Fr. Graham Writes: 25th January 2025
Webmaster • January 23, 2026
A single flame is most effective when it is dark.
The world seems dark at the moment with ever increasing war, poverty, political unrest, unstable governments and the rules of international law being destabilised. It is this moment when the light of faith should be most visible.
Jesus seems to hide in the regions of Naphtali and Zebulun when He hears the news that John the Baptist has been arrested. It all seems bleak there too. But, Jesus is not hiding. He is going to a region described in the 1st reading as being a mixed, diverse, cultural market place of Jews and Gentiles. The place to be. However, it was not always so. It was also the place of greatest darkness when it was invaded and occupied by the Assyrians and then by the Romans. Life seemed to go on even though life was dark. It is here at this moment in history that Jesus chooses to springboard His ministry from the Old Testament to the New, with John the Baptist as the link.
Why is this important? When everything seems to be going wrong, when there is seemingly no hope and we "walk in darkness", it is this moment when Jesus chooses to enter into our lives and do something new: to rescue, to save and to gather what was lost. He calls us to change our lives (repent) and He invites us by name (personally) to follow Him as He builds His Church. The darkness will never extinguish His light.
May God bless you.
Fr Graham
It is not too early to think about Lent. The three Sundays before Lent begins have traditionally been a time of preparing for the Lenten fast. To ease us into the season gently. Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima are Sundays that mark roughly 70, 60 and 50 days before Easter. It is a good practice to continue at least to begin to think about what our Lenten fast or rule might look like. Don't wait until Ash Wednesday. It might help to look at what the Church has done through the ages: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We will have opportunities and resources available. We can find support with shared endeavours especially if we are struggling. The purpose is to grow closer to the Lord as a disciple and a parish, not closer to self. Prayer is not always words, fasting is not always food and alms is not always money. Remember the Lord looks at the heart.
We are honoured to be the first parish in 2026 to host a visit of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, along with the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco. This is a wonderful opportunity to have an insight into Fatima. There will be mass, rosary, meditation, confessions, divine mercy, films and items to buy. 9.45am until 4.45pm (please bring a packed lunch; tea & coffee will be available). To learn more, email: patsydaniels@gmail.com , or see poster/flyers in the porch.
"What do you want to do when you grow up?" A question often asked of children or young students. A list of jobs or careers may ensue. Education ceases to be whole if its framework is focussed upon employment. Perhaps an alternative question might ask: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Who we are is the foundation of what we do. How would we answer this latter question? The readings today give an insight to what God calls us to be. Jesus describes the attributes of the Kingdom of God in the Beatitudes: meekness, righteousness, purity, peace, mercy. It is difficult to live this way in our modern society with worldly standards. It will lead to persecution. History shows us that Jesus was right and still is. It is necessary to hide in Him when all around us seems angry. God sees who we are. He knows not only what we are like as a human race and a Church but also our individual traits and weaknesses. He died to remedy them. But He also knows our God given gifts and graces received. He gives them to us through nature and the Holy Spirit. The reality is that we only know ourselves by seeing ourselves in relation to God in Jesus. How important it is then that we "Seek the Lord" with all our heart as if our life depends on it - because it does. So, what is a good answer to the better question? What do we want to be when we grow up? Humble. With my prayer. May God bless you. Fr Graham
People have a Mass said for someone as a powerful form of prayer, offering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for a specific intention, whether for the deceased (for their soul's purification in purgatory), the living (for healing, birthdays, anniversaries, or general well-being), or in thanksgiving, serving as a deep spiritual gift and expression of love for both the living and departed. What is the significance? Most Perfect Prayer: The Catholic Church considers the Mass the highest and most powerful form of prayer, uniting believers with Christ’s sacrifice. Act of Love: Requesting a Mass is seen as a profound gift, offering spiritual benefits beyond measure. Universal Application: Masses can be offered for anyone, living or dead, Catholic or non-Catholic, and for any worthy cause. Speak to Fr Graham or Antonia in the office if you would like to have a mass said. You can also read more here: The Greatest Gift.
The Bible Group meet on Saturday mornings at St Peter’s (on weeks when there is a 10.00am mass). We are currently watching a new set of programmes set in the Holy Land with a new positive take on Christology. This will take us through Lent onto Easter and the last film called the Resurrection. All are welcome, whether you have been before or not.
Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Richard’s Ministry in Arundel & Brighton: 30 January, 6.30pm, Arundel Cathedral. People across our diocesan family are invited to join a special cathedral Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Richard, followed by a reception in the Baron’s Hall, Arundel Castle, by kind permission of His Grace, the Duke of Norfolk. All are welcome. Please leave extra time to park in the town as parking will be limited. To watch the Mass by livestream click here
Adur Valley Catenians are trying to raise money for 'Safe in Sussex', a women's refuge from domestic abuse. Saturday 28th February , 6.30 for 7.00pm, at The Towers Convent, Henfield Road, Upper Beeding BN44 3TF Buffet Supper / Licenced Bar / Raffle / Prizes for the winners / Teams of 4-6 people / £12.50 per person / £8.50 under 18s. Tickets from: info@adurvalleycatenians.co.uk . Or call Adrian on 07976-913774, or speak to any of the Catenians after mass.
Working together with CAFOD and Live Simply we are using the latest ‘Live Simply’ PowerPoint, also presentations from SVP (St Charles project), a project management tool as an aide memoire, a recent A&B Live simply parish assessment, and other parish ideas and literature. The aim of the event is to provide help and support starting up projects, promote existing community involvements and make available current resources. See poster in church porch or contact Ashley Ralston ( ajralston37@gmail.com ) for more information. Read more here: https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/livesimply-award
Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us build a more fraternal and missionary church. Please also join the Cycle of Prayer for Ordinary Time: Winter Peace on Earth especially on the Day of Prayer for Peace (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) and Racial Justice Day (3 Sundays before the 1st Sunday of Lent) Christian Unity especially during the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity (18–25 January) Victims of Human Trafficking especially on St Josephine Bakhita (8 February) The Sick and those who care for them especially on World Day for the Sick (11 February) The Unemployed especially on the Day of Prayer for the Unemployed (1 Sunday before the 1st Sunday of Lent)
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) takes place each year from 18 to 25 January, providing an opportunity to focus our prayers on Christian unity and join with our sisters and brothers in Christ. WPCU takes Ephesians 4:1-13 as its central text this year, which includes the words “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4). Prayers and reflections for WPCU 2026 have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church this year, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. These resources draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer used by the Armenian people, with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia - some of which date as far back as the fourth century. Click here to find out more.