St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Dear Friends in Christ                   

Click here for newsletter: 16th Sunday of the Year 2020

Once again, it was truly wonderful to see some of our parishioners returning to Church for Sunday Mass. Manifestly, this has been a strange time over the past 16 weeks, as we’ve all had to adapt our lives accordingly. Many people are still very frightened to venture out too far from home; and some people think their invincible, and this virus will not touch them.  We cannot become complacent, and we should follow the Governmental guidelines. 

 

The Church has implemented all the required guidelines, both Governmental & Diocesan, plus all the Health & Safety requirements, and it is good to see that our parishioners have felt confident enough to return to Church. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT FACE COVERING BE WORN AT MASS.  I would like to make a special appeal to our families, to seriously think about returning to Holy Mass. Obviously, your health and safety are our first and prime concern, but if we are all sensible and follow the guidelines, it will help us gain a little for confidence, not only in returning to Church, but to start doing all the things that we took for granted in the past.
I would have to say that the most important thing that this Pandemic has taught me, is that the most crucial things that matter in life are family, health & faith; these three, go- hand-in-hand. We have all had to re-evaluate and adapt our lives over the past months. It’s certainly given us all a lot of time to think and reflect on our relationship with the Lord Jesus has been given extra impetus. The greatest tragedy would be to not have joined the dots together and see what this pandemic hopefully must show us! Throughout the whole history of Creation and humanity, God has manifested himself in all sorts of different ways. Sometimes a dramatic ‘wake-up’ call is required! Calling people back to God is the recurrent theme that runs throughout the whole of the Bible. Often when people’s lives are consumed by the values of the world, it’s easy to forget the sacred.

My Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

Two weeks ago, the Government gave the go ahead on the re-opening of Public Places of Worship after 14 weeks of lock down. To me personally this was truly wonderful and joyous news! Manifestly, the celebration of Daily Mass is the most important duty of any priest; leading people in faith through the holiness of the Sacraments.  I tried to the best of my ability, with the incredible help of a wonderful team of computer experts and helpers, to try and keep our parish connected through the medium of Social Media. We were able to livestream daily from day one of the lockdown. The amount of messaging, emails & phone calls from many of you, expressing gratitude, was truly humbling. This situation is unprecedented; none of us have ever experienced anything quite like it in our lifetimes.

 

This Pandemic has most definitely created an atmosphere of fear; and when we look around the world, we have seen many people succumb to the virus, with nearly six hundred thousand deaths. This is tragic! But many people have recovered from the virus, including myself. There are probably parishioners who have also had the virus during the past months. Yes, it’s unpleasant and can be very concerning if symptoms develop. The incredible response from the NHS and frontline workers has been amazing. I have witnessed firsthand, through visits to hospital to see parishioners, the sterling work of all those, who daily, look after the sick, to protect each one of us. I pray form them daily.

 

The one thing this Pandemic has taught me over the past 16 weeks is that the most important aspects of our lives can be reduced to three important areas; our family, our health & our faith. Without these we’re nothing! People have talked about the incredible experience of spending more time with family during this lockdown, and how it has increased their deep love and respect of quality time together. We have had to be reliant upon many of our own resources, and initiatives of working together as families. Personal Health can never be taken for granted. These past months have most definitely shown us that reality. We are grateful, as I stated, to the NHS for their incredible work of trying to keep us safe and well. Ultimately, it is our Faith that gives us the impetus to get up each day with hope and trust in God that he will protect us and help us through each day.

 

I would like to believe that during this Pandemic we have all had time to reflect on our relationship with Almighty God; and also at the same time, to have availed ourselves of the opportunity to keep in touch with the Lord, not only through personal and private prayer, but also through the livestreaming of daily & Sunday Masses. Routine is important in life and coming to Holy Mass is part of the Catholic routine; it’s habit forming. But sadly, it’s as easy to get out of a habit as it is to get into one.  

 

We have now opened our Church daily for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We continue to live-stream for those who, through sickness or underlying health conditions cannot attend our Church. I appeal to all our parishioners, as a Community of Faith in this little pocket of the Lord’s vineyard, to make an extra special effort to return to Weekly Mass. We have complied with Government & Diocesan regulations with regards the re-opening of Churches. We have put in place all measures to ensure your health and safety. Social distancing regulations are being practiced. Hand sanitization, and Face Coverings are necessary while in Church. Families can sit close together in your family ‘bubble’. Please consider this Invitation to return to the regular practice of your faith.  I was never happier than two weeks ago when, for the first time in 14 weeks there was a small congregation present at Holy Mass; they were able to receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Communion once again.

 

I invited you to our Sunday Mass this weekend: Vigil Mass for Sunday, on Saturday 18th July at 6.00pm Sunday 19th July at, 9.00am & 11.00am. Please come as families; it will be truly wonderful to see you all once again. We have managed to put a loudspeaker outside the Church, for those who feel nervous being inside. I thank you all for your kindness over the past months; It’s been amazing!

 

With Love & Peace in Jesus Christ,        

Click here for newsletter: 15th Sunday of the Year 2020

Dear Friends in Christ                   

It was truly wonderful to see our parishioners back at Church last weekend, though be it in small numbers. But to have a congregation after 14 weeks made my heart surge! And as many parishioners said, it was wonderful to be able to go to Holy Communion once again. Our church is now open for Holy Mass on Sundays and during the week. We are upholding the Governmental and Diocesan guidelines of two-meter distancing; one meter plus with a face mask. Obviously, families can sit close together in Church. 

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT FACE MASKS BE WORN THROUGHOUT THE MASS. 

Sanitising hand-gel is available as you enter the Church; Offertory Baskets and boxes are in place to receive your Weekly Offertory. Please make you way to your seats using the side aisles, and the direction of the Stewards. Please kindly move right into the benches towards the middle aisle. Doors and windows will be open to allow an air flow of ventilation.

There will be no Holy Water, no hymnbooks or Mass Books, no printed materials, no singing, no Prayers of Intercession; no sign of peace, there will be no reception of Holy Communion from the Chalice. 

Holy Communion should be taken in the hand, with arms fully extended and one hand placed on the top of the other; there will be a barrier of distance between the Priest & the Communicant. The Priest will be the only Minister of Holy Communion (he will wear face mask & Visor). When the Priest receives his Communion, he will audibly say The Body of Christ, to which everyone replies Amen. The Same with the Chalice & The Blood of Christ.  Stewards will assist in the approach for Holy Communion, ensuring social distancing. No words will be spoken as you receive Holy Communion. Please return to your seats by the side aisles.

 On leaving the Church at the end of Mass, please use the centre aisle; apart from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, to which you will use the side aisle. I know and understand that these guidelines may appear a little awkward and complicated, until we get used to them; but your health and safety is of our prime importance.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today Jesus tells the parable of the Sower & the Seed; how the seed being the Word of God needs to flourish in the strong healthy soil of our lives of faith. But so often in life we can be distracted by the lures of the world; apathy and indifference where the seed has no depth of soil to grow. This imagery is powerfully strong. Let us ask the Lord to give each one of us what we need for that seed of faith to continue to become strong and fruitful in our own lives.

Click here for newsletter: 14th Sunday of the Year 2020

Dear Friends in Christ 

With the reopening this weekend of all public places of worship, there are stringent Governmental & Diocesan guidelines that we must follow; this is to ensure the health and safety of all parishioners who will use the Church. There will be a team of Stewards at each Weekend Mass to ensure a steady flow in and out of the church; they are there to assist and help you. Social distancing is of prime importance. 2 Meter distancing; one meter plus if you’re wearing a mask; families can sit close together; IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT MASKS BE WORN THROUGHOUT THE MASS.

Sanitising Hand Gel will be available as you enter the church; Offertory Baskets and boxes are available to receive your Weekly Offertory. Please make your way to your seats using the side aisles; and move right in on the benches. Doors and windows will be open for ventilation. There will be no Holy Water, no hymn books or Mass books, no singing; no sign of peace, no Prayers of Intercession, there will be no reception of Communion from the Chalice.

Holy Communion should be taken in the hand, with arms fully extended and one hand placed on the top of the other; there will be a barrier of distance between the Priest & the Communicant. The Priest will be the only Minister of Holy Communion (he will wear face mask & Visor). When the Priest receives his Communion, he will audibly say The Body of Christ, to which everyone replies Amen. The Same with the Chalice & The Blood of Christ. Stewards will assist in the approach for Holy Communion, ensuring social distancing. No words will be spoken as you receive Holy Communion. Please return to your seats by the side aisles.

On leaving the Church at the end of Mass, please use the centre aisle; apart from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, to which you will use the side aisle. I know and understand that these guidelines may appear a little awkward and complicated, until we get used to them; but your health and safety is of our prime importance.

For parishioners who are in the vulnerable age bracket 70 plus; or if you have underlying health issues or are displaying symptoms of Corona virus; we will continue to live-stream the masses, both at the weekends and during the week; but it’s your prerogative to attend Holy Mass. Please note that the angle of the camera will have to change to a side-on view of the Altar. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE! Fr. John

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ, 

In the Gospel today Jesus calls us to himself; “come to me all you who are heavy-laden and I will give you rest; shoulder my yoke and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. Jesus is our consolation and hope; it is in him and him alone, that we should put our faith and trust. He will never let us down, and will always be there when we call upon his holy name. Lord Jesus come to me!

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Solemnity of St. Peter & St. Paul

Click here for newsletter: SS. PETER and PAUL FEAST 2020

Dear Friends in Christ ,

As you will have heard during the past week, there is a further easing of the lockdown, including a reduction of social distancing to one meter plus on the 4^th July. This slow and gradual easing is designed to keep us safe and healthy. This is not the green light to forget how dangerous Covid 19 still is. There are still many people contracting the virus, and people are still dying daily. This is a dangerous virus. It’s so important that we don’t fall into the trap of thinking that ‘it’s all over’! Vigilance, and practicing social distancing is still important. All the health & safety advice should still be upheld, the washing of hands regularly; using hand sanitisers; the wearing of face masks in public places and on public transport. This life-changing virus has affected the whole world, and already some countries are experiencing a second wave, so we must remain attentive because the Covid 19 battle is far from over!

GOPEL REFELCTION: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of SS Peter & Paul. These two great giants of the faith chosen by Jesus to be his Apostles; Peter the rock on which the Church was founded, and Paul the great preacher and evangeliser. The Lord’s choice of these two flawed men shows that he was able to see beyond their faults and failings, and the potential for what they could become. Both bore witness to Jesus Christ right to the very end of their lives; both shared a martyr’s death and are now proclaimed Saints of the Church. Let us ask for their intercession in our own lives of faith today; for courage; deep faith; bearing witness to Jesus Christ by our way of life.

Click here for newsletter: 12th Sunday of the Year 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last Monday, 15^th June, all places of Public Worship were opened for personal and private prayer. I would like to thank most sincerely the large team of parishioners who came to clean our church and prepare it for re-opening. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of spirit. Also, thanks to the parishioners who have kindly volunteered to act as stewards while the church is open for an hour each day. 12 Noon – 1.00pm. We are still looking for more stewards, and if you’re willing to give an hour once a week this would be wonderful, and we may even be able to extend the opening to two hours each day. Yet, we still have no idea when our churches will be open for public services. But I will endeavour to keep you all informed of any new information. We have an active WhatsApp Group, Facebook page & Parish Website, where the information is kept up to date. Please consult as necessary. The daily live streaming of Holy Mass will continue through the medium of Facebook & the Website. Let us continue to pray for an end to this virus and a return to some semblance of normality once again!

GOPEL REFELCTION: The greatest challenge presented in the Gospel is bearing witness to Jesus Christ. This is fundamentally at the heart of the Christian message. We all can bear witness to the Lord through example and holiness of our lives; through our marriages & family life; our relationships; our community; our places of work; even our recreation. Strength of faith is only gained through commitment, and this is something that no one else can do for us. It’s truly something that demands and individual response. In bearing witness to Christ, he will bear witness to us before God.

Click here for newsletter.

Dear Friends in Christ,

During the past week it was announced that all places of worship will be opened on Monday 15^th June for personal and private prayer. This is truly a wonderful move forward to our eventual return to regular worship in our churches. Manifestly, we will have to follow the Government guidelines with regard to social-distancing, and also health and safety regulations from our own Diocese of Brentwood. It has been nearly three months since we closed our churches, and it has been a really hard time for all faithful people; not to be allowed into our spiritual homes has been a real test of faith. But the fact that we’ve been able to live-stream every day, and to have so many parishioners tuning in daily, has been a wonderful innovation. I never would have believed that I would be able to facilitate this by means of daily communication via Social Media but needs must! We will continue in our daily live streaming of Holy Mass at 10.00am, as the church is still not providing public masses & service. We move forward slowly!

GOSPEL REFLECTION: On this Feast of Corpus Christi, we celebrate the great and eternal gift that the Lord Jesus gave to his disciples on the night of the Last Supper. As he took the bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it with his friends, and the same with the cup of wine, this simple gesture of love and friendship, was to become the powerful remembrance of that holy night, that would become the central feature of the gathering together to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of the Lord. He left us his body & blood, his soul & his divinity through the species of bread of wine. Through the miracle of the Mass we are privileged to share in this eternal gift.

Click here for newsletter.

Dear Friends in Christ 

As mentioned last weekend, I would like all our parishioners to be aware of the measures that will need to be put in place with the eventual opening of our Churches. Hopefully this should happen on Saturday 4^th July. (Initially, the Church will only be open for private prayer). Manifestly, we will have to comply with all Government recommendations, and our Diocesan Guidelines about Health & Safety. Please read section in the Parish Newsletter about these guidelines. But I am appealing to the parish community for additional help where this is concerned. We will need teams of parishioners to continuously keep the Church clean, and to ensure that after every Mass this cleaning takes place. If you can help with this task and are willing to do so, please let Fr. John know as soon as possible. The Church will provide masks and rubber gloves; some people may bring their own. This is when we really come together as Community of Faith after the long lockdown. We need to get back home with Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: The Doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity proclaims that in God there are three persons, the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. The sacred scriptures substantiate this doctrine. When we are baptised, we are initiated into the Life of God, Father, Son & Holy Spirit. We are invited to develop a deep relationship with each member of the Trinity. Jesus shows us the way and points us always to the Father; and the Holy Spirit of Love guides us along that path of life and faith. Our longing is for God – as St. Augustine says: “You have made us for yourself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You”.

PENTECOST 2020

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the Birthday of the Church. On that first day, when the promised Holy Spirit was sent to the Apostle; their lives were filled with the total presence of God. The Holy Spirit inspired them; gave them courage and strength to embark upon the work the Lord had prepared them for – to go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News. Their lives would never be the same again. Strengthened and inspired by the Resurrection of Jesus, they now had all the tools they needed to continue his work in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. And to this day that mandate has faithfully been carried out. There have always been hurdles and difficulties along the way, but the Church has always risen to the challenge. In these difficult times of Pandemic, our faith has certainly been tested, perhaps in a way that it has never been tested before. We now have a completely different mindset; we are going to have to adjust to a new way of life and living, and it affects all of us!

GOPEL REFELCTION:

On that first day of Resurrection, Jesus appears to his friends and extends the gift of Peace. They are overawed by his presence, almost incredulous. He shows his wounds, and they are filled with Joy. Then he breathes on them and gives them the Gift of the Holy Spirit – the eternal gift that he had promised them at the Last Supper. The Apostles work must now begin. Jesus will be with them until the end of the age; as he is with us and his Church. Let us thank God for the gift of our faith & the gift of the Spirit.

Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday should have been the Going Forth Mass for our First Communion Children. Kathryn, Elena and their helpers have been working hard with them all year, they are a lovely group and Father John and Kathryn are so proud of them. Kathryn and the children have prepared a little gift for the Parish: a video recording of the Prayer of Spiritual Communion. Please click the link below to view it, it is so beautiful.  

I know we will all keep them in our prayers.