Bishop Richard writes this week: 1st May 2022
Webmaster • May 1, 2022
Dear brothers and sisters,
As the great season of Eastertide continues, the readings at Mass invite us to reflect more deeply on our response to the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witness to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors, and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
This year ‘Invited’ – in which so many are joining across the Diocese – is a gift that enables us to deepen our faith in the Risen Lord and our openness to all He asks of us.
At this time of year, too, Confirmation Masses take place around the Diocese. This sacrament is the gift of the Holy Spirit, strengthening and empowering us for the work we have been given. Pray for those who will be confirmed this year. Through their openness to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may they place the following of the Risen Lord above all else.
The trust that we are called to place in Christ is never misplaced. The Gospel of this Sunday’s Mass shows us this. The catch of fish, after a fruitless night’s fishing, is beyond all expectation. So it is with us – for the Risen Lord calls the world to new ways, to the ‘life to the full’ that is His gift to us. He calls us to that life for ourselves, and for those who will hear the Good News through us – for we are His instruments, His witnesses in our present age.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
WELCOME TO OUR PARISH On Satuday 17th October 2026 , our parish is hosting at St Peter’s: A Day With Saint Carlo Acutis. We are extremely fortunate to have speaker Anna Johnstone with us for the whole weekend, who set up www.ukmiracles.com in 2017. The website was launched as an information point designed to help bring Saint Carlo Acutis' International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles, and accompanying resources, to parishes and schools in the UK. Since 2024 this apostolate has also been making available a First Class Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis . Anna Johnstone is a family friend of the Acutis family, and the Governess, for three years, (2015-2018), to the brother and sister of Saint Carlo. Since 2017 Anna has given presentations on the life and spirituality of Saint Carlo Acutis, facilitated missions, and helped new Saint Carlo apostolates, across the UK. Anna is a British Catholic convert who read Theology at Cambridge. The visit on Saturday 17th October will mark the start of our parish hosting the Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles. We are reaching out to other parishes, schools and universities. Please help us spread the word by taking a poster and/or flyers. All are welcome.
Saturday Sanctuary, 3 October , 11am-12.45pm, St John the Baptist, Brighton, BN2 1AP. A morning of fellowship, reflection, prayer and silence on selected Saturdays. This session includes an Introduction to Spiritual Direction. See website for more details: www.monksinthecity.uk
Last Friday’s parliamentary vote saw the Assisted Dying Bill defeated by 286 votes to 270. Archbishop John Sherrington thanked all who contacted their MPs and all who spoke up for the dignity of human life. He reminded us that compassion means accompanying those who suffer with care and solidarity, not encouraging an end to life.
Pope Leo appointed Fr Stephen Wang as sixth bishop of our Diocese on 2 July. In a video recorded recently for the Catholic Truth Society (CTS), Bishopelect Stephen offers a simple, practical introduction to prayer. “Prayer is wonderful,” he says, “prayer is so important, but prayer can be hard as well. How many times have people come up to me as a priest and said, ‘Father, I want to pray, but I don't know how to start. I don't know what to do, and I feel a bit stuck…’ “I remember the first time I prayed as an adult; I didn't really know what to do, but I was in my bedroom. I closed my door. I sat on the edge of my bed and… just talked to God and said something like, ‘Dear God, I'm not sure if you're there. I hope you're listening. These are the things on my heart, on my mind…’” “I encourage you, whatever way works for you in prayer, find it and stick to that. There aren't too many rules, but if you can find a little bit of quiet [or] silence, listening prayerfully to the Word of God… can be a great help to prayer.” Click here to see the talk in full: Bishop-Elect Stephen on prayer Or search for Catholic Truth Society on YouTube.
There will be a free ‘Poetry Café’ at St Peter’s on Thursday 1st October from 12.00-2.00pm. Music, poetry and refreshments. Free entry. All are welcome. See poster and Wordfest brochure for more details.
RNID's friendly volunteers can support you with: • Information on hearing loss and tinnitus • Free hearing checks for adults • Hearing aid cleaning, maintenance and basic repairs • Advice on accessing local support and services Join us at The Shoreham Centre, 2 Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5WU on the second Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm. No appointment necessary. RNID - National charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
If you have any pre-loved/outgrown children’s winter coats, hats, gloves etc. please bring to St Peter’s, and they will be taken to the SVP project in Worthing. Thank you for your support.
To tie in with our hosting of the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition of Saint Carlo Acutis in the Parish Room at St Peter’s this autumn, we are planning a special day on Saturday 17th October, centred around Saint Carlo Acutis, with a FirstClass Relic. We are fortunate to have speaker Anna Johnstone, Guardian of the Relic and former Governess to the Acutis Family visiting our parish. Since 2017 Anna has given presentations on the life and spirituality of Saint Carlo Acutis, facilitated missions, and helped new Saint Carlo apostolates, across the UK. Anna is a British Catholic convert who read Theology at Cambridge. The day will include mass, prayer, veneration of the relic, adoration, exhibition and talks. You are welcome to all or part of the day. Tea/coffee available; please bring a packed lunch. Exhibition Dates: 17 October – 1 November 2026 You can read more here: Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition
Saturday 26 September, 10am-6.30pm, St Wilfrid’s Church, Burgess Hill, RH15 9EN (Cost: £20). Young Adults (18-35) are invited to a jam-packed day of prayer, formation, friendship, and fun. Praying to discover true peace within ourselves, to become peacemakers in the world around us, and to be renewed with an apostolic fire burning brightly within our hearts. See poster for details or visit the Diocesan website.
As many of you know about two years ago, I suffered a DVT in my right upper arm. After many tests, the cause was diagnosed as a thoracic outlet problem. This means that a vein and artery in my arm is restricted and, at some angles, the blood supply is cut-off completely. This, I am told, is not good and so I have been on blood thinners for some time and now I am to have surgery to remove the restriction. To make space, some of my rib might have to be removed. I will be out of action for a couple of weeks and return to public celebration of Mass, all being well, at the beginning of October. I am very grateful to Fr Tony, Fr Dominic, Deacon Simon and Antonia. Fr Tony will anoint me after Mass on Monday. I know you have and will continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. Thank you for all your help, understanding and support. God bless you. Fr Graham