At Pentecost, the Apostles underwent a kind of baptism. It was as if they cast off their old clothes to be robed anew in the resplendent and radiant white garment of the Holy Spirit. The idea of being clothed in a resplendent and radiant garment reminds us of Christ’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor: ‘And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white’. There is a profound connection between the transfiguration on the mountain and the transformation on Pentecost morning. The Holy Spirit changed and changes everything! The Spirit has and always will astonish, amaze and astound us.
One of the greatest works of the Holy Spirit was the Second Vatican Council. Pope John XXIII, the Council’s prophet and visionary, had an acute sense of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and in us all. One of the wonderful fruits of the Council was its teaching documents. As one example, Lumen gentium says the following about the Holy Spirit: ‘Whenever the Spirit intervenes, he leaves people astonished. He brings about events of amazing newness; he radically changes persons and history…It is not only through the Sacraments and the ministrations of the Church that the Holy Spirit makes holy the people, leads them and enriches them with his virtues. Allotting his gifts according as he will, he also distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank… He makes them fit and ready to undertake various tasks and offices for the renewal and building up of the Church’. (para 12)
Being filled and renewed in the power of the Spirit is an invitation we cannot refuse. To receive the gift of the Spirit we bow our heads in expectation of God’s blessing. We make this prayer conscious of our sin, weakness and failure, for the Spirit is poured out not when we are strong but when we cry out in need and supplication.
Dear Friends in Christ, Pentecost Sunday 2022
Today, the Feast of Pentecost in known as the birthday of the Church. At the first Pentecost, the promise that Jesus had made to the Apostles at the Last Supper was fulfilled, he sent the eternal gift of his love to them, to empower them and give them the strength and courage to “God out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News”. It’s the same Holy Spirit who still guides and directs the Church and our lives of faith today. At the heart of every Catholic Community is the presence of Jesus Christ, and his guiding Holy Spirit. We should never underestimate the power of that Spirit in our lives of faith.
The renewal of the Church is placed very much into the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit. As you know the Church is not static, it is a ‘Pilgrim Church’ on the move. And the Holy Spirit is there to assist and help us as we come to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Today, let us pray once again for an increase in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our own lives of faith. ‘Veni Sancte Spiritus – Come Holy Spirit!’
REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: Last Monday the contracting company commenced the redecoration of the outside of the Church. This Monday 6th June they will commence the interior of the Church. (This work will probably last throughout the month of June). This will cause a certain amount of disruption, and I apologise in advance for any inconvenience. Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday will be celebrated at 10.00am in the Parish Hall (apart from Wednesday when it will be at 9.30am). On Saturday mornings 11th, 18th 25th June; & 2nd July, between 9.00am – 10.30am. I appeal to the whole Parish to assist and help in dusting & cleaning the benches and generally cleaning the church in advance of the weekend masses. The contracting company have assured me that a general clean of the church will take place on Friday afternoon, but obviously, dust tends to settle overnight. I apppeal for as much help as possible please; just come along to the church! Many hands make light work!
NEW CURTAINS FOR THE HALL: On Tuesday 7th June Brand New Curtains will be hung in the Parish Hall; completing the decoration!
May God Bless You All,
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Fr John’s Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination. Friday 8th July 2022. As this was unable to take place last year, due to the Pandemic, It has been rescheduled to this year, with a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Alan, Priests of the Diocese, Family & Visitors from all over the world, and of course, My Parish Family here at St. Edmund’s. If you can help in anyway whatsoever, please contact Fr John or Lorraine Leith. We will definitely need help on the day. My thanks to those who have already volunteered their help.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 7th June at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
ST BONAVENTURE HIGH SCHOOL: Alumni Event – 17th June 2022, 4.00pm-6.30pm. All former students and staff are welcome to attend – please help spread the word! Order a Ticket at: www.stbons.org/alumni – EMail any questions to alumni@stbons.org
BAPTISMS: If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St Edmund’s could you kindly contact Fr John as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme. Baptism takes place on either Saturday or Sunday at 12.30pm
IS THERE A CARPENTER IN THE PARISH? I’m desperately looking for a carpenter to assist and help with a broken piece of furniture in the house. If there is anyone out there who would be able to help please call Fr John on Telephone No: 020 8508 3492 or email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: The First Holy Communion Programme for 2022/23 will commence in September. In advance of this I would like to meet with the Parents of children eligible for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist (Commencing September Year 3). Pre-requisites:- You are members of this Parish, and you are practicing Roman Catholics, attending weekly Mass! If you’re not practicing please don’t waste my time and yours. I have an extremely busy month ahead of me, so I would ask parents to contact me immediately with regards a meeting to discuss the Sacramental Programme. Tel 0208 508 3492
AID FOR UKRAINE: The unspeakable acts of terror in the Ukraine are atrocious, many amounting to genocide. Our brothers and sisters there are experiencing terrible suffering as they struggle to defend their country and preserve their human rights and life itself. We are doing what we can from afar: assisting by the charity of our prayers and also with what practical means we can muster. Aid to the Church in Need is on the frontline of charitable assistance to Ukrainians. If you can help, you will find this link takes you to the ACN website where you can donate: https://acnuk.org/news/ukraine-charity-rolls-out-emergency-aid/
HELPING THOSE IN UKRAINE & UKRAINIAN REFUGEES: Caritas Brentwood are regularly updating information on their website, covering donations, prayer and welcoming those who are fleeing the Ukraine. You will find everything at: http//www.caritasbrentwood.org/Ukraine/
May God Bless You All This Coming Week,
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 and our donations are still needed desperately as more and more people in our community are finding it hard to make ends meet. They will be running their initiative to support families with food over the Easter holidays and these are the items we can help them with: UHT milk, long-life juice, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, rice pudding, custard, packet noodles, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, breakfast bars/ snack bars, jam, chocolate spread, sponge puddings, chocolate bars, bottled sauces (Ketchup/brown sauce), small jars of coffee, toilet roll, laundry powder/tablets, razors, shampoo/conditioner and washing up liquid. You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/
JUBILEE JAMBOREE AT ST JOHN FISHER SCHOOL: On Saturday 11th June, from 2-5pm the St John Fisher Catholic Primary PTA will host our biggest event in years, the Jubilee Jamboree! With bouncy castles, fairground games, stalls, a petting zoo, sports day races, face painting, crafts and live performances, there is something for everyone! Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, hot dogs, burgers and sweets, and cold drinks. Bring your family and friends, a picnic blanket, and settle down for an afternoon of traditional fun and games. Advance tickets cost just £1 for adults and children or £6 for children’s unlimited bouncing on the inflatables. Under 2s are free. Tickets on the door will cost £2 for the adults and £7 for the children. Please email us on sjfpta@outlook.com if you’d like to purchase some. The SJF Jubilee Jamboree is an event not to be missed so do come along and support our local school. We’d love to see you there!
NOTE TO OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP
We will be singing and playing at our next Mass, which is the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5th June (Pentecost Sunday). It would be appreciated if all our singers could be there by around 10.40am so that we can quickly run through the hymns before Mass starts. Thank you.
If there are any parishioners who would like to join our group, simply come along – you will be made very welcome!
PARISH SUMMER BALL: The 7th Epping Forest Scout Group Parents’ Committee will be hosting their Summer Ball on Saturday 25th June 2022 in the parish hall at St Edmunds Church. Tickets are £45pp and include a welcome drink followed by a three-course meal from your menu choice. There will be a fully licensed bar, plus the opportunity to win a bottle of Champagne or a cash prize in addition to our grand draw, offering you the chance to win one of our fabulous, donated prizes from local businesses. Dancing will continue until midnight to the live sounds provided by the wonderfully talented Adam Curto. This is our annual major fundraising event with all proceeds donated to the 7th Epping Forest Scout Group. Tickets will be on general sale after each Mass. This event is always popular and now has limited availability tickets remaining. Should you require any further information, please speak to a member of the Parents’ Committee at the ticket stand in the car park after Mass.
MASS INTENTIONS: Every day in the parish Holy Mass is offered for various intentions; these are usually at the request of you the parishioners. Most intentions are for deceased loved ones, anniversaries, etc. The origin of the Mass Stipend is very ancient, and goes back to making provision for the priest for one day, as they do not earn a salary as such. At present I only have about two weeks of Mass Intentions booked up. If any parishioner would like a mass intention for any occasion whatsoever, e.g. deceased, birthdays, anniversaries, sick, etc. please complete Mass Intention envelope in the Porch.
PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a lot of new stock in the repository. First Holy Communion gifts and items. A variety of Candles – large and small. Greetings Cards for all occasions. Mass Cards for deceased. Children’s books. There are also a number of CTS little books in a special stand on all sorts of different issues, the saints etc. There are Statues, rosaries, medals, bracelets. Teresa Wallace is happy to order anything your request; it usually takes about a week to arrive.
FROM OUR GIFT AID ORGANISER: If you are part of the Gift Aid scheme, you would have received your summary for tax purposes this week either in the post or via email. If you have not received a letter by Monday the 23rd May, please send me an email at abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. Emails have been sent already. If you received a letter and are happy to receive an email next time, please send me your email address as this helps us save stationery, admin and postage costs. Thank you for your co-operation
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY: Thank you for starting children’s Sunday Liturgy again. But we need more help. Parents, can you spare one Sunday every two months to help the children during the 11.00am Mass? We need more parents to join our lovely group. Please contact Mrs Elena Manara at e_vismara@yahoo.com Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.
EXAMINATION TIME: I would like to commend all our GCSE & A Level Students to your prayers over the next few weeks as they sit their respective exams. This is an important time in their lives as they plan for the future. May all their efforts and study be rewarded over the next months. And may the Holy Spirit give them the guidance and strength to perform well in the exams.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy please pray for the repose of the Soul of Patricia Wright who died recently. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 8th June at 1.00pm at St Edmunds, with interment at Chigwell cemetery afterwards. We extend our condolences to her family in this time of loss.
DIARY JUNE 2022
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH
Carmen Antaki, Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Carlos Camacho, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, Pat Fenn, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Jackie Ilines, Noel Johnson, Shaun Keel, Bridget Kinsella, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.
ANNIVERSARIES: John Anthony Harvey RIP. Please pray for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.
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 PLEASE BE GENEROUS IN YOUR
Account Number: 11019651 GIFT TO GOD & HIS CHURCH
SPECIAL APPEAL To all our parishioners who contribute to your parish weekly. Would you please consider to transferring your Weekly Offertory over to a Direct Debit. With the closing of the local HSBC Bank it has been quite difficult paying in the Offertory, and with many banks now only offering a machine deposit service. Please think about this request. Thank you!
PARISH FINANCES: 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.
BCYS YOUTH GATHER: 22nd – 23rd October, Mersea Island. Stay in cabins and try a brilliant range of outward bound activities from climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. Open to all those in years 9 and above, book NOW at www.bcys.net/events
BOOKING FOR ALL THESE EVENTS – and all information, can be done online at www.bcys.net/events or you can email me with any questions.
THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bishop Alan, will take place from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 July in Lourdes. Brochures for the pilgrimage, which will include costs, will be available soon. For further information contact Cathy O’Connor: cathy@dioceseofbrentwood.org or 07813 710070.
IRREGULAR MARRIAGES: An Irregualr Marriage is one that 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
CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION: The Mid Essex Deanery invite you to join them in taking part in the annual Corpus Christi Procession through the streets of Chelmsford on Sunday 12th June 2022 at 3pm. Starting at Our Lady Immaculate School, New London Road, Chelmsford, The Holy Eucharist is held in a processional Monstrance carried by Abbot Hugh Allen and priests from the Mid Essex Deanery. The procession is accompanied by a marching band, Catholic groups and organisations, first communion children, lay people and families. Don’t miss this extraordinary event, bring your family and friends and join us as we witness to the presence of Christ. For further information please contact des Kelly by email at kelly.clan@btinernet.com
MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2022
| Sat 4th | 10.00am | Pat & Margaret B’day Int’s (Remy) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 4th | 6.00pm | Helen McLaughlin RIP (Ann McLaughlin) |
| Sun 5th | 9.00am | For Sick Daughter (Dr Peter Wright) |
| Sun 5th | 11:00am | John Anthony Harvey RIP (40 Anni) (Fr John) |
| Mon 6th | 10.00am | Violet Hall RIP (Olga & Joyce) |
| Tues 7th | 10.00am | Maureen Mully RIP |
| Wed 8th | 10.00am1.00pm | Lilian Harrington RIP (Fr John)Requiem Mass: Patricia Wright RIP |
| Thurs 9th | 9.00am | Lena Perry RIP |
| Fri 10th | 10.00am | Kathy & John Forwood’s Int’s |
| Sat 11th | 10.00am | Andrew D’Agata RIP |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 11th | 6.00pm | Dec’d members of the Taylor Family RIP |
| Sun 12th | 9.00am | Fr Owen McKenna SMA RIP (Michael & Gráinne Sheehy) |
| Sun 12th | 11:00am | Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant) |
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
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092
Pentecost
First Reading : Acts 2:1-11
When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. ‘Surely’ they said ‘all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.’
Responsive Psalm : Psalm 103(104):1,24,29-31,34
Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord God, how great you are,
How many are your works, O Lord!
The earth is full of your riches.
Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
You take back your spirit, they die,
returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the earth.
Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever!
May the Lord rejoice in his works!
May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
I find my joy in the Lord.
Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
Second Reading : Romans 8:8-17
People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him. Though your body may be dead it is because of sin, but if Christ is in you then your spirit is life itself because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.
So then, my brothers, there is no necessity for us to obey our unspiritual selves or to live unspiritual lives. If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.
Everyone moved by the Spirit is a son of God. The spirit you received is not the spirit of slaves bringing fear into your lives again; it is the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’ The Spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness that we are children of God. And if we are children we are heirs as well: heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory.
Gospel : John 14:15-16,23-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If you love me you will keep my commandments.
I shall ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate
to be with you for ever.
‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him and make our home with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own:
it is the word of the one who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all I have said to you.
St Edmund of Canterbury 