Bishop Richard writes this week: 6th March 2022
Webmaster • March 5, 2022
Dear brothers and sisters,
The conflict in Ukraine is bringing immense suffering to so many thousands of people and a deep crisis to the world. Our hearts go out to all those who are affected and especially to those who are living with the tragic loss of a loved one.
This conflict demands our action, in a number of ways. As followers of Christ, our first response must always be one of prayer – out of which all else flows. Our prayers are so very necessary: for those caught up in the conflict, for those who have died, families mourning the loss of family members and for those now facing lives scarred by the physical and mental impact of warfare. We must pray also for a fruitful outcome to the diplomatic efforts and negotiations taking place to bring about an end to the conflict.
Many will have joined the Rosary at the Cathedral on Ash Wednesday. I shall preside at Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after the 6pm Mass this Saturday, offering a time of prayer for peace in Ukraine. I encourage you to join this time of prayer, which will be livestreamed from Arundel.
I ask that parishes hold Holy Hours this coming Sunday and, if possible, on each Sunday in Lent, praying for peace in the world, especially in Ukraine. Please pray for the mission of the Ukrainian Church in this country in all the care and support it gives to the Ukrainian community.
In addition to such times of prayer in our parishes and homes, I ask you to reach out very specially to Ukrainian families in our parish communities, schools and in your locality, all of whom will be especially anxious in these difficult times. There has been much talk nationally about the need to welcome refugees fleeing the war. We have our refugee project already in place and I do urge you to be ready to offer a welcome to those who may arrive in our area in the time ahead.
Let us be committed and resolute in our support and care for our sisters and brothers in these dark days as we respond to the call to be instruments of the peace that is the gift of the Risen Lord.
With every Blessing,
+ Richard
In addition to the First Friday mass, celebrated for our collective Parish Prayer intentions, we now have two prayer groups on the First Friday of the month: 10.00am-11.00am Mothers Prayers, in the Parish Room at SP 4.00pm-5.00pm: Prayers for Peace, in the Divine Mercy Chapel at SP Thank you to the organisers. All are welcome.
Peter and Paul had several arguments. Initially they disagreed about salvation, Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah and Saviour, Paul considered Jesus to be a false prophet but, after meeting with the resurrected Jesus, Paul changed his mind. Peter and Paul now wanted the same thing; they shared the exact same mission: to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and to build up Christian Communities. They also agreed on where they should preach. Peter had the task of spreading the Gospel to the Jewish people whereas Paul had the task of preaching to the Gentiles. However this opened up another issue, which Jewish Laws should be applied to Gentiles. Again, there was disagreement but eventually this was resolved. As Pope Leo put it “the history of Peter and Paul shows us that the communion to which the Lord calls us is a unison of voices and personalities that does not eliminate anyone’s freedom. Our patron saints followed different paths, had different ideas and at times argued with one another with evangelical frankness. Yet this did not prevent them from living in Apostolic Harmony, that is, a living communion in the Spirit, a fruitful harmony in diversity. As Saint Augustine remarks, “the feast of the two Apostles is celebrated on one day. They too were one. For although they were martyred on different days, they were one” With my prayers for you all, Deacon Simon
All are welcome to come and hear Fr Dr Fadi Diab from St Andrew’s Church, Ramallah, for an evening exploring peace and justice in the Holy Land. Saturday 4 July, 8.15–10pm, Steyning Centre “Peace in the Middle East: An Impossible Dream? A Palestinian Christian Perspective” In partnership with Steyning for Peace and Friends of the Holy Land. Free admission (voluntary collection). Wheelchair accessible. Free parking at Fletcher’s Croft Car Park (BN44 3YB). Enquiries: Dr Roger Williamson – rjlmwilliamson@gmail.com | 01903 892989
The Catechists would like to thank all those who helped in any way to make this a special year for our First Communion children. Father Graham for the Mass at St Peter's. The parents for their support throughout the preparation, the children who behaved so reverently and the families for their generous gifts to the catechists.
Pope Leo's first Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent humanity") has been given much attention about his comments on AI (Artificial Intelligence), but it is much more than that. It is a letter addressed to everyone, not just Catholics. Pope Leo states that we are at a pivotal moment in human history. A choice between Babel and the city where we dwell with God. Life is full of choices and decisions. Each decision is determined on its own merit - not as a means to an end. This could not come at a more crucial time with the possible reintroduction of the Assisted Dying Bill and the ever increasing casualties of war. As Pope Leo says: "Human dignity does not depend on a person’s abilities, wealth, or position in life, nor on the right or wrong choices made; instead, it is a gift that precedes and transcends each person, endowed by God as an expression of his unfailing love.” MH, 50. Jesus has some things to say too, not least in today's Mass. We are not to fear anyone when we are asked for the reason for our faith. As much as God loves all His creation and knows each animal and bird, Jesus says humanity is of greater value than them all. We are stewards of creation and care for all created animals and things. But, human dignity is due to our being made in the image and likeness of God and, unlike animals and inanimate matter, each of us has an eternal soul. Decisions and choices not only affect our mortal life but our immortal life too. With my prayer for you all. God bless you. Fr Graham
Saturday 18 July 12 noon – 4.15pm , Church of Our Lady of Consolation & St Francis, West Grinstead, RH13 8LT. A pilgrimage for people across our diocese - the day includes Holy Mass, a personal Consecration to Our Lady, the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Adoration and Benediction. There is no need to book, to find out more contact Linda C-Dominguez T:01273463463 or M:07944377252. Please bring a packed lunch.
Starting next weekend, we will once again be inviting parishioners to add an item or two to their weekly shop to support our Summer Foodbank Campaign. Thank you in advance for your kindness. 5 & 12 July – Getting Ready for Summer: plasters, wipes, suncream etc 19 & 26 July – Picnic Time: cartons of juice, snack bars, and similar items 2 & 9 August – Home for Tea: tinned meals, pasta, rice, etc
Next Sunday, 21 June, we keep the Day for Life. This year’s theme, “The Wonder of the Child in the Womb,” invites us to pause in gratitude for the gift of new life. It also holds in prayer all parents who have experienced the loss of a child before birth, and the quiet grief that can follow. The bishops’ message and prayers are available at: www.dayforlife.org , if you would like to spend some time reflecting at home. There will be a second collection for the Day for Life Fund, which supports groups working to uphold the dignity of every human life. If you prefer, you can also donate online through the Day for Life website.
OLQP First Holy Communion: 7th June 2026 Congratulations to all our First Holy Communion children. There will be a parish celebration after the 9.00am mass at St Peter’s this Sunday 14th June, with cake and certificates. All are welcome.
Sat 13 OLQP Bible Film Group Sun 14 SP Parish Room, 10.00am: First Holy Communion Celebration Mon 15 Anniversary of Deacon Simon’s ordination Thur 18 SP Parish Room, 10.00am: Coffee pop-in Sat 20 OLQP Bible Film Group Sun 21 2nd Collection: Day for Life