St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More
Each year a King held a sumptuous banquet for everyone who worked under him. All were invited and all came. The diplomatic corps dines with the kitchen staff and the king’s private secretaries supped with the gardeners. It was one of those rare occasions when social barriers came down.
The king was particularly fond of a special gardener whose family had served him and his estate for generations. The gardener, a humble, uneducated man, was always invited to sit near to the king; such was the king’s affection and regard for him. The gardener, however, was always anxious about the occasion and felt conspicuous and uncomfortable amongst such distinguished company.
On one occasion, the gardener somewhat overwhelmed and having developed quite a thirst, reached for the fingerbowl, which he mistook for a cool draught. The guests close by were amused by the faux pas and a ripple of mockery and disdain filled the room. The king, quick as a flash, realised what was happening. He took hold of his own finger bowl and drank from it himself. The smiles were quickly wiped off the faces of those who had mocked the poor man; to prevent themselves from committing a similar social faux pas they were forced to join the king in drinking from their finger bowls! The king had masterfully upheld the dignity of his esteemed and much loved servant.
Observing the weakness of social climbing and the humiliation of vying for position at table, Jesus taught today’s parable: ‘When you are invited…to a wedding banquet, no not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited…’ It’s punch is the paradox that in seeking to be exalted we’re destined to be humbled and in seeking to be humbled we shall enjoy being exalted
Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,
On this Bank Holiday weekend, and as we are about to enter the month of September, we are preparing for the return of our children to a New School Year. The summer recess has afforded us the opportunity of rest and relaxation; but once again we must return to work. Just a head’s up, especially to those Year Six parents who will be considering Secondary School places for their children in September 2023. According to the Brentwood Diocesan guidelines a very strict Admissions Criteria is in place, and if paretns and chidlren are not practicing their faith, e.g. weekly attendance at Holy Mass, they will not be eleigible for a school place in our schools next September. All families are very aware of these facts, and it’s no use just making an appearance a couple of times prior to a Certificate of Catholic Practice being signed. Everyone has had years to prepare for this moment. Parents will be notified by Essex Education Authority as to when you have to make your appplication for Secondary School places. You will usually have until the end of October to make the appplication
THE PARISH UTILITIES: As I have already menitoned, having a very large church and hall has certinaly focused my mind over these next weeks with regards heating and lighting our buildings. If you have been listening to television and radio this week, you will be aware that from October all utlities will be increasing to £3,500, that is the basic minimal cost. Larger properties will be more. I really do not believe that we can just take the use of utilities for granted. At the end of the day they all have to be paid for. (In fact it is the hall heating & lighting that is the most expensive of all our buildings). I will be meeting with the finance committee very soon, and working out a strategy for the winter months. Some additional fundraising may have to take place, but this can be in the form of social events and possibly having our annual Bazaar once again this year. Several people have already spoken to me about this! The constant support of the parish is essential, and with the declining numbers since Covid, that financial support has diminished considerably! Please refelct
on these comments. Thank you!
May God Bless You All This Week
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 8th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Presbytery. This is a systematic programme of Instruction in the Roman Catholic Faith. If you know of anyone who may be interested in learning a little more about the Roman Catholic faith possibly with the view of being received into full-communion with the Church at Easter 2023, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022/23: My thanks to the Parents who came to see me about their children commencing the First Holy Communion Programme in September? It was good to have the opportunity to meet with you. 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. The meetings have now concluded Thank you!
Vacancy for School Business Manager at St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton. St John Fisher Catholic Primary are seeking to appoint an experienced and well organised School Business Manager. Monday to Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm – 20hpw, Term Time + Non Pupil Days. For more information and to receive a copy of the job description please email finance@st-johnfisher.essex.sch.uk
NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: We’ll be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4th September and it would be appreciated if all our singers and musicians could be there by around 10.40am to run through the hymns and music before Mass starts. Hopefully you are all now back from holiday, so it would be nice to have a large number of you there! Any singer or musician in the Parish who may like to join us would be made very welcome – simply come along!
CAN YOU HELP? We are desperately in need of additional help for the Altar Society; over the past year or so, we’ve lost a number of our regular helpers who clean the church. If you are able to give an hour or so every month to help keep our Church beautifully clean and tidy, this is all we ask. If you’re able to help please contact Sharon Fitzmaurice 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com or Fr John. 0208 508 3492 We hope to have A Big Clean once a month, if you can help please come along for half an hour. Thank you!
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
ALTAR SERVERS: Recently we had over 30 children make their First Holy Communion. A couple of them have already started Altar Serving. I would like to make an appeal to the whole parish community for some more children to volunteer to become Altar Servers. It is a wonderful way of serving God and the community. Just speak to Fr John directly and he will arrange for training and for you to receive and Alb & Cincture
REQUESTED MASS INTENTIONS: At present, I have very few requested Mass Intentions. If any parishioner wishes to have a Mass celebrated for deceased relatives, anniversary masses, birthday masses, special intentions, for someone who maybe sick, or for any other special occasion, please make your request with the mass envelopes provided in the Porch of the Church, place your Mass Offering in the envelope and drop it off at the Presbytery.
RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE OF LOURDES COMING TO UK: The Churches & Cathedrals hosting St Bernadette’s Relics have a fixed capacity for vistors. To ensure the comfort and safety of pligrims, visitors will be asked to register to attend with a dedicated timeslot. In the diocese of Bretnwood there are two dates and two venues. The Cathedral arriving 11am 16/10/2022 Departing 12Noon 17/10/2022. Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead: Arrive 10am 18th/10/2022. Depart: 9am 19/10/2022
SICK & HOUSEBOUND: We are now permitted to resume the visitation of the Sick & Housebound. If there is anyone in the parish who would like a visit at home, please contact Fr. John on Tel No: 020 8508 3492
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 after the summer holidays on Tuesday 6th September at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton, at 7.00pm, commencing with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Rosary in the Church. Our guest speaker will be Bishop Alan Williams. Meetings are monthly, usually the first Tuesday of each month. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
DIARY AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2022
PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH
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, Remy, 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:
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.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY DURING THE SUMMER: It’s important that we keep our Offertory giving going. If you belong to the Gift Aid Scheme, please keep your envelopes up to date. I know may parishioners use online giving & Standing Orders. If you want applications for the Gift Aid Scheme, these can be found in the Porch of the Church. Your Weekly Offertory is your Gift to God!
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/ hiccups
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/
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: Our Parish Gift Aid Organiser is Abbie Akinfenwa – abbie.akinfenwa@btinternet.com or text to 0775470934 with your name and gift aid number. I would encourage all parishioners to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme. If you are a Tax Payer, it’s a really painless process, all we need is you name and address, there are Gift Aid Application Forms in the Porch of the Church, and Abbie can give you all the help you need re information. We are able to claim back 25 pence in every pound donated to the church, when you use you envelopes or pay by Standing Order. Please think about joining, and thanks to those who already belong!
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.
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. The Foodbank have asked for support with the following items: pasta sauce, rice pudding, jam, tinned fruit, snack / breakfast bars, chocolate bars, shower gel, toilet roll and deodorant. URGENTLY NEEDED: Small jars of coffee, washing up liquid, sponge pudding desserts and instant mash. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank news via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/
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.
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
MASS INTENTIONS – AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2022
| Sat 27th | 10.00am | Dec’d members of the Sheahan Family (J & C Gormley) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 27th | 6.00pm | Wiillie Corcoran RIP (Bill & Helen Walsh) |
| Sun 28th | 9.00am | People of the Parish |
| Sun 28th | 11:00am | Corazon Razon RIP (Bacuetes Family) |
| Mon 29th | 10.00am | Dennis Byrne RIP (Mary Ryan) |
| Tues 30th | 10.00am | Jody Troy RIP (Susan Mulli) |
| Wed 31st | 10.00am | Rosemary Johnson B’day Ints (Ian Johnson) |
| Thurs 1st September | 10.00am | Teresa Kane RIP (Margaret Duffy) |
| Fri 2nd | 10.00am | Maria Feijo (Adelaide Alves) |
| Sat 3rd | 10.00am | Teresita Alix RIP ((Jane Bacuetes) |
| Vigil Mass for Sunday. Confessions at 5.30pm | ||
| Sat 3rd | 6.00pm | Kathleen & Bernard Harvey (Margaret Hopkinson) |
| Sun 4th | 9.00am | Jim Sullivan RIP (Nancy Hands) |
| Sun 4th | 11:00am | Esther Mulholland RIP (Mark & Kathy Munro) |
Please kindly put your Mass requests in early for anniversaries etc., this is to avoid any disappointment if a particular date has already been booked,
Parish Phone No: 0208 508 3492 Email: loughton@dioceseofbrentwood.org
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity No. 234092
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading : Ecclesiasticus 3:19-21,30-31
My son, be gentle in carrying out your business,
and you will be better loved than a lavish giver.
The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly,
and then you will find favour with the Lord;
for great though the power of the Lord is,
he accepts the homage of the humble.
There is no cure for the proud man’s malady,
since an evil growth has taken root in him.
The heart of a sensible man will reflect on parables,
an attentive ear is the sage’s dream.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 67(68):4-7,10-11
In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.
The just shall rejoice at the presence of God,
they shall exult and dance for joy.
O sing to the Lord, make music to his name;
rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.
In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.
Father of the orphan, defender of the widow,
such is God in his holy place.
God gives the lonely a home to live in;
he leads the prisoners forth into freedom:
In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.
You poured down, O God, a generous rain:
when your people were starved you gave them new life.
It was there that your people found a home,
prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor.
In your goodness, O God, you prepared a home for the poor.
Second Reading : Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24
What you have come to is nothing known to the senses: not a blazing fire, or a gloom turning to total darkness, or a storm; or trumpeting thunder or the great voice speaking which made everyone that heard it beg that no more should be said to them. But what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival, with the whole Church in which everyone is a ‘first-born son’ and a citizen of heaven. You have come to God himself, the supreme Judge, and been placed with spirits of the saints who have been made perfect; and to Jesus, the mediator who brings a new covenant and a blood for purification which pleads more insistently than Abel’s.
Gospel : Luke 14:1,7-14
On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’
Then he said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’
St Edmund of Canterbury 