St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Leaving Loughton Letter, 2023

My Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I have to announce to you all, that after 21 years as your Parish Priest here in Loughton, our Bishop Alan Williams has requested that I take up a new assignment, (and this will be my last one). The Bishop has appointed me Parish Priest & Dean of the Cathedral Parish of St. Mary & St. Helen, Brentwood, effective from the first weekend of September 2023.

I have spent half of my priesthood here in Loughton, and have been extremely happy. It has truly been an honour and privilege to have been able to serve you as your pastor for the past 21 years. I think of all the masses I have celebrated here with you, the children I’ve baptised, all the couples that I’ve prepared for marriage, the young people who have been Confirmed and the many funerals I have officiated at. To be part of people’s lives at all of those very important moments has been rewarding and humbling and filled with God’s grace.

I hope and pray that I have 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 your prayers as I take up this new assignment at Brentwood Cathedral, and if you’re in Brentwood, please don’t hesitate to drop in for a cup of tea.

It is with great 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. Fr Adrian is a dear friend, and is really happy and looking forward to being with you as your pastor 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.

With fondest love & prayers for your all,

Rev Canon John J Harvey,

Address from 2^nd September 2023

Clergy House,

28^,Ingrave Road,

Brentwood

Essex. CM15 8AT

Tel No: 01277 265235

Email: jjh152@btinternet.com

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Although being a Sunday we interrupt the flow of readings from Matthew’s eighth chapter, the theme of Jesus’ kingship is no less found in today’s Gospel. In claiming precedence over even our own parents, Jesus is setting his kingly rule in our lives.

Jesus’ statement about the need for us as his disciple to prefer him over our parents is not, as it may sound, to put down our parents or, indeed, our unique love for them. It is rather a statement emphasising that they cannot be the ‘king’ in our lives. It is Jesus who, as God’s appointed Shepherd and our King, is the ultimate source of our truth, and whose justice is the source of our bliss – as today’s Psalm says of ‘the people who acclaim such a king’! Our parents are God’s wonderful gift to us, as we are to them, but they are not the ones who were able to ‘put us right with God’ (this is the meaning of justice). In fact, Jesus is the one who came to put the whole world to right.

When Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate at his trial, he made it clear that his ‘his kingdom is not of this world.’ We need to understand that this did not mean that his kingdom was not ‘in’ this world, but it is not the sort of kingdom or kingship that had been known before. What kind of King becomes King through the sacrifice of his own life? What kind of King takes upon himself the sin and guilt of all his subjects? And indeed, what kind of King requires those who belong to his kingdom ‘to take up their cross’ to follow him?

It was precisely by taking on himself our sin, and by sacrificing his life in loving obedience to the Father, that Jesus has truly put us ‘right’. But we are put right in the most radical of ways. Jesus makes of us ‘a new creation’. In Jesus, the old creation completely passes away. The new creation is ‘dead to sin and alive to God in Christ’. But to become a new creation in Christ, it is necessary to ‘take up our cross’ – to let the old ‘self’ life be put to death in Jesus.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. (Psalm 88:15)

Dear Friends in Christ 13^th Sunday of the Year

May God Bless You All,

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

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: My thanks to all the Parents of prospective First Holy Communicants for next year who returned their enrolment forms. I can now order the new Work Books for the children. The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are a baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: My thanks to all the prospective Confirmation Candidates who collected and returned their enrolment forms for the Confirmation Programme by last Friday. Bishop Alan is due for a Pastoral Visitation & Confirmation during 2024; as yet we do not have a fixed date. The Bishop’s Office will notify us in September when he will make his visitation. Obviously forward planning is extremely important. Confirmation is another one of those Sacramental milestones in our faith journey. It should never be taken lightly, and young people, please consider very carefully this next step you are about to take. Confirmation is about total commitment to your life of faith; it’s not about stamping the sacramental passport. The Age for Confirmation is 14 years and upwards, (you should be 14 years of age when you receive the Sacrament). Weekly attendance at Holy Mass is essential and is our obligation as Roman Catholics; not just periodic attendance. Please do not waste our time if you have not been attending Holy Mass over the past year or two. I ask the whole parish community to pray for our young people. There are so many distractions in our world today, and it’s very easy to stray away from the practice of the faith. Please be consistent and steadfast in your faith!

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.

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 ALBS, AS THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR THE NEW SERVERS.

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: 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

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

Donate

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

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

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

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme 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 Dogmas of our Faith, Catholic Practice & traditions, Christology & Mariology, Study of the Church. Please see Fr John who will explain the whole process to you.

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

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

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

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: Quite a number of Altar Servers ceased serving at Mass since the Pandemic. I’m making a special appeal to all former Altar Servers to kindly return their Albs to the Sacristy. Albs are extremely expensive to buy these days, and I believe there a quite a few still out there not being used anymore. If any young person wishes to become an Altar Server, please see Fr. John as soon as possible; we can help to prepare you to serve at the Altar. This is a truly wonderful ministry, and it is a special way of serving God and the whole community of faith.
Holy Virgin Godmother Vector Stock Vector.

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!

GREAT HISTORY MYSTERY LECTURE – at Trinity Catholic High School, Thursday 6^th July at 7.30pm Dr Doherty will talk about the hideous and mysterious murder of the disappearance of King Edward II from Berkeley Castle in 1327. Refreshments will be served and Dr Doherty will raffle copies of his novels. Admission fee £2.00. All proceeds to the School Fund.

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

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

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

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

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

BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact 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

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 2023

Sat 1^st July	10.00am	Int’s of John & Marian Schutz (Remy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 1^st July	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Ordination of Frank Westcott as Deacon(Fr John & Parish of St Edmund’s)
Mon 3^rd	10.00am	Violet Hall RIP
Tues 4^th	10.00am	Kate & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 5^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Thur 6^th	10.00am	Special Intention (Private)
Fri 7^th	10.00am	In Thanksgiving (Brian & Teresa Fabbri)
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)

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

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16

One day as Elisha was on his way to Shunem, a woman of rank who lived there pressed him to stay and eat there. After this he always broke his journey for a meal when he passed that way. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure the man who is constantly passing our way must be a holy man of God. Let us build him a small room on the roof, and put him a bed in it, and a table and chair and lamp; whenever he comes to us he can rest there.’ One day when he came, he retired to the upper room and lay down. He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call our Shunammitess. Tell her this: “Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us, what can we do for you? Is there anything you would like said for you to the king or to the commander of the army?”’ But she replied, ‘I live with my own people about me.’ ‘What can be done for her then?’ he asked. Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son and her husband is old.’ Elisha said, ‘Call her.’ The servant called her and she stood at the door. This time next year,’ he said ‘you will hold a son in your arms.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 88(89):2-3,16-19

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;

through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.

Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,

that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Happy the people who acclaim such a king,

who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

who find their joy every day in your name,

who make your justice the source of their bliss.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

For it is you, O Lord, who are the glory of their strength;

by your favour it is that our might is exalted;

for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord;

our king in the keeping of the Holy One of Israel.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Second Reading : Romans 6:3-4,8-11

When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.

But we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.

Gospel : Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.

‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

Twelfth Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The phrase ‘Do not be afraid’ occurs 365 times in the Bible. ‘Do not be afraid’ was also the clarion call of St. John Paul II. Today’s Gospel addresses a certain kind of fear: we could call it the fear of witness or testimony. Since the beginning the Church has lived through times of terrible persecution. Believers under Nero and Diocletian were subject to all manner of torture and suffering for giving witness to their faith. Nero lit up the Roman sky with burning bodies of crucified believers; Diocletian was merciless, completely focused on eradicating Christians from the face of the earth.

In our own time too, in countries like Syria and Iraq Chaldean/Syrian Christians are subject to constant fear and intimidation. The martyrdom of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya in February 2015 shocked the world. Before the execution the kidnapped workers were invited to renounce their faith, but they refused. They were heard to pray ‘Lord Jesus help me’ before they were beheaded in such brutal fashion.

Among their number was Matthew Ayairga from Chad. He wasn’t a Christian and was invited by his executioners to embrace Islam. He refused. They said to him: ‘Do you reject Christ?’ The witness of the other men so moved him that he said: ‘Their God is my God’ He was then beheaded. These men are martyrs for the faith, outstanding witnesses for Christ. We salute them and thank God for them, as we do for men and women around the world who suffer persecution, fear and intimidation because of their faith.

Pope Francis said: ‘As we recall these brothers who died only because they confessed Christ, I ask that we encourage each other to go forward with this ecumenism which is giving us strength, the ecumenism of blood. The martyrs belong to all Christians.’ The blood of the martyrs is the seed of love, unity and brotherhood, and bears witness that every believer is called to give testimony for Christ. Not many of us will be called to proclaim the name of Jesus. We aren’t zealots or fanatics: we are simply men and women who are always prepared respectfully and with love in our hearts to share the reason for our love and joy.

Dear Friends in Christ 12^th Sunday of the Year

ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE: Please pray for our own parishioner Frank Westcott who will be Ordained a Deacon next Sunday 2^nd July at Oscott College by Archbishop Bernard Longley. Many of you know Frank, and it is truly a great honour for our parish and for the Diocese of Brentwood that his Ordination as a Deacon is part of that journey to Priesthood. Frank will be a transitional Deacon, meaning that in twelve months’ time he will be Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ in our own Parish. If you would like to send him a card or good wishes his address is: Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B73 5AA. If there are any more contriubitions towards the special collection we had last weekend, please drop them off at the Presbytery. Thank you! As Frank has no family here in England, this would be a wonderful gesture and way of supporting him. With grateful thanks!

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: My sincere and grateful thanks to all the parents who collected the First Holy Communion enrolment forms over the past week. My sincere apologies for not being able to see you all, but unfortunately I had to take to my bed with severe summer flu. If you can let me have the enrolment forms back as soon as possible, I can then order the new Work Books for the children. The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are a baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: Will be celebrated in 2024. (As yet we have no date from the Bishop’s Office). If there are any young people wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year please see Fr John for an enrolment form. Prerequisites: a) Baptised, Weekly practicing Roman Catholic. b) That you will be 14 years of age and above at the time of Confirmation. c) If you have not been attending church over the past year please don’t waste our time. Sadly, out of the 48 Confirmed in 2021, very few attend weekly Mass. some have never returned since the Day of their Confirmation; this is manifestly an insult to Almighty God and the dignity of the Sacrament. PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION PLEASE PERSONALLY COLLECT ENROLMENT FORM FROM Fr JOHN AT THE PRESBYTERY. Please kindly return by Friday 30^th June 2023 to Fr John, Thank you!

THE PRAYER OF PRAYERS: An exploration of the Our Father

Fr Adrian Graffy explores this prayer of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. What did Jesus mean in the original Aramaic he used? How has the prayer been understood by those who have used it across the centuries? Should it be prayed in archaic language or should translations be in the language of today? Fr Adrian Graffy is parish priest of Gidea Park, a Scripture scholar, and since 2013 member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. Wednesday 12th July 7.00pm

This is an in-person event. Tea and coffee will be available from 6.30pm. Easy access on Elizabeth Line, three minute walk to church. The event is also available on live stream free of charge at www.whatgoodnews.org No prior booking necessary. A recording of the talk will be available subsequently on the same website. Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Brentwood Road, Gidea Park RM2 6DH

MISSIO COFFEE MORNING AND BOX EMPTYING: There will be a Missio Coffee Morning and “Red Box Emptying” this Sunday, 25th June, following the 11am Mass. This will be a great chance for all parishioners to meet and enjoy each other’s company while sharing tea and cake and raising some money for our wonderful missions abroad. Please bring your boxes to church next weekend and leave them in the porch after mass. Don’t forget to put your name on the bottom of the box.

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: For our next 11am Mass on Sunday, 2nd July, we’ll be having a practice 7pm until 8pm on Monday, 26th June in the Choir loft. Please do come to the practice! Our previous Mass was, as always, well attended, but very few came to our last practice – we hope to see many of you there! New singers who might like to join us will be made very welcome.

ST JOHN FISHER SUMMER FAIR: The annual Summer Fair & Bounce will be on Friday 30th June from 3.30pm – 6.30pm. The PTA would like to invite all parishioners and families to come and join the school for an afternoon of inflatable fun, BBQ, activities, entertainment, stalls and more. The tickets, £2pp entry or £7pp for entry and unlimited bouncing, will be available on the gate or by emailing ptastjohnfisher@gmail.com. Family family/group deals are also available by email.

The PTA look forward to welcoming parishioners to the Summer Bounce!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Alice Bate RIP, Kazimierz Michalik RIP, Tom Smith 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
Giving & payments go online at Mt. Olive – Mount Olive ...

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.ikf-memnJGHhOPfB-mlimwHaH6&pid=Api&P=0&h=180

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE / JULY 2023

Sat 24^th	10.00am	Int’s of John & Marian Schutz (Remy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 24^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 25^th	9.00am	David Jarvis RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 25^th	11:00am	Isabelo Ballesteros RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Mon 26^th	10.00am	Bridget Kinsella RIP (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 27^th	10.00am	Int’s of Mary Rose (Maureen Perry)
Wed 28^th	10.00am	Edmund Schwindling RIP (Remy)
Thur 29^th	9.00am10.00am12.15pm7.30pm	Kitty McDermott RIPSt John Fisher SchoolJohn McMorrow RIP (Maureen Perry)Margaret Baldwin’s Int’s
Fri 30^th	10.00am	Pat McCreesh RIP (Christine Perrett)
Sat 1^stJuly	10.00am	Int’s of Marian & John Schutz (Remy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 1^st July	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Deacon Frank Westcott (Fr John & 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

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Jeremiah 20:10-13

Jeremiah said:

I hear so many disparaging me,

‘“Terror from every side!”

Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’

All those who used to be my friends

watched for my downfall,

‘Perhaps he will be seduced into error.

Then we will master him

and take our revenge!’

But the Lord is at my side, a mighty hero;

my opponents will stumble, mastered,

confounded by their failure;

everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.

But you, O Lord of Hosts, you who probe with justice,

who scrutinise the loins and heart,

let me see the vengeance you will take on them,

for I have committed my cause to you.

Sing to the Lord,

praise the Lord,

for he has delivered the soul of the needy

from the hands of evil men.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 68(69):8-10,14,17,33-35

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

It is for you that I suffer taunts,

that shame covers my face,

that I have become a stranger to my brothers,

an alien to my own mother’s sons.

I burn with zeal for your house

and taunts against you fall on me.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

This is my prayer to you,

my prayer for your favour.

In your great love, answer me, O God,

with your help that never fails:

Lord, answer, for your love is kind;

in your compassion, turn towards me.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

The poor when they see it will be glad

and God-seeking hearts will revive;

for the Lord listens to the needy

and does not spurn his servants in their chains.

Let the heavens and the earth give him praise,

the sea and all its living creatures.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

Second Reading : Romans 5:12-15

Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned. Sin existed in the world long before the Law was given. There was no law and so no one could be accused of the sin of ‘law-breaking’, yet death reigned over all from Adam to Moses, even though their sin, unlike that of Adam, was not a matter of breaking a law.

Adam prefigured the One to come, but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift.

Gospel : Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

Eleventh Sunday of the Year. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Ordination to the Diaconate of Frank Westcott

Why does you parish exist? Is it to celebrate the Eucharist? Is it to support CAFOD or a Justice and Peace Group? Without a doubt, the aforementioned are crucial to why a parish exists. However, the raison d’etre,

the very reason for pairsh exisitence, is to evenagleise, which means attracting or winning others to the Gospel and the wau of Christ.

Now, many protest that they don’t want to force their faith down anyone’s throat or be overly enthusisiastic, as this can be rather off-putting. Indeed, proselytising (attempting to convert someone from one religion to another) isn’t recommended either. Pope Francis said, ‘Never, never bring the Gospel by proselytising. If someone says they are a disciple of Jesua nd comes to you with proelytism, they are not a disciple of Jesus.’

So, how do we evangelise? Today’s reading sheds light on this because the first thing to understand is that the workers are few but the harvest is plentiful. We’re the workers, ordinary believers, who live in the harvest field and rub shoulders with our relatives, work colleagues and friends every day. We can win others by the power of witness, the light we shine, the joy we bring, and the way we share or explain our faith.

Pope St John Paul II said: ‘Being a Christian has never been easy… Following Christ demands the courage of radical choices, which often means going against the stream. “We are Christ!” Augustine explained. The martyrs and witnesses of faith yesterday and today, including many lay faithful, show that if necessary, we must not hesitate to give even our lives for Jesus Christ.’

May our parishes be witnesses of joy! May they overflow with the warm welcome and authentic, joyful worship of God! This is evangelisation.

‘Dear lay faithful. As witnesses to Christ you are…called to bring the light of the Gospel to the vital nerve centres of society. You are called to be prophets of Christian hope and apostles of the One “who is…who was and sho is to come, the Almighty!” (Pope St John Paul II)

Dear Friends in Christ 11^th Sunday of the Year

ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE: Please pray for our own parishioner Frank Westcott who will be Ordained a Deacon on Sunday 2^nd July at Oscott College by Archbishop Bernard Longley. Many of you know Frank, and it is truly a great honour for our parish and for the Diocese of Brentwood that his Ordination as a Deacon is part of that journey to Priesthood. Frank will be a transitional Deacon, meaning that in twelve months’ time he will be Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ in our own Parish. If you would like to send him a card or good wishes his address is: Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B73 5AA. If you would like to contriubute to a Special Retiring Collection today as a gift from the Parish to Frank your contributions will be gratefully received. As Frank has no family here in England, this would be a wonderful gesture and way of supporting him. With grateful thanks!

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: Forward planning is extremely important, as the Holy Communion Programme always starts in September. If there are any families whose children will be going into Year 3 in September, and who would like to enrol in the new programme Fr John will be seeing parents this week Monday 19^th June to Friday 23^rd June. (Please book an appointment with Fr John Tel No: 020 8508 3492) The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: Will be celebrated in 2024. (As yet we have no date from the Bishop’s Office) If there are any young people wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year please see Fr John for an enrolment form. Prerequisites: a) Baptised, Weekly practicing Roman Catholic. b) That you will be 14 years of age and above at the time of Confirmation. c) If you have not been attending church over the past year please don’t waste our time. Sadly, out of the 48 Confirmed in 2021, very few attend weekly Mass; some have never returned since the Day of their Confirmation; this is manifestly an insult to Almighty God and the dignity of the Sacrament. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not about stamping the Sacramental Passport! PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION PLEASE PERSONALLY COLLECT ENROLMENT FORM FROM Fr JOHN AT THE PRESBYTERY. Please kindly return by Friday 30^th June 2023 to Fr John, Thank you!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

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

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2023

Sat 17^th	10.00am	Fr John Deehan’s Int’s (Mary Ryan)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 17^th	6.00pm	Leo Feord RIP (Clifford Family)
Sun 18^th	9.00am	The dedicated Staff at Whipps Cross & UCL Hospitals (Susan & John Campbell)
Sun 18^th	11:00am	Richard Dulude’s Int’s (Eileen Lee)
Mon 19^th	10.00am	Bridget Kinsella RIP (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 20^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Wed 21^st	10.00am	Edmund Schwindling RIP (Remy)
Thur 22^nd	9.00am	Margaret’s Baldwin’s Int’s
Fri 24^th	10.00am	Pat McCreesh RIP (Christine Perrett)
Sat 25^th	10.00am	Int’s of John & Marian Schutz (Remy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 25^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	9.00am	David Jarvis RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Isabelo Ballesteros RIP (Bacuetes 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@dioceseofbrentwood.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Exodus 19:2-6

From Rephidim the sons of Israel set out again; and when they reached the wilderness of Sinai, there in the wilderness they pitched their camp; there facing the mountain Israel pitched camp.

Moses then went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Say this to the House of Jacob, declare this to the sons of Israel, “You yourselves have seen what I did with the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself. From this you know that now, if you obey my voice and hold fast to my covenant, you of all the nations shall be my very own for all the earth is mine. I will count you a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation.”’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 99(100):2-3,5

We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing for joy.

We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Know that he, the Lord, is God.

He made us, we belong to him,

we are his people, the sheep of his flock.

We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Indeed, how good is the Lord,

eternal his merciful love.

He is faithful from age to age.

We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Second Reading : Romans 5:6-11

We were still helpless when at his appointed moment Christ died for sinful men. It is not easy to die even for a good man – though of course for someone really worthy, a man might be prepared to die – but what proves that God loves us is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Having died to make us righteous, is it likely that he would now fail to save us from God’s anger? When we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, we were still enemies; now that we have been reconciled, surely we may count on being saved by the life of his Son? Not merely because we have been reconciled but because we are filled with joyful trust in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have already gained our reconciliation.

Gospel : Matthew 9:36-10:8

When Jesus saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’

He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows:

‘Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.’

ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE OF FRANK WESTCOTT

As a parish we are truly honoured and privileged to have had a Seminarian come from one of our own parishioners. Frank Westcott was accepted by Bishop Alan as a candidate for the Priesthood three years ago. He has been following a special tailor-made course at St Mary’s College Oscott, and has been accepted for Ordination to the Diaconate on Sunday 2^nd July 2023 at 11.00am. The Ordaining Prelate will be Archbishop Bernard Longley. The journey to priesthood includes a year as a transitory Deacon. Frank will be Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood, hopefully here in our parish next summer 2024. $C:\Users\User3\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\GPDWSOPF\IMG_3896.jpg$

I thought it would be nice to do something special for Frank on this occasion of his Diaconate, as he doesn’t have any family here in the country. If you would like to contribute to a Voluntary Retiring Collection at the end of all masses this weekend I will send it to him as our gift from the parish. If you use the Parish Gift Aid Scheme please use your spare gift envelopes. We will cancel the Scheduled Retiring Collection, and just have the Collection for Frank.

Thanking you all in anticipation

Love & God Bless

Fr. John

Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Today we celebrate the Sacrament which is the source and summit of the Christian life. This phrase ‘source and summit’ is a rather awesome one, isn’t it? It is as if in the blessed Eucharist is contained the entire spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Passover Lamb. The great St. Irenaeus put it so beautifully when he said many centuries ago ‘Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.’ What does it mean to have our way of thinking attuned to the Eucharist?

Our word Eucharist has its roots in the Greek words eucharistein and eulogein, which recall the Jewish blessing – especially during a meal – of God’s works of creation, redemption and sanctification. At the very heart then, of the Eucharist is a celebration of praise and thanksgiving at which Christ is made real and present. This is why, on entering a church where the Eucharist is in the Tabernacle, we acknowledge the real presence of Christ and genuflect in adoration.

We must continue to cultivate a genuine sense of Eucharistic wonder and awe. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, he helps us grow in awareness of the fat that it is truly Christ himself whom we are receiving

This understanding that Christ is real and present in the Eucharist cannot be apprehended by the senses but only by faith, and our faith relies on God’s authority, for it was Jesus himself who said: This is my body, which is given for you.’ The eminent Church father St. Cyril said, ‘Do not doubt whether this is true but rather receive the words of the Saviour in faith, for since he is the truth, he cannot lie.’ The Eucharist is our greatest gift; it is our richest blessing and most cherished treasure. Nothing in the Christian life compares to it for in the Eucharist is Christ himself, the ‘Godhead here in hiding’.

Dear Friends in Christ Corpus Christi 2023

In this most wonderful Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we celebrate the Miracle of the Mass, the great gift that Jesus gave to the Apostles at the Last Supper and, which he continues to give to us for all time, His Body & Blood, Soul and Divinity. In faith, we gather each week to celebrate this most wondrous gift. In fulfilling our Sunday Obligation to worship with the Faith Community, we become more like our Divine Master. In living the Christian life we are striving to emulate Jesus Christ in all things. It is the Eucharist which gives us the strength and courage to continue to bear witness to Christ, through the holiness of our lives. Jesus feeds us with his very presence so we can grow in his likeness! Let us always love and respect this priceless gift of his Body & Blood!

URGENT, IMPORTANT MESSAGE – CALLING ACCOUNTANTS OR ANYONE IN FINANCE: UNFORTUNATELY AS YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE – PLEASE CAN I APPEAL AGAIN! After many years of service to our Parish, our Accountant Michael Manzi is retiring from this voluntary post. I would like to publicly thank Michael for the incredible work he has done over many years, it has certainly been invaluable to me personally, but also in general to the whole parish community. His selfless commitment and generosity of time has been invaluable. I now make this urgent appeal to the whole parish community for another volunteer, who would be willing to serve the parish in this capacity? Michael would be willing to help you and show you the ropes. Also being computer literate is necessary, and there is a special programme used for all Parish & Diocesan Accounts. Please contact Fr. John directly if you’re able to help Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Thank you!

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: Forward planning is extremely important, as the Holy Communion Programme always starts in September. If there are any families whose children will be going into Year 3 in September, and who would like to enrol in the new programme Fr John will be seeing parents from Monday 19^th June to Friday 23^rd June. (Please book an appointment with Fr John Tel No: 020 8508 3492) The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: Will be celebrated in 2024. (As yet we have not date from the Bishop’s Office) If there are any young people wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year please see Fr John for an enrolment form. Prerequisites: a) Baptised, Weekly practicing Roman Catholic. b) That you will be 14 years of age and above at the time of Confirmation. c) If you have not been attending church over the past year please don’t waste our time. Sadly, out of the 48 Confirmed in 2021, very few attend weekly Mass; some have never returned since the Day of their Confirmation; this is manifestly an insult to Almighty God and the dignity of the Sacrament. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not about stamping the Sacramental Passport! PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION PLEASE PERSONALLY COLLECT ENROLMENT FORM FROM Fr JOHN AT THE PRESBYTERY. Please kindly return by Friday 30^th June 2023 to Fr John, Thank you!

HOLY WATER STOOPS: Have been put back in place at the back of the Church. Our custom as Roman Catholics as we enter the church is to make the sign of the cross with Holy Water. This reminds us of the Day of our Baptism, and that Baptism is an ongoing celebration of the life of faith. The Holy Water Stoops are cleaned and Holy Water renewed on a weekly basis.

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

‘THE PRIESTS’ – CHARITY CONCERT: Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society announce the singing trio ‘The Priests’ will be performing a second charity concert on Friday 30^th June 2023 at the Brentwood Cathedral at 7.30pm. All tickets can be purchased directly through Eventbrite and are £30 per person plus booking fee: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/528414691567 We urge you to book early in order to avoid disappointment. It promises to be a great evening of entertainment. Full details are available on our website: www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/

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

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

ST JOHN FISHER VACANCY The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint a KS1/2 Teacher. Closing date Thursday 15th June, 12 noon; Interview date: Tuesday 20th June 2023. For further details please visit website below, or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383. www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk

ST LUKE’s CATHOLIC ACADEMY The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint an EYFS/KS1 Class Teacher. Closing date Thursday 15th June, 12 noon; Interview date: Monday 19th June 2023. For further details please visit website below, or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383. www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2023

Sat 10^th CORPUS	10.00amCHRISTI	John Dowd RIP (Mary Ryan)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 10^th CORPUS	6.00pm CHRISTI	People of the Parish
Sun 11^th CORPUS	9.00amCHRISTI	Shirley Holmes RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 11^th	11:00am	Daniel, Ellen & Betsy Exley RIP (Catherine Knight
Mon 12^th	10.00am	Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant)
Tues 13^th	10.00am	Martin Ward RIP (Pat Ward)
Wed 14^th	10.00am	John William Shea RIP (Fr John)
Thur 15^th	10.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celine Sullivan)
Fri 16^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Sat 17^th	10.00am	Fr John Deehan’s Int’s (Mary Ryan)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 17^th	6.00pm	Leo Feord RIP (Clifford Family)
Sun 18^th	9.00am	The dedicated Staff at Whipps Cross & UCL Hospitals (Susan & John Campbell)
Sun 18^th	11:00am	Richard Dulude’s Int’s (Eileen Lee)

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Corpus Christi – Solemnity

First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14-16

Moses said to the people: ‘Remember how the Lord your God led you for forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, to test you and know your inmost heart – whether you would keep his commandments or not. He humbled you, he made you feel hunger, he fed you with manna which neither you nor your fathers had known, to make you understand that man does not live on bread alone but that man lives on everything that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

‘Do not become proud of heart. Do not forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery: who guided you through this vast and dreadful wilderness, a land of fiery serpents, scorpions, thirst; who in this waterless place brought you water from the hardest rock; who in this wilderness fed you with manna that your fathers had not known.’

Responsive Psalm: Psalm 147:12-15,19-20

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Zion, praise your God!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates

he has blessed the children within you.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

He established peace on your borders,

he feeds you with finest wheat.

He sends out his word to the earth

and swiftly runs his command.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

He makes his word known to Jacob,

to Israel his laws and decrees.

He has not dealt thus with other nations;

he has not taught them his decrees.

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The blessing-cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ, and the bread that we break is a communion with the body of Christ. The fact that there is only one loaf means that, though there are many of us, we form a single body because we all have a share in this one loaf.

Gospel : John 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crowd:

‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever;

and the bread that I shall give is my flesh,

for the life of the world.’

Then the Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied:

‘I tell you most solemnly,

if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,

you will not have life in you.

Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood

has eternal life,

and I shall raise him up on the last day.

For my flesh is real food

and my blood is real drink.

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood

lives in me

and I live in him.

As I, who am sent by the living Father,

myself draw life from the Father,

so whoever eats me will draw life from me.

This is the bread come down from heaven;

not like the bread our ancestors ate:

they are dead,

but anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’

Solemnity of Pentecost. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Sometimes, in unguarded moments, clergy are often prone to confess that giving the homily on the Feast of the Holy Trinity isn’t their favourite task! The problem, they sometimes protest, it that the Blessed Trinity is such a mystery and preaching on it is, well, difficult, challenging and mysterious! In fact, what we need to understand about this feast-day is that it isn’t about getting our heads around the Trinity – that is truly an impossible task. It’s more about getting our heads (and hearts) into the Trinity. The Trinity isn’t a mystery to be solved but rather a mystery to be discovered.

Truly, the mystery that Jesus unveiled is that God is Three Persons in the One: God is Father, God is Son and God is Holy Spirit. This pivotal truth of Christian faith cannot be accessed simply through human reason. Yes, reason can bring us to the very edge of this ocean, but faith enables us to jump in and immerse ourselves in the depth, length, width and height of God’s everlasting love revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Through the grace of Baptism we come to know the Father, are redeemed by the Son and are called to live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit – we have a relationship with each member of the Holy Trinity. The Trinity seek worshippers. At the heart of worship is praise and adoration of the goodness, truth and beauty of God. And it is through the grace of praise and worship that we are able to enter into the mystery of the Trinity.

The word ‘trinity’ does not appear in the Bible. It was coined by Theophilus of Antioch around 180AD to express this clear teaching of the New Testament. Christopher Columbus had a great devotion to the Blessed Trinity. He invoked the Trinity at the beginning of every enterprise and every letter he wrote began with the ‘In the name of the Most Holy Trinity’. On his third voyage in 1898 he vowed to consecrate to the Trinity the first land he would discover, and that was Trinidad. We too, like Columbus, can set off on a voyage into the Ocean of God’s love revealed by the Father, through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Friends in Christ, Trinity Sunday 2023

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, where we proclaim that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At our baptism we were initiated into the whole life of the Trinity; God gives himself completely to us, and we are invited to share in his life. The Feast of the Holy Trinity follows Pentecost because it is only by the inspiration of the Third Person of the Trinity, who leads into all truth, that the mystery of the Trinity can be known.

URGENT IMPORTANT MESSAGE – CALLING ACCOUNTANTS: After many years of service to our Parish, our Accountant Michael Manzi is retiring from this voluntary post. I would like to publicly thank Michael for the incredible work he has done over many years, it has certainly been invaluable to me personally, but also in general to the whole parish community. His selfless commitment and generosity of time has been invaluable. I now make this urgent appeal to the whole parish community for another volunteer, who would be willing to serve the parish in this capacity? Michael would be willing to help you and show you the ropes. Also being computer literate is necessary, and there is a special programme used for all Parish & Diocesan Accounts. Please contact Fr. John directly if you’re able to help Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Thank you!

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.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: Forward planning is extremely important, as the Holy Communion Programme always starts in September. If there are any families whose children will be going into Year 3 in September, and who would like to enrol in the new programme Fr John will be seeing parents from Monday 19^th June to Friday 23^rd June. (Please book an appointment with Fr John Tel No: 020 8508 3492) The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

May God Bless You All

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the souls of Edmund Schvindling RIP, (Husband of Remy) who passed away this recently. The Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 7^th June at 12.15pm and Interment at Chigwell Cemetery at 1.30pm. We extend our condolences to the family in this time of great loss.

HOLY WATER STOOPS: Have been put back in place at the back of the Church. Our custom as Roman Catholics, as we enter the church is to make the sign of the cross with Holy Water. This reminds us of the Day of our Baptism, and that Baptism is an ongoing celebration of the life of faith. The Holy Water Stoops are cleaned and Holy Water renewed on a weekly basis.

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP At our 11am Mass on Sunday, 7th May, we had 15 singers – an excellent turnout. It would be really good if we can have the same number (and more!) at our next 11am Mass which in on Sunday, 4th June (Trinity Sunday). We will be practising for this Mass on Thursday, 1st June, 7pm to 8pm and we’d love to see you all there as well. At our last practice, we only had 5 singers turn up and they get the gold stars. We have another 10 or more gold stars to give out, so please do come to the practice as well! Please pass the word around and also encourage more young parishioners and their families to join our happy group!

Holy Virgin Godmother Vector Stock Vector.

READERS & EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Thank you to those who contacted Julie to resume your Eucharistic Ministry. Julie Callender, has sent out the Ministers’ Rota, but there may need to be a few adjustments. Julie’s ‘phone numbers are 07834 088661 (mobile – preferred) and 020 8502 3854 (land line) and her email is julie.callander@hotmail.com READERS: We are in need of some new Readers at our weekend and weekday masses. We’ve contacted our former Readers, but it would be good to have some new readers especially some young readers Please contact Julie or Fr John

BILLY-THE-DOG: on behalf of Billy, whose typing skills are rudimentary, Iain McLay would like to thank all the wonderful parishioners who supported Billy for his Cathedral Grand Tour. Putting together Cash, Card and On-line donations, plus gift-aid, Billy raised the amazing grand total of £2750. Christian Aid will be able to do such good work with that money. Billy had a fantastic time and met kind people wherever he went, but he is enjoying resting a little now, lots of snoring has been heard.

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of 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.

LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS: Details of all positions can be found at the following link https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education /vacancies/school-vacancies/

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2023

Sat 3^rd	10.00am	Lillian Harrington RIP (Fr John )
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 3^rd	6.00pm	Ann Duggan RIP
Sun 4^th	9.00am	David Jarvis RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 4^th	11:00am	Dec’d Relatives of Camilla Giovannini
Mon 5^th	10.00am	John Anthony Harvey RIP (Anni) (Fr John)
Tues 6^th	10.00am	Violet Hall RIP (Olga McGregor)
Wed 7^th	12.15pm	REQUIEM MASS Edmund Schwiendling RIP
Thur 8^th	9.00am	Pat & Margaret’s B’day Int’s (Steve & Veronica Short)
Fri 9^th	10.00am	Margaret Baldwin’s Int’s
Sat 10^th	10.00am	John Dowd RIP (Mary Ryan)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 10^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 11^th	9.00am	Shirley Holmes RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 11^th	11:00am	Daniel, Ellen & Betsy Exley RIP (Catherine Knight

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

The Most Holy Trinity – Solemnity

First Reading: Exodus 34:4-6,8-9

With the two tablets of stone in his hands, Moses went up the mountain of Sinai in the early morning as the Lord had commanded him. And the Lord descended in the form of a cloud, and Moses stood with him there.

He called on the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘Lord, Lord, a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.’ And Moses bowed down to the ground at once and worshipped. ‘If I have indeed won your favour, Lord,’ he said ‘let my Lord come with us, I beg. True, they are a headstrong people, but forgive us our faults and our sins, and adopt us as your heritage.’

Responsive Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56

To you glory and praise for evermore.

You are blest, Lord God of our fathers.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

Blest your glorious holy name.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

You are blest in the temple of your glory.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

You are blest on the throne of your kingdom.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

You are blest who gaze into the depths.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

You are blest in the firmament of heaven.

To you glory and praise for evermore.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Brothers, we wish you happiness; try to grow perfect; help one another. Be united; live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with the holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Gospel: John 3:16-18

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost

but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world

not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.

No one who believes in him will be condemned;

but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,

because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.’

Solemnity of Pentecost. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

There are several notable or perhaps somewhat curious elements in the reading chosen for Pentecost Sunday this year. In the first place, this Gospel account of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit upon the disciples is not speaking about the Day of Pentecost, as we usually think of it. The outpouring of the Spirit upon the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem took place sometime after Jesus Ascension. The event in the Gospel today took place, obviously before the Ascension. We might remember also, that in John’s account of Jesus on the cross, he breathed out his Spirit upon Mary and the beloved disciples at the moment of death. Breathing out his spirit could also mean that ‘he died’. St. John’s Gospel often contains the irony of double meaning.

We could perhaps say the same about the words of Jesus on the cross: ‘It is finished/accomplished!’ they contain so very much more than a statement about Jesus knowing that his life has ended. Jesus has now fully accomplished all that the Father asked him to do. Now, the new creation begins! Now, Jesus is the true King of Israel, and of the whole world! Now, the Spirit can be given to effect a new creation in others! This is the message that John Wants to understand, and in the same message contained in this account of the incident recorded today. The risen Lord is beginning the process of exercising his Kingship in the world. The disciples are becoming new creations themselves through the gift of the Spirit.

This also explains the fact that twice in this incident, as well as on the other occasions after the resurrection, Jesus says to the disciples, ‘Peace be with you’. Until now, Jesus had never said this. Is there a particular significance? Earlier in St. John’s Gospel, Jesus had said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. ‘Peace’ is the state of living under Jesus’ Kingship, even in the midst of this world – because now all things are under his authority and will, even those things which we might think of as bad!

Dear Friends in Christ, Pentecost Sunday 2023

Today, Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the birthday of the Church. The Holy Spirit of God’s love was sent by the Lord Jesus to the Apostles in the Upper Room and filled their lives with His eternal presence, empowering them to go out and proclaim boldly the Gospel of the Lord. This was the moment the Apostles understood clearly the mission that had been given to the by Jesus Christ. Life would never be the same again; they were filled with the gifts of God’s Holy Spirit, with courage and strength they went out and boldly proclaimed the Good News that Jesus Christ the Son of God was Risen and glorified and invites all people to share in His life.

A BIG THANK YOU: On behalf of our Catechists and their helpers, I would like to thank our First Holy Communion parents for organising the Communion Reception for the children last Sunday. Also for your kindness in the gifts that you gave to us, it was extremely thoughtful and generous.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023/24: Forward planning is extremely important, as the Holy Communion Programme always starts in September. If there are any families whose children will be going into Year 3 in September, and who would like to enrol in the new programme Fr John will be seeing parents from Monday 19^th June to Friday 23^rd June. (Please book an appointment with Fr John Tel No: 020 8508 3492) The prerequisites for enrolment are: a) That you are baptised practicing Roman Catholic attending Weekly Mass. b) That your child will be in Year 3 or above, 7 rising 8 as of September 2023. c) That you live in the Parish of St Edmund of Canterbury.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Congratulations to Iain McLay and Billy-the-Dog for completing his sponsored walk to the various Cathedrals last week on behalf of Christian Aid. You may have been following their travels on our WhatsApp Parish site. If you sponsored Iain and Billy he will be available after all of the Masses this weekend to collect sponsorship monies. Also if there any parishioners who would like to make donations to Christian Aid please just give them to Iain personally. (bloggeriain@gmail.com). Thank you!

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: Will be celebrated in 2024. If there are any young people wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year please see Fr John for an enrolment form. Prerequisites: a) Baptised, Weekly practicing Roman Catholic. b) That you will be 14 years of age and above at the time of Confirmation. c) If you have not been attending church over the past year please don’t waste our time. Sadly, out of the 48 Confirmed in 2021, very few attend weekly Mass. Also I haven’t seen many since the Day of their Confirmation; this is an Insult to Almighty God and the dignity of the Sacrament. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not about stamping the Sacramental Passport!

ALTAR SERVERS: If any of our First Communicants would like to become Altar Servers please see Fr. John as soon as possible. We would arrange for you to have some training. To be an Altar Server is a great honour, in not only assisting and helping the priest at Holy Mass, but serving God in this special ministry.

May God Bless You,

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the souls of Edmund Schvindling RIP, (Husband of Remy) who passed away this recently. No funeral arrangement as yet.

ALSO – Bridget Kinsella our oldest parishioner at 100, who passed away recently. Requiem Mass on Friday 2^nd June at 3.00pm. Cremation at Parndon Wood, Harlow at 4.30pm. The remains will be brought into the Church on Thursday 1^st June at 4.30pm

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

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of 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.

LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS: Details of all positions can be found at the following link https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education /vacancies/school-vacancies/

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.

THANK YOU: To the 4 parishioners who kindly volunteered to assist with some parish administration. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of spirit; hopefully there will be enough to keep us going for a few weeks.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY / JUNE 2023

Sat 27^th	10.00am	Frederick & Nancy Burgess RIP (M Abbs)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 27^th	6.00pm	David Jarvis RIP (Michael & Sarah Ruiz)
Sun 28^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 28^th	11:00am	Carmelita Bacani RIP (Rey & Ingrid Bacani)
Mon 29^th	10.00am	Margaret Baldwin’s Int’s
Tues 30^th	10.00am	Lorna Gaynor RIP
Wed 31^st	10.00am	Nancy Hands Int’s
Thur 1^st June	9.00am	Edmund Schwiendling RIP Pat & Margaret
Fri 2^nd	10.00am3.00pm	John & Sue Campbell’s Int’s (V & S Short)REQUIEM MASS Bridget Kinsella RIP
Sat 3^rd	10.00am	Lillian Harrington RIP (Fr John )
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 3^rd	6.00pm	Ann Duggan RIP
Sun 4^th	9.00am	David Jarvis RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 4^th	11:00am	Dec’d Relatives of Camilla Giovannini

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Seventh Sunday of Easter. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

John 17 contains the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in any of the Gospels. Jesus prays this after He finishes His final instructions to the disciples and before He is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. First, Jesus prays for Himself, then He prays for His disciples, and He closes the prayer by praying for all believers. This intercessory prayer is commonly called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.

The office of high priest was instituted at Mount Sinai when God gave the Law to the Israelites through Moses. Aaron and, subsequently, his descendants were chosen to be priests who were responsible for interceding for Israel before God (Exodus 28 – 29). One priest was selected as the high priest who would enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to offer the sacrifice that would temporarily cover the sins of the people (Hebrews 9:7). When Jesus came, He offered His life as the ultimate sacrifice that would not only cover the sins of the people but completely cleanse His people and save them. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, and His intercession for us in John 17 is a wonderful, multi-layered example of His love.

As Jesus begins His High Priestly Prayer, He reveals that His purpose in coming to earth was to glorify the Father by giving eternal life to those who believe in Him. Although Jesus is God and was with the Father before the world began (John 17:5), He humbled Himself and came to earth as a man so people would know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ” whom He sent (John 17:3). Now, the hour had come when Jesus’ work on earth would be finished (John 17:1), and Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him as He prepared to finish the work that would “give eternal life” to those who believe in Him (John 17:2).

Jesus continues His High Priestly Prayer by praying for His disciples. The eleven who remained with Him had accepted Jesus’ words, knew that He is God, and believed that the Father sent Him (John 17:8). Jesus talks about the Father giving the disciples to Him and the disciples belonging to the Father; Jesus and the Father have everything in common (John 17:6, 9–10). Jesus mentions that glory has come to Him through the disciples John 17:10

Dear Friends in Christ, 7^th Sunday of Easter

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023: On Sunday 21^st May all 18 of our First Holy Communicant will come together for their final celebration, their Going Forth Mass. It is always a great joy and honour to help in the preparations of the children for the Sacraments. I would like to congratulate all the children and their families on this wonderful occasion. Of course, none of this could happen without the dedicated service of our Catechists Kathryn Poulter & Elena Manara, ably assisted by our young Catechists Sophia Burrowes & Julia Fabian. On behalf of the whole parish I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for their dedicated service to God and the Parish Community. It’s also been wonderful to have the assistance of many of the parents throughout the programme. After the 11.00am Mass today the children will have their special Communion Reception in the Parish Hall.

THANK YOU: To the 4 parishioners who kindly volunteered to assist with some parish administration. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of spirit; hopefully there will be ehough to keep us going for a few weeks.

May God Bless You,

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Congratulations to Iain McLay and Billy-the-Dog for completing his sponsored walk to the various Cathedrals this week on behalf of Christian Aid. You may have been following their travels on our WhatsApp Parish site. If you sponsored Iain and Billy he will be available after all of the Masses next weekend to collect sponsorship monies. Also if there any parishioners who would like to make donations to Christian Aid please just give them to Iain personally. (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: Mary Webber RIP, late of this parish who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday 24^th May at 12.15pm at St Edmund’s at 1.30pm at Parndon Wood Crematorium.

ALSO – John McMorrow RIP (Brother of Maureen Perry) who passed away recently. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 25^th May at 2.30pm followed by Cremation at 4.00pm at Forest Park Crematorium

ALSO – Edmund Schvindling RIP, (Husband of Remy) who passed away this week. No funeral arrangement as yet.

ALSO – Bridget Kinsella our oldest parishioner at 100, who passed away recently. Funeral arrangements to be confirmed.

ST ANTONY’S WOODFORD VACANCY: The Governing Body of St. Antony’s Catholic Primary School wishes to appoint an experienced KS1/KS2 Class Teacher to start in September 2023. The closing date is Tuesday 23rd May at noon. For more information, please visit the website:

http://www.stantonyscatholicps.co.uk/vacancies or email admin.st-antonys@redbridge.gov.uk

We will be practising for this Mass on Thursday, 1st June, 7pm to 8pm and we’d love to see you all there as well. At our last practice, we only had 5 singers turn up and they get the gold stars. We have another 10 or more gold stars to give out, so please do come to the practice as well!

Please pass the word around and also encourage more young parishioners and their families to join our happy group!

Holy Virgin Godmother Vector Stock Vector.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregualr Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secualr venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non-Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to recetify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Jim Kavangh 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

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 feels they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of 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.

RETROUVAILLE: Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or reawaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme. a virtual weekend on 6 – 9 July 2023, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443. Alternatively, email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com

LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS: Details of all positions can be found at the following link https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education /vacancies/school-vacancies/

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2023 Join Bishop Alan in Lourdes from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th July. We can support those with medical needs. For further information, please ‘phone Tangney Tours on 01732 886 666 or book online: Brentwood Lourdes – Lourdes – Tangney Tours (tangneytours.com)

MASS INTENTIONS – EASTERTIDE – MAY 2023

Sat 20^th	10.00am	Sandy Sandhu RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett & Terry Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 21^st	9.00am	Roderick McFadyen RIP (David Knott)
Sun 21^st	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 22^nd	10.00am	Ian Campbell (B’day Anni). Brenda Bryant
Tues 23^rd	10.00am	Mary and Ernie Walsh RIP (Helen & Bill Walsh)
Wed 24^th	12.15pm	REQUIEM MASS Mary Webber RIP
Thur 25^th	10.00am2.30pm	Malcolm Campbell RIP (Brenda Bryant)REQUIEM MASS John McMorrow RIP
Fri 26^th	9.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP ((Margaret Duffy)
Sat 27^th	10.00am	Frederick & Nancy Burgess RIP (M Abbs)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 27^th	6.00pm	David Jarvis RIP (Michael & Sarah Ruiz)
Sun 28^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 28^th	11:00am	Carmelita Bacani RIP (Rey & 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@dioceseofbrentwood.org

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ, Sixth Sunday of Easter

Parental love is a fierce kind of love. Every parent wants the best for their children and will move heaven and earth for them. If a child is thirsty, a parent will get them a drink and not a toy to play with. Or if a child is hungry, a parent will get some food and not a book to read. Using the same analogy Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit: ‘Which of you fathers, if your child asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?’ God is our Father and the greatest gift we have received is the Holy Spirit.

The question is, though: are we a people of the Holy Spirit? Does the Holy Spirit feature in the way that we think and act? Do we rely on, trust and turn to the Holy Spirit during our day? Next time you face a challenge, a really difficult situation; observe who you turn to first – yourself or the Holy Spirit? And there’s as Shakespeare might say, ‘the rub’. Because the Spirit was given not simply to be with us when we are in a tight spot, struggling or in desperate need – the Spirit was given so that we would walk with God in fellowship and communion.

We are in fellowship with the Spirit in a unique way when we read or hear the word of God in the Sacred Scriptures, because the Bible is the Holy-Spirit inspired Word. We encounter the Holy Spirit in the liturgy of the Church and especially when we celebrate the Eucharist. The Spirit is with us when we pray and when we strive to live not in our own strength but in his power. We are people of the Holy Spirit and it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we proclaim Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, our Counsellor and our Friend.

‘The Holy Spirit longs to find the gates of our heart, so that he may enter in and dwell there, and sanctify it; and he goes round about to all the gates to see where he may enter.’ (Ephraim the Syrian).

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023: This weekend we will celebrate the First Holy Communion of 18 children from our parish community. This is truly a very special day in their lives as they receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time. I extend my sincere and grateful thanks to our Programme Director Kathryn Poulter, and ably assisted by Elena Manara and their young h elpers. The children have been preparing since last September and this weekend it is the culmination of a lot of hard work. On Sunday 21^st May, both groups of First Communicants will gather to celebrate the Going Forth Mass at 11.00am followed by their Communion Reception. Please pray for all these children and their families this weekend. May this be the first of many Communions in their young lives of faith!

ASCENSION THURSDAY: 18^th May 2023 – Is a Holy Day of Obligation; which means it has the same status as a Sunday. Jesus promised the Apostles at the Last Supper, that he would send them the Holy Spirit as the eternal gift of his love, but this could only happen if he returns to the Father. Jesus has completed his earthly ministry, now, in going home to the Father, the work of Evangelisation will begin for the Apostles, who will ‘Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News.’

Masses on Ascension Day will be at 9.00am, 12.15pm & 7.30pm at St Edmund’s Church. And 10,00am at St John Fisher School, to which parishioners are invited.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK this year will be May 14th-May 21st. There are three things happening during the week to raise money. “Billy-the-Dog”, with Iain McLay, will be sponsored walking to a Cathedral each day. For that they will be collecting sponsors after every mass this weekend. Then, on the 20th May, there will be a sponsored walk around all churches in Loughton, starting at 10am from St John’s Church, with lunch at 12noon back at St John’s and then continuing at 1pm and finishing at 3pm, please join for all or part. Finally there is a collection at Loughton Station (3-8pm) on Thursday 16th May and volunteers to help for an hour would be much appreciated, please email Iain McLay if you can help (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

May God Bless You All,

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of the late Lidia Cook RIP, who was a regular parishioner at St Edmund’s. Her Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday 17^th May at 12.30pm at St Edmund’s and 2.00pm at Forest Park Crematorium.

ALSO – Mary Webber RIP, late of this parish who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday 24^th May at 12.15pm at St Edmund’s at 1.30pm at Parndon Wood Crematorium.

ALSO – Edmund Schvindling RIP, (Husband of Remy) who passed away this week. No funeral arrangement as yet.

ALSO – David Jarvis RIP (Father of Nick Jarvis). David lived in Loughton for many years, and would be known to many parishioners.

ALSO – Esther Daly (Mother of Joe Daly) who passed away recently.

We extend our condolences to all these families in this time of great loss.

ESCORTED PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, IRELAND on 29th May 2023, led by Bishop Alan Williams. £699.00 per person, sharing; single supplement £150.00. Price includes flight, all transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with full board. All entertainment and excursions included. Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Contact Patricia on 01268 762278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, 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.

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

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 feels they may have a vocation to the Priesthood please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Journey of Faith. Is there anyone who may be interested in the RCIA Programme, possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Roman Catholic Faith? Every year we run this programme leading to reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a systematic programme of every aspect of 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.

LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS: Details of all positions can be found at the following link https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education /vacancies/school-vacancies/

MASS INTENTIONS – EASTERTIDE – MAY 2023

Sat 13^th	10.00am 12Noon	Charles & Yvonne Westcott RIP (Frank Westcott)FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	Bridget Burrows RIP (Geraldine Taylor)
Sun 14^th	9.00am	Maureen Wright 80^th Birthday (In Thanksgiving)
Sun 14^th	11:00am1.00pm	G B (E L)FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (T Okeowo)
Mon 15^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Tues 16^th	10.00am	Emma & Reuben Dorn’s Int’s (John O’Rourke)
Wed 17^th	12.30pm	REQUIEM MASS: Lidia Cook RIP
Thur 18^th AscensionThursday	9.00am10,00am12.15pm7/30pm	Martin & Maria Laffey’s Int’s (Remy)People of the ParishRemy’s B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)Arnold Prayer RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)
Fri 19^th	9.30am	Kathleen & William Walstow RIP
Sat 20^th	10.00am	Sandy Sandhu RIP
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett & Terry Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 21^st	9.00am	Roderick McFadyen RIP (David Knott)
Sun 21^st	11:00am	People of the ParishGOING FORTH MASS

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

6th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 8:5-8,14-17

Philip went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result there was great rejoicing in that town.

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 65(66):1-7,16,20

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Cry out with joy to God all the earth,

O sing to the glory of his name.

O render him glorious praise.

Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds!

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

‘Before you all the earth shall bow;

shall sing to you, sing to your name!’

Come and see the works of God,

tremendous his deeds among men.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

He turned the sea into dry land,

they passed through the river dry-shod.

Let our joy then be in him;

he rules for ever by his might.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Come and hear, all who fear God.

I will tell what he did for my soul:

Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer

nor withhold his love from me.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Second Reading : 1 Peter 3:15-18

Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

Why, Christ himself, innocent though he was, had died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.

Gospel : John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If you love me you will keep my commandments.

I shall ask the Father,

and he will give you another Advocate

to be with you for ever,

that Spirit of truth

whom the world can never receive

since it neither sees nor knows him;

but you know him,

because he is with you, he is in you.

I will not leave you orphans;

I will come back to you.

In a short time the world will no longer see me;

but you will see me,

because I live and you will live.

On that day you will understand that I am in my Father

and you in me and I in you.

Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them

will be one who loves me;

and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father,

and I shall love him and show myself to him.’