pm. Our Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate the Installation Mass.

God Bless You All,

Farewell Ribbon Stock Illustrations – 246 Farewell Ribbon Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime FR JOHN’S LAST SUNDAY MASSES: Over the past twenty-one years I have baptised many children, given First Holy Communion to hundreds of children, performed many marriages and celebrated Confirmation with many of our teenagers. It would be truly wonderful if as many as possible could attend this weekend’s masses. I know it is still holiday time, but it would be lovely to see as many as possible before, I leave on Wednesday 30^th August. I thank Almighty God for being able to assist so many in our parish on the faith journey and pray for you all. St Edmund’s will always have a special place in my heart. I thank you for the many things you have taught me as your Pastor. I now ask your prayers.

Clean The House Black And White Clipart - ClipArt Best CAN YOU HELP JOSIE? This is an appeal for help at the Presbytery on Thursday 31^st August, the day after Fr John leaves for Brentwood. Fr Adrian will be arriving on Friday 1^st September about lunchtime; Josie (parish housekeeper) would be truly grateful for a little help in getting the house back into some order after all the packing that had taken place over the past month. There will be a Communion Service at 9.00am that morning, and if you could come to the Presbytery for an hour or two Josie would be most grateful. Obviously, it’s a big house so there will be plenty to do! With anticipated thanks!

REGISTERING AT THE PARISH: It’s always important to have details of all our parishioners. There are Parish Registration Forms in the Porch of the Church. Please complete and return to the Presbytery.

The Parish Newsletter can also be obtained and downloaded from the Parish Website. They are always published on a Saturday Morning.

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.

Requiescat in Pace: We remember especially Fr Jim Boothman former assistant priest in this parish who passed away recently.

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFTS TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Our next 11am Sunday Mass will be held on the 3rd September and we will be having a practice for this Mass on Thursday,31st August between 7pm and 8pm. Would all our singers and musicians make every effort to come to the practice as well as the Mass please. The 3rd September will be our first Sunday Mass with our new Parish priest, Fr. Adrian, and it would be nice if we could be well practised to welcome him!

It would also be great if we had more young singers and their families to join our group and you would be made very welcome!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

lector clip art - Clip Art Library PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses, we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. Adrian.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2023

Sat 26^th	10.00am	Teresa Kane RIP (Anni) (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 26^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 27^th	9.00am	Vincent Brown RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 27^th	11:00am	Mary Maher RIP (Walsh Family )
Mon 28^th	9.00am	Fr John Thanksgiving for 21 Years at St Edmund’s (Lucy Weight)
Tues 29^th	9.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Wed 30^th	9.00am	Thanksgiving for Fr John’s 21 years at St Edmund’s (Remy)
Thur 31^st	9.00am	Communion Service
Fri 1^st	9.00am	Communion Service
Sat 2^nd	9.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (Carmen’s Family)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Rhona Condon RIP (Betty Brown)
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	Mark & Spiro Tanti RIP

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 22:19-23

Thus says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace:

I dismiss you from your office,

I remove you from your post,

and the same day I call on my servant

Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

I invest him with your robe,

gird him with your sash,

entrust him with your authority;

and he shall be a father

to the inhabitants of Jerusalem

and to the House of Judah.

I place the key of the House of David

on his shoulder;

should he open, no one shall close,

should he close, no one shall open.

I drive him like a peg

into a firm place;

he will become a throne of glory

for his father’s house.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 137(138):1-3,6,8

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:

you have heard the words of my mouth.

In the presence of the angels I will bless you.

I will adore before your holy temple.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love,

which excel all we ever knew of you.

On the day I called, you answered;

you increased the strength of my soul.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly

and the haughty he knows from afar.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal,

discard not the work of your hands.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

Second Reading :

Romans 11:33-36

How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.

Gospel : Matthew 16:13-20

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Twentieth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ, Twentieth Sunday of the Year

The reaction of Jesus’ disciples to the mother of the demon-possessed child, suggests that the woman had been pursuing them and they have had enough of her. They ask Jesus to send her away. In a reply that seems totally unrelated, Jesus reveals the reason his lack of response to the woman’s need: ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’. Jesus’ primary mission was to gather all the faithful together into God’s kingdom so that they would become a people covenanted by God and each other and so be a light to the nations.

What a shame that we only know this courageous woman by her nationality and not her name! She does not give up but cries out one more time: ‘Lord help me!’ Jesus’ response to her plea is hard for us to hear but bear with us and light will be shed. He says: ‘It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs’. In using the word ‘dogs’ Jesus is drawing on a popular stereotype used by the Jews in contempt of Gentiles but he in fact adopted a kinder term which might be translated ‘pups’. He is continuing this theme of his mission to minister to the Jewish nation. In her response, the woman reveals no resentment, just profound faith: ‘Yes, Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their mater’s table’. Identifying immediately with her ‘great faith’ Jesus duly rewards her with her daughter’s healing.

The woman’s witness of courageous perseverance and utter determination to cling to the Lord holds out hope for us all. It’s easy to be despondent and lose faith if our prayers aren’t answered immediately. We must be persistent in prayer!

Fr John will be leaving St Edmund’s Parish on Wednesday 30^th August

to take up his new assignment as Dean of Brentwood Cathedral.

Fr Adrian Lowe will arrive at St Edmund’s on

Friday 1^st September to take us his assignment as Prish Priest.

Please keep them both in your prayers as they begin

this new chapter in their Priestly lives.

Dear Friends in Christ 20^th Sunday of the Year 2023

This will be my last full week at St Edmund’s Parish as I will be leaving on Wednesday 30^th August to take up my new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral. As you can appreciate, moving is never easy, especially after twenty-one years of being your Pastor. But as priests, it is the life we embrace; on the day of ordination, I took a sacred promise of obedience to my bishop, so I have always responded with acceptance. Being with you for so long as my spiritual family I have watched families grow, seen the children I baptised become young men and women making their way in the world, these are some the wonderful memories that I will carry with me in my heart. To have met so many wonderful people during these years has certainly been a grace and blessing. As I told you recently half of my Priesthood has been spent with you here in Loughton. I have been extremely happy here and thank Almighty God for giving me such a long assignment. Now a new chapter must begin! I ask for your prayers in the weeks and months ahead that I settle quickly at the Cathedral Parish, and that I can continue to serve the People of God.

I also ask you prayers for all the priest who will be moving over the next week to take up their new assignments, especially Fr Adrian Lowe who will be your new Parish priest. I know he is really excited about coming to St Edmund’s.

MASS OF INSTALLATION AS DEAN OF BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL This invitation is extended to the whole parish of St Edmund’s, you will be most welcome to come to the Installation Mass on Friday 22^nd September at 7.00pm. Our Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate the Installation Mass.

Address: Brentwood Cathedral, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM15 8AT

God Bless You All,

FR JOHN’S LAST SUNDAY MASSES: Over the past twenty-one years I have baptised many children, given First Holy Communion to hundreds of children, performed many marriages, celebrated Confirmation with many of our teenagers. It would be truly wonderful if as many as possible could attend next weekend’s masses. I know it is still holiday time, but it would be lovely to see as many as possible before I leave on the 30^th August. I thank Almighty God for being able to assist so many in our parish on the faith journey and pray for you all. St Edmund’s will always have a special place in my heart. I thank you for the many things you have taught me as your Pastor. I now ask your prayers.

PARISH SECRETARIAL EMPLOYMENT: I have forwarded the names of the various individuals who made enquiry about the part-time secretarial work at St Edmund’s Parish to Fr Adrian. Manifestly, he will contact these various people when he arrives in the Parish.

It would also be great if we had more young singers and their families to join our group and you would be made very welcome!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference, please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are struggling during this cost of living crisis. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: sponge pudding desserts, custard, juice, tinned meat, noodles, snack bars, small chocolate bars, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toilet roll and deodorant. Please place any donations in the dedicated plastic boxes in the garage. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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.

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFTS TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2023

Sat 19^th	10.00am	Frances Jesse Perrett RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 19^th	6.00pm	Gerard Pampellonne RIP (K. Pampellonne)
Sun 20^th	9.00am	Michael Sexton RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 20^th	11:00am	David Faud RIP (Theresa Faud)
Mon 21^st	9.00am	Charley Convery RIP (Potter & Bacon families)
Tues 22^nd	9.00am	Nancy Hands 90^th B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Wed 23^rd	9.00am	Terry Weight RIP (Heavenly B’day) 9Lucy Weight)
Thur 24^th	11.00am	John & Sharon Fitzmaurice 25^th Wedding Anniversary)
Fri 25^th	9.00am	Thomas More Haggar RIP (Helen & Bill Walsh)
Sat 26^th	9.00am	Teresa Kane RIP (Anni) (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 26^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 27^th	9.00am	Vincent Brown RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 27^th	11:00am	Mary Maher RIP (Walsh Family )

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 56:1,6-7

Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest.

Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Second Reading : Romans 11:13-15,29-32

Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.

Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.

Gospel : Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

Nineteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ, Nineteenth Sunday of the Year

Both Jesus and Peter are recorded by the Gospel-writers Matthew, Mark and John as having walked on water. The idea that the law of gravity could be suspended for two human beings is truly an incredible miracle! Indeed, the image is so compelling that to this day if someone is revered or admired; we use the expression that ‘they can walk on water’. The supernatural phenomenon of walking on water is not unique to Christianity. In Greek mythology, the gods Horus & Orion both defied gravity in this way. The difference between these traditions and the Gospel accounts is that the latter are recorded not as stories but as history. When Matthew informs us that Jesus walked on water, he is reporting an actual event that took place on a certain date in history.

In the Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum, the Second Vatican Council explains this important and profound truth by saying: ‘The sacred authors wrote the four Gospels, selecting some things from many which had been handed on by word of mouth or in writing, reducing some of them to a synthesis, explaining some things in view of the situation of their churches and preserving the form of proclamation but always in such fashion that they told us the honest truth about Jesus.’ If we approach the sacred text in this way, we open ourselves up to being taught, informed, and enlightened by the Holy Spirit about the meaning of this event in Jesus’ life.

Jesus’ walking on the water is a sign of Jesus’ Godhead and divinity. Only God can truly say: ‘Take courage! It is I, do not be afraid’, because only God can promise true and everlasting peace.

Fr John will be leaving St Edmund’s Parish on Wednesday 30th August,
to take up his new position as Dean at Brentwood Cathedral.
Please remember him in your prayers.

Dear Friends in Christ 19th Sunday of the Year 2023

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. Tuesday 15th August 2023. Mary, at the end of her natural life was assumed body and soul to heaven. The Dogma of the Assumption was proclaimed in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. It proclaimed the belief of the Universal Church that Mary, the Mother of God, having been chosen by God as that singular vessel of purity, brought forth Christ into the world, who, throughout the whole of her life, constantly remained faithful to God and her Son. Her freedom from the stain of Original Sin, won her the eternal reward of being Assumed by God, Body and Soul into heaven. There will be three masses today, 9am, 12.15pm & 7.30pm.

INSTALLATION AS DEAN: Fr John would like to invite you to his Installation as Dean of the Cathedral of St Mary & St Helen, Brentwood, Essex, on Friday 22nd September at 7.00pm. Bishop Alan Williams will install Fr John as Dean during the Installation Mass. You will all be most welcome.
Address: Brentwood Cathedral. Clergy House, Ingrave Rd, Brentwood, Essex. CM15 8AT

A REQUEST FOR SOME HELP: I would be sincerely grateful if anyone could give me hand during any of these following days to assist with the packing and parcelling up of my belongings, books etc. Also, on Tuesday 29th / Wednesday 30th August, I appeal for help in transporting all items (mainly boxes, no furniture) for removal downstairs, and ready for the Removals Company. Thanking you in anticipation!

It is customary for the outgoing Parish Priest to be invited back to his former parish for a thanksgiving celebration. I have been invited by Fr Adrian for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 1st October at the 11.00am Mass.  As I will actually be leaving before the resumption of the school academic year, and also many people will still be on holiday, it will be lovely to say a formal goodbye to the whole community on the 1st October; I trust you’ll be able to join me. I would like to thank Fr Adrian for this kind invitation. Fr Adrian has been invited back to Wanstead for his celebration by the new PP on Sunday 17th September at 6.30pm. 

My diary is already filling up with various meetings at the Cathedral Parish. Also, with the beginning of the new academic year at the same time as the move, there will also be various visits to the parish schools. There are four Catholic Schools in the Parish. I will continue my work with the Brentwood Diocesan Tribunal, which will now be on the doorstep, as the Cathedral Offices are next door to the Presbytery.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy, please pray for the repose of the soul of Olive Casserly (Mother of Claire McGeady) The Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Monday 14th August at 12.30pm at St Edmund’s followed by Cremation at Forst Park Crematorium at 2.00pm. We extend our condolences to Clarie and her family in this time of great loss.

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. This will be a paid position. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

PARISH HALL BOOKING SECRETARY: St Edmund‘s Parish Hall is looking for a new voluntary Parish Hall bookings secretary. All interested Parties please speak to Fr John or email jjh152@btinternet.com.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: The new First Holy Communion Programme will commence on Wednesday 13th September with a Parents’ Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. (You will be able to purchase your child’s work book ‘I Belong’ £8.00). The children’s first class will take place on Sunday 17th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. (This is the big meeting room above the Parish Hall). This is such an important time in your child’s life and this preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist is the next stage on their Faith Journey. Katheryn Poulter and Elena Manara are our First Holy Communion Catechists. We encourage all the children’s parents to be involved with the programme throughout the year. Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Just a short note to inform all our candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, that the Bishop’s Office will notify your new Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, when the Parish Visitation and Confirmation will take place next year 2024. Until then, we cannot give a specific date for starting the programme. Mark Anthony and several other parishioners are the Catechists for the preparation of the Sacrament. Also, please pray for all the Confirmation Candidates.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On the 16th December (7.30-9.30pm) the wonderful Winnie Greer, “science teacher by day Jazz singer by night” will be returning to St Edmund’s with her band for an evening of Christmas festive favourites in aid of The Essex based Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. A chance to enjoy some lovely music while raising money for a great cause and sharing a glass of mulled wine. Tickets are £20 each and available from the link below. If you book before 31st August there is an “early bird” rate of £15.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

NEWSLETTER ITEMS: To assist and help Fr Adrian when he arrives in the Parish, could you kindly submit any Newsletter items by Wednesday morning. The Newsletter tends to be put together on Thursday and printed Friday. Obviously late items will appear in the following week’s Newsletter. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2023

Sat 12th  
10.00am
Deacon Frank Westcott Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
    Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand

Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 12th
6.00pm
Pat McCreesh RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 13th
9.00am
Carmen Antaki RIP (B’day Anni) (Veronica & Steve Short)
Sun 13th
11:00am
People of the Parish
Mon 14th
12.30pm
REQUIEM MASS: Olive Casserly RIP
Tues 15th
9.00am
12.15pm
7.30pm
Paul Fleming Int’s (Marie Fleming)
Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Int’s for Fr John’s departure (Remy)
Wed 16th
9.00am
Olga Noguira B’day Int’s (Frank Westcott)
Thur 17th
9.00am
Ebun Scoh Int’s (Mary Ryan)
Fri 18th
9.00am
Maureen Kisley Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Sat 19th
9.00am
Frances Jesse Perrett RIP
Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand
Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm
Sat 19th
6.00pm Gerard Pampellonne RIP (K. Pampellonne)
Sun 20th
9.00am
Michael Sexton RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 20th
11:00am
David Faud RIP (Theresa Faud)
Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,
Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@brcdt.org The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Dear Friends in Christ, Transfiguration of the Lord 2023

Jesus’ life was focused on one primary goal above all others – his cross. Once Peter had glimpsed by grace the revelation that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the Living God, the Lord ‘began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and be killed and on the third day be raised.’ Peter’s response was to protest that he would do everything he could to prevent such a thing happening – the Lord immediately identified the true source of Peter’s protestation and rebuked Satan. It was against this background that the Transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor.

Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up the mountain. What we know is that they were the witnesses to a remarkable transformation in Jesus’ appearance and clothes and the amazing manifestation of Moses and Elijah alongside him. For the Apostles this was to be a significant moment in their lives and gives them a glimpse of Jesus’ future glory; but this glory would not be obtained without great suffering, namely the cross. It was also a moment when God the Father, the Son and Spirit were all united in one great act of love, encouraging the Apostles, ‘This is my Son the beloved, listen to him.’ The Feast of Transfiguration - Davao Catholic Herald

We are all invited into the life of God, who is Father Son and Spirit, by virtue of our Baptism. Let us recognise that sacred presence always within our being, and like the Apostles rejoice in the wondrous presence of the Lord, because it is only in the Lord that our transfiguration can take place.

Dear Friends in Christ Transfiguration of the Lord

I managed to visit Brentwood Cathedral this week and had a look around and spoke to the clergy about the transition. I will be leaving St Edmund’s Parish on Wednesday the 30^th August to take up residence in Brentwood. Fr Adrian will also arrive at St Edmund’s to take up residence. Obviously, this is an emotional time for me; after twenty-one years it will be hard to leave you all. As I mentioned before, half of my Priesthood has been spent here in Loughton. In fact, I have never lived anywhere as long as I have lived here in Loughton. Cathedral - Brentwood Diocese

It is usually customary for the Parish Priest to be invited back to his old parish for a thanksgiving celebration. I have been invited by Fr Adrian for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 1^st October at the 11.00am Mass. As I will actually be leaving before the resumption of the school academic year, and also many people will be still on holiday, it will be really lovely to say a formal goodbye to the whole community on the 1^st October 2023, I hope you’ll be able to join me. I would like to thank Fr Adrian for this kind invitation. Fr Adrian has been invited back to Wanstead for his celebration by the new PP on Sunday 17^th September at 6.30pm.

On the week commencing Monday 14^th August, I would be sincerely grateful if anyone could give me hand during any of those following days to help with the packing and parcelling up of my belongings, books etc. Also, on Tuesday 29^th/ Wednesday 30^th August, I appeal for help in transporting all items for removal downstairs, and ready for the Removals Company. Thanking you in anticipation

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. This will be a paid position. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

PARISH HALL BOOKING SECRETARY: St Edmund‘s Parish Hall is looking for a new voluntary Parish Hall bookings secretary. All interested Parties please speak to Fr John or email jjh152@btinternet.com.

God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: The new First Holy Communion Programme will commence on Wednesday 13^th September will a Parents’ Meeting at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s first class will take place on Sunday 17^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. (This is the big meeting room above the Parish Hall). This is such an important time in your child’s life and this preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist is the next stage on their Faith Journey. Katheryn Poulter and Elena Manara are our First Holy Communion Catechists. We encourage all the children’s parents to be involved with the programme throughout the year. Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: For our next 11am Mass on Sunday, 6th August. Please make every effort to come to the Mass – it will be our group’s last Mass celebrated by Fr. John before he leaves our Parish and we want to make it special. Please pass the word around to all our singers as we would like a very good turnout! We would also warmly welcome more new singers and their families who may like to join us – simply come along! Thank you very much.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On the 16th December (7.30-9.30pm) the wonderful Winnie Greer, “science teacher by day Jazz singer by night” will be returning to St Edmund’s with her band for an evening of Christmas festive favourites in aid of The Essex based Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. A chance to enjoy some lovely music while raising money for a great cause and sharing a glass of mulled wine. Tickets are £20 each and available from the link below. If you book before 31st August there is an “early bird” rate of £15.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

PARISH NEWLTTER: If you would like to receive the Parish Newsletter via Email each week, please contact Iain McLay iain.m.mclay@googlemail.com this gives and extended version of the Weekly bulletin

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy, please pray for the repose of the soul of Olive Casserly (Mother of Claire McGeady) who passed away recently aged 84 years. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Monday 14^th August at 12.30pm at St Edmund’s followed by Cremation at Forst Park Crematorium at 2.00pm. We extend our condolences to Clarie and her family in this time of great loss.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2023

Sat 5^th	10.00am	Nancy & Fred Burgess RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Street Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Deacon Frank Westcott’s Int’s (M Ryan)
Mon 7^th	9.00am	Communion Service
Tues 8^th August	9.00am	Communion Service
Wed 9^th	9.00am	Communion Service
Thur 10^th	9.00am	Communion Service
Fri 11^th	9.00am	Communion Service
Sat 12^th	9.00am	Deacon Frank Westcott Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 12^th	6.00pm	Pat McCreesh RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 13^th	9.00am	Carmen Antaki RIP (B’day Anni) (Veronica & Steve Short)
Sun 13^th	11:00am	People of the Parish

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

The Transfiguration of the Lord – Feast

First Reading : Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

As I watched:

Thrones were set in place

and one of great age took his seat.

His robe was white as snow,

the hair of his head as pure as wool.

His throne was a blaze of flames,

its wheels were a burning fire.

A stream of fire poured out,

issuing from his presence.

A thousand thousand waited on him,

ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.

A court was held

and the books were opened.

I gazed into the visions of the night.

And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,

one like a son of man.

He came to the one of great age

and was led into his presence.

On him was conferred sovereignty,

glory and kingship,

and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.

His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty

which shall never pass away,

nor will his empire ever be destroyed

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,9

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,

let all the coastlands be glad.

Cloud and darkness are his raiment;

his throne, justice and right.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The mountains melt like wax

before the Lord of all the earth.

The skies proclaim his justice;

all peoples see his glory.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

For you indeed are the Lord

most high above all the earth,

exalted far above all spirits.

The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

Second Reading : 2 Peter 1:16-19

It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge of the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; we had seen his majesty for ourselves. He was honoured and glorified by God the Father, when the Sublime Glory itself spoke to him and said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.’ We heard this ourselves, spoken from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have confirmation of what was said in prophecies; and you will be right to depend on prophecy and take it as a lamp for lighting a way through the dark until the dawn comes and the morning star rises in your minds.

Gospel : Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today’s Gospel contains two parables which challenge our idea of riches. Each parable contains a simile of the kingdom of God; in the first the kingdom of God is compared to hidden treasure and in the second it is compared to a merchant searching for fine pearls. When the man finds the treasure buried in a field, he buys the whole field in order to get hold of the treasure; and when the merchant finds the pearl he sells everything he has in order to buy it.

The meaning of the parables is that the greatest treasure we can ever have in life is discovering the truth of the kingdom of heaven. In comparison all the other riches which this life has to offer are finite and limited in their value. The life of faith invites us to store up treasure in heaven where no thief can break in and steal and no rust can corrode and corrupt. Scripture tells us that our heart will be where our treasure is and that true and lasting treasure can only be found in the Lord.

When set against knowledge and following Christ St. Paul considered everything that this life has to offer as ‘rubbish’. The Greek word he used for ‘rubbish’ was skubalon, which translates more accurately as ‘dung’. We need the gift of grace not only to understand this truth but also to live it because the treasures and rewards of the world can appear very attractive. We need a revelation of the truth that Christ in us is the hope of everlasting glory and that to have found him is to have found everything.

Dear Friends in Christ 17^th Sunday of the Year

It’s very nice to back with you for a few weeks before my departure to Brentwood Cathedral Parish. I visited the present parish priest before I left for holiday, and he showed me around. It’s going to be extremely busy with four schools and the fact that it is the Cathedral. Fr Martin Boland the present Dean, (who was Ordained to the Priesthood here in Loughton in 1996) is being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead. And as I have already mentioned Fr Adrian Lowe, who has been looking after the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, will be coming to Loughton. (Fr Adrian has also been appointed the Vocations Director for the Diocese). It’s a three-way move, so we will have to co-ordinate the move date together. I am hoping to have an Induction Mass at the Cathedral sometime in September, (I’m still waiting for the Bishop’s Office to contact me) to which anyone is welcome to come. I will give you further details before I leave. Brentwood Cathedral of St Mary & St. Helen, Clergy House, 28 Ingrave Road, Brentwood Essex.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: As this is holiday season with the closure of all schools for the summer recess, I wish all our families a blessed holiday. If you’re going away, please keep safe and well, enjoy your time of rest and relaxation and come back refreshed. As I leave before the summer holidays are over, hopefully I will be able to return sometime in September for a final Mass of thanksgiving.

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

PARISH WEEKDAY MASS: As from Monday the 31^st July our weekday masses Monday – Saturday will be at 9.00am. This will be permanent.

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the entire process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September, you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

CHANGE OF PRACTICE DATE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: For our next 11am Mass on Sunday, 6th August, we will be having a practice 7 to 8pm on Tuesday 1st August rather than 31st July. Please make every effort to come to the practice and the Mass – it will be our group’s last Mass celebrated by Fr. John before he leaves our Parish and we want to make it special. Please pass the word around to all our singers as we would like a very good turnout! We would also warmly welcome more new singers and their families who may like to join us – simply come along! Thank you very much.

ACROSS PATHS LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: Monica would like to thank the whole parish community for their most generous support for the coffee morning and raffle last Sunday. She raised the wonderful sum of £700 which will help take 6 palliative care pilgrims and a family member to Lourdes in October with ACROSS Paths. It was a joyous occasion for a wonderful cause. Monica will be part of a team of doctors, nurses and carers travelling with the pilgrims.

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

Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ... PARISH FINANCES: As you can appreciate, during this pandemic the parish income took a severe hit, and we are still not back at the same levels as we were prior to 2020. My sincere and grateful thanks to those who have signed up for online giving and Gift Aid, this is helping. Many parishioners have not returned to the regular practice of faith, and many Gift Aid boxes were not collected this year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God.

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

ARE THERE ANY BAPTISMS? Before Fr John departs for his new assignment, are there any families who want to have their children baptised? Please contact Fr John as soon as possible to arrange a date. jjh152@btinternet.com His last weekend will be 26^th / 27^th August, which is the Bank Holiday weekend

THIS IS A SPECIAL CALL TO ALL ALTAR SERVERS WHO NO LONGER SERVE AT ST EDMUND’S. COULD YOU KINDLY RETUNR YOUR ALB, AS THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THE NEW SERVERS.

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: If there are any parishioners who have become sick or housebound, please notify Fr John, who will be only too happy to make a house call and bring Holy Communion on a regular basis. It’s important that we’re able to keep in touch with all of our parishioners, and especially those who are sick.

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. John.

SACRISTANS: Fr John could really do with some additional help in the Sacristy especially during the week. I have been very dependent upon Veronica Short over the past few years. But it would be good if another couple of people could volunteer during the week to help in setting up for Mass each day, and clearing up afterwards. It really doesn’t take that long to do. We could organise a rota of days. Once again this is service of God and the Community.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? At present we only have five seminarians training for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Brentwood. The period of formation for each is several years. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the priesthood, or who feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org We are hoping to resume our monthly meetings for those who may be enquirers, so please watch this space.

PARISH NEWLTTER: If you would like to receive the Parish Newsletter via Email each week please contact Iain McLay iain.m.mclay@googlemail.com this gives and extended version of the Weekly bulletin

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. John’s Day Off. In cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688. This would also apply if Fr. John is away for a few days break or on Retreat. All the local funeral directors have a contact number for Fr. John if a funeral needs to be arranged in his absence.

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY – AUGUST 2023

Sat 29^th	10.00am	Philip Sinnott & Christine Collins getting married today in Ireland (Fr John)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	9.00am	75^th Birthday Int’s Orlando Gracia (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Francis McCoy
Mon 31^st	9.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret
Tues 1^st August	9.00am	Holy Souls
Wed 2^nd	9.00am	Frances Jackson RIP (Steve & Veronica Short)
Thur 3^rd	9.00am	Nancy Dowd Int’s (Mary Ryan)
Fri 4^th	9.00am	Olga Noguira B’day Ints (Pat & Margaret)
Sat 5^th	9.00am	Nancy & Fred Burgess RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Street Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Deacon Frank Westcott’s Int’s (M Ryan)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 1 Kings 3:5,7-12

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, ‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’ Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its number cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. ‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said ‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 118(119):57,72,76-77,127-130

Lord, how I love your law!

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,

is to obey your word.

The law from your mouth means more to me

than silver and gold.

Lord, how I love your law!

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Lord, how I love your law!

That is why I love your commands

more than finest gold,

why I rule my life by your precepts,

and hate false ways.

Lord, how I love your law!

Your will is wonderful indeed;

therefore I obey it.

The unfolding of your word gives light

and teaches the simple.

Lord, how I love your law!

Second Reading : Romans 8:28-30

We know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.

Gospel : Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The parable of the Sower is an important one to understand. In St. Mark’s version Jesus describes it as the key or doorway into all the parables: ‘Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? A problem with this or any other parable is familiarity; many have heard it since they were children and conclude they have understood its meaning and there are no more treasures to mine. When we are familiar with something we stop looking at is closely.

Ironically, this way of thinking reflects the teaching which underpins the parable. For the parable is all about the battle not just for our hearts, but also our minds. It speaks about the daily struggle to fight the good fight of faith and the way we respond to the word of God (the seed). In fact, the soil in the parable can be interpreted as a metaphor for the soil of our mind and the importance for it to be a healthy environment in which the good seed of God’s word can flourish. Of course, we need to meet God halfway by reading his Word and allowing him to root out the thorns and thistles and other impediments to the seed’s healthy growth.

The question facing us very day is: how can our minds be rich, fertile and productive soil in which God’s word can take root? Of course, if we don’t carve out a time and place to read, study and contemplate Scriptures, our minds cannot be renewed, refreshed and enlightened by it. We remain barren soil. This can be challenging: for many of us time is one of our most precious commodities. However, we all know that we make time for what we want to make time for.

We cannot understand God’s Word without the help, action and movement of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given so that we would understand the things of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit reignites our love for the Scriptures so that they come alive and we develop a thirst to read them and a hunger to hear and understand them.

Dear Friends in Christ 15^th Sunday of the Year

On behalf of the Parish this weekend, I would like to welcome Fr Gerard Gostling, who will be supplying in the parish for the remainder of my holiday. Fr Gerry is one of our retired priests of the Diocese. He served for many years in our Twin Diocese of Dundee, in South Africa, and I’m sure he will have a wealth of stories to share with you in his time on the Missions. Once again, I ask you to extend Fr Gerry a very warm welcome. I’m sure he would welcome the opportunity to get to know you, and if you feel so inclined please extend him an invitation for morning coffee, or even a meal at your home.

END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR: This coming Friday 21^st July the Academic Year ends for our Primary and Secondary Schools. I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking our schools for everything you do for our children throughout the School Year. I’m really sorry I am not able to be with you at the end of this school year, and unfortunately, I will have already departed from the parish by the time the school resumes in September. With regards to St John Fisher School, it has been an absolute joy and privilege being able to serve you as your priest for the past 21 years. It’s been incredible to see generations of children going through the school, seeing reception school children now going to University and qualifying in all sorts of different fields. This has been one of the great blessings of being in the parish for such a long time. My thanks to all the Head Teachers whom I have had the privilege to work with and the many teachers through the years that I have got to know; also, all the Governors who I have had the privilege to serve with. We are so fortunate to have a Catholic Primary School in our parish, please continue to support it. I wish you all a Blessed Summer holiday, please go and have a good rest.

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, this doesn’t leave a lot of time when I return from my annual summer holiday. I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the whole process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

COFFEE MORNING FOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: In October (4^th-10^th) Monica Maycraft will be travelling with the ACROSS Paths pilgrimage to Lourdes as a nurse. She will be holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds for the pilgrimage on Sunday 23rd July, after both 9am and 11am masses. The hope is to take 6 palliative care pilgrims, and a family member, to Lourdes. There is also a JustGiving page if anyone wishes to donate that way https://www.justgiving.com/page/across-paths

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 07754700934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? At present we only have five seminarians training for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Brentwood. The period of formation for each is several years. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the priesthood, or who feel they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org We are hoping to resume our monthly meetings for those who may be enquirers, so please watch this space.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact Fr John as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 15^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	9.00am	Jose Vaquero Insunza RIP (Ruiz Family)
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Sally Dwyer RIP (Nora Pierce)
Mon 17^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Tues 18^th	10.00am	Bertrand & Margaret Smith RIP (The Smith Family)
Wed 19^th	10.00am	Padhraig (Pat) Garvey RIP (Monica Maycraft)
Thur 20^th	10.00am	Jerry & Bridie Hunt Int’s (Mary Ryan)
Fri 21^st	10.00am	Anne Campbell (B’day Anni) (Brenda Bryant)
Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	Eileen Campbell RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	21^st B’day Thanksgiving for Yzabella Bacani (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Good News is precious these days. There is little enough of it in our papers and on our television screens! As we contemplate the evils of our world – the injustices, abuses of power, and injuries to the most vulnerable and to children – we can quickly lose hope. People ask how a God so good and so powerful can allow such things to happen. Inwardly we too may often be baffled. How can the love and hope of the gospel exist in a world full of suffering and evil?
OTA_16D

Jesus’ story of the wheat and the weeds has more encouraging answers. First, it is clear that the man sowed good seed in his field: any evil is the work of his enemy. So we cannot blame the bad things in our world on God. Then, given that there are bad things everywhere, it is striking that the owner of the field feels less perturbed by them than so his servants. He is content to let wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. The world is a mixed bag of good and evil, and the Church is composed of saints and sinners. Our own lives too are a mixture of good and evil. We need to be patient – with ourselves and with others – as we strive for the perfection God seeks, looking kindly upon shortcomings and failure. After all, judgement belongs to the Lord, and only at the harvest can the true nature of the plant be judged.
OTA_16G

The glory of the church now is the holiness of ordinary, weak and sinful men and women. It is the shining of small stars in the darkness. The bright shining of the sun will follow the final separation which the Son will accomplish at the close of the age. So let us strive for purity in an impure world, not losing our hope because of the darkness against and within us, but trusting always in the Lord who sowed his good seed in us at baptism. He waits confidently for his seed to bear fruit – let us share his confidence and rejoice.

‘For there is no god, other than you, who cares for everyone, to whom you have to prove that your sentences have been just.’ (Wisd. 12:13)

Dear Friends in Christ 16^th Sunday of the Year

I would like to take this public oppportuntiy of thanking both of the priests who substituted for me while I was on my annual leave this year. I’m truly grateful to Fr Clement & Fr Gerry. It’s so difficult these days trying to find subsititues for the summer period. I will be home this coming Wednesday.

Also I would like to wish all of our parishioners a very Happy Holiday Season. As the schools have just broken up, I would imagine most families will try to get a bit of a holiday over the next several weeks. If you’re travelling anywhere within England & Wales I have a National Directory for the names of Churches and the times of Masses. If you’re going to Europe its always wonderful to expolore the beautiful Catholic Churches & Cathedrals in the various countries, especially the Roman Catholic countries.

A TIME OF CHANGE AND TRANSITION: Bishop Alan announced 15 moves in our Diocese this year, and all of these will take place during the last week of August so that each priest can be in place for the first weekend of September. Change is not easy for anyone because we all get used to the status quo. It’s very hard for priests to move from one parish to another, so I ask your prayers for all the priests who will be on the move over these next weeks. Please also pray for all of the parishes who will be losing one priest and gaining another. For me personally, this will probably be my last move in the Diocese, as the retirement age for clergy is 75. Please pray that God gives me the strength to be a good an holy Pastor to the people of the Cathedral Parish in Brentwood. If you’re in Brentwood please drop in, you’ll always be made welcome!

DEPARTURE DATE FOR Fr JOHN: I will probably transfer to my new assignment the week commencing 28^th August (this is Bank holiday Monday), probably the Tuesday or Wednesday. Manifestly, this doesn’t leave a lot of time when I return from my annual summer holiday. I was wondering if anyone could give a little help when I am back to pack up my belongings. Obviously, I will have a removals company take all my belongings to the Cathedral. After twenty-one years, as you can appreciate you accumulate quite a lot of things. But it’s also an opportunity to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need.

SECRETARIAL HELP: I know your new Parish Priest Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Program, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholicism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John or Aidan Potter who will explain the whole process to you.

FORWARD PLANNING: As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

COFFEE MORNING FOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: In October (4^th-10^th) Monica Maycraft will be travelling with the ACROSS Paths pilgrimage to Lourdes as a nurse. She will be holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds for the pilgrimage on Sunday 23rd July, after both 9am and 11am masses. The hope is to take 6 palliative care pilgrims, and a family member, to Lourdes. There is also a JustGiving page if anyone wishes to donate that way https://www.justgiving.com/page/across-paths

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.PksgenkNVMwF2XWxHkXnzgHaHp&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH

PARISH FINANCES: As you can appreciate, during this pandemic the parish income took a severe hit, and we are still not back at the same levels as we were prior to 2020. My sincere and grateful thanks to those who have signed up for online giving and Gift Aid, this is helping. Many parishioners have not returned to the regular practice of faith, and many Gift Aid boxes were not collected this year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God. Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ...

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!

ARE THERE ANY BAPTISMS? Before Fr John departs for his new assignment, are there any families who want to have their children baptised? Please contact Fr John as soon as possible to arrange a date. jjh152@btinternet.com His last weekend will be 26^th / 27^th August, which is the Bank Holiday weekend

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. John.

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	Eileen Campbell RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	21^st B’day Thanksgiving for Yzabella Bacani (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Mon 24^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Tues 25^th	10.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 26^th	10.00am	Shirley & Len Hodgeson RIP
Thur 27^th	10.00am	Alan & Doreen Wiltshire RIP (The Smith Family)
Fri 28^th	10.00am	Bernie O’Mahony RIP
Sat 29^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	9.00am	75^th Birthday Int’s Orlando Gracia (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Francis McCoy

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The pathway to Etty Hillesum’s life led to the door of the gas chamber at Auschwitz. It was a brutally cold day, 30^th November 1943, when she passed through the door of death and entered into life in the presence of God for whom she had longed during her life. In a diary entry found after her death she had written: ‘Within me there is a spring that is very deep. And in that spring is God. Sometimes I am unable to reach it, more often it is covered with stone and sand; in that moment God is buried, so one must dig him up again.’ This courageous Jewess captured perfectly the deep ache in the human heart for God, which St. Augustine also described: ‘Our hearts, O God, were created for you and in you alone will we find rest.’

Today’s Gospel contains some of the most comforting and consoling words ever spoken. But who could speak them except God – Jesus of Nazareth, God made man? They reveal that through him, with him and in him, in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, we can enjoy God’s rest and peace. No matter who we are, life, let’s face it, can be hard, difficult and burdensome. However, in the quiet of prayer, in the oasis of praying before the Blessed Sacrament, in the retreat from the world, when we read God’s Word, we create the opportunity for God to comfort and console us. Truly, only in prayer can we be comforted and consoled by the Holy Spirit and experience Jesus, gentle and humble in heart, who leads us to rest in the spring of God’s grace.

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: ‘Prayer is the test of everything; prayer is also the source of everything; prayer is the driving force of everything; prayer is the director of everything. If our prayer is right everything else is right. For in prayer we find peace and rest for our souls.’ Finding time for prayer is the challenge we face. However, this much is true: the more we pray, the easier it is to pray. The less we pray, the harder it is. And the easier it becomes, the more we will pray.

Lord, today I ask for the grace to be renewed and refreshed by your grace so that I may keep my eyes fixed on heaven, praising you for the gift of your Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Friends in Christ 14^th Sunday of the Year

It was with a sad and heavy heart that I announced to you last weekend that our Bishop, Alan William, has asked me to take up a new assignment commencing at the beginning of September. After twenty-one years here at St Edmund’s parish it will be quite an upheaval changing parishes once again. Bishop Alan has appointed me Parish Priest and Dean of the Cathedral Parish of St. Mary & St Helen, Brentwood.

I have spent half of my priesthood here in Loughton. I have been so happy here and uniquely privileged to have spent such a long time in one parish. To have watched the children I baptised grow into young men and women and making their own way in the world has truly been a great joy. When I look around the church, I am humbled to see all the families I have been privileged to assist and help, either through the sacraments or personally, – Baptisms, Confessions, First Holy Communions, the Sacrament of Confirmation, Marriages, Special Occasions, Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons with you. Priests are uniquely privileged to share in their people’s lives in these very special ways. For this I’m truly grateful; and also for the great friendships that have developed through the 21 years here in the parish.

I sincerely hope and pray that I have always witnessed to the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that I have always tried to the best of my ability to lead you all a little bit closer to the Lord. If ever I have offended anyone it was never my intention, and I’m truly sorry. I ask you prayers as I take up this new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral, and of course, if you’re ever in Brentwood, please don’t hesitate to drop in for a cup of tea.

It is with great joy and happiness that I announce that your new Parish Priest will be Fr Adrian Lowe, who is at present looking after Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wanstead since Fr Pat Sammon passed away last September. Fr Adrian is a dear friend, and is so happy about his assignment to Loughton which takes effect from the first weekend of September 2023. The greatest honour you can afford me is to welcome Fr Adrian with the same love and kindness that you have shown to me through these past years.

I know that Fr Adrian would like the assistance of a Parish Secretary for possibly three mornings a week commencing September. If you have any secretarial experience and are computer literate, please contact Fr John on email jjh152@btinternet.com who will forward your details to Fr Adrian.

May God Bless You All,

EXTENDING A VERY WARM WELCOME – To Fr Clement Olumide Abiodun, who is from the Ivory Coast; it is also a French Speaking Country. Fr Clement has been visiting our Diocese of Brentwood for many years, and of course, speaks English. He has been with us since last Monday and will remain until the 14^th July. This has allowed me to take my annual summer holiday; obviously with moving at the end of August it was providential this year that I booked an early holiday. Please extend Fr. Clement your usual warm and hospitable welcome. I know he will only be here for about another week, but if you would like to invite him out for coffee or a meal, I’m sure he would be very grateful.

MESSAGE FROM OUR DEACON FRANK:

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, cards, and most generous gifts – I truly have been overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and love. My time at Oscott Seminary seems to have passed so quickly, “tempus fugit” as they say (my Latin master would be impressed!). There have of course been the usual emotional highs and lows, and it has often been the thought of returning home to Loughton, Father John, and you my parish family that has helped me cope with the latter.

I look forward to seeing you all again over the coming weeks and serving as your Deacon.

God bless,

Love and prayers

Deacon Frank

SEA SUNDAY: This Sunday, 9^th July, is Sea Sunday. Please remember seafarers and fishers in your prayers. Many parishes will hold a second collection for Catholic charity Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea). This organisation provides pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers and fishers. Your prayers and support are greatly needed. To support the charity’s work, please go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate To download the Sea Sunday Resources go to www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday

FORWARD PLANNING: Is extremely important in the area of Catholic Education. As we rapidly approach the end of the Academic Year, I would specifically ask all families of children who will be going into year 6 in September to think very seriously about your child’s ongoing Catholic education when choosing prospective secondary Schools for your children. At the beginning of September you will be notified by Essex County that your child is due to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School. We have an excellent Roman Catholic Secondary School, Trinity in Woodford, which has enjoyed a sterling reputation for many decades. Dr Paul Doherty OBE has been at the helm of the ship for well over 40 years. Obviously, with Secondary Schools being oversubscribed, Catholic Practice of the faith is extremely important. As Roman Catholics our obligation is to participate in the Weekly Celebration of Holy Mass. The School’s Admission Policy is quite strict about Catholic Practice. Also, for example the Davenant Foundation School employs a strict policy of seven years consistent practice of faith. No priest can ever sign a form that claims anything other than that. This is a matter of personal honesty and integrity. Obviously, this is something that all Roman Catholics are aware of; but I think sometimes we need to be reminded of these facts.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. The St Vincent de Paul Society approaches each request for help with compassion and consideration for support tailored to the uniqueness of the individual and situation. I have been approached by a few members of the parish to re-establish the SVP here in our parish. If you are interested in joining a Parish SVP Conference please speak to Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice. Thank you! More information later.

And here is a link so you can read about it further https://www.across.org.uk/

Monica would love it if you could join them for coffee and cake that day.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Edgar Azzopardi, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Les Langan, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary & Steve Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Marie Dawson RIP, Mary Cocklin RIP, June Happe 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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme commencing at the beginning of September, leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of Catholcism, including Scripture, Sacramental Life, and The Dogma’s of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John who will explain the whole process to you.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-festive-favourites-in-aid-of-helen-rollason-cancer-charity-tickets-640159623667

PARISH READERS: We are always looking for some new Parish Lectors; parishioners who would be willing to read on a regular basis at one of the Sunday Masses. We have a few already, but it would be wonderful if there could be a few more volunteers. ALSO: If any of our regular weekday Mass attendees would be willing to read at the weekday masses we could organise a rota. Since Covid there haven’t been any regular readers. You may feel called to this ministry, and once again, it is doing something for God and the Community. Please speak to Fr. John.

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2023

Sat 8^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Patrick McCreesh RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	Charlie Flynn RIP (Mary Ryan)
Mon 10^th	10.00am	Veronica Short B’day Int’s. (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 11^th	10.00am	Fr John’s 42^nd Anniversary Int’s
Wed 12^th	10.00am	Kate & Tom Dennison RIP ( Margaret Duffy)
Thur 13^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott Int’s Diaconate Ordination (Dian & Ferdi Tisi)
Fri 14^th	10.00am	Bridget Kinsella RIP (Maria & Terry Abbs)
Sat 15^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	9.00am	Jose Vaquero Insunza RIP (Ruiz Family)
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Sally Dwyer RIP (Nora Pierce)

Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092