St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Second Sunday of Lent, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

With Lent well underway, with its emphasis on prayer, fasting and alms giving, the liturgy of the Word leads us to contemplate not a penitential theme but rather a glimpse of the glory of Jesus. It’s as if we have only just started running a marathon and the crowd start cheering as if we were passing the finishing post. Too much, too soon! Yet, from the beginning catechumens, those seeking baptism on Holy Saturday, would be encouraged to contemplate this remarkable event in Jesus’ life. The Transfiguration was a moment when the Father permitted three favoured disciples to glimpse the true glory and power of Jesus as the Eternal Son of the Father. It is also a peep, if you like, into our destiny as children of God and the gift of eternal life, the hope of the life to come.

An early Christian homily captured beautifully this living hope: ‘ Just as the body of the Lord was glorified on the mountain when it was transfigured in the glory of God and in infinite light, so the bodies of the saints will be glorified and shine like lightening. “The glory which you have given to me I have given to them”. As countless candles are lighted from a single flame, so the bodies of all Christ’s members will be what Christ is. Our human nature is transformed into the fullness of God; it becomes wholly fire and light’. Jesus revealed who he was, and who we would become in Christ. He was revealing what had already begun and giving us a vision that would forever change the way we think about our dignity and destiny.

Jesus revealed before mortal eyes the transcendent truth of who he is, and who Peter, James and John – and each one of us – would become in him. We can rely on Peter’s witness of his experience of Christ’s Transfiguration which assures us of hope of eternal life:

‘For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitness of his majesty. He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.’ (2 Peter. 1:16-18)

Dear Friends in Christ, Second Sunday of Lent 2023

As we commence this second week of our holy Lenten Season; ask yourself have you remained faithful to the resolutions that you made on Ash Wednesday? It’s so easy to fall by the wayside very quickly. But that doesn’t mean that we have to give up. Lent can be a truly positive experience; a time of growth and understanding of the Lord Jesus. We have to remember where this journey is leading us; ultimately to the greatest event this world has ever known. Jesus Christ, who died on Good Friday, rose triumphantly on Easter Day. Sin and death was conquered; and the Lord invites each one of us personally to share in that New Life, which we call our Catholic Faith. How we prepare for that is up to us. No one can do this for us. Prayer, Fasting, Works of Charity are all well and good, but if there is no real intention behind them it becomes only lipservice. Conversion-Change of Heart is what the Lord calls each one of us to.

SET YOURSELF LITTLE TARGETS: Morning and Evening Prayers; Reading a passesge from the Bible; Attending an additional Mass during the week; Attending Holy Hour; Praying the Stations of the Cross; Praying the Rosary, or even a decade of the Rosary each day; reading a chapter of a spiritual book (see our parish Library). My dear friends, you can choose any of these throughout the week. But please don’t let this Lent pass you by. Clipart Panda - Free Clipart Images

FIRST RECONCILIATION: The children who are preparing for their First Holy Communion will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconiliation for the first time next Saturday 11^th March. This is an extrmely important day for the children, and I ask that their parents also be present. Parents, you have already been notified about which group your child is in. There are two sessions at 10.00am & 11.00am. I ask the whole parish to pray for the children at this important time along their faith journey. There will be a visiting priest who will be avialable to hear parent’s Confessions.

LENTEN COURSE: The God who Speaks – ‘The Big Picture Course’, exploring the Sacred Scriptures to understand and deepen our awareness of God & Jesus Christ. Course dates: March 8^th, 15^th 22^nd at 7.30pm in the Parish Retreat. There is a Study Book with personal Diary & CD costs but it’s not imperative that you have this! It would be truly wonderful to see as many people as possible

May God bless you all throughout Lent

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: The next session for our children will take place on Sunday 5^th March at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. The children are being prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. PLEASE NOTE: The Children’s First Reconciliation will take place on Saturday 11^th March at 10am & 11am.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Jackie Ilines RIP, long-time parishioner here in Loughton, who passed away recently. We extend our sincere condolences to her husband Gary & two sons Jack & Jimmy in this time of great loss. Jackie was only 57 years of age. She was well known in the parish; and also helped many families with the loss of loved ones, as she ran the local Cribbs Funeral Parlour. Jackie’s Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday 25^th March.

Also, Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jean Dalgliesh RIP, whose Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 23^rd March at 12.15pm, we extend our condolences to her husband Steve and family in this time of great loss.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR PARISH EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND READERS: Following the recent appeal for our ministers and readers to come forward, Julie Callander, who organised our minister and reader rotas pre-pandemic, has very kindly offered to set up a fresh rota. This rota will simply consist of one Eucharistic minister (to distribute the Host alongside Fr. John) and one reader to cover each of the weekend Masses – the 6pm Saturday Mass and the 9am and 11am Masses on Sunday. We hope that a good number of our ministers and readers are willing to join the rota and Julie would very much like to hear from you. Kindly speak to Julie or send her emails, letting her know if you would like to minister and/or read and giving her your Mass time preference. Julie’s ‘phone numbers are 07834 088661 (mobile – preferred) and 020 8502 3854 (land line) and her email is julie.callander@hotmail.com It would be very helpful if you could contact Julie by, say, the end of February so that she can set up the rota and then circulate it to everyone. Your involvement in these important ministries would be much appreciated and Julie looks forward to hearing from you shortly. Thank you. Ferdi Tisi

BIG CLEAN OF THE CHURCH: Our next monthly big Clean will take place on Thursday 9^th March at 10.30am. If you’re able to give half an hour to help with the clean, all help will be gratefully accepted Thank you!

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: Anthony Rattigan RIP, Pat Steele RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

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

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

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.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. NEW: There are a variety of New Easter Cards. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

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/

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

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.

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!

BCYS YOUTH MASS: with Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, Thursday 2nd March. Join us in the Brentwood Cathedral Parish Hall from 6.00 p.m. for pizza, refreshments and a chance to hear from guest speakers from Caritas and the SVP, helping us to think about charitable giving as we begin to prepare for the season of Lent. Youth Mass is in the Cathedral at 7.30pm, Everyone is welcome! See www.bcys.net or email gabriellafusi@dioceseofbrentwood.org for more information.

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, 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.

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 commencing with a face-to-face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 24 – 26 February 2023, or a virtual weekend on 6 – 9 July 2023, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443. Alternatively, email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com

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

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)

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2023

Sat 4^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Frank Westcott)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Charlie Fitzsimons RIP (H & B Walsh, M & F Rathe)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Keith (Get Well Soon) (Kendal Family)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Contemporary Music Group)
Mon 6^th	10.00am	James Ryan RIP
Tues 7^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Wed 8^th	10.00am	Tony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan)
Thur 9^th	10.00am	Dec’d of Tisi & Maton Families RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi)
Fri 10^th	10.00am10.30am	*Pat & Jack Steele RIP (M Fray)Stations of the Cross / Exposition of Bl Sac***
Sat 11^th	10.00am	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Nemesio Gonzalo RIP (Ray & Ingrid Bacani)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Maureen Allen RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Duncan Lowther RIP (Brenda Bryant)

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

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.

2nd Sunday of Lent

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your family and your father’s house, for the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name so famous that it will be used as a blessing.

‘I will bless those who bless you:

I will curse those who slight you.

All the tribes of the earth

shall bless themselves by you.’

So Abram went as the Lord told him.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 32(33):4-5,18-20,22

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

The word of the Lord is faithful

and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right

and fills the earth with his love.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

The Lord looks on those who revere him,

on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord.

The Lord is our help and our shield.

May your love be upon us, O Lord,

as we place all our hope in you.

May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.

Second Reading : 2 Timothy 1:8-10

With me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy – not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace. This grace had already been granted to us, in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time, but it has only been revealed by the Appearing of our saviour Christ Jesus. He abolished death, and he has proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News.

Gospel : Matthew 17:1-9

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

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

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

First Sunday of Lent, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert for forty days to be tempted and tested. During Lent we too are led by the spirit into the mystery of Jesus’ sojourn in the desert. ‘By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert (CCC540). Lent, then, is a journey into the desert. We too, during this holy season, can expect to be tempted and tested.

The name Satan means ‘adversary’. In the book of Job, we are given a vivid picture of Satan in God’s heavenly court, along with all the other angels, where he has the role of accuser or prosecutor. The Scriptures identify Satan as the serpent in the Garden of Eden who tempted Adam and Eve and, therefore, as the origin of sin and temptation. What the Scriptures and tradition make known is than humankind has a mortal enemy who, although a finite being created by God, is in a desperate struggle to overthrow God’s reign, usurp his Lordship and lead his creation into darkness and death. On Easter Sunday each of us will recite our baptismal promises and in doing so renew them. Bear this in mind as we move through Lent because, as you will be aware, a renewal of our baptismal promises involves us actively, freely and voluntarily rejecting Satan. Related image

Lent is also a time for us to discover anew and afresh the gospel, the Good News which Jesus began to proclaim immediately after his time of testing. What is the Good News? The Good News is a message in two parts; the first part is to repent, and the second part is to believe in the gospel. We walk together on this road marked out for us by the church and take up our call to stand firm and resist the devil, knowing that he will flee, and embracing freely and with love the gospel, which is Christ with us and in us, the hope of salvation. Image result for 1st sunday of lent clipart black & white

‘In these days, therefore, let us add something beyond the wonted measure of our service, such as private prayers and abstinence in food and drink. Let each one, over and above the measure prescribed for him; offer God something of our own free will in the joy of the Holy Spirit. (St. Benedict)

Dear Friends in Christ, First Sunday of Lent 2023

As we have entered this Holy Lenten Season, let us embrace the disciplines of Lent of – Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. The personal decisions we make during this special period are important. It is a Penitential Season, meaning that we are examining our lives in every aspect to see where improvements can take place. We are encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout Lent. With regards to personal prayer; there are many things that we can do; – remember to pray our morning and evening prayers, read a chapter of the bible each day, attend an additional mass once a week (see Lenten Mass schedule), attend the Stations of the Cross on Friday’s, Holy Hour & Stations on Sunday’s. With regards to Fasting – this weekend we will receive our CAFOD envelopes; next Friday 3^rd March is Cafod Family Fast Day; what we save in our fasting we place in our envelopes and give to Cafod. You may like to donate to the Food Bank – once again our boxes will be present on the sanctuary during Lent for your offerings. See the source image

We have so many opportunities to do good in this life; one act of human kindness can change a person’s life. One kind word can transform a person’s day. Perhaps during this Holy Season, we can practice one act of human kindness every day. You will be amazed at the difference it will make to you and to others. And as the Gospel told us on Ash Wednesday: ‘The Lord who sees all that is done in secret will reward you…!’

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

LENTEN COURSE: The God who Speaks – ‘The Big Picture Course’, exploring the Sacred Scriptures to understand and deepen our awareness of God. Course dates: March 1^st, 8^th, 15^th 22^nd at 7.30pm in the Parish Retreat. Study Book with personal Diary & CD costs £10, but it’s not imperative that you have this! Please consider coming along!

RITE OF ELECTION: Will take place at Bentwood Cathedral today at 3.00pm Please pray for Elina Kalinina & her daughter Ksenija. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil/

May God bless you all throughout Lent

BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL LENT LECTURE: ‘The pain, passion and privilege of supporting Christians who are suffering persecution’ to be given by Baroness Caroline Cox at Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 1^st March at 7.00pm. Free entry. No need to book. All welcome!

VACANCY FOR HEAD OF SCHOOL: Vacancy for Head of School at St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton-Start date September 2023. Closing date for applications 27/2/23 Catholic Teachers Gazette (ctgonline.co.uk)

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: The next session for our children will take place after the half-term break on Sunday 26^th February at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. The children are now going to be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. PLEASE NOTE: The Children’s First Reconciliation will take place on Saturday 11^th March at 10am & 11am.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Jackie Ilines, long-time parishioner here in Loughton, who passed away this week. We extend our sincere condolences to her husband Gary & two sons Jack & Jimmy in this time of great loss. Jackie was only 57 years of age. She was well known in the parish; and also helped many families with the loss of loved ones, as she ran the local Cribbs Funeral Parlour.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Thomas Mitchley 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

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jean Dalgliesh who passed away recently, we extend our condolences to her husband and family in this time of great loss. Funeral details to follow.

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 – FEBRUARY – MARCH 2023

Sat 25^th	10.00am	Eileen & Richard Griffin’s Int’s (M Ryan)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 25^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Anni) (Faud Family)
Sun 26^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Mick Griffiths RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 27^th	12.15pm	REQUIEM MASS Joan Insole RIP
Tues 28^th	10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (Frank Westcott)
Wed 1^stMarch	10.00am	Tessie Houston RIP (Cocklin Family)
Thur 2^nd	10.00am	Rahiem Williams (Speedy recovery) (Maria Fray)
Fri 3^rd	10.00am10.30am	*Jay Magat RIP (Bacuetes Family)Stations of the Cross / Exposition of Bl Sac***
Sat 4^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Frank Westcott)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Charlie Fitzsimons RIP (H & B Walsh, M & F Rathe)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Keith (Get Well Soon) (Kendal Family)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Contemporary Music Group)

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

1st Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Genesis 2:7-9,3:1-7

The Lord God fashioned man of dust from the soil. Then he breathed into his nostrils a breath of life, and thus man became a living being.

The Lord God planted a garden in Eden which is in the east, and there he put the man he had fashioned. The Lord God caused to spring up from the soil every kind of tree, enticing to look at and good to eat, with the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the middle of the garden.

Now the serpent was the most subtle of all the wild beasts that the Lord God had made. It asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you were not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?’ The woman answered the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden. But of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, “You must not eat it, nor touch it, under pain of death.”’ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘No! You will not die! God knows in fact that on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil.’ The woman saw that the tree was good to eat and pleasing to the eye, and that it was desirable for the knowledge that it could give. So she took some of its fruit and ate it. She gave some also to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realised that they were naked. So they sewed fig-leaves together to make themselves loin-cloths.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 50(51):3-6,12-14,17

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.

My offences truly I know them;

my sin is always before me

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervour sustain me,

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Second Reading : Romans 5:12-19

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. The results of the gift also outweigh the results of one man’s sin: for after one single fall came judgement with a verdict of condemnation, now after many falls comes grace with its verdict of acquittal. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Gospel : Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’ But he replied, ‘Scripture says:

Man does not live on bread alone

but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God’ he said ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says:

He will put you in his angels’ charge,

and they will support you on their hands

in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’

Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says:

You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘I will give you all these’ he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says:

You must worship the Lord your God,

and serve him alone.’

Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.

Sixth Sunday of the Year, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Paul was a Pharisee. Before his conversion to Christ he could almost have been a poster boy for a religious sect. We know this because he tells us so – he wasn’t immune to a little bit of boasting, if it might help to further the gospel message. Reflecting on what an impressive Pharisee he had been, Paul writes: ‘If someone else thinks that they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more; circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the Church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless’. That’s a clear message, isn’t it? OTA_06D

Nevertheless, in today’s Gospel Jesus confronts us with the truth that ‘unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven’. So where does that leave us? How does our righteousness exceed this impressive display of righteousness and pursuit of a holy life?

Well, if we go back to Paul we discover the secret of the righteousness that Jesus had in mind. Paul had come to understand that we don’t stand before God on the basis of our own righteousness. But rather we stand before God on the basis of Jesus’ righteousness. We tend to think of the things we do for God: we pray, we go to church, we fast, we give to charity, and we strive to be noble and good. This, however, isn’t what makes us righteous because righteousness cannot be earned – it can only be received. Paul put it like this: ‘For Jesus Christ’s sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith’. We can exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees by trusting in the saving death of Jesus, believing him to be our Saviour and Lord, and looking to the righteousness of Christ and not our own. OTA_06G

Dear Friends in Christ, 6^th Sunday of the Year 2023

The terrible tragedy of the earthquakes that hit Turkey & Syria, and the scenes of devastation and loss of life that we have witnessed on our Television screens have certainly been shocking and heart-breaking. The humanitarian response from the whole world has been incredible, and the volunteers and aid agencies have certainly pulled all the stops out to try and assist the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their homes and also loved ones. Being so far away, one can often feel helpless, and the only thing we can do is to make a donation to one of the aid agencies to help alleviate the disastrous situation. CAFOD (Catholic Association For Overseas Development), has set up a means whereby we can make donations for the relief efforts. Just google Cafod website for ways to make donations. Also, the CARITAS Brentwood Site can be accessed, and it will indicate ways in which we can help, through prayer and financial donations: www.caritasbrentwood.org/news/earthquakes

Instead of the designated retiring collection this weekend, we will have a very special collection for the relief situation in Turkey & Syria, following the terrible earthquakes and the horrendous loss of life and people’s homes and livelihood. All your donations will be forward to the Caritas Brentwood Relief Agency.

PRAYERS PLEASE: On Tuesday 14^th February I will be attending the Candidacy Mass for our Seminarian Frank Westcott at St. Mary’s College, Oscott Seminary. This is the final stage before Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate which will be celebrated at the end of June this year. Frank will be a transitional deacon for a year before Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood in 2024 Please keep Frank in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

HOLY SEASON OF LENT 2023: Ash Wednesday 22^nd February marks the beginning of the Holy Lenten Season. This is always a very special time of the Church’s liturgical year. It is a Penitential Season, when we think about Prayer; Fasting & Almsgiving (works of charity). Lent gives each one of us the special opportunity to personally, and privately journey with the Lord through this holy season leading us into Holy Week, where we retrace His last days, and his Passion, Death and Resurrection. Please see the Lenten Insert next weekend.

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: The next session for our children will take place after the half-term break on Sunday 26^th February at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. The children are now going to be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Children’s First Confession will take place on Saturday 18^th March at 10am & 11am.

MONTHLY CLEAN OF THE CHURCH: There is a ‘Big Clean’ once a month and we appeal to the whole parish community; if you can give half an hour on Thursday 16^th February at 10.30am we would be truly grateful. If you would like to become part of the regular cleaning teams and the Altar Society, please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492

COFFEE MORNING FOR MISSIO: There will be a coffee morning on Sunday 19th February following the 11am Mass. This will be a chance for members of the parish family to meet and enjoy each other’s company while sharing tea and cake and raising money for our missions abroad.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & READERS: Since the Pandemic many of our Eucharistic Ministers & Readers have not resumed their ministries. It looks likely that the receiving the Precious Blood from the Chalice will not resume imminently. But a Minister to help distribute Holy Communion would be extremely helpful at each of the weekend Masses. If there are ministers who are happy to resume this important ministry at Holy Mass, please see Fr. John. Also, a regular rota of Lectors (Readers at Mass), would be really helpful. Please let Fr John know if you’re willing to read on a regular basis. Clipart Panda - Free Clipart Images

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, Jackie Ilines, 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.

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

Donate

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

ST. ANTONY’S VACANCIES: The Governing Body of St. Antony’s Catholic Primary School, Woodford, wishes to appoint a Year 1 Class Teacher and also an Early Years Phase Leader, both starting in April 2023. The closing date for applications is Monday 20th February 2023 at 8am.

For more information, please visit St Antony’s Website at http://www.stantonyscatholicps.co.uk/vacancies

ST. JOHN FISHER VACANCY: St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, Loughton, is seeking to appoint a Head of School. This person will be an enthusiastic, inspirational leader, who is passionate about learning and who shares our values and lives our mission.

Please contact the Executive Headteacher, Mr Ian Kendal on 0208 508 6315 or alternatively email, Mrs Irene Nelson at nelson@ourladyoffatiamtrust.sch.uk for more information or to make an appointment to visit. To download an application pack please visit www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk or www.st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk

Closing Date: Monday 27th February 2023, 12 noon

MISSIO “LITTLE RED BOXES”: Cathy Daly, our Missio organiser, would like to ask all box holders to bring their red boxes to mass on February 18^th/19^th and leave them at the back of the church. Please do ensure your name is on the box.

CHARITY JAZZ CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On 25th February (3.00-5.00pm) there will be an afternoon jazz concert at St Edmund’s Hall in aid of The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. The wonderful Winnie Greer and her band will be performing Jazz classics and some contemporary pieces. Tickets are £20 each, please contact Kathleen Faherty 07305817658 or go to https://bit.ly/registerforjazzloughton

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.CTO9qrnahUbWX6Uo2gY7XgHaHM&pid=Api&P=0

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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/

https://tse4.explicit.bing.net/th?id=OIP.K-PZA_TLoOt51GJZFwMJNAHaGO&pid=Api&P=0

MASS INTENTIONS – FEBRUARY 2023

Sat 11^th	10.00am	Norah, William & Terry Fitt RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Anne & Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Rosie & Paul Coletti RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Kathleen Sheridan RIP (M Ryan)
Mon 13^th	10.00am	Jim Sullivan RIP (Celina Sullivan)
Tues 14^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Wed 15^th	10.00am	Fr John’s 68^th Birthday Intentions
Thur 16^th	10.00am	Dinky Burke – Get Well Wishes (Leach Family)
Fri 17^th	10.00am	Margaret Beasley RIP (Fitzmaurice family)
Sat 18^th	10.00am	Vera Baker
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Bertha Randlesome RIP (Michael & Gemma)
Sun 19^th	9.00am
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Ellen Manley RIP (Anni) (Manley 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

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21

If you wish, you can keep the commandments,

to behave faithfully is within your power.

He has set fire and water before you;

put out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Man has life and death before him;

whichever a man likes better will be given him.

For vast is the wisdom of the Lord;

he is almighty and all-seeing.

His eyes are on those who fear him,

he notes every action of man.

He never commanded anyone to be godless,

he has given no one permission to sin.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 118(119):1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34

They are happy who follow God’s law!

They are happy whose life is blameless,

who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

seeking him with all their hearts.

They are happy who follow God’s law!

You have laid down your precepts

to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

to obey your statutes.

They are happy who follow God’s law!

Bless your servant and I shall live

and obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

the wonders of your law.

They are happy who follow God’s law!

Teach me the demands of your statutes

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

They are happy who follow God’s law!

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age, it is true, still less of the masters of our age, which are coming to their end. The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.

These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.

Gospel : Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

Fifth Sunday of the Year, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

OTA_05G

‘Oh, they are salt of the earth,’ we often say when we are referring to a person who is straightforward, honest and without guile. Another common saying in the same vein is ‘what you see is what you get’. In today’s reading, Jesus’ description of his disciples as ‘the salt of the earth’ would have struck a chord and meant something very specific to his listeners.

In Jesus’ day salt was a valuable commodity. In order to preserve food from decay in the heat salt was applied as a preservative. It also served to enhance flavour of the food. The ancient tradition of salting the sacrificial offerings denoted a purifying function. It was perhaps for this reason that new-born babies were rubbed with salt to denote purification of the addition to God’s people and as a reminder of the covenant.

Those who heard Jesus speak would have understood the meaning and tradition behind the idea of being ‘salt of the earth’. In the same way as salt prevents decay and corruption, so the witness of Spirit-led Christians protects society from decay and corruption. It also adds much needed flavour to society. And, drawing on the idea that too much salt in our food can make us thirsty. St. Augustine once wrote: ‘O Heavenly Father, you have put salt into our mouths that we may thirst for you.’ The work of the Holy Spirit id to create within us a thirst for the things of God: for union with God, communion with him and for grace to live a life which is holy and pleasing to him. When Jesus said ‘I thirst’ from the cross, his thirst wasn’t just physical, it was spiritual – God thirsts that we come into his presence as we long to come into him.

Jesus also calls us to be ‘the light of the world’. In this way we are to be like our Mater, for in John 8:12 Jesus describes himself as ‘the light of the world’. We are to be countercultural, signs of contradiction, heralds of the gospel of life in the world which, in so many respects, has lost its way.

Dear Friends in Christ, 5^th Sunday of the Year 2023

This weekend we welcome some seminarians from the Pontifical North American College, who are in-between exams at this time. It is their first visit to the UK, please kindly make them welcome, as you always do! Both Deacons will preach at our Sunday Masses this weekend. For Deacon Kelby, it will be his first homily at a Sunday Mass (11.00am) in a Parish. Deacon John will preach at the 9.00am Mass. I know the seminarians love the opportunity to participate and celebrate in the sacred liturgy. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, especially here in our own Diocese of Brentwood.

On Tuesday 14^th February I will be attending the Candidacy Mass for our Seminarian Frank Westcott at St. Mary’s College, Oscott Seminary. This is the final stage before Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate which will be celebrated at the end of June this year. Frank will be a transitional deacon for a year before Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood in 2024 Please keep Frank in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

FIRST YEAR OF PREPARATION FOR THE HOLY YEAR OF 2025: Our Holy Father Pope Francis has announced a two-year preparation for the Holy Year 2025. This First Year, 2025, invites us to revisit the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, on the Sacred Liturgy, the Church, Divine Revelation and the Church in the Modern World. The motto for the Holy Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The two words Pilgrims & hope, both represent key terms of Pope Francis’s pontificate. A Holy Year is a special year of grace, in which the Church offers the faithful the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence

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.

May God Bless You all,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continues on Sunday 5^th February 2023 at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. It’s also come to my attention that some children are not attending Weekly Sunday Mass, and some children have missed a number of the Sunday sessions. If this is the case, I would think very seriously about putting your child forward for Communion; the last thing I want to do is have a weekly register, like many of the parishes throughout the diocese. It really is not fair on the child if they are absent from the weekly celebration. If you are unable to attend any session for some reason please contact Fr. John directly (not Mrs Poulter) Tel: 02085083492 Next Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 8^th February at 7.30pm. Dr Paul Doherty OBE, Headteacher at Trinity Catholic High School will be giving the talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All parents kindly be present at this meeting!

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP – NOTE TO EVERYONE: We will be next singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5^th February and look forward to seeing all our singers and musicians there in full force! Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts for us to quickly run through the hymns and music. Any new singers in the Parish who might like to join us would be made very welcome.

UTIILITY BILLS: We have all experienced the terrible increase in our utility bills; and as you know I try to keep the Church warm, especially on Sunday’s. I recently received the Gas & Electric Bills for the month of December; they had gone up fourfold which completely shocked me! All of the proceeds from the Grand Christmas Draw 2022 will go towards the Utility Bills during these winter months. Thanking you all for your ongoing support for the upkeep of the parish.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Celia Row RIP, Patricia Gardner RIP, Eileen Bevan RIP, Jim Kavanagh 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

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give half an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492

SCOUT WORLD JAMBOREE: On 11th February, 7.15pm St Edmund’s Hall, there will be a Gin tasting Event to raise funds to send some of our Scouts to the World Scout Jamboree, a wonderful experience for them. Tickets are £20 each. For full details and how to purchase tickets please email WSJ2023gin@gmail.com .

For more information, please visit St Antony’s Website at http://www.stantonyscatholicps.co.uk/vacancies

Closing Date: Monday 27th February 2023, 12 noon

BCYS YOUTH MASS: with Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, Thursday 2nd February. Join us in the Brentwood Cathedral Parish Hall from 6.00 p.m. for pizza, refreshments and a chance to hear from guest speakers from Caritas and the SVP, helping us to think about charitable giving as we begin to prepare for the season of Lent. Youth Mass is in the Cathedral at 7.30pm, and will be celebrated by Fr Dan Kelly. Everyone is welcome! See www.bcys.net or email gabriellafusi@dioceseofbrentwood.org for more information.

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 – FEBRUARY 2023

Sat 4^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Mel O’Riley RIP (Maureen O’Riley)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Alois Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	David Faud RIP (Teresa Faud & Family)
Mon 6^th	10.00am	Ann Hawkes B’day Int’s. (Pat & Margaret)
Tues 7^th	10.00am	Rosemary & John O’Rourke’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Wed 8^th	10.00am	Eddie Reid RIP (M Ryan)
Thur 9^th	9.00am	Rev Michael Wolfe RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)
Fri 10^th	10.00am	Mary Bowden RIP (Arthur Catterall)
Sat 11^th	10.00am	Norah, William & Terry Fitt RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Anne & Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Rosie & Paul Coletti RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Kathleen Sheridan RIP (M Ryan)

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 58:7-10

Thus says the Lord:

Share your bread with the hungry,

and shelter the homeless poor,

clothe the man you see to be naked

and do not turn from your own kin.

Then will your light shine like the dawn

and your wound be quickly healed over.

Your integrity will go before you

and the glory of the Lord behind you.

Cry, and the Lord will answer;

call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’

If you do away with the yoke,

the clenched fist, the wicked word,

if you give your bread to the hungry,

and relief to the oppressed,

your light will rise in the darkness,

and your shadows become like noon.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 111(112):4-9

The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright.

He is a light in the darkness for the upright:

he is generous, merciful and just.

The good man takes pity and lends,

he conducts his affairs with honour.

The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright.

The just man will never waver:

he will be remembered for ever.

He has no fear of evil news;

with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord.

The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright.

With a steadfast heart he will not fear;

open-handed, he gives to the poor;

his justice stands firm for ever.

His head will be raised in glory.

The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.

Gospel : Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’

Fourth Sunday of the Year, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourth Sunday of the Year, 2023. Year A

The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes surpass even the Ten Commandments. They are the Magna Carta, the New Commandments, not etched on stone but written on our hearts. The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are the fulfilment of the teaching of the Torah, the most beautiful manifesto of what it means to live on earth as a new creation. They reveal that the kingdom of heaven isn’t about power or strength or land or wealth or possession but rather that the kingdom of heaven is within us. The kingdom of heaven is an attitude, a way of the heart, a way of thinking and acting which is shocking, radical and life-changing.

The Beatitudes can be said to reveal the face of Christ because he lived them perfectly. They are the pathway to happiness and true fulfilment. In short, the Beatitudes are beautiful. Do you know them off by heart? Have you secured them in your memory? Are they on the tip of your tongue? Here’s another question: are you happy? And another one: do you want to live a happy life? If you do, and God knows we all do, there is only one way and this is to live the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes show us the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of every human act. We are called to beatitude by the Beatitudes and one day beholding the beatific vision. As St. Augustine so beautifully and eloquently expressed it: ‘There we shall rest and see, we shall see and love, we shall love and praise. Behold what will be at the end without end. For what other end do we have, if not to reach the kingdom which has not ended?’ We are put in this world to know, love and serve God, and at the end of our lives enter the joy of eternal life, where death is not the end, but the beginning.

When we put into practice the light yoke and burden of the Beatitudes we begin to taste the eternal life to which we are called. For in the kingdom of heaven we encounter the poor in spirit, those who mourned but now know the joy of Christ, the meek and not the prideful and haughty, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who whilst on earth hungered and thirsted for righteousness.

Dear Friends in Christ, 4^th Sunday of the Year 2023

You will have seen the Parish Cribs remain in the Church and outside over the past weeks. Traditionally, the last chapter of the Nativity Narrative takes place next Thursday, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, known as Candlemas. Commemorating the occasion when the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St Joseph, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son, Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).

So the Presentation is a proclamation of Christ — Messiah and Priest, Lord and Saviour. He is the light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness. For this reason, traditionally at least since the seventh century, candles have been blessed at Mass this day that will be used throughout the year, hence coining the term “Candlemas.” After the Gospel on the feast we will bless candles.

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: All your donations at the Cribs inside and outside will go towards the work of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. This is one of the main forms of fund-raising for the BCCS. The Society usually sees about 5,000 clients every year from our diocese. Much of this work is done throughout Catholic Schools. The Cribs will remain up until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February and the Special Annual Crib Collection for BCCS will take place next weekend 28^th/29^th January. Thanking you all in anticipation.

FIRST YEAR OF PREPARATION FOR THE HOLY YEAR OF 2025: Our Holy Father Pope Francis has announced a two-year preparation for the Holy Year 2025. This First Year, 2025, invites us to revisit the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, on the Sacred Liturgy, the Church, Divine Revelation and the Church in the Modern World. The motto for the Holy Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The two words Pilgrims & hope, both represent key terms of Pope Francis’s pontificate. A Holy Year is a special year of grace, in which the Church offers the faithful the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continues on Sunday 29^th January 2023 at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. It’s also come to my attention that some children are not attending Weekly Sunday Mass, and some children have missed a number of the Sunday sessions. If this is the case, I would think very seriously about putting your child forward for Communion; the last thing I want to do is have a weekly register, like many of the parishes throughout the diocese. It really is not fair on the child if they are absent from the weekly celebration. If you are unable to attend any session for some reason please contact Fr. John directly (not Mrs Poulter) Tel: 02085083492 Next Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 8^th February at 7.30pm. Dr Paul Doherty OBE, Headteacher at Trinity Catholic High School will be giving the talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All parents would be present at this meeting!

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP – NOTE TO EVERYONE: We will be next singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5^th February and look forward to seeing all our singers and musicians there in full force! Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts for us to quickly run through the hymns and music. Beforehand, we’ll be having a brief practice on Tuesday, 31^st January, 7pm to 8pm, so please try to make the practice as well. Thank you. Any new singers in the Parish who might like to join us would be made very welcome.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Bruna Morelli RIP, Tony Rattigan RIP Maureen Barker 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

THESE DETAILS CAN BE ALSO BE USED FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING TO Fr JOHN, PLEASE QUOTE CHRISTMAS OFFERING & YOUR GIFT AID NUMBER. THANK YOU!

SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you!

ALTAR SERVERS: I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture.

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

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 – JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

Sat 28^th	10.00am	Charles Westcott RIP (Nancy Hands)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Anne & Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Esther Penn)
Sun 29^th	11:00am	Erick Bacuetes 50^th B’day Int’s (Rey & Ingrid Bacani)
Mon 30^th	10.00am	Reynaldo del Fiero RIP (Ingrid Bacani)
Tues 31^st	9.30am	John Kane RIP (M Ryan)
Wed 1^stFebruary	10.00am	Frances & Sam Murray & Family (M Duffy)
Thur 2^nd Presentation	10.00amOf the Lord	Cliff Poulter RIP (Kendal Family)
Fri 3^rdSt Blaise	10.00am	Maureen Barker RIIP (Mark Barker)
Sat 4^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Mel O’Riley RIP (Maureen O’Riley)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Alois Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	David Faud RIP (Teresa Faud & 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

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13

Seek the Lord,

all you, the humble of the earth,

who obey his commands.

Seek integrity,

seek humility:

you may perhaps find shelter

on the day of the anger of the Lord.

In your midst I will leave

a humble and lowly people,

and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord.

They will do no wrong,

will tell no lies;

and the perjured tongue will no longer

be found in their mouths.

But they will be able to graze and rest

with no one to disturb them.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 145(146):6-10

How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

the Lord, who sets prisoners free.

How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

who raises up those who are bowed down,

the Lord, who protects the stranger

and upholds the widow and orphan.

How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It is the Lord who loves the just

but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

Zion’s God, from age to age.

How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Take yourselves for instance, brothers, at the time when you were called: how many of you were wise in the ordinary sense of the word, how many were influential people, or came from noble families? No, it was to shame the wise that God chose what is foolish by human reckoning, and to shame what is strong that he chose what is weak by human reckoning; those whom the world thinks common and contemptible are the ones that God has chosen – those who are nothing at all to show up those who are everything. The human race has nothing to boast about to God, but you, God has made members of Christ Jesus and by God’s doing he has become our wisdom, and our virtue, and our holiness, and our freedom. As scripture says: if anyone wants to boast, let him boast about the Lord.

Gospel : Matthew 5:1-12a

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:

they shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful:

they shall have mercy shown them.

Happy the pure in heart:

they shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers:

they shall be called sons of God.

Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

Third Sunday of the Year, 2023. Year A

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

To fulfil the words of the prophet Isaiah Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee. One of the ironies of the situation – or was it a tragedy? – was that the chief priests and Pharisees familiar with the Scriptures, were so stubborn, blind and resistant, saying: ‘Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.’
OTA_03D

Jesus’ initial preaching began in the same way as the ministry of John the Baptist, with a simple proclamation about the need for conversion and change: ‘Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.’ The notion or idea of repentance is one that doesn’t sit very comfortable with us today. That’s because we have lost a sense of sin and consequently have also lost a sense of the need to repent and turn back to God. We strive for a different vocabulary of faith to replace concepts like sin, repentance, contrition and conversion. The problem is that this exercise is rather futile because the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church speak to the human condition and the human condition is fallen.

The Greek word metanoia means to change one’s mind or change direction. The Holy Spirit works in us to convict us of sin and lead us towards repentance; in other words to change our minds and think differently. The Holy Spirit is the mind-changer, but more importantly the heart-changer. Repentance in this sense isn’t difficult because the Holy Spirit leads us to see how destructive and dark ways of thinking harm us and undermine our wellbeing and happiness.

God created us with the gift of free will. This is why repentance is so vital. God will assist us with grace but respects our free will and ability to choose and decide about whether to sin or not to sin, to turn back to God or to remain in our rebellion. Once we repent, once we turn back to God, once we take the first step, we open ourselves up to the healing mercy of God. Repentance will always be the key that unlocks the door to the royal road, the highway of holiness, the way of the Spirit.

Dear Friends in Christ, 3rd Sunday of the Year 2023

It has been so encouraging over the past several weeks seeing the return of so many parishioners at our Sunday Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. As we all well know the Pandemic caused a great upheaval in all of our lives, and it has taken a great deal of time to reach some semblance of normality once again. History will certainly include the Pandemic, which our children and grandchildren will read about for generations to come. Sadly, many people and families did not return to the regular practice of the faith, which personally causes me great heart-ache! As I often say to you, we only pass this way but once, and it’s tragic to think of all those missed opportunities within the context of the life of faith.

Also, I find it a bit alarming with just parents being present at weekly Mass and their children absent; (and I mean children of Primary and Secondary School age). I was taught, and the teachings of the Catholic Church through the Catechism of the Catholic Church state, that to be present at the Weekly celebration of the Eucharist is obligatory for all those above the age of reason (7 years). This is not much to ask! In this secular world, commitment to football training, swimming, athletics, dancing classes and other various sports activities and clubs is obligatory, or the young person would soon realise very quickly they could lose their place if they’re not present. God is asking us for the same commitment for one hour a week to celebrate our faith and give thanks for so many graces and blessings.

The Celebration of the Holy Mass. as the Second Vatican Council taught is the ‘source & summit’ of Christian spirituality. There is no greater expression of our faith. Holy Mass begins with the sign of the cross and concludes with the final blessing. Leaving the sacred celebration of the Holy Eucharist immediately after receiving Holy Communion doesn’t allow us to make the ‘act of thanksgiving’ to the Lord customary after receiving Him in the Sacrament. Please remain in Church until after the final blessing.

Let us all try to make this a Special Year of the Holy Eucharist; making that extra special effort to give devotion to the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and receiving Holy Communion weekly at Holy Mass.

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continues on Sunday 22^nd January 2023 at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. It’s also come to my attention that some children are not attending Weekly Sunday Mass, and some children have missed a number of the Sunday sessions. If this is the case, I would think very seriously about putting your child forward for Communion; the last thing I want to do is have a weekly register, like many of the parishes throughout the diocese. It really is not fair on the child if they are absent from the weekly celebration. If you are unable to attend any session for some reason please contact Fr. John directly (not Mrs Poulter) Tel: 02085083492 Next Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 8^th February at 7.30pm. Dr Paul Doherty OBE, Headteacher at Trinity Catholic High School will be giving the talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP – NOTE TO EVERYONE: We will be next singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5^th February and look forward to seeing all our singers and musicians there in full force! Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts for us to quickly run through the hymns and music. Beforehand, we’ll be having a brief practice on Tuesday, 31^st January, 7pm to 8pm, so please try to make the practice as well. Thank you. Any new singers in the Parish who might like to join us would be made very welcome.

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

THESE DETAILS CAN BE ALSO BE USED FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING TO Fr JOHN, PLEASE QUOTE CHRISTMAS OFFERING & YOUR GIFT AID NUMBER. THANK YOU!

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

ST. JOHN FISHER ASPIRATIONS WEEK: St. John Fisher Catholic Primary school will be celebrating their Aspirations Week from Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February. During the week the children will be thinking about their hopes and aspirations for the future and, as part of that, the school would like to involve the wider parish community to help. They are keen to hear from any parishioner, relative or friend who would be willing to come to the school to share information about their careers. Any time given would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the school at

admin@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk

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 – JANUARY 2023

Sat 21^st	10.00am	Fr Patrick Hayward’s B’day Int’s (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Reynaldo Del Fiero RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Tessie Houston RIP (Ann & Jean Cocklin)
Mon 23^rd	10.00am	Communion Service
Tues 24^th	10.00am	Communion Service
Wed 25^th	10.00am	Communion Service
Thur 26^th	10.00am	Communion Service
Fri 27^th	10.00am	Communion Service
Sat 28^th	10.00am	Charles Westcott RIP (Nancy Hands)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Anne & Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Esther Penn)
Sun 29^th	11:00am	Erick Bacuetes 50^th B’day Int’s (Rey & Ingrid Bacuetes)

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

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3

In days past the Lord humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in days to come he will confer glory on the Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, province of the nations.

The people that walked in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who live in a land of deep shadow

a light has shone.

You have made their gladness greater,

you have made their joy increase;

they rejoice in your presence

as men rejoice at harvest time,

as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him,

the bar across his shoulders,

the rod of his oppressor –

these you break as on the day of Midian.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14

The Lord is my light and my help.

The Lord is my light and my help;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

The Lord is my light and my help.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long,

to live in the house of the Lord,

all the days of my life,

to savour the sweetness of the Lord,

to behold his temple.

The Lord is my light and my help.

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.

Hope in the Lord!

The Lord is my light and my help.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17

I appeal to you, brothers, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between you, and instead of disagreeing among yourselves, to be united again in your belief and practice. From what Chloe’s people have been telling me, my dear brothers, it is clear that there are serious differences among you. What I mean are all these slogans that you have, like: ‘I am for Paul’, ‘I am for Apollos’, ‘I am for Cephas’, ‘I am for Christ.’ Has Christ been parcelled out? Was it Paul that was crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul?

For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach that in the terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed.

Gospel : Matthew 4:12-23

Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:

‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali!

Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan,

Galilee of the nations!

The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light;

on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death

a light has dawned.’

From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people.

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More Second Sunday of the Year, 2023.

OTA_02D At his baptism Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit filled Jesus with the power to be ‘a light to the nations’. Living his life in purity, truth, humility, love, faithfulness and obedience to his Father, Jesus reflected God’s light into a sinful world, dispelling the darkness of sin, unbelief and ignorance: ‘I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness’. He brought us the light of faith and true knowledge so we could know the Father and do the Father’s will.

OTA_02G The Spirit filled Jesus with the power to offer his life in sacrifice for the sins of the world in order that God’s ‘salvation may reach to the end of the earth’. That is why John said to Jesus, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ As God’s Chosen One, faithful and obedient, Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit’ so that the Spirit will give believers the power to be light to the world and to bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. We are light to the world as we live our lives in ‘compassion, kindness, lowliness meekness and patience’. These virtues dispel the darkness around us just as a lamp placed on a stand ‘gives light to all in the house’. We bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth as we seek to live righteous and holy lives, rejecting the temptations that assail us, repenting of the sins we have committed, ‘forbearing one another, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other’.

By being light to the nations and bringing God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. Jesus glorified his Father: ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified’. Like Jesus, we give glory to the Father by being light to the world and pursuing righteousness and peace. Ask the Spirit to fill you with power so that you may be light to her world and bring God’s salvation – mercy, love, peace and forgiveness – to those around you.

Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of the Year 2023

This week we were privileged to have Bishop Alan visit our Parish School of St John Fisher. He blessed the New Altar (with a beautiful carved image of St John Fisher on the front) which the parish purchased for the school. After the Mass Bishop Alan visited all the children in their classes. It was a truly beautiful visit, and the Bishop shared with the children the meaning of the concept of shepherd, and how every Bishop is a shepherd to his people. My thanks to Mr Iain Kendal, our executive Headteacher for the newly formed Academy Trust. Please keep our parish school in your prayers. If there are any final applications for Reception places for September 2023, the deadline is Sunday 15^th January.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT: Could I ask all parishioners to seriously think about attending an extra mass during the week. In this New Year of 2023 it would be truly wonderful to make an extra special effort of commitment in faith on a regular basis. Our daily Mass is at 10.00am, not too early! The Holy Mass is for Roman Catholics the greatest expression of our faith. Also, could I make a special appeal to the many parishioners and families who didn’t return to the regular practice of faith after the Pandemic to seriously think about the whole life of faith? It would be tragic to think that a decision not to attend the weekly mass and practice faith anymore would have a generational effect on families. All it takes is one person to stop the practice of faith, and literally generations of Catholic practice comes to an end. These are really important issues to think about at the beginning of this New Year.

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: All your donations at the Cribs inside and outside will go towards the work of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. This is one of the main forms of fund-raising for the BCCS. The Society usually sees about 5,000 clients every year from our diocese. Much of this work is done throughout Catholic Schools. The Cribs will remain up until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February and the Special Annual Crib Collection will take place on the weekend 31^st Jan/1^st Feb. thanking you all in anticipation.

May God Bless You All,

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: It’s still not too late to make your Christmas Offering. If you were unable to be present over the Christmas period, envelopes are available to make your Christmas Offering, which is your personal Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year your Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. You just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22 ‘Xmas Offering’ + GA Number

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 15^th January 2023 at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. It’s also come to my attention that some children are not attending Weekly Sunday Mass, and some children have missed a number of the Sunday sessions. If this is the case, I would think very seriously about putting your child forward for Communion; the last thing I want to do is have a weekly register, like many of the parishes throughout the diocese. It really is not fair on the child if they are absent from the weekly celebration. If you are unable to attend any session for some reason please contact Fr. John directly (not Mrs Poulter) Tel: 02085083492 Next Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 8^th February at 7.30pm

CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give half an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492

STUDY DAY ON THE APOSTLE PAUL: The next Gidea Park Study Day will be on Saturday 21st January 2023 from 11 am until 1.30 pm at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park. The speaker is Dr Sean Michael Ryan, chair of the Catholic Biblical Association of Great Britain, and research associate at the Margaret Beaufort Institute in Cambridge. Dr Ryan will speak about ‘The Gospel according to St Paul’. The event is either in-person or live-stream. Coffee will be available for those attending in-person from 10.30 am. Please bring a packed lunch. Gidea Park Station (Elizabeth Line) is five minutes from the church. For those attending via livestream simply go to www.whatgoodnews.org on the day. Recording of the talks will be made available after the event on the same website.

CHARITY JAZZ CONCERT AT ST EDMUND’S On 25th February (3.00-5.00pm) there will be an afternoon jazz concert at St Edmund’s Hall in aid of The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. The wonderful Winnie Greer and her band will be performing Jazz classics and some contemporary pieces. Tickets are £20 each, please contact Kathleen Faherty 07305817658 or go to https://bit.ly/registerforjazzloughton

SCOUT WORLD JAMBOREE On 11^th February, 7.15pm St Edmund’s Hall, there will be a Gin tasting Event to raise funds to send some of our Scouts to the World Scout Jamboree, a wonderful experience for them. Tickets are £20 each. For full details and how to purchase tickets please email WSJ2023gin@gmail.com .

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, 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: Michael Barrass RIP, Brenda Deamer RIP, William Hatley 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

THESE DETAILS CAN BE ALSO BE USED FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING TO Fr JOHN, PLEASE QUOTE CHRISTMAS OFFERING & YOUR GIFT AID NUMBER. THANK YOU!

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

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

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

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.

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 – JANUARY 2023

Sat 14^th	10.00am	Esterlita Garcia RIP (Ingrid Bacani)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	Aoife Hogan RIP (Sue & Frank Hogan)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	Sara Sanchez RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Mrs J Taylor’s Int’s (Eileen Lee)
Mon 16^th	10.00am	James (Maureen Perry)
Tues 17^th	10.00am	Thomas & Mary Lamb RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 18^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (2^nd Anni) Teresa Walstow)
Thur 19^th	10.00am	Karen, David & Neil Emslie’s Int’s (M Duffy)
Fri 20^th	10.00am	Eileen & George Whatmore RIP & John & Rose Leonard RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Sat 21^st	10.00am	Fr Patrick Hayward’s B’day Int’s (Margaret Duffy)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demand* *Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Raynaldo Del Fiero RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Tessie Houston RIP (Ann & Jean Cocklin)

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

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 49:3,5-6

The Lord said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel,

in whom I shall be glorified’;

I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord,

my God was my strength.

And now the Lord has spoken,

he who formed me in the womb to be his servant,

to bring Jacob back to him,

to gather Israel to him:

‘It is not enough for you to be my servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back the survivors of Israel;

I will make you the light of the nations

so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 39(40):2,4,7-10

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

I waited, I waited for the Lord

and he stooped down to me;

he heard my cry.

He put a new song into my mouth,

praise of our God.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,

but an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Instead, here am I.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

In the scroll of the book it stands written

that I should do your will.

My God, I delight in your law

in the depth of my heart.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

I, Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle, together with brother Sosthenes, send greetings to the church of God in Corinth, to the holy people of Jesus Christ, who are called to take their place among all the saints everywhere who pray to our Lord Jesus Christ; for he is their Lord no less than ours. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.

Gospel : John 1:29-34

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Today the Season of Christmastide draws to a close, and reaches a wonderful climax in a definitive event in Jesus life: his baptism. This was a remarkable event because the baptism offered by John the Baptist was for repentance. The immersion in the waters of the Jordan was a sign of conversion, of a person changing direction in life.

John’s message was addressed to tax collectors, soldiers and ordinary men and women. It was a message of moral reform, of preparing for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus’ baptism began his public life and in this moment God is revealed as the Blessed Trinity.

The Trinity is unique to Christianity. We are united to Muslims and Jews because we share a common belief in One God, but at this point our faiths departs sharply from one another because we believe that God is Three Persons in One God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Jesus’ baptism was the manifestation, the epiphany, of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

The unveiling of Jesus nature and mission brought forth from the Father a tender and heart-warming affirmation: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ Jesus’ baptism was the acceptance and inauguration of his Mission as God’s Suffering Servant. He allowed himself to be numbered among sinners; he is truly ‘the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.’

In today’s Gospel we see the ‘fulfilling of righteousness.’ We are witnesses of Jesus consenting to submit himself entirely to his Father’s will, his death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The coming down of the Spirit at his baptism looked forward to the Spirit coming down on us – a prelude to the new creation. We commit ourselves to enter more deeply in to the mystery of our baptism, praying about it, seeking to understand it and growing in our appreciation of this wonderful grace.

Dear Friends in Christ, The Baptism of the Lord, 2023
Baptism of Jesus-Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady | Arte cristiano, Arte de jesús, San juan bautista

Do you know that date you were baptised? The late Pope St John Paul II believed the day of his baptism was the greatest day of his life. Our initiation into the Christian life commences on the day of our Baptism. In the Gospel today we see Jesus’ baptism. It actually wasn’t necessary for him to be baptised as he was free from sin; but he uses it as a witness to those around, how he wishes to be associated with sinful humanity, as Saviour. The sacred promises made by our loving parents on the day of a child’s baptism are an eternal legacy to the child, that they will do everything in their path to keep that child on the path of Jesus Christ, and ultimately, leading to God. Baptism, is the gateway to the Sacramental Life; we begin that great journey of discovery, and live out daily those promises so solemnly made on our behalf. Perhaps, you can look at your Baptismal Certificate today and memorise the date of your Baptism. (Picture: Baptism of Jesus, Los Angeles Cathedral)

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: All your donations at the Cribs inside and outside will go towards the work of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. This is one of the main forms of fund-raising for the BCCS. The Society usually sees about 5,000 clients every year from our diocese. Much of this work is done throughout Catholic Schools. The Cribs will remain up until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February and the Special Annual Crib Collection will take place on the weekend 31^st Jan/1^st Feb. thanking you all in anticipation.

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: It’s still not too late to make your Christmas Offering. If you were unable to be present over the Christmas period, envelopes are available to make your Christmas Offering, which is your personal Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year your Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. You just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22 ‘Xmas Offering’ + GA Number

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

May God Bless You All,

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS: Every year we all start off with good intentions with our New Year’s resolutions; but often, and very quickly they fall by the wayside. Could I make a suggestion that we all chose one thing to focus our attention – Renewal in faith – It would be wonderful if we could truly commit ourselves to the Lord Jesus in the practice of weekly faith. It’s not too much to ask to attend Holy Mass for one hour on a Saturday evening / Sunday morning. The Lord invites us to share in his life, and it’s up to us if we accept or reject that invitation. But it’s important to remember there are always consequences! A Happy & Blessed New Year for 2023 to you all!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES: Continue on Sunday 8^th January 2023 at 10.00am in the Parish Retreat. It is imperative that all children attend each of the Communion Classes. It’s also come to my attention that some children are not attending Weekly Sunday Mass, and some children have missed aa number of the Sunday sessions. If this is the case, I would think very seriously about putting your child forward for Communion; the last thing I want to do is have a weekly register, like many of the parishes throughout the diocese. It really is not fair on the child if they are absent from the weekly celebration. If you are unable to attend any session for some reason please contact Fr. John directly (not Mrs Poulter) Tel: 02085083492

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: If you know of someone who doesn’t attend weekly mass at present, whether it be a family member or friend, please encourage them to return to the regular practice of the faith. Even offer to accompany them to the celebration of the Holy Mass. What a wonderful testimony to the lived life of faith, helping another to return to the Sacraments.

DIARY DECEMBER 2023

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

THESE DETAILS CAN BE ALSO BE USED FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING TO Fr JOHN, PLEASE QUOTE CHRISTMAS OFFERING & YOUR GIFT AID NUMBER. THANK YOU!

If there are children who no longer serve at St Edmund’s, would you kindly return your Alb & Cincture as soon as possible please

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. Mass Cards for all occasions. Children’s books. Rosaries, medals, holy picture cards, candles, baptismal gifts, and many more items. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2023

Sat 7^th	10.00am	Joao Servo RIP (Adelaide Alves)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 7^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 8^th	9.00am	A speedy recovery (I & M Binstead)
Sun 8^th	11:00am	Christine Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Mon 9^th	10.00am	Derek Bird RIP (Denis O’Donoghue)
Tues 10^th	10.00am	Giordano Mattea RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)
Wed 11^th	10.00am	Eugene Kane (Margaret Duffy)
Thur 12^th	9.00am	Sr Raphael’s Int’s (Maureen Perry)
Fri 13^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Sat 14^th	10.00am	Esterlita Garcia RIP (Ingrid Bacani)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	Aoife Hogan RIP (Sue & Frank Hogan)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	Sara Sanchez RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Mrs J Taylor’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

DEATH OF POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI

By Vatican News

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has returned to the Father’s House.

The Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope Emeritus died at 9:34 AM on Saturday morning in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, which the 95-year-old Pope emeritus had chosen as his residence after resigning from the Petrine ministry in 2013.

“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 AM in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible. As of Monday morning, 2 January 2023, the body of the Pope Emeritus will be in Saint Peter’s Basilica so the faithful can pay their respects.”

News of worsening health condition

Already for several days, the health conditions of the Pope Emeritus had worsened due to advancing age, as the Press Office had reported in its updates of the evolving situation.

Pope Francis himself publicly shared the news about his predecessor’s worsening health at the end of the last General Audience of the year, on 28 December.

The Pope had invited people to pray for the Pope Emeritus, who was “very ill,” so that the Lord might console him and support him “in this witness of love for the Church until the end.”

Following this invitation, prayer initiatives sprung up and multiplied on all continents, along with an outpouring of messages of solidarity and closeness from secular leaders.

Funeral plans

During a briefing at the Holy See Press office at midday, the director, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of the Pope Emeritus on 5 January at 9.30 CET in St. Peter’s Square.

He added that as from Monday, the body of Benedict XVI will be lying in state in the Basilica so that the faithful who wish to do so may pay their last respects with prayers and a final farewell.

Bruni also said the Pope Emeritus on Wednesday, 28th in the afternoon, received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in the monastery at the end of Holy Mass.

And speaking to reporters after the briefing he said Benedict specifically asked that everything – including the funeral – be marked by simplicity, just as he lived his life.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen

Pastoral letter for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today’s Gospel reading we are given a precious insight into Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mother of God- ‘As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart’.

Mary is the unique witness to the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From the birth of our Saviour, she accompanies Jesus through his early years, is with him as he begins his public ministry at Cana; she journeys with him through his passion and cross and is present at the birth of the Church at Pentecost.

In all of this the mother of Jesus can be seen as ‘The Great Believer’ (Pope Emeritus Benedict) and the ‘first disciple of the Lord’ (Pope John Paul II).

Saints are the great optimists of our world- ‘The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness’ (the opening words of Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium at the end of his first year as Pope).

Mary, the greatest of the Saints, is an astonishing icon of the grace of God- ‘full of grace’ she models for us a life of perfect faith and discipleship.

Next year I plan to go on pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines at Fatima, Knock, Lourdes and Walsingham. Each Shrine has its special aspect but present in them all are great numbers of pilgrims who, with Mary, seek to come closer to Jesus our Saviour and Redeemer.

All Christian pilgrimage finds its roots at Bethlehem-

‘When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished… And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen’.

I am always amazed at the generosity and service of those I encounter throughout the diocese and on my pilgrimages. Understandably, we may wish to forget the many challenges we face regarding the world’s climate crisis, the unjust war in the Ukraine, the enduring inequalities confronted by the poor and refugees; in our own country increasing numbers of people are dependent on food banks as the cost of living becomes an increasing anxiety.

Yet in the midst of all of this, we need to believe and proclaim the enduring truth of the Gospel- ‘God so loved the world that he sent his only Son’ (John 10.10).

As we look forward to a New Year I am encouraged by the words of Pope Saint John Paul II when he spoke on the threshold of the third millennium after the birth of Christ- ‘Faced with the sacredness of life and of the human person, and before the marvels of the universe, wonder is the only appropriate attitude. From this wonder there can come …enthusiasm… People of today and tomorrow need this enthusiasm if they are to meet and master the crucial challenges which stand before us’.

Thanks to this enthusiasm, humanity, every time it loses its way, will be able to lift itself up and set out again on the right path’.

May the wonder of Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and all the saints of God encourage us in our pilgrimage to the house of God the Father as we follow Christ our Saviour and Redeemer.

‘May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.’

Wishing you many blessings for the New Year,

In Christ and Mary,

+Alan Williams, sm

Bishop of Brentwood