St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
We have an amazing ability to avoid talking about important things. The desire to talk about life’s profound questions seems increasingly unusual in modern life. Nowadays, such questions are considered too ’deep’ or ‘heavy’, and most feel that politics and religion shouldn’t be discussed in polite circles. The clergy and those who working church related roles have often swallowed the ‘black humour pill’ and teasing is commonplace for anyone who is perceived as being ‘too intense’ or who ‘ takes things too seriously’ by simply asking a question about faith or life. This attitude is to our detriment because in avoiding these topics we are avoiding the fundamental and vital issues of life on earth.
The ancient world did not suffer from any such reticence, as we witness in today’s Gospel. The rich young man – clearly focused on obtaining eternal life – approaches the very One who can give it, and reveals that, although he is committed to keeping the Ten Commandments, he is unable to renounce his possessions. His departure from Jesus is one of the most moving and poignant moments in the New Testament, as he was brought face to face with his inability to relinquish that which prevented him from entering into the eternal life he longed for.
Thomas à Kempis said: ‘For small reward a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life many will hardly take a single step.’ Today’s Gospel story also illustrated that the moral life, while noble, falls far short of the life of grace. Although the rich young man honoured the law, he lacked the insight to understand that his heart was not right with God and only Jesus could set him free. Jesus – who came to redeem and save sinners – in the One who gives eternal life. As Paul so eloquently said to Timothy, our goal is to ‘Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good profession in the presence of many witnesses.
THANK YOU LORD: I give thanks to Almighty God this week for the beginning of my Twentieth Year as your Pastor. The years have flown by, and I’m truly grateful to Almighty God for the many graces and blessings that I personally have received from all of you. Please pray for me, as I do for you every day.
May God Bless You All. Fr John
My Dear Friends in Christ, 28th Sunday of the Year
It is now exactly 19 months since the beginning of the Pandemic, which rocked the whole world. The great fear it engendered in the world’s population, and the number of deaths that have occurred has really taken its toll on everyone. There are families in our own parish that have been profoundly affected; and many people have had the virus. Thankfully, with the incredible work of scientists and medical researchers, a vaccine was produced in less than a year. People’s way of life changed literally overnight, and it is only now that we are starting to revert back to some semblance of normality.
Sadly, one of the consequences of the Pandemic, was the non-attendance at Holy Mass. Many parishioners have returned to the weekly practice of faith, and it has been wonderful to see; but there are a large number who have not come back. As one elderly parishioner put it to me recently; ‘Father, I feel I’ve lost two years of my life, and I’m not going to lose anymore!’ Life cannot be put on hold, otherwise we stop living. There may well be a number of people, who will never return to the practice of their faith, and of course, this is always sad; but at the same time it also depends what value you put on the life of faith as well. Life is not a dress rehearsal, and every day counts. The greatest sadness of all is that families, with children have not returned, and have completely got out of the habit of attending Holy Mass; now the young people don’t want to come to church, and find all sorts of excuses not to. The Church has followed the strictest guidelines both from Government and Diocese during this Pandemic; we have maintained a secure environment and worship space for the whole community, and continue to do so. If you are going out, and attending supermarkets and shops and restaurants, then coming to Holy Mass once a week, should be a ‘walk in the park’. But if you have decided not to return, please consider the long-term consequences of that decision, not just for yourself but for your whole family. Our church doors are always open and everyone is welcome!
I think this Pandemic has probably been the greatest challenge this world has ever known. It has brought out the best in many people through charity and kindness. But at the same time, in faith, I think we now have to stand up and be counted. Which path have you chosen?
May God Bless You All This Week,
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:
Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH
PARISH FINANACES: As you can appreciate, during this pandemic the parish income took a severe hit, and we are still not back at the same levels as we were prior to 2020. My sincere and grateful thanks to those who have signed up for online giving and Gift Aid, this is helping. Many parishioners have not returned to the regular practice of faith, and many Gift Aid boxes were not collected this year. Please consider your weekly offertory to God.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The Presbytery at 7.30pm next Thursday 14th October; it’s still not too late to join the programme. Theme: Jesus Christ, Truly God, truly man. If you want to know more about the programme please contact Fr John, Tel No: 0208 508 3492 or Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: The Children’s Programme will continue on Sunday 10th October at 10.00am. PARENTS’ MEETING Wednesday 13th October at 7.30pm. Please put these class dates in your diary. Thank you! Please pray for all our children preparing for the sacraments. This is truly a wonderful moment of time in their lives.
ST EDMUND’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Talking to our Bazaar Committee, we have decided once again to have a Grand Christmas Raffle with about 30 Prizes. This was extremely successful last year dur to your generosity; and with the precarious nature of the Pandemic still with us, and many people still feeling uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, we have decided to move forward with this. If you would like to donate gifts for Christmas Hampers, both Food & Bottle Hampers these would be gratefully accepted. Also some really big Gifts, Colour TV, Theatre Tickets, Restaurant Vouchers, M & S Vouchers, New Glasswear (Crystal), Spa Vouchers, etc.
PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL HANDOUT THIS WEEK, IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE DROP OFF GIFTS & ITEMS AT THE PRESBYTERY AT ANYTIME OR LEAVE IN PORCH OF CHURCH
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.
If your child is due to start Primary or Secondary School in September 2022, You need to read the below very carefully; please note that:
a) Fr John will know those families who have been practising their faith by coming to Weekly Sunday Mass. These families will receive a Certificate of Catholic Practice.
b) If you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John for a Certificate of Catholic Practice as he will be unable to provide you with this document. Instead, apply directly to the Catholic School of your choice.
c) If you plan to send your daughter or son to the Trinity Catholic High School, please note that you will require a Certificate of Catholic Practice.
d) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have been practising your faith, Please submit a copy of your SIF form for reference purposes to Fr. John at the interview. (Fr John has copies at the Presbytery). If you state that you have been practicing weekly and you only practice fortnightly or monthly, this form will not be signed.
e) If you are applying for a Non-Catholic School that requires evidence of religious practice and you have not been practising your faith, please do not approach Fr John. Instead, apply directly to the non-Catholic school of your choice.
f) There will only be a virtual talk and tour of Trinity Catholic High School again this year for Prospective Year 7 pupils & parents, which will take place
g) Complete and totally honesty in the signing of application forms is required. Fr John will not be able to put his signature to anything that is untrue.
h) Fr John will be signing Certificates of Catholic Practice and SIF forms from the week of Monday 18th – Friday 22nd October. Please book your appointment. Thank you!
THIS WILL BE THE LAST CALL FOR PARENTS TO BOOK MEETING FOR SIGNING OF FORMS WITH FR JOHN. THANK YOU!
WHY SUNDAY IS IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS: Sunday is a day of life and glory. On that day, Christ, the life of the faithful, rose from the dead. We remember and celebrate this saving event in a special way on a Sunday. But more than that, the Crucified and Risen Christ comes to us in the celebration of the Mass. He speaks to us through the living word of the Sacred Scriptures. He feeds us, body and soul, with his own divine life in Holy Communion. He calls us out of our individual activities and isolation and gathers us together as His Church, a people set apart to give thanks and praise to Him. Sunday is the Day of the Lord, when we meet the Risen Christ and formed into a community of faith, hope and love by Holy Spirit.
EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank. They 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: tinned soup, tinned spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, small and medium bags of rice, snack bars and razors. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/
FROM THE VICARIATE FOR ADULT FORMATION:
1. One of the new projects to help adult lay men and women deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith is a series of online talks given by priests of our diocese. This is not a systematic course that one needs to commit to in order to benefit from but rather online talks that people can dip in and out of as they wish. I wonder if you would be kind enough to include this brief notice in your newsletter or bring these talks to the attention of your parish as you see fit:
THE THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTIONS: are a series of talks for adults who want to grow in understanding and confidence when questioned or speaking about their Catholic Faith. The talks and discussion take place on Zoom from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.
The next talks will be on the 3rd and 10th October and the question being explored is “What does it mean to talk about God?” Fr Mark Reilly, parish priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford, will consider this question. If you would like to join this discussion, please forward a contact email to adultformationvicariate@dioceseofbrentwood.org For more information about The Thresholds of Hope Questions go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk
2. I would also like to draw your attention to another online project developed by Mauro Iannicelli that provides an accessible guide to the Bible for adults. Mauro is a committed Catholic layman in our diocese and has provided input for the Newham Deanery in the past. He is also willing to send to your parish 200+ course invitation A6 flyers, completely free of charge. Just drop him an email request for the flyers at mauro@comeandsee.org, or to ask him any questions about the course. I recommend this initiative to you and if you feel able to do so, to promote his course in your newsletter or elsewhere:
The YouTube Bible Timeline Course Do you feel the Bible is too big and too difficult to understand? Do you get lost with all the characters and stories? If so, this course aims to help you better understand the riches of the Bible in a simple and straightforward way. The course begins on Wednesday 29 Sept, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to register go to www.comeandsee.org
“HISTORY MYSTERY, Trinity Catholic High School Upper Site, Mornington Road, Thursday 14th October at 7.30pm in the Ratcliffe Hall. Dr Paul Doherty will be staging an exciting History Mystery, “The Ghosts of Berkeley” which focuses on one of the most exciting and mysterious incidents in English history, the murder of King Edward II and its implications for our present royal family. Admission fee £2.00, refreshments will be available. Dr Doherty hopes to raffle copies of his most recent novels. All proceeds to the school fund.”
PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGES FOR 2022/23: If anyone is planning on getting married wihin the next 18 months, could you kindly make contact with the Church. As the Pandemic has delayed many marriages over the past 16 months, there is now a catch-up taking place, and many people have had to rescedule their weddings and receptions accordingly. For marriages abroad, we need at least nine months notice, as all the documentation has to be completed at least two months in advance of the wedding and sent abroad. There is also an Engaged Couple’s Marriage Prepraration Programme to complete; which is a requirement for Catholic Marriage. For those couples getting married in your own parish church, a six month notification is needed. There is now a new format for the Civil Registration of Marriage. There is no more signing of registers, this is now abrogated for a simpler form of signatures; but all of these procedures take time. So please notify the church in plenty of time for weddings. Thank you!
DIARY OCTOBER 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.
MASS INTENTIONS – OCTOBER 2021
| Sat 9th | 10.00am | Jo Colebrook RIP (Veronica, Margaret & Pat) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday: Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 9th | 6.00pm | Peter & Michael Holly RIP (Rooney Family) |
| Sun 10th | 9.00am | Olympia Panong RIP (Bacani Family) |
| Sun 10th | 11:00am | People of the Parish |
| Mon 11th | 10.00am | Niamh Harvey (Get well) (Maureen Perry) |
| Tues 12th | 10.00am | Archie Campbell (B’day Anni) (B Bryant) |
| Wed 13th | 10.00am | Maria & Joao Servo RIP Modesta & Joaquim RIP (Adelaide Alves) |
| Thurs 14th | 10.00am 10.30am | Bridget Kinsella (Get Well) ((M Kavanagh) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Fri 15th | 10.00am 10.30am | John Ironside RIP (Margaret Duffy) Holy Hour with Exposition of Bl. Sacrament |
| Sat 16th | 10.00am | Agnes & Colin Lamb RIP |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday Confessions 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 16th | 6.00pm | Kelly Cottam (Stephanie Hemsworth) |
| Sun 17th | 9.00am | People of the Parish |
| Sun 17th | 11:00am | Kitty Mulvaney RIP (Eileen Lee) |
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.
Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: Loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
ANNIVERSARIES: And for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.
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!
BAPTISMS: It is now permissible once again to have Baptisms with larger groups of family & guests. Manifestly, there are many people who haven’t been able to have baptisms over the past 18 months. Kindly contact Fr. John to arrange your child’s baptism as soon as possible please. There is a Baptism Programme for first time parents.
ALTAR SOCIETY: If anyone else would like to join the Altar Society please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice on 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com It probably works out to about an hour a month, and you can do as much or as little as you wish; the more help we have the easier it is to keep the church really clean. Thanking you in anticipation!
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading : Wisdom 7:7-11
I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I esteemed her more than sceptres and thrones;
compared with her, I held riches as nothing.
I reckoned no priceless stone to be her peer,
for compared with her, all gold is a pinch of sand,
and beside her silver ranks as mud.
I loved her more than health or beauty,
preferred her to the light,
since her radiance never sleeps.
In her company all good things came to me,
at her hands riches not to be numbered.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 89(90):12-17
Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.
Make us know the shortness of our life
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever?
Show pity to your servants.
Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.
In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Give us joy to balance our affliction
for the years when we knew misfortune.
Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice.
Show forth your work to your servants;
let your glory shine on their children.
Let the favour of the Lord be upon us:
give success to the work of our hands.
Fill us with your love so that we may rejoice
Second Reading : Hebrews 4:12-13
The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves.
Gospel : Mark 10:17-30
Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’ And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’ Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, ‘My children,’ he said to them ‘how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were more astonished than ever. ‘In that case’ they said to one another ‘who can be saved?’ Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he said ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’
Peter took this up. ‘What about us?’ he asked him. ‘We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
St Edmund of Canterbury 