St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourth Sunday of the Year, 2022

People either loved or despised Jesus. It was impossible to be indifferent to him, as his message was both sweet and bitter, Many hearts and minds were won over; yet many were repulsed.

Jesus’ reading from Isaiah had been received with reverence. Afterwards, Jesus makes a shocking declaration. ‘Today this reading is fulfilled in your hearing.’ The response of the people is fascinating. Amazed by his gracious words and conscious of his background, ‘All spoke well of him.’ All seems well with the world; the prophet is honoured and the people are happy. Bit Jesus shatters this illusion, realising that they have missed the implications of what he said.

He challenges them to understand that God works outside their predetermined mind-set and ideas. Jesus uses the examples of the widow in Zaraphath, and Naaman the Syrian, both Gentiles who were helped by God’s prophets. Israel, in contrast, had a history of turning its back on God’s chosen messengers. Now, in their presence, stood the One to whom the law and the prophets testified. Jesus declares that to reject him is much more severe than to reject the previous prophets.

God’s plan of Salvation is made present in Jesus. Listening to his teaching, the people’s approval of Jesus quickly wanes. Their thoughts turn from praise to murder in a matter of seconds. This incident highlights a fundamental question: Who do you think Jesus is? A prophet? A holy man? An impressive religious leader? We can’t go through life and not address this question. The synagogue congregation couldn’t ignore him; he challenged and rocked their world and he challenges and rocks ours too. Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Me (white)

Lord Jesus, you endured the humiliation of being a prophet without honour. But you are much more than a prophet; you are true God and true man. You are the light of the world and you call us to be prophetic witnesses to your life.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 4^th Sunday of the Year, 2022

LATEST COVID GUIDELINES: From the Bishop’s Conference of England & Wales: England has returned to Plan A with regard to measures to protect against COVID-19. People are advised to continue to wear a face-covering in crowded indoor spaces; allow in plenty of fresh air when meeting/ gathering indoors and follow test and self-isolation rules where necessary. Bear in mind that although the Plan B rules have now been relaxed and we are moving towards learning to live with the virus, COVID-19 is still in circulation in our communities. COVID-19 risk assessments will still need to be kept up to date. The precautions you apply in your parishes should continue to be based on the position in your local community to ensure that clergy, employees and volunteer workers stay safe and individuals participating in services, activities and events can be confident about taking personal responsibility for their own risk.

Please read the Guidance for Churches on the Parish Website:

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact hs@dioceseofbrentwood.org

AT ST EDMUND’S: As of this weekend, there will be no further ‘track & trace’ filling in of slips of paper with your details. Also the QR Cod will be removed. This is not required by law anymore. As you know there is plenty of ventilation in the church as the back doors are left open. Please be aware of this when you come to Mass, by wearing appropriate overcoats. Ventilation is the key to keeping people safe.

Face Coverings: It is still recommended that Face Coverings be worn at Mass and services in the church.

Offertory Collection: Will resume this weekend. With the knowledge that transmission through contact is rare bishops have given permission for collections using baskets. (We will not use the money pouches with metal handles, only baskets from now on). Many churches have introduced baskets which have multiple places to touch. The assistance of the Stewards with regards the Offertory Collection would be very helpful.

Hymn Books: I have just purchased some beautiful New Hymn Books for the Parish; it’s nearly twenty years since the last books were purchased. As they will only be used by one person during Holy Mass it is a personal choice as to whether you wish to take one or not! I really would like us to be able to sing properly once again.

HAND SANITISERS: Will still be available at all the masses on the weekend and during the week. Thankfully we have got into a good routine with the cleaning of hands. Also Fr John & The Eucharistic Minister will thoroughly clean their hands prior to the distribution of Holy Communion.

God Bless You All

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Wednesday 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. This Weekend we will collect in Gift Aid envelopes for the 2^nd February & any additional offerings. I thank you on behalf of the Catholic Children’s Society, in anticipation of your offerings. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 30^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. Dr Paul Doherty will give the talk. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 27^th January 2022. Theme: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: Will be given by Fr Paul Keane, Priest of the diocese, presently Vice Rector of Oscott Seminary, Birmingham on Sunday 30^th January 2022, 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. Theme Question: What do the Martyrs teach us about the life of faith? If you would like to join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

VISITATION OF THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND: In the latest guidelines from the Bishops, we have now been given permission once again to resume our visitation of sick & housebound parishioners. If anyone would like a visit or receive Holy Communion at home, please contact Fr John.

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: UHT milk, laundry powder and tablets, tinned tomatoes, sponge puddings, cleaning spray / cloths, instant mash, toilet paper, chocolate bars, rice pudding and jam. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

The Parish Altar Society: has been running for over 70 years. This involves keeping the Church in pristine condition through cleaning and care. It’s always good to have more volunteers to go onto the Rota. E.g. there is the cleaning of the church, cleaning of windows, Cleaning of Sacristies, Cleaning of the Organ Loft, Care of Sanctuary, Washing of Altar Linens, Cleaning of the Brass; if you can help in any way whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Sharon Fitzmaurice.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

Altar Serving: We are always looking for new altar Servers. Sadly, we lost a lot of our Severs during the Pandemic, who have decided not to return to weekly serving. If your child has made their First Holy Communion, and would like to serve please speak to Fr. John.

Joining Choir or Contemporary Music Group: If you enjoy singing, or that you’re a musician, you may consider joining our Choir or the Contemporary Music Group. These two groups meet regularly for practice, and enrich our Sunday Liturgy.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

DIARY JANUARY – FEBRUARY 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, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

BAPTISMS: It is now permissible once again to have Baptisms with larger groups of family & guests. Manifestly, there are many people who haven’t been able to have baptisms over the past 20 months. Kindly contact Fr. John to arrange your child’s baptism as soon as possible please. There is a Baptism Programme for first time parents.

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

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

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

We really would love more parishioners to go over to Direct Debit giving, as there is no HSBC bank in Loughton anymore. Please think about this and use the necessary forms available in the porch of the the Church. If you need any help please let Fr. John know.

MARRIAGES FOR 2022: If anyone is planning on getting married in 2022, please could you make contact with Fr. John at the beginning of January. For those getting married in the parish we normally ask for six months’ notice; for those getting married outside of the parish at least nine months’ notice. The documentation and preparation takes quite a long time and organising Marriage Preparation Courses through Marriage Care in the responsibility of the Couple. To avoid any disappointments, please make contact as soon as possible.

Bishop’s Certificate in Catechesis and Youth Ministry: The Bishop’s Certificate is designed to be an entry level qualification to help in the ongoing formation of adults involved in sacramental preparation or youth ministry in the Diocese of Brentwood. It includes both the development of practical skills & the deepening of theological knowledge. The course is online and taught through engaging, short videos with expert interviews. The course will begin on the evening of 24th February, with an introduction and welcome evening, held at Walsingham House at Abbotswick. For more information please see our website: https://bcys.net/bishops-cert/ or email your expression of interest to bishopscertificate@dioceseofbrentwood.org by Monday 22^nd February.

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

If you are 18+ and looking for an exciting gap year opportunity, then a year on the Walsingham House Team could be for you. Spend a year as a volunteer in a thriving young Catholic Community, working with thousands of young people from Essex and East London. We are looking for inspiring individuals who want to share their faith with other young people and are also looking to learn new skills, grow deeper in their own faith and enjoy a challenge. For more information please contact Joseph Beattie, manager of Walsingham House, by emailing josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or calling 01277 373959. There is more information about our work on our website (www.bcys.net) and social media @Brentwoodcys

A SUNDAY EVENING PARISH YOUTH MASS: We’ve had a couple of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly in the New Year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration. Hopefully, we will also have a social gathering in the hall afterwards

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Applications are now open for our summer pilgrimage to Lourdes for those in Years 11-13, with those of school leaver age (18+) invited to join us as young leaders. This is one of our most popular events and after a 2 year gap we are excited to be returning next year. The week is spent travelling alongside the main Diocesan pilgrimage as we assist the elderly and infirm with going to Masses and services, as well as visiting shops and cafes within the town. For those travelling with the BCYS the week will also include a retreat, reconciliation service, as well as social events and a party. Please see www.bcys.net/events/sl22/ for more information including visas, vaccinations and how to apply

WHAT IS A MASS INTENTION?: Anyone can request a Mass intention. They can be offered for all occasions: – For someone who has recently passed away; Anniversary of a death, Birthdays, for someone who is sick, A person’s feast day, Private & special intentions, for success in exams or an interview, the beginning of a new school year. Etc. Their origin goes back to medieval times, when people would make a request for a Mass and as an offering would provide the priest with his daily allowance. So the Mass Stipend (the offering given) was to keep the priest for a day. If anyone would like to Book a Mass Intention, there are Mass envelopes in the porch of the church, complete the Intention and place your offering inside, and leave at the Presbytery. The priest will try to accommodate your request as soon as possible. For anniversary Masses, please ensure that you drop your Mass Intention Envelope off several weeks in advance, as many people book their anniversary masses at the beginning of the year. This saves any disappointment if a particular date has already been requested.

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

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.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 29^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Dr Philip Prashner RIP (Anthony Family
Sun 30^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Tisi Family)
Mon 31^st	10.00am	Jim Sullivan (sick) (Joan O’Sulivan)
Tues 1^stFebruary	10.00am	Mel O’Reilly RIP (Maureen O’Reilly)
Wed 2^nd	10.00am	Peter Webber (sick) (Mike & Maggie Duley)
Thurs 3^rd	10.00am	Maureen Barker RIP (Mark Barker)
Fri 4^th	10.00am	Elizabeth Brown RIP (G Taylor)
Sat 5^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (1^st Anni) (Teresa Faud & Family)
Sun 6^th	9.00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Daly Family)
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Alois Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)

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

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19

In the days of Josiah, the word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying:

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

before you came to birth I consecrated you;

I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.

‘So now brace yourself for action.

Stand up and tell them

all I command you.

Do not be dismayed at their presence,

or in their presence I will make you dismayed.

‘I, for my part, today will make you

into a fortified city,

a pillar of iron,

and a wall of bronze

to confront all this land:

the kings of Judah, its princes,

its priests and the country people.

They will fight against you

but shall not overcome you,

for I am with you to deliver you –

it is the Lord who speaks.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 70(71):1-6,15,17

My lips will tell of your help.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your justice rescue me, free me:

pay heed to me and save me.

My lips will tell of your help.

Be a rock where I can take refuge,

a mighty stronghold to save me;

for you are my rock, my stronghold.

Free me from the hand of the wicked.

My lips will tell of your help.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,

my trust, O Lord, since my youth.

On you I have leaned from my birth,

from my mother’s womb you have been my help.

My lips will tell of your help.

My lips will tell of your justice

and day by day of your help.

O God, you have taught me from my youth

and I proclaim your wonders still.

My lips will tell of your help.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them.

If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever.

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.

Love does not come to an end. But if there are gifts of prophecy, the time will come when they must fail; or the gift of languages, it will not continue for ever; and knowledge – for this, too, the time will come when it must fail. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect; but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will disappear. When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man, all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known.

In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.

Gospel :

Luke 4:21-30

Jesus began to speak in the synagogue: ‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.’ And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. They said, ‘This is Joseph’s son, surely?’

But he replied, ‘No doubt you will quote me the saying, “Physician, heal yourself” and tell me, “We have heard all that happened in Capernaum, do the same here in your own countryside.”’

And he went on, ‘I tell you solemnly, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.

‘There were many widows in Israel, I can assure you, in Elijah’s day, when heaven remained shut for three years and six months and a great famine raged throughout the land, but Elijah was not sent to any one of these: he was sent to a widow at Zarephath, a Sidonian town. And in the prophet Elisha’s time there were many lepers in Israel, but none of these was cured, except the Syrian, Naaman.’

When they heard this everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They sprang to their feet and hustled him out of the town; and they took him up to the brow of the hill their town was built on, intending to throw him down the cliff, but he slipped through the crowd and walked away.

Third Sunday of the Year, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Gentiles, like Luke himself, believed in Christ on the testimony of others, not because they were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection. But attacks on the historical existence of Jesus began to undermine their faith. To build up their faith, Luke wrote and account of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word’ .

Luke’s Gospel show the continuity between God’s promises made through the prophets and their fulfilment in Jesus. Jesus, reading from the prophet Isaiah the promise that God would send one who would free his people from oppression and imprisonment, and restore their freedom and liberty, announced, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,’

His words electrified his audience. They had heard this promise many times before, but now Jesus, standing in front of them, was saying, ‘I am fulfilling this great promise of God. I am the Spirit-Bearer foretold by Isaiah and, in the creative power of God’s Spirit. I am bringing in a new age of freedom and divine favour, restoring men and women to health, and casting out demons.’ It’s not surprising that. ‘The eyes of the entire synagogue were fixed on him.’ It’s also unsurprising that they couldn’t accept him as later, ‘rose up and put him out of the city.’

Jesus stands before us, proclaiming the Good News, and restoring to us our inheritance as God’s children, freeing us from oppression and liberating us from whatever imprisons us. Do we believe this and go to Jesus for his grace and life? Or do we not believe that he can do all this and so reject him? Jesus stands before us as he stood before his fellow townspeople and challenges us to approach him for healing and freedom. The choice, however, always remains ours.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of the Year, 2022

The Synodal Pathway: Pope Francis initiated this enquiry and consultation process throughout the whole world; a journey in which the whole Church is engaged around the theme: “‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,’ three pillars. Three phases are foreseen, which will take place between October 2021 and October 2023. This itinerary was thought out as dynamism of mutual listening. I want to stress this: a dynamism of mutual listening carried out at all levels of the Church, involving all the People of God. The Cardinal Vicar and the Auxiliary Bishops must listen to one another, the priests must listen to one another, the Religious must listen to one another, the laity must listen to one another and then, all inter-listening to one another; to listen to one another; to talk to one another and to listen to one another. It’s not about gathering opinions, no. This is not a survey, but about listening to the Holy Spirit.” (Pope Francis)

As this is a listening process, and everyone has a contribution to make in the life of faith and the Church, if you would like to make comments and suggestions by the end of February, please submit them to Fr Andrew Headon, SS Peter & Paul Parish, 342 High Road, Ilford, Essex. IG1 1QP. Email:

ilfordsspp@dioceseofbrentwood.org

Some areas you may like to consider:

Communion:

During the pandemic, what strengths did you find in your faith and in your Parish? In what ways did the grace of God most clearly touch and uplift you? How were you disappointed or sorrowful?

Participation:

What gives you joy in belonging to your Parish

Mission:

What areas of mission and outreach do we need to develop in our Parish?

Each Diocese will prepare a 10 page report in light of various contributions made by parishes, individuals, groups & sodalities. We have until the end of February to submit any comments or reflections. Once ever diocese has submitted their reports, as a Country this will be forwarded to Rome for the gargantuan task of disseminating and formulating the subject matter for the World Synod in Rome in October 2023. Let us keep this process in prayer.

Have a Blessed Week, & keep safe and well,

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Next Weekend we will collect in Gift Aid envelopes for the 2^nd February & any additional offerings. I thank you on behalf of the Catholic Children’s Society, in anticipation of your offerings. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 23^rd January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: Will be given by Fr Paul Keane, Priest of the diocese, presently Vice Rector of Oscott Seminary, Birmingham on Sunday 23^rd & 30^th January 202, 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. Theme Question: What do the Martyrs teach us about the life of faith? If you would like to join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

UP TO DATE COVID GUIDELINES: As of Thursday 27^th January the Government will be lifting many of Covid restrictions. There will be no more track & trace. We can use Hymn Books once again, and the Weekly Offertory with Baskets can resume. See Newsletter next weekend. Website

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

DIFFERENT WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

Altar Serving: We are always looking for new altar Servers. Sadly, we lost a lot of our Severs during the Pandemic, who have decided not to return to weekly serving. If your child has made their First Holy Communion, and would like to serve please speak to Fr. John.

Joining Choir or Contemporary Music Group: If you enjoy singing, or that you’re a musician, you may consider joining our Choir or the Contemporary Music Group. These two groups meet regularly for practice, and enrich our Sunday Liturgy.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

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

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.vURSDAn0WzLsHFbz_iM-jAHaIz&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

DIOCESAN YEAR BOOK: Is now available for purchase from the Parish Repository. It cost £2.80. It really is worth investing in a Yearbook, as it gives all the latest details of parishes, priests’ addresses, statistics, general information about the Catholic Faith and the Church. PLEASE BUY ONE! Available in the Porch.

JOB VACANCY: School site Manage, at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School. St John Fisher Catholic Primary School is seeking to appoint a Resourceful and self-motivated Site Manager, who will take great pride in the school and school grounds. This is a full-time post 37 hours per week. Closing date for application Friday 28^th January 2022. Please email the school for further details. Admin@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk.

DIARY JANUARY 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, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 22^nd	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Cecilia Adams RIP (Mary & Eddie Pointer)
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Derek Dodd RIP (Anthony Family)
Mon 24^th	10.00am	Nell Hayes Int’s (John & Sara)
Tues 25^th	10.00am	Dec’d members of the McMorrow family (Maureen Perry)
Wed 26^th	10.00am	William Brown B’day Int’s (Geraldine & Robert Taylor)
Thurs 27^th	10.00am	Brenda Tisi (Diana & Ferdi & Tisi Family)
Fri 28^th	10.00am	Adrian Pearce RIP (Anthony Family)
Sat 29^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Dr Philip Prashner RIP (Anthony Family)
Sun 30^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Tisi Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

3^rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

First Reading : Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10

Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women, and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose. In full view of all the people – since he stood higher than all the people – Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read.

Then Nehemiah – His Excellency – and Ezra, priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people, said to all the people, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.’ For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law.

He then said, ‘Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):8-10,15

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

it revives the soul.

The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,

it gives wisdom to the simple.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

they gladden the heart.

The command of the Lord is clear,

it gives light to the eyes.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

The fear of the Lord is holy,

abiding for ever.

The decrees of the Lord are truth

and all of them just.

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

May the spoken words of my mouth,

the thoughts of my heart,

win favour in your sight, O Lord,

my rescuer, my rock!

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.

Nor is the body to be identified with any one of its many parts. If the foot were to say, ‘I am not a hand and so I do not belong to the body’, would that mean that it stopped being part of the body? If the ear were to say, ‘I am not an eye, and so I do not belong to the body’, would that mean that it was not a part of the body? If your whole body was just one eye, how would you hear anything? If it was just one ear, how would you smell anything?

Instead of that, God put all the separate parts into the body on purpose. If all the parts were the same, how could it be a body? As it is, the parts are many but the body is one. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you’, nor can the head say to the feet, ‘I do not need you.’

What is more, it is precisely the parts of the body that seem to be the weakest which are the indispensable ones; and it is the least honourable parts of the body that we clothe with the greatest care. So our more improper parts get decorated in a way that our more proper parts do not need. God has arranged the body so that more dignity is given to the parts which are without it, and that there may not be disagreements inside the body, but that each part may be equally concerned for all the others. If one part is hurt, all parts are hurt with it. If one part is given special honour, all parts enjoy it.

Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. In the Church, God has given the first place to apostles, the second to prophets, the third to teachers; after them, miracles, and after them the gift of healing; helpers, good leaders, those with many languages. Are all of them apostles, or all of them prophets, or all of them teachers? Do they all have the gift of miracles, or all have the gift of healing? Do all speak strange languages, and all interpret them?

Gospel : Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21

Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have taken place among us, exactly as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus, so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.

Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues and everyone praised him.

He came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day as he usually did. He stood up to read and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written:

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,

for he has anointed me.

He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,

to proclaim liberty to captives

and to the blind new sight,

to set the downtrodden free,

to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.

He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them, ‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.

PRAYER FOR SYNODAL PROCESS

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality

influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Second Sunday of the Year, 2022

In today’s Gospel, we encounter John’s ‘sign theology’ for the first time. He puts it so beautifully: ‘This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee.’ As usual, the question is: ‘What does this sing mean?’ Like all the signs the meaning is profound and many-faceted. St Thomas More said that the Scriptures were such that a mouse could put his tiny foot in them whilst an elephant wade in their deep waters!

The changing of water into wine is many people’s favourite miracle. A wedding in first-century Palestine was a joyous affair with plenty of food and wine, and lasted a whole week. Quite some party, that’s for sure! Running out of wine was clearly embarrassing for the bride’s father but a sign perhaps of how much people were enjoying themselves. The water used in the miracle was not ordinary water, but had been blessed for ceremonial washing. This special water was not changed into vin ordinaire, as the French say, but a top-vintage; six jars of it, holding up to 25 gallons. What a miracle! Indeed, it dumbfounded the guests.

Believer or unbeliever, we all understand the message a superabundance of wine gives. It conveys joy, celebration, etc. In Israel and abundance of wine was associated with a prophetic turn of speech for the new Messianic Age. There is also a passage in 2 Baruch which echoes this sentiment: ‘On each vine there shall be a thousand branches, and each branch shall bear a thousand clusters, and each grape produce a cor (120 gallons of wine)…because these are they who have come to the consummation of time.

For John the miracle was a sign of Messianic Age, the passing form the old to the new. The wedding feast illustrated the heavenly banquet to which we’re all invited by virtue of our baptism. The bridegroom is Jesus, and the joy of the heavenly banquet would come after the ‘hour’ of Jesus’ suffering: the cross, his death, his glory.

My Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of the Year, 2022

RENEWAL IN THE FAITH: As we are now into the third week of the New Year; and as the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked all parishes to think about what it means to be Church in 2022. I make this special appeal to the whole parish community, also to those who may be lapsed from the practice of the faith, to think very seriously about what it means to be Roman Catholic, and also how commitment in faith involves every aspect of our lives, our marriages and family life, our community, the way we relate to one another, the practice of our faith by being actively present and involved in the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass. Our time, our treasure and our talent, are all contributing factors to leading an active committed life of faith.

To know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour is fundamentally at the heart of what it means to be Catholic. I ask every Catholic in this parish to seriously think about their personal commitment to Jesus Christ. To be Catholic is to make a personal witness to the Lord in every aspect of our lives. Parents witness to children by showing them the best values of life; but as Catholic parents, the sacred promises made on the day of your child’s baptism are binding forever, and should never be taken lightly. I suppose how we prioritise our faith is at the heart of how we live out our faith. These are challenging times, The Pandemic over the past two years has most certainly had a detrimental effect on the life of faith and the Church; but we can’t allow it to dictate and control our lives, we need to take back again the sacred & holy in our lives of faith.

CHURCH PRACTICES: During the past two years we have had to adapt to living with the Governmental and Diocesan guidelines with regard to the Pandemic. The objective has been and will continue to be so, to protect the health and safety of all our parishioners. Our Stewards have assisted and really helped in this process in every parish. It has been very hard to try and maintain a sense of real dignity and reverence in the Sacred Liturgy, but I feel we have most definitely achieved this, with the assistance of the Choir & Contemporary Music Group. I will be ordering new Hymn Books for the Parish, enabling us once again to be able to participate fully in the singing at Holy Mass. Also, we will resume with the Weekly Offertory Collection, and Offertory Procession; most parishes in the diocese resumed this some months ago. We need to get back to some semblance of normality once again.

May God Bless You All,

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Thank You!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022: The class will be on Sunday 16^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please note that the next Parents’ Meeting will take place on Wednesday 9^th February at 7.30pm. The subject will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 20^th January 2022. Theme: The Sacred Priesthood. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: What is the point of canon law? Will be given by Fr Gary Dench, assistant priest at Brentwood Cathedral on Sunday 16th January 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. To join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.s7-pS7ljlHJkxAexkmsZ7AAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: I would like to thank all of our altar Servers for their commitment in their Serving throughout the years. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible. If there are any Albs that have not been returned yet please kindly do so as soon as possible please.

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

WAYS TO HELP YOUR PARISH: There are all sorts of ministries in the life of faith and the Church, can you help in any way?

Parish Readers: You may have thought it would be good to become a Reader at Holy Mass; please see Fr John if you’re interested.

Additional Catechists: Helping to teach the faith to our Children through Sacramental Preparation. There is always need for further help with this very important ministry.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS; WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER ALMIGHTY GOD THROUGH OUR TALENTS.

DIARY JANUARY 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, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Michael Barrass RIP, Brenda Deamer RIP, William Hatley RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

Spiritual Thought

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work.

St John Henry Newman

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 15^th	10.00am	Mary Falzon RIP (Pat Bentley)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Geraldine Staines Int’s. (Kathy Forwood)
Sun 16^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Richard Marian Melon RIP (Monika Melon)
Mon 17^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s (John & Sara)
Tues 18^th	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (1^st Anni) (Teresa Walstow)
Wed 19^th	9.00am	Dennis Moriarty RIP (Geraldine & Robert Taylor)
Thurs 20^th	10.00am	Int’s Francis & Sam Murray & Family (M Duffy)
Fri 21^st	10.00am	Bridget Burrowes RIP (Geraldine Taylor)
Sat 22^nd	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Cecilia Adams RIP (Mary & Eddie Pointer)
Sun 23^rd	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Derek Dodd RIP (Anthony Family)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 62:1-5

About Zion I will not be silent,

about Jerusalem I will not grow weary,

until her integrity shines out like the dawn

and her salvation flames like a torch.

The nations then will see your integrity,

all the kings your glory,

and you will be called by a new name,

one which the mouth of the Lord will confer.

You are to be a crown of splendour in the hand of the Lord,

a princely diadem in the hand of your God;

no longer are you to be named ‘Forsaken’,

nor your land ‘Abandoned’,

but you shall be called ‘My Delight’

and your land ‘The Wedded’;

for the Lord takes delight in you

and your land will have its wedding.

Like a young man marrying a virgin,

so will the one who built you wed you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride,

so will your God rejoice in you.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 95(96):1-3,7-10

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

O sing a new song to the Lord,

sing to the Lord all the earth.

O sing to the Lord, bless his name.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Proclaim his help day by day,

tell among the nations his glory

and his wonders among all the peoples.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Give the Lord, you families of peoples,

give the Lord glory and power;

give the Lord the glory of his name.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Worship the Lord in his temple.

O earth, tremble before him.

Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’

He will judge the peoples in fairness.

Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.

Gospel : John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’, and they filled them to the brim. ‘Draw some out now’ he told them ‘and take it to the steward.’ They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the servants who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom and said, ‘People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.’

This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

The Baptism of the Lord, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

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

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

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

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

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

My Dear Friends in Christ, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 2022

As this New Year begins, I would like to encourage all of our parishioners to make an extra special effort to resolve to be totally committed in the life of faith. I know there was a lot of sickness at Christmas, and many people were isolating, almost a repeat of the same time last year. I would say that the numbers over the Christmas Holiday were down by about 50 per cent. But as I have stated this is a New Year 2022, and it gives us the opportunity to really take seriously our life of faith, especially if we are parents with children. As today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, think about those sacred promises you made on behalf of your child on the day they were baptised, sacred promises to Almighty God for the most precious gift of life in your child. I remember reading many years ago, Pope Saint John Paul II said that the most important day of his life was the day he was Baptised; as we truly do become members of God’s family. Do you know the day of your own baptism?

WELCOME TO NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE SEMINARIANS: On behalf of the whole parish community, I would like to welcome Deacon Michael Hoye & Deacon Dillon Bruce. Unfortunately, the other two Deacons, who were due to come with them contracted Covid while travelling in France, and had to isolate. Michael and Dillon have been with us since last Tuesday and return to Rome today to resume their studies.

Our own seminarian from the parish Frank Westcott will be helping and assisting me personally for the next two weeks. At this time every seminarian at Oscott College is assigned to a parish as part of their formation and to give them an insight into the running of a parish and parish life.

Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, especially in our own diocese of Brentwood

YOUR CRIB OFFERINGS: Every year your offerings donated at the Crib are for the benefit of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. Founded in our own diocese, it has helped literally thousands of children and families throughout the diocese. As it is a charitable organisation it is heavily dependent on donations. Your Crib Offerings from Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 2^nd February 2022 will be forwarded to the BCCS, which will help assist them in their extremely important work. Thank You!

May God Bless You All,

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. It was extremely disappointing to see so few of our families at Holy Mass over the Christmas holidays. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 13^th January 2022. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOUGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: As your parish school, St John Fisher provides a distinctively Catholic education for your children. St John Fisher is an excellent School where we teach your children, in accordance with our Mission Statement – “The love of God helps us all to live, learn, and grow to be a happy, caring and welcoming community.” St John Fisher School is a place filled with love of learning. It is a place where, as a Catholic community, we celebrate the successes of our children in all areas of school life through our distinctive curriculum. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please do see for yourself the excellent education and enhanced learning environment we provide. We welcome mid-year applications.

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022. THIS IS A FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: What is the point of canon law? Will be given by Fr Gary Dench, assistant priest at Brentwood Cathedral on Sundays 9th and 16th January 4.00 – 5.00 p.m.. To join this Zoom meeting simply forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

PARISH REPOSITORY: A big thank you to the whole parish for your wonderful response to all the Christmas gifts and items in the repository this year. We have been able to sell a lot of the stock. There are a large selection of Mass Cards for all occasions; also candles are extrmely popular. There is a tin available for the money. If it’s a large sum of money could you please drop it off at the presbytery

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING. This year, as always, envelopes are available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

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

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

GIDEA PARK STUDY DAY: THE EVOLUTION OF THE MASS: On Saturday 15^th January 2022 Professor John Morrill will lead a Study Day on ‘The Evolution of the Mass’, tracing the development of the Eucharistic liturgy from the earliest centuries to the present day. He will explore in particular the teaching of Trent and Vatican II, and the latest papal instructions on the celebration of Mass. To access this free live stream event simply go to www.whatgoodnews.org The event begins at 11.00 GMT and ends by 13.30. No prior registration is needed. To be added to our mailing lists simply follow the instructions on the home page of the website.

For access to this free live stream event go to www.whatgoodnews.org and follow the instructions. No registration needed. Talks will be available subsequently on www.whatgoodnews.org To join the www.whatgoodnews.org mailing list please email gideapark@dioceseofbrentwood.org

DIARY JANUARY 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, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Barbara Pope 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

BE PART OF THE WALSINGHAM HOUSE TEAM 2022/23

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 8^th	10.00am	Kay & Harry Thain RIP (Thain Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Teresa & Family)
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Christine Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (Eileen Ward)
Mon 10^th	10.00am	Sean Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
Tues 11^th	10.00am	Rose McMorrow’s Int’s. (Maureen Perry)
Wed 12^th	10.00am	Molly Miitchell sick, (Margaret Duffy)
Thurs 13^th	10.00am	Luigia & Pietro Tisi RIP, Odilia & Albert Maton RIP. (Diana & Ferdi Tisi)
Fri 14^th	10.00am	Aoife Hogan RIP. (The Hogan Family)
Sat 15^th	10.00am	Mary Falzon RIP (Pat Bentley)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Geraldine Staines Int’s. (Kathy Forwood)
Sun 16^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Richard Marian Melon RIP (Monika Melon)

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

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092

The Baptism of the Lord – Feast

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11

‘Console my people, console them’

Says your God.

‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem

and call to her

that her time of service is ended,

that her sin is atoned for,

that she has received from the hand of the Lord

double punishment for all her crimes.’

A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness

a way for the Lord.

Make a straight highway for our God

across the desert.

Let every valley be filled in,

every mountain and hill be laid low.

Let every cliff become a plain,

and the ridges a valley;

then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed

and all mankind shall see it;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

Go up on a high mountain,

joyful messenger to Zion.

Shout with a loud voice,

joyful messenger to Jerusalem.

Shout without fear,

say to the towns of Judah,

‘Here is your God.’

Here is the Lord coming with power,

his arm subduing all things to him.

The prize of his victory is with him,

his trophies all go before him.

He is like a shepherd feeding his flock,

gathering lambs in his arms,

holding them against his breast

and leading to their rest the mother ewes.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 103(104):1-4,24-25,27-30

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Lord God, how great you are,

clothed in majesty and glory,

wrapped in light as in a robe!

You stretch out the heavens like a tent.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Above the rains you build your dwelling.

You make the clouds your chariot,

you walk on the wings of the wind,

you make the winds your messengers

and flashing fire your servant.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

How many are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you have made them all.

The earth is full of your riches.

There is the sea, vast and wide,

with its moving swarms past counting,

living things great and small.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

All of these look to you

to give them their food in due season.

You give it, they gather it up:

you open your hand, they have their fill.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

You hide your face, they are dismayed;

you take back your spirit, they die.

You send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the earth.

Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.

Second Reading : Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7

God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.

Gospel :

Luke 3:15-16,21-22

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’

Second Sunday after Christmas, 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR: I would like to take this opportunity of wishing the whole parish community a Very Happy New Year for 2022. The past couple of years have been extremely difficult for everyone; let us pray that 2022 will be a little kinder to all of us! Even though the Pandemic continues to affect all of our lives, we just have to get on a live as best we can and take all precautions necessary with regards our health and safety.

A New Year is always a new beginning for so many different things. The Church has been affected profoundly since the beginning of the Pandemic. Personally, I have tried to maintain a programme of normality throughout the whole of this time. Mass is scheduled daily and at weekends. Of course, your health and safety has always been at the forefront of my mind. Following the guidelines from the Government and the Diocese it has been fairly successful in protecting everyone. We will continue to wear face coverings, use the sanitiser on entry and exit from the Church, and continue to sign our slips of paper for the track & trace system. It has been wonderful to see so many people return to the practice of the faith once again.

I know there has been a lot of sickness over the Christmas holiday, and if you were unable to attend any of the Christmas Masses, you may like to make that extra special effort to attend Mass this weekend at the beginning of this New Year 2022. What greater gift could you give the New Born Saviour than to celebrate the greatest gift that he left us, in the Holy Mass. It would be truly wonderful if everyone returned to the full-time practice of their faith.

Today we listen to the Prologue from St John Ch. 1 vv1-18. Probably one of the most beautiful pieces of Scripture ever written! St John talks of Jesus as the Logos – Word who becomes flesh. That God would deign to share our human condition in the Christ-child of Bethlehem far surpassed the expectations of the Chosen People. God would dwell among his people; the child would grow and Jesus would show us a way of life that millions have followed for the past two millennia. This Way of Life we call our Catholic Faith. How we respond to the Lord’s invitation is something which is very personal; but it can also be life changing when we make true commitment to Jesus Christ. The New Year affords us this opportunity to commit.

WELCOME TO NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE SEMINARIANS: On behalf of the whole parish community, I would like to welcome 4 Deacons from the Pontifical North American College, who arrive on Tuesday 4^th January for a few days. It’s two years since any seminarians have joined us. Please make them welcome if you see them. A Request: I hope you don’t mind me asking; could anyone provide some sweet desserts, home-made apple pie, etc. As I’m not a desert eater, I’m not too sure what’s popular these days. The boys will be with us until Sunday 9^th January.

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: 6^thJanuary 2022, Holy Day of Obligation. In the Infancy Narrative of St Matthew we read that the wise men came from the east, following the Star to Bethlehem. The Magi represent the outside world coming and doing homage before in the infant king, they travel a long distance to encounter the King of Kings.

The Greek word ‘epiphania’ means manifestation. The Magi recognise Jesus being the Son of God; they come in bow low and worship him. This evocative event unveils the truth that Christ came to redeem all of humanity: Gentile & Jew. The Magi were men of good will and seekers of the truth and were attracted by the light of Christ. Many today are just like them; people of good will, seekers of truth attracted by the light of Christ.

The Magi’s journey of discovery led them to the Christ-child. Hopefully our journey of discovery will reveal the truth of Christ; the one whom we place our hope, our trust and our love.

Wishing You All A Happy & Blessed Week,

With Love & Peace for the New Year 2022

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING. This year, as always, envelopes are available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

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

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.nnfh5ZDlFoeBVWXEOM-ttgHaFp&pid=Api&P=0&w=207&h=159

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 2022: As we have just begun our New Year 2022, you may like to think about the resolutions you would like to make and ask God’s blessings on your lives. All we seem to have heard about over the past 22 months is Covid; and sadly many people have left the practice of the faith during that period of time. They may have got out of the habit. Many have returned, but very sadly, a lot of families have not! There will most definitely come a time when you will need God and your faith. Perhaps you could ask the Lord God Almighty to give you a faithful and true heart of commitment to Jesus Christ through the practice of your faith in this New Year 2022.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will break for the Christmas holiday and resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the First Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation.

Wishing You All A Very Happy New Year for 2022

May the lord’s blessing be with you

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: Sincere congratualtions to Tom Ruiz, Sophie Owers & Natalie Poulter who received their Silver Altar Servers Medal last weekend for 10 years long-term service. I would like to thank all of our altar Servers for their commitment in their Serving throughout the years. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible. If there are any Albs that have not been returned yet please kindly do so as soon as possible please.

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022

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

DIARY DECEMBER 2021

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, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

MASS INTENTIONS – JANUARY 2022

Sat 1^st New Year’s Day	11.00am	Ann Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 1^st	6.00pm	Teresa & Brian Fabri’s Int’s
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	John Dunne RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Contemporary Music Group)
Mon 3^rd	10.00am	Relatives & Recently Departed, (Jenny & Arthur Catterall)
Tues 4^th	12.15pm	Teresa Walstow’s Int’s (Nallan Hassan)
Wed 5^th	10.00am	Andrew Jeffreys RIP (Barbara Jeffreys)
Thurs 6^th Epiphany	9.00am12.15pm7.30pm	Sr. Raphael’s Int’s (Maureen Perry)Stanley Wood RIP (Fr. John)David Jeffreys RIP (Barbara Jeffreys)
Fri 7^th	10.00am	Mike Shead RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Sat 8^th Jan	10.00am	Kay & Harry Thain RIP (Thain Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Teresa & Family)
Sun 9^th	9.00am	Christine Slisz RIP (Stefan Slisz)
Sun 9^th	11:00am	David Bloomfield RIP (Eileen Ward)

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

A NEW YEAR’S BLESSING 2022

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is only by pondering in the heart, in other words, by piecing together and finding unity in all we experience, that, following Mary, we can penetrate the mystery of a God who was made man out of love and who calls us to follow him on the path of love; a love to be expressed daily by generous service to the brethren. May the New Year which we are confidently beginning today be a time in which to advance in that knowledge of the heart, which is the wisdom of saints? Let us pray, as we heard in the First Reading, that the Lord may “make his face to shine” upon us, “and be gracious” to us (cf. Nm 6: 24-7) and bless us. We may be certain of it: if we never tire of seeking his Face, if we never give in to the temptation of discouragement and doubt, if also among the many difficulties we encounter we always remain anchored to him, we will experience the power of his love and his mercy. May the fragile Child who today the Virgin shows to the world make us peacemakers, witnesses of him, the Prince of Peace? Amen!”

Pope Benedict XVI

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.T7StBp7lW1ATdOaD-qo5ZAHaF_&pid=Api&P=0&w=201&h=163

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY: Today is the feast day of the Holy Family; but also every family’s feast day, since the Holy Family is the patron and model of all Christian families. As Rev. Edward Sutfin states: “The children must learn to see in their father the foster-father St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother as the perfect model for their own mother. The lesson to be learned is both practical and theoretical, in that the children must learn how to obey and to love their parents in thought, word and action, just as Christ was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Helping mother in the kitchen and in the housework and helping father in his odd jobs about the home thus take on a new significance by being performed in a Christ-like spirit.”

May I wish all our families of this Parish of St. Edmund of Canterbury a wonderful Feast Day. May the Holy Family of Nazareth inspire you always! All families will receive a general Special Blessing at the end of each Mass today!

UPDATE ON THE PANDEMIC: Obviously, over the past week we have seen daily reports on the Omicron variant which has taken over as the main variant in the United Kingdom, and also now throughout the world. Many people are still frightened. The Government have tried to allay fears, but at times there appear to be so many conflicting reports. But we are all trying to keep safe and well. The Health & Safety executive throughout the Catholic Church has continued to advocate the use of face-coverings when coming to Church, not only to protect ourselves, but so that we can help protect one another also. The hand sanitisers are available on entry and exit out of the Church. Our Stewards ensure that all protocols are followed correctly with the Track & Trace names and numbers.

Please try to obtain your Booster Jab as soon as possible to protect you from this dreadful disease. Sadly, we lost a number of parishioners to Covid over the past 21 months. Anything that can help against this disease can only be a good thing. The Jab & Booster protects your life!

Dear Friends in Christ, Feast of the Holy Family, 2021

As we have just celebrated the great Solemnity of the Birth of the Lord Jesus, today we rejoice with the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary & Joseph, and ask their intercession on all our families. Even in spite of this terrible Pandemic which continues to affect the whole world, there is much to be thankful for to Almighty God; our wonderful families who protect us and care for us; and our parish family which continues to celebrate our faith together, helping and supporting one another. Imagine what life would be like without our faith? The fact that God deigned to share our human nature changed the whole course of human history. He desires us to really share in his life, not just paying lipservice, but to be completely committed. Perhaps we can all make a renenwed effort as we rapidly approach the end of 2021 and embark upon a new year of 2022 to renewed commitment in faith.

A VERY BIG THANK YOU: First and foremost I would like to thank the whole parish community for your thoughfulness this Christmas; the many Christmas Cards and gifts I received was very humbling. I sat down and read every single card. Also I thank you most sincerely for your Annual Christmas Offering, which makes up a Priest’s salary throughout the year. Also to those who use the Online Electronic Offering. It’s still not too late, (details on the oppposite page). You are all very kind and generous!

GRATEFUL THANKS: to everyone who helped to prepare our Church for the Christmas Celebrations. Our Altar Society, and many others turned up to clean the Church last Tuesday; All of our Altar Staff – our MC’s & Servers; Our Choir Director, Sue Farrow and all Choir members who enriched our Christmas liturgies; Our Readers & Eucharistic Ministers; to our Flower Arranging team, who prepared the church so beautifully for Christmas. Thank you to Iain McLay & Martin Laffey for contructing the ourside Crib once again for us this year – It gives such wintess to the true meaning of Christmas. To Iain also, for his help and orgaisation of the Parish Stewards Teams – and to all our Stewards for the stirling work throughout the year, helping us at all our Masses to keep safe and protected. A big thank you to Frank Westcott, home from the Seminary, who has helped me personally with the Christmas celebrations – please keep Frank in your prayers as he continues in his studies for the Preisthood.

Wishing You All A Happy & Blessed Week,

With Love & Christmas Peace,

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR: As we rapidly approach the end of 2021, let us thank God for the many graces and blessings we have received. Even though it has been a difficult year, there are always so many things to be grateful for. Next Saturday is the 1^st January 2022, Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God; it would be truly wonderful if you could join us at St Edmund’s for our New Year’s Day Mass at 11.00am to ask God’s blessing on ourselves and our families as we begin this New Year. We pray that there will be a decrease in the danger of this Pandemic as we approach nearly two years since it began. We ask God’s blessing on our Community of Faith, helping us in our commitment to the Lord. We pray for those who are sick and housebound, those fearful and scared, those alone and suffering, all those seeking love and friendship. A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

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

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHIDLREN’S SOCIETY – Each year all the Crib Offerings go to the BCCS. This year especially when fund-raising has been at a minimum. Please be generous in your giving. Both Cribs will remain until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 2^nd February. Thank you!

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: FEAST OF ST STEPHEN: As this falls on a Sunday this year, the special mass for all of our Altar Servers will take place on Sunday 26^th December, it will be the Feast of the Holy Family. This is awlasy a very special Mass for our Servers and thioe families. Being a Sunday it will give the whole parish community the opportunity t thank our Altar Staff for your commitment and regular attendance Serving at the Altar. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022

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

MASS INTENTIONS: It has always been a custom within the Roman Catholic Faith to have an Intention offered when celebrating Holy Mass. Intentions can be for all occasions: e.g. For a deceased member of a family; deceased anniversary mass; Birthday intention; Special Occasions; Get Well Mass; Success in exams; Special milestone anniversaries, Wedding, Ordination, Confirmation. In fact, you can offer a Mass for almost every occasion! There are Mass Intention envelopes and Special Mass Cards for all occasions in the Repository at the back of the Church. (Please complete Mass envelope and enclose your Mass Offering and drop off at the Presbytery); I will always try to accommodate the date you have requested, or the nearest date to it. It’s always beautiful to receive a Mass card from someone!

DIARY DECEMBER 2021

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, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will break for the Christmas holiday and resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. It is imperative that all the Frist Communion Children and their families are present each week at Sunday Mass. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as they continue their sacramental preparation.

A Very Happy New Year to You All!

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022

Sat 25^th ChristmasDay	9.00am 11.00am	Grace McAuliffe RIP (Noreen Smith) Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

Sat 25^th	6.00pm	NO VIGIL MASS THIS EVENING
Sun 26^th Holy Family	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th Holy Family	11:00am	Peter Burns RIP, Bill Warnes RIP, Dan Bennett RIP, & Dec’d Altar Servers (D Knott)
Mon 27^th	10.00am	Philip Blackburne RIP (Ruiz Family)
Tues 28^th	10.00am	Veronica Baker RIP (Dee Manley)
Wed 29^th	10.00am	Irene Olivelle RIP (Ann Cocklin)
Thurs 30^th	10.00am	Karen, David & Neil Emslie Int’s (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 31^st	10.00am	John & Rosemary’s O’Rourke’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Sat 1^st Jan New Year’s Day 2022	11.00am	Ann Connolly RIP (John Connolly)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 1^st Jan	6.00pm	Teresa & Brian Fabri’s Int’s
Sun 2^nd	9.00am	John Dunne RIP (Sue & John Campbell)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Dennis Randall RIP (Contemporary Music Group)

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

The Holy Family

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.ZPzm8qrzqf7MYhw04BnBbwHaFj&pid=Api&P=0&w=214&h=161

First Reading : 1 Samuel 1:20-22,24-28

Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, and called him Samuel ‘since’ she said ‘I asked the Lord for him.’

When a year had gone by, the husband Elkanah went up again with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfil his vow. Hannah, however, did not go up, having said to her husband, ‘Not before the child is weaned. Then I will bring him and present him before the Lord and he shall stay there for ever.’

When she had weaned him, she took him up with her together with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them. They slaughtered the bull and the child’s mother came to Eli. She said, ‘If you please, my lord. As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. This is the child I prayed for, and the Lord granted me what I asked him. Now I make him over to the Lord for the whole of his life. He is made over to the Lord.’

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 83(84):2-3,5-6,9-10

They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord.

How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord, God of hosts.

My soul is longing and yearning,

is yearning for the courts of the Lord.

My heart and my soul ring out their joy

to God, the living God.

They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,

for ever singing your praise.

They are happy, whose strength is in you,

in whose hearts are the roads to Zion.

They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,

give ear, O God of Jacob.

Turn your eyes, O God, our shield,

look on the face of your anointed.

They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord.

Second Reading : 1 John 3:1-2,21-24

Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,

by letting us be called God’s children;

and that is what we are.

Because the world refused to acknowledge him,

therefore it does not acknowledge us.

My dear people, we are already the children of God

but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;

all we know is, that when it is revealed

we shall be like him

because we shall see him as he really is.

My dear people,

if we cannot be condemned by our own conscience,

we need not be afraid in God’s presence,

and whatever we ask him,

we shall receive,

because we keep his commandments

and live the kind of life that he wants.

His commandments are these:

that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ

and that we love one another

as he told us to.

Whoever keeps his commandments

lives in God and God lives in him.

We know that he lives in us

by the Spirit that he has given us.

Gospel : Luke 2:41-52

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.

Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’

‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied. ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.

He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.

His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.

Wishing you All a Very Happy & Holy Christmas

& A Heathy & Prosperous New Year for 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Focuses on the role of Our Blessed Lady in the whole of God’s plan of Salvation. In the beautiful Gospel of the Visitation we see the young Mary visiting her aged cousin Elizabeth, and sharing in her joy at having a child. The very young girl Mary, whose life had always been oriented to God, has humbly accepted God’s request to become the mother of his Son; and acceptance that changed the whole course of human history. Mary becomes a model of faith, and a model of the Church, which is why Our Blessed Lady is held in the highest esteem and reverence. As we journey with Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem once again, in these last few days before Christmas, let us pray for that same faith that enabled them to humbly respond to God’s holy will

Covid booster jab get yours now sign isolated on a white background. Covid booster jab with needles either side of the word jab on a white background vector illustration ONGOING PANDEMIC: I’m sure none of us would have imagined that for a second Christmas we would still be in the throes of this Pandemic. But this Omicron variant has taken hold in our country and numbers are increasing exponentially on a daily basis. I’m sure we all know people with Covid at present. Please continue to try and keep yourselves safe & healthy. It is extremely contagious. Ensure that you get your ‘Booster Jab’ as soon a possible, otherwise our hospitals will be filling up and again and the NHS will continue to be stretched to capacity. Let us respect one another. Face Coverings are mandatory in Church now; Hand sanitation on entry and exit from church is encouraged. Also please kindly respect each other’s space. Churches are allowed to remain open. Please think seriously about which Mass you attend at Christmas; also I would seriously advise everyone not to attend the first Mass, we don’t want to have to turn people away because it becomes overcrowded! Thank You!

THANK YOU: Our Grand Draw this year raised £3,200.00, which is absolutely incredible under difficult circumstances. I’m so grateful to the whole parish community for your wonderful support. Thank you, to all who donated prizes and food items for Hampers. To Lorraine & Kelsey for making up all the Hampers; and to everyone who purchased Draw Tickets. I think there were a lot of Happy Winners on Sunday. There are still some outstanding Hampers to be picked up after the Masses this weekend. The hall will be open after all masses.

Dear Friends in Christ, 4^th Sunday of Advent 2021

As we rapidly approach the great solemnity of the Incarnation of the Lord, we see today the important role of Our Blessed Lady. In these few remaining days, let us continue in our spiritual preparation of that Birth once again into our lives this Christmas. Jesus is the hope of all nations; he came to bring peace and reconciliation to the whole world. Let us thank God for the gift of his Son.

ADVANCED NOTICE & PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS: As we have just entered a new phase of this Pandemic with the Omicron variant already spreading throughout the world. I would ask all parishioners to kindly observe our requests to wear face coverings at Mass, and use hand sanitisation on entry and exit of church. We are not only protecting ourselves, but also one another.

There will be NO children’s mass again this year; and I would ask all parishioners to seriously think about masses they attend. Please don’t all turn up for the first mass of Christmas.

Christmas Eve Masses: 5.00pm, 7.00pm, 10.00pm (sung) Friday 24^th December All With Christmas Carols.

Christmas Day Masses: 9.00am & 11.00am (sung)

Saturday 25^th Deccember Masses with Carols

I would like to thank the whole Parish Community for your incredible support of the parish over the past twleve months, and throughout the whole of the Pandemic. A big thank you to all who have helped throughout the year, Altar Soceity, MC’s & Altar Servers, Readers & Eucharistic Ministers. Special thanks to the Stewards who have looked after us during this Pandemic. Thank you to Stephen Richardson & Iain McLay who publish our weekly Newsletters.

CATHOLIC CHIDLREN’S SOCIETY – Each year all the Crib Offerings go to the BCCS. This year especially when fund-raising has been at a minimum. Please be generous in your giving. Both Cribs will remain until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 2^nd February. Thank you!

May God Bless You All This Christmas, Love & Peace

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Reference: ‘Xmas Offering + GA Number’

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

PARISH ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: After consultation with the diocese, I have deemed it necessary to cancel the Penance Service on Monday 20^th in light of this Omicron variant. I will hear confessions daily after morning Mass at 10.30am in the Confession Box in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. I will also be in the Confessional on Monday 20^th at 8.00pm if anyone turns up. Apologies for the short notice; but health and safety at this time are extremely important. Thank you for your understanding!

PARISH ALTAR SOCIETY: The Grand Christmas Clean will take place on Tuesday 21^st December at 9.30am. Please join us if you can for an hour or so to prepare the Church for our Christmas Masses. Also, if anyone would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday 13^th January 2022. If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The classes will break for the Christmas holiday and resume again on Sunday 9^th January 2022. My thanks to the Catechists and the children for leading us in the Sacred Liturgy last Sunday. Please keep all of the children in your prayers as their continue their scarametnal preparation.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: FEAST OF ST STEPHEN: As this falls on a Sunday this year, the special mass for all of our Altar Servers will take place on Sunday 26^th December, it will be the Feast of the Holy Family. This is awlasy a very special Mass for our Servers and thioe families. Being a Sunday it will give the whole parish community the opportunity t thank our Altar Staff for your commitment and regular attendance Serving at the Altar. Sadly, we have lost a lot of our Altar Servers during the Pandemic, many have decided to give up serving. If there are any girls and boys out there who would be interested in learning to serve, please let Fr John know as soon as possible

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR YOUNG PARISHIONERS CONFIRMED LAST JUNE

When we finished our zoom sessions just before you were confirmed in June, Fr. John, Mark Anthony and our catechists thought it would be good to follow up with some ideas for your interest and further involvement. These include:

A Sunday evening Parish Youth Mass: We’ve had a couple of these popular and enjoyable Masses over the past few years and hopefully we’ll be able to organise one, possibly early in the new year. The idea would be that you could get involved with the music and the readings and make it your own celebration. Hopefully, we can also have a social gathering in the Hall afterwards.

Summer Lourdes 2022: The Brentwood Catholic Youth Service is organising this great trip for young people throughout the Diocese and it will take place during late July. We can get full details for you and also our Parish could help in financing some of the cost if needed. You can meanwhile check this out on the BCYS website and there is also more details below in another notice (“BCYS Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage”)

The BCYS monthly Youth Mass: This takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm in Brentwood Cathedral. Many young people from around our Diocese attend this regular and happy celebration.

Mark Anthony will shortly be sending you all an email to follow up on these ideas and he’ll be asking you to let him know of your interest in becoming involved in these ideas. Please chat among yourselves and decide to do something positive and worthwhile by saying ‘Yes, we’re interested!’

Thanks and God bless.

MESSAGE FROM OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER: Robin has highlighted two important points: (i) with the cold weather it is very wise for parishioners to wrap up when they come to mass as good ventilation will need to be maintained; (ii) it is very important that parishioners do not park in the central section of the car park as this blocks access that may be needed if an ambulance has to be called during mass.

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

BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL: This Sunday afternoon at 4.00 p.m. in the Cathedral, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols takes place with Bishop Alan. You and any members of your parish are very welcome to join us. For those people who cannot come to Brentwood, you may wish to direct them to this video which is on the Thresholds of Hope channel on YouTube https://youtu.be/4qsxJoZJulc or to share this link on Sunday on your own parish social media.

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2021

Sat 18^th	10.00am	Ann Campbell RIP ((B Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Deirdre McShane RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Malcolm Campbell (B’day anni)(B Bryant)
Mon 20^th	10.00am	Peter McQuade RIP (Margaret Duffy) Confessions after Mass
Tues 21^st	10.00am	Mary Murphy RIP (Maureen Kisley) Confessions after Mass
Wed 22^nd	10.00am	Maurice Onwhuan (Nalan Hassan) Confessions after Mass
Thurs 23^rd	10.00am	Jospeh Nganda RIP (John O’Rourke) Confessions after Mass
Fri 24 Christmas Eve	5.00pm 7.00pm 10.00pm	Gerlando Burgio RIP (Sheehy Family) Archie Campbell RIP (Brenda Bryant) John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sat 25^th Christmas Day	9.00am 11.00am	Grace McAuliffe RIP (Noreen Smith) Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

Sat 25^th	6.00pm	*NO VIGIL MASS CHRISTMAS DAY*
Sun 26^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Peter Burns RIP, Bill Warnes RIP, Dan Bennett RIP, & Dec’d Altar Servers (D Knott)

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

4th Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Micah 5:1-4

The Lord says this:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

the least of the clans of Judah,

out of you will be born for me

the one who is to rule over Israel;

his origin goes back to the distant past,

to the days of old.

The Lord is therefore going to abandon them

till the time when she who is to give birth gives birth.

Then the remnant of his brothers will come back

to the sons of Israel.

He will stand and feed his flock

with the power of the Lord,

with the majesty of the name of his God.

They will live secure, for from then on he will extend his power

to the ends of the land.

He himself will be peace.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hear us,

shine forth from your cherubim throne.

O Lord, rouse up your might,

O Lord, come to our help.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,

look down from heaven and see.

Visit this vine and protect it,

the vine your right hand has planted.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

May your hand be on the man you have chosen,

the man you have given your strength.

And we shall never forsake you again;

give us life that we may call upon your name.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Second Reading : Hebrews 10:5-10

This is what Christ said, on coming into the world:

You who wanted no sacrifice or oblation,

prepared a body for me.

You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin;

then I said,

just as I was commanded in the scroll of the book,

‘God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.’

Notice that he says first: You did not want what the Law lays down as the things to be offered, that is: the sacrifices, the oblations, the holocausts and the sacrifices for sin, and you took no pleasure in them; and then he says: Here I am! I am coming to obey your will. He is abolishing the first sort to replace it with the second. And this will was for us to be made holy by the offering of his body made once and for all by Jesus Christ.

Gospel : Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Wishing you All a Very Happy & Holy Christmas

& A Heathy & Prosperous New Year for 2022

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

Dear Friends in Christ, 4^th Sunday of Advent 2021

ADVANCED NOTICE & PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES

There will be NO children’s mass again this year; and I would ask all parishioners to seriously think about masses they attend. Please don’t all turn up for the first mass of Christmas.

Christmas Eve Masses: 5.00pm, 7.00pm, 10.00pm (sung) Friday 24^th December All With Christmas Carols.

Christmas Day Masses: 9.00am & 11.00am (sung)

Saturday 25^th Deccember Masses with Carols

May God Bless You All This Christmas, Love & Peace

Reference: ‘Xmas Offering + GA Number’

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR YOUNG PARISHIONERS CONFIRMED LAST JUNE

Thanks and God bless.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2021

Sat 18^th	10.00am	Ann Campbell RIP ((B Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Deirdre McShane RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Malcolm Campbell (B’day anni)(B Bryant)
Mon 20^th	10.00am	Peter McQuade RIP (Margaret Duffy) Confessions after Mass
Tues 21^st	10.00am	Mary Murphy RIP (Maureen Kisley) Confessions after Mass
Wed 22^nd	10.00am	Maurice Onwhuan (Nalan Hassan) Confessions after Mass
Thurs 23^rd	10.00am	Jospeh Nganda RIP (John O’Rourke) Confessions after Mass
Fri 24 Christmas Eve	5.00pm 7.00pm 10.00pm	Gerlando Burgio RIP (Sheehy Family) Archie Campbell RIP (Brenda Bryant) John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Sat 25^th Christmas Day	9.00am 11.00am	Grace McAuliffe RIP (Noreen Smith) Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

Sat 25^th	6.00pm	*NO VIGIL MASS CHRISTMAS DAY*
Sun 26^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Peter Burns RIP, Bill Warnes RIP, Dan Bennett RIP, & Dec’d Altar Servers (D Knott)

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

4th Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Micah 5:1-4

The Lord says this:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

the least of the clans of Judah,

out of you will be born for me

the one who is to rule over Israel;

his origin goes back to the distant past,

to the days of old.

The Lord is therefore going to abandon them

till the time when she who is to give birth gives birth.

Then the remnant of his brothers will come back

to the sons of Israel.

He will stand and feed his flock

with the power of the Lord,

with the majesty of the name of his God.

They will live secure, for from then on he will extend his power

to the ends of the land.

He himself will be peace.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hear us,

shine forth from your cherubim throne.

O Lord, rouse up your might,

O Lord, come to our help.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,

look down from heaven and see.

Visit this vine and protect it,

the vine your right hand has planted.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

May your hand be on the man you have chosen,

the man you have given your strength.

And we shall never forsake you again;

give us life that we may call upon your name.

God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Second Reading : Hebrews 10:5-10

This is what Christ said, on coming into the world:

You who wanted no sacrifice or oblation,

prepared a body for me.

You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin;

then I said,

just as I was commanded in the scroll of the book,

‘God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.’

Gospel : Luke 1:39-45

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Christmas Letter 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0925/9888/products/C1201-The-Nativity.jpg?v=1587421589

CHRISTMAS 2021

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Dear Friends in Christ, Christmas 2021

As we rapidly approach the Birth of the Christ-child once again, I would like to take this opportunity of sending you all my annual Christmas Greetings. Once again we have faced a very difficult year with regards the Global Pandemic, with all sorts of variants affecting our world. It has been challenging in so many ways. Obviously, we have all been trying to maintain some semblance of normality in our lives, but health and safety for all are the prime concerns in our homes, families and community. Sadly this year we have lost parishioners to Covid, and our hearts go out to their families. I think the main thing that we can all do is be vigilant and ensure all are vaccinated, not only giving protection to ourselves but to everyone else as well.

One thing I would say about this Pandemic it has certainly focused the mind on to what are the most important values of life. Family, health and faith all go hand in hand. The fact that we belong to the Family of God through the practice of our faith has been the great sustaining factor throughout this difficult period of time. I thank God that we are now able to gather together as God’s family to celebrate our faith through the Holy Eucharist on a weekly basis. Although, sadly, many have not returned to the practice of faith. I thank the whole parish community for your continuing support of the parish during pandemic; your weekly contributions have helped to sustain parish life.

On a personal note it has been quite a difficult 12 months period, as I have had two cancer surgeries. The last one really took it out of me, but I have tried to remain positive throughout all of this. My surgeon is very pleased with me and the prognosis is very good. Obviously, I have to continue to be monitored on a regular basis. Please say a little prayer for me.

I would like to take this opportunity to thanking so many people who have kindly volunteered their services during these difficult times. For our Stewards who have been faithful each week ensuring the safety of parishioners and the sanitation of our church after each Mass. To the Altar Society who continue to ensure cleanliness of the Altar and Sanctuary, the Sacred Vessels, and linens. To all those parishioners who have been so generous this year in providing Gifts and items for the Christmas Grand Draw. It’s been a tough year for everyone. Let us pray that 2022 will be a brighter year for all of us!

I take this opportunity of wishing you and all your loved ones a Very Happy, Holy & Blessed Christmas. Keep Safe and Well, and Always be Kind & Loving to one another. A Happy & Healthy New Year for 2022

With Love & Peace to You All

TIMES OF SERVICES & MASSES OVER CHRISTMAS 2021

Monday 13^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s

Penance Service: 8.00pm St. Edmund’s

Tuesday 14^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s

Wednesday 15^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s

Thursday 16^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s.

Friday 17^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s

HOLY HOUR 10.30am St. Edmund’s

Saturday 18^th Dec 10.00am St. Edmund’s

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Saturday 18^th Dec 6.00pm St. Edmund’s

Sunday 19^th Dec 9.00am St. Edmund’s

Sunday 19^th Dec 11.00am St. Edmund’s

CHRISTMAS EVE

FRIDAY 5.00pm St. Edmund’s (Family Mass)

24^th December 7.00pm St. Edmund’s

10.00pm St. Edmund’s

CHRISTMAS DAY

SATURDAY

25^th December 9.00am St. Edmund’s

11.00am St. Edmund’s (Family Mass)

HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH

SUNDAY

26^th December 11.00am Family Mass. Enrolment into the

Altar Servers Mass Guild of

St. Stephen

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Saturday January 2021 11.00am Mass All welcome! Come and ask the Lord to Bless your families in this Your New Year.

Your Christmas Offertory is your Personal Gift to your

Parish Priest and makes up the major part of his salary throughout the year! Please use your Gift Aid envelopes

ADVANCED NOTICE FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES

There will be NO children’s mass again this year; and I would ask all parishioners to seriously think about masses they attend. Please don’t all turn up for the first mass of Christmas.

Christmas Eve Masses: 5.00pm Simple Christmas Mass

Friday 24^th Decmeber With Carols

7.00pm, Simple Christmas Mass

With Carols

10.00pm Sung Christmas Choral Mass

With Carols.

Christmas Day Masses: 9.00am Simple Christmas Mass

Saturday 25^th December 11.00am Sung Choral Mass

With Carols

ELECTRONIC CHRISTMAS OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Christmas Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make a Christmas gift to your Parish Priest, which forms the major part of his salary. This year our Christmas Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Xmas Offering’. Please quote your Gift Aid Number also. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com). The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Third Sunday of Advent, Year C

Gaudete Sunday

What does God want for you during this Advent season? What does the Spirit want to do within and for you? What blessings await you? What grace and anointing will be poured out upon you? We don’t tend to think in this way, having learnt not to expect or hope for too much so that we won’t be disappointed. However, this isn’t a Christian way to think because Christians expect great things.

Many centuries before Jesus came, the prophet Zephaniah said: The Lord God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.’ This Advent, God wants to renew you in his love. We can anticipate and rely on the truth that this is what God wants for us.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.pBD3u49Tb1ktjxxyFgrbrQAAAA&pid=Api&P=0&w=184&h=181

John the Baptist shows us how this renewal occurs: through repentance and turning away from sin. Of course, we cannot confess our sins to God on our own, but the best way to do this is through the sacrament of reconciliation; truly the sacrament of mercy and forgiveness.

It can be hard to acknowledge our sinfulness and weakness. It takes courage and a willingness to let God’s light shine into the deepest and darkest parts or us. This can be a lonely and daunting journey, but God is with us. There is no sin that God cannot forgive. There is not sinner beyond his mercy and forgiveness. There is only grace, mercy and forgiveness as we are renewed in God’s love. So don’t be afraid; take courage and be assured of his love and mercy.

‘Our brokenness is the wound through which the full power of God can penetrate our being and transfigure us in God. Loneliness is not something from which we must flee but the place from which we can cry out to God, where God will find us and we can find God…Yes, through our wounds the power of God can penetrate and become like rivers of living water to irrigate the arid earth within us. Thus we may irrigate the arid earth of others, so that hope and love are reborn.’ (Jean Vanier)

Dear Friends in Christ, 3^rd Sunday of Advent 2021

I have just received the new guidelines from the Catholic Bishops Conference with regards the Guidance for Churches in light of the new Omicron variant. Effective immediately, the wearing of face coverings in Churches; which is now mandatory in all places of worship. Singing is permissible, but it is recommended that face coverings continue to be worn.

The scientific advice is that the Booster Jab will give up to 75% protection against this Omicron variant, which manifestly, is becoming the new variant overtaking Delta. The general advice is to get your Booster Jab as soon as possible. It’s quite alarming how quickly the numbers are rising once again this season.

We will continue to provide hand sanitiser as you enter and leave the church; also the benches are sanitised after the masses. We all need to be sensible and respect each other during this Pandemic.

PARISH GRAND DRAW: On Sunday 12^th December after the 11.00am Mass we will have the Parish Grand Draw. I would like to thank all those parishioners who have kindly donated some truly wonderful prizes, your generosity is extraordinary. Also to the many parishioners who have donated Christmas Food Items to make up Christmas Hampers, also many donated various bottles of spirits and wine; there are some truly incredible hampers.

Unfortunately, due to the present Covid situation, we thought it prudent not to go ahead with a Coffee Morning after the 11.00am Mass. The Draw will take place and winners will be notified by phone to collect your prizes.

I would like to thank Kelsey, Lorraine & Iain for the hard work going on in the background; on advertising, and the making up of Hampers. It’s no mean task putting all this together, and I’m truly grateful for their extraordinary generosity of spirit.

PARISH ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: As you know, due to the Pandemic many parishioners have not had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At our recent Deanery Meeting we decided to go ahead with a Penance Service here at St. Edmund’s. It will be on Monday 20^th December at 8.00pm. There will be visiting priests to assist with the Confessions, also a Polish Priest if any of our polish parishioners would like to celebrate the sacrament in Polish.

Wishing you all a Happy & Blessed Week,

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next session on Thursday 16^th December. We will now break for Christmas and resume again on Thursday If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The next session is on Sunday 12^th December at 10.00am. Our Theme this week is Caring – This week the children will lead the Sunday Liturgy, reading, prayers of intercession, Offertory. This acquaints them with the different parts of the Mass and teaches them that everyone can be involved.

ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: JOB VACANCY – Full time, School Site Manager. The School are seeking to appoint a caring, resourceful, reliable, and self-motivated Site Manager, who will take great pride in the school premises and grounds. Please email school for further details Admin@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk

REPOSITORY: It’s still not too late to purchase your religious Christmas items! Available this weekend, a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, (please think about sending religious cards, signifying the true meaning of Christmas). Christmas Mass Cards, Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles, Cribs – there are some truly wonderful Nativity Scenes for your homes; and other Christmas Items. All items are marked with prices, and there is a box available for the money for items. Thank you! Thank you Teresa for all the wonderful ordering of Christmas items this year!

CHRISTMAS MASSES: In light of ongoing restrictions due to Covid the Christmas Masses will be family simple this year. We will have some well-known Carols that people can sing without hymn books. Sadly, there will be no Children’s Mass with Tableau. But I do invite all of our parishioners to make that extra special effort to celebrate the Lord’s Birthday. It’s been a hard year for all of us; we really need the presence of the Lord in our lives at this time.

I’ve attached my annual Christmas Card with message, and times of Masses over the Christmas / New Year period.

There is a Newsletter for every family this Weekend

Christmas Eve Masses: 5.00pm, 7.00pm & 10.00pm (Choral Mass)

Christmas Day Masses: 9.00am & 11.00am (Choral Mass)

ALTAR SOCIETY: If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation! The Grand Christmas Clean will take place on Tuesday 21^st December at 9.30am. Please join us if you can for an hour or so to prepare the Church for our Christmas Masses.

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

THE THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: are a series of talks for adults who want to grow in understanding and confidence when questioned or speaking about their Catholic Faith. The talks and discussion take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.

The next talk will be on the 12^th December and the question being explored is, What does the Incarnation of Christ mean? The input and discussion will be led by Fr David Pearce. For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to events www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE: You are warmly invited to join us at Walsingham House at Abbotswick for our annual Advent Carol Service on Sunday 12th December. We will have Christmas carols both classic and contemporary performed by our incredibly talented BCYS musicians, accompanied with readings from scripture and Christmas poems & stories. This year we are running two concerts, at 3pm or 7pm, however there will be limited capacity at each event and this will be dependent on any current Government restrictions or social distancing, in place at the time. Tickets are £10 and the money will go towards supporting our pilgrimages to Lourdes. To book your place please contact Joe Beattie, Walsingham House manager on josephbeattie@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 01277 373 959.

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

PARISH ALTAR SERVERS: It had taken a number of years to build up a good team of Altar Servers. Sadly, since the Pandemic, many have not returned to serving at the Altar. As a matter of courtesy I would be sincerely grateful to know if you have any intention of returning to the regular practice of Altar Serving? If you have no intention of serving anymore more it would be good to know; and also, if you could kindly return your albs, laundered please. I really feel saddened by this, as this is a most truly wonderful ministry for our young pepople to participate in. If there are any other young pepople in the parish who would liike to start serving, could you let Fr John know as soon as possible.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please do see for yourself the excellent education and enhanced learning environment we provide. We welcome mid-year applications.

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022

DIARY DECEMBER 2021

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, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, 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.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: Please pray for the repose of the Soul of Noreen Burrowes, who passed away last week. Noreen was a long time parishioners at St. Edmund’s and was married her over 60 years ago. We extend our condolences to her husband Colin and family in this time of great loss. The Cremation Service will take place at Forest Park Crematorium on Tuesday 14^th December at 3.45pm

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the Soul of Dennis Randall RIP, long-time parishioner at St Edmund’s. His Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 17^th December at 1.30pm. Followed by cremation at Forest Park Crematorium at 3.00pm We extend our condolences to his wife Maureen and their family in this time of great loss.

MESSAGE FROM THE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We were very saddened to hear that our musician and friend, Dennis Randall, died last Saturday, 4^th December. We are honoured to have been asked to play and sing at Dennis’ funeral Mass, which will take place at St. Edmund’s at 1.30pm this coming Friday, 17^th December and we do hope that many of us can be there. Also, on our behalf, Fr. John will be offering up the 11am Mass for Dennis on Sunday, 2^nd January, which is our next Group Mass. Until just before the first lockdown, Dennis regularly played his guitar at our monthly 11am Sunday Mass. He was a founder member of our Group from the very early days when we were known as the Folk Choir; this was around 1973, close to 50 years ago. Dennis was always kind, gentle and unassuming and his many, many years of serving our Parish in this musical way will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, dear friend Dennis.

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2021

Sat 11^th	10.00am	Veronica & Steve Short Int’s. ((Remi)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Kathleen McDowell RIP (Gunn Family)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Marie-Yvonne Poulter RIP (Kendal Family)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Michael John Bullock RIP (Steven Bullock)
Mon 13^th	10.00am	Eileen & George Whatmore RIP. Rose & John Leonard RIP (M Duffy)
Tues 14^th	10.00am	Maria & Joao Servo RIP. Modesta & Joaquim RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Wed 15^th	10.00am	John Anthony Harvey RIP (Fr John)
Thurs 16^th	10.00am	Fr Tom Kearney SMA, RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)
Fri 17^th	10.00am10.30am1.30pm	Fr Patrick Haward B’day Ints. (M Duffy)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. SacramentRequiem Mass. Dennis Randall RIP
Sat 18^th	10.00am	Ann Campbell RIP ((B Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Deirdre McShane RIP (Sheehy Family)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Malcolm Campbell (B’day anni)(B Bryant)

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

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: Monday 20^th December at 8.00pm

3rd Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Zephaniah 3:14-18

Shout for joy, daughter of Zion,

Israel, shout aloud!

Rejoice, exult with all your heart,

daughter of Jerusalem!

The Lord has repealed your sentence;

he has driven your enemies away.

The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst;

you have no more evil to fear.

When that day comes, word will come to Jerusalem:

Zion, have no fear,

do not let your hands fall limp.

The Lord your God is in your midst,

a victorious warrior.

He will exult with joy over you,

he will renew you by his love;

he will dance with shouts of joy for you

as on a day of festival.

Responsorial Psalm : Isaiah 12

Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Truly, God is my salvation,

I trust, I shall not fear.

For the Lord is my strength, my song,

he became my saviour.

With joy you will draw water

from the wells of salvation.

Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Give thanks to the Lord, give praise to his name!

Make his mighty deeds known to the peoples!

Declare the greatness of his name.

Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Sing a psalm to the Lord

for he has done glorious deeds;

make them known to all the earth!

People of Zion, sing and shout for joy,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Second Reading : Philippians 4:4-7

I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near.

There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.

Gospel : Luke 3:10-18

When all the people asked John, ‘What must we do?’ he answered, ‘If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same.’ There were tax collectors too who came for baptism, and these said to him, ‘Master, what must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Exact no more than your rate.’ Some soldiers asked him in their turn, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ He said to them, ‘No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!’

A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ As well as this, there were many other things he said to exhort the people and to announce the Good News to them.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C

St Augustine of Hippo said, ‘Before God can deliver us we must undeceive ourselves.’ Repentance is precisely this process of undeceiving ourselves. The ministry of John the Baptist was focused on proclaiming the message of repentance and turning back to God – probably not the most popular message in any age and certainly not in ours!

Pope Saint John Paul II, who was one of the prophets of the Christian life, urges us to examine how we, as a society and as individuals, have lost the sense of sin and, consequently, could lose the impetus to receive the grace of forgiveness available to us in the sacrament of reconciliation.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gF_bdlzjSTM/UtE4t5MO51I/AAAAAAAAFcE/xDQesnQBqes/s1600/Baptism_of_our_Lord.gif

Was the society, culture and the time in which John the Baptist ministered any different from ours in this regard? We all have an inbuilt self-righteousness which makes it hard, if not impossible, to say, ‘I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am not longer worthy to be called your son/daughter.’ We instinctively resist the idea that we are sinful and need to repent. This resistance and self-righteousness are whey God has to prepare the way. He did so firstly through the ministry of John the Baptist, and secondly in the liturgy of the Church today. The message and call will always be the same: repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

How do we examine our conscience? We don’t want to get immersed in introspection and a kind of pseudo mea culpa attitude, as if repentance was simply about the word ‘sorry’.

St John Chrysostom said: ‘Repentance ranges from regretting obvious sins like murder, adultery, abuse, swearing and stealing to the realisation that not loving (your neighbour as yourself) is a murder. “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15), and that an evil look is adultery and the love of praise is stealing God’s glory.’

Dear Friends in Christ, 2^nd Sunday of Advent 2021

It’s amazing what can happen in seven days! The whole world has now been put on alert to the Omicron South African variant. It makes us realise that Covid is with us all for the foreseeable future, and we have to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our families. Obviously, this new variant is in its early stages, and as yet we still do not know how severe it will be, and whether our vaccines can protect us from this particular strain of Covid.

The last thing anyone wants again this year is the cancellation of Christmas. Let us all protect ourselves and one another by getting the vaccine our booster jabs, and flu jabs. We are still maintaining certain precautions at church, with the sanitising of hands at entry and exit of the church; the wearing of face-coverings in respect of one another, and social distancing where necessary. Thank you to everyone for kindly respecting these requests!

GRAND DRAW ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY, 12^th DECEMBER

GRAND DRAW TICKETS: There are still plenty of Grand Draw Tickets available for purchase £5 a book. We want to see as many as possible, as this is our parishes only fund-raiser throughout the year. We have been donated some truly wonderful prizes, Two Colour Televisions; A Nintendo Switch; Apple Air Pods Pro; £150 of Theatre Tickets; Gin Afternoon Tea for Two at London’s Iconic Gherkin; Fortnum & Mason Champagne Tea for Two in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon; £100 Gift Cash; £100 Gift Voucher for Tom, Dick & Harry’s; £80 Gift Vouch for Zizzi’s; Amazon Echo Dot; Various Amazon Vouchers: £100, £50, £25, £20; £50 M & S Voucher; There will be numerous Hampers of Food & Drink; also some children’s Hampers.

I would like to thank all those parishioners who have kindly donated some truly wonderful prizes and food and drink items for the Hampers. It’s still not too late to donate as this is the final week before the Grand Draw. You can drop off your Gifts and all other items, either in the Church Porch, Fr John’s Garage, or at the Presbytery at any time throughout the week.

There will be a Coffee Morning after the 11am Mass next Sunday where the Grand Draw will take place. I invite our parishioner to come along. Also we are looking for some voluntary help with the catering, teas and coffees, could any parishioners make some cakes and mince pies please.

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

PARISH FINANACES: 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.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next session on Thursday 9^th December Theme: The Sacraments – The Eucharist Part 2 If you want to know more about the programme, and the whole RCIA process, please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The next session is on Sunday 5^th December at 10.00am. Our Theme this week is Caring – The Beatitudes. Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.

REPOSITORY: Available this weekend, a large selection of Religious Christmas Cards, (please think about sending religious cards signifying the true meaning of Christmas). Christmas Mass Cards, Advent Calendars, Christmas Candles, Cribs – there are some truly wonderful Nativity Scenes for your homes; and other Christmas Items. All items are marked with prices, and there is a box available for the money for items. Thank you!

The next talk will be on the 5^th December and the question being explored is, What are the unique insights of Catholic Social Teaching? Fr Dominic Howarth, Romford, will consider this question.

For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: 2022: 23^rd – 30^th July 2022.

ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOUGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: As your parish school, St John Fisher provide a distinctively Catholic education for your children. St John Fisher is an excellent School where we teach your children, in accordance with our Mission Statement – “The love of God helps us all to live, learn, and grow to be a happy, caring and welcoming community.” St John Fisher school is a place filled with love of learning. It is a place where, as a Catholic community, we celebrate the successes of our children in all areas of school life through our distinctive curriculum.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please do see for yourself the excellent education and enhanced learning environment we provide. We welcome mid-year applications.

Visits are held every Monday at 9.30 am, with the Headteacher. Mr Kendal. Please contact the school on 0208 508 6315 or email:

admissions@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

For admission to the school’s Reception Class, September 2022 please apply by 15^th January 2022.

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW & CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Only one more week to go until the GRAND DRAW. I would like to make a final appeal to all of our parishioners to participate in our only fund-rising event of the year. As you are well aware, finances have dropped considerably, as many people are not attending church anymore. The Bazaar Committee believe that the Grand Christmas Draw & Hampers, which was such a great success last year, can be repeated again this year. Manifestly, we are wholly dependent on your generosity. No matter how great or small a gift or item may be it will be gratefully received. Xmas Raffle Clipart , Png Download - Christmas Raffle, Transparent Png, Free Download

Some ideas for the Grand Draw are Flat Screen TV, Laptop, Other New Electrical Goods, Restaurant Vouchers, Hotel Vouchers, National Trust Family Memberships, Crate of Wine, and Department Store Vouchers. Also Smart Tech Wearables: Fit Bits, Garmins, Air Pods, Beats.

Suggested Hamper Donations: Luxury Brand Christmas Cakes & Christmas Puddings; Bottles of Champagne, Prosecco, Spirits, Port & Wine; Tinned Meats – Gammon Ham, Potted Duck Pates; Tinned Fish – Salmon, Dressed Crab & Lobster; Jars of Fruit in Syrup; Jars of Pickles, Chutneys & Olives; Festive Marmalades; Tea & Coffee, Hot Chocolate. Biscotti, Ginger Snaps & Shortbread. Diced Fruit & Nuts; Chocolate Nut selections. Sweetmeats – Turkish Delight. Biscuits & Crackers for Cheese. Boxes of Luxury Chocolates & truffles.

There are boxes in the Porch of the church, at the Presbytery front door & in Fr John’s Garage to receive your gifs and items, and or course you can always drop off personally at the Presbytery throughout the week. If there are any parishioners who would like to donate ‘Money Gifts’ these will be gratefully received. Also, if anyone has any gift baskets you could let us have, these will be good to make up the Christmas Hampers. If you can, please help us once again this year. This is the whole parish working together. The Grand Draw will take place on Sunday 12^th December in the Parish Hall at about 12.30pm there will be refreshments available.

GRAND DRAW TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEKEND

PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR RESPONSE IN TAKING THEM

KINDLY RETURN ALL COUNTERFLOILS & MONIES BY

NEXT SUNDAY THE 12^th DECEMBER. THANK YOU!

DIARY NOVEMBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

ALTAR SOCIETY: If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation! The Grand Christmas Clean will tak place on Tuesday 21^st December at 9.30am. Please join us if you can for an hour or so to prepare the Church for our Christmas Masses.

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 throughout the pandemic 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS – DECEMBER 2021

Sat 4^th	10.00am	Nancy Ironside RIP (Maree Kavangh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Sandy Sandhu RIP
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Colin Orr RIP (Catherine Mills)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Yvonne Poulter RIP (Steve & Teresa Wallace)
Mon 6^th	10.00am	Peter Smith RIP (Anni) Paul Falco
Tues 7^th	10.00am	Jim Sullivan (Sick) (Joan O’Sullivan)
Wed 8^th	10.00am	Ann Hakes (B’day Int’s) (Pat & Margaret)
Thurs 9^th	10.00am	Thomas & Mary Lamb RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 10^th	10.00am10.30am	Dr Brian Beveridge RIP (Beveridge Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 11^th	10.00am	Veronica & Steve Short RIP (Remi)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Kathleen McDowell RIP (Gunn Family)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Marie – Yvonne Poulter RIP (Kendal Family)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	Michael John Bullock RIP (Steven Bullock & Family)

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

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: Monday 20^th December at 8.00pm. With visiting Clergy

2nd Sunday of Advent

First Reading : Baruch 5:1-9

Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress,

put on the beauty of the glory of God for ever,

wrap the cloak of the integrity of God around you,

put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your head:

since God means to show your splendour to every nation under heaven,

since the name God gives you for ever will be,

‘Peace through integrity, and honour through devotedness.’

Arise, Jerusalem, stand on the heights

and turn your eyes to the east:

see your sons reassembled from west and east

at the command of the Holy One, jubilant that God has remembered them.

Though they left you on foot,

with enemies for an escort,

now God brings them back to you

like royal princes carried back in glory.

For God has decreed the flattening

of each high mountain, of the everlasting hills,

the filling of the valleys to make the ground level

so that Israel can walk in safety under the glory of God.

And the forests and every fragrant tree will provide shade

for Israel at the command of God;

for God will guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory

with his mercy and integrity for escort.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 125(126)

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,

it seemed like a dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

on our lips there were songs.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels

the Lord worked for them!’

What marvels the Lord worked for us!

Indeed we were glad.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage

as streams in dry land.

Those who are sowing in tears

will sing when they reap.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

They go out, they go out, full of tears,

carrying seed for the sowing:

they come back, they come back, full of song,

carrying their sheaves.

What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.

Second Reading : Philippians 1:4-6,8-11

Every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the Good News from the day you first heard it right up to the present. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in you will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes; and God knows how much I miss you all, loving you as Christ Jesus loves you. My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best. This will help you to become pure and blameless, and prepare you for the Day of Christ, when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God.

Gospel : Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the lands of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas the word of God came to John son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. He went through the whole Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Isaiah:

A voice cries in the wilderness:

Prepare a way for the Lord,

make his paths straight.

Every valley will be filled in,

every mountain and hill be laid low,

winding ways will be straightened

and rough roads made smooth.

And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.