St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
Fr. John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Priesthood
My Dear Friends in Christ,
Today, as I celebrate my 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ, I give heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for calling me to this great gift. I have had 40 wonderful years of serving the Lord through his people in our Diocese of Brentwood. I have served in several parishes and have met some truly wonderful faith filled people through those years. It has been an honour and privilege to have celebrated the Sacraments with thousands of people. Words cannot express my joy!
I thank my dear parents, Mary & John RIP, now with God, who were my first teachers of the faith; all my siblings and their families for their support and encouragement through the years. I thank Bishop Thomas McMahon who ordained me a Priest, for his kindness and support to me always. For Bishop Alan who has shown such great kindness and trust in me. I thank all the priests whom I served with in various parishes, and all the people whom I was honoured to serve. I humbly thank the people of St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More Parish, where I have served as a priest for the past 19 years; the longest period of time that I have ever lived anywhere. You have always been kindness itself, and I have learnt so much from you. It has been a real joy to watch the parish grow, to see the children I baptised grow into faithful young men and women, and to be able to celebrate the Eucharist with you, is, of course the greatest privilege of all.
Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of the Pandemic, there is no big celebration. But for me, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with you is the greatest gift of all, and I’m honoured to do this at the 11am Mass which is my Thanksgiving to God for these 40 Years of Priesthood. If you can join us it would be wonderful. Mass will also be livestreamed.
Dear Friends in Christ, 15th Sunday of the Year
On this Day of Jubilee, I would like to thank Monsignor Kevin Hale, our Vicar General and one of my oldest friends, for kindly joining us for this celebration and preaching at Holy Mass. Also my grateful thanks for the many Anniversary Cards that I have received, you are extremely thoughtful! As we have had to postpone the bigger celebrations, and as a Jubilee lasts for a year, I am hoping to have an open larger gathering next year at the same time, probably Friday 8th July 2022 at 7.00pm. Obviously, with the Pandemic this year, so many people’s plans and celebrations were scuppered. Let us pray that we will be able to resume some semblance of ‘normality’ again from 19th July.
I would like to say a special thank you to all those who have helped over the past 16 months, Iain McLay and all of our stewards, who have faithfully worked so hard at all of our masses and opening of church during the week. For Sharon Fitzmaurice & members of the Altar Society ensuring that our church is kept tidy and clean. For Veronica Short and her helpers for ensuring that the Church linen was kept beautifully clean. For David Knott, Robert Hatt & our Altar Servers, for faithfully serving at the Altar each week. For our Readers & Eucharistic Ministers, for fulfilling their ministries during this Pandemic. Finally I would like to thank my Housekeeper Josie Sison, for everything she does in looking after me throughout the year, I’m truly grateful!
END OF SCHOOL YEAR, ST JOHN FISHER: Next Friday 16th July, our children at St. John Fisher School will break up for the summer holidays. I would like to thank Mr Mike Ross and all his staff for everything they have done throughout the past 16 months during the Pandemic. It has not been an easy task running a school and ensuring that our children benefit from as much education as was possible when they were studying at home. There were many challenges for everyone. You will be happy to know that we appointed a new Deputy Headteacher recently who will begin in September. But it is with sadness that we have to say farewell to our Headteacher Mike Ross, who will finish at the end of this term. Mike is taking some time out of teaching. We wish him every happiness and success in the future, and assure him of our prayers. Also we say farewell to Mrs Liz Laycell who will be retiring at the end of term, thank you for all you have done for St. John Fisher School.
May God Bless You All,
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:
Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
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.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2021/2022: If as yet, you haven’t returned your enrolment form for your child’s First Holy Communion Programme commencing in September, could you kindly do so immediately! I have waited two weeks for forms to be returned so that I can order the Study Books. I presume if you haven’t returned forms by Monday you do not wish your child enrolled in the programme. Also a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate will be required at the Information Evening in September. This year children form years 3 & 4 will share the programme together. Please pray for the children. I do now expect to see the children with their families at Holy Mass at the weekends; attending Mass is not an optional extra, it is part of our commitment in faith to Jesus Christ.
ALTAR SOCIETY: Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, santurary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com
VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION: Have produced a leaflet entitled ‘The Journey Home’ – Returning to Sunday Mass and the Practice of our Faith. Sunday is the Day of the Lord. It is on this day that we meet the Risen Christ and we are formed into a community of faith, hope and love by the power of His Holy Spirit. All of us have an opportunity to reflect honestly on the practice of our faith and to take the decision to make the journey home to the Celebration of Sunday Mass. The welcome will be assured and warm because it there that Christ waits for us and invites us into his life. For more information about Sunday Mass, please got to the Parish Website for up to date information or contact your Parish Priest. Please visit the new Thresholds of Hope website at: www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk
OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £398.45 My ongoing thanks to the whole parish community for your weekly financial support! As you can see our Weekly Offertory bears no comparison to prior Pandemic income; many parishioners have signed up for the online giving and Gift Aid Scheme. I would like to encourage this even more. My thanks to Michael Manzi our Accountant, who looks after the Parish Accounts & Maria Mosquera who looks after the Parish Gift Aid Scheme; they have both done a truly wonderful job this year. 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. Thanks!
EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank during these difficult times. The Foodbank are truly grateful for the generosity our parish has shown throughout the pandemic and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: Long-life fruit juice, tinned tomatoes, instant mash, tinned fish, tinned peas, tinned carrots, tinned potatoes, small jars of instant coffee, small or medium bags of rice, sponge pudding, snack bars, chocolate bars, chocolate spread and savoury crackers Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/
DIARY JUNE 2021
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH
Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Brian Beveridge, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Collette Wenborn, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.
ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Cocklin RIP, June Happe RIP, Mary Moriarty RIP, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.
SACRAMENTS CELEBRATED DURING ALERT LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS: In accordance with Government & Diocesan Guidelines, we are allowed to celebrate Funerals with 100 people present, strictly observing social distancing. 30 people are allowed to be present at a wedding. Baptisms: you are now allowed up to 30 persons at a Baptism; not too sure what the restrictions are for social event after though! These are really difficult times, and many couples were disappointed last year not being able to celebrate their marriages. We are hoping with the distribution of the vaccine, that things will change dramatically this year. If there are any couples who are thinking about getting married, please notify the parish immediately. Thank you. Obviously until restrictions are lifted all of the above applies for the foreseeable future.
RECEIVING SACRAMENTS: Recently, 48 of our young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a milestone in a young person’s life. Sadly I haven’t seen many of them since the day they were Confirmed. This Sacrament of commitment and mission is about these young people assuming a certain amount of mature responsibility in their own Faith Journey. It’s not just about stamping the Sacramental Passport; I had it said to me recently, I quote “my parents said to me if I got Confirmed, I don’t have to go to church anymore.” This is not only an insult to the young person, but even more so, an insult to Almighty God. If faith means so little, why would you go through a Sacramental Programme knowing that you would walk away from the practice of that faith? This is a really serious issue, and not something to be dismissed lightly. I ask everyone to think seriously about what it means to be really committed in your life of faith! Life is not a dress rehearsal, it’s the real thing every day; and there can be so many missed opportunities!
IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An irregualr marriage is one tht has taken place outside of the Catholic Church without dispensation. For example: Marriages in hotels, and secualr venues, on beaches or Las Vegas; marriage in a non Catholic Church without dispensation from the Bishop. These marriages are not recognised by the Catholic Church, and therefore are non sacramental & irregular. But there is a facility in the Church to recetify these situations called a Convalidation (this is a strictly private facility that is offered by the church). As marriage and family life is what I specialised in while studying Canon Law, if anyone wishes to speak to me confidentially please don’t hesitate to contact me: Tel No: 0208 508 3492
NEWS OF DIOCESE:
Retirements: As of the end of August there are 5 retirments – Canon Martin O’Connor; Fr Jean-Claude Selvini; Fr Frank Jackson; Fr. John Touhy; Fr Gerry Gostling.
Parish Priests:
Fr Seaon Connelly From Manor Park to Chadwell Heath
Fr Joseph Whisstock From Halstead to Frinton/Harwich
Fr Jijo George From From Canning Town to Springfield
Fr John Victor Drabeesan From Walthamstow St G. to Manor Park
Fr Sabu Pariyadan JCJ From Springfield to Basildon, Holy Trinity
Together with Fr Saji Thomas Puthuparambil
RCJ ( Kerela)
Fr Daniel Kelly From Basildon Holy Trinity to Royal Docks
Fr Michael Halsall (Ord) To Upminister
Fr Rick Fernandez From Basildon Holy Trinity to Lexden
Fr Rob Page (Ord) Appointed PP of Hainault in addition to
Clayhall.
Assistant Priests:
Fr. Michael Barwick Newly Ordained to Walthamstow, St. George
Fr Tony Gran New;y Ordianed to Canning Town
Fr David Pearce From Dagenham HF to Basildon St Basil’s
Fr Tarciziu Erdes From Romania to Hainault
Parochial Administrator
Fr Felix Adiele Broomfield Chaplain to Halstead
RETURNING TO THE WEEKLY PRACTICE OF THE FAITH: With so many people having received their Vaccination against Covid, it would be wonderful to see many more return to the weekly practice of the faith. To be without the Sacrametns for usch a long period of time is unprecedented. It’s true that many people have just got out of the habit of going to Church, and live-streaming is not a subsititute for being together with the worhsipping community. Our Church’s opened last July 4th, and many parishioners have returned. To get back into the routine of regular practice is up to the individual, but if you have children, it is so important that this routine recommence once again. Children are guided by their parents, and if chidlren witness that this is not important to you, it will, sadly, not be important to them. There are so many challenges and threats to our lives of faith, on so many fronts these days, please don’t let Covid be another of them!
PARISH REPOSITORY: There are a large number of gifts and cards available in the Repository. There are rosaries, statues, medals, candles, special cards, prayer crosses, Anniversary Cards for all occasions, and many other items that would be suitable gifts for all occasions. Please leave your money in the basket provided. Thanks
MASS INTENTIONS: It has always been a custom within the Roman Catholic Faith to have an Intention offered when celebrating Holy Mass. Intentions can be for all occasions: e.g. For a deceased member of a family; deceased anniversary mass; Birthday intention; Special Occasions; Get Well Mass; Success in exams; Special milestone anniversaries, Wedding, Ordination, Confirmation. In fact, you can offer a Mass for almost every occasion! There are Mass Intention envelopes and Special Mass Cards for all occasions in the Repository at the back of the Church. (Please complete Mass envelope and enclose your Mass Offering and drop off at the Presbytery); I will always try to accommodate the date you have requested, or the nearest date to it. It’s always beautiful to receive a Mass card from someone!
MASS INTENTIONS – JULY 2021
| Sat 10th | 9.00am | Veronica Short B’day. (Pat & Margaret) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 10th | 6.00pm | Joan Dowding RIP |
| Sun 11th Sun 11th | 9.00am 10.00am | People of the Parish Austin O’Dowd RIP |
| Sun 11th | 11:00am | Fr. John’s Int’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood |
| Mon 12th | 10.00am 10.30am | Kate & Joe Duffy RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Tues 13th | 10.00am | Eileen Murphy RIP (Rosemary Ward) |
| Wed 14th | 10.00am | Sean O’Shea RIP (John Kelly) |
| Thurs 15th | 10.00am 10.30am | Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) Holy Hour with Exposition of the Bl Sacrament |
| Fri 16th | 10.00am 10.30am | Anthony Rattigan RIP (Maureen Rattigan) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Sat 17th | 9.00am | Ordination to the Priesthood of Anthony Grant (The Laffey Family) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 17th | 6.00pm | John O’Reilly RIP |
| Sun 18th Sun 18th | 9.00am 10.00am | Kate & Tom Dennison RIP (Margaret Duffy) People of the Parish |
| Sun 18th | 11:00am | Tony Duff RIP(Anni) (M Ryan) |
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.
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading : Amos 7:12-15
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to Amos, ‘Go away, seer;’ get back to the land of Judah; earn your bread there, do your prophesying there. We want no more prophesying in Bethel; this is the royal sanctuary, the national temple.’ ‘I was no prophet, neither did I belong to any of the brotherhoods of prophets,’ Amos replied to Amaziah ‘I was a shepherd, and looked after sycamores: but it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 84(85):9-14 (Sun15)
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace,
peace for his people.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land.
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth
and justice look down from heaven.
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps.
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
Second Reading : Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ.
Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ,
to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence,
determining that we should become his adopted sons, through Jesus Christ
for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace,
his free gift to us in the Beloved, in whom, through his blood, we gain our
freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.
Such is the richness of the gracewhich he has showered on us
in all wisdom and insight.
He has let us know the mystery of his purpose,
the hidden plan he so kindly made in Christ from the beginning
to act upon when the times had run their course to the end:
that he would bring everything together under Christ, as head,
everything in the heavens and everything on earth.
Gospel : Mark 6:7-13
Jesus made a tour round the villages, teaching. Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Do not take a spare tunic.’ And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set off to preach repentance; and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.
St Edmund of Canterbury 