St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2022.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Dear Friends in Christ, The Assumption 2022

Mary’s Assumption points to John 14:3: ‘and when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and I will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.’ Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven to be with Jesus, the Son of God, who had gone to prepare a place for her. In 1950 Pope Pius XII said ‘Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.’We accept this teaching, this doctrine of the Church, as an article of faith. We believe and so we pray, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace.’ Mary is truly the Queen of Heaven.

We celebrate her life and rejoice in her everlasting reward. Through the witness of Mary, we are also reminded that today is an opportunity for us to renew our own hope in the promise, that on the last day, our soul, which separates from our body at death, is reunited with our resurrection body, and we rise to life everlasting, body and soul. This is an exciting and wonderful truth that should spur us on in the living out of our faith, day by day. Speaking of that body, St. Paul writes: ‘What is sown is persishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown in a physical body; it is raised in a spiritual body.’

Today, we rejoice in Mary, our Mother in faith, and give praise to God for her faithfulness, obedience and love. She is the perfect model of every Christian virtue, and it is fitting that Scripture and tradition unite to proclaim her assumption into eternal reward in heaven.

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

As we have been basking in the sunshine for the past several weeks, and there has been very little rain, all the reports on the radio and television have been focusing on the ongoing situation of drought; but coupled with that as we are experiencing temperatures of nearly 100 degrees, there is also the looming cloud of autumn and winter, and the incredible raising of fuel & utility charges. It’s quite a worrying situation, and I’m sure many people will be making the decision of whether to buy fuel or eat. We will all have to tighten our belts and of course make provisions for the winter in the best way possible. Living in Canada for a couple of years, certainly got me used to layering clothing when I went out. As you can appreciate we have huge buildings here in the parish, and I’m sure you will all respond in kind to keep our properties maintained and heated throughout the winter.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 8^th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492 [GRAPHIC]

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 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 or Fr John.

ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. 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

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

God Bless You All,

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: My thanks to the Parents who came to see me recently about their children commencing the First Holy Communion Programme in September? It was good to have the opportunity to meet with you. Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. The meetings have now concluded Thank you!

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. Baptism takes place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm

WEEKLY OFFERTORY DURING THE SUMMER: While most parishioners will take a summer break over this period until the return to school in September. It’s important that we keep our Offertory giving going. If you belong to the Gift Aid Scheme, please keep your envelopes up to date. I know may parishioners use online giving & Standing Orders. If you want applications for the Gift Aid Scheme, these can be found in the Porch of the Church. Your Weekly Offertory is your Gift to God!

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound. If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Brentwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022. Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18^th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022

DIARY AUGUST 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Vera Beryl Mulholland RIP. Martin Duffy RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

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

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

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

AID FOR UKRAINE: The unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine are atrocious, many amounting to genocide. Our brothers and sisters there are experiencing terrible suffering as they struggle to defend their country and preserve their human rights and life itself. We are doing what we can from afar: assisting by the charity of our prayers and also with what practical means we can muster. Aid to the Church in Need is on the frontline of charitable assistance to Ukrainians. If you can help, you will find this link takes you to the ACN website where you can donate: https://acnuk.org/news/ukraine-charity-rolls-out-emergency-aid/ hiccups

HELPING THOSE IN UKRAINE & UKRAINIAN REFUGEES: Caritas Brentwood are regularly updating information on their website, covering donations, prayer and welcoming those who are fleeing the Ukraine. You will find everything at: http//www.caritasbrentwood.org/Ukraine/

May God Bless You All This Coming Week.

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

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

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/

BCYS YOUTH GATHER: 22nd – 23rd October, Mersea Island. Stay in cabins and try a brilliant range of outward bound activities from climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. Open to all those in years 9 and above, book NOW at www.bcys.net/events

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

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 rectify 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

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a Vocation to the Priesthood is after the summer holidays on Tuesday 6^th September at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

SHARING THE CHURCH’S STORY CONFERENCE: A renewal for Mission. With world-class speakers, including Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire). Saturday 17^th September in London. Venue – Friend’s House Conference Centre, Euston Road.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2022

Sat 13^th	10.00am	Rob Brazier
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	9.00am	Vera Mulholland RIP
Sun 14^th	11:00am	Dec’d of Hall Family RIP
Mon 15^th	10.00am	Vocations to the Priesthood & the Sanctification of the Clergy (M Hiscock)
Tues 16^th	10.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
Wed 17^th	10.00am	Arthur & Peggy Joyce RIP
Thurs 18^th	10.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Fri 19^th	10.00am	Julie Farrell RIP (Geraldine O’Donoghue)
Sat 20^th	10.00am	Phil Perry RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Teresa Faud & Family)
Sun 21^st	9.00am	Lily McEvoy RIP ((The Ruiz Family)
Sun 21^st	11:00am	Martin Duffy RIP (3rd Anni) (Sarah Duffy & 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

18th / 19th Sundays of the Year 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Parish Weekly Newsletter

Dear Friends in Christ, Eighteenth Sunday of the Year 2022, Year C

The man in the crowd asking Jesus to settle a family dispute wants him to act like a rabbi. Jesus however, is instantly aware that his request stems from greed and envy. He chooses to expose the motives of the man’s heart rather than settle his grievance. The Lord teaches that the purpose and meaning of life is making oneself ‘rich towards God.’

Greed and envy focus a person on self. Those who pursue wealth seek security and safety. They use their riches to shield themselves from life’s vicissitudes and to find comfort and confidence in material things. In the pursuit of wealth they lose sight of the real meaning of life because they are seduced by the illusion that with their fortune they can control their lives. Yet one day everyone will die – possessions cannot protect against that day. $D:\CONTENT\LIT_OT_C\01\OTC_18G.TIF$

Furthermore the pursuit of affluence and pleasure eliminates both God and neighbour from sight since the focus is exclusively on obtaining possessions in order to feel secure: ‘I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’ Finally wealth creates the desire for greater wealth, making the circle of illusion complete.

Being rich in the sight of God brings into sharp focus the purpose of life and allows us to live according to truth. The real meaning of life is that we depend on God for everything; God is the source of all good, and we are created for a relationship with him. Our security is to be found in God alone; we can live with confidence that is directing our lives, and will provide for all our needs.

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

This week’s Parish Newsletter will suffice for the next two weeks. As a high propertion of the parish are on holidays, and all the various programmes cease during the summer recess. Please access the Newsletter, either by the website or give us your e.mail address, and Iain McLay will add you to the WhatsApp Group and Newsletter distribution list.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 8^th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone else who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492 [GRAPHIC]

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I don’t have any requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.

May God Bless You All,

DIARY JULY – AUGUST 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Cocklin RIP, Patricia Panagli RIP, Danny McGrory RIP, Vera Beryl Mulholland RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23^rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: My thanks to the Parents who came to see me this week about their children commencing the First Holy Communion Programme in September? It was good to have the opportunity to meet with you. Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. The meetings have now concluded Thank you!

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

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

SICK & HOUSEBOUND: Weare now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound. If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP:

We will be singing and playing at our next Mass on Sunday, 7^th August at 11am.We appreciate that this is in the middle of the holiday season, but if you are not away, please make every effort to come to the Mass. We’d be grateful if you could arrive 20/30 minutes before Mass starts so that we can run through the hymns and music. Thank you. If you are away, then please do have an enjoyable break, with not too much queuing at the airport if you’re travelling abroad! As always, new singers who may like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY – AUGUST 2022

Sat 30^th	10.00am	Eileen Griffin (M Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Ronald Pavett RIP (G Ashwell-Pavett)
Sun 31^st	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 31^st	11:00am	Jake McClean RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 1^stAugust	10.00am	Frank & Sue Hogan, 30^th Wedding Anni) (The Ruiz Family)
Tues 2^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
Wed 3^rd	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Thurs 4^th	10.00am	Olga Norgueira (B’day Ints) Pat & Margaret)
Fri 5^th	10.00am	John Davin RIP
Sat 6^th	10.00am	Maureen Kisley B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 6^th	6.00pm	Joe Brown RIP (Betty Brown)
Sun 7^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 7^th	11:00am	Deceased relatives of Camilla Giovannini & Pietro Leonardelli
Mon 8^th August	10.00am	Holy Souls
Tues 9^th	10.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
Wed 10^th	10.00am	Deceased of McGowan Family RIP
Thurs 11^th	9.00am	Frank Westcott’s B’day Int’s. (Pat & Margaret)
Fri 12^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Sat 13^th	10.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	9.00am	Vera Mulholland RIP
Sun 14^th	11:00am	Dec’d of the Hall Family RIP

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

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Parish Weekly Newsletter

Dear Friends in Christ 17^th Sunday of the Year 2022
OTC_17D

Today we encounter Jesus’ teaching on prayer, which is more radical, challenging and life-changing than we may at first realise because it encourages an approach or attitude to prayer which we might not share or even appreciate. The Lord Jesus positively and unambiguously encourages a bold, confident, even brazen attitude towards approaching God in prayer. The Lord wants us to cultivate a way of praying that is hopeful, expectant and sure of God’s goodness and generosity.

No prayer captures this more beautifully than the Our Father, which the Lord himself taught us to pray. The Our Father is the Magna Carta, the blueprint for all prayer. Despite being so short and compact is encapsulates the essence of prayer and the very heart of our relationship with God. St. Augustine said of the Our Father: ‘If you run through the petitions of all holy prayers, I believe you will find nothing that is not summed up and contained in the Lord’s Prayer.’

Jesus uses the story of a persistent neighbour, who will take not take for an answer to reveal that God the Father is not like the unwilling neighbour, but is generous, kind and benevolent provider for his children’s needs. We discover who God is more through prayer, than any other spiritual exercise, for it is in prayer that the Spirit woks in us to expand not just our minds but our hearts, our imagination and our horizons. OTC_17G

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

This week we’ve soaring temperatures like we’ve never seen before; and everyone, whilst trying to keep cool had to get on with everyday work and living. Also, our schools have just closed for the summer holidays. I wish all our teachers, teaching assistants, ancillary staff and pupils a good summer recess. The holidays are always a wonderful time to recahrge the battrries. I hope and pray that everyone will get the opportunity for a couple of weeks away with family and loved ones. It’s truly amazing how this can rejuvenate the spirit. Looking at the world wide temperatires here in over the past couple of weeks, it’s been even hotter here than most Mediterranean countires. Please be careful in the heat and ensure that you use plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

REDECORATION COMPLETED: This week the painters finally completed the paiting of the Sacristies. I’m so very happy with the end result of this redecoration project. The church is looking truly wonderful, and thank you for all the wonderful comments over the past couple of weeks. It’s truly heartening to know that you like the finished product. Let’s hope it lasts for a good long while!

WEEKLY OFFERTORY DURING THE SUMMER: While most parishioners will take a summer break over this period until the return to school in September. It’s important that we keep our Offertory giving up-to date. If you belong to the Gift Aid Scheme, please use your envelopes. I know may parishioners use online giving & also Standing Orders.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 8^th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone else who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492

[GRAPHIC]

May God Bless You All, with Love & Peace

REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I don’t have any requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioners wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church.

REQUEST: ‘Would anyone who enjoys cooking be interested in cooking an evening meal for my elderly parents three days a week? They do enjoy good food and a bit of company. We were thinking Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday but this could be flexible. This is a paid role. My parents live in North Chingford.’ Jan Kay. (Please contact Jan Kay on 07831 160496 or 020 8502 2620.) Thank you!

DIARY JULY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be singing and playing at our next Mass on Sunday, 7^th August at 11am.We appreciate that this is in the middle of the holiday season, but if you are not away, please make every effort to come to the Mass. We’d be grateful if you could arrive 20/30 minutes before Mass starts so that we can run through the hymns and music. Thank you. If you are away, then please do have an enjoyable break, with not too much queuing at the airport if you’re travelling abroad! As always, new singers who may like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY – AUGUST 2022

Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Mariet Paul)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 24^th	9.00am	Robert Thomas Int’s. (Ruiz Family)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Brian & Moira Carter 60^th Wedding anniversary.
Mon 25^th August	10.00am	Private Intention (Margaret Hiscock)
Tues 26^th	10.00am	June Happe RIP ((John & Kathy Frowood)
Wed 27^th	10.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke (John O’Rourke)
Thurs 28^th	9.00am	Holy Souls
Fri 29^th	10.00am	Wil Severijns RIP
Sat 30^th	10.00am	Eileen Griffin (M Ryan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 30^th	6.00pm	Ronald Pavett RIP (G Ashwell-Pavett)
Sun 31^st	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 11an	11:00am	Jake McClean RIP (Maria Fray)

Please kindly be patient with your mass requests. I will try to accommodate your requested dates, but there have been a large number of requests recently and we celebrate masses in the order in which we receive them.

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Genesis 18:20-32

The Lord said, ‘How great an outcry there is against Sodom and Gomorrah! How grievous is their sin! I propose to go down and see whether or not they have done all that is alleged in the outcry against them that has come up to me. I am determined to know.’

The men left there and went to Sodom while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Approaching him he said, ‘Are you really going to destroy the just man with the sinner? Perhaps there are fifty just men in the town. Will you really overwhelm them, will you not spare the place for the fifty just men in it? Do not think of doing such a thing: to kill the just man with the sinner, treating just and sinner alike! Do not think of it! Will the judge of the whole earth not administer justice?’ the Lord replied, ‘If at Sodom I find fifty just men in the town, I will spare the whole place because of them.’

Abraham replied, ‘I am bold indeed to speak like this to my Lord, I who am dust and ashes. But perhaps the fifty just men lack five: will you destroy the whole city for five?’ ‘No,’ he replied ‘I will not destroy it if I find forty-five just men there.’ Again Abraham said to him, ‘Perhaps there will only be forty there.’ ‘I will not do it’ he replied ‘for the sake of the forty.’

Abraham said, ‘I trust my Lord will not be angry, but give me leave to speak: perhaps there will only be thirty there.’ ‘I will not do it’ he replied ‘if I find thirty there.’ He said, ‘I am bold indeed to speak like this, but perhaps there will only be twenty there.’ ‘I will not destroy it’ he replied ‘for the sake of the twenty.’ He said, ‘I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps there will only be ten.’ ‘I will not destroy it’ he replied ‘for the sake of the ten.’

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

On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:

you have heard the words of my mouth.

In the presence of the angels I will bless you.

I will adore before your holy temple.

On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love,

which excel all we ever knew of you.

On the day I called, you answered;

you increased the strength of my soul.

On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly

and the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of affliction

you give me life and frustrate my foes.

On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

You stretch out your hand and save me,

your hand will do all things for me.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal,

discard not the work of your hands.

On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.

Second Reading : Colossians 2:12-14

You have been buried with Christ, when you were baptised; and by baptism, too, you have been raised up with him through your belief in the power of God who raised him from the dead. You were dead, because you were sinners and had not been circumcised: he has brought you to life with him, he has forgiven us all our sins.

He has overridden the Law, and cancelled every record of the debt that we had to pay; he has done away with it by nailing it to the cross.

Gospel : Luke 11:1-13

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished one of his disciples said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’

He said to them, ‘Say this when you pray:

‘“Father, may your name be held holy,

your kingdom come;

give us each day our daily bread,

and forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us.

And do not put us to the test.”’

He also said to them:

‘Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night to say, “My friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house and I have nothing to offer him”; and the man answers from inside the house, “Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up to give it you.” I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it him for friendship’s sake, persistence will be enough to make him get up and give his friend all he wants.

‘So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. What father among you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an egg? If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

In a story unique to St. Luke’s Gospel, we read of a remarkable and beautiful incident in Jesus’ life. Mary of Magdalene, whose feast we celebrated two days ago, is traditionally associated with the Mary before us today but scholars think that it is unlikely to be the same person, believing this woman to be Mary of Bethany. What is clear is that, like Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany loved the Lord. In this account, she did not wash his feet with her weeping or anoint his body with expensive nard but she showed that one thing was needed, and that was to sit at the Master’s feet and learn from him

There has always been a tension between the contemplative arm and the apostolic arm of the Church. The contemplatives are accused of being too focused on prayer whereas the Apostles are criticised for being too preoccupied with action and not placing enough emphasis on the interior life. Of course, this is too simplistic juxtaposition but there is an element of truth in it.
Jesus, Mary, and Martha. Bible coloring page

It is, however, hard not to feel some sympathy for Martha, who in this understanding embodies the apostolic approach, Mary can come across as a kind of ‘goody two shoes’. Martha on the other hand, has not airs and graces; she is a worker and not a shirker. Clearly both women were serving the Lord, but Mary, in Jesus’ own words, chose what is better. This doesn’t mean what Martha was doing in that moment wasn’t good or noble or worthy, or even right for her to be doing; it simply means that ultimately sitting at the Lord’s feet and learning from him who is humble and gentle or heart is the goal of our faith.

The great saints of the Church did not hesitate to serve others practically. Pope Francis is calling us all to serve others in a spirit of love and charity, but all service of God must be first rooted in prayer and hearing God speak through his Word.

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

I’ve had a week to reflect on the beautiful Thanksgiving Mass and Reception for my Jubilee last Friday. It truly was a wonderful occasion, and I’m so grateful to the whole parish community for everything you did to make is such a great success. We were certianly blessed with the weather. This week I have received several letters and messages from guests, they all said what a wonderful welcome they received from the parish. My cousins from Ireland and my friends from America all commented on how welcoming everyone was. Thank you! The Jubilee orgainsing committee headed by Lorraine Leith really pulled all the stops out on the day, and I’m so grateful for all the hard work, over many weeks, that went into the preparations. Thank you one and all. I was very proud of the whole parish community!

I have been able to look at, and read all the various greetings cards and gifts that were dropped off at the Presbytery and given to me on the day of Jubilee. Thank you for your throughfulness. Also, I know now why the organising committee asked me to be out of the parish for a weekend about a month ago. My thanks to you all for your most generous gift!

Above all, I give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of priesthood. I am truly humbled to share in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ; and the beautiful words of St Benedict, which I put on my original Oridination cards and the Prayer cards I distributed last week, still ring true today: ‘Prefer nothing whatever to the love of Christ.’ (Rule of St Benedict)

CHURCH DECORATION: I am very pleased to let you know, that apart from the two sacristies, the inside and outside of the church are now complete. I would like to thank JW Steele Ltd, Chelmsford for the really tremendouns job they have done over the past five weeks. They worked really hard to get the inside completed for the Jubilee last weekend. Thankfully, we have not had to draw upon our parish funds; the sale of St Thomas More Site has paid for all the work done over the past several weeks, the redecoration of the Parish Hall, the Church, and also the rebuilding of the porch at the Presbytery. With thanks to you All!

May God Bless You All, with Love & Peace

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

DIARY JULY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2022

Sat 16^th	10.00am	Kate & Tom Dennison RIP (Anni) (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Onnig Ashdjian RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 17^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Daniel, Ellen & Betsy Exley RIP (Catherine Knight)
Mon 18^th	10.00am	Ann Kennedy RIP (G O’Donoghue)
Tues 19^th	10.00am	Dilys RIP (Pat & Margaret)
Wed 20^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Thurs 21^st	9.00am	Holy Souls
Fri 22^nd	10.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
Sat 23^rd	10.00am	Philomena Joseph RIP (Mariet Paul)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 23^rd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 24^th	9.00am	Robert Thomas Int’s. (Ruiz Family)
Sun 24^th	11:00am	Brian & Moira Carter 60^th Wedding anniversary.

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Genesis 18:1-10

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and bowed to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said ‘I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by. A little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the tree. Let me fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further. That is why you have come in your servant’s direction.’ They replied, ‘Do as you say.’

Abraham hastened to the tent to find Sarah.’ ‘Hurry,’ he said ‘knead three bushels of flour and make loaves.’ Then running to the cattle Abraham took a fine and tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then taking cream, milk and the calf he had prepared, he laid all before them, and they ate while he remained standing near them under the tree.

‘Where is your wife Sarah?’ they asked him. ‘She is in the tent’ he replied. Then his guest said, ‘I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife will then have a son.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 14(15):2-5

The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault;

he who acts with justice

and speaks the truth from his heart;

he who does not slander with his tongue.

The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

He who does no wrong to his brother,

who casts no slur on his neighbour,

who holds the godless in disdain,

but honours those who fear the Lord.

The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

He who keeps his pledge, come what may;

who takes no interest on a loan

and accepts no bribes against the innocent.

Such a man will stand firm for ever.

The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Second Reading : Colossians 1:24-28

It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church. I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God’s message to you, the message which was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed to his saints. It was God’s purpose to reveal it to them and to show all the rich glory of this mystery to pagans. The mystery is Christ among you, your hope of glory: this is the Christ we proclaim, this is the wisdom in which we thoroughly train everyone and instruct everyone, to make them all perfect in Christ.

Gospel : Luke 10:38-42

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year 2022

Catholic Social Teaching has largely owned the parable of the Good Samaritan and in a way rightly so, because it highlights the care and solicitude we owe every human being, but particularly those in dire need physically, emotionally or spiritually. However, ask yourself, if you will, whether there is a deeper meaning to the parable. Are we missing something? Is the parable simply about being good and kind and decent to your neighbour? We can be sure; absolutely sure in fact, that because Scripture is divinely inspired, there are always layers of revelation to uncover and a deeper meaning behind every verse.

Some of the early Fathers of Scripture scholarship, such as Origin, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, discerned in the parable of the Good Samaritan a much deeper meaning than helping our neighbour. They approached the parable allegorically – in other words, as a device in which the characters or events represents or symbolise real people and real events and communicate a hidden and profound message. Approaching Scriptures allegorically can open up deeper and deeper layers to its meaning. Some theologians dislike this approach because they fear that we can read into the text significance which the original author did not intend. But they themselves often approach Scripture in the wrong way, studying and discussing it like a Shakespeare play or another ancient text. Scripture is the divine Word of God and by its very nature there are always hidden depths to plumb. Image result for the good samaritan clipart black and white

So, for today, let us consider an allegorical understanding of the parable. Jerusalem represents heaven and Jericho the earth or the world. The robbers are the devil and the demons. The priest represents the Torah (the Jewish law) and the Levite the Prophets. The victim beaten, bruised, wounded and left half dead by the roadside is you! The Good Samaritan is Jesus, and the donkey is Christ’s body, which bears the weight of the broken body of the victim or this terrible robbery on the open highway. Finally the inn represents the Church, our place of healing and sanctuary. The Good Samaritan’s promise to return is a reference to Jesus’ coming again in power and glory.

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

It is with joy in my heart, and a great sense of thanksgiving that I would like to express my gratitiude to the whole parish community for such a wonderful celebration last Friday evening on the occasion of my Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. I’m so pleased so many of you were able to join in the Thanksgiving Mass, and also the Reception afterwards. Also it was great to meet up once again with parishioners from previous parishes where I have served as a priest over the past forty years.

I express my gratitude to Monsignor John Armitage who preached at the Jubilee Mass, whom I have known for over fifty years; also my brother priests from the diocese and outside the diocese, it was wonderful to have so many of them present. Thank you to Bishop Alan, who has been so kind to me personally through the years. Bishop Thomas McMahon, who Ordained me, wrote me the most beautiful letter; but at 86 now, he finds evening masses a little too much.

Someone made a comment, which I would most certainly agree with, the organisation went like clockwork, even with a few hiccups along the way. A great team of people worked so hard at setting up and looking after our guests throughout the evening. My thanks also to 6 Sixth Formers from Trinity Catholic High School for their assistance and help with our guests. I just want to single one person out, Lorraine Leith, who organised and co-ordinated the whole reception; obviously she had a great team of helpers, but her efficiency and great leadership certianly helped to inspire all of those who helped. Thank you!

To Sue Farrow our Music Director and Choir who did such a wonderful job in enhancing the liturgy / music. To all of the Altar Servers, and Fr Mark Reilly who was our Master of Ceremonies. Thank You!

Finally to all of the Parish of St Edmund, I thank you for your generosity in the gift you gave to me; and also the many personal cards and gifts I received from you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! As I shared with you all on Friday evening, the thought that has been going through my head all week in thanksgiving: “Not to us Lord, not to us, but to your name give the Glory.” (Psalm 115)

May God Bless You All, with Love & Peace

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

DIARY JULY 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Marie Dawson RIP, Mary Cocklin RIP June Happe RIP Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. First Holy Communion gifts and items. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books. 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 you request; it usually takes about a week to arrive. Pieta Drawing Sculpture - Saint Peter's Basilica, Pietà ...

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregular Marriage is one that has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secular 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

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2022

Sat 9^th	10.00am	Sean McCarthy RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Malachi Dobinson Int’s (Anthony Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Veronica Short’s B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Sun 10^th	11:00am	Dec’d members of the Westcott Family
Mon 11^th	10.00am	Fr John’s Int’s. Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood (Remy)
Tues 12^th	10.00am	Kate & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Wed 13^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s (John)
Thurs 14^th	10.00am	Brian McDonald RIP (Geraldine O’Donoghue)
Fri 15^th	10.00am	Julie John RIP (Sarah Ruiz)
Sat 16^th	10.00am	Kate & Tom Dennison RIP (Anni) (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Onnig Ashdjian RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 17^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Danbiel, Ellen & Betsy Exley RIP (Catherine Knight)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Moses said to the people: ‘Obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping those commandments and laws of his that are written in the Book of this Law, and you shall return to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.

‘For this Law that I enjoin on you today is not beyond your strength or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, so that you need to wonder, “Who will go up to heaven for us and bring it down to us, so that we may hear it and keep it?” Nor is it beyond the seas, so that you need to wonder, “Who will cross the seas for us and bring it back to us, so that we may hear it and keep it?” No, the Word is very near to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 68(69):14,17,30-31,33-34,36-37

Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive

This is my prayer to you,

my prayer for your favour.

In your great love, answer me, O God,

with your help that never fails:

Lord, answer, for your love is kind;

in your compassion, turn towards me.

Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive

As for me in my poverty and pain

let your help, O God, lift me up.

I will praise God’s name with a song;

I will glorify him with thanksgiving.

Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive

The poor when they see it will be glad

and God-seeking hearts will revive;

for the Lord listens to the needy

and does not spurn his servants in their chains.

Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive

For God will bring help to Zion

and rebuild the cities of Judah

and men shall dwell there in possession.

The sons of his servants shall inherit it;

those who love his name shall dwell there.

Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive

Second Reading : Colossians 1:15-20

Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God

and the first-born of all creation,

for in him were created

all things in heaven and on earth:

everything visible and everything invisible,

Thrones, Dominations, Sovereignties, Powers –

all things were created through him and for him.

Before anything was created, he existed,

and he holds all things in unity.

Now the Church is his body,

he is its head.

As he is the Beginning,

he was first to be born from the dead,

so that he should be first in every way;

because God wanted all perfection

to be found in him

and all things to be reconciled through him and for him,

everything in heaven and everything on earth,

when he made peace

by his death on the cross.

Gospel : Luke 10:25-37

There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus ‘do this and life is yours.’

But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands‘ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourteenth Sunday of the Year 2022

There is an understanding that religion and politics are not discussed in polite society. This is probably because when they are raised, invariably, the conversation gets rather heated. Sex and death used to have the same effect, but nowadays as a society we seem more comfortable at least talking about sex, albeit in a superficial way.

Nowadays the idea of ‘evangelism’ also carries a certain taboo element. For sure, there are conferences on the subject and books written, and the occasional Sunday homily on our call to spread the gospel, but how seriously the subject is taken is debateable. This call is the theme of our Gospel passage today: the commissioning by Jesus of seventy-two disciples to go and preach the gospel.

The message that we do often hear is that if we are good, kind and loving, then that is evangelisation. St. Francis of Assisi famously said: Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words’, highlighting that witness whether by action or word is crucial. We definitely don’t want to come across as ‘Bible bashers’ or over the top’, and we definitely do not want to impose our faith on anyone. Nevertheless, there is no escaping the fact that sooner or later our faith invites us to pass the Good News on to others.

John Lennon famously said: Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue with that; I’m right and I will be proved right. We are more popular than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first – rock and roll or Christianity.’ While Lennon had a point, the passing of four decades since his death had shed a different perspective on his comment. As Christians we know that the raison d’être of the Church is to grow and spread to the four corners of the earth. Our parishes are meant to grow and flourish, not stagnate and be closed

No one is saying that sharing our faith is easy. It isn’t – it requires effort, creativity, passion, enthusiasm and conviction. The key is in the name: the gospel is Good News. If we don’t experience it as Good News, we don’t share it as Good News. The Holy Spirit is the One who creates within us as burning desire to both witness to and share our faith. We pray for this blessing and anointing of faith.

Invitation to Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving

Forty Years of Sacred Priesthood

Friday 8^th July at 7.00pm

Followed by Reception

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

I would like you all to join me next Friday 8^th July at 7.00pm at St Edmund’s Catholic Church, to offer the Mass of Thanksgiving for my Fortieth Anniversary of Priesthood. The actual anniversary is 11^th July the Feast of St Benedict.

Bishop Alan Williams, Priests from the diocese, and also other parts of the country will be joining us for the celebration. Also my immediate family & cousins, relatives & friends from Ireland. I have four priest friends arriving from the United States this week and from Poland; a real International gathering. There will also be friends and parishioners from former parishes.

You have been my Spiritual Family for the past twenty years, half of my Priesthood; and I cordially welcome all of you to share with me this milestone along the Journey of Priesthood. It has been a great honour and privilege to have been your Pastor. Much has changed, but the life of faith continues, and we still gather to worship the Lord Jesus week in and week out.

If you can help in setting up on Friday the 8^th July, this would be of great help to us. We have to get the Church ready to accommodate the many priests and people coming to the ceremony. My thanks to Lorraine Leith & the Jubilee Organising Committee for everything they have done in preparation for the this celebration. Please come and join us!

Immediately following the Thanksgiving Mass there will be a reception in the the Marquee in the Parish Car Park. Please ensure that no cars are parked in Parish Car Park on Thursday 7^th July. Thank you!

With Peace & Love To You All

CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE? I’m in need of a couple of Chauffeurs. I have a friend coming from Italy, one from Poland & one from Ireland who are returning home after the Jubilee and need a ride to Stansted Airport. Italy & Poland are leaving on Saturday 9^thJuly and Ireland on Sunday 10^th July. I would be sincerely grateful if any parishioners could help with this transport please! Please call Fr John – 020 8508 3492

CLEANING THE CHURCH & CAR PARK FOR JUBILEE MASS: This is an appeal for a team of helpers next Wednesday morning 6^th July to assist and help giving the Church a major clean before the Jubilee Mass. The floors of the Church will need to be washed and benches dusted after all the redecoration. Windows will need to be cleaned, sacristies will need a good clean and polish before all our visitors arrive. If there are a few parishioners who would be willing to help clean the car park, I’d be truly grateful, as a Marquee will be erected on Thursday 7^th July. NB: No parking in the Car Park from Thursday – Thank you. If you’re able to give an hour or so on Wednesday this would be most helpful.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be playing and singing at our next Mass at 11am on Sunday, 3^rd July. Would all singers please arrive 20/25 minutes beforehand so that we can run through the music and hymns for the Mass. Thank you. New singers and musicians who would like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!

NB: Please note meanwhile that Fr. John and Sue have warmly invited our singers to join the Parish choir for Fr. John’s anniversary Mass at 7pm on Friday, 8^th July. Sue will be having rehearsals at 7pm on Wednesdays and 11am on Saturdays between now and then, so please go to at least one of the rehearsals where you will be made very welcome! Thank you!

DIARY JUNE 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

SHARING THE CHURCH’S STORY CONFERENCE: A renewal for Mission. With world-class speakers, including Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire). Saturday 17^th September in London. Venue – Friend’s House Conference Centre, Euston Road.

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

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23^rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a Vocation to the Priesthood is after the summer holidays on Tuesday 6^th September at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2022

Sat 2^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Dec’d Members of the Hatt family RIP
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	Rob Brazier
Mon 4^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s (Maureen Perry)
Tues 5^th	10.00am	Holy Souls
Wed 6^th	9.00am	Bridget Kinsella – Thanksgiving to all friends for your help
Thurs 7^th	10.00am	Paul Young
Fri 8^th July	7.00pm	Fr John’s Mass of Thanksgiving for Fortieth Anniversary of Sacred Priesthood
Sat 9^th	10.00am	Sean McCarthy RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Malachi Dobinson Int’s (Anthony Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 10^th	11:00am	Dec’d members of the Westcott Family

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14

Rejoice, Jerusalem,

be glad for her, all you who love her!

Rejoice, rejoice for her,

all you who mourned her!

That you may be suckled, filled,

from her consoling breast,

that you may savour with delight

her glorious breasts.

For thus says the Lord:

Now towards her I send flowing

peace, like a river,

and like a stream in spate

the glory of the nations.

At her breast will her nurslings be carried

and fondled in her lap.

Like a son comforted by his mother

will I comfort you.

And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.

At the sight your heart will rejoice,

and your bones flourish like the grass.

To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

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

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Cry out with joy to God all the earth,

O sing to the glory of his name.

O render him glorious praise.

Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds!

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

‘Before you all the earth shall bow;

shall sing to you, sing to your name!’

Come and see the works of God,

tremendous his deeds among men.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

He turned the sea into dry land,

they passed through the river dry-shod.

Let our joy then be in him;

he rules for ever by his might.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Come and hear, all who fear God.

I will tell what he did for my soul:

Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer

nor withhold his love from me.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not; what matters is for him to become an altogether new creature. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.

I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brothers. Amen.

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12,17-20

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.

‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.

‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Thirteenth-Sunday-of-the-Year-2022-e1kf0ge

There’s a real sense of urgency in today’s Gospel, which is contrasted with the more relazed approach of 1 Kings, where Elisha is allowed time to say goodbye to his family before joining Elijah in his ministry. As Jesus’ Passion draws nearer, the Lord’s call to his potential disciples to follow him allows them no time. They must be willing to put service of the Lord before every other call in their life, even seemingly legitimate ones.

This high level of commitment can lead to a feeling among the laity that Jesus’ words don’t apply to them, just ot the clergy or missionaries. This, however, isn’t the case. The Lord’s call to ‘Follow me’ applies to all believers. To follow the Lord with great urgency can even occur within a family home. Following him may mean turning away from the television and instead praying the Rosary. Or picking up the telephone and calling a relative or friend you’ve been meaning to speak to for some time.

In order to fulfil Christ’s mandate to ‘spread the news of the kingdom of God’, it is necessary to have a sense of urgency every day. By asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and being led away from the trap of routines, the Lord presents us with constant challenges that will bring fresh insight to our faith. One example of this is St Catherine of Siena. In her youth she lives in an incredibly crowded house, but, amidst the hustle and bustle of her family home, she consistently withdrew and sought the Lord out in prayer.

A little later in St Luke’s Gospel Jesus sends his disciple out in pairs and we’re told they came back rejoicing. The Lord’s sense of urgency wasn’t lost on them and they joined in his radical style of life. This sense of urgency still exists today, particularly in the face of growing secularism in Western Europe. The Lord says to all of us. ‘Follow me.’ What will our response be?

Dear Friends in Christ, 13^th Sunday of theYear

REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: The work is progressing gradually, as you can see the fresh bright & clean look of the painted ceiling and walls have most definitely brightened the church up! During this coming week, the painters will focus on the Sanctuary and the Organ Loft and the Porch. Also the benches will be put back in place and fixed to the floor; all new brackets have been made to fix the benches to the floor. As the celebration for the Jubilee rapidly approaches, the painters will cease work on Wednesday 6^th July, and resume again on Monday 11^th July. The sacristies and the outside of the Church will be painted, giving a wonderful fresh look to the whole building. I thank you kindly for your patience and understanding while all of this work has been going on.

I would be sincerely grateful for some help in giving the Church a bit of a clean on Saturday mornings 25^th June & 2^nd July at 9.00am. Obviously there will need to be a really big clean during the week leading up to the Jubilee Mass.
Can you help me clipart.

RUBY JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Friday 8^th July at 7.00pm – The whole parish community is cordially invited to share with me in the Celebration Mass of Thanksgiving for my Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood (actual date of anniversary 11^th July, Feast of St Benedict). Our Bishop Alan and many priests from the diocese and outside the diocese will be attending. Also Family and friends from all over; several priests and friends from the United States, family and friends from Ireland & Italy, and of course you my parish family for the past twenty years. I would like to reiterate my Invitation to you to come to the Thanksgiving Mass and also the reception afterwards. There will be plenty of Food and Drink. My sincere and grateful thanks to Lorraine Leith & her organising committee for all the hard work they have put in behind the scenes over the past months. There will be a Marquee erected in the Church Car Park on Thursday 7^th July, please do not park in Car park on that day. We will need a lot of help on Friday 8^th July, more details next weekend. May God Bless You All,

CAN ANYONE HELP ME? I’m in need of a couple of Chauffeurs. I have a friend coming from Italy & one from Ireland who are returning home after the Jubilee and need a ride to Stansted Airport. Italy is leaving on Saturday 9^thJuly and Ireland on Sunday 10^th July. I would be sincerely grateful if any parishioners could help with this transport please! Please call Fr John – 020 8508 3492

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: My thanks to the Parents who came to see me this week about their children commencing the Frist Holy Communion Programme in September. It was good to have the opportunity to meet with you. Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. The meetings have now concluded Thank you!

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We will be playing and singing at our next Mass at 11am on Sunday, 3^rd July. Would all singers please arrive 20/25 minutes beforehand so that we can run through the music and hymns for the Mass. Thank you. New singers and musicians who would like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!

NB: Please note meanwhile that Fr. John and Sue have warmly invited our singers to join the Parish choir for Fr. John’s anniversary Mass at 7pm on Friday, 8^th July. Sue will be having rehearsals at 7pm on Wednesdays and 11am on Saturdays between now and then, so please go to at least one of the rehearsals where you will be made very welcome! Thank you!

REQUEST: ‘Would anyone who enjoys cooking be interested in cooking an evening meal for my elderly parents three days a week? They do enjoy good food and a bit of company. We were thinking Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday but this could be flexible. This is a paid role. My parents live in North Chingford.’ Jan Kay. Please contact Jan Kay on 07831 160496 or 020 8502 2620. Thank you!

DIARY JUNE 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.

VACANCY FOR KS1/2 TEACHER: The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint a KS1/2 Teacher and a Learning Support Assistant. The closing date for applications is Friday 1st July. For further details please visit www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk Or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383.

EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams. Free Student Clipart

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.AdxOJsB7tvgCkGe1djEXyQHaEK&pid=Api&P=0&w=307&h=172

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE / JULY 2022

Sat 25^th	9.30am	Martin Laffey’s Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 25^th	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	9.00am	Mr Cobelli RIP (Anni) (Mrs Cobelli)
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Mercedes Turner RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Mon 27^th	10.00am	Barbara Hinchley RIP (Margaret Duffy
Tues 28^th	10.00am	Martha De’Souza’s B’day Int’s. ( Pat & Margaret)
Wed 29^th SS Peter & Paul.	9.00am 10.00am 12.15pm 7.30pm	John McCormack RIP People of the Parish John & Rosemary O’Rourke’s Int’s Dec’d Relatives of Pietro Leonardelli
Thurs 30^th	10.00am	Rob Brazier RIP
Fri 1^stJuly	10.00am	Dec’d relatives of Camilla Giovannini
Sat 2^nd	10.00am	Holy Souls
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	People of the Parish
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Dec’d Members of the Hatt family RIP
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	Rob Brazier

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:16,19-21

The Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go, you are to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat, of Abel Meholah, as prophet to succeed you.’

Leaving there, Elijah came on Elisha son of Shaphat as he was ploughing behind twelve yoke of oxen, he himself being with the twelfth. Elijah passed near to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. ‘Let me kiss my father and mother, then I will follow you’ he said. Elijah answered, ‘Go, go back; for have I done anything to you?’ Elisha turned away, took the pair of oxen and slaughtered them. He used the plough for cooking the oxen, then gave to his men, who ate. He then rose, and followed Elijah and became his servant.

Responsive Psalm: Psalm 15(16):1-2,5,7-11

O Lord, it is you who are my portion.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

it is you yourself who are my prize.’

O Lord, it is you who are my portion.

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,

who even at night directs my heart.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion.

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let your beloved know decay.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in your presence,

at your right hand happiness for ever.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion.

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1,13-18

When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. My brothers, you were called, as you know, to liberty; but be careful, or this liberty will provide an opening for self-indulgence. Serve one another, rather, in works of love, since the whole of the Law is summarised in a single command: Love your neighbour as yourself. If you go snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community.

Let me put it like this: if you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions. If you are led by the Spirit, no law can touch you.

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.

As they travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’

Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’

Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2022

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

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

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

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

Dear Friends in Christ, Corpus Christi 2022

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

REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: As you can see we are making great progress with the redecoration of our Parish Church. The nice clean, fresh & bright colours will certainly enhance the beauty of our simple church. It is hoped that the inside of the Church should be completed before the end of June. Weekday masses Monday –Saturday will be celebrated at 10.00am in the Parish Hall (except for Wednesday it will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 18^th 25^th June; & 2^nd July, between 9.00am – 10.00am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting & cleaning the benches and generally cleaning and vacuuming the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!

ORDINATION OF REV DAMIAN WADE: Please pray for the Intentions of Rev Damian Wade who will be Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood next Saturday 25^thJune at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church Ilford. Fr Damian is the first priest to be ordained from Ireland for the past 45 years. He will take up his new assignment at the beginning of September. Also please keep in your prayers our own Frank Westcott, training for the Priesthood at St. Mary College, Oscott. He has just completed the second year of his four year Programme of Seminary Formation. Please God Frank will be ordained a Deacon this time next year.

May God Bless You All,

Can you help me clipart. RUBY JUBILEE INVITATION. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood – (postponed from last year due to the Pandemic) – Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday 8^th July at 7.00pm. It will be a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan and Priests from the diocese and outside of the diocese; family & visitors from different parts of the world, and of course you my Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. This will be followed by a Reception in the Marquee erected in the Church Car Park. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith. We will definitely need help on the day. My thanks to those who have already volunteered their help.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: The First Holy Communion Programme for 2022/23 will commence in September. In advance of this I would like to meet with the Parents of children eligible for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist (Commencing September Year 3). Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. I have an extremely busy month ahead of me, so I would ask parents to contact me immediately with regards a meeting to discuss the Sacramental Programme. Tel 0208 508 3492 Meetings will conclude on Friday 24^th June, Thank you!

WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Last weekend you gave £253.45 I am consciously aware that many people are experiencing great hardships with finances of late. But this is the lowest the Weekly Offertory has ever been in the 20 years I have been here. I have never publicly spoken about money in my 40+ years of priesthood, and I don’t want to now. But I am just alerting the whole parish community to think about your Weekly Offertory to God. The survival of any parish church and its community is holily sufficient on the generosity of the Faithful, so therefore you weekly Offertory Gift, provides for the upkeep of the Church and all the other buildings. As you know I have not asked for any support for the works that we are having done at present: – with redecoration of the Parish Hall, the Parish Church, and the entrance to the presbytery (which is in a dangerous condition). These will be paid for from the sale proceeds of St Thomas More site. Please think seriously about your Offertory, and also if you don’t belong already, think about the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, which affords us 25pence in the pound from the Inland Revenue. Mrs Abbie Akinfenwa is our Gift Aid Organiser.

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23^rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation

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.

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

DIARY JUNE 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2022

Sat 18^th	10.00am	Holy Souls RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Barbara Chalk RIP (Monica Maycraft)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	Martin Kendal RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Dr Jim Sainsbury RIP (The Tisi Family)
Mon 20^th	10.00am	Holy Souls RIP
Tues 21^st	10.00am	Teresa Collins RIP
Wed 22^nd	10.00am	Angela Smith RIP
Thurs 23^rd	10.00am	Mary Burton B’day Ints. (M Maycraft)
Fri 24^th	10.00am	Aida Carlos RIP (Cecile Kelly)
Sat 25^th	9.30am	Martin Laffey’s Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 25^th	6.00pm
Sun 26^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Mercedes Turner RIP (Bacuetes Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Corpus Christi – Solemnity

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing:

‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth,

and blessed be God Most High for handing over your enemies to you.’

And Abram gave him a tithe of everything.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 109(110):1-4

You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:

‘Sit on my right:

your foes I will put beneath your feet.’

You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

The Lord will wield from Zion

your sceptre of power:

rule in the midst of all your foes.

You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

A prince from the day of your birth

on the holy mountains;

from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change.

‘You are a priest for ever,

a priest like Melchizedek of old.’

You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death.

Gospel : Luke 9:11-17

Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.

It was late afternoon when the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.’ He replied, ‘Give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people.’ For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, ‘Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.’ They did so and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets

The Gospel of the Lord.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Solemnity-of-the-Most-Holy-Trinity-2022-e1jqg49

Scientists recently declared that they’d discovered the glimmer of a planet outside of the Milky Way (our galaxy), in the region of 28 million light years away. It’s hard to conceive or imagine such distances or even think that there are planets far beyond our solar system. The mystery of science is great but far greater is the mystery of God.

Today we’re invited to contemplate the greatest Christian mystery of all, the Blessed Trinity. Christianity departs radically from Islam and Judaism in its belief that in the one God is a communion of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Christianity professes the belief that the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, entered time and space and took upon himself our human nature. Belief in the Trinity, then, is a central mystery of Christian faith.

We’re baptised ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and we’re invited to develop a relationship with each person of the Blessed Trinity. Jesus’ life, work, ministry, preaching & teaching all testify to this fundamental truth of Christian revelation. In fact, the doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity could be described as the central mystery of the Christian faith and life and it’s this mystery that we’re celebrating and rejoicing in today.

The word ‘mystery’ isn’t used to mean a conundrum or puzzle that’s impossible to solve, but a sacred truth which we will only be able to penetrate more deeply if we ask the Holy Spirit to shed his light and truth into our minds and spirits. We need to pray, ‘Lord, teach me, show me, guide me, lead me into the beauty, glory and majesty of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity’.

‘O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me to forget myself entirely so to establish myself in you, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity.’ (Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity)

Dear Friends in Christ, Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity; where we proclaim that God is Father, Son & Holy Spirit. This is one of the great Dogma’s of our Roman Catholic Faith. Every week we pray together our Creed acknowledging the fullness of the Godhead in Father, Son & Spirit. Through the centuries many have struggled with trying to understand this great doctrine of faith, and it is often referred to as a mystery. But is more than a mystery, it is an invitation to share and be caught up in the whole life of God. When we were baptised we received the fullness of God as Father Son & Holy Spirit. God has left an indelible mark on our soul and He fills us with his presence. Jesus Christ the second person of the Trinity, came to show us the beauty of God’s lover for us, and before he returned to the Father, he promised the Apostles to send the gift of his eternal Holy Spirit, ‘proceeding from the Father & the Son’; this Divine Love, guides, directs, perfects, and gives us the capacity to respond in Love. The Spirit gives us strength & courage, perseverance and hope, understanding and reverence, and the qualities found in the lord Jesus. This enables us to Love God with our whole soul, mind and strength.

REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: As you can see the decorating team this week have been working really hard on the inside of our Church. Once again, apologies for any inconvenience caused. The work should continue for another three weeks at least, Weekday masses Monday –Saturday will be celebrated at 10.00am in the Parish Hall (except for Wednesday it will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 11^th, 18^th 25^th June; & 2^nd July, between 9.00am – 10.30am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting & cleaning the benches and generally cleaning and vacuuming the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!

May God Bless You All,

RUBY JUBILEE INVITATION: This week in your Parish Newsletter – (and there will be a hard copy for everyone), – there will be a personal Invitation to each one of you to my 40^th Anniversary of Ordination. You are all cordially invited to share with me on 7^th July 2022. at 7.00pm, followed by reception.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8^th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic, It has been rescheduled to this year, with a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan, Priests of the Diocese, Family & Visitors from all over the world, and of course, My Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith. We will definitely need help on the day. My thanks to those who have already volunteered their help. Can you help me clipart.

JUBILEE CELEBRATION – IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE PARISH? Would there be anyone in the parish that would be willing to take photographs at the Jubilee Celebration on July 8^th? The Mass will be at 7.00pm. Prior to the Mass a number of priests and Fr John’s personal guests will be arriving throughout the day from different parts of the country; Fr John would like some photos with his brother priests and guests. Also immediately after the Thanksgiving Mass there will be a reception in the Marquee; this will also be an opportunity for family photos and photos with all guests and parishioners. If you are able to help please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492

ST BONAVENTURE HIGH SCHOOL: Alumni Event – 17^th June 2022, 4.00pm-6.30pm. All former students and staff are welcome to attend – please help spread the word! Order a Ticket at: www.stbons.org/alumni – EMail any questions to alumni@stbons.org

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: The First Holy Communion Programme for 2022/23 will commence in September. In advance of this I would like to meet with the Parents of children eligible for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist (Commencing September Year 3). Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. I have an extremely busy month ahead of me, so I would ask parents to contact me immediately with regards a meeting to discuss the Sacramental Programme. Tel 0208 508 3492

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

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

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION: The Mid Essex Deanery invite you to join them in taking part in the annual Corpus Christi Procession through the streets of Chelmsford on Sunday 12^th June 2022 at 3pm. Starting at Our Lady Immaculate School, New London Road, Chelmsford, The Holy Eucharist is held in a processional Monstrance carried by Abbot Hugh Allen and priests from the Mid Essex Deanery. The procession is accompanied by a marching band, Catholic groups and organisations, first communion children, lay people and families. Don’t miss this extraordinary event, bring your family and friends and join us as we witness to the presence of Christ. For further information please contact des Kelly by email at kelly.clan@btinernet.com

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY: The Relay 100 is a sponsored walk in aid of Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, who work with the most vulnerable children in our diocese. The aim is to join up churches and parishes throughout Essex and East London, increasing awareness of children’s mental health and raising funds for their essential work. Kathryn Poulter is walking one of the legs and Ian and Susanne Jewell and their family are walking another. You can use the general BCCS link below to sponsor them, and also to send them an encouraging message. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/relay100

PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.

DIARY JUNE 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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

PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2022

Sat 11^th	10.00am	Andrew D’Agata RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Dec’d members of the Taylor Family
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Fr Owen McKenna SMA RIP (Michael & Gráinne Sheehy)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant)
Mon 13^th	10.00am	Holy Souls RIP
Tues 14^th	10.00am	Birthday Thanksgiving (Jane Bacuetes)
Wed 15^th	10.00am	June Mowbray RIP (Frank Westcott)
Thurs 16^th	9.00am	Dec’d members of the Tisi Family (Tisi Family)
Fri 17^th	10.00am	Aida Carlos RIP (Cecile Kelly)
Sat 18^th	10.00am	Holy Souls RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Barbara Chalk RIP (Monica Maycraft)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	Martin Kendal RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Dr Jim Sainsbury RIP (The Tisi Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

The Most Holy Trinity – Solemnity

First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

The Wisdom of God cries aloud:

The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded,

before the oldest of his works.

From everlasting I was firmly set,

from the beginning, before earth came into being.

The deep was not, when I was born,

there were no springs to gush with water.

Before the mountains were settled,

before the hills, I came to birth;

before he made the earth, the countryside,

or the first grains of the world’s dust.

When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there,

when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep,

when he thickened the clouds above,

when he fixed fast the springs of the deep,

when he assigned the sea its boundaries

– and the waters will not invade the shore –

when he laid down the foundations of the earth,

I was by his side, a master craftsman,

delighting him day after day,

ever at play in his presence,

at play everywhere in his world,

delighting to be with the sons of men.

Responsive Psalm: Psalm 8:4-9

How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,

the moon and the stars which you arranged,

what is man that you should keep him in mind,

mortal man that you care for him?

How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

Yet you have made him little less than a god;

with glory and honour you crowned him,

gave him power over the works of your hand,

put all things under his feet.

How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

All of them, sheep and cattle,

yes, even the savage beasts,

birds of the air, and fish

that make their way through the waters.

How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, by faith we are judged righteous and at peace with God, since it is by faith and through Jesus that we have entered this state of grace in which we can boast about looking forward to God’s glory. But that is not all we can boast about; we can boast about our sufferings. These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.

Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘I still have many things to say to you

but they would be too much for you now.

But when the Spirit of truth comes

he will lead you to the complete truth,

since he will not be speaking as from himself

but will say only what he has learnt;

and he will tell you of the things to come.

He will glorify me,

since all he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.

Everything the Father has is mine;

that is why I said:

All he tells you

will be taken from what is mine.’

The Solemnity of Pentecost 2022

At Pentecost, the Apostles underwent a kind of baptism. It was as if they cast off their old clothes to be robed anew in the resplendent and radiant white garment of the Holy Spirit. The idea of being clothed in a resplendent and radiant garment reminds us of Christ’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor: ‘And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white’. There is a profound connection between the transfiguration on the mountain and the transformation on Pentecost morning. The Holy Spirit changed and changes everything! The Spirit has and always will astonish, amaze and astound us.

One of the greatest works of the Holy Spirit was the Second Vatican Council. Pope John XXIII, the Council’s prophet and visionary, had an acute sense of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in us all. One of the wonderful fruits of the Council was its teaching documents. As one example, Lumen gentium says the following about the Holy Spirit: ‘Whenever the Spirit intervenes, he leaves people astonished. He brings about events of amazing newness; he radically changes persons and history…It is not only through the Sacraments and the ministrations of the Church that the Holy Spirit makes holy the people, leads them and enriches them with his virtues. Allotting his gifts according as he will, he also distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank… He makes them fit and ready to undertake various tasks and offices for the renewal and building up of the Church’. (para 12)

Being filled and renewed in the power of the Spirit is an invitation we cannot refuse. To receive the gift of the Spirit we bow our heads in expectation of God’s blessing. We make this prayer conscious of our sin, weakness and failure, for the Spirit is poured out not when we are strong but when we cry out in need and supplication.

Dear Friends in Christ, Pentecost Sunday 2022

Today, the Feast of Pentecost in known as the birthday of the Church. At the first Pentecost, the promise that Jesus had made to the Apostles at the Last Supper was fulfilled, he sent the eternal gift of his love to them, to empower them and give them the strength and courage to “God out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News”. It’s the same Holy Spirit who still guides and directs the Church and our lives of faith today. At the heart of every Catholic Community is the presence of Jesus Christ, and his guiding Holy Spirit. We should never underestimate the power of that Spirit in our lives of faith.

The renewal of the Church is placed very much into the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. As you know the Church is not static, it is a ‘Pilgrim Church’ on the move. And the Holy Spirit is there to assist and help us as we come to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Today, let us pray once again for an increase in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our own lives of faith. ‘Veni Sancte Spiritus – Come Holy Spirit!’

REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: Last Monday the contracting company commenced the redecoration of the outside of the Church. This Monday 6^th June they will commence the interior of the Church. (This work will probably last throughout the month of June). This will cause a certain amount of disruption, and I apologise in advance for any inconvenience. Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday will be celebrated at 10.00am in the Parish Hall (apart from Wednesday when it will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 11^th, 18^th 25^th June; & 2^nd July, between 9.00am – 10.30am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting & cleaning the benches and generally cleaning the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!

NEW CURTAINS FOR THE HALL: On Tuesday 7^th June Brand New Curtains will be hung in the Parish Hall; completing the decoration!

May God Bless You All,

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 7^th June at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org

IS THERE A CARPENTER IN THE PARISH? I’m desperately looking for a carpenter to assist and help with a broken piece of furniture in the house. If there is anyone out there who would be able to help please call Fr John on Telephone No: 020 8508 3492 or email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: The First Holy Communion Programme for 2022/23 will commence in September. In advance of this I would like to meet with the Parents of children eligible for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist (Commencing September Year 3). Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. I have an extremely busy month ahead of me, so I would ask parents to contact me immediately with regards a meeting to discuss the Sacramental Programme. Tel 0208 508 3492

May God Bless You All This Coming Week,

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

JUBILEE JAMBOREE AT ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On Saturday 11th June, from 2-5pm the St John Fisher Catholic Primary PTA will host our biggest event in years, the Jubilee Jamboree! With bouncy castles, fairground games, stalls, a petting zoo, sports day races, face painting, crafts and live performances, there is something for everyone! Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, hot dogs, burgers and sweets, and cold drinks. Bring your family and friends, a picnic blanket, and settle down for an afternoon of traditional fun and games. Advance tickets cost just £1 for adults and children or £6 for children’s unlimited bouncing on the inflatables. Under 2s are free. Tickets on the door will cost £2 for the adults and £7 for the children. Please email us on sjfpta@outlook.com if you’d like to purchase some. The SJF Jubilee Jamboree is an event not to be missed so do come along and support our local school. We’d love to see you there!

NOTE TO OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

We will be singing and playing at our next Mass, which is the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5^th June (Pentecost Sunday). It would be appreciated if all our singers could be there by around 10.40am so that we can quickly run through the hymns before Mass starts. Thank you.

If there are any parishioners who would like to join our group, simply come along – you will be made very welcome!

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the Soul of Patricia Wright who died recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 8^th June at 1.00pm at St Edmunds, with interment at Chigwell cemetery afterwards. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss.

DIARY JUNE 2022

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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

BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2022

Sat 4^th	10.00am	Pat & Margaret B’day Int’s (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Helen McLaughlin RIP (Ann McLaughlin)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	For Sick Daughter (Dr Peter Wright)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	John Anthony Harvey RIP (40 Anni) (Fr John)
Mon 6^th	10.00am	Violet Hall RIP (Olga & Joyce)
Tues 7^th	10.00am	Maureen Mully RIP
Wed 8^th	10.00am1.00pm	Lilian Harrington RIP (Fr John)Requiem Mass: Patricia Wright RIP
Thurs 9^th	9.00am	Lena Perry RIP
Fri 10^th	10.00am	Kathy & John Forwood’s Int’s
Sat 11^th	10.00am	Andrew D’Agata RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Dec’d members of the Taylor Family RIP
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Fr Owen McKenna SMA RIP (Michael & Gráinne Sheehy)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

Pentecost

First Reading : Acts 2:1-11

When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.

Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. ‘Surely’ they said ‘all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 103(104):1,24,29-31,34

Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

Bless the Lord, my soul!

Lord God, how great you are,

How many are your works, O Lord!

The earth is full of your riches.

Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

You take back your spirit, they die,

returning to the dust from which they came.

You send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the earth.

Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the Lord last for ever!

May the Lord rejoice in his works!

May my thoughts be pleasing to him.

I find my joy in the Lord.

Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

Second Reading : Romans 8:8-17

People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him. Though your body may be dead it is because of sin, but if Christ is in you then your spirit is life itself because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

So then, my brothers, there is no necessity for us to obey our unspiritual selves or to live unspiritual lives. If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.

Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear into your lives again; it is the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness that we are children of God. And if we are children we are heirs as well: heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory.

Gospel : John 14:15-16,23-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If you love me you will keep my commandments.

I shall ask the Father,

and he will give you another Advocate

to be with you for ever.

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we shall come to him and make our home with him.

Those who do not love me do not keep my words.

And my word is not my own:

it is the word of the one who sent me.

I have said these things to you while still with you;

but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and remind you of all I have said to you.