St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
<strong>Twenty Eighth Sunday of the Year, 2022</strong> – St Edmund of Canterbury
In the Gospel today we see the beginning of the Bread of Life Discourse in St. John Chapter 6. This beautiful discource is an absolute masterpiece in Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Eucharist. It is set within the context of the feeding of the Five Thousand. Jesus not only provides off the spiritual hunger of the people who want to hear what he has to say, but in their moment of phnysical hunger through the miracle gives them bread to eat. It is a prelude to the giving of himself completely for the sake of the whole of humanity, in that one sacrificial act on the altar of the cross. Jesus dies once and for all ofr the whole of humanity, and in his resurrection, his triumph over sisn and death he offers us the Bread of Life – His Body & His Blood – the eternal gift for all time. Jesus cannot die anymore, and therfore, evey Eucharist, through the miracle of the Mass, he is truly present in the species of Bread & Wine. This is why we talk about the real presence, and, is why we honour and reverence the Holy Eucharist.
LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS: The past week has seen the lifting of many restrictions. Unfortunately, the Covid case numbers continue to rise with nearly forty thousand daily. A high percentage of people have now been vaccinated, and hopefully this will keep many people out of hospital. But this is still a very serious situation. I truly believe we have to be very sensitive to one another. Although the wearing of face-coverings is now optional, I would strongly recommend our parishioners to continue to wear your face mask in church for mass. I will continue to wear a face covering for the distribution of Holy Communion. Hopefully when things start to improve we will be able to disregard them. Hand sanitisation will be available on entry and exit from the church. All church benches are now open, but please be sensitive to social distancing. (In The Blessed Sacrament Chapel we have retained alternate bench seating for people who may feel uncomfortable with every bench open). We are still obliged to keep a record of who attended through track & trace. The additional 10am Mass will discontinue from Sunday 8th August. Weekend Masses will be: Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm. Sunday Masses 9.00am & 11.00am.
Dear Friends in Christ, 17th Sunday of the Year
I would like to make a really impassioned plea to the whole parish community to return to the full time practice of faith. When we opened the church again on 4th July 2020 many were apprehensive about returning. But with nearly who whole population having received the Covid jab, life to a certain extent is a little easier. I see many people out shopping and at eating establishments in town. The precautionary measures that we have taken at the church over the past 16 months has for the most part, exceeded that of many shops and other establishments. Manifestly, your health and safety have always been our priority. I feel we have done an excellent job, and I thank all of our stewards for their incredible work, especially over the past year. I have seen many people coming to our car park with children for uniform groups, obviously your commitment to your children’s activities is important, but your commitment to God through the weekly practice of faith is even more important. I feel really aggrieved that so many of our young people who were Confirmed a couple of months ago, and their families, have not been back to church since the Confirmation. In truth, this makes a real farce of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and is insulting to Almighty God. But of course, we all stand-alone before God at the end of life. There are no excuses at the final judgement! A rhetorical question we can ask ourselves is, am I practicing Catholic or not? The ‘Salvation of Souls’ is fundamentally at the heart of these sentiments!
God Bless You All,
TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM 40th ANNIVERSARY
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WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:
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.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR GRANPARENTS & THE ELDERLY:
Pope Francis has instituted this day of Grandparents & the Elderly. Identifying with the more senior members of our society, He says: “The whole Church, is close to you – to us, and cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!” The theme “I am with you always” comes from the Gospel of Matthew 28:30. The Pope says we should cherish the elderly and recognise that there’s no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down tradition to grandchildren.
ALTAR SOCIETY: Please can we appeal to all parishioners for help to keep our church clean. During lockdown we have only asked a few a few deep cleans but now things will be changing, we desperately need your help to keep a weekly rota going. Cleaning is split between the altar, sanctuary, main church, front porch/library, choir loft brass ware and candle racks. The duties include dusting, sweeping, mopping, polishing, window/door cleaning, hoovering, linens and polishing. You can do as much or as little as you are able to do (1 hour at the most, per month) and all parishioners are invited to help, regardless of age or gender. To register your interest please contacts Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com THERE WAS NO RESPONSE LAST WEEKEND; CAN I MAKE AN IMPASSIONED APPEAL THIS WEEKEND. THANK YOU!
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: £385.36 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/
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
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 such 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 MASS TIMES: Please always consult your Parish newsletter for the times & intentions of the Mases throughout the week. As of the weekend 7th/8th August, weekend masses will be celebrated for the Vigil on Saturday evening at 6.00pm & Sunday Morning at 9.00am & 11.00am. Hopefully we will be able to sing again; even though I do strongly recommend for the time being the wearing of face coverings. I thank the whole parish community for being so understanding during this Pandemic, and for the maintenance of Social Distancing. If we can continue to be sensitive to each other’s fears; and respect everyone’s social space. Thank you very much. Fr. John
THOSE WHO USE PARISH GIFT AID: continues thanks to all who use the Gift Aid Scheme. I would encourage everyone to sign up for this scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, all we need is your name and address. There are forms in the Porch. Also could I make an appeal on behalf of our organiser to those who do not have their Gift Aid number on their Bank reference. Could you address this as soon as possible please? It will help to save a lot of time when we have to enter details onto the Gift Aid system. Also there are many who are making standing orders, but are not registered on the Gift Aid Scheme. It would be really good to register, if you need help contact Maria Mosquera.
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!
THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS – NOT A HOLIDAY FROM GOD: As our schools close for the summer recess, it is important for all of us to have a well-earned rest. Many people haven’t been able to get away for probably well over a year, and many ‘staycations’ will take place this summer. It is important to remember that as much as we all need a break, that our holidays are never a holiday from God. Wherever we go we take the Lord with us; and I’ve always believed that it’s wonderful exploring new places and new churches when we are away. Unfortunately, as yet I haven’t been able to find a substitute to be able to get away; so it looks like I’ll be around over the summer again this year! The new regulations for substitute priests in parishes, because of the pandemic, make it almost impossible to find someone.
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, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.
ANNIVERSARIES: Mary Cocklin 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.
MASS INTENTIONS – JULY / AUGUST 2021
| Sat 24th | 9.00am | Breege & Michael Kerrane RIP (Mary) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 24th | 6.00pm | Daria Kohls – B’day Int’s (K Faherty) |
| Sun 25th Sun 25th | 9.00am 10.00am | People of the Parish Jack Kuss Int’s (John McMorrow) |
| Sun 25th | 11:00am | Patrick Spratt RIP |
| Mon 26th | 10.00am 10.30am | Pat & Margaret B’d Ints (Veronica & Steve) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Tues 27th | 10.00am | Rosemary O’Rourke (B’day) Pat & Margaret. |
| Wed 28th | 10.00am | Jennie Kennelly RIP (John O’Rourke) |
| Thurs 29th | 10.00am | Xanthe Hasan Int’s (Kathleen Faherty) |
| Fri 30th | 10.00am 10.30am | Tricia Brennan RIP (Kathleen Pampellonne) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Sat 31st | 10.00am | Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 31st | 6.00pm | Loy Phillips Int’s (Kathleen Faherty) |
| Sun 1stAug Sun 1st | 9.00am 10.00am | People of the Parish Fr John’s 40th Anni Int’s (J & K Forwood) |
| Sun 1st | 11:00am | People of the Parish |
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the soul of Colette Wenborn, who passed away this week. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 30th July at 2.00pm. And interment will take place at Chigwell cemetery at 3.30pm. Our condolences to her family in this time of great loss!
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading : 2 Kings 4:42-44
A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing Elisha, the man of God, bread from the first-fruits, twenty barley loaves and fresh grain in the ear.’ ‘Give it to the people to eat’, Elisha said. But his servant replied, ‘How can I serve this to a hundred men?’ ‘Give it to the people to eat’ he insisted ‘for the Lord says this, “They will eat and have some left over.”’ He served them; they ate and had some left over, as the Lord had said.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 144(145):10-11,15-18
You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires.
All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,
and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign
and declare your might, O God.
You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires.
The eyes of all creatures look to you
and you give them their food in due time.
You open wide your hand,
grant the desires of all who live.
You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires.
The Lord is just in all his ways
and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts.
You open wide your hand, O Lord, and grant our desires.
Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
I, the prisoner in the Lord, implore you to lead a life worthy of your vocation. Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together. There is one Body, one Spirit, just as you were all called into one and the same hope when you were called. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is Father of all, over all, through all and within all.
Gospel : John 6:1-15
Jesus went off to the other side of the Sea of Galilee – or of Tiberias – and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he gave by curing the sick. Jesus climbed the hillside, and sat down there with his disciples. It was shortly before the Jewish feast of Passover.
Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’ He only said this to test Philip; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass there, and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.’ So they picked them up, and filled twelve hampers with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. The people, seeing this sign that he had given, said, ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD
St Edmund of Canterbury 