St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
<strong>Twenty Eighth Sunday of the Year, 2022</strong> – St Edmund of Canterbury
Scientists recently declared that they’d discovered the glimmer of a planet outside of the Milky Way (our galaxy), in the region of 28 million light years away. It’s hard to conceive or imagine such distances or even think that there are planets far beyond our solar system. The mystery of science is great but far greater is the mystery of God.
Today we’re invited to contemplate the greatest Christian mystery of all, the Blessed Trinity. Christianity departs radically from Islam and Judaism in its belief that in the one God is a communion of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Christianity professes the belief that the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, entered time and space and took upon himself our human nature. Belief in the Trinity, then, is a central mystery of Christian faith.
We’re baptised ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and we’re invited to develop a relationship with each person of the Blessed Trinity. Jesus’ life, work, ministry, preaching & teaching all testify to this fundamental truth of Christian revelation. In fact, the doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity could be described as the central mystery of the Christian faith and life and it’s this mystery that we’re celebrating and rejoicing in today.
The word ‘mystery’ isn’t used to mean a conundrum or puzzle that’s impossible to solve, but a sacred truth which we will only be able to penetrate more deeply if we ask the Holy Spirit to shed his light and truth into our minds and spirits. We need to pray, ‘Lord, teach me, show me, guide me, lead me into the beauty, glory and majesty of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity’.
‘O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me to forget myself entirely so to establish myself in you, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity.’ (Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity)
Dear Friends in Christ, Trinity Sunday
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity; where we proclaim that God is Father, Son & Holy Spirit. This is one of the great Dogma’s of our Roman Catholic Faith. Every week we pray together our Creed acknowledging the fullness of the Godhead in Father, Son & Spirit. Through the centuries many have struggled with trying to understand this great doctrine of faith, and it is often referred to as a mystery. But is more than a mystery, it is an invitation to share and be caught up in the whole life of God. When we were baptised we received the fullness of God as Father Son & Holy Spirit. God has left an indelible mark on our soul and He fills us with his presence. Jesus Christ the second person of the Trinity, came to show us the beauty of God’s lover for us, and before he returned to the Father, he promised the Apostles to send the gift of his eternal Holy Spirit, ‘proceeding from the Father & the Son’; this Divine Love, guides, directs, perfects, and gives us the capacity to respond in Love. The Spirit gives us strength & courage, perseverance and hope, understanding and reverence, and the qualities found in the lord Jesus. This enables us to Love God with our whole soul, mind and strength.
REDECORATION OF THE CHURCH: As you can see the decorating team this week have been working really hard on the inside of our Church. Once again, apologies for any inconvenience caused. The work should continue for another three weeks at least, Weekday masses Monday –Saturday will be celebrated at 10.00am in the Parish Hall (except for Wednesday 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 and vacuuming 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!
May God Bless You All,
RUBY JUBILEE INVITATION: This week in your Parish Newsletter – (and there will be a hard copy for everyone), – there will be a personal Invitation to each one of you to my 40th Anniversary of Ordination. You are all cordially invited to share with me on 7th July 2022. at 7.00pm, followed by reception.
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.
JUBILEE CELEBRATION – IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE PARISH? Would there be anyone in the parish that would be willing to take photographs at the Jubilee Celebration on July 8th? The Mass will be at 7.00pm. Prior to the Mass a number of priests and Fr John’s personal guests will be arriving throughout the day from different parts of the country; Fr John would like some photos with his brother priests and guests. Also immediately after the Thanksgiving Mass there will be a reception in the Marquee; this will also be an opportunity for family photos and photos with all guests and parishioners. If you are able to help please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492
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
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
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.
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
BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY: The Relay 100 is a sponsored walk in aid of Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, who work with the most vulnerable children in our diocese. The aim is to join up churches and parishes throughout Essex and East London, increasing awareness of children’s mental health and raising funds for their essential work. Kathryn Poulter is walking one of the legs and Ian and Susanne Jewell and their family are walking another. You can use the general BCCS link below to sponsor them, and also to send them an encouraging message. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/relay100
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.
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: 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:
https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/donations?parish=loughton
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.
PLEASE COLLECT YOUR GIFT AID BOXES
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/
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.
MASS INTENTIONS – JUNE 2022
| 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 |
| Sun 12th | 9.00am | Fr Owen McKenna SMA RIP (Michael & Gráinne Sheehy) |
| Sun 12th | 11:00am | Sapper Raymond Marchant RIP (Patrick Marchant) |
| Mon 13th | 10.00am | Holy Souls RIP |
| Tues 14th | 10.00am | Birthday Thanksgiving (Jane Bacuetes) |
| Wed 15th | 10.00am | June Mowbray RIP (Frank Westcott) |
| Thurs 16th | 9.00am | Dec’d members of the Tisi Family (Tisi Family) |
| Fri 17th | 10.00am | Aida Carlos RIP (Cecile Kelly) |
| Sat 18th | 10.00am | Holy Souls RIP |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 18th | 6.00pm | Barbara Chalk RIP (Monica Maycraft) |
| Sun 19th | 9.00am | Martin Kendal RIP (Anthony Family) |
| Sun 19th | 11:00am | Dr Jim Sainsbury RIP (The Tisi Family) |
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
The Most Holy Trinity – Solemnity
First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31
The Wisdom of God cries aloud:
The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded,
before the oldest of his works.
From everlasting I was firmly set,
from the beginning, before earth came into being.
The deep was not, when I was born,
there were no springs to gush with water.
Before the mountains were settled,
before the hills, I came to birth;
before he made the earth, the countryside,
or the first grains of the world’s dust.
When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there,
when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep,
when he thickened the clouds above,
when he fixed fast the springs of the deep,
when he assigned the sea its boundaries
– and the waters will not invade the shore –
when he laid down the foundations of the earth,
I was by his side, a master craftsman,
delighting him day after day,
ever at play in his presence,
at play everywhere in his world,
delighting to be with the sons of men.
Responsive Psalm: Psalm 8:4-9
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
Yet you have made him little less than a god;
with glory and honour you crowned him,
gave him power over the works of your hand,
put all things under his feet.
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
All of them, sheep and cattle,
yes, even the savage beasts,
birds of the air, and fish
that make their way through the waters.
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, by faith we are judged righteous and at peace with God, since it is by faith and through Jesus that we have entered this state of grace in which we can boast about looking forward to God’s glory. But that is not all we can boast about; we can boast about our sufferings. These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I still have many things to say to you
but they would be too much for you now.
But when the Spirit of truth comes
he will lead you to the complete truth,
since he will not be speaking as from himself
but will say only what he has learnt;
and he will tell you of the things to come.
He will glorify me,
since all he tells you
will be taken from what is mine.
Everything the Father has is mine;
that is why I said:
All he tells you
will be taken from what is mine.’
St Edmund of Canterbury 