Bishop Richard writes this week: 27th February 2022
Webmaster • February 25, 2022
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The phrase “By your fruits shall ye know them” has passed into our English language and is one of those expressions that has often been used down through the centuries. We see its origins in this Sunday’s Gospel, in which Jesus speaks of the fruit that the tree produces. What we do, what we say, how we live – these are the things that inform others about the people we really are. All of us will know of examples in our lives where the external and internal – as it were – truly match up. This is wonderful to see and is an example of the person who is a truly integrated human being.
For most of us, the struggle to be truly consistent in our living, our speaking, our actions, is a daily challenge – but it is one we must embrace if we are to be the Lord’s disciples. A first step is an honest appreciation of where we are, who we really are. We must 'take the plank out of our own eye' if we are to realise where we truly stand. We cannot see the way forward unless we do this. We cannot help our brother, our sister, unless we can see ourselves. Similarly, we cannot show them a life lived fully according to Gospel values unless we live it ourselves.
When we start out, our way may seem unclear, we shall be burdened with a heavy load – the things that we know must change. Our motives may be mixed – selfishness and self-fulfillment may loom large. As we travel, grace will change us. Our load will become lighter, our motive purer, our sight clearer until, as St Benedict puts it, we run joyfully along the way of salvation.
St Paul reminds us that 'death is swallowed up in victory.' The more we are enabled – through the promptings of the Spirit – to live the integrated life of the disciple, the more we show to the world the victory of Christ’s Resurrection.
While the way of the Gospel may seem demanding and difficult – and it certainly is at times – we rejoice that, in Christ, the victory is won. All is possible in Him.
With every Blessing,
+ Richard
Following his episcopal ordination, Bishop Stephen will celebrate a Mass of Welcome at Worth Abbey on Saturday 24 October at 11.00 am attended by representatives from the diocesan deaneries, parishes and schools. The Diocese is sending one coach to each deanery to enable people to travel easily to this event. The coach will have three pick-up points, St Catherine’s Littlehampton, English Martyrs, Goring-by-Sea and Holy Family Lancing (all with car parks in which to leave your car). This is an invitation to you. If you are able to come, please contact Anne Niven either with an email to emgoring@english-martyrs.co.uk or leave a message on the phone 01903 242624, with your name and telephone number. The first 52 replies will be those who go. A waiting list will be kept so that if anyone drops out the next person on the list will be invited to take a place.
Preparing for the Sacraments There will be instruction starting in the coming weeks for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. If you would like to express an interest at this stage or enquire (for you or your child), please speak to Deacon Simon or email the office: adurvalley@abdiocese.org.uk . First Holy Communion application forms are now available from the sacristy
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