Father Graham writes: 13th December 2020
Webmaster • December 11, 2020
Fr Graham’s Reflection for Sunday
Bishop Richard spoke to his clergy during an On-Going Formation (virtual) gathering during the week. He reflected about priesthood in the light of the COVID pandemic. He mentioned some difficulties and temptations that have arisen both in and out of lockdown and the questions that many of us are facing. John the Baptist was faced with some direct questions from the Pharisees, "Who are you?, What have you to say about yourself? Why are you baptising? Maybe we have asked similar questions? What is my purpose? Am I a good parent/neighbour/friend? What have I achieved in life? Is what I do have any value or effect?
When John answers he doesn't give in to the need to fulfil others expectations to be a
celebrity or justify himself. He simply defines himself in relation to Christ, the One for whom he is a forerunner and witness. In pointing to Jesus, John describes himself as a "voice" (quoting Isaiah). He is a voice but Jesus is the Word, the Word of God made flesh. He baptises with water but Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit. There are two things to learn from this: compare yourself to Jesus and no other, point to Jesus and not to self or any other. Bishop Richard said that we are to be courageous "instruments" of God's grace. To be effective instruments we need to be placed in the right hands and be completely docile to the musician so that note and sound make music. We too are instruments and voices echoing the Word and the sound of Jesus. Our point of reference and answer to all our questions starts and ends with Jesus. He defines who we are. One day we will be asked similar questions by Jesus. What we say matters. But what He says matters more. With my prayer for you each day.
God bless you.
Fr Graham
Catholics across our community of faith welcomed a new bishop on Monday, when Fr Stephen Wang was ordained as the sixth Bishop of our Diocese. Words from St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians form the basis of Bishop Stephen’s episcopal motto: “Veritas in caritate.” Reflecting on their significance on Monday, he said: “‘To speak the truth in love’ is a phrase that has inspired my whole priesthood: the search for truth, and the conviction that truth and love can never contradict. If we love God, and love our neighbour; if we seek the truth and speak the truth in love; what more could God want from us, and what more could we hope for each other? “I’ve felt remarkably peaceful over the last three months,” he continued. “It’s definitely a grace – the spiritual joy and consolation I’ve experienced since my appointment. I’m not complacent; I understand there will be challenges, but I know it’s all in God’s hands.”
Thank you for all your prayers, support, cards and patience. Thank you to Fr Tony and Fr Dominic, and everyone who has worked hard to keep our parish thriving. Just to say I’m back, but please be gentle! My prayer for you all and all visitors to our parish. God bless you. Fr Graham
The annual blessing of the graves will take place next Sunday, 1st November. Throughout November, we will have the Books of Remembrance in the church. Please come and write in names of loved ones who have died in the past year (no need to rewrite names from previous years).
This week, in our Gospel reading, we hear about exclusion. The first people invited to the feast exclude themselves, they are too busy, and so others are invited. Indifference to God can affects us all. So, what can be done? Jesus has not just pointed out the problem He has also given us a way from falling into the trap of being, too busy for God. What did Jesus say to Martha when she complained that her sister, Mary, was not helping with the preparation of food? “Mary has chosen what is better.” Jesus does not say that Martha is doing something wrong, preparing food is a good thing to do, but it was not the priority at that moment. Learning to prioritise the sacred over the secular is tricky, St. Vincent de Paul taught that “if you are praying in the chapel and hear a knock at the door from someone in need, you should leave your prayer because Jesus is knocking.” To help with this dilemma I offer a piece of advice once given to me by a Bishop. Read the gospels. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach. With Blessings and my prayers for you all, Deacon Simon
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 Please help us spread the word by taking a poster and/or flyers. All are welcome
From our second reading: ‘Practise these things, and the God of peace will be with you.’ [Philippians 4:9] The phrase ‘the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ appears in Psalm 118, and in today’s Gospel, and in the Acts of the Apostles, (4:11). Occurring before, during, and after the life of Jesus suggests to me that it is one of the more meaningful descriptions of the Messiah, Jesus. The cornerstone of a building is the most important stone in a foundation; it sets the angles, alignment, and structural integrity of the entire building. All other parts of the building are placed in relation to the cornerstone. So, what is our relationship with Jesus as cornerstone? Jesus is our spiritual cornerstone, and our prayer life should be modelled on His. Jesus is our physical cornerstone and everything we do should be aligned to His actions. Jesus is our mental cornerstone, and our thoughts should mirror His thoughts. I find thinking like Jesus the hardest because Jesus showed us how to pray, and he showed us what to do, but he did not specifically tell us what to think. Fortunately, St. Paul is a help, he suggests that whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, anything excellent and anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Happy thinking and Blessings, Deacon Simon
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