St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Trinity Sunday 2021

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Trinity-Sunday-2021-e11qj61

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Dear Friends in Christ

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is always celebrated a week after Pentecost. Trinity Sunday honors the most fundamental of Christian beliefs—belief in the Holy Trinity. The human mind can never fully understand the mystery of the Trinity, but we can sum it up in the following formula: God is three Persons in one Nature. There is only one God, and the three Persons of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—are all equally God, and they cannot be divided. At Holy Mass the Sacred Liturgy lifts the heart, mind and soul up to God, who is Father Son & Spirit. We not only praise the Holy Trinity in the Gloria at the beginning of Mass, but we also make a profession of faith to God in the Trinity while praying the Nicene Creed. The Council of Nicaea was called by the Emperor Constantine in the year 325AD. The Early Fathers of the Church, in response to various heresies rife at that time, formulated a Universal Creed of Belief, formulating not only the belief on the Most Holy Trinity, but also about the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection from the Dead, and Our Blessed Lady’s role in God’s plan of Salvation. Let us pray the Creed with true faith and fervour!

Illustration of the Hospitality of Abraham

Dear Friends in Christ, Trinity Sunday 2021

In light of the latest variant in Corona virus in this country, there is a certain amount of speculation as to whether we are going to be able to open up completely on 21^st June. Manifestly, many people have already had the first shot of the vaccine, and many the second. Social distancing, and the wearing of face coverings are still in place, and everyone is being advised to be cautious. The past 15 months have certainly taken its toll on many people’s lives, and many are just fed up with living this way, but health & Safety is important for all, and letting one’s guard down now could set back the whole process of trying to preserve everyone’s life. Please continue to adhere to all the Governmental guidelines. We will continue to follow Governmental & Diocesan guidelines here at Church until we’re given guidance that we can lift all restrictions.

I would like to commend all of our parishioners who have faithfully returned to the weekly practice of the faith. In speaking to many of you at different times, I know how hard it was to be away; but to be able to receive the sacraments once again is truly wonderful. To those who have not returned, can I make an impassioned appeal to you all, Church is a very safe place, we haven’t had one report of anyone contracting the virus here at St. Edmund’s in all the months we’ve been open. It’s likely that some will never return to the regular practice of faith, either from getting out of the habit, or those who may feel that they don’t need formal religion in their lives anymore. I ask everyone to think seriously about the whole meaning of your Catholic Faith, and whether you can permanently live without it?

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: A note to all of our Confirmandi, that the Rehearsal (with sponsors), and Penance Service will take place on Wednesday 2^nd June at 7.00pm at St. Edmund’s. If Catechists could also be present I’d be most grateful. Some candidates have not been present at Mass throughout the whole programme; as a priest I find this really sad, especially when everyone is now back in full time education. Please think very carefully about this commitment through the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. at 7.00pm. (Due to Covid restrictions and Social Distancing, only the Confirmandi & their Sponsors and parents will be able to be present at the Confirmation Ceremony).

May God Bless You All This Week,

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
Account Number: 11019651

NEW GIFT AID ORGANISER: Due to unforeseen circumstances our Gift Aid Organiser Maria Mosquera has to step down from her role. I am making an appeal to all parishioners for a volunteer to take over the role of Gift Aid Organiser? Maria will be able to help whoever takes over to learn the role and will be available should problems arise. Obviously Computer Skills will help. I’m truly grateful to Maria for assuming this role for the past few years ago. This would be a wonderful way of serving God through the Parish Community – please think about this request, thank you! If you want to speak to me personally please call Tel No: 0208 508 3492

PARISH REPOSITORY: We have a large selection of gifts for the Sacrament of Confirmation: Beautiful cards, medals, candles, Confirmation crosses, and various other items that would be suitable gifts for Confirmandi. There are also some beautiful new Mass Cards for all occasions. There are a large number of Cards for young people who are taking exams at this present time. Thank you to Teresa & Steve Wallace for looking after the Repository and keeping it well stocked during the past year of Pandemic. I’m really pleased that so many parishioners have made use of the Repository.

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, please contact Fr. John at the Presbytery on Tel No: 020 8508 3492. The programme usually commences in September. If would be wonderful to have a number of enquirers. We follow a systematic programme of instruction, covering all aspects of Catholicism. Please spread the word about this programme. Thank you!

POSTPONEMENT OF JUBILEE: I have decided to postopone my 40^th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations until a later date. With ultimate restrictions not being lifted until the latter part of June, it really doesn’t give enough time to send out invitations, and also for many friends who wanted to come from abroad to attend. I will celebrate Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 11^th July at 11am with only my Parish Family.

GRAND CHURCH CLEAN: Could I make an appeal to all parishioners to come and help with a Grand Church Clean on Saturday 5^th June at 10.30am. I’m truly grateful to Sharon Fitzmaurice & Veronica Short who have, for the most part, kept the Altar Society going over the past 15 months, cleaning the church and doing the altar laundry. But to have a grand clean periodically, apart from the sanitisation of benches after each service gets into all those nooks and crannies that can sometimes be forgotten.

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

DIARY MAY – JUNE 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

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

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: I would like to take this public opportunity of thanking every single member of this parish Community for your incredible support of the parish over the past 15 months of Pandemic. With the church remaining open and with online daily live streaming of Holy Mass, even during those four and half months of lockdown; in completing our Financial Returns to the Diocese, you will be delighted to know that we broke even this year. My thanks to Michael Manzi our Accountant, who looks after the Parish Accounts & Maria Mosquera who looks after the Parish Gift Aid Scheme; they have both done a truly wonderful job this year. With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

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. 12 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 advent 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY / JUNE 2021

Sat 29^th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy’s Int’s (Frank Westcott)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Michael McCarthy RIP (Una Machnicki)
Sun 30^th Sun 30^th	9.00am10.00am	Robin Bennett RIP (John & Sue Campbell)People of the Parish
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Michael Green RIP (Arthur & Jenny)
Mon 31^st	10.00am10.30am	Richard Okorogheye RIP (Laffey Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 1st June	10.00am	Joyce & Keith Sarson (M Duffy N Ironside)
Wed 2^nd	10.00am	Letitia Fletcher RIP ( K & A Sinclair)
Thurs 3^rd	10.00am 10.30am	Tommy Reilly’s Int’s (M Ryan)Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Fri 4^th	10.00am 10.30am	Nancy Hands Int’s (Remy)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 5^th	10.00am	Letitia Fletcher RIP (Nancy Ironside)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 5^th	6.00pm	John A Harvey RIP (39 anni) (Fr. John )
Sun 6^th Sun 6^th	9.00am10.00am	Iain Campbell RIP (Brenda Bryant)People of the Parish
Sun 6^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

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. We are running short on Mass intentions at present

The Most Holy Trinity – Solemnity

First Reading : Deuteronomy 4:32-34,39-40

Moses said to the people: ‘Put this question to the ages that are past, that went before you, from the time God created man on earth: Was there ever a word so majestic, from one end of heaven to the other? Was anything ever heard? Did ever a people hear the voice of the living God speaking from the heart of the fire, as you heard it, and remain alive? Has any god ventured to take to himself one nation from the midst of another by ordeals, signs, wonders, war with mighty hand and outstretched arm, by fearsome terrors – all this that the Lord your God did for you before your eyes in Egypt?

‘Understand this today, therefore, and take it to heart: the Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other. Keep his laws and commandments as I give them to you today, so that you and your children may prosper and live long in the land that the Lord your God gives you for ever.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 32(33):4-6,9,18-20,22

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

For the word of the Lord is faithful

and all his works to be trusted.

The Lord loves justice and right

and fills the earth with his love.

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

By his word the heavens were made,

by the breath of his mouth all the stars.

He spoke; and it came to be.

He commanded; it sprang into being.

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

The Lord looks on those who revere him,

on those who hope in his love,

to rescue their souls from death,

to keep them alive in famine.

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord.

The Lord is our help and our shield.

May your love be upon us, O Lord,

as we place all our hope in you.

Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.

Second Reading : Romans 8:14-17

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

Gospel : Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Pentecost Sunday 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

The Solemnity of Pentecost

Dear Friends in Christ

Today is Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the brithday of the Church. On thtat day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Apostles, it empowered them to “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News.” As Jesus had told the apostles at the Last Supper, “the Holy Spirit will lead you to the complete truth.” Now the work would begin; evangelisation would become the mission of the new Church founded on Jesus Christ. A continueal outpouring of that same Holy Spirit is fundamentally at the heart of Catholic Christian life. It’s the Spirit that inspiries, encourages, motivates, gives courage & stregth, and allows the church to coninue and grow throughout the world. The Holy Spirit – the perfect love between the Father & the Son, which is that lifegiving force – is the gift extended to you and me as members of the Catholic Church today. Let us really pray today for a deeper outpouring of that same Spirit that inpired the Apostles at the first Pentecost. Let us remember especially in our prayers on this great Solemnity all those young people in our parish who are preparing for their Confirmation next month, that the Holy Spirit wiill coninute to guide them and inspire them in their Journey of Faith.

Dear Friends in Christ, Pentecost Sunday 2021

This Pentecost Sunday is the sixt anniversary of the Papal Document Laudato Si; the Catholic Bishops of England, Walesd & Scotland are issuing a Pastoral letter about the role that the Catholic Church and our faith must play in our shared care for God’s gift of creation. I have made this letter available on the Parish Website called – ‘The Day of the Lord’.

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’:

offers us an opportunity to reflect on the world around us, and to respond to the signs of the times. We are called to reject the contemporary ‘throwaway’ culture and to open our eyes to see how God is present throughout creation. We bear witness to the reality facing many of our sisters and brothers across the world, who are being pushed deeper into poverty due to the changing climate.

Whilst climate change is critical, it is one symptom of a much deeper problem about how we organise our common home. Pope Francis invites us to a change of heart; individually, as a community, and at an international level, so we may truly respond to “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” #49.

In what the Holy Father calls ‘the Gospel of Creation’, we are encouraged to bring the Good News of our faith to these situations. We are asked to adopt an attitude of profound respect and care towards ourselves, our neighbours and our beautiful sister earth, as an expression of our love for God. Laudato Si’ is a profound invitation to everyone on the planet, and its influence will be felt for many years to come.

Care for the Planet, and care for each other is ultimately the personal responsibility of each one of us. To assume that responsibility, we should be aware of all aspects of life which are destroying the planet. Knowledge of the poor, and the many situations throughout the world where people are starving, is a universal responsibility. Please read the document and reflect on its implications in your own life and the life of your family.

God Bless You All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the last session of the Confirmation Programme last Thursday. Also grateful thanks to Fr. Stephen Wang, who joined us during the session. As we had followed Fr. Stephen’s Sycamore programme it was wonderful to be able to share with him and get him to answer some of your questions. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June at 7.00pm. Also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. at 7.00pm. Please ensure that you have submitted your Confirmation name and the name of your Sponsor to Mark Anthony. Please pray for our Confirmandi. I would like to see all candidates for Confirmation present at Holy Mass over these next weeks in preparation for the reception of the Sacrament. Sadly, some candidates haven’t been present at all throughout the whole programme. I would ask them to think very seriously about the Sacrament before they receive it! (Due to Covid restrictions and Social Distancing, only the Confirmandi & their Sponsors and parents will be able to be present at the Confirmation Ceremony).

Donate

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

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: There are still a number of Gift Aid envelopes which have not been collected by those who belong to the scheme. The table will be outside the Church again this weekend for collection, and then placed in Fr. John’s garage throughout the week. As stated, the HSBC bank will be closing on 13^th August, it would be good for as many parishioerns as possible to go over to the direct giving through your bank. If you wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, please see Fr. John or Maria Mosquera. Thank you for your ongoing support to the Parish.

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

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. 12 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2021

Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Anthony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Tess Bowles RIP (Margaret Spiers)
Sun 23^rd Sun 23^rd	9.00am 10.00am	Maura McDonald RIP (Fitzmaurice & Norgueira) People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Patricia Reid RIP (M Ryan)
Mon 24^th	10.00am 10.30am	Malcolm Campbell RIP (Brenda Bryant) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 25^th	10.00am	Pat Gardner RIP (Veronica & Steve Short)
Wed 26^th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Thurs 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	Pat Ata’s Int’s (Frank (Westcott) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Fri 28^th	10.00am 10.30am	Molly & Stewart Mitchell Int’s (M Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 29^th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy’s Int’s (Frank Westcott)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 29^th	6.00pm	Michael McCarthy RIP (Una Machnicki)
Sun 30^th Sun 30^th	9.00am 10.00am	Robin Bennett RIP (John & Sue Campbell) Eufemia Coronel RIP (Bacuetes Family)
Sun 30^th	11:00am	Michael Green RIP (Arthur & Jenny)

Pentecost

First Reading : Acts 2:1-11

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

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

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

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

Bless the Lord, my soul!

Lord God, how great you are,

How many are your works, O Lord!

The earth is full of your riches.

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

You take back your spirit, they die,

returning to the dust from which they came.

You send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the earth.

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

May the glory of the Lord last for ever!

May the Lord rejoice in his works!

May my thoughts be pleasing to him.

I find my joy in the Lord.

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

Second Reading : Galatians 5:16-25

If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions. If you are led by the Spirit, no law can touch you. When self-indulgence is at work the results are obvious: fornication, gross indecency and sexual irresponsibility; idolatry and sorcery; feuds and wrangling, jealousy, bad temper and quarrels; disagreements, factions, envy; drunkenness, orgies and similar things. I warn you now, as I warned you before: those who behave like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. What the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course. You cannot belong to Christ Jesus unless you crucify all self-indulgent passions and desires. Since the Spirit is our life, let us be directed by the Spirit.

Gospel : John 15:26-27,16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses,because you have been with me from the outset. ‘I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learnt; and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me,since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine. Everything the Father has is mine; that is why I said: All he tells you will be taken from what is mine.’ TH GOSPEL OF THE LORD

CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES Pastoral Letter for Pentecost 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Solemnity of Pentecost reminds us that everything which exists, every person and the whole of creation, is a gift of “God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” God our loving Father creates and continues to give life to the world through His Word, Jesus Christ, in the power of His Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church, which we celebrate at Pentecost, is not something separate from Creation. God’s revelation of himself in Creation is inseparable from the revelation of his love for us in Christ and in his desire to live in us through his Holy Spirit.

‘God’s Spirit is always and everywhere “the Lord, the Giver of Life”, and the voice of Pentecost is echoed in the voice of creation being transformed into the glorious liberty of God’s children.’ In this liberty, as God’s children, we call on the Spirit to ‘renew the face of the Earth’, and as his children, we are called, in turn, to use this liberty for the good of creation and for the good of all that brings life. Our world, God’s creation, is a precious gift to us. It is our common home entrusted to each generation. But how have we used that glorious liberty? How do we honour this precious gift? Are we really demonstrating love, care and respect for our common home?

As we celebrate Pentecost this year, we are acutely aware of the damage that continues to be inflicted on the Earth, and the repercussions for the well-being of our brothers and sisters, both here in our own countries and, more especially, in the poorest countries of our world. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have both taught us that everything is interconnected and interdependent. The way we live our everyday lives has an impact on everyone and on the earth. The urgency of the situation, and the enormity of the challenges we face, have spurred us to speak out together this Pentecost Sunday, as bishops of England, Wales and Scotland, about the role that the Catholic Church and our faith must play in our shared care for God’s gift to us.

For all too long we have either been ignorant of, or ignored, the systematic exploitation of our planet and the unsustainable consumption of its resources. While accepting the crucial need and demand for energy for the benefit of the poorest of our brothers and sisters, the provision of our energy must, nonetheless, be by means which radically reduce the use of carbon-based fuels. In our political thinking, there must be a new global understanding of our world, where nations recognise our common responsibility for the dignity of all people and their rights to sustainable livelihoods, in authentic freedom. Pope Francis speaks of a global politics that looks beyond our own needs to the needs of all, most especially the poor and the marginalised.

But we cannot leave the healing of our common home and the wellbeing and care of our brothers and sisters merely to a response from industry and governments. Our own local concern and action is necessary and has far-reaching consequences. We all have a part to play, each and every one of us, in the routines, choices and decisions of our everyday lives and our aspirations for the future. The actions of parishes, families, schools, and individuals will have a significant impact on our efforts to restore our common home. There are now many resources, freely available, to advise us on our choice of food, saving of water and electricity, suggestions about travel, waste, and re-use. These are measures that everyone can employ, in some degree, with minimal inconvenience and change. They are effective ways in which we can each reaffirm our personal vocation to be stewards of creation.

This Pentecost comes at a time of remarkable challenge and opportunity. We are gradually emerging from the tragedies and restrictions of the pandemic. We have the ability to make changes. Our countries are also hosting two most important meetings this year, the G7 in June and COP26 in November. These meetings will gather together men and women who have the power to make defining choices and policies which will help us build back better, provide for our brothers and sisters, and take care of our common home.

In all our human endeavours, we need the presence of the Holy Spirit, “the Lord, the Giver of Life”, whose gift to the Church and the world we celebrate again at Pentecost. Let us keep this Feast with that enduring hope that we can begin to repair the damage we have done and provide a healthy home for future generations. Our hope will be strengthened by our prayer. May our constant request be that the Holy Spirit guide us, strengthen our resolve and ‘renew the face of the earth’.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES

Reflection by the Bishops of England and Wales

The Day of Lord

Gathering as Bishops in Conference this week, we wish to pay tribute to all in the Catholic community who have shown such courage, generosity and understanding in the face of adversity this past year. Across England and Wales, families and parish communities have risen to the challenge of sustaining one another through times of great isolation, loneliness and grief in an impressive variety of ways, spiritual, emotional and practical. We thank all who have worked tirelessly in prisons, in hospitals, care-homes and across the medical profession for giving of themselves so generously. We thank all who have worked valiantly in our schools, facing unforeseen demands and meeting them with characteristic professionalism and dedication.

We wish also to pay tribute to those who have given of their time and energy to keep open our churches as havens of peace and prayer. Churches up and down the land have realised the vision of Pope Francis that they be like village-wells where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey; and centres of “constant missionary outreach.” We thank all who have developed diverse new patterns of outreach – of prayer, catechesis, study and spiritual solidarity; all who have made participation in the Mass possible through the internet.

Also prominent in this tribute should be thanks to all who have contributed to the immense effort of providing food for those most in need. The generosity shown in the distribution of so very many meals has given eloquent expression to the mercy, love and compassion which are at the very heart of God. Many have been touched by the joy of meeting Christ in the poor; and many of the poor by the joy of meeting Christ in selfless parishioners. The provision of food is often the first step into a deeper relationship of help and accompaniment, including the sharing of the gift of faith in our Blessed Lord.

‘Vibrant’ is a word which seems to have characterised so many of our parishes throughout the pandemic. We wish to salute our priests in particular for the leadership they have shown in this time of crisis. We thank them for their deep devotion to both the liturgy and to their parishioners. We commend every priest who made of his parish “a ‘sanctuary’ open to all” and with a particular care for the poor; and the many Deacons who have exercised with such generosity their mission of charity.

What will be the pace of our emerging from this pandemic remains as yet unclear. What is clear is the challenge we face of bringing our communities and the practice of the faith to a still greater expression and strength. As your bishops, we are aware of a threefold pattern to this challenge.

There are the fearful and weary, anxious about coming into the enclosed spaces of our churches; those who have simply lost the habit of coming to church. Personal contact, clear reassurance, and sensitive invitations will all be needed.

b) There are those who will have reassessed their pattern of life and priorities. The practice of faith within the community of the Catholic Church may not be among those priorities. A gap may have opened up, or widened, between the spiritual dimension of their lives and any communal expression of that spiritual quest. They represent a particular focus and concern for our outreach.

There are those whom we might describe as the ‘Covid curious’, those who have come into contact with the Catholic Church through our presence on the internet – a contact we may be able to develop through our continuing presence across diverse media platforms.

In facing these challenges, we are endowed with veritable treasures which serve to resource and enrich us. Among them are our schools, in which so many are regaining confidence to come together with others. We believe our schools can indeed be bridges back to church. There is also the remarkable work of social outreach which has grown exponentially during these long months of pandemic. On this, too, we must build. But the greatest treasure is, of course, the sacramental life of the Church, and, pre-eminently, the Eucharist.

It is the Eucharist, the celebration of the Mass, that makes the Church; and it is the Church, in the gift of the Holy Spirit, which makes the Eucharist. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the lifeblood of the Church. It requires our active participation and, to be fully celebrated, our physical presence.

At this moment, then, we need to have in our sights the need to restore to its rightful centrality in our lives the Sunday Mass, encouraging each to take his or her place once again in the assembly of our brothers and sisters. We face the task of seeking to nurture the sense of Sunday as “a weekly gift from God to his people” , and something we cannot do without; to see Sunday as the soul of the week, as giving light and meaning to all the responsibilities we live out each day; to see the Sunday Eucharist as food for the unique mission with which we have been endowed.

In the time to come we can do no better than to rekindle in our hearts, foster and encourage, a yearning for the Real Presence of the Lord and the practice of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, a gift so deeply appreciated in these times of lockdown. We need to begin by fostering this in ourselves. For the Eucharist should be the cause of our deepest joy, our highest manner of offering thanks to God and for seeking his mercy and love. We need to make it the foundation stone of our lives.

The invitation to Sunday Mass resonates all the more deeply when we consider, as Pope St John Paul II reminds us in the Encyclical Letter Dies Domini, that the Sabbath rest is nothing if not a call to remember the gift of God’s Creation. The Eucharist is indeed a celebration of the created world, called into life by the Eternal Word, for the bread and wine of the earth becomes the Body and Blood of Christ who is that same Lord of all life. The Christ to whom we come so close in the Eucharist must be the foundation of our strivings, not least in the urgent task we face of caring for creation and our environment.

Pope St John Paul II spoke of our amazement at the gift of the Mass and the abiding Presence of our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament of the Altar. Herein lies our treasure, enriching our relationship with Jesus and bringing together every aspect of our life and mission. This is such an important focus for our task in the coming months. 22nd April 2021 FINAL

Seventh Sunday of Easter 2021

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Seventh-Sunday-of-Easter-2021-e10tv7h

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ

This Sunday we have listened to the beautiful ‘Priestly Prayer of Christ’ from St. John’s Gospel. Jesus, recognising his own fate and his eventual death, prays earnestly for the Apostles. Those men whom he called and prepared for the future work of the Church, he now entrusts to the Father, that he will look after each one of them. Jesus knows that they will be challenged because of him, but he also knows that they will will have the strength and courage to continue with the work of Evangelisation. They will eventually take the Gospel message to all known quarters of the world.

As we have just celebrated the Ascension of the Lord, now the work of the apostles must begin. In the Acts of the Apstles we have been listneing to all the events of the early church; the teething problems that the aposltes faces, and the various trials they had to encounter is sharing the Good News. But Jesus promised to be with them untiil the end of the age. And through the gift of the Holy Spirit they had great courage and strength to continue this work that the Lord had begun. So the ongoing story of Jesus Christ continues today through you and me!

We look forward to the outpouring of the gift of the Holy Spirit promised by the Lord to the Apostles. The Spirit who is that guiding force of love within the life faith and the Church, who is forever present to each one of us.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.7kZULvli8PTZMtEC0eJU0wHaDQ&pid=Api&P=0&w=362&h=160

Dear Friends in Christ,

Next Monday we will see the next phase of the Government plan to slowly open up the courntry and the economy once again. Obviously, they have been extrmely cautious over the past months, and with many variants still taking root in this country, they are even more vigilent with regards to everyone’s health & safety. This has been a difficult year in so many different ways, and has affected everyone! But there is that desperate desire to resume some semblance of normality once again.

As you know I have tried to do everything that the governmental & diocesan guidelines have allowed throughout this Pandemic. Manifestly, Health & Safety have always been at the forefront of my mind, and I believe we have certianly catered for the spiritual wellbeing of the whole parish community. There are still a large number of parishioerns who have not returned to the weekly practice of the faith, and I earnestly encourage them to return to regular practice of your faith. I truly would like to have beleieved that this Pandemic has focused the mind, and helped each one of us evaluate the whole of our lives. To be able to give thanks to God for bringing us through, thus far, is fundamental to who we are as Catholic Christians.

Please contine to be vigilant in the forthcoming weeks. Hopefully by 21^st June we should see a lifting of most restrictions, and possibly even social distancing. Being sensible is fundamentally at the heart of ending this pandemic. Continue to keep yourselves safe and well. Fr. John

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE: As of Monday 17^th May, the Governmental Guidelines on Covid 19 are allowing more than 30 to attend a funeral service. It is being left to the parishes to decide how many people they can accommodate, manifestly, continuing to use social distancing, face coverings and hand sanitisation. Here at St. Edmund’s we would comfortably accommodate about 100 persons for a funeral. Hopefully by 21^st June there may be an update with regards the full opening of the church with few restrictions. I pray that we will be able to return to the celebrations of all the sacraments very soon, including Baptisms & First Holy Communion Programme. Thank you all for your patience.

May God Bless You All This Week,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Our final session in the Programme will take place on Wednesday 19^th May at 7.30pm (all candidates should be present at this session). My Thanks to our Director and Catechists for all the hard work that has been achieved throughout this programme. As our Bishop is not able to attend the Confirmation ceremonies, delegation has been given to Fr. John to celebrate the Sacrament as the extra-ordinary Minister. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June, also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. Please pray for our Confirmandi. I would like to see all candidates for Confirmation present at Holy Mass over these next weeks in preparation for the reception of the Sacrament. Sadly, some candidates haven’t been present at all throughout the whole programme. I would ask them to think very seriously about the Sacrament before they receive it!

Donate

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

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

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. 12 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent 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.

MASS SCHEDULE FOR MAY 2021

Sat 15^th	10.00am	Special Int (Maree Kavanagh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Joseph Nganda’s Int’s. (John O’Rourke)
Sun 16^th Sun 16^th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe & Cathy Daly (40^th Wedding Anniversary) People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Robert Edom RIP (Parish Choir)
Mon 17^th	10.00am 10.30am	Teresa Coyle RIP (Marie Fleming) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 18^th	10.00am	Carlos Camacho (get well) (Stewarding Team)
Wed 19^th	10.00am	Maureen Dumont RIP (Steve & Veronica Short)
Thurs 20^th	10.00am 10.30am	Letitia Fletcher RIP (Nancy Ironside) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Fri 21^st	10.00am 10.30am	Michael Barass RIP (Monica Maycraft) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 22^nd	10.00am	Anthony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 22^nd	6.00pm	Tess Bowles RIP (Margaret Spiers)
Sun 23^rd Sun 23^rd	9.00am 10.00am	Maura McDonald RIP (Fitzmaurice & Norgueira) People of the Parish
Sun 23^rd	11:00am	Patricia Reid RIP (M Ryan)

Sixth Sunday of Easter 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

https://anchor.fm/st-edmunds-loughton/episodes/Sixth-Sunday-of-Easter-2021-e10g5tq/a-a5ghqlb

Dear Friends in Christ Sixth Sunday of Easter 2021

When I was 19 years of age in my first year of studies for the Priesthood, I remember vividly hearing the Gospel that we just listened to today. I thought to myself, if ever I become a priest that’s the Gospel I would like read at my Ordination Ceremony. Well, thank the Lord I was Ordained to the Sacred priesthood, & that was the Gospel read at the ordination. I never tire of hearing it, and always glean some wonderful new insight every time I hear it. The setting is the Last Supper, and Jesus & his disciples are gathered around the table. This is their last meal together, and he shares so many things with them in preparation for the future. But the most important message of all is the message of love; “Love one another, as I have loved you”. Jesus treasures the friendship that he had established with these men and women, and he knows that his Love will eventually abide in them completely and totally after his passions, death and resurrection. In offering them his Body & Blood in Love he establishes the great mystery of the Holy Eucharist. It’s the Sacrament of Love, because it was freely given by the Lord. It will become the sustaining force in the lives of the disciples, and they will continue to draw upon its strength forever. It’s the same Love the Lord offers to you and me, right here and now!

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD: Next Thursday 13^th May is the Solemnity of the Ascenion of the Lord, and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus now returns home to the Father. In the post-resurrection appearances since Easter, Jesus has reassured the Apostles, given them hope and courage once again to go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News. He has promised his disciples that he will be with them to the end of time. Jesus has left them the gift of himself in the Holy Eucharist; now he returns to the Father, with the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now the work of the newly founded Church will begin! There will be three Masses on the Feast Day. 10.00am, 12.15pm & 8.00pm. Please join us!

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we progress with the vaccination process here in the UK, a high percentage of adults are now vacinated against the Corona Virus. People’s confidence is slowly returning, and many more people are venturing out and trying to get back to some semblance of normality. But there are still many people who are apprehensive and possibly even frightened. The past year has taken its toll on many families lives. Many families have lost loved ones; many people expereinced the infection itself. We all witnessed the incredible work of the NHS over the past 15 months. Life has changed, forever, all over the world. Nothing in living memory for everyone, has affected the whole world in on the way that Covid 19 has! Whatever the ‘new normal’ is, it’s going to take a long time for everyone to adapt to these new ways of looking and the world, whether it be through travel, the way we work eityher in and office or at home, through schooling and tertiary education.

I would like to invite the whole parish community to seriously think about returning to the weekly practice of the the faith. Many of you are already here, and have been throughout the whole of the time that we have been opened since last July. Our Holy Father Pope Francis, and the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales have advocated that all the faithful people of God seriously return to the weekly practice of faith. It’s very easy to get into the habit of not making that extra special effort to attend Holy Mass. After being away for such a long period of time, some people may have decided that they don’t really need the faith any more. Obviously, these are personal decisions that people make; but they are serious decisions that will have a long-term effect, not only on the individual but also on families and subsequent generations. Pleased think seriously about these snetiments.

POSTPONEMENT OF JUBILEE: I have decided to postopone my 40^th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations until a later date. With ultimate restrictions not being lifted until the latter part of June, it really doesn’t give enough time to send out invitations, and also for many friends who wanted to come from abroad to attend. I will celebrate Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 11^th July at 11am with my Parish Family.

May God Bless You All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Our final session in the Programme will take place on Wednesday May 19 at 7.30pm My Thanks to our Director and Catechists for all the hard work that has been achieved throughout this programme. As our Bishop is not able to attend the Confirmation ceremonies, delegation has been given to Fr. John to celebrate the Sacrament as the extra-ordinary Minister. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June, also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. Please pray for our Confirmandi.

Donate

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

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE: As of Monday 17^th May, the Governmental Guidelines on Covid 19 are allowing more than 30 to attend a funeral service. It is being left to the parishes to decide how many people they can accommodate, manifestly, continuing to use social distancing, face coverings and hand sanitisation. Here at St. Edmund’s we would comfortably accommodate about 100 persons for a funeral. Hopefully by 21^st June there may be an update with regards the full opening of the church with few restrictions. I pray that we will be able to return to the celebrations of all the sacraments very soon, including Baptisms & First Holy Communion Programme. Thank you all for your patience.

DIARY MAY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Josie Jaego RIP, Mary Christina Leith RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

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. 12 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2021

Sat 8^th	10.00am	Letitia Fletcher RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	Tess Bowles RIP (Fr John)
Sun 9^th Sun 9^th	9.00am 10.00am	Scott Sarson RIP (M Duffy & n Ironside) People of the Parish
Sun 9^th	11:00am	Pam Houghton RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 10^th	10.00am 10.30am	Richard & Margaret O’Rourke Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 11^th	10.00am	Rosalind Johnson RIP (Brenda Bryant)
Wed 12^th	10.00am 10.30am	Stacey Oliver RIP (Jacky Taylor) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 13^th AscensionDay	10.00am 12.15pm 8.00pm	Remy (Martin Laffey) Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Dan Lynch RIP (John O’Rourke)
Fri 14^th	10.00am 10.30am	Josephine Coffey RIP (John Kelly) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 15^th	10.00am	Special Int (Maree Kavanagh)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 15^th	6.00pm	Richard & Margaret O’Rourke RIP (J O’Rourke)
Sun 16^th Sun 16^th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe & Cathy Daly (40^th Wedding Anniversary) People of the Parish
Sun 16^th	11:00am	Robert Edom RIP (Ann Cocklin)

6th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48

As Peter reached the house Cornelius went out to meet him, knelt at his feet and prostrated himself. But Peter helped him up. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘I am only a man after all!’

Then Peter addressed them: ‘The truth I have now come to realise’ he said ‘is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.’

While Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit came down on all the listeners. Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were all astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit should be poured out on the pagans too, since they could hear them speaking strange languages and proclaiming the greatness of God. Peter himself then said, ‘Could anyone refuse the water of baptism to these people, now they have received the Holy Spirit just as much as we have?’ He then gave orders for them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterwards they begged him to stay on for some days.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 97(98):1-4

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

Sing a new song to the Lord

for he has worked wonders.

His right hand and his holy arm

have brought salvation.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

The Lord has made known his salvation;

has shown his justice to the nations.

He has remembered his truth and love

for the house of Israel.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,

ring out your joy.

The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

Second Reading : 1 John 4:7-10

My dear people,

let us love one another

since love comes from God

and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Anyone who fails to love can never have known God,

because God is love.

God’s love for us was revealed

when God sent into the world his only Son

so that we could have life through him;

this is the love I mean:

not our love for God,

but God’s love for us when he sent his Son

to be the sacrifice that takes our sins away.

Gospel : John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘As the Father has loved me,

so I have loved you.

Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments

you will remain in my love,

just as I have kept my Father’s commandments

and remain in his love.

I have told you this

so that my own joy may be in you

and your joy be complete.

This is my commandment:

love one another, as I have loved you.

A man can have no greater love

than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends, if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more,

because a servant does not know

his master’s business; I call you friends,

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me:

no, I chose you; and I commissioned you

to go out and to bear fruit,

fruit that will last;

and then the Father will give you

anything you ask him in my name.

What I command you

is to love one another.

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2021

Dear Friends in Christ

Jesus’ “I am” statements are revelation, his self-description and his explanation of what that means for us. They are therefore an ongoing invitation to relationship with him.

Today’s readings invite us into a deeper understanding of Christ and of ourselves as disciples. We can contemplate the image of the vine — like that of the shepherd, bread of life, etc. — as God’s rationale for creation and the Incarnation. Each of the statements describes how God reaches out to creation in love. Each statement also invites us to respond — to be the branches, God’s flock who seek the light, eat the bread, and know from whence comes our life.

The Gospel reminds us that we must continually choose who we truly want to be. God always offers us the option of being fruitful branches, receiving and giving divine life. We are called to choose our real identity just as really and radically as Saul chose to become an apostle. We are invited to be true, continuously growing in love. It’s not about semantics
Two Hearts Design

MAY – THE MONTH OF OUR BLESSED LADY: It is a centuries-old custom of Catholics to dedicate the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month of May is always part of the Easter season, the fifty days we celebrate in the liturgy the Resurrection of Our Lord, a time also of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The celebration of May as a Marian month fits well with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost as we recall Mary’s great joy in her Son’s victory over death as well as her presence with the apostles in the upper room prayerfully awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Pope Francis has advocated that the Month of May should be dedicated to the praying of the rosary each day for an ending to the Universal Pandemic. A decade of the Rosary will be prayed at the end of each weekday Mass.

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the UK, the latest news on the Corona Virus front is looking extrmely optimistic. Well over half the population have received a vaccine, and nearly 15 million people have received their second vaccine. The hosptital admissions and death rates have dropped dramatically, and now many regions are reporting the lowest case rates in a year. People are feeling a lot more confident. People now in their early forties are encoruaged to receive the vaccine.

As you know the Church has been open since last July; many parishioners have been present throughout the whole of this period, but many did not feel secure enough to leave their homes or attend church. I know a high percentage of you have received your vaccines and are venturing outside. I would like to encourage all of our parishioners to seriously think about returning to the fulltime practice of faith. Many have not been present in over a year; but with Gyms & shops and many facilities opening, and our children having returned to School full time now, I think it is equally as safe to attend Holy Mass for half an hour each week. Our Governmental & Diocesan guidelines have proved extremely effective in our Church. All of the protective measures we have implemented have most certinaly kept parishioners safe over the past 8 months. We have had no cases reported at all! Obviously Health & Safety is always at the top of list of priorities. I want to thank the whole Parish Community for your support, and also encouragement. I have tried my best to offer you every opportunity for Holy Mass & all Services. Now it’s up to you! Obviously, we appear to be more fortunate than many of the European Countries with regards the vaccine and sadly the situation in India has been heartbreaking over the past week. Please keep them in your prayers.

POSTPONEMENT OF JUBILEE: As stated last weekend, I have decided to postopone my 40^th Anniversary Jubilee celebrations until a later date. With ultimate restrictions not being lifted until the latter part of June, it really doesn’t give enough time to send out invitations, and also for many friends who wanted to come from abroad to attend. I will celebrate Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 11^th July at 11am with my Parish Family.

May God Bless You All,

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Our next session in the Programme will take place on Wednesday 5^th May at 7.30pm My Thanks to our Director and Catechists for all the hard work that has been achieved throughout this programme. As our Bishop is not able to attend the Confirmation ceremonies, delegation has been given to Fr. John to celebrate the Sacrament as the extra-ordinary Minister. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June, also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. Please pray for our Confirmandi.

Donate

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

MESSAGE FROM KATHLEEN: “I would like to thank you Fr John and everyone for your kind prayers and thoughtfulness during the whole year that I suffered two major operations – one radical cancer surgery, followed by 6 cycles of chemo. Covid of course added to the stress. However I’m certain that the intercession with Our Lord & Our Lady were vital to my survival and for my coming through that stressful and worrying time. Many thanks for the comfort you gave me during that time. I am in remission now – thanks to the Lord. And I’m now returning to attending weekly Mass and look forward to seeing you all again. With grateful thanks.” Kathleen Pampellonne.

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. Here are the 40 items being requested: Laundry tablets, anti-bacterial spray, washing-up liquid, UHT milk, long-life fruit juice, squash, instant coffee, tinned ham, corned beef, vegetarian tinned meal, microwave rice, instant noodles, packet mashed potato, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, tinned sweet corn, custard, sponge pudding, rice pudding, chocolate bars, tinned spaghetti, cous-cous sachet, packet soup, hot chocolate powder, peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, breakfast bars, cereal bars, biscuits, halal tinned meat, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face masks, strong carrier bags. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: There are still a large number of Gift Aid envelopes which have not been collected by those who belong to the scheme. The table will be outside the Church again this weekend for collection, and then placed in Fr. John’s garage throughout the week. As stated, the HSBC bank will be closing on 13^th August, it would be good for as many parishioerns as possible to go over to the direct giving through your bank. If you wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, please see Fr. John or Maria Mosquera. Thank you for your ongoing support to the Parish.

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Brian & Paul Street RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 30 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 12 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms are allowed to take place in the context of a Sunday Mass setting. These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the advent 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.

MASS INTENTIONS – MAY 2021

Sat 1^st May	10.00am	Brian Perring RIP (anni) ((Eden Burn)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 1^st	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)
Sun 2^nd Sun 2^nd	9.00am10.00am	People of the ParishMichael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Muriel & Bernard Gilley RIP (Eileen Ward)
Mon 3^rd	10.00am10.30am	Rafael Samson Patas RIP (Melinda Staines)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 4^th	10.00am	Simon Eustace RIP (Una Machnicki)
Wed 5^th	8.30am10.30am	Remy Birthday Int’s (Pat Margaret)Holy Hour of prayer
Thurs 6^th	8.30am	Jim Gates RIP (Teresa Miller)
Fri 7^th	8.00am 10.30am	Int’s of Mary O’Donoghue (G O’Donoghue)Holy Hour of Prayer
Sat 8^th	10.00am	Letitia Fletcher RIP (Margaret Duffy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 8^th	6.00pm	Tess Bowles RIP (Fr John )
Sun 9^th Sun 9^th	9.00am10.00am	Scott Sarson RIP (M Duffy & n Ironside)People of the Parish
Sun 9^th	11:00am	Pam Houghton RIP (Maria Fray)

5th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 9:26-31

When Saul got to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him: they could not believe he was really a disciple. Barnabas, however, took charge of him, introduced him to the apostles, and explained how the Lord had appeared to Saul and spoken to him on his journey, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Saul now started to go round with them in Jerusalem, preaching fearlessly in the name of the Lord. But after he had spoken to the Hellenists, and argued with them, they became determined to kill him. When the brothers knew, they took him to Caesarea, and sent him off from there to Tarsus.

The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were now left in peace, building themselves up, living in the fear of the Lord, and filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 21(22):26-28,30-32

You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.

My vows I will pay before those who fear him.

The poor shall eat and shall have their fill.

They shall praise the Lord, those who seek him.

May their hearts live for ever and ever!

You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.

All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord,

all families of the nations worship before him;

They shall worship him, all the mighty of the earth;

before him shall bow all who go down to the dust.

You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.

And my soul shall live for him, my children serve him.

They shall tell of the Lord to generations yet to come,

declare his faithfulness to peoples yet unborn:

‘These things the Lord has done.’

You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly.

Second Reading : 1 John 3:18-24

My children,

our love is not to be just words or mere talk,

but something real and active;

only by this can we be certain

that we are children of the truth

and be able to quieten our conscience in his presence,

whatever accusations it may raise against us,

because God is greater than our conscience and he knows everything.

My dear people,

if we cannot be condemned by our own conscience,

we need not be afraid in God’s presence,

and whatever we ask him,

we shall receive,

because we keep his commandments

and live the kind of life that he wants.

His commandments are these:

that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ

and that we love one another

as he told us to.

Whoever keeps his commandments

lives in God and God lives in him.

We know that he lives in us

by the Spirit that he has given us.

Gospel : John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:‘I am the true vine,

and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that bears no fruit

he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit

he prunes to make it bear even more.

You are pruned already,

by means of the word that I have spoken to you.

Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.

As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,

but must remain part of the vine,

neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Whoever remains in me, with me in him,

bears fruit in plenty;

for cut off from me you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me

is like a branch that has been thrown away – he withers;

these branches are collected and thrown on the fire,

and they are burnt.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you,

you may ask what you will and you shall get it.

It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit,

and then you will be my disciples.’

4th Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fourth Sunday of Easter 2021

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, and is the world day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthtood & Religious Life. Let us pray especially for an increase of vocations to the Priesthood, especially here in our own Dicoese of Brentwood. We have two deacons due for Ordinationto Priesthood this year; please keep them in your prayers. The age of the clergy is now very top heavy, and there will inevitbly be several retirements. We desperately need priests for our parishes – no priest, means no Mass – We have to ask the Good Shepherd for more priests. ‘Lord give us shepherds after the heart of God’. Let us pray earnestly for this intention.

The Gospel today uses one of the famous ‘I am’ statements in St, John’s Gospel. Jesus states: ‘I am the Good Shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.’ Jesus prophetically refers to his own self-sacrifice. He will lay down his life for the salvation of the whole of humanity. This will be the saving action of the Cross, and will become the key element in the Apostolic preaching of the Good News.

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Ravenna Mosaic – Jesus the Good Shepherd

POSTPONEMENT OF JUBILEE: I am due to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ on 11^th July this year. Unfortunately, due to the Pandemic it has been virtually impossible to make any definite arrangements. I had originally asked our Bishop Alan to come on the 9^th July in the evening for a Thanksgiving Mass, but as we really don’t know what the state of play will be with regard to total opening of Churches without social distancing until the latter part of June, I thought it would be prudent to postpone the Jubilee Celebration. Obviously, I’m a little disappointed, but the health and safety of everyone is far more important. I originally had family from Ireland; friends for the United States & Italy, a big family and of course all of you my spiritual family. None of us knows what kind of situation we’ll be in in July, and it’s so important to give people plenty of notice about celebrations & invitations, especially with regard to planning, liturgy, music, catering, stewarding etc. The actual date of Jubilee 11^th July falls on a Sunday, and for me the most important part of the Jubilee of a priest would be the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. I have therefore designated the 11.00am Mass on that day as a Jubilee Mass, and invite only the parish community to share with me. Weather permitting we might be able to share a glass of wine and a piece of cake afterwards. As a Jubilee lasts for one year, I will seriously think about having the bigger celebration in July of 2022. Catholic Priesthood Ordination Card

Thank you, and God Bless You! Fr. John x

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: In this unusual past year, thankfully, we have been able to conduct our Confirmation Programme through Social Media. I’m truly grateful to Mark Anthony & all our Catechists for their help and assistance to our 47 young people preparing for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Unfortunately, the Bishop hasn’t been able to attend parishes during the Pandemic, and therefore, has delegated the Parish Priests’ to celebrate the Sacrament as the extra-ordinary minister. In preparation for the Sacrament a Penitential Service will take place at the Church on Wednesday 2^nd June, also a brief rehearsal for the celebration. The Confirmation dates are as follows: Wednesday 9^th June: Groups 4,5,6. Thursday 10^th June: Groups 1,2,3. Please pray for our Confirmandi.

https://mountoliveyakima.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Offering-plate_10209C.gif

Donate

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

BRENTWOOD ECCLESIASTICAL EDUCATION FUND: The annual collection for the education of our future priests is extremely important. At present we have eight seminarians studying for the priesthood; our own Frank Westcott is coming to the end of his first year at St. Mary’s College, Oscott. There will be two ordinations to the Priesthood this summer. But there will also be retirements. As you can appreciate the age of the clergy of the diocese is now top-heavy. We continue to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood in our diocese. Please kindly give generously in the retiring collection at the end of all masses this weekend. Catholic Deacon Clipart

HSBC BANK LOUGHTON CLOSING: 13^th August 2021. As we belong to the Diocesan Central Banking system, unfortunately the HSBC Loughton brance will close in August. It would be good if we could get most parishioners on to the Gift Aid Direct Debit Scheme.

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Jamie McRory RIP, Michael Touhy RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL / MAY 2021

Sat 24^th	10.00am	Ron Bryant RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 24^th	6.00pm	Ben & Katie Romford Paramedics (B Brown)
Sun 25^th Sun 25^th	9.00am 10.00am	Kenneth Tudhope RIP (M Duffy) Roxana – For good health & well being
Sun 25^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 26^th	10.00am 10.30am	Thomas & Patricia Simpson RIP (J Simpson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 27^th	10.00am	Gillian Fallon (Get Well) (G O’Donoghue)
Wed 28^th	10.00am 10.30am	Kavanagh Family RIP (Maree Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 29^th	10.00am	John Maton RIP (Ferdi & Diana Tisi)
Fri 30^th	10.00am 10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Remy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 1^st May	10.00am	Brian Perring RIP (anni) ((Eden Burn)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 1^st	6.00pm	Brian & Paul Street RIP (Barbara Street)
Sun 2^nd Sun 2^nd	9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Sun 2^nd	11:00am	Muriel & Bernard Gilley RIP (Eileen Ward)

4th Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts 4:8-12

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter said: ‘Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love has no end.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in men;

it is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in princes.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

I will thank you for you have answered

and you are my saviour.

The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

a marvel in our eyes.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Blessed in the name of the Lord

is he who comes.

We bless you from the house of the Lord;

You are my God, I thank you.

My God, I praise you.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good;

for his love has no end.

The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.

Second Reading :

1 John 3:1-2

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

by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are.

Because the world refused to acknowledge him,

therefore it does not acknowledge us.

My dear people, we are already the children of God

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

all we know is, that when it is revealed

we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.

Gospel : John 10:11-18

Jesus said:

‘I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.

The hired man, since he is not the shepherd

and the sheep do not belong to him,

abandons the sheep and runs away

as soon as he sees a wolf coming,

and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep;

this is because he is only a hired man

and has no concern for the sheep.

‘I am the good shepherd;

I know my own

and my own know me,

just as the Father knows me

and I know the Father;

and I lay down my life for my sheep.

And there are other sheep I have

that are not of this fold,

and these I have to lead as well.

They too will listen to my voice,

and there will be only one flock,

and one shepherd.

‘The Father loves me,

because I lay down my life

in order to take it up again.

No one takes it from me;

I lay it down of my own free will,

and as it is in my power to lay it down,

so it is in my power to take it up again;

and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Third Sunday of Easter 2021, Year B

Dear Friends in Christ Third Sunday of Easter 2021

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Once again this week we have listened to one of the Post-Resurrection accounts of the Apostles’ encounter with the Risen Lord. There were ten separate appearances after the Resurrectiton, and each one reassured the Apostles and disiciples of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. He could not be contained anymore by time or space. The reassurance that he gave to his followers, was what they needed to begin the public ministry of preaching the Good News. Everything that Jesus had promised had now come to pass; their sadness turns to joy, their fear turns to courage, their doubts turn to real faitih in the Risen Lord. Nothing can now hold them back in their mission. And with the gift of the Holy Spirit promised by the Lord, their lives are totally transformed, and so the ‘New Life’ begins.

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: There are still a large number of Gift Aid envelopes which have not been collected by those who belong to the scheme. The table will be outside the Church again this weekend for collection, and then placed in Fr. John’s garage throughout the week. As stated, the HSBC bank will be closing on 13^th August, it would be good for as many parishioerns as possible to go over to the direct giving through your bank. If you wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme, please see Fr. John or Maria Mosquera. Thank you for your ongoing support to the Parish.

May God Bless You All during this Easter Season.

Dear Friends in Christ, 3rd Sunday of Easter

Thomas Merton once wrote, “The real reason why so few men believe in God is that they have ceased to believe that even a God can love them.” That’s the great challenge, isn’t it – to believe that an almighty God could care about, much less love, small and sinful me? But the Christian claim is that he absolutely does: God took flesh for my sake, and yours, and died for our sins in order to raise us to eternal life. In today’s Gospel, we hear how the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples not in anger or vengeance, but in reconciliation: “Peace be with you.” It is this peace, this reconciliation that is the mission of the Church – not just bishops and priests, but all of us. We, as the community of believers, must proclaim by our witness and demonstrate by our unity that, in Jesus Christ, God has proven his love for all.

SLOWLY OPENING UP AGAIN: This week, after many weeks of lock down, we saw the second phase of re-opening take place. It is hoped that with so many of the population having received one or both doses of the vaccine, it will assist in giving a lot more confidence to people in this fight against Covid. We cannot lower our guard, and still have to abide by the social distancing measures and face coverings when inside; but with the warmer weather arriving, and hopefully, society trying to get back to some semblance of normality, we will be able to resume life in a more relaxed manner. Obviously, this Pandemic is still raging throughout our world, and even though we may feel a lot safer, there are many countries that have barely even begun a vaccination programme. Foreign travel is still very questionable! Let us continue to be vigilant.

COMING HOME: ‘Landings’, is the name of a programme designed to encourage people to the return of the practice of their Catholic Faith. For over a year now, many people have not felt safe enough to attend weekly mass, even though we have provided Government guidelines and all the necessary PPE provisions to ensure people’s safety when attending public services. We have been fortunate enough to have been open since last July 2020, and many are now slowly returning to Holy Mass. But as I stated last year, it’s very easy to get out of the habit of attending Mass, and before we know it, many will not even bother with virtual attendance either. As I stated nothing can ever replace the physical presence, being part of the worshipping community and receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Will resume again on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare for this next stage in their Faith Journey. You will be notified by Mark Anthony the day before the programme begins with Zoom details. I was very saddened & disappointed to see so few Confirmandi attend Easter Masses. Some Candidates have not been to the Church throughout the whole of the Program or over the past year; others, I have seen every week. If you have returned to school, obviously you are going out and mixing. Think seriously about Confirmation in these weeks ahead. If you are not able to make this commitment which involves the practice of your faith, think very carefully about the sacred action of Confirmation and the promises that you make.

Donate

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

EASTER OFFERING: Please ensure that you specify ‘Easter Offering’ & your Gift Aid number.

Please put your name as reference and your Gift Aid number if you have one. If you can set it up as a regular payment this would be excellent and save a lot of time in the future. If you don’t have GIFT AID this is a good time to start, you can do this by e-mailing Maria Mosquera (mjm70@hotmail.com). With continued thanks for your generosity.

God Bless You All Fr. John

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £597.38 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 17^th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy & Pat Ata (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 17^th	6.00pm	Ben Waters RIP (Ann Petch)
Sun 18^th Sun 18^th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe Caffrey RIP (Smith Family) Gerald McCarthy Get Well (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 18^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)
Mon 19^th	10.00am 10.30am	Patrick Daly (Get well) (G O’Donoghue) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 20^th	10.00am	Joe Brown RIP (Betty Brown)
Wed 21^st	10.00am 10.30am	William Stephens RIP (Marie Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 22^nd	10.00am	Tony Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 23^rd	10.00am 10.30am	Msgr Henry Posluszny RIP (F Westcott) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 24^th	10.00am	Ron Bryant RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 24^th	6.00pm	Ben & Katie Romford Paramedics (B Brown)
Sun 25^th	9.00am 10.00am	Kenneth Tudhope RIP (M Duffy) People of the Parish
Sun 25^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

SACRED SCRIPTURES READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 2021

First Reading : Acts 3:13-15,17-19

Peter said to the people: ‘You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses.

‘Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.’

Resposorial Psalm : Psalm 4:2,4,7,9

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

When I call, answer me, O God of justice;

from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me!

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

It is the Lord who grants favours to those whom he loves;

the Lord hears me whenever I call him.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

‘What can bring us happiness?’ many say.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once

for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.

Second Reading : 1 John 2:1-5

I am writing this, my children,

to stop you sinning;

but if anyone should sin,

we have our advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ, who is just;

he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away,

and not only ours,

but the whole world’s.

We can be sure that we know God

only by keeping his commandments.

Anyone who says, ‘I know him’,

and does not keep his commandments,

is a liar,

refusing to admit the truth.

But when anyone does obey what he has said,

God’s love comes to perfection in him.

Gospel : Luke 24:35-48

The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread.

They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes.

Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.

THE GOSPEPL OF THE LORD

2nd Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday

Dear Friends in Christ Second Sunday of Easter 2021
Divine mercy sunday clipart.

In this beautiful Gospel we see the first appearance of Jesus to the Apostles. Thomas is absent, and unless he sees Jesus for himself he will not believe. 8 days later, Jesus shows himself to the Apostles again, this time he speaks to Thomas; he’s not angry, but he wants to reassure Ttomas “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.” This underscores the very important task that Jesus wants us to undertake even with our human weakness. Jesus will still use us to spread His Gospel to the whole world.

FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY: St. Faustina, a poorly educated daughter of a humble Polish family, kept a 600-page diary of the apparitions she claimed continued for years. Her entries focus on God’s mercy, the call to accept God’s mercy and to be merciful, the need for conversion, and the call to trust in Jesus. It had been Jesus’ own wish, she wrote, to establish a feast day: “I [Jesus] desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls. . . . I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy.”

Dear Friends in Christ: 2^nd Sunday of Easter 2021

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the whole parish community for your kind Easter Cards & Gifts over the Easter Weekend; I truly appreciate your generosity & thoughtfulness. Also for your Easter Offerings, which form the major part of Priest’s salary. Thank you! It was a real honour and privilege to have been able to celebrate all of the Holy Week & Easter ceremonies with you.

Sadly, there are still a large number of parishioners who do not feel safe attending Church, even though we have put in place the strictest of guidelines for Health & Safety, which has always been my number one priority. I actually haven’t seen anywhere up and down the high street those who employ as strict guidelines as we do at Church; and people still go shopping! Many people have now received either one or both doses of the the Vaccine, which affords so much security to each of us. As long as we continue to maintain social distancing, face coverings, hand sanitisation & track & trace facilities; we are doing everything that the Government guidelines have requested of us.

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of replacing the actual physical presence of the worshipping community with a Virtual Reality online version; obviously it has met a need at a very difficult time, but there will come a time when online live streaming will cease. To be able to participate and receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, is ultimately the goal within this Pandemic in every parish throughout the world. It’s a new world order, and we will never look at life in the same way ever again. We have all adapted incredibly. Many diocese’s throughout the world are slowly reinstating the Sunday Obligation after this Pandemic.

I make this heartfelt appeal to the whole parish community, to seriously think about your weekly presence at Holy Mass. The Gathering together for the Sacred Liturgy is the most important thing that we do together as Catholics. Let us come and worship the Lord!

May God Bless You All during this Easter Season,

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which, is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

WEEKLY OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you belong to the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, could you kindly pick up your new envelopes immediately after Mass. During the Week the envelopes will be in Fr. John’s Garage. The new financial year is about to begin so you’ll need your envelopes! If you would like to join the parish Gift Aid Scheme, please pick up a form, complete it and drop off at the Presbytery. I would like to encourage all those who Gift Aid to make a Standing Order, if possible. The HSBC Bank will be closing in August; which means that we will only be able to pay in the Offertory every two to three weeks. With standing Orders you don’t have to worry about envelopes, other than for Special Collections. Maria Mosquera is our Gift Aid Organiser.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME: Will resume again on Wednesday 24^th April at 7.30pm Please keep our Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare for this next stage in their Faith Journey. You will be notified by Mark Anthony the day before the programme begins with Zoom details. I was very saddened & disappointed to see so few Confirmandi attend Easter Masses last weekend. Some Candidates have not been to the Church throughout the whole of the Program; others, I have seen every week. If you have returned to school, obviously you are going out and mixing. Think seriously about Confirmation in these weeks ahead. If you are not able to make this commitment which involves the practice of your faith, think very carefully about the sacred action of Confirmation and the promises that you make.

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 has a list of 40 items needed during Lent and they are also supporting families with packed lunches and food parcels during the Easter holidays. Here are the 40 items being requested during Lent: Laundry tablets, anti-bacterial spray, washing-up liquid, UHT milk, long-life fruit juice, squash, instant coffee, tinned ham, corned beef, vegetarian tinned meal, microwave rice, instant noodles, packet mashed potato, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, tinned sweet corn, custard, sponge pudding, rice pudding, chocolate bars, tinned spaghetti, cous-cous sachet, packet soup, hot chocolate powder, peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, breakfast bars, cereal bars, biscuits, halal tinned meat, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face masks, strong carrier bags. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

Donate

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

God Bless You All Fr. John

HSBC BANK LOUGHTON CLOSING: 13^th August 2021. As we belong to the Diiocesan Central Banking system, unfortunately the HSBC Loughton brance will close in August. It would be good if we could get most parishieorns on to the Gift Aid Direct Scheme.

DIARY APRIL 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme has been completed this year Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who will receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist on Sunday 11^th Apriil at the 11.00am Mass This is a wonderful moment in his life as he will join our Parish Family through Initiation. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John Tel: 0208 508 3492

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 10^th	10.00am	Gladys Hockley RIP (D Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm*
Sat 10^th	6.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Teresa & Brian Fabbri)
Sun 11^th Sun 11^th	9.00am 10.00am	Tim Hadley RIP (Pat Ward) People of the Parish
Sun 11^th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)
Mon 12^th	10.00am 10.30am	Pam Houghton RIP ((M Hopkinson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 13^th	10.00am	William Kendal (Get Well) Kendal Family
Wed 14^th	10.00am	Sheila Tremble RIP (Tremble Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 15^th	10.00am	Vera & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy)
Fri 16^th	10.00am	Mary & Judith Gormley RIP (J Gormley)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 17^th	10.00am	Margaret Duffy & Pat Ata (Remy)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 17^th	6.00pm	Ben Waters RIP (Ann Petch)
Sun 18^th	9.00am 10.00am	Joe Caffrey RIP ((Smith Family) Gerald McCarthy Get Well (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 18^th	11:00am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)

THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

(for the recitation on ordinary rosary beads of five decades. (at the beginning)

Make the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. —-

(then on the Our Father beads)

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

(then on the Ten Small Hail Mary beads)

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(conclude with Holy God – repeat three times)

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(repeat for the remaining decades Saying the “Eternal Father” on the “Our Father” bead and then 10x “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” on the following “Hail Mary” beads)

You may download your Divine Mercy app at: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/app

IT IS A POWERFUL PRAYER:

In a vision to St. Faustina in 1935, the Lord revealed

a powerful prayer that He wanted everyone to say –

the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy – Jesus said to Faustina:

“The Lord‟s Promise: The souls that say this chaplet will

be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and

especially at the hour of their death.” – (Diary, 754).

“[…] I desire that the whole world know My infnite mercy.

I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those

souls who trust in My mercy.” – (Diary, 687).

“My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which

I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything

they ask of Me by saying the chaplet […]” – (Diary, 1541).

“[…] Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened,

if he were to recite this chaplet only once,

he would receive grace from

My infnite mercy […]” – (Diary, 687).

Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter)

First Reading : Acts 4:32-35

The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common.

The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and they were all given great respect.

None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):2-4,15-18,22-24

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

‘His love has no end.’

Let the sons of Aaron say:

‘His love has no end.’

Let those who fear the Lord say:

‘His love has no end.’

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

and recount his deeds.

I was punished, I was punished by the Lord,

but not doomed to die.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end

The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord;

we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

Second Reading : 1 John 5:1-6

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ

has been begotten by God;

and whoever loves the Father that begot him

loves the child whom he begets.

We can be sure that we love God’s children

if we love God himself and do what he has commanded us;

this is what loving God is –

keeping his commandments;

and his commandments are not difficult,

because anyone who has been begotten by God

has already overcome the world;

this is the victory over the world –

our faith.

Who can overcome the world?

Only the man who believes that Jesus is the Son of God:

Jesus Christ who came by water and blood,

not with water only,

but with water and blood;

with the Spirit as another witness –

since the Spirit is the truth.

Gospel : John 20:19-31

In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them

and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:

‘You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Dear Friends in Christ Easter Sunday 2021

Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we gather together to celebrate the greatest event in history, the triumph over sin & death by Jesus Christ Our Lord; we thank God for the gift of his Son, who, through his Life, Passion, Death & Resurrection has won for us Eternal Life. A New Life began on that first Easter morning. Everything that Jesus did with the Apostles would now come to fruition with the beginning of the Church. You and I are part of that ongoing story of Salvation History.

Today, we gather to worship the Risen Lord, and thank God for the gift of his Son and His saving action. We have much to be grateful for, and even in the darkest moments of our lives, and many have experienced these over the past twelve months, we can express our gratitude to Almighty God. Hope is at the heart of the Easter story, and combined with faith and love, our lives are filled with the Joy of the Resurrection. Our lives have meaning and purpose and our goal is ultimately Heaven.

‘The Lord is risen indeed, Alleuia!’

SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL: 7.30pm First Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

EASTER SUNDAY: There will be 4 Masses: 8am, 9am, 10am & 11am

THERE WILL BE MANY SPARE PLACES AT THE 8am & 9am Masses

Dear Friends in Christ: Easter Sunday 2021

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make our Holy Week ceremonies so wonderful. This time last year we were celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord behind locked doors; now we are able to gather together and savour these wonderful Holy Week Liturgies. I am truly humbled by the incredible kindness and thoughtfulness of you all during the past twelve months; the many Steward Volunteers, serving the parish every week, helping everyone during this Pandemic. To all those who work behind the scenes, sacristans, altar society, MC’s & servers, Choir director and choirs, Readers & Eucharistic Ministers. Special thanks to all the ladies who did the flowers for Easter, and for all who donated lilies in remembrance of loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We still have a long way to go, in rebuilding our parish again after this lockdown and Pandemic. Obviously, we all still have to keep vigilant. But to be part of a worshipping community is one of the greatest blessings as Catholic Christians; and being able to express our faith on this Easter Day is the greatest Joy of all! Thank you one and all!

Wishing you and all your Loved Ones a Very Happy & Holy Easter.

May the Peace & Joy of the Risen Lord be with you All.

Love & God Bless,

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: Envelopes will be available for your Easter Offering, which is your opportunity to make your Easter gift to your Parish Priest, which goes to make up his salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’ & Gift Aid No.

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank 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 has a list of 40 items needed during Lent and they are also supporting families with packed lunches and food parcels during the Easter holidays. Here are the 40 items being requested during Lent: Laundry tablets, anti-bacterial spray, washing-up liquid, UHT milk, long-life fruit juice, squash, instant coffee, tinned ham, corned beef, vegetarian tinned meal, microwave rice, instant noodles, packet mashed potato, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, tinned sweet corn, custard, sponge pudding, rice pudding, chocolate bars, tinned spaghetti, cous-cous sachet, packet soup, hot chocolate powder, peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, breakfast bars, cereal bars, biscuits, halal tinned meat, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face masks, strong carrier bags. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

MASS INTENTIONS – APRIL 2021

Sat 3^rd Easter Saturday	10.00am	Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 3^rd Easter Vigil	7.30pm	Fr. John’s Intentions
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday Sun 4^th	8.00am 9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Mary Walstow RIP (Maureen Perry) The Manley Family (The Gormley Family)
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday	11:00am	John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr. John)
Mon 5^th	10.00am 10.30am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 6^th	10.00am	Norman Taylor RIP (Brenda Bryant)
Wed 7^th	10.00am	Pat Quinn RIP (M Ryan)Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament
Thurs 8^th	10.00am	Michael & Breege Kerrane RIP (Mary)
Fri 9^th	10.00am	Christopher GilfordHoly Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Sat 10^th	10.00am	Gladys Hockley RIP (Brenda Bryant)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 10^th	6.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Teresa & Brain Fabbri)
Sun 11^th	9.00am 10.00am	Tim Hadley RIP (Pat Ward) People of the Parish
Sun 11^th	11:00am	Pat & Jack Steele RIP (Maria Fray)

A Happy & Holy Easter to you All!

Easter Sunday

First Reading : Acts 10:34,37-43

Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 117(118):1-2,16-17,22-23

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,

for his love has no end.

Let the sons of Israel say:

‘His love has no end.’

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

The Lord’s right hand has triumphed;

his right hand raised me up.

I shall not die, I shall live

and recount his deeds.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

The stone which the builders rejected

has become the corner stone.

This is the work of the Lord,

a marvel in our eyes.

This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Second Reading :

Colossians 3:1-4

Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.

Gospel : John 20:1-9

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’

So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

Palm Sunday of the Passion, Year B, 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ THIS IS HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday 2021

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR

We are about to embark upon our Holy Week 2021. This time last year I celebrated all of the Holy Week masses & services in an empty church, while parishioners tuned in via social media. Thank the Lord, this year we can gather together once again to journey with Our Blessed Lord through this Holy Week, to accompany Him in faith and love, and to share in the triumph of Easter Day.

Our Palm Sunday celebration reminds us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City, to cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. This, of course, is overshadowed by the religious authorities and crowds, who in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with the words, ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ This Palm Sunday sets the scene for the rest of our Holy Week.

THE SACRED TRIDUUM: The three Holy Days – are seen as one continuous celebration of faith. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper where the institution of the Holy Eucharist took place; the eternal gift the Lord gave to the Apostles on the night before he died. He journey’s to Gethsemane where he prays to the Father. The arrest takes place in the garden; and the Apostles flee in fear.

Good Friday: this sacred and solemn day calls to mind, the cruel treatment of Jesus, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, his condemnation through false evidence brought against him. Pilate washes his hands of Jesus, and he begins the journey up the Hill of Calvary to his brutal Crucifixion & Death.

Holy Saturday: Commences with the silence of the Tomb. And yet God raises Jesus out of death. We celebrate the first Mass of Easter at our Vigil celebration. Jesus triumphs over sin and death and invties us to share in the New Life of Resurrection faith.

Dear Friends in Christ: Palm Sundayof the Passion, 2021

The world has certainly changed over the past twelve months! The Pandemic has changed everyone’s way of life, and whenever we return to ‘normal’ things will be very different. The one constant in the life of faith is Jesus Christ, and as we begin this journey of Holy Week, it’s so important for each and every one of us to be thankful to the Lord for bringing us through this difficult time. Many people lost their lives over the past year during this Pandemic, and many people have also been sick. This Holy Week we remember in a particular way the Sufferings of Jesus Christ, and why he was willing to offer Himself up for each one of us as a sacrifice that takes our sins away. Let us unite ourselves with Him in this Journey and look forward to the celebration of Resurrection faith on Easter Day!

I would like to take this public opportunity of expressing my sincere and grateful thanks to all who have helped over the past twelve months of Pandemic. In particular, I would like to thank Iain McLay who has coordinated everything in church for many months; also the many Steward helpers who faithfully assist at every Mass on Sundays and throughout the week. Your Service to the whole community has truly been exemplary. I will be asking for some more volunteers during this Holy Week, if you can assist and help with the cleaning and sanitizing after each service, this would be of great help. Can We Help You Clipart.

We have had some good news this week with the number of people who have received the vaccine. This is very heartening. But as the situation in Europe gets worse, we cannot let down our guard. Until everyone is vaccinated we have to continue to remain vigilant.

As we embark upon this Holy Week, let us truly commit ourselves in faith and love to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us accompany him on the road that leads to Salvation and Eternal Life. You are invited personally to share his life, and share in the triumph of Easter Resurrection Faith.

May God Bless You All

ELECTRONIC EASTER OFFERING: This year, as always, envelopes will be available for us to make our Easter Offering, which, as you know, is an opportunity in every Catholic Church for parishioners to make an Easter gift to their Parish Priest, which goes to make up their salary for the Year. This year our Easter Offering can also be made electronically. We just need to transfer the money to the parish account with the reference ‘Easter Offering’; please also quote you Gift Aid Number. Any questions please ask Iain McLay (bloggeriain@gmail.com).

The details of the bank account are:

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651 Quote: ‘Easter Offering’

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

Donate

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

God Bless You All Fr. John

FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE PARISH: You may have noticed that the Weekly Offertory, on some occasions, is extremely low. Obviously, we are all experiencing financial issues during this Pandemic. Some parishioners have reverted to online giving since last year. Others have opted to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, and are using Direct Debit weekly/monthly payments. I would say that the Weekly Offertory has probably dropped by a half over the past twelve months. Manifestly we have to cut our cloth accordingly. It would be really good if we could get everyone onto the Gift Aid Scheme or making your Weekly Contribution to the Parish Account (see above). Let us try over the next year to get these proposals in place. I would like to thank all of our parishioners for your ongoing support of the parish and all its buildings. There is no other income, other than your weekly contribution. Thank you One and All!

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: As we have not been able to have a Penance Service since Advent 2019, I would like to encourage all of our parishioernes to avail yourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter. Commencing this week, there will be Confessions after each of the masses; there will also be two brief Penance Services during Holy Week – Tuesday 30^th & Wednesday 31^st March at 7.00pm; Fr. John will be available for Confession in the ‘Back Sacristy’ after each of the services, enabling social distancing & privacy. Please make an extra special effort to celebrate the Sacrament.

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 has a list of 40 items needed during Lent and they are also supporting families with packed lunches and food parcels during the Easter holidays. Here are the 40 items being requested during Lent: Laundry tablets, anti-bacterial spray, washing-up liquid, UHT milk, long-life fruit juice, squash, instant coffee, tinned ham, corned beef, vegetarian tinned meal, microwave rice, instant noodles, packet mashed potato, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, tinned sweet corn, custard, sponge pudding, rice pudding, chocolate bars, tinned spaghetti, cous-cous sachet, packet soup, hot chocolate powder, peanut butter, chocolate spread, jam, breakfast bars, cereal bars, biscuits, halal tinned meat, hand sanitiser, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face masks, strong carrier bags. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

CHURCH CLEANING FOR HOLY WEEK & EASTER: Could I make an appepal for some volunteers to come and help with the Church leaning on Tuesday 30^th March at 9.30am (There will be no holy hour today). We want to make the Church nice a clean for the Triduum & Easter celebrations.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: We have completed several sessions together now; and I would like to take this oppportunity of thanking our Programme Director Mark Anthony, and all our Catechists for faithfully helping and assisting with our young people in their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Also a really big thank you to all our Confirmandi for participating weekly in the programme. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a very informative and interesting programme. Fr. Sthephen Wang & the Sycamore programme certainly gives us all plenty to think about. We will now be breaking for the Easter Holidays and won’t resume again until Wednesday 21^st April. Please think carefully about the reason why you want to be Confirmed in your Catholic Faith. Also, think about your Sponsor and Confirmation Name during the break. Mark Anthony will contact you with Zoom details the next time we’re due to meet.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER: You’ll be breaking up fairly soon for the Easter holidays. I would like to encoruage you all to really enter into the spirit of Holy Week & Easter. We’re all making this spiritual journey with Our Lord during the last days of his life; and the richness of the liturgy during Holy Week is very powerful and engaging. It’s not enough to just be some kind of casual onlooker, we have to really make the journey with Jesus through his Passion, Death & Resurrection as real companions. Ask for the grace to be able to make this journey with the Lord.

You may not always consider your presence at Holy Mass important, but it is. You are part of this bigger familiy, God’s family; and to be an active participant in the family can only enrich the whole family. You are precious in the sight of God, and your expressions of your love for him, even for half and hour each week, is something that will continue to transform your lives. Being a Roman Catholic isn’t just an Sunday exercise, it affects everything that we are, and who we are trying to become in life. Let God in!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme has been completed this year Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. This is a wonderful moment in his life as he will join our Parish Family through Initiation. This will take place on Sunday 11^th April at the 11.00am Mass. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John Tel: 0208 508 3492 RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

EASTER LILIES: If there are any parishioerns who would like to purchase an Easter L:ily in rememberance of da deceased loved one, kindly complete the attached form in this Newsletter and return to the Presbytery, no later than Thursday 1^st April. We want to decorate the Church for Easter, and this is a lovely way to remember our deceased loved ones in a special way. Thanks! Clip Art: Religious: Cross with Easter Lilies Color I.

Lilies at Easter 2021

Every year at Easter we remember

our deceased loved one by decorating

the Church with White Lilies.

If you would like to have a stem of lilies placed in

the arrangements throughout the Easter Season,

in memory of a deceased loved one, relatives or friends.

Please complete this form below and return to the

Presbytery in an envelope by Maundy Thursday 1^st

April 2021

…………………………………………………………………

St. Edmund of Canterbury: _________

Names: of those remembered: (Please print clearly)

……………………………… ………………………………

………………………………. .……………………………..

Amount enclosed £……………… Gift Aid No:……………..

From:……………………………………………………

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE GIFT AIDED

Please Use Your Spare Gift Aid Envelopes

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Harvey RIP (4^th April). And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £450.47 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme, there are application forms in the Church Porch or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you!

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH / APRIL – HOLY WEEK 2021

Sat 27^th	10.00am 10.30am	Ann Wright RIP (Brenda Bryant) Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 27^th	6.00pm	Tessa Mansfield (sick) ( B & H Walsh) CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR
Sun 28^th Palm Sunday	9.00am 10.00am	Yvonne Maria Westcott RIP (F Westcott) People of the Parish
Sun 28^th Palm Sunday	11:00am 5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (Carmen Antaki) Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 29^th	10.00am 10.30am	Kathy & Bernie Harvey RIP (M Hopkinson) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 30^th	9.00am 7.00pm	David Faud RIP NO HOLY HOUR Penance Service – Fr John – Confessions
Wed 31^st	9.00am 7.00pm	Pat Fahy RIP (M Ryan) NO HOLY HOUR Penance Service – Fr John – Confessions
Thurs 1st Maundy Thursday	9.00am 8.00pm	Tenebrae – Office of Readings /Morning Prayer MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Maura Stone RIP (Anthony Family)
Fri 2^nd Good Friday	9.00am 10.00am 3.00pm 5.00pm 7.00pm	Tenebrae – Office of Readings /Morning Prayer Children’s Stations of the Cross Simple Form THE PASSION OF OUR LORD THE PASSION OF OUR LORD STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Confessions
Sat 3^rd Holy Saturday	9.00am 10.30am	Tenebrae – Office of Readings / Morning Prayer Confessions in the Back Sacristy
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 3^rd Easter Vigil	7.30pm	SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday	8.00am 9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Mary Walstow RIP (Maureen Perry) The Manley Family (The Gormley Family)
Sun 4^th Easter Sunday	11:00am	John & Mary Harvey RIP (Fr. John )

A Happy & Holy Easter to you All!

Palm Sunday

First Reading : Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord has given me

a disciple’s tongue.

So that I may know how to reply to the wearied

he provides me with speech.

Each morning he wakes me to hear,

to listen like a disciple.

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.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 21(22):8-9,17-20,23-24

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride me.

They curl their lips, they toss their heads.

‘He trusted in the Lord, let him save him;

let him release him if this is his friend.’

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Many dogs have surrounded me,

a band of the wicked beset me.

They tear holes in my hands and my feet

I can count every one of my bones.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

They divide my clothing among them.

They cast lots for my robe.

O Lord, do not leave me alone,

my strength, make haste to help me!

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell of your name to my brethren

and praise you where they are assembled.

‘You who fear the Lord give him praise;

all sons of Jacob, give him glory.

Revere him, Israel’s sons.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

His state was divine,

yet Christ Jesus did not cling

to his equality with God

but emptied himself

to assume the condition of a slave

and became as men are;

and being as all men are,

he was humbler yet,

even to accepting death,

death on a cross.

But God raised him high

and gave him the name

which is above all other names

so that all beings

in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld,

should bend the knee at the name of Jesus

and that every tongue should acclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47

Key: N. Narrator. ✠ Jesus. O. Other single speaker. C. Crowd, or more than one speaker.

First thing in the morning, the chief priests together with the elders and scribes, in short the whole Sanhedrin, had their plan ready. They had Jesus bound and took him away and handed him over to Pilate.

Pilate questioned him:

O. Are you the king of the Jews?

N. He answered,

✠ It is you who say it.

N. And the chief priests brought many accusations against him. Pilate questioned him again:

O. Have you no reply at all? See how many accusations they are bringing against you!

N. But, to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.

At festival time Pilate used to release a prisoner for them, anyone they asked for. Now a man called Barabbas was then in prison with the rioters who had committed murder during the uprising. When the crowd went up and began to ask Pilate the customary favour, Pilate answered them

O. Do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?

N. For he realised it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over. The chief priests, however, had incited the crowd to demand that he should release Barabbas for them instead. Then Pilate spoke again:

O. But in that case, what am I to do with the man you call king of the Jews?

N. They shouted back,

C. Crucify him!

N. Pilate asked them,

O. Why? What harm has he done?

N. But they shouted all the louder,

C. Crucify him!

N. So Pilate, anxious to placate the crowd, released Barabbas for them and, having ordered Jesus to be scourged, handed him over to be crucified.

The soldiers led him away to the inner part of the palace, that is, the Praetorium, and called the whole cohort together. They dressed him up in purple, twisted some thorns into a crown and put it on him. And they began saluting him,

C. Hail, king of the Jews!

N. They struck his head with a reed and spat on him; and they went down on their knees to do him homage. And when they had finished making fun of him, they took off the purple and dressed him in his own clothes.

They led him out to crucify him: they enlisted a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull.

They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he refused it. Then they crucified him, and shared out his clothing, casting lots to decide what each should get. It was the third hour when they crucified him. The inscription giving the charge against him read: ‘The King of the Jews.’ And they crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left.

The passers-by jeered at him; they shook their heads and said,

C. Aha! So you would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days! Then save yourself: come down from the cross!

N. The chief priests and the scribes mocked him among themselves in the same way. They said,

C. He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the king of Israel, come down from the cross now, for us to see it and believe.

N. Even those who were crucified with him taunted him.

When the sixth hour came there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

✠ Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

N. which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’ When some of those who stood by heard this, they said

C. Listen, he is calling on Elijah.

N. Someone ran and soaked a sponge in vinegar and, putting it on a reed, gave it him to drink, saying:

O. Wait and see if Elijah will come to take him down.

N. But Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

All kneel and pause for a moment.

And the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The centurion, who was standing in front of him, had seen how he had died, and he said,

O. In truth this man was a son of God.

N. There were some women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary of Magdala, Mary who was the mother of James the younger and Joset, and Salome. These used to follow him and look after him when he was in Galilee. And there were many other women there who had come up to Jerusalem with him.

It was now evening, and since it was Preparation Day (that is, the vigil of the sabbath), there came Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent member of the Council, who himself lived in the hope of seeing the kingdom of God, and he boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate, astonished that he should have died so soon, summoned the centurion and enquired if he was already dead. Having been assured of this by the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph who bought a shroud, took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in the shroud and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset were watching and took note of where he was laid.