St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

We have an amazing ability to avoid talking about important things. The desire to talk about life’s profound questions seems increasingly unusual in modern life. Nowadays, such questions are considered too ’deep’ or ‘heavy’, and most feel that politics and religion shouldn’t be discussed in polite circles. The clergy and those who working church related roles have often swallowed the ‘black humour pill’ and teasing is commonplace for anyone who is perceived as being ‘too intense’ or who ‘ takes things too seriously’ by simply asking a question about faith or life. This attitude is to our detriment because in avoiding these topics we are avoiding the fundamental and vital issues of life on earth.
Rich Young Man Coloring Page

The ancient world did not suffer from any such reticence, as we witness in today’s Gospel. The rich young man – clearly focused on obtaining eternal life – approaches the very One who can give it, and reveals that, although he is committed to keeping the Ten Commandments, he is unable to renounce his possessions. His departure from Jesus is one of the most moving and poignant moments in the New Testament, as he was brought face to face with his inability to relinquish that which prevented him from entering into the eternal life he longed for.

Thomas à Kempis said: ‘For small reward a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life many will hardly take a single step.’ Today’s Gospel story also illustrated that the moral life, while noble, falls far short of the life of grace. Although the rich young man honoured the law, he lacked the insight to understand that his heart was not right with God and only Jesus could set him free. Jesus – who came to redeem and save sinners – in the One who gives eternal life. As Paul so eloquently said to Timothy, our goal is to ‘Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good profession in the presence of many witnesses.

THANK YOU LORD: I give thanks to Almighty God this week for the beginning of my Twentieth Year as your Pastor. The years have flown by, and I’m truly grateful to Almighty God for the many graces and blessings that I personally have received from all of you. Please pray for me, as I do for you every day.

May God Bless You All. Fr John

My Dear Friends in Christ, 28^th Sunday of the Year

It is now exactly 19 months since the beginning of the Pandemic, which rocked the whole world. The great fear it engendered in the world’s population, and the number of deaths that have occurred has really taken its toll on everyone. There are families in our own parish that have been profoundly affected; and many people have had the virus. Thankfully, with the incredible work of scientists and medical researchers, a vaccine was produced in less than a year. People’s way of life changed literally overnight, and it is only now that we are starting to revert back to some semblance of normality.

Sadly, one of the consequences of the Pandemic, was the non-attendance at Holy Mass. Many parishioners have returned to the weekly practice of faith, and it has been wonderful to see; but there are a large number who have not come back. As one elderly parishioner put it to me recently; ‘Father, I feel I’ve lost two years of my life, and I’m not going to lose anymore!’ Life cannot be put on hold, otherwise we stop living. There may well be a number of people, who will never return to the practice of their faith, and of course, this is always sad; but at the same time it also depends what value you put on the life of faith as well. Life is not a dress rehearsal, and every day counts. The greatest sadness of all is that families, with children have not returned, and have completely got out of the habit of attending Holy Mass; now the young people don’t want to come to church, and find all sorts of excuses not to. The Church has followed the strictest guidelines both from Government and Diocese during this Pandemic; we have maintained a secure environment and worship space for the whole community, and continue to do so. If you are going out, and attending supermarkets and shops and restaurants, then coming to Holy Mass once a week, should be a ‘walk in the park’. But if you have decided not to return, please consider the long-term consequences of that decision, not just for yourself but for your whole family. Our church doors are always open and everyone is welcome!

I think this Pandemic has probably been the greatest challenge this world has ever known. It has brought out the best in many people through charity and kindness. But at the same time, in faith, I think we now have to stand up and be counted. Which path have you chosen?

May God Bless You All This Week,

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

Donate

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

PARISH 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 Thursday 14^th October; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Jesus Christ, Truly God, truly man. If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will continue on Sunday 10^th October at 10.00am. PARENTS’ MEETING Wednesday 13^th October at 7.30pm. Please put these class dates in your diary. Thank you! Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL HANDOUT THIS WEEK, IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE DROP OFF GIFTS & ITEMS AT THE PRESBYTERY AT ANYTIME OR LEAVE IN PORCH OF CHURCH

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

b) If you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John for a Certificate of Catholic Practice as he will be unable to provide you with this document. Instead, apply directly to the Catholic School of your choice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

d) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have been practising your faith, Please submit a copy of your SIF form for reference purposes to Fr. John at the interview. (Fr John has copies at the Presbytery). If you state that you have been practicing weekly and you only practice fortnightly or monthly, this form will not be signed.

e) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John. Instead, apply directly to the non-Catholic school of your choice.

f) There will only be a virtual talk and tour of Trinity Catholic High School again this year for Prospective Year 7 pupils & parents, which will take place

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue.

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you!

THIS WILL BE THE LAST CALL FOR PARENTS TO BOOK MEETING FOR SIGNING OF FORMS WITH FR JOHN. THANK YOU!

WHY SUNDAY IS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS: Sunday is a day of life and glory. On that day, Christ, the life of the faithful, rose from the dead. We remember and celebrate this saving event in a special way on a Sunday. But more than that, the Crucified and Risen Christ comes to us in the celebration of the Mass. He speaks to us through the living word of the Sacred Scriptures. He feeds us, body and soul, with his own divine life in Holy Communion. He calls us out of our individual activities and isolation and gathers us together as His Church, a people set apart to give thanks and praise to Him. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, when we meet the Risen Christ and formed into a community of faith, hope and love by Holy Spirit.

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/

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

1. One of the new projects to help adult lay men and women deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith is a series of online talks given by priests of our diocese. This is not a systematic course that one needs to commit to in order to benefit from but rather online talks that people can dip in and out of as they wish. I wonder if you would be kind enough to include this brief notice in your newsletter or bring these talks to the attention of your parish as you see fit:

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 talks will be on the 3rd and 10th October and the question being explored is “What does it mean to talk about God?” Fr Mark Reilly, parish priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford, will consider this question. If you would like to join this discussion, please forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk

2. I would also like to draw your attention to another online project developed by Mauro Iannicelli that provides an accessible guide to the Bible for adults. Mauro is a committed Catholic layman in our diocese and has provided input for the Newham Deanery in the past. He is also willing to send to your parish 200+ course invitation A6 flyers, completely free of charge. Just drop him an email request for the flyers at mauro@comeandsee.org, or to ask him any questions about the course. I recommend this initiative to you and if you feel able to do so, to promote his course in your newsletter or elsewhere:

The YouTube Bible Timeline Course Do you feel the Bible is too big and too difficult to understand? Do you get lost with all the characters and stories? If so, this course aims to help you better understand the riches of the Bible in a simple and straightforward way. The course begins on Wednesday 29 Sept, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org

“HISTORY MYSTERY, Trinity Catholic High School Upper Site, Mornington Road, Thursday 14th October at 7.30pm in the Ratcliffe Hall. Dr Paul Doherty will be staging an exciting History Mystery, “The Ghosts of Berkeley” which focuses on one of the most exciting and mysterious incidents in English history, the murder of King Edward II and its implications for our present royal family. Admission fee £2.00, refreshments will be available. Dr Doherty hopes to raffle copies of his most recent novels. All proceeds to the school fund.”

PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGES FOR 2022/23: If anyone is planning on getting married wihin the next 18 months, could you kindly make contact with the Church. As the Pandemic has delayed many marriages over the past 16 months, there is now a catch-up taking place, and many people have had to rescedule their weddings and receptions accordingly. For marriages abroad, we need at least nine months notice, as all the documentation has to be completed at least two months in advance of the wedding and sent abroad. There is also an Engaged Couple’s Marriage Prepraration Programme to complete; which is a requirement for Catholic Marriage. For those couples getting married in your own parish church, a six month notification is needed. There is now a new format for the Civil Registration of Marriage. There is no more signing of registers, this is now abrogated for a simpler form of signatures; but all of these procedures take time. So please notify the church in plenty of time for weddings. Thank you!

DIARY OCTOBER 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 9^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Veronica, Margaret & Pat)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Olympia Panong RIP (Bacani Family)
Sun 10^th	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 11^th	10.00am	Niamh Harvey (Get well) (Maureen Perry)
Tues 12^th	10.00am	Archie Campbell (B’day Anni) (B Bryant)
Wed 13^th	10.00am	Maria & Joao Servo RIP Modesta & Joaquim RIP (Adelaide Alves)
Thurs 14^th	10.00am 10.30am	Bridget Kinsella (Get Well) ((M Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 15^th	10.00am 10.30am	John Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 16^th	10.00am	Agnes & Colin Lamb RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 16^th	6.00pm	Kelly Cottam (Stephanie Hemsworth)
Sun 17^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 17^th	11:00am	Kitty Mulvaney RIP (Eileen Lee)

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

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

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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!

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 18 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.

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!

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Wisdom 7:7-11

I prayed, and understanding was given me;

I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I esteemed her more than sceptres and thrones;

compared with her, I held riches as nothing.

I reckoned no priceless stone to be her peer,

for compared with her, all gold is a pinch of sand,

and beside her silver ranks as mud.

I loved her more than health or beauty,

preferred her to the light,

since her radiance never sleeps.

In her company all good things came to me,

at her hands riches not to be numbered.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 89(90):12-17

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

Make us know the shortness of our life

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?

Show pity to your servants.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

In the morning, fill us with your love;

we shall exult and rejoice all our days.

Give us joy to balance our affliction

for the years when we knew misfortune.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.

Show forth your work to your servants;

let your glory shine on their children.

Let the favour of the Lord be upon us:

give success to the work of our hands.

Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice

Second Reading : Hebrews 4:12-13

The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves.

Gospel : Mark 10:17-30

Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’ And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’ Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, ‘My children,’ he said to them ‘how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were more astonished than ever. ‘In that case’ they said to one another ‘who can be saved?’ Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he said ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’

Peter took this up. ‘What about us?’ he asked him. ‘We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

A prevalent view today is that divorce or separation can be amicable and reasonable (which is of course preferable to complete breakdown), but also that it is painless and civilised – i.e. the process is legally smooth and financially uncontentious, and both parties can remain on speaking terms. However, for many the experience is brutal and painful ad lives are torn apart.

Form the very beginning monogamy was part of God’s plan: a man and a woman become ‘one flesh’. However, this ideal wasn’t upheld by the people of Israel and polygamy was widespread in Old Testament times. The Mosaic Law – while containing provisions to protect women – did permit divorce, although according to Jesus this concession was because of their hardness of men’s hearts.

Still, today one in every two marriages ends in divorce. The tragedy of the Fall is that we all experience evil and discord both within and without. From the beginning, the marriage union has always been threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy and conflict that can and often does escalate into hatred and eventually separation

Marriage is a divine institution: ‘What God has joined together let no man separate’. Marriage is God’s plan for the human race and the marriage bond is a sign of God’s covenant. It is a gift of love, and by God’s grace couples partake in restoring God’s original order of creation in which men and women were united to live together in covenant and unity.

Married couples, then, have received a lofty and noble vocation. There is a very real way in which the entire Christian life bears the mark of the spousal live Christ has for the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her.

OCTOBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: At the end of each of our weekday masses we will pray a decade or the Holy Rosary for the intentions of our parish. Parents, please teach your children the rosary, it is a truly beautiful prayer.

Dear Friends in Christ,

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The second encyclical letter of Pope Francis was called ‘Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home is the appeal from Pope Francis addressed to “every person living on this planet” for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candour and humility. The title is taken from the first line of the encyclical, “Laudato si’, mi Signore,” or “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.

Our Bishop Alan has sent a Pastoral Letter this week to coincide with the launch of our own Diocesan initiative. This can be downloaded from the Parish Website and is attached to your newsletter. You will receive a handout also on the Laudato Si Invitations, Commitments & Actions 2021 – 2024. This is a personal invitation to every Catholic in the Brentwood Diocese to pray and act, to cherish God’s creation and strive for justice for the world’s poorest people. The handout gives a litany of suggestions of the things that each one of us can do in protecting and enriching our planet. All of them are practical and achievable; whether we are recycling all our waste, growing our own vegetables, walking or cycling more, being more informed on climate change, installing smart meters & insulating our homes, etc. If everyone does a little a lot gets done!

The pope is expected to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) taking place in Glasgow in November 1-12. He will only be present briefly giving his approval, in light of the Laudato Si encyclical, that each human being should be a custodian of our creation, and to do everything where possible to preserve our planet.

PRAYERS PLEASE: I would personally like to ask your prayers over the next few days for a very special intention. We should never underestimate the power of prayer. If you could pray a decade of the Rosary every day during the month of October, (Month of the Holy Rosary).

God Bless You All,

Donate

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 7^th October; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Restoration of friendship with God If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will continue on Sunday 3^rd October at 10.00am. Please put these class dates in your diary. Thank you! Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.

ST EDMUND’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Talking to our Bazaar Committee, we have decided once again to have a Grand Christmas Raffle with about 30 Prizes. This was extremely successful last year thanks to your generosity; and with the precarious nature of the Pandemic still with us, and many people still feeling uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, we have decided to move forward with this. If you would like to donate gifts for Christmas Hampers, both Food & Bottle Hampers (Champagne, Wines, Spirits, Prosecco; Brand Name – Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings Mince Pies, Pickles, Crackers, Sweets, Boxes of chocolates, Chocolate selection boxes, Turkish Delight, Christmas Nuts, these would be gratefully accepted. Also some really big Gifts, Colour TV, Latest X Box, Theatre Tickets, Restaurant Vouchers, M & S Vouchers, New Glassware (Crystal), Spa Vouchers, etc. Also if you’re able to help in anyway in collecting gifts and items please let us know. There may be some parishioners who have commercial contacts, who would be willing to donate gifts and items. We would preferably want all new items as Christmas gifts for the Draw. Free christmas bazaar clipart

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

f) There will only be a virtual talk and tour of Trinity Catholic High School again this year for Prospective Year 7 pupils & parents, which will take place on 29^th September, you can tune in at any time from that date until the closing date of the 31^st October.

Davenant Foundation School Open Evening 7^th October; 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm. Please consult Davenant Website (Admissiions) for more details

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue.

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you!

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

THE CRY OF THE POOR – STUDY DAY FOR THE SEASON OF CREATION: A study day on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti on ‘fraternity and social friendship’ will be live-streamed from 11.00 to 12.30 BST on Saturday 2^nd October. The study day, entitled ‘The Cry of the Poor’, is organised from Gidea Park parish, and the speaker is Fr Ashley Beck, expert on Catholic Social Teaching. The event is free of charge and no registration is necessary. The encyclical is a challenge to see the implications of faith in Christ in the face of the widespread xenophobia and discrimination prevalent in our society and in so many parts of the world. To access the livestream go to www.whatgoodnews.org where the previous study day ‘The Cry of Creation’ (exploring Laudato si’) is also available.

A REAL MOMENT OF SADNESS: It’s heart-breaking and makes me really sad, that many of our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in June have not returned to Holy Mass since that day of celebration. It’s not only an insult to Almighty God, but makes a farce of attending the programme in the first place, and all the hard work that was put in by our Confirmation Catechists. If it meant so little, why on earth did you do it? Of all the things that I have to contend with in Pastoral Ministry, this is the thing that makes me really sad! I know many people are walking away from the practice of the faith, and many have not returned after Covid. But to be a Roman Catholic is not just about fulfilling our Sunday Obligation, but about the whole of our lives lived in the light of Christ Jesus. What has happened to personal integrity & honesty? SAD! SAD! SAD!

DIARY OCTOBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021

Sat 2^{nd OCTOBER}	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 4^th	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
Tues 5^th	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
Wed 6^th	10.00am	Int’s of Mrs Margaret Duffy (The Leith Family)
Thurs 7^th	10.00am 10.30am	Edna Bourne RIP (The Chalk Family) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 8^th	9.00am 10.30am	Rose McMorrow Ints (Maureen Perry) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 9^th	10.00am	Jo Colebrook RIP (Veronica, Margaret & Pat)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 9^th	6.00pm	Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family)
Sun 10^th	9.00am	Olympia Panong RIP (Bacani Family)
Sun 10^th	11:00am	People of the Parish

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

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Genesis 2:18-24

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.’ So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one was to bear the name the man would give it. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him. So the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh. The Lord God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. The man exclaimed:

‘This at last is bone from my bones,

and flesh from my flesh!

This is to be called woman,

for this was taken from man.’

This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 127(128)

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labour of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper.

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table.

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

in a happy Jerusalem

all the days of your life!

May you see your children’s children.

On Israel, peace!

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life.

Second Reading : Hebrews 2:9-11

We see in Jesus one who was for a short while made lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and splendour because he submitted to death; by God’s grace he had to experience death for all mankind.

As it was his purpose to bring a great many of his sons into glory, it was appropriate that God, for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists, should make perfect, through suffering, the leader who would take them to their salvation. For the one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers.

Gospel : Mark 10:2-16

Some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, ‘Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were testing him. He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ ‘Moses allowed us’ they said ‘to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’ Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, ‘The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’

People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

Pastoral Letter for The launch of Brentwood Diocesan Laudato Si’

Invitations, Commitments and Actions

Please read out and/or make available in the weekend of 2nd/3rd October 2021 27th Sunday of Year B (conclusion of the Season of Creation)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In today’s first reading, from the Book of Genesis, we heard about the creation of Eve, from the rib of Adam. In the Gospel Jesus tells us, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.”

These two images chime deeply with this pivotal moment in the life of our planet. God’s creation was gifted to us in that same Book of Genesis. Adam and Eve are asked to “till” and “keep” the earth – to steward it, care for it, and cherish it. Yet as we consider the children in the Gospel, so precious in Jesus’ sight, we have to ask ourselves what kind of world we are handing on to our children, and children yet unborn? This summer has seen wild fires raging in Southern Europe, traumatic flooding in India, Pakistan and America, and a devastating earthquake in Haiti. There can be no doubt that weather patterns are shifting, and it is the poorest people in the world who are often the ones that are suffering the most.

So how can we respond? Our faith roots us in a Biblical landscape full of natural images – lakes and mountains, fish and sheep, fig trees and olive groves, wheat and lambs. Pope Francis says, “The Lord was … in constant touch with nature, lending it an attention full of fondness and wonder.” The Pope wrote those words in 2015, in a letter addressed to the whole world. It is called Laudato Si’ and these are the first words of a prayer of St Francis of Assisi – they translate as, Praise Be.

“Praise Be to brother sun and sister moon,” writes St Francis as he continues referring to all creation as brother and sister. In those simple words he reminds us that we are all interconnected. St Thomas Aquinas, the great Philosopher and Theologian, said “In every living creature there is a trace of the Trinity.” In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis draws together these centuries of prayer and wisdom, and asks us urgently to “Listen to the Cry of the Earth, and the Cry of the Poor.” Now, in the autumn of 2021, we find ourselves at a moment which will define how human beings respond to the challenges of Climate Change. In less than a month world leaders gather in Glasgow, and the decisions they make will affect us all. So today you are receiving information about what the Diocese is doing, and what you are invited to do, as individuals and as a parish. As part of this, each of us are asked to make three personal pledges, three ways in which we will act differently. This is not just another environmental campaign; it is an integral part of our faith. In making your personal pledges – in working to heal the planet, and in striving for justice for the poorest people in the world – you are a living witness to Jesus Christ: do not be afraid to tell people why you are doing whatever you choose to do.

Let me now offer some very personal words. I have been deeply blessed in my life to explore mountains, often in Scotland. Mountains are part of the Biblical landscape, where they are places of encounter with God. For me, they are places where I see the immense scale, detail, force and wonder of God’s creation. There are moments when I have savoured the stillness and peace of an unparalleled view from a mountain peak. I sense God, and such moments inspire me to pray. So as I see the destruction of God’s creation due to the effects of climate change, I take the pledges that I make today very seriously. I will be eating less meat; I will be walking more often; I will be praying much more regularly on the challenges to God’s Creation and the urgent issues around climate change.

Today, I am also mindful of my role as Shepherd of the Diocese. It is a feature of our Church that much good work can remain hidden. This weekend, unusually, we are shining a light on what we do, so that you know about it and can share it. For over thirty years Brentwood Diocese has firmly refused to invest in tobacco or weapons manufacturers, into addition to those who produce pornography, or those who make chemical products that go against our teaching that all life is sacred. Now we have added to this; in the last three months we have divested completely from companies that produce or trade fossil fuel. In 2018 we became an employer that pays the real living wage, lifting families from poverty. The electricity and gas used in almost all our Diocesan buildings now comes from renewable sources.

To reinforce these Diocesan actions, and our personal pledges, today I urgently encourage every school and parish to work towards the Cafod LiveSimply award; this will have a great effect across East London and Essex. The Diocese is full of natural beauty, and we can help to enhance that, creating new havens for wildlife, volunteering with local charities, and growing fruit and vegetables on our land. Personally, I am very pleased to be helping to lead work which will seriously examine our use of energy in the Diocese, most especially in our buildings, and you will hear more about that in your own parish during 2022.

In an interview, Mother Teresa, now a Saint of our Church, was once asked about how her work with the poorest people in Calcutta could possibly make a difference, as there were so many of them. She replied, “Is what I am doing to serve the poor just a drop in the ocean? Yes. It is. But many drops make a different ocean.” Our personal pledges are drops in the ocean – but there are, at least, over 45,000 committed Catholics in our Diocese. That’s 135,000 pledges! Making sacrifices; listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. In this way, in the name of Jesus Christ, we can help to make a different ocean.

I ask you, with me, to offer it all in prayer: “Teach us afresh, Lord, to care for our common home in the way that you care for us Teach us afresh, Lord, to see ‘a trace of the Trinity’ in every part of creation Teach us afresh, Lord, the precious truth that each person we meet is a sister or brother of your Son, Jesus Christ.”

Yours in Christ and Mary Bishop Alan Williams, sm

Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Pope St John Paul II was deeply grieved by the paedophilia crisis. Shortly before he died he summoned all the bishops from the US to Rome and spoke to them of the gravity of the situation. In order to underline the seriousness with which he viewed this crime, he quoted from today’s Gospel reading: ‘Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him is a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown in the sea’. Sobering and really quite frightening words.

Sin & evil are a mystery. God is infinitely good, and the world we live in is wonderful and beautiful in so many ways, but we cannot escape the dark side, the shadows so prevalent both in our own nature and in the world at large. St Augustine famously reflected, ‘I sought whence evil comes from and there was no solution.’ His quest for answer to this dark problem led him ultimately to conversions to Christ and the living God. Years later he would say that ‘the mystery of lawlessness is clarified only in the light of the mystery of faith. ‘There is no escaping the reality of sin in human history and in our own lives. We, for our part, must resist the tendency so prevalent today to ignore it or to give it a name other than sin. This kind of approach is futile, because giving it another name does not change its awful reality.

Sin is really an abuse of our freedom as creatures, leading us into darkness and all kind of confusion. We are sinners, we live in a sinful work, and in this life at least we cannot be free from sin and its influence. However, we can resist it, we can overcome it, and we can learn to recognise and identify those movements in our own hearts and minds which lead us away from God and Christ.

OCTOBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: As we are about to enter the month of October, I would advocate that all our families pray a decade of the Rosary together every day. ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ There are plenty of rosaries for purchase in our parish repository; every Catholic should possess a rosary. It is a truly beautiful prayer, using the great mysteries of Jesus & Mary to help with our prayer. Use Google for guidelines on the rosary 24 best OCTOBER--MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY 4 CATHOLICS ...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

Davenant Foundation School Open Evening 7^th October; 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm. Please consult Davenant Website (Admissiions) for more details

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue.

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you!

Donate

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

IN JOY & THANKSGIVING: We congratulate two newly married couples this weekend. Gemma Munro & Marc Tuffs married on Friday; Sanusha Balachandran & Adrian Chiu married on Saturday. As they begin their married lives, may the Lord protect them and give them many graces and blessings.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Josephine Colebrook (Jo), who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 29^th September at 1.00pm at St Edmund’s, and Cremation at Forest Park Crematorium at 2.15pm

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Restoration of friendship with God If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will continue on Sunday 26^th September at 10.00am. Please put these class dates in your diary. Thank you! Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.

IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An irregualr marriage is one tht 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

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects. If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Media, Economics, English Language & Literature, English Literature, Film Studies, Food Tech, French, Geography, History, Maths & Further Maths, PE, Physics, Politics, Product Design (DT), Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, & Theatre Studies.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

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 will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The talk is on the 26th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address:

to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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

DIARY SEPTEMBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Giovanni Venturoli RIP And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021

Sat 25^th	10.00am	Conor Ferguson
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 25^th	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 26^th	9.00am	Ann Willsdon (sick) (McGeady Family)
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacaui Family)
Mon 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 28^st	10.00am	Sue McGuiggan (sick) (Kendal Family)
Wed 29^th	10.00am	Rose & Margaret Faloon RIP
Thurs 30^th	10.00am 10.30am	Dominic Donnelly RIP (M Ryan) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 1^stOctober	9.00am 10.30am	Kieran Halliwell RIP (G O’Donoghue) NO HOLY HOUR TODAY
Sat 2^nd	10.00am	NO MORNING MASS
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 2^nd	6.00pm	Thanksgiving (Teresa Fabri)
Sun 3^rd	9.00am	Luvina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 3^rd	11:00am	People of the Parish

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

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Numbers 11:25-29

The Lord came down in the Cloud. He spoke with Moses, but took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came on them they prophesied, but not again.

Two men had stayed back in the camp; one was called Eldad and the other Medad. The spirit came down on them; though they had not gone to the Tent, their names were enrolled among the rest. These began to prophesy in the camp. The young man ran to tell this to Moses, ‘Look,’ he said ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ Then said Joshua the son of Nun, who had served Moses from his youth, ‘My Lord Moses, stop them!’ Moses answered him, ‘Are you jealous on my account? If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):8,10,12-14

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

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.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

The fear of the Lord is holy,

abiding for ever.

The decrees of the Lord are truth

and all of them just.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

So in them your servant finds instruction;

great reward is in their keeping.

But who can detect all his errors?

From hidden faults acquit me.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

From presumption restrain your servant

and let it not rule me.

Then shall I be blameless,

clean from grave sin.

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.

Second Reading : James 5:1-6

An answer for the rich. Start crying, weep for the miseries that are coming to you. Your wealth is all rotting, your clothes are all eaten up by moths. All your gold and your silver are corroding away, and the same corrosion will be your own sentence, and eat into your body. It was a burning fire that you stored up as your treasure for the last days. Labourers mowed your fields, and you cheated them – listen to the wages that you kept back, calling out; realise that the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. On earth you have had a life of comfort and luxury; in the time of slaughter you went on eating to your heart’s content. It was you who condemned the innocent and killed them; they offered you no resistance.

Gospel : Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.

‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.’

Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

What were the disciples arguing about? Given that a good number of them were fishermen, were they comparing sizes of nets, boats or their biggest catch? Was Matthew boasting about the cash he had made during his time as a chief tax collector? Or was the row about physical prowess, stamina, or endurance (they were all men after all!)? Or was it about more personal matters, and to do with family wealth, their children, their wives?

Because we will never know, it is impossible to speculate (although good fun and an interesting exercise). There can be little doubt, however, that the detail of the row would have been at a very low level and clearly cast them all in a very poor light indeed. In a way, though, such incidents point to the utter reliability and authenticity of the Scriptures. Because if the Gospel writers were simply writing propaganda (as they can sometimes be accused of), they would have sought to gloss over or cover up this kind of embarrassing weakness and failure. Instead, their insecurity and self-doubt are on show for all the world to see for all time.

If you want to be great, Jesus tell them and us, become the least, the servant of all; better still, take on the disposition and attitude of a child (children and women were virtually non-citizens in these ancient cultures). The teaching isi staggering – so refreshing, so radical, so alternative, so counter-nature, let alone counter-cultural. There is true freedom in humility, bus it is always grounded in true knowledge of God and self. We grow in humility to the degree that we grow in our knowledge of God’s greatness and our smallness. ‘God is great’, is the prayer of the humble!

BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR: This week I had the joy and privilege of celebrating a wonderful Assembly with Kew Stage one children, and Holy Mass with Key Stage Two children at St. John Fisher School. It was the first time since March 2020 that we had been able to celebrate together. The children were absolutely wonderful. The younger ones were so vivacious in their answers to questions. I really look forward to more beautiful liturgies at the school over the next Academic Year. Please keep the school and the children in your prayers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:

a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.

Davenant Foundation School Open Evening 7^th October; 4.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.30pm. Please consult Davenant Website (Admissiions) for more details

g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue.

h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18^th – Friday 22^nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you!

With God’s Blessing for the coming week,

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

PARISH FINANCES: During the Pandemic, over the past 19 months, you may be aware that the Parish Finances took a bit of a nosedive. Unfortunately, with a large number of people not attending church anymore there has been a dramatic reduction in income. Many parishioners signed up for online giving (details across the page); some joined the Gift Aid Scheme and give through monthly direct debit. I would like to encourage all parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory. This is your act of thanksgiving to Almighty God, and of course, is the main source of upkeep for the parish. There are spare Gift Aid application Forms in the Porch if you would like to join the scheme; you have to be a Tax Payer to join. Also, as we are having great difficulty in paying in our weekly offertory now, due to the HSBC bank closing, and many other branches not taking counter pay-in, can I recommend more parishioners going over to GA scheme through weekly/monthly direct debit, or online giving! This would be so helpful! Thank you for your generosity!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Original Sin. If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00am and the children will be formally presented as candidates of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at the 11.00am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary. Thank you! Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.

DIARY SEPTEMBER 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Joseph Olivelle RIP, Gerard Pampellonne RIP. And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:

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 will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The first talk is on the 19th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: Please pray for the repose of the souls of Teresa Weight & Josephine Colebrook who passed away this week. We extend our condolences to their families in this time of great loss

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects. If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 18^th	10.00am	Veronique Marc RIP (Mary Marc-Peterkin)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Margaret & Frank Irving RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (John & Sue Campbell)
Sun 19^th	11:00am	Rose Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)
Mon 20^th	10.00am 10.30am	Jhana Marc-Peterkin’s Ints (M M-Peterkin) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 21^st	10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (Frank Westcott)
Wed 22^nd	10.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (Veronica & Steve Short)
Thurs 23^rd	10.00am 10.30am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 24^th	10.00am 10.30am	Thanksgiving (Mary Marc-Peterkin) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 25^th	10.00am	Conor Ferguson
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 25^th	6.00pm	Mary Gilligan RIP (John Connolly)
Sun 26^th	9.00am	Ann Willsdon (sick) (McGeady Family)
Sun 26^th	11:00am	Ludwina Yazon Alfonso RIP (Bacani Family)

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

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Wisdom 2:12,17-20

The godless say to themselves:

‘Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us

and opposes our way of life,

reproaches us for our breaches of the law

and accuses us of playing false to our upbringing.

‘Let us see if what he says is true,

let us observe what kind of end he himself will have.

If the virtuous man is God’s son, God will take his part

and rescue him from the clutches of his enemies.

Let us test him with cruelty and with torture,

and thus explore this gentleness of his

and put his endurance to the proof.

Let us condemn him to a shameful death

since he will be looked after – we have his word for it.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 53(54):3-6,8

The Lord upholds my life.

O God, save me by your name;

by your power, uphold my cause.

O God, hear my prayer;

listen to the words of my mouth.

The Lord upholds my life.

For proud men have risen against me,

ruthless men seek my life.

They have no regard for God.

The Lord upholds my life.

But I have God for my help.

The Lord upholds my life.

I will sacrifice to you with willing heart

and praise your name for it is good.

The Lord upholds my life.

Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3

Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony, and wicked things of every kind being done; whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure; it also makes for peace, and is kindly and considerate; it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.

Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven’t got it; so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition that you cannot satisfy; so you fight to get your way by force. Why you don’t have what you want is because you don’t pray for it; when you do pray and don’t get it, it is because you have not prayed properly, you have prayed for something to indulge your own desires.

Gospel : Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, ‘The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.

They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The goal and purpose of the Christian life are to reveal the person of Jesus, in who the whole of God’s eternal design reached fulfilment and perfection. This is exactly the understanding that St. Peter comes to in today’s reading. Mere flesh and blood could not have opened his mind to this truth; he could never have figured it out by his natural ability. He received a revelation form God the Father, who opened his mind and his heart to humbly acknowledge Jesus as the Christ.

The word ‘Christ’ comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew ‘Messiah’, which means ‘anointed’. In Israel those consecrated to God for a mission that he gave were anointed in his name. This was the case for kings, priests, and in rare instances, prophets. Through grace of revelation, St Peter understood that this was the name and title proper to Jesus. Jesus is Messiah, the Christ, the Lord’s Anointed, and he fulfilled the messianic hope of Israel in his threefold office of priest, prophet and King.

The Holy Spirit works in us, as he did in St Peter, so that we too can proclaim with heartfelt faith ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ to the glory of God the Father. The sublime mystery of God made man is at the very heart of the faith which the apostles handed on to us: ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal which was with the Father and was made manifesto us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to your so that you may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

STAY ALERT: In listening to the daily Covid reports, there are still a high number of people who are contracting this awful disease. Please be as careful and attentive as you can. Protect yourselves and others. We will continue to employ the use of face masks at Mass each day; with hand sanitisation at entry and exit of the church; our track & trace system is still in place, but thankfully we have had no cases reported at church. Unfortunately, it appears that we have to live with Covid, and try to make the best of the situation we have; but always being protective of one another is important!

Dear Friends in Christ, 24th Sunday of the Year 2021

Last weekend we had the most people here at Mass since the Pandemic began back in March 2020. It was truly wonderful to see, and may I continue to encourage you all to share and celebrate in our weekend masses. We can only hope and pray that the Covid situation will not be too difficult over the autumn and winter period. That’s why we all need to continue to take care of ourselves and one another. welcome church clipart - Clip Art Library

During this coming week we will have the first of our Parents’ Meetings for the First Holy Communion Programme on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the parish hall. As you’re aware, due to Covid we had to cancel last year’s programme. So this year, we will have two year groups 3 & 4. This is an Information evening, where parents are introduced to our Catechists, and all relevant information re the programme will be shared; I will also share with you some guidelines in preparation for the children’s first session on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00am in the Parish Hall. (Enrolment Mass at 11am). The Golden Book which will be presented by you to your children costs £20. Please bring along your money for the book. The Catechists and I would like to encourage parents to join the sessions on a Sunday morning. It would be good for you to see how we teach the programme. Please pray for all the children this year.

PARISH FINANCES: During the Pandemic, over the past 19 months, you may be aware that the Parish Finances took a bit of a nosedive. Unfortunately, with a large number of people not attending church anymore there has been a dramatic reduction in income. Many parishioners signed up for online giving (details below); some joined the Gift Aid Scheme and give through monthly direct debit. I would like to encourage all parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory. This is your act of thanksgiving to Almighty God, and of course, is the main source of upkeep for the parish. There are spare Gift Aid application Forms in the Porch if you would like to join the scheme; you have to be a Tax Payer to join. Also, as we are having great difficulty in paying in our weekly offertory now, due to the HSBC bank closing, and many other branches not taking counter pay-in, can I recommend more parishioners going over to GA scheme through weekly/monthly direct debit, or online giving! This would be so helpful! Thank you for your generosity!

May God Bless You All

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If anyone else is interested in joining the RCIA Journey of Faith programme, please come along to the Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday. We had an introductory evening last Thursday; but it’s still not too late to join the programme. If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The programme will commence with a Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00, and the children will be formally presented as candidates of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at the 11.00am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary. Thank you!

ALTAR SOCIETY: A very big thank you to all who joined us for the Grand Clean of the Church this weekend, your help was truly appreciated. 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!

LIVE-STREAMING IN THE PARISH: Literally from day one of the Pandemic we have live-streamed Mass in the Parish. It truly was a life-saver for many when the church was closed for nearly 5 months during last year. Hopefully with more and more returning to the weekly practice of faith once again, we will only be live-streaming the 11am Mass on Sunday’s now, encouraging our people to return to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist together. Weekday livestreaming will continue for the sick & housebound.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – SIXTH FORM:

We have limited places available in the following A Level subjects. If you would like to apply, please email sixthformadmissions@tchs.uk.net with a copy of your GCSE results.

FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION

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 will take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The first talk is on the 19th September and will consider the question: “What is the relationship between faith and reason?” It will be given by Fr Mark Swires, the chaplain at the University of Essex. If you would like to join this discussion please email your name and a contact email address to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org

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

SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022: Always in September, the parents of children who are in Year 6 at Primary School will receive notification of the Admissions procedure to take place in securing a place for your child in September 2022. Whichever school you chose for your child should always be made in light of the information given by the school, and not on hearsay from other parents. As Roman Catholics we have a moral obligation to support our Roman Catholic Schools, both Primary & Secondary. We are very fortunate to have a Primary School in our own Parish. Our Local Catholic Secondary School is Trinity in Woodford Green. This school is fed by nine parishes in the locality and we are number 4 on the list. The Prerequisites are very clear and are known by Catholics in our parishes. Your child must be a Baptised, practicing (weekly attendance) Roman Catholics; not just making an appearance a few weeks before applications are made. Every priest has the right to refuse the signing of a form if applications are made by non-practicing Catholics, or incorrect information has been submitted. This also applies to applications to other Christian Schools. Only if a school is not oversubscribed will a non-practicing Catholic’s application be considered. PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ ALL THE RELEVANT LITERATURE WITH REGARDS THE APPLICATIONS PROCESS. THANK YOU!

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 11^th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP (O’Regan & Tuson Families)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	People of the Parish.
Mon 13^th	10.00am 10.30am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 14^th	10.00am	Maria & Joao Servo RIP, Modesta & Joaquim Alves RIP
Wed 15^th	10.00am	Irene Olivelle (sick) (Veronica, Margaret & Pat)
Thurs 16^th	10.00am 10.30am	Emma Syrett & Family (Ann Petch) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 17^th	10.00am 10.30am	Tony Tyler RIP (M Ryan) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 18^th	10.00am	Veronique Marc RIP (Mary Marc-Peterkin)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 18^th	6.00pm	Margaret & Frank Irving RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 19^th	9.00am	Pat Pinagli RIP (John & Sue Campbell)
Sun 20^th	11:00am	Rose Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)

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

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

I did not cover my face

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?

Then let us go to court together.

Who thinks he has a case against me?

Let him approach me.

The Lord is coming to my help,

who will dare to condemn me?

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 114(116):1-6,8-9

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

I love the Lord for he has heard

the cry of my appeal;

for he turned his ear to me

in the day when I called him.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

They surrounded me, the snares of death,

with the anguish of the tomb;

they caught me, sorrow and distress.

I called on the Lord’s name.

O Lord, my God, deliver me!

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

How gracious is the Lord, and just;

our God has compassion.

The Lord protects the simple hearts;

I was helpless so he saved me.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

He has kept my soul from death,

my eyes from tears

and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord

in the land of the living.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.

Second Reading: James 2:14-18

Take the case, my brothers, of someone who has never done a single good act but claims that he has faith. Will that faith save him? If one of the brothers or one of the sisters is in need of clothes and has not enough food to live on, and one of you says to them, ‘I wish you well; keep yourself warm and eat plenty’, without giving them these bare necessities of life, then what good is that? Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead.

This is the way to talk to people of that kind: ‘You say you have faith and I have good deeds; I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds – now you prove to me that you have faith without any good deeds to show.’

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Jesus and his disciples left for the villages round Caesarea Philippi. On the way he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ And they told him. ‘John the Baptist,’ they said ‘others Elijah; others again, one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he asked ‘who do you say I am?’ Peter spoke up and said to him, ‘You are the Christ.’ And he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man was destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

He called the people and his disciples to him and said, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.

Statement of Bishop Alan for Education Sunday, 2021

Please read out and/or make available to parishioners

during the weekend of the 11/12th September

Education Sunday is a day on which can we focus on the wonderful work that is done in Catholic schools up and down the country. The last year has been a challenging time for all, as we have had to face the full impact of the pandemic and find new ways to live and work. Only time will show the full impact of the days that our children have had to stay at home and try to study. There are, I fear, some areas of inequality in the provision of the pupils’ learning, which may impinge on their development for some time. Having said that however, I know that the schools in the diocese have worked tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the children. On behalf of the diocese, I offer my deep gratitude to our Catholic schools for all that they have done and achieved during the pandemic.

When the Catholic hierarchy was re-established in the ninetieth century, one of the first actions was to establish schools to support the Catholic community and help them overcome the many obstacles, including illiteracy, in the way of so many people. In our times the call to make Education a priority has not diminished in any way. As your bishop I heed the call of Pope Leo XIII given over a hundred years ago when he called on the bishops of the world to carry on “making the young your chief care; press onward in every way your work; and cultivate with enthusiasm and hopefulness whatever good seeds you find: for God, who is rich in mercy will give the increase.”[1]

In recent times some of our schools have had to face hostile approaches from those who do not share our vision for Catholic education. They would want to influence the direction of travel for their own purposes rather than for the benefit of the children and young people in our Catholic schools. Pope Francis writes that “Education is an enterprise that demands cooperation on the part of all involved – the family, the school and social, cultural and religious institutions.”[2] A positive way of achieving this cooperation which, in turn, furthers the vision and tradition of those pioneers, is for our schools to work more closely together by joining Catholic Multi Academy Trusts (CMATs). Whilst this may be in line with thinking coming out of national Government it is also genuinely my firm belief that this is the best future for our schools. It is an opportunity for schools to work together actively and formally to shape the Catholic education system in their locality. It is this approach that will enable high standards of Catholic education to be maintained and where schools can contribute more widely as beacons of good practice in the local community. Indeed, where CMATs have been established in our diocese benefits have already been identified, including financial savings, greater inter-school support and renewal of the mission they share as Catholic schools.

As the pandemic recedes and a growing sense of normality returns, I know that we will be able to move forward collaboratively with the wonderful work of enabling our young people to reach their full potential. I encourage all associated with our Catholic schools, as Pope Francis has said, to “persevere with courage and tenacity”[3]. Once again, thank you to all who work in and support Catholic education whether as pupils, staff, governors or parents. I will keep you in my prayers and ask that you join me in praying for the flourishing of our Catholic School communities.

Yours in Christ and Mary,

Bishop Alan, sm

Bishop of Brentwood

[1] Spectata Fides p.6 1885

[2] Address of his Holiness Pope Francis to participants at the seminar “Education: the global compact”

[3] Ibid

Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

St Mark records: ‘looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed, and said to him, ‘Ephatha’ that is, ‘Be opened’. What did Jesus mean at that sigh? Did it express a sense of relief or of frustration or even exasperation and despair? Click to see printable version of Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind Coloring page

We know for sure that Jesus was often astounded by people’s lack of faith. Strikingly, the man in today’s miracle was healed despite not expressing any explicit faith in Jesus. He was not healed against his will, but there is no evidence that he participated in the healing process. In Isaiah, God promises that the Messiah would do the very miracle that Jesus had just done: ‘Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped…the tongues of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, the streams in the desert.’ The Holy Spirit is at work in all our lives to open our eyes and ears and loosen our tongues so that we can sing the praises of God for what he has done in Christ.

All of this is wonderful and true and for it we praise and thank God. However, there can be no escaping that St Mark is recording for us an actual healing miracle, demonstrating Jesus’ power over sickness and disease. We need to consider the question of whether such miracles can happen today. Once again, we turn to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for its wisdom and guidance: ‘Christ invites his disciples to follow him by taking up their cross in their turn. By following him they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick’. What is this new outlook? It must be the new outlook of Christ who said to the Apostles: ‘Heal the sick!’ The Church has received this charge from the lord himself and strives to carry it out praying for the sick.

AS OUR SCHOOLS RE-OPEN: This past week our Catholic Primary School, St John Fisher opened after the summer recess. This coming week the remainder of our schools will reopen. We pray that all of our staff, students and children will have had a wonderful rest over the summer and return refreshed and ready for another academic year. The past 19 months have been difficult, and catching up with education is a gargantuan task. Congratulations to all of our high school young people who received their exam results. Some will now be preparing to go off to University & College; wishing them every happiness in their pursuits. Let us ask God’s blessing on this new Academic Year.

Dear Friends in Christ, 23^rd Sunday of the Year

Unlike last year, hopefully we are able to resume all of our Catechetical Programmes. Therefore, our First Holy Communion Programme will commence in a couple of weeks’ time. This year there will be two year groups preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist, Years three and four. Our RCIA Programme will commence this coming week on Thursday 9^th September at 7.30pm at the Presbytery. It is hoped that there will not be any further interference with lockdowns and remote learning. Some semblance of normality needs to be maintained during the coming months.

Obviously, this Pandemic has not gone away, and I have been flabbergasted to hear the number of people still contracting Coronavirus on a daily basis. I know we will have to live with this disease for the foreseeable future, and we should all be aware and conscious of one another in our protection of our health. While in church, I would continue to recommend the use of face-coverings, hand sanitisation, track & trace slips, and respecting each other’s space. If we are all sensible we will keep ourselves safe and well.

I have been so heartened by so many of our parishioners who have faithfully who are present at Holy Mass weekly; it’s truly wonderful to see. One person who rang me regularly throughout this pandemic stated; “I don’t know what I would have done without my faith; it’s the one thing that’s kept me going.” I’m sure a sentiment shared by many! It’s strange that in the times of crisis you often see the most extraordinary responses of kindness and generosity. I commend our Stewards, our Altar Society members, and many others for your selfless acts of charity and generosity. I really do hope more and more parishioners will return to the regular practice of faith. There’s one thing I’ve realised personally, that I can’t do this on my own, and I need the family of the church around me. You are the Church, and your presence is a blessing! If you’re finding it difficult to return to church on Sunday, why not come to one of our weekday masses at 10.00am each day. welcome church clipart - Clip Art Library

Holy Mass will be live-streamed for the sick & housebound during the week at 10.00am and on Sunday’s at 11.00am Please join us!

May God Bless You All,

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY- URGENT APPEAL: Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. Our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 19 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

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

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Faith possibly with the view of receiving the Easter Sacraments in 2022. I am hoping to begin our programme in September, following a systematic instruction in all aspects of Catholicism. It would be wonderful to have a few people on the programme. Could you spread the word about please! If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr. John at the Presbytery for more detials on Tel No: 020 8508 3492. Start Date for Programme: Thursday 9^th September 2021.

CHURCH CLEANING -Next Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am. If you’re able to give an hour or so we would be truly grateful, just turn up and there will be plenty to do or contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com We pride ourselves on how beautiful the church is kept.

ALTAR SOCIETY: Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

https://clipground.com/images/food-bank-clip-art-3.jpg

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.vQe71L665VCOoS3E3k5yEQHaNX&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 35:4-7

Say to all faint hearts,

‘Courage! Do not be afraid.

Look, your God is coming,

vengeance is coming,

the retribution of God;

he is coming to save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

the ears of the deaf unsealed,

then the lame shall leap like a deer

and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy;

for water gushes in the desert,

streams in the wasteland,

the scorched earth becomes a lake,

the parched land springs of water.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 145(146):7-10

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

the Lord, who sets prisoners free.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

who raises up those who are bowed down.

It is the Lord who loves the just,

the Lord, who protects the stranger.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

The Lord upholds the widow and orphan

but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

Zion’s God, from age to age.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Second Reading : James 2:1-5

My brothers, do not try to combine faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord, with the making of distinctions between classes of people. Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, beautifully dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time a poor man comes in, in shabby clothes, and you take notice of the well-dressed man, and say, ‘Come this way to the best seats’; then you tell the poor man, ‘Stand over there’ or ‘You can sit on the floor by my foot-rest.’ Can’t you see that you have used two different standards in your mind, and turned yourselves into judges, and corrupt judges at that?

Listen, my dear brothers: it was those who are poor according to the world that God chose, to be rich in faith and to be the heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

Gospel : Mark 7:31-37

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. ‘He has done all things well,’ they said ‘he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.’

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 4^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Maria Julia Torrielli de Montoya RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25^th Wedding Anniversary (Steve & Teresa Wallace)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Tom O’Donovan RIP (Moira & Brian Carter)
Mon 6^th	10.00am10.30am	Pat Pinagli RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 7^th	10.00am	Caroline Akinyemi (Get Well) (Geraldine O’Donoghue)
Wed 8^th	10.00am	Dominic McLaughlin Sp Int (Michael & Gemma)
Thurs 9^th	10.00am10.30am	Janique Stanislaus RIP (M Marc-Peterkin)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 10^th	10.00am 10.30am	Mary Gillard (get well) (G O’Donoghue)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 11^th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 11^th	6.00pm	Jane & Stephen Barrett RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Sun 12^th	9.00am	Yvonne Grace RIP (O’Regan & Tuson Families)
Sun 12^th	11:00am	People of the Parish.

Twenty-Second Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

To truly grasp the Good News we have to understand the ‘bad news’: the Fall of Man or Original Sin. We can lose sight of this profound truth, which eloquently explains the darkness and evil in the human condition. For Jesus, the problem is the human heart. He shines his spotlight onto it, and what is revealed is not pretty. It can be sobering and rather disturbing to be confronted with the state of our own hearts.

The Lord is forthright and direct about the dark forces at work in the human heart. He says that inside the human person are the following dark drives and impulses: ‘evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, greed, malice, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.’ Do you recognise yourself? Does this describe your heart? Or do you find this diagnosis (so to speak) too depressing or overly negative? While without doubt the human heart, created in the image and likeness of God, is capable of great nobility, dignity and heroism, nevertheless there lurks deep within us another side to our characters and personalities. We do not shout about it, we don’t like it, and only those open to the convicting work of the Spirit can see it clearly, but the truth is that we have a ‘dark side’.

Socrates taught us, to ‘know thyself’. The Holy Spirit teaches us, too, to know ourselves because it is only the Holy Spirit who can show us sin but also show us the remedy – repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit, too, gives us wisdom to understand.

ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On behalf of the whole parish we welcome all of our children back to school this coming week on Thursday. I trust you’ve all had a good summer break and are well rested. A very special welcome to Mr Ian Kendal, one of our own parishioners, who will be acting Interim Headteacher until a new Headteacher is appointed. I truly appreciate Ian stepping in to help us during this interim period, as he is also the Head of the Harlow Academy Trust. Also we welcome Mrs Sarah Dodd who is our newly appointed Deputy Head teacher. Let us ask God’s blessing on this new academic year that it may be fruitful and filled with many graces.

Dear Friends in Christ, 22^nd Sunday of the Year
welcome church clipart - Clip Art Library

This is the last public holiday weekend before Christmas. And as we rapidly approach the end of the summer holidays, and the children prepare to return to school, let us reflect on the past 8 months. At the beginning of the year we saw an incredible spike in Coronavirus cases with the Delta variant; many people were sick and also many lost their lives to this terrible disease, some from our own parish. With the advent of the vaccine we have seen approximately 90% of the population taking the opportunity of having the jab, and nearly 75% who have had both jabs. We’re not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting each other.

It would be true to say that since March 2020 our Catholic lives have been completely disrupted. We were closed on two separate occasions for a period of nearly 5 months. Personally it was very hard on a daily basis walking into an empty church and only being allowed to live-stream, but at the same time, I was so glad that you were able to access the livestreaming and have contact with the church. As more and more people have been jabbed, I have seen a slow and gradual return by many to weekly mass, this is very heartening. Sadly, the reality is that some will not return to the practice of the faith, I pray about this on a daily basis; but we all have free will, and many have found that they can manage without being practicing Catholics. Free Welcome Back Clipart Black And White, Download Free Welcome ...

In conscience, if we are true to ourselves and to God, we know what’s asked of us is very little; to give one hour a week to express our thanks to God for everything that he gives to us is not much to ask – Our health & happiness, our families, our homes, food on the table, our employment, friendship; the list can go on and on. Life is not a dress rehearsal, every day it’s the real thing; and as we only pass this way but once, it would be a great shame if there were missed opportunities in the life of faith. Reflecting on what Jesus did for us, the least we can do for him is to give him one hour a week! The Lord is always calling us home!

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. Our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless you All,

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

ALTAR SOCIETY: Grand Church Clean next Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am PLEASE COME AND HELP US FOR AN HOUR OR SO!

Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

MASS INTENTIONS: There are plenty of openings for Mass Intentions in the parish diary. If you would like a mass celebrated for a special intention; deceased family members; birthdays etc. Please complete Mass Intention envelope and return to the Presbytery as soon as possible please! Fr John will always try to accommodate the date you’ve requested. Thank you!

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2021

Sat 28^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Nicanor Rey Zulueta RIP (Melinda Staines)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25^th Wedding Anniversary
Sun 29^th	11:00am	People of the Parish
Mon 30^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 31^st	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Wed 1^stSeptember	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Thurs 2^nd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 3^rd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 4^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott’s Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 4^th	6.00pm	Maria Julia Torrielli de Montoya RIP (Tina & David Hattrell)
Sun 5^th	9.00am	Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal 25^th Wedding Anniversary (Steve & Teresa Wallace)
Sun 5^th	11:00am	Tom O’Donovan RIP (Moira & Brian Carter)

Twenty-First Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The disciples could be slow on the uptake; they could be dull and passive, and they often misunderstood and missed the point. Today, however, they are spot on and show that they have indeed understood what Jesus was teaching. In fact, so clear and crisp is their grasp of Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist that many turned back and no longer followed him. In fact, as if in unison they declared in protest, “This is intolerable language; how could anyone accept it?”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church sheds light on this reaction: ‘The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalised them: ‘This is a hard saying, who can listen to is?’ The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks. It is the same mystery and it never ceases to be an occasion of division. ‘Will you also go away?’ The Lord’s question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has the words of eternal life and that to receive in faith the gift of the Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself.’ (CCC. 1336).

The Holy Spirit helps us comprehend the miracle of the Eucharist. Perhaps we receive the Eucharist week after week without pondering and reflecting on the awesome privilege it is to receive Christ in this way? What is truly shocking and scandalous about the Eucharist is that the gift held out to us is that of the whole Christ. The body and blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ, is truly, really and substantially made present to us. In other words, Jesus is made real and present in the most full and complete sense. Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is substantial in that he himself in wholly and entirely present. What a gift! What a blessing! What a grace!

COVID UPDATE: This week our 16 & 17 year olds are being encoruaged to take up the vaccination against Covid. As the schools prepare to open up at the beginning of September this is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to protect themselves against this terrible virus. I truly believe we all have a moral responsbility to protect each other and the more people who have the jab the safer we will feel.

Dear Friends in Christ, 21^st Sunday of the Year

Once again it was very heartening to see so many of our parishioners returning to weekly mass. I remember when we opened last year one parishioner had said to me the thing she missed most of all was being present with the community week by week, and receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. To be deprived of so great a gift was almost too much to bear. The Eucharist is our weekly life source; we are nourished & fed by the Lord Jesus himself. The Eucharist strengthens our faith, empowers us to bear witness to Christ in our daily lives.

Unfortunately, this terrible Pandemic has taken its toll on many people’s lives in all sorts of different ways. There are still a lot of people who are very apprehensive and sacred about venturing out and mixing with people once again. We have all lost nearly 18 months of our lives through this terrible disease; and tragically, many have lost loved ones. But with more and more being vaccinated there is some hope for the future. Trying to regain some semblance of normality in our everyday existence is the aspiration of everyone. If we are all sensible and aware of each other this can probably be achieved.

I would like to invite all of our parishioners to return to the weekly practice of faith. As most of you know by now we have taken all measures possible to protect everyone who attends weekly mass. Your health & safety are of supreme importance. Thankfully, we haven’t had one single case cited through the attending of weekly mass. Being united together in faith was the wish of the Lord Jesus, ‘that they all be one’. Please ponder and reflect on these sentiments.

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Last week our local HSBC Bank closed for the last time. The parish and diocese bank with HSBC and our account has been transferred to Walthamstow. Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. As I have already mentioned our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless You All This Week

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

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

ALTAR SOCIETY: Grand Church Clean on Saturday 11^th September at 9.30am PLEASE COME AND HELP US FOR AN HOUR OR SO!

Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean? During lockdown we have only asked for a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass-ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank during these difficult times. The Foodbank 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: Long-life fruit juice, tinned tomatoes, instant mash, tinned fish, tinned peas, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, small jars of instant coffee, small or medium bags of rice, sponge pudding, snack bars, chocolate bars, chocolate spread and savoury crackers Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGES FOR 2022/23: If anyone is planning on getting married wihin the next 18 months, could you kindly make contact with the Church. As the Pandemic has delayed many marriages over the past 17 months, there is now a catch-up taking place, and many people have had to rescedule their weddings and receptions accordingly. For marriages abroad, we need at least nine months notice, as all the documentation has to be completed at least two months in advance of the wedding and sent abroad. There is also an Engaged Couple’s Marriage Prepraration Programme to complete; which is a requirement for Catholic Marriage. For those couples getting married in your own parish church, a six month notification is needed. There is now a new format for the Civil Registration of Marriage. There is no more signing of registers, this is now abrogated for a simpler form of signatures; but all of these procedures take time. So please notify the church in plenty of time for weddings. Thank you!

GARDENING: Is there any parishioner/s who would be willing to cut the hedge in the front garden of the presbytery for me; also trim some of the shrubs and bushes along the path leading to the church, I’d be truly grateful. There is a hedge trimmer in the garage at the back of the Presbytery.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Martin Duffy RIP & For all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW.

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 21^st	10.00am	David Faud RIP B’day Anni ( The Rooney Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Martin Duffy RIP 2^nd Anni (Sarah Duffy)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	For sick family members (Peter Wright)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Thanksgiving B’d Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Mon 23^rd	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 24^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Wed 25^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
Thurs 26^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	COMMUNION SERVICE Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 28^th	10.00am	COMMUNION SERVICE
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 28^th	6.00pm	Nicanor Rey Zulueta RIP (Melinda Staines)
Sun 29^th	9.00am	For the Int’s of Anne-Marie & Ian Kendal on their 25^th Wedding Anniversary
Sun 29^th	11:00am	People of the Parish

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Joshua 24:1-2,15-18

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem; then he called the elders, leaders, judges and scribes of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Then Joshua said to all the people, ‘If you will not serve the Lord, choose today whom you wish to serve, whether the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are now living. As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.’

The people answered, ‘We have no intention of deserting the Lord and serving other gods! Was it not the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery, who worked those great wonders before our eyes and preserved us all along the way we travelled and among all the peoples through whom we journeyed? What is more, the Lord drove all those peoples out before us, as well as the Amorites who used to live in this country. We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33(34):2-3,16-23

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked

to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The Lord turns his eyes to the just

and his ears to their appeal.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

They call and the Lord hears

and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;

those whose spirit is crushed he will save.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Many are the trials of the just man

but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,

not one of his bones shall be broken.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Evil brings death to the wicked;

those who hate the good are doomed.

The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.

Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : Ephesians 5:21-32

Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy. He made her clean by washing her in water with a form of words, so that when he took her to himself she would be glorious, with no speck or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and faultless. In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies; for a man to love his wife is for him to love himself. A man never hates his own body, but he feeds it and looks after it; and that is the way Christ treats the Church, because it is his body – and we are its living parts. For this reason, a man must leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one body. This mystery has many implications; but I am saying it applies to Christ and the Church.

Gospel : John 6:60-69

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

‘It is the spirit that gives life,

the flesh has nothing to offer.

The words I have spoken to you are spirit

and they are life.

‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/The-Assumption-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary–2021-e15ukjs/a-a6bnbs3

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

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

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

COVID UPDATE: As more and more of the country opens up, we still need to be vigilant during the Pandemic. It has not gone away, and there are many countries in the world that are suffering really badly. Protecting each other is fundmentally at the heart of our daily living. Encouraging all to receive the vaccination is extrmely important. At church we continue to abide by health and sefety guideleines; Face coverings; hand sanitisation; track & trace paper slips; communion under one species; ventilation in the church. It’s wonderful to see so many parishioners retruning to the weekly practice of the faith. Sunday Masses have resumed the old schedule: Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.00pm. Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am

Dear Friends in Christ, The Assumption of the BVM

Once again it was truly wonderful to see so many of our parishioners, who have returned to regular practice of faith through Sunday Mass. I would like to encourage the whole parish community to take heart in all the measures we have taken to protect health and safety here in the parish church. As the country slowly opens up, there still maybe those who are apprehensive and scared. Never before in our lifetimes have we experienced anything quite like this Pandemic. It’s affected the whole world. Here in the UK we are streets ahead of many other countries throughout the world with nearly 90% on the population being vaccinated, and 74% with second vaccinations. This is remarkable, and hopefully the numbers will start to reduce of people contracting the virus. 16 to 18 year olds have now also been given the go ahead for vaccinations. The Church will continue the highest health and safety standards. Over a two week period we were checked by our health and safety officer and have received an excellent report back, which I’m truly grateful for.

I thank the whole of our community for being so understanding during the past 18 months, it’s not been easy. We are trying to move forwards. To those who have got out of the habit of coming to Church – obviously we opened up back in July 2020 – but I would really encourage all families to make that very special effort to return to the weekly practice of faith. As Roman Catholics we belong to a community of faith, and together we are strong and united in Christ Jesus. I think the whole community for your ongoing Weekly Support through your Offertory. All parishes have experienced a dramatic drop in income, and now we have to cut our cloth accordingly! Hand lettering words Thank you with floral wreath

PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Last Friday our local HSBC Bank closed for the last time. The parish and diocese bank with HSBC and our account has been transferred to Walthamstow. Could I encourage our parishioners to seriously think about your weekly offertory and going on to a direct debit scheme? Please remember to quote your Gift Aid number when you set up the direct debit. My thanks to all those who have already done this! You can also give online, details on the opposite page. As I have already mentioned our weekly offertory has taken a dramatic hit over the past 18 months. Thank you to all parishioners who give so generously each week to keep the parish afloat.

May God Bless You All This Week

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

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

A LEVEL & GCSE RESULTS: Congratulations to all our young people on their A Level & GCSE results. I hope you all gained the grades you need for University & Sixth Form! Obviously this has been a difficult year with regards examinations, and talking to some of our young people, they had to work even harder for teacher assessments on their work. I pray that all our young people will get the required results they need to pursue their chosen subjects in the future.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Pinagli, long time parishioners at St. Edmund’s, who passed away during the week. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 19^th August at 1.00pm at St. Edmund’s. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss.

PARISH REPOSITORY: There are a large number of gifts and cards available in the Repository. There are rosaries, statues, medals, candles, special cards, prayer crosses, Anniversary Cards for all occasions, and many other items that would be suitable gifts for all occasions. Please leave your money in the basket provided. Thanks

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY:

Can you help please? During the pandemic, the work of the Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society (bccs) in counselling and supporting children and their families in need throughout the Diocese has greatly increased. During this time, bccs has been unable to run many of its fund-raising events to assist with the cost of supporting this vital work and income has dropped significantly as a result.

A major fund-raising event, called ‘bccs Relay 100’, has recently been launched by Bishop Alan on behalf of bccs which involves 100 legs and links every parish in the Diocese. Volunteers from each parish are invited to walk, run or jog one or more of these legs – each leg being a distance of several miles between two or three of their own and surrounding parishes. They will be in good company, because Bishop Alan has already completed one of the legs!

Here in Loughton, the Burrowes, Poulter and Jewell families have kindly agreed to walk some of these legs to represent our Parish in this cross-Diocese event and it would be much appreciated if many of us could sponsor them.

Our three volunteer families are aware, as we all are, of the many calls for support from worthwhile charities during these difficult times and may not wish to bother you unduly, but bccs as you know is an extremely worthwhile cause close to our hearts and we hope that you feel able to sponsor them.

You can do this in any of the following ways:

By offering your sponsor donation directly to them.

By donating through the website https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Relay100

By sending your donation to bccs, Childcare House, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh, SS6 9EH

By making your donation via on-line banking to Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society, account number 31094130 and sort code 40 13 22

Whichever way you choose, kindly mention our Parish and the name(s) of our volunteers who you are sponsoring. Also, if you are a tax payer, please confirm if you are willing for your donation to be Gift-Aided.

We know that bccs will be extremely grateful for whatever donation, large or small, you can offer to sponsor our Parish walkers in this important Diocese-wide fund-raising event. Thank you very much.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.alBlzI8cXHuxCkkY1-jE7QHaHa&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300

HOLIDAYS: As we’re in the midst of the the holiday season of the year. I would like to wish all of our families a happy holiday. I hope you will be able to take a break and possibly get away for a while. For many of us, it’s been nearly two years since we’ve had a break. Everyone needs that special time away to recharge batteries. Have a good rest and relaxation. With the lifting of restrictions, people may even be able to get abroad. Continue to keep safe and well. Although we are nearly 90% vaccinated here in UK, it’s not the same in Europe.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Martin Duffy RIP & For all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

FR JOHN CAN HELP YOU, AS THIS WAS HIS AREA OF SPECIALITY WHEN STUDYING CANON LAW

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 14^th	10.00am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	David Staines B’day Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Robert Taylor RIP (Eileen Lee)
Mon 16^th	10.00am 10.30am	Teresa Kane RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 17^th	10.00am	John Patrick Gormley (John Gormley)
Wed 18^th	10.00am	Mary Faherty B’day Int’s (K Faherty)
Thurs 19^th	10.00am 10.30am 1.00pm	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament Requiem Mass. PATRICIA PINAGLI RIP
Fri 20^th	10.00am 10.30am	Andrew Hurley’s Int’s (K Faherty) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 21^st	10.00am	David Faud RIP B’day Anni ( The Rooney Family)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 21^st	6.00pm	Martin Duffy RIP (2^nd Anni) (Sarah Duffy)
Sun 22^nd	9.00am	For sick family members (Peter Wright)
Sun 22^nd	11:00am	Thanksgiving B’d Int’s (Melinda Staines)

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Solemnity

First Reading : Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10

The sanctuary of God in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it.

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready.

Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 44(45):10-12,16

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.

On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:

forget your own people and your father’s house.

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

So will the king desire your beauty:

He is your lord, pay homage to him.

They are escorted amid gladness and joy;

they pass within the palace of the king.

On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.

Second Reading : 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is to be put under his feet.

Gospel : Luke 1:39-56

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.’

And Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit exults in God my saviour;

because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.

Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,

for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name,

and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.

He has shown the power of his arm,

he has routed the proud of heart.

He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.

The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.

He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy

– according to the promise he made to our ancestors –

of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD

The Nineteenth Sunday of the Year, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Despite him miraculously feeding them, the people took offence ‘How can he say he came down from heaven?’ they ask. ‘we know who he is. He is Mary & Joseph’s son.’ Flesh and blood cannot grasp the mystery of God made man. Jesus said: ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws hum’. God draws people to himslef; he tteaches so that they can believe in him.

Sadly, nowawdays many people reject Jesus as a miracle-worker or divine, but they are willing to accept and admire him on the level as a great moral teacher. However the great Christian apologist C S Lewis argues powerfully agains this conclusion:

‘I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would nt be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to … Now it seems to me obvious that he was neither a lunatic nor a fiend; and consequently, however strange, or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept the view that he was and is God.’

ONGOING COVID SITUATION: Obviously this isi something that we are now learning to live with on a daily basis. To look after each other and care for each other is our repsonsibility. I encourage all to receive the vaccination. We will continue to be careful at Church, using face coverings, hand snitisation on entry and exit, written track & trace, Communion under one species the Body of Christ, also respecting each others space, ventilation in the church. Sunday Masses are: Vigil Mass Saturday at 6.00pm. Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am. PLEASE NOTE 10.00am Mass now discontinued. Please make every effor to join us if you can. If you can’t make Sunday, please come during the week at 10.00am.

Dear Friends in Christ, 18^th Sunday of the Year

I just want to say how wonderful it is to see that so many have returned to weekly Mass in the recent months. Obviously this Pandemic has taken its toll on many people’s lives. And for those of us who’ve had Coronavirus, it’s not very nice! But as we try to regain some kind of semblance of normality back in our lives once again, to see so many of you each week is really heartening. Never before in our lives have we experienced anything quite like this. And never before did we have to close our churches, not even during the war years. I know many people are still very nervous about venturing out, and even coming to church, but slowly and gradually as more and more people are vaccinated, hopefully this virus will diminish as we’re protected. As you know my main concern has always been your health and safety, and all the measures are in place at Church to continue to maintain this health and safety. May I thank the whole parish community for your understanding during these past 18 months, and also your loyalty to your parish, it’s truly wonderful to see! Also for your ongoing upkeep on the parish through your Weekly Offertory, this has helped to sustain the parish during this difficult time; admittedly our offertory has taken a severe nose-dive of the past 16 months. Let us, dear friends, now move onwards and upwards!

PARISHIONERS, PLEASE CAN YOU HELP US? As of next Friday 13^th August, the HSBC Bank in Loughton will be closing. As the Parish and Diocese use HSBC, it is going to be more difficult to pay in our Weekly Offering on a Weekly basis, as now we have to travel to Walthamstow. Deliveries will be less frequent. I would encourage our parishioners to begin giving online, through the various methods cited on the opposite page. Also, the bank is rather reluctant to take a lot of coinage these days. Obviously many of you use the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and that is wonderful. But some who are giving online are not quoting their GA number, so it’s extremely difficult at times matching up your offering as Gift Aided, and therefore we lose the return Tax. Please would all parishioners kindly check your online giving and ensure that the GA number is cited. Thank you! Any queries to Fr. John or Maria Mosquera.

May God Bless You All

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The programme will commence with a Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 15^th September at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s programme will commence on Sunday 19^th September at 10.00, and the children will be formally presented as candidates of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist at the 11.00am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS: There are plenty openings for Mass Intentions in the parish diary. If you would like a mass celebrated for a special intention; deceased family members; birthdays etc. Please complete Mass Intention envelope and return to the Presbytery as soon as possible please! Fr John will always try to accommodate the date you’ve requested. Thank you!

A LEVEL RESULTS: Will come out this coming Tuesday 10^th August. Wishing all of our young people sincere well wishes and luck with their exam results; and of course, with their decisions about College & University for the future. Obviously this has been a difficult year with regards examinations, and talking to some of our young people, they had to work even harder for teacher assessments on their work. I pray that all our young people will get the required results they need to pursue their chosen subjects in the future. Also for those who sat GCSE’s this year, once again a difficult time. Hopefully you are able to continue with further A Level studies.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Panagli, long time parishioners at St. Edmund’s, who passed away during the week. Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 19^th August at 1.00pm at St. Edmund’s. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss.

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 100 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 30 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms: you are now allowed up to 30 persons at a Baptism; not too sure what the restrictions are for social event after though! These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the distribution of the vaccine, that things will change dramatically this year. If there are any couples who are thinking about getting married, please notify the parish immediately. Thank you. Obviously until restrictions are lifted all of the above applies for the foreseeable future.

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY:

You can do this in any of the following ways:

By offering your sponsor donation directly to them.

By donating through the website https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Relay100

By sending your donation to bccs, Childcare House, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh, SS6 9EH

By making your donation via on-line banking to Brentwood Catholic Childrens Society, account number 31094130 and sort code 40 13 22

Whichever way you choose, kindly mention our Parish and the name(s) of our volunteers who you are sponsoring? Also, if you are a tax payer, please confirm if you are willing for your donation to be Gift-Aided.

DIARY AUGUST 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST 2021

Sat 7^th	10.00am	Tom Swan RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 7^th	6.00pm	Catrina Hamilton Int’s (Kathleen Faherty)
Sun 8^th	9.00am	Violet Hall RIP (Mrs M Cobelli)
Sun 8^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 9^th	10.00am 10.30am	Felicity Corcoran Int’s (Kathleen Faherty) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 10^th	10.00am	Maurice Onwkwar Int’s (N Hassan)
Wed 11^th	10.00am	Frank Westcott B’day Int’s (Pat & Margaret)
Thurs 12^th	10.00am 10.30am	Bridget Kinsella’s Int’s (Maree, Pat & Margaret) Holy Hour with Exposition of BL Sacrament
Fri 13^th	10.00am 10.30am	Breege & Michael Kerrane RIP (Mary) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 14^th	10.00am	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 14^th	6.00pm	David Staines B’day Int’s (Melinda Staines)
Sun 15^th	9.00am	People of the Parish
Sun 15^th	11:00am	Robert Taylor RIP (Eileen Lee)

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : 1 Kings 19:4-8

Elijah went into the wilderness, a day’s journey, and sitting under a furze bush wished he were dead. ‘O Lord,’ he said ‘I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down and went to sleep. But an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked round, and there at his head was a scone baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank, and strengthened by that food he walked for forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Responsive Psalm : Psalm 33(34):2-9

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will bless the Lord at all times,

his praise always on my lips;

in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.

The humble shall hear and be glad.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Glorify the Lord with me.

Together let us praise his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me;

from all my terrors he set me free.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Look towards him and be radiant;

let your faces not be abashed.

This poor man called, the Lord heard him

and rescued him from all his distress.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

The angel of the Lord is encamped

around those who revere him, to rescue them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Second Reading : Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal for you to be set free when the day comes. Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.

Try, then, to imitate God as children of his that he loves and follow Christ loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.

Gospel : John 6:41-51

The Jews were complaining to each other about Jesus, because he had said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ ‘Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph’ they said. ‘We know his father and mother. How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus said in reply, ‘Stop complaining to each other.

‘No one can come to me

unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me,

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets:

They will all be taught by God,

and to hear the teaching of the Father,

and learn from it,

is to come to me.

Not that anybody has seen the Father,

except the one who comes from God:

he has seen the Father.

I tell you most solemnly,

everybody who believes has eternal life.

‘I am the bread of life.

Your fathers ate the manna in the desert

and they are dead;

but this is the bread that comes down from heaven,

so that a man may eat it and not die.

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

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever;

and the bread that I shall give is my flesh,

for the life of the world.’