St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

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,

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)

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.

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.

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

Donate

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

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.

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

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. 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/

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)

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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

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

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

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

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

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

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, 2023

Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.MIavV0SIY4EAuXbA358qkwHaHa&pid=Api&P=0

The title “Mother of God” goes back to the third or fourth century, but the Greek term Theotokos (“The God-bearer”) was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma. At the end of the Council of Ephesus, crowds of people marched through the streets shouting: “Praised be the Theotokos!”

This Catholic doctrine is based on the doctrine of Incarnation, as expressed by St. Paul: “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4).

In its chapter on Mary’s role in the Church, Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution “Lumen Gentium” (“Light of the People”) calls Mary “Mother of God” 12 times.

In the encyclical <Marialis Cultus> (1974) Pope Paul VI states: “This celebration, assigned to January 1 in conformity with the ancient liturgy of the city of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the ‘holy Mother . . . through whom we were found worthy . . . to receive the Author of life.’ It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewed adoration of the new-born Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels, and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace. For this reason . . . we have instituted the World Day of Peace, an observance that is gaining increasing support and is already bringing forth fruits of peace in the hearts of many” (no. 5).

A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2023

Wishing our Parish Family a Very Happy,

Healthy & Prosperous New Year for 2023.

Always be kind and loving to one another!

With Love & New Year Peace.

Dear Friends in Christ, Mary the Mother of God, 2023

First and foremost, I wish you a Very Happy New Year for 2023. I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking the whole parish community most sincerely for your Christmas Offertory; also for the many personal greetings, cards and gifts for Christmas. I am always overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Thank you! A big thank you to those who baked cakes, pies and various bottles and other ‘goodies’ while the Seminarians were with us! Two left last Thursday and two leave on Monday 2^nd January. Fr John

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: Friday 6^th January 2023. This is a Holiday of Obligation, which means, it has the same status as a Sunday OBLIGATION. There will be three masses on the Epiphany at 10.00a,. 12.15pm & 7.30pm. Please make every effort possible to attend one of the masses. The Magi were the final ones to arrive at the Manger of the Lord. Let us join them in bring the greatest gift we could offer the Lord Jesus, ‘our Love’!

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,

A VERY BIG THANK YOU: The Seminarians form the Pontifical North American College, have asked me to convey their grateful thanks to the whole parish community for your welcome and great hospitality towards them over this Christmas period. Also for the many desserts, sweets, cakes and pies dropped off at the presbytery. Please keep all the seminarians in your prayers.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Will be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 1^st January 2023 which is New Year’s Day. Kindly arrive 20 minutes or so before Mass starts. We hope that many of you can make the practice and that all of you will be at the Mass. Thank you. New singers and musicians who may like to join us will be made very welcome!

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. Mrs Sharon Chalk runs our Baptismal Programme. Baptisms take place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER / JANUARY 2022/2023

Sat 31^st New Year Eve	10.00am	Charles Wescott RIP (Pat & Margaret)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 31^st New Year Eve	6.00pm	Mary Jamieson RIP (Kathy & Mark Munro)
Sun 1^st Jan New Year’s Day	9.00am	People of the Parish (New Year’s Blessing of Families)
Sun 1^st Jan New Year’s Day	11:00am	Pietro &Luigia Tisi, Albert & Odila Maton RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi)
Mon 2^nd	11.00am	Stefano Witten Int’s (DeSouza-Brady Family)
Tues 3^rd	10.00am	Charles Westcott RIP (Veronica & Steve Short)
Wed 4^th	10.00am	Ana Borges RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Thur 5^th	10.00am	Peter McQuade RIP (Anni) 9Margaret Duffy)
Fri 6^th Epiphany of the Lord	10.00am12.15pm7.30pm	Bridget Kinsella’s Ints (Pat & Margaret)Stanley Wood RIP (Private Intn)Tylor Fallon RIP
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)

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

Sunday 1 January 2023

Mary, the Holy Mother of God – Solemnity

First Reading : Numbers 6:22-27

The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Say this to Aaron and his sons: “This is how you are to bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:

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.”

This is how they are to call down my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.’

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

O God, be gracious and bless us.

O God, be gracious and bless us

and let your face shed its light upon us.

So will your ways be known upon earth

and all nations learn your saving help.

O God, be gracious and bless us.

Let the nations be glad and exult

for you rule the world with justice.

With fairness you rule the peoples,

you guide the nations on earth.

O God, be gracious and bless us.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

May God still give us his blessing

till the ends of the earth revere him.

O God, be gracious and bless us.

Second Reading : Galatians 4:4-7

When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable us to be adopted as sons. The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.

Gospel : Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD.

DEATH OF POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI

By Vatican News

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

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

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

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.93LF7GrKey1jfsQpCwz8PAHaFR&pid=Api&P=0

Today we rejoice. Today we give God praise. Today, we raise our hearts and voices in worship and adoration of God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For today the promise made to the Virgin was fulfilled: ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God’. In appearance like every other baby born of a woman, this baby was God’s Son. This baby was all that God desired a human being to be – one who could reflect, without the distortion of sin, the glory of God.

The birth of Jesus of Nazareth heralded the birth of a new humanity – a revolutionary evolutionary leap resulting in a new creation. Just as Adam was the head of a fallen humanity, Jesus is to head the new humanity. Today we celebrate Jesus’ birth, but also our own. Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. Understandably Nicodemus didn’t comprehend until the Lord explained: ‘unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit’. This is why on Christmas Day we rejoice in our heavenly birth too. This grace, this gateway into the Christian life, is also the door through which we pass for the kingdom of darkness into the glorious light of Christ.

Today a whole new creation has come into being and we are united to this incredible grace and blessing through the sacrament of our baptism. Through the Word becoming Flesh, through the Eternal Word of God becoming man, God proved his profound love for every one of us – God so loved the world that he gave his One and Only Son. As we give each other gifts today, we remember the greatest gift of all: the birth of Jesus, the new creation through whom we have become sharers and partakers in the life of God, even unto eternal life.

HODIE CHRISTUS NATUS EST

Dear Friends in Christ, The Nativity of the Lord, 2022
Welcome Frame

I warmly welcome you all here this weekend for the Christmas Masses. A very special welcome to all visitors to our parish this Christmas; it’s wonderful that families are all able to get together at this very special time of the year. I trust and pray that you will have a wonderful holiday season and a very special & holy Christmas. On behalf of the Parish I welcome four seminarians from the Pontifical North American College in Rome. One is a Deacon and the others are in the first and third year’s theology. My thanks to those who have kindly donated food stuffs and deserts while the boys are here!

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to prepare for our Christmas Masses this year. Our Altar Society, who have worked so hard in keeping our Church pristine throughout the year; all of our Eucharistic Ministers & Readers. Our Sunday Mass Greeters; Our Choir Director Sue Farrow – the Choir & Contemporary Music Group; Our Master Of ceremonies and all of our Altar Servers; my thanks to Veronica Short who has helped me in the Sacristy at all of our masses throughout the year. Thank you one and all!

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the many parishioners who have sent Cards and Christmas Greetings and gifts during this Blessed Season. I pray for the whole parish community over this sacred time, that you will have the opportunity to spend time with your families, and that you will also have a good rest and be refreshed for a New Year. I know that many parishioners have gone away for the Christmas holiday this year, enjoy your time with families and friends, and have a safe journey home! Wishing you all a very Happy & Holy Christmas & Prosperous New Year for 2023. Keep safe and well and always be kind and loving to one another.

God Bless You All, with Love & Christmas Peace,

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2023: Please note all the times of the Christmas Masses this year. This Christmas Eve – Saturday 24^th December the evening Christmas Masses will be at 6.00pm, this is a Family Mass with Christmas Tableau acted out by the little children. There will be a 10.00pm Mass, preceded by Sung Carols at 9.45pm. This will be a sung Choral Mass with Choir. – I encourage people to attend this Mass, as the numbers were quite low last year.

On Christmas Day Sunday 25^th December Masses will be celebrated at 9.00am & 11.00am which will be a Sung Mass. Please make a very special effort to attend Holy Mass at Christmas. There is no more fitting way to welcome the Saviour Christ Child into our lives than the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERTORY: Is your personal gift to Fr. John, and makes up the major part of his salary throughout the year. Please use your parish Gift Aid envelopes, as we can then claim back the relevant Tax on your offerings. There are also Gift Aid envelopes in the porch of St. Edmund’s. With grateful thanks for your continued generosity!

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to their Parish Priest, which forms the major part of their salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We 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

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

FEAST OF ST STEPHEN: The traditional annual Altar Servers Mass with enrolment into the Guild of St Stephen for new Altar Servers will take place on St Stephen’s Day, Monday 26^th December at 11.00am. This is always a very beautiful celebration, and I encourage as many parishioners as possible to attend. This is also an invitation to the whole parish community for any of our young people to become Altar Servers. There’s no greater honour than serving the Lord at Holy Mass

A VERY BIG THANK YOU: Once again a very big thank you to the whole parish community in your incredible support for our Annual Gran Draw and Hampers. We have worked out that the overall amount with donations Gift Aided will come to £5,104.00. This is Incredible! THANK YOU! This year the money will be used for the utilities, heating lighting, Gas for the parish.

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2022

Sat 24^th Christmas Eve	6.00pm	Tommy Luby RIP (R Walsh)Family Christmas Mass with Tableau
		*CHRISTMAS MASSES*
Sat 24^th Christmas Eve	10.00pm	John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)Carols Before Christmas Mass at 9.45pm
Sun 25^th Christmas Day	9.00am	David Faud RIP (The Faud Family)
Sun 25^th Christmas Day	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 26^th St Stephen	11.00am	Peter Burns RIP, Bill Warnes RIP & All Dec’d Servers of Parish. (David Knott)
Tues 27^th St John	10.00am	Tylor Fallon RIP (Marie Corrigan)
Wed 28^th Holy Innocents	10.00am	Fr Kieran Dodd RIP (Rosemary & Ian Johnson)
Thur 29^th S Thomas Beckett	10.00am	Peggy Kliber RIP (Ewa Michalik)
Fri 30^th	10.00am	Paddy Bacon RIP (Bacon & Potter Families
Sat 31^st New Year Eve	10.00am	Charles Wescott RIP (Pat & Margaret)
		*Confessions 11am – 12Noon or on demandVigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm***
Sat 31^st New Year Eve	6.00pm	Mary Jamieson RIP (Kathy & Mark Munro)
Sun 1^st New Year Day	9.00am	People of the Parish (New Year’s Blessing of Families)
Sun 1^st New Year Day	11:00am	Pietro &Luigia Tisi, Albert & Odila Maton RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi)

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