33rd Sunday of the Year 2018 (2)
Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today we contemplate a crucial point in Mark’s Gospel when Jesus asked the fundamental question, of the gospel of life: ‘But who do you say I am?’ Up to this moment, through his miracles and healings, Jesus had been revealing himself to them as the Son of God and, through the revelation given him by the Holy Spirit, Peter finally understood and declared: ‘You are the Christ.’ The end of the first stage of revelation had been reached: Jesus was revealed as the Christ, the Son of the eternal Father. From now on the disciples could no longer live their lives apart from Jesus. They knew why they had to follow him in obedience, for he was their Lord.
Jesus, however, immediately began to lead them into the second, 
more profound understanding of his own person by teaching that he had to suffer, die and be raised up out of death. His way was to be a way of suffering, humiliation and death, not the way of a powerful, glorious Messiah. The disciples had to begin the journey into a new depth of understanding. Scandalised, Peter remonstrated with Jesus, seeking to protect him. 
Jesus rebuked Peter, insisting that he had to suffer, die and rise again.
Through faith Jesus has been revealed to us as the Son of God, the world’s Saviour and creation’s Lord. Since Jesus is God we can never fully plum the depths of who he is. We can spend our lives asking the Spirit to deepen our understanding. Yet this is only the first stage or revelation. Like the disciples we must go on to the second level. Since through our Baptism we are joined to the person of Christ, we are called to follow him. We must grasp that, as Jesus had to suffer, die and rise again, we too have to follow him on the same path and live as he lived. What does this mean? We are to live for Christ and not live for ourselves. He must be at the centre of our lives. We must submit ourselves to the Father’s will, just as Jesus submitted himself. All our choices have to be subject to these benchmark questions: ‘Does the Father want this for me? Does this please the Father? This is at the heart of denying self.
BAPTISMS IN THE PARISH: 
If you have a child due for Baptism please let me know as soon as possible. To avoid any disappointment with dates contact the Presbytery to book your date. If you are first-time parents, you need to contact Sharon Chalk, who will organise a Baptismal Preparation of two sessions, and then I will come and visit you in your homes. Please don’t forget to collect your Baptismal Information Form.
MARRIAGES: Fr. John needs at least six months’ notice for marriages, and nine months if you’re getting married abroad. Marriage preparation needs to be completed well in advance of the wedding.
PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: At present the Weekly income is not meeting the weekly outgoing! The recent notice in the Newsletter does not appear to have made any difference to the Weekly Offertory. Please do consider your weekly offering to God and the Church, if you’re in a position to increase it, this would be gratefully received. Also during the summer holidays there is always a noticeable drop in the offertory; please try to keep your Weekly Offertory Envelopes up to date. As you all know utilities are set to rise over the summer. If it wasn’t for the Gift Aid returned tax, we would certainly be running at a deficit! We are currently looking at the budget to see where we can save on our funds!
Twenty-First Sunday of the Year 2012
St. Edmund of Canterbury
And
St. Thomas More
PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends in Christ
It was crunch time for some of the disciples. Many had been swept along and had followed Jesus for a variety of reasons – the miracles, the power, the crowds, the prospect of adventure and excitement. However, when he began to teach about the Eucharist many found his words to hard to stomach (literally). Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist, like his teaching on the cross, became a stumbling block.
The disciples’ response is at least honest, ‘This is a hard saying, who can listen to it?’ Many of them rejected his teaching and turned their back on him. Jesus’ question to his twelve core disciples elicits a beautiful and profound response from Peter: ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.’
Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist is an invitation for us to life by faith. We accept and embrace Jesus’ teaching; we believe first and then seek to understand. St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, ‘Do not, therefore, regard the bread and wine as simply that, for they are, according to the Master’s declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but be fully assured by faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.’ This teaching is spirit and life. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us his light so we believe and receive.
Today, perhaps more than any other time, people still find this teaching on the Eucharist hard to accept. If we can’t see, we won’t believe, and if it’s scientifically not verifiable we don’t believe. Jesus has the words of eternal life, and the Eucharist is the food for our spirits and nourishment for our souls.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: This is Bank holiday weekend, and usually marks the end of the summer holidays. The children will be returning to school at the beginning of September. I trust and pray that all our families have had a good summer, and enjoyed the wonderful weather we had this year, and have come back refreshed ready to start another year!
CONGRATULATIONS: To all our young people who have just received their results from the A Level & GCSE examination results. In speaking to several of them, they are really happy with their results and for those who have completed A Levels; many have got the places they wanted at University. Obviously they have been celebrating. May God bless you all in your future endeavours, whether it is going to University or College, may you be happy in all your choices!
God Bless You All,
FAMILY DAY AT THE CLARETIAN CENTRE IN BUCKDEN: This year will be on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August. This is an open invitation to the whole parish community to join them in their celebrations. There will be an outdoor Mass, Barbeque, side stalls. Traditionally the weather is always nice! This is a real family fun day; there are extensive grounds to run around in, and old historic buildings to explore. Obviously they would like some idea of how many would like to attend, for caterings purposes. Buckden is 60 miles away just off the A1. If you could phone, No: 01480 810344 if you intend to go to the Family Day, or speak to Ferdi Tisi
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Will commence with the Parents’ Information evening on Wednesday 12th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. We will cover the first theme of Belonging. Also you will receive the children’s work books and programme for the whole year. The children’s first session will take place on Sunday 16th September at 10am. The formal presentation of the children as candidates will take place immediately after the class on Sunday 16th September at the 11am Mass.
AN EXTRA MASS DURING THE WEEK: There are many Retirees in our parish community. It might be nice to get into the habit of attending an extra mass or two during the week. The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit’ of the life of faith. Any opportunity to share in the Eucharistic celebration is a real moment of grace. Mass is celebrated every day of the week; why not get into the habit of an extra mass a week!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH? If so, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492. The RCIA Programme will commence on Thursday 13th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Retreat. It is wonderful to a have a good number of enquirers for this Journey of Faith Programme. It is a systematic programme, covering all aspects of Catholicism, the scriptures, Catholic Dogma & Doctrine, Liturgical Practice, Prayer, Catholic Moral Teaching & Ethical Issues. We use power-point presentations and follow a programme called ‘Evangelium,’ (£9 each) which is very orthodox. I will give hand-outs each week of the subject matter covered in the talk. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. There any many who have been on this course, and I’m sure some of our new convert Catholics would be only too willing to answer any of your questions.
PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Please make every effort possible to keep your weekly offertory envelopes up to date! Obviously with so many away during the summer holidays, the offertory has taken a nosedive! Please try to ensure that you bring your Offertory Envelopes up to date after the summer recess. If you would like to join the Parish Gift Aid Scheme, there are Applications in the Porch of the Church, just compete and return to the Presbytery, all we need is your name and address. Your weekly Offertory can be Gift Aided; also Mass Stipends, donations for special projects, offerings for flowers, etc.
NOTE TO EVERYONE IN THE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Our next practice takes place on Monday, 29th August (6.30pm musicians / 7pm singers) to go over the hymns and music for the 11am Mass on Sunday, 2nd September. Please make every effort to come to the practice. We really do want to look at some new music we’ve only touched on before and we need as many of you as possible there to make the practice worthwhile. Thank you.
FORMING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: As part of our ongoing Stewards of the Gospel initiative in the Diocese of Brentwood, the Parish has decided to embrace the Forming Intentional Disciples, Evangelisation Programme. This programme is designed to encourage engagement of all parishioners in the whole process of evangelisation. Evangelisation – Zealous proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping to bring people to the Lord and have a living relationship with him, having a real and ‘intentional’ commitment to Christ and his Church. If you would like to be part of this ongoing programme, we will be using Sherry Weddell’s Book, Forming Intentional Disciples; this can be obtained from Amazon.
Twentieth Sunday of the Year 2018
St. Edmund of Canterbury
And
St. Thomas More
PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends in Christ
We take our eating and drinking for granted and are unaware that, in fact, we draw life from what we eat and drink. Often it is only after a serious illness, when we are weakened in our bodies, that we become conscious of our need to strengthen our bodies through food – to ‘draw life’ from food and drink
Jesus always ‘drew life’ from the Father. Every day he drew apart to pray to his Father, seeking from him strength, energy and fresh inner resources. In these quiet times has begged his Father for the wisdom, vitality and power that he needed in order to undertake his Father’s work. Then, filled with new life from his Father, Jesus preached, taught, healed the sick and cast out demons. Jesus always sought strength, knowledge and discernment from his Father.
In our turn, we need to ‘draw life’ from Jesus. Jesus does not want us to live in our own strength, wisdom and power. Rather, he wishes to be himself ‘our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption’. For this reason he offers us himself so that we can draw life from him by feeding upon his flesh and blood. Above all, he invites us to feed upon his body and blood in the Eucharist. This demands that every day we ‘come to Jesus’ in our own quiet times to ‘draw life’ from him. Foolish people look only to themselves and their own resources. Wise people know their own resources. Wise people know their own resources are not sufficient and that they need to be given new resources are not sufficient and that they need to be given new resources ‘from above’. They seek out the Lord’s courage, strength and wisdom for everything they undertake. They are intensely conscious of their need ‘to draw life’ from Jesus. We also must continue to draw life form the Body & Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
FR ANTHONY CHANTRY: I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere and grateful thanks to Fr. Anthony for supplying for me over the past three Sunday’s while I’m on holiday. I shall be home this week! It is increasingly more difficult each year to find a substitute. We had been spoiled for many years with Fr Kieran coming each summer. I actually contacted 25 different priests prior to Fr Anthony agreeing to help me out; that’s why I’m so grateful to him! Please keep Fr Anthony in your prayers with his extremely important International work for Missio – Association for the Propagation of the Faith. For those who use the Red Collection Boxes, please be generous in your giving.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: In your mercy, please pray for the repose of the soul of Marie Dawson, who passed away recently. Marie sang with the choir recently until she got sick. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 24th August at 12.15pm, with burial at Hendon Cemetery. We extend our condolences to her daughter and family in this time of great loss. May she rest in peace!
NEW ALTAR SERVERS: This is a wonderful way, at an early age, of offering service to God and the community. If you are interested, please contact Fr. John as soon as possible, who will arrange for you to have some training. It would be wonderful to have some new Servers!
FAMILY DAY AT THE CLARETIAN CENTRE IN BUCKDEN: This year will be on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August. This is an open invitation to the whole parish community to join them in their celebrations. There will be an outdoor Mass, Barbeque, side stalls. Traditionally the weather is always nice! This is a real family fun day; there are extensive grounds to run around in, and old historic buildings to explore. Obviously they would like some idea of how many would like to attend, for caterings purposes. Buckden is 60 miles away just off the A1. If you could phone, No: 01480 810344 if you intend to go to the Family Day, or speak to Ferdi Tisi
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Will commence with the Parents’ Information evening on Wednesday 12th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. We will cover the first theme of Belonging. Also you will receive the children’s work books and programme for the whole year. The children’s first session will take place on Sunday 16th September at 10am. The formal presentation of the children as candidates will take place immediately after the class on Sunday 16th September at the 11am Mass.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH? If so, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492. The RCIA Programme will commence on Thursday 13th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Retreat. It is wonderful to a have a good number of enquirers for this Journey of Faith Programme. It is a systematic programme, covering all aspects of Catholicism, the scriptures, Catholic Dogma & Doctrine, Liturgical Practice, Prayer, Catholic Moral Teaching & Ethical Issues. We use power-point presentations and follow a programme called ‘Evangelium,’ which is very orthodox. I will give hand-outs each week of the subject matter covered in the talk. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. There any many who have been on this course, and I’m sure some of our new convert Catholics would be only too willing to answer any of your questions.
FORMING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: As part of our ongoing Stewards of the Gospel initiative in the Diocese of Brentwood, the Parish has decided to embrace the Forming Intentional Disciples, Evangelisation Programme. This programme is designed to encourage engagement of all parishioners in the whole process of evangelisation. Evangelisation – Zealous proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and help to bring people to Jesus Christ and have a living relationship with him, having a real and ‘intentional’ commitment to Christa and his Church. If you would like to be part of this ongoing programme, we will be using Sherry Weddell’s Book, Forming Intentional Disciples; this can be obtained from Amazon.
PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: Please try to keep your Weekly Offertory Donation up to date during the summer; as you can appreciate there are a lot of people away at present, but the bills still keep coming in. If you belong to the Gift Aid Scheme please keep envelopes up to date. Please use your envelopes otherwise we are unable claim back the Income Tax at the end of the financial year. If you also make your weekly donation by Standing Order, and haven’t changed that Standing Order for many years, please consider an increase in your donation. Thank you for your continued generosity, support and upkeep of the Parish.
MASS INTENTIONS: There are plenty of vacancies for your Mass Intentions; as very few have been given in over the past weeks. Please book your anniversary masses well in advance to avoid disappointments for special dates!
Nineteenth Sunday of the Year 2018
St. Edmund of Canterbury
And
St. Thomas More
PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here’s the problem. In life it’s just a truism that when we become familiar and matter-of-fact about anything we lose our sense of awe and wonder. This can happen in so many areas of our lives. When this is the case, we know deep down that we are taking whatever it is for granted. One major area in which this can occur in our relationships: it is so easy to take our wives, our husbands, our friends, or other key relationships for granted. One thing is for sure that once this happens, in whatever areas of our life, we lose a sense of marvel, of awe, of gratitude and of thankfulness.
The one area of the spiritual life where it is utterly imperative that we do not fall into this trap is concerning the sublime gift of the Eucharist. Today’s reading from John’s Gospel asks us to contemplate the greatest gift we have received as baptised believers: Jesus present to us in the Eucharist. To receive the Eucharist is the greatest privilege on earth; nothing compares to it and nothing ever will. It holds good and true not just for this life but for the life to come. The Eucharist is truly the source and summit of the Christian life. We could do nothing better than read today’s discourse on Jesus the Bread of Life several times and digest the meaning.
The early Church Fathers had a profound grasp of the Eucharist – their writings convey such awe, gratitude and marvel that as we read them we too become infected with their joy, their insight and their love. Ask the Lord to give you this wonderful love of his sacred Body & Blood.
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: Wednesday 15th August. Mary, at the end of her natural life was assumed body and soul to heaven. The Dogma of the Assumption was proclaimed in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. It proclaimed the belief of the Universal Church that Mary, the Mother of God, having been singled out by God as that singular vessel of purity, brought forth Christ into the world; who, throughout the whole of her life, constantly remained faithful to God and her Son. Her freedom from the stain of Original Sin, won her the eternal reward of being Assumed by God, Body and Soul into heaven. There will be three masses today, 9am 12.15pm & 8.00pm at St. Edmunds.
GIFT AID SCHEME: Please try to keep your Weekly Offertory Donation up to date during the summer; as you can appreciate there are a lot of people away at present, but the bills still keep coming in. If you belong to the Gift Aid Scheme please keep envelopes up to date. Please use your envelopes otherwise we are unable claim back the Income Tax at the end of the financial year. If you also make your weekly donation by Standing Order, and haven’t changed that Standing Order for many years, please consider an increase in your donation. Thank you for your continued generosity, support and upkeep of the Parish.
FORMING INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: As part of our ongoing Stewards of the Gospel initiative in the Diocese of Brentwood, the Parish has decided to embrace the Forming Intentional Disciples, Evangelisation Programme. This programme is designed to encourage engagement of all parishioners in the whole process of evangelisation. Evangelisation – Zealous proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and help to bring people to Jesus Christ and have a living relationship with him, having a real and ‘intentional’ commitment to Christa and his Church. If you would like to be part of this ongoing programme, we will be using Sherry Weddell’s Book, Forming Intentional Disciples; this can be obtained from Amazon.
THIS YEAR’S PARISH BAZAAR: Will take place on Saturday 1st December. I know this is very early to be thinking about the Bazaar, Would all our regular helpers please put this date in your diaries! As you know your generosity makes our bazaars so successful. If you are going abroad, you might like to buy a bottle at the ‘Duty Free’ store; as you know the Bottle Stall is always a great attraction. Also we need Grand Draw Prizes. Please think about these things.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Will commence with the Parents’ Information evening on Wednesday 12th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. We will cover the first theme of Belonging. Also you will receive the children’s work books and programme for the whole year. The children’s first session will be on Sunday 16th September at 10am. The formal presentation of the children as candidates will take place immediately after the class on Sunday 16th September at the 11am Mass.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 13th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Retreat (this is up the stairs and above the parish hall). 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, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492
MARRIAGES: Fr. John needs at least six months’ notice for marriages, and nine months if you’re getting married abroad. Marriage preparation needs to be completed well in advance of the wedding.
BAPTISMS IN THE PARISH: If you have a child due for Baptism please let me know as soon as possible. To avoid any disappointment with dates contact the Presbytery to book your date. If you are first-time parents, you need to contact Sharon Chalk, who will organise a Baptismal Preparation of two sessions, and then I will come and visit you in your homes. Please don’t forget to collect your Baptismal Information Form.
NEWSLETTER ITEMS: Please let us have your items no later than Wednesday evening as the Newsletter is printed on Thursdays. The regular Newsletter will resume at the beginning of September
PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a wonderful selection of religious goods in our parish repository. There are children’s books on prayers, lives of the saints, etc, which can help parents in their teaching of their children. Statues, rosaries, medals, mass cards for all occasions, bibles, and prayer books. Having this facility in our parish certainly helps our parishioners have access to these religious goods, saving them journeys to London’s religious stores!
ST. EDMUND’S PARISH HALL: Is available for hire for children’s parties etc. Please contact Antonella Thorpe our Bookings Secretary.
Eighteenth Sunday of the Year 2018
St. Edmund of Canterbury
And
St. Thomas More
PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends in Christ
Hunger and thirst tune the mind, don’t they? Have you ever experienced biting and painful hunger such that if you don’t eat you will literally drop? Our bodies have needs, and satisfying our hunger and thirst is fundamental to living. But the church has always taught we are more than just body; we are body and soul. But how is the soul satisfied?
The soul is fed supremely with the Eucharist. This is Jesus the Bread of Life the food for the journey, nourishing us and sustaining us in this life and the life to come. Every time we receive the Eucharist we know Communion with the flesh of the risen Christ, a flesh given life and giving life through the Holy Spirit. We cannot grow and mature in the Christian life unless we receive this bread of life. The Catechism expresses this wonderfully: ‘This growth in Christian life needs the nourishment of Eucharistic Communion, the bread for our pilgrimage until the moment of death, when it will be given to us as viaticum.’
Spiritual hunger is harder to detect than spiritual hunger. But when we do detect it we become open to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit. It is truly a gift of the Holy Spirit to know when we are hungry or thirsty – for God, for his truth, for his love.
This Bread of Life Discourse in St. John’s Gospel gives the most wonderful insight into the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus is our life source, he is the meaning of our existence, He is the Bread of Life, sustaining and feeding us. The Eucharist is the key to understanding the mystery of Jesus Christ. What an incredible honour to be invited to the Table of the Lord each week!
WELCOME FR ANTHONY: On behalf of the parish I would like to welcome Fr Anthony Chantry, Mill Hill Missionary. Who will be celebrating mass on the weekends I am away on my annual leave. You may remember Fr. Anthony came to our parish a few months ago to make the Missio Appeal (Red Boxes) of which he is the Director. I am sincerely truly grateful to him for helping me out; as I nearly cancelled my break as it was almost impossible trying to find a substitute priest this year! Please extend to him your warm hospitality and welcome! In cases of emergencies and sick calls, please contact the Friary at Woodford. Tel No: 020 8504 1686
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE A PRIEST: There is a monthly Vocations Group to help those who would like to find out more about a possible vocation to the Priesthood! There will be a talk, a time of prayer and some food. The next two sessions will be held at St. Edmund of Canterbury, 9 Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex. IG10 1SZ 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th August; 7.00pm on Tuesday 4th September. If you would like to join us or to find out more please get in touch with Fr. Mark Swires: 07843 758961 or vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
ORGAN-LOFT STAIRLIFT SPONSORSHIP: The sponsored marathon organ performance has raised £4,400.00 so far! There are a few remaining promised donations to be collected. Choir members may not be able to be outside all Saturday and Sunday morning Masses to collect these. If you have donations that remain to be collected, please phone John Johnson on 020 8508 4167 to arrange this. Many thanks to all those who have already made donations! We hope that we will reach our target very soon.
A NOTE TO ALL EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: If you are going away on holiday during the summer, please ensure that you have found a substitute for your ministry while you’re away. This applies also to our Readers. Bidding Prayer writers, please ensure that you produce a hard copy for Fr. Kieran while Fr. John is away, as he often doesn’t read his e-mails while on holiday!
CLARETIAN FAMILY DAY: at Buckden on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August. The Claretians have extended a warm welcome to any parishioners who may like to go. It’s a great day out at the historic Buckden Towers Claretian Centre, (which is 60 miles away just off the A1) and it’s for all the family! For more details, please have a chat with Ferdi Tisi.
WEEKLY OFFERTORY: It is vitally essential to keep your Gift Aid envelopes up-to-date. What with the summer holidays upon us, there is a massive reduction in the weekly income. Could I appeal to all of our parishioners, if you’re going away on holidays that you ensure your envelopes are kept up to date when you return? At present there is a large shortfall in the weekly offertory. Our budgeting has had to be cut drastically, and obviously this has a knock-on effect within the parish. Your weekly offertory is your gift to God, and maintains the plant. With diminishing offertories I am quite worried about the future! We cannot be holily dependent upon the Tax return each year from the Gift Aid. At present we are not meeting our outgoing expenditure each month. Please help!
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Will commence with the Parents’ Information evening on Wednesday 12th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. We will cover the first theme of Belonging. Also you will receive the children’s work books and programme for the whole year. The children’s first session will be on Sunday 16th September at 10am. The formal presentation of the children as candidates will take place immediately after the class on Sunday 16th September at the 11am Mass.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 13th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Retreat (this is up the stairs and above the parish hall). 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, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492
GOING ON HOLIDAY: If you are going on holiday and would like details of Churches and Mass times in England or Wales, I have a National Directory at the Presbytery. When travelling abroad, most hotels have details of the local Catholic Churches. I always believe it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture and feel of new Churches especially in Europe and the United States.
PARISH REPOSITORY: There is a wonderful selection of religious goods in our parish repository. There are children’s books on prayers, lives of the saints, etc, which can help parents in their teaching of their children. Statues, rosaries, medals, mass cards for all occasions, bibles, and prayer books. Having this facility in our parish, certainly helps our parishioners have access to these religious goods, saving them journey’s to London’s religious stores!
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the summer holidays begin we are truly grateful for having had such beautiful weather over the past several weeks! If you are going away on your annual leave I wish you all a safe journey to your destinations, and a wonderful period of rest and relaxation while you are away. Please do try to explore the different Catholic Churches, Cathedrals and sites while away; and remember you take the Lord with you wherever you go! St Edmund’s will function as normal during the holidays, and there will be a visiting priest, while I’m on my annual leave, at weekends, to celebrate the Masses.
God Bless You All,
“Dear St. Edmund’s: Thank you for a wonderful experience at your parish this summer! I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in England for the first time at the end of June, but you were very welcoming and supportive during my stay. I appreciate your travel tips, your stories, your company, your generosity, and especially your prayers. The opportunity to minister in a parish over the summer is crucial to my pastoral formation in the seminary and I’m grateful that I had such a positive experience. Please keep me and all the seminarians in your prayers as we continue to discern God’s will in our own lives, and know of my prayers of gratitude to God for all of you.” Matt Duclos – Seminarian
CONGRATULATIONS: To Clare Lavery & Paolo Merrifield who will be married at St. Edmund’s on Friday 3rd August at 1.00pm. Clare is our Reception Class teacher at St. John Fisher School and is known to many of our families. We ask God’s blessing on Clare and Paolo as they embark on their married journey of life together. Ad multos annos! Which means ‘to many years!’
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: Will commence with the Parents’ Information evening on Wednesday 12th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Hall. We will cover the first theme of Belonging. Also you will receive the children’s work books and programme for the whole year. The children’s first session will be on Sunday 16th September at 10am. The formal presentation of the children as candidates will take place immediately after the class on Sunday 16th September at the 11am Mass.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: The Journey of Faith talks will commence on Thursday 13th September at 8.00pm in the Parish Retreat (this is up the stairs and above the parish hall). 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, please see Fr. John as soon as possible. Tel No: 020 8508 3492
NOTE TO EVERYONE IN THE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Our next practice takes place on Monday, 30th July (6.30pm musicians / 7pm singers) to go over the hymns and music for the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5th August. Please make every effort to come to the practice. Thank you.
A NOTE TO ALL EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: If you are going away on holiday during the summer, please ensure that you have found a substitute for your ministry while you’re away. This applies also to our Readers. Bidding Prayer writers, please ensure that you produce a hard copy for the weekend masses while Fr. John is away, as he often doesn’t read his e-mails while on holiday!
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE A PRIEST: There is a monthly Vocations Group to help those who would like to find out more about a possible vocation to the Priesthood! There will be a talk, a time of prayer and some food. The next two sessions will be held at St. Edmund of Canterbury, 9 Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex. IG10 1SZ 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th August; 7.00pm on Tuesday 4th September. If you would like to join us or to find out more please get in touch with Fr. Mark Swires: 07843 758961 or vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: At present the Weekly income is not meeting the weekly outgoing. The recent notice in the Newsletter does not appear to have made any difference to the Weekly Offertory. Please do consider your weekly offering to God and the Church, if you’re in a position to increase it, this would be gratefully received. Also during the summer holidays, please try to keep your Weekly Offertory Envelopes up to date. As you all know utilities are set to rise over the summer. We also have to have the Organ repaired during August, as there is a major problem with the instrument; it’s functioning on a ‘wing and a prayer’ at present! If it wasn’t for the Gift Aid returned tax, we would certainly be running at a deficit!
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: Please pray for the repose of the Soul of Mary Cocklin who passed away recently. Mary was a long-time parishioners at St. Edmund’s her requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 1st August at 12.15pm. Our condolences go to her family in this time of great loss.
BAPTISMS IN THE PARISH: If you have a child due for Baptism please let me know as soon as possible. To avoid any disappointment with dates contact the Presbytery to book your date. If you are first-time parents, you need to contact Sharon Chalk, who will organise a Baptismal Preparation of two sessions, and then I will come and visit you in your homes. Please don’t forget to collect your Baptismal Information Form.
FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: Will cease during the summer holidays. If parishioners are interested in starting up again in September, please speak to Fr. John. We have had some really lively and interesting discussions.
NOTE TO EVERYONE IN THE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP: Our next practice takes place on Monday, 30th July (6.30pm musicians / 7pm singers) to go over the hymns and music for the 11am Mass on Sunday, 5th August. Please make every effort to come to the practice. We really do want to look at some new music we’ve only touched on before and we need as many of you as possible there to make the practice worthwhile. Thank you.
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO BE A PRIEST: There is a monthly Vocations Group to help those who would like to find out more about a possible vocation to the Priesthood! There will be a talk, a time of prayer and some food. The next three sessions will be held at St. Edmund of Canterbury, 9 Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex. IG10 1SZ 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th August; 7.00pm on Tuesday 4th September. If you would like to join us or to find out more please get in touch with Fr. Mark Swires: 07843 758961 or vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE: Please pray for the Rev Mr Gary Dench, who was ordained a transitional Deacon last Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Wanstead. Deacon Gary will be serving as a Deacon at the Catholic parish in Colchester until his Priestly Ordination.
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. John’s Day Off. In cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688. This would also apply if Fr. John is away for a few days break or on Retreat. All the local funeral directors have a contact number for Fr. John if a funeral needs to be arranged in his absence.
THANK YOU: To all those parishioners who attended the important meeting last Monday in the whole process of Stewards of the Gospel and Forming Intentional Disciples. We have most definitely decided to embark upon this programme of Evangelisation, continuing to spread the Gospel in this little pocket of the Lord’s vineyard here in Loughton; helping people to come to a closer and deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We will be reaching out to those who have lapsed from the practice of the faith; also to those who know nothing of Christ. This was same mandate that Jesus gave to the Apostles before the Ascension. This will be a great challenge, but with Gods help and grace, let us move forward!
May I recommend the Book Forming Intentional Disciples, by Sherry Weddell to all of our parishioners! This can be obtained from Amazon Books. We will be following this programme commencing in September
Summer Lourdes 2018 – the “virtual pilgrimage.” From Tuesday 24th to Saturday 29th July the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service (BCYS) will present short online videos allowing you to catch the flavour of the Diocesan pilgrimage, led by Bishop Alan. The homily from each Mass, interviews with pilgrims from all ages, and clips to help you pray and reflect will all be available. To find the links, go to www.bcys.net or find BCYS on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You can also watch “Lourdes TV” to see Mass at the Grotto (Tuesday 24th, 7.30am UK time); the Torchlight procession (Tuesday 24th, 8.00pm) and the Blessed Sacrament Procession (Wednesday 25th, 4.00pm) as well as Tour de France, starting from Lourdes (Friday 27th, 8am – 11am). The link is www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes one of our own young people Rachel Poulter will be on the Pilgrimage; you may be able to see Rachel on the various videos.
PARISH WEEKLY OFFERTORY: At present the Weekly income is not meeting the weekly outgoing. The recent notice in the Newsletter does not appear to have made any difference to the Weekly Offertory. Please do consider your weekly offering to God and the Church, if you’re in a position to increase it, this would be gratefully received. Also during the summer holidays, please try to keep your Weekly Offertory Envelopes up to date. As you all know utilities are set to rise over the summer. We also have to have the Organ repaired during August, as there is a major problem with the instrument; it’s functioning on the ‘wing and a prayer’ at present! If it wasn’t for the Gift Aid returned tax, we would certainly be running at a deficit!
RCIA PROGRAMME: Always commences at the beginning of September. If you know of anyone who may be interested in the programme this year please refer them to Fr. John 020 8508 3492; it’s always wonderful to have a good number. As yet I have had only one enquiry so far! Please spread the word!
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: As our schools have just broken up, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all our families a good summer. I hope you will be able to get away for some rest and relaxation. But wherever you may go please remember we take the Lord with us as Catholic Christians. I always feel that it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the Catholic Church in other countries, and to see the richness of traditions and the beauty of their churches. Our obligation to attend Sunday does not cease even though we’re on holidays.
If you missed our concert by Brentwood Cathedral Youth Choir this week or you would like to hear it again then then fear not. You can click here to hear again the wonderful music and see pictures from the event.
St Edmund of Canterbury 