St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

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.

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

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!

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

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: Brian & Paul Street 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 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)

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.

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.

This is Holy Week & Easter 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ: Preparing for Holy Week 2021

As we are about to prepare for Holy Week 2021, I’m sure the events of the past twelve months with a world-wide Pandemic are not far from our thoughts. We have all been profoundly affected by Covid 19 and this time last year, we weren’t even allowed to gather as a worshiping community of faith. But thank God this year, with the advent of the vaccine, and the third lockdown the R number has drastically been reduced. I encourage all our parishioners to participate in this year’s Holy Week if you can!

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of our Holy Week 2021. We will travel with the Lord Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with the cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, as they lay their palm branches before him. We also must remember this same crowd in a few days’ time will be baying for his blood with cries of ‘crucify him, crucify him’! See the source image

THE TRIDUUM OF THE LORD The most powerful liturgy that we experience during the church’s liturgical year. I encourage you all to participate fully in these most wonderful celebrations of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We share together the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday Liturgy, and the Easter Vigil, as one continuous celebration of Salvation History. See the source image

Just a note of reassurance to the whole parish concerning Health & Safety. We have employed all the necessary guidelines to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors of the Church is safe. Hand sanitising upon entry & exit; face coverings; track & trace; social distancing; one-way system in church; stewards available to facilitate welcome & the distribution of Holy Communion; thorough cleaning of the church after each Service.

I make a very special appeal this year to everyone, especially those who have not yet returned to the Church because of the Pandemic, to make a special effort to really enter the spirit of this Holy Week. It is the high point in the Church’s liturgical Calendar. Parents, this is your opportunity to teach your chidlren about the importance of this Holy Week.

May God Bless You All,

SCHEDULE OF MASSES & SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK 2021

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28 MARCH

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION: 27^th /28^th March

6.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sat. 27^th March)

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms (Sun 28^th March)

10.00 am. St. Edmund’s Blessing of Palms .. ..

11.00 am St. Edmund’s. Blessing of Palms .. ..

5.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of Cross and Benediction

MONDAY 29^th March

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s. Confessions after Mass

TUESDAY 30^th March

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Mass – Confessions after Mass

9.30 a.m. Cleaning of Church for Holy Week & Easter. Please help us!

7.00pm Penance Service – Only Fr John present for confessions

WEDNESDAY 31^st March

9.00 a m St. Edmund’s

11.00 a m Chrism Mass – Brentwood Cathedral – Clergy only

7.00 p.m. Penance Service – Only Fr John present for confessions

THE TRIDUUM

MAUNDY THURSDAY 1^st April

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer, Tenebrae /Confessions

8.00 p.m. MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER St. Edmund’s

Only short period of watching after Mass / Confessions

GOOD FRIDAY 2^nd April Day of Fasting and Abstinence

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Morning Prayer. Tenebrae

10.00 a.m. Children’s Stations of the Cross – Short Service

3.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

5.00 p.m. THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHIRST

7.00 p.m. St. Edmund’s. Stations of the Cross. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY: 3^rd April 2021

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s Morning Prayer, Tenebrae, Confessions.

12.30 p.m. Swieconka: Polish Blessing for Easter Food Baskets

7.30 p.m. St. Edmund’s. THE EASTER VIGIL

EASTER SUNDAY 4^TH April THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

8.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

9.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

10.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Mass

11.00 a.m. St. Edmund’s, Parish Family Mass

RESURREXIT SICUT DIXIT, ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

HOLY WEEK 2021

PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICES:

I have scheduled two very brief Penitential Services during Holy Week, on Tuesday 30^th March & Wednesday 31^st March at 7.00pm. As I will be on my own, and we’re not allowed to use the Confessional, I will be available in the back sacristy, with social distancing. I will also schedule Confessions after all the Masses & Services during this coming week & Holy Week. Please try to avail yourselves of the Sacrament in preparation for Easter. Thank you

PALM SUNDAY:

Due to the nature of Palm Sunday, Holy Mass is always a bit longer with the Passion being read. This year we will use the shorter version. But as there is also an additional Mass at 10.00am, could I ask for some extra help with Stewarding and cleaning the Church after the 9am & 10am masses. Please contact Iain McLay if you can help. Thank you!

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:

‘Easter Offering’

Sort Code: 40-13-22

Account Number: 11019651

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton St Edmund

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES:

Please note that the Easter Vigil Mass will take place on Saturday 3^rd April at 7.30pm

Easter Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8.00am, 9.00am, 10.00am & 11.00am. We may need a little additional help with the Stewarding and cleaning of the church in between each mass. If you can help just remain after the mass ends, it will only take a few minutes if there is plenty of help. Thank you!

Fifth Sunday of Lent 2021, Passiontide, Year B

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fifth Sunday of Lent 2021

Personally, I have been a little shocked this week at the reaction by many of the larger European Countries at the suspension of use of the Oxford vaccine. Sadly, this means that there will be a halt in Europe to the ongoing vaccination programme, and with an incredible surge throughout many of the countries once again, this is going to have a devastating effect of the wellbeing and even the death of many more people. Following the science, those responsible for the Oxford vaccine have given a reassurance that it is safe, and with ongoing assessment all the time, people should not feel fearful about receiving their first jab. Here in the UK over twenty-five million people have now received the vaccine, and we are beginning to see the green shoots of recovery. This week it was reported that in the past month alone there was an 85% drop in Covid deaths in the 80’s plus age group. This is incredible! The vaccine is making a difference. Who knows whether the European situation is politically or socially motivated, but people’s lives are at risk and the resumption of inoculation is essential. Let us continue to pray for the success of the vaccine. If you’re invited to receive the ‘jab’, please don’t hesitate, we’re talking about matters of life and death here!

INVITATION TO HOLY WEEK SERVICES: This weekend you will receive a hard copy of the Parish newsletter along with the e-mail copies sent to your homes. Newsletter is also on the Parish Website. In addition to the Newsletter, I have included A Holy Week & Easter Card, stating all the times of the various Masses & Services over Holy Week & Easter. Please keep this in a safe place. During this difficult past 12 months, I know many parishioners have been very reluctant to attend Holy Mass, and possibly only livestream. But I am appealing to the whole parish community to enter into the spirit of this Holy Week, and attend as much as possible. In accord with Governmental & Diocesan guidelines, all Health & Safety measures are in place. We have been open for Sunday masses since last July, and many have returned. Many have now received the Vaccine, which enhances your health & safety. It would be wonderful to see everyone return to the regular practice of faith. We truly do miss our parish family! Please come Home!

BRITIISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28^thMARCH

Dear Friends in Christ: Fifth Sunday of Lent,Year B

Today’s Gospel takes place in the last days of Jesus’ life. The unusual request to see Jesus is met by an even more unusual answer by the Lord; he predicts his own Passion & Death. Those who seek to know Jesus must look within the Cross where his glory is revealed; to look within the Cross. Today’s Gospel invites us to turn our gaze to the Crucifix which is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory — abused at times! Rather, it is a religious symbol to contemplate and to understand. Within the image of Jesus crucified is revealed the mystery of the death of the Son as a supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all ages. We have been healed in his wounds.

In order to explain the meaning of his death and Resurrection, Jesus uses an image and says: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (v. 24). He wants to explain that his extreme fate — that is the Cross, death and Resurrection — is an act of fruitfulness — his wounds have healed us — a fruitfulness which will bear fruit for many. He thus compares himself to a grain of wheat which, rotting in the earth, generates new life. Jesus came to earth through the Incarnation, but this is not enough. He must also die to redeem man from the slavery of sin and to offer him a new life reconciled in love. I said “to redeem man”: but to redeem me, you, all of us, each of us. He paid that price. This is the mystery of Christ. Go towards his wounds, enter, contemplate, see Jesus — but from within. John 12:24 Unless A Grain Of Wheat Dies:red

SPECIAL REQUEST FOR HOLY WEEK: As you know Holy Week is the busiest week of the Liturgical Year. We will need additional help at all the Masses & Services this year with Stewarding and especially in ensuring the Church is cleaned in between Masses. There was a truly wonderful response at Christmas, I appeal to you all again for Holy Week. We have PPE equipment for all Stewards available at the back of the Church. This is truly a wonderful way to help service the whole parish community Can you help? Please

contact Iain McLay Can We Help You Clipart.

May God Bless You All

Donate

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

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. 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!

RETURNING TO THE PRACTICE OF THE FAITH: Never before in the history of Christianity have we been prevented from attending Holy Mass on Sunday’s; not even during the war years, the Mass was always celebrated and available to everyone. This Pandemic has certainly changed the game-plan in most people’s lives. But at the same time it’s also very easy to get out of the habit; one person recently told me it was ‘far more convenient to watch mass through social media’. I appreciate that priests and parishes had to learn very quickly how to livestream our masses; and from day one we have transmitted Holy Mass. Many of our housebound and sick parishioners, and those who have had to self-isolate, have truly appreciated the benefit of social media. It maintains a spiritual connection with the parish community. But I’m sure everyone would agree nothing can replace the physical presence and being together as community, and actually receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Many people have now received their vaccine, and I would appeal to our parishioners to make every effort possible to return to the weekly practice of your faith. The Church is a very safe place, as we follow all the necessary guidelines to protect the health & safety of everyone. Please think about these sentiments. Thank you! Fr. John

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/

PARISH CONFIRMATION PRPOGRAMME 2021

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 spiriti 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.

NEW RECTOR: You may be interested to learn that Fr. Stephen Wang, who wrote the Sycamore Programme has just been asked by Cardinal Vincent Nichols to become the New Rector of Venerable English College in Rome. Many congratulations to Fr Stephen.

EASTER LILIES: If there are any parishioners who would like to purchase an Easter Lily in rememberance of a 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

ANNIVERSARIES: Robert Lockhart RIP, Helen Cooper 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 continues Thursday 25^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Paschal Mystery. 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. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS, CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR 28^TH MARCH

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2021

Sat 20^th	10.00am10.30am	Peter Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Confessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Hornett Family)
Sun 21^st	9.00am 10.00am	People of the Parish Stephanie (Eileen Lee)
Sun 21^st	11:00am 5.00pm	Gladys Hockley RIP (M Ryan) Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 22^nd	10.00am 10.30am	Michael Scudder RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 23^rd	10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Margaret Hopkinson)
Wed 24^th	10.00am 10.30am	Winnie Dunger RIP (P & B Hatch) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Thurs 25^th	10.00am	Eileen Newton RIP ((Bill & Helen Walsh) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 26^th	10.00am 10.30am	Canon Giles Goward RIP (Frank Westcott) Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
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 ^{Palm Sunday}	6.00pmVigil Mass	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.

5th Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Jeremiah 31:31-34

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel (and the House of Judah), but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant of mine, so I had to show them who was master. It is the Lord who speaks. No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, ‘Learn to know the Lord!’ No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest – it is the Lord who speaks – since I will forgive their iniquity and never call their sin to mind.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 50(51):3-4,12-15

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervour sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you.

A pure heart create for me, O God.

Second Reading : Hebrews 5:7-9

During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel : John 12:20-33

Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them:

‘Now the hour has come

for the Son of Man to be glorified.

I tell you, most solemnly,

unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,

it remains only a single grain;

but if it dies,

it yields a rich harvest.

Anyone who loves his life loses it;

anyone who hates his life in this world

will keep it for the eternal life.

If a man serves me, he must follow me,

wherever I am, my servant will be there too.

If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.

Now my soul is troubled.

What shall I say:

Father, save me from this hour?

But it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour.

Father, glorify your name!’

A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ People standing by, who heard this, said it was a clap of thunder; others said, ‘It was an angel speaking to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not for my sake that this voice came, but for yours.

‘Now sentence is being passed on this world;

now the prince of this world is to be overthrown.

And when I am lifted up from the earth,

I shall draw all men to myself.’ By these words he indicated the kind of death he would die.

Fourth Sunday of Lent 2021, Year B

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ Fourth Sunday of Lent 2021

The past twelve months have probably been the most testing time that any of us could ever have imagined within our lives. Many families have lost loved ones, even here in our own parish. Life has changed dramatically. The disruption to almost every aspect of our everyday existence has led to all sorts of difficulties and problems. Learning to master computer online learning; Zoom calls & conferences; not being able to meet in person; social distancing and the wearing of face coverings; loved ones not being able to visit care homes and nursing homes; the psychological effect that this has had on many people will be with us for a long time to come. Obviously, our schools opened last Monday, much to the joy of the children and students themselves. Many months of classroom learning have been lost over the past twelve months. How you recapture or regain that lost learning is going to be an ongoing problem.

In contrast to the above; we have witnessed incredible responses from the NHS and those in the Care Sectors. I would like to think that people would have become a little more tolerant and kinder to one another. Have we been consciously aware of those who are suffering; those out of work and those who have been furloughed for nearly a year? Hope against hope, I pray that our people would have developed a deeper relationship with God. Truly, we are nothing without the Lord in our lives. It’s easy to think that we can achieve everything on our own; but as people of faith, it is the Lord who affords us all of the opportunities in our lives. And even in the most difficult situations of life, the Lord never leaves us. There are many lessons that we can learn from the past twelve months; the danger is that we slowly and gradually come to terms with this world-wide Pandemic, and as the vaccines roll out for everyone, that we will easily forget and become complacent. Coronavirus may well be something that we have to learn to live with for the foreseeable future. If you’re invited for the ‘jab’ please don’t refuse it! It will save lives!

Dear Friends in Christ: Fourth Sunday of Lent,Year B

Today is ‘Laetare Sunday’- meaning ‘Rejoice’. It marks the midway point in the Lenten Season. We look forward in anticipation to the great Joy of Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the day when traditionally, the austerity of the Lenten Season is lessened. We change the colour of our Vestments to Rose. The rigours of Lent can be relaxed today. Laetare Sunday always coincides with Mothering Sunday. We pray for our dear Mothers; and also remembering all of our deceased mothers who are now with God. Let us all savour this relaxation today and truly ‘Rejoice’!

As mentioned, I have also reintroduced the additional 10.00am on Sunday mornings. Thankfully, with the increase of the number of people attending our Weekend Masses, and of course, in a bit to maintain social distancing, I deemed it necessary to put this Mass back on again. Could I encourage Parishioners to avail themselves of this Mass. Over the past couple of weeks the 11.00am Mass has been full to capacity, and some parishioners had to remain outside. There is plenty of space at the 6.00pm Saturday Vigil Mass and the 10.00am Sunday Mass. We will never turn anyone away. Please always follow the direction of the Stewards. Thank you! Clip Art for Religious Education - Site Reviews

IS GOD CHALLENGING YOU? Lent is very much a time of reflection and renewal. Every single person has so much to be thankful for. Even in spite of this Pandemic, let us thank God of our families, our health & happiness. Hopefully, you are still immersed in the Holy Lenten Season, and haven’t fallen by the wayside. Think of the different challenges that have presented themselves to you during Lent. Have you stuck to your Lenten resolutions? Have you prayed daily? Do you ever read the Scriptures? Have you attended an additional Mass during the Week? Have you prayed the Rosary? Do you ever read a spiritual book? Have you been kind & generous to one another? Have you remembered the Poor? You can personally add to this litany. “The Lord who sees all that is done in secret will reward you”!

May God Bless You All This Week,

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. 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!

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: Our sixth session in the Confirmation Programme will be streamed Via ZOOM on Wednesday 17^th March. At 7.30pm. Please check in at 7.20pm There were a few of our young people missing from the programme last week. As a matter of courtesy kindly notify Fr. John if you’re unable to attend the Zoom meeting. Thank you! You can catch up on this session, Mark Anthony wiill be able to forward you the details. Parents please remind your sons and daughters of the importance of each session; you are also welcome to attend the sessions, and see how the programme is taught.

THIS WEEK’S TALK: The Sacraments of Baptism & Confirmation. It will help to really explore the meaning of these two Sacraments; one you have already received, the second you are prearing for at present. As an infant your paprents brought you in love to the Church to initiate you in the life of God who is Father, Son & Holy Spirit. You began your journey of faith, and along that journey there are many milestones. As young people, in faith, you have made a decision to receive the Sacraemnt of Confirmation. It is the Sacrament of Mission, empowering you and strengthening you to go out and become a really strong and active member of God’s Church. Ask yourselves daily ‘Why do I want to be Confirmed’?

As you begin grow in your understanding of the whole meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation, hopefully this will give you the information necessary to make the right decisions in your young lives. Every action has a consequence; e.g. every time we say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ it has a domino effect in our lives, and can profoundly touch the lives of so many different people. Even the most private actions of our lives, effect, not only our person bu the lives of those around us. We all make mistakes, but our lives are not determined by our faults and failings, but on how much we learn can learn and grow through these issues. That’s why the Church has always advocated the Sacrament of Reconciliation to assist and help us.

http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/321164.jpg

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Lent is a Penitential Season – which means that every Catholic should avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We all need to celebrate Christ’s forgiveness, Confession and Penance. This has always been a spiritual custom during the Special Holy Seasons of the Year. Not one of us is perfect, and our faults and failings can mount up over a period of time. The Sacrament affords us the opportunity to be released from the burden of sin, to be free or those things which create barriers between ourselves and Almighty God. I will be hearing Confessions throughout the weeks of Lent on various different days, please try to prepare for Easter by celebrating the Sacrament. Thank you!

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

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

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £534.18 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!

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Our RCIA programme continues Thursday 18^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: The Paschal Mystery. 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. If anyone is interested in learning about the Catholic Faith please contact Fr. John RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

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 – MARCH 2021

Sat 13^th	10.00am10.30am	David Faud RIPConfessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	Patrick O’Donoghue (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 14^th	9.00am10.00am	Bernie (Get Well) (Bridget Kinsella)People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	11:00am5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (The Poulter Family)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 15^th	10.00am10.30am	Duncan Lowther RIP (Brenda Bryant)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 16^th	10.00am	Rosemary O’Rourke’s Int’s (O’Rourke daughters)
Wed 17^th	10.00am10.30am	Danny Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Thurs 18^th	10.00am	Susan O’Toole RIP (Mike Sheehy)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Fri 19^th	10.00am10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Catherine Mills)Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Sat 20^th	10.00am10.30am	Peter Pereira RIP (I Fernandes & Family)Confessions
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm*
Sat 20^th	6.00pm	David Faud RIP (Hornett Family)
Sun 21^st	9.00am10.00am	People of the ParishStephanie (Eileen Lee)
Sun 21^st	11:00am5.00pm	Gladys Hockley RIP (M Ryan)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.

MASS INTENTIONS: If you wish to book a Mass for a particular intention, please let us have it well in advance of the date. This will avoid disappointments if that date has already been taken. Thank you!

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

4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

First Reading : 2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23

All the heads of the priesthood, and the people too, added infidelity to infidelity, copying all the shameful practices of the nations and defiling the Temple that the Lord had consecrated for himself in Jerusalem. The Lord, the God of their ancestors, tirelessly sent them messenger after messenger, since he wished to spare his people and his house. But they ridiculed the messengers of God, they despised his words, they laughed at his prophets, until at last the wrath of the Lord rose so high against his people that there was no further remedy

Their enemies burned down the Temple of God, demolished the walls of Jerusalem, set fire to all its palaces, and destroyed everything of value in it. The survivors were deported by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; they were to serve him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. This is how the word of the Lord was fulfilled that he spoke through Jeremiah, ‘Until this land has enjoyed its Sabbath rest, until seventy years have gone by, it will keep Sabbath throughout the days of its desolation.’

And in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfil the word of the Lord that was spoken through Jeremiah, the Lord roused the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation and to have it publicly displayed throughout his kingdom: ‘Thus speaks Cyrus king of Persia, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; he has ordered me to build him a Temple in Jerusalem, in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may his God be with him! Let him go up.”’

Resposorial Psalm : Psalm 136(137):1-6

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

By the rivers of Babylon

there we sat and wept,

remembering Zion;

on the poplars that grew there

we hung up our harps.

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

For it was there that they asked us,

our captors, for songs,

our oppressors, for joy.

‘Sing to us,’ they said,

‘one of Zion’s songs.’

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

O how could we sing

the song of the Lord

on alien soil?

If I forget you, Jerusalem,

let my right hand wither!

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

O let my tongue

cleave to my mouth

if I remember you not,

if I prize not Jerusalem

above all my joys!

O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!

Second Reading : Ephesians 2:4-10

God loved us with so much love that he was generous with his mercy: when we were dead through our sins, he brought us to life with Christ – it is through grace that you have been saved – and raised us up with him and gave us a place with him in heaven, in Christ Jesus.

This was to show for all ages to come, through his goodness towards us in Christ Jesus, how infinitely rich he is in grace. Because it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God; not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit. We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it.

Gospel : John 3:14-21

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘The Son of Man must be lifted up

as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.

Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost

but may have eternal life.

For God sent his Son into the world

not to condemn the world,

but so that through him the world might be saved.

No one who believes in him will be condemned;

but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,

because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.

On these grounds is sentence pronounced:

that though the light has come into the world

men have shown they prefer darkness to the light

because their deeds were evil.

And indeed, everybody who does wrong

hates the light and avoids it,

for fear his actions should be exposed;

but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light,

so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

Third Sunday of Lent 2021

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ

On a more optimistic note this week we have seen an incredible decrease in the number of people in hospital with Covid by a third; and the number of deaths is decreasing almost daily compared to a month ago. Obviously we still have to keep vigilant and continue to protect ourselves against this terrible disease. Many of our parishioners have received the first ‘jab’, giving them a little more confidence and hope about the future. The reports through the media, and the scientific assessments, has far surpassed the expectations of all those who have produced the vaccine. We are now starting to see the results after a few months of distributing the vaccine, and these are really positive, so much so, that Europe has changed it minds about our Oxford vaccine and are now distributing it in the various countries. Manifestly, according to reports, this may well be something we may have to live with for the foreseeable future. We may need ‘top-up’ vaccines that coincide with our annual flu vaccine. Obviously it’s an unknown quantity at present, but if you have the opportunity to receive the vaccine, please don’t refuse it. It is most definitely saving lives!

This week we will welcome all of our children back to school. Throughout the Pandemic, we have to remember our schools have always been open, for those children of key and front-line workers. I would like to commend our Headteacher and Staff who have maintained a great disci0line in trying to teach online classes for our children. Obviously, this is a completely new phenomenon for many of them, and they have had to adapt very quickly to ensure that the children receive as much learning as possible. The Government are certainly erring on the side of caution with regards to opening all sectors at once. There will be close assessment of how these next five weeks will fare, once the schools, colleges & universities are opened up once again. Please God; this will be the last lock-down that we have to experience. We have been closed up approximately 26 weeks over the past twelve months.

Dear Friends in Christ:

In the scriptures today, Jesus drives the money-changers out of the Temple, quoting the scriptures saying: ‘my house shall be a house of prayer’. The Lord’s anger was righteous; they have turned the House of God into a Market selling their wares animals and changing money. Obviously this really angered those who were present, and even the scribes and Pharisees should have known better than to allow this happen. But once again, they turned a blind eye. The Temple was the most sacred place and was the House of God. As far as the Lord was concerned they were desecrating this sacred place. The Jews enraged question Jesus about his authority to do such a thing. His reply was somewhat of an enigma to them; ‘destroy this Temple and I will raise it up in three days’; manifestly he is talking about the Temple that was his body. But they failed to understand. It’s only after the resurrection that the Apostles really understood what he meant.

I wrote to the Parish last Thursday informing you that I would reintroduce the additional Mass at 10.00am on Sunday Mornings. I trust the majority of you will have received this news by now. I want every parishioner to know that you are always welcome at Sunday Mass. Last weekend there was an extremely good attendance, that’s why I’ve reintroduced this additional Mass. With an increase of those who have received the vaccine, and people’s confidence growing, I’m really hoping that the faithful will seriously return to the practice of the faith in person. Virtual screening is all well and good, but it is not the same as the faith community gathered together, and being able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. I encourage all of our families to seriously consider this invitation. As we are now well into our Lenten Season, it’s an opportunity to really enter into the spirit of this Penitential Season. There are a number of spare places available at the 6.00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings. Also when I was celebrating the 10.00am before there were a good number of spaces at this particular celebration.

May God Bless You All This Week,

DIARY 2021

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH

ANNIVERSARIES: Anthony Rattigan RIP, Pat Steele 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 continues Thursday 11^th March 2021 at 8.00pm which will be a Zoom meeting. Theme: THE HOLY TRINITY of Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Please pray for our Catechumen Steven Bullock who is preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & the Holy Eucharist. RCIA | Holy Spirit Parish

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. 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!

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021: There has been little response this year to applicants for the First Holy Communion Programme. I have spoken at length to Kathryn Poulter who runs the programme; and in light of the Coronavirus restrictions at this present time, it is going to be almost impossible to run any kind of meaningful interactive programme for the children. We considered the prepration for the Sacraments of Reconciliation & the Holy Eucharist far too important to run a programme with no engagment from the children. Therefore, we will postpone the Programme this year until we know when it is safe to gather again as a community. I know this may sound very disappointing; but your Health & Safety are our first priority at this very difficult time. Please pray for all the families of our Parish. Thank you. Fr. John.

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/

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Patricia Gardener RIP, who passed away recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 10^th March at 12.15pm. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of great loss. May she rest in peace.

THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: For those who postponed marriage last year, and for those who are thinking about getting marriage, could you kindly let Fr. John know your plans. Obviously, a great dealing of preparation has to go into marriage. It is good to know well in advance please.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2021: Our fourth session in the Confrimation Programme will be streamed Via ZOOM on Wednesday 10^th March. There were a number of our young people missing from the programme last week. As a matter of courtesy kindly notify Fr. John if you’re unable to attend the Zoom meeting. Thank you! You can catch up on this session, Mark Anthony wiill be able to forward you’re the details. Parents please remind your sons and daughters of the importance of each session; you are also welcome to attend the sessions, and see how the programme is taught.

THIS WEEK’S TALK: Findiing True Freedom – Is there such a thing as right and wrong? Are there any limits to our freedom? People have such different views about moral issues, but most people have some kind of moral code. What are the values that shape our lives? How can we find moral guidance when we need it. Ask yourselves the question, who are the people in your lives that have given you a moral compass? Do your Catholic Christian morals truly affect your lives? This session on the Sycamore programme will help to explore these important questions and many more.

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

MASS INTENTIONS – MARCH 2021

Sat 6^th	10.00am	Tony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan)
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday:*
Sat 6^th	6.00pm	Michael Carrig RIP
Sun 7^th	9.00am10.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Esther Penn)People of the Parish
Sun 7^th	11:00am5.00pm	Ellen Manley RIP (M Ryan)Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.
Mon 8^thMarch	9.00am	Mary Walstow RIP (Frank Westcott)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
Tues 9^th	10.00am	David Faud RIP (John O’Rourke)
Wed 10^th	10.00am10.30am12.15pm	Mark Rowley RIP (Marjorie Fairlamb)Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. SacramentRequiem Mass; Patricia Gardner RIP
Thurs 11^th	12.15pm	Edward Martin Duffy RIP (M Duffy)
Fri 12^th	10.00am10.30am	Mary Walstow RIP (Irene Olivelle)Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Sat 13^th	10.00am	David Faud RIP
		*Vigil Mass for Sunday*
Sat 13^th	6.00pm	Patrick O’Donoghue Int’s (G O’Donoghue)
Sun 14^th	9.00am10.00am	Bernie (Get Well) (Bridget Kinsella)People of the Parish
Sun 14^th	11:00am5.00pm	Mary Walstow RIP (The Poulter FamilyStations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Holy Hour.

3rd Sunday of Lent

First Reading :

Exodus 20:1-17

God spoke all these words. He said, ‘I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

‘You shall have no gods except me.

‘You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God and I punish the father’s fault in the sons, the grandsons, and the great-grandsons of those who hate me; but I show kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

‘You shall not utter the name of the Lord your God to misuse it, for the Lord will not leave unpunished the man who utters his name to misuse it.

‘Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath for the Lord your God. You shall do no work that day, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals nor the stranger who lives with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that these hold, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why the Lord has blessed the sabbath day and made it sacred.

‘Honour your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God has given to you.

‘You shall not kill.

‘You shall not commit adultery.

‘You shall not steal.

‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

‘You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his servant, man or woman, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is his.’

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 18(19):8-11

You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

it revives the soul.

The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,

it gives wisdom to the simple.

You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

they gladden the heart.

The command of the Lord is clear,

it gives light to the eyes.

You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.

The fear of the Lord is holy,

abiding for ever.

The decrees of the Lord are truth

and all of them just.

You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.

They are more to be desired than gold,

than the purest of gold

and sweeter are they than honey,

than honey from the comb.

You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.

Second Reading :

1 Corinthians 1:22-25

While the Jews demand miracles and the Greeks look for wisdom, here are we preaching a crucified Christ; to the Jews an obstacle that they cannot get over, to the pagans madness, but to those who have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is the power and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Gospel :

John 2:13-25

Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple he found people selling cattle and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money-changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The Jews intervened and said, ‘What sign can you show us to justify what you have done?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this sanctuary: are you going to raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.

During his stay in Jerusalem for the Passover many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he gave, but Jesus knew them all and did not trust himself to them; he never needed evidence about any man; he could tell what a man had in him.