From Bishop Richard - 28th January
Webmaster • January 27, 2024
Capernaum, the town where so much of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee was centred, had a very significant
synagogue. Visiting the remains of the town today, one can see the black basalt stone foundations of the synagogue of Jesus’ time, with the remnants of a later building constructed on those same foundations. It was a real centre for the town, a place of prayer, a place of peace, of preaching and of mission for the
Jewish community.
Mark, in today’s Gospel, relates two experiences of Jesus' authority – the authority of His teaching and the
outpouring of His authority over the unclean spirit that possessed the man whom Jesus healed. Jesus’ teaching has the authority that is His as the Word made Flesh and the power of the authority of His teaching is recognised by those who listen to Him. The Word of God – made flesh in the person of Jesus
– is always active. This outpouring of action is seen in the healing of the man who is possessed. Jesus' authority in action overcomes all things.
In the person of Jesus, the prophecies of former times – going right back to Moses' prophecy in the first reading this Sunday – are fulfilled. All of human history looks to the moment of Jesus, “The Word who is Life.” In the Synagogue in Capernaum, His teaching called people to truth; His healing brought the possessed man to healing, to a place of dignity, of life and of peace.
Each of us is called in the same way: to listen to the truth of the Gospel and to find in it the dignity and healing that is the universal call to holiness. Just as the man healed in the Gospel found peace, so we are called to “a peace that the world cannot give”, that is Jesus’ gift to us. We must, therefore, be peacemakers
and in a world so torn apart by conflict, that call is ever more insistent. Let us pray that we may answer, with renewed hope and vigour, that call to be bearers of peace.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
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. If you are able to help on the day please speak to Fr Graham or email the office.
SVP Cake Sale: Sunday 1st March, CTK Cuthman Room (after 11am mass) All proceeds to our local SVP, supporting the elderly, homeless, refugees and those struggling financially in our area. See poster for details.
You are warmly invited to have some soup and bread in aid of ACN. Please contact elareeves57@gmail.com if you would like to come. We hope to do more.
Throughout Lent, please bring your personal prayer intentions to our Prayer Boxes (both at St Peter’s and CTK). At St Peter’s, we already have the Prayer Tree, located in the Divine Mercy Chapel, which is regularly used by parishioners and visitors throughout the day. We have added a Prayer Box here, and one at CTK (next to the votive candles). You are warmly invited to write your personal prayer intentions on a small card and place them in the Prayer Box. If you are unable to get to church, you can email them to the office for inclusion, or via the contact form on our website. The names and intentions placed in the Prayer Boxes and on the Prayer Tree will be offered at the First Friday Mass, united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After this Mass, the Prayer Box will be refreshed for the following month. Please note that these prayer intentions will remain private. They will not be read aloud. The aim is to ensure that our intentions remain current and meaningful
We are hosting this year’s service at St Peter’s, which has been prepared by the women of Nigeria and the theme is " I will give you rest, come..." The service will be followed by light refreshments in the Parish Room afterwards. All are welcome.
"Lent is the perfect time to work on our prayer lives!" Not my words but an invitation from another. Perfectly true though. The words are echoed by Pope Leo XIV in his Lenten Message for this year. Pope Leo goes on to reflect on the power of the words we speak, that can bring peace or harm: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour.” It is always tempting to retaliate when someone hurts us or provokes us. We know where the temptations come from! Jesus shows us how to respond. Not only by His answers to the devil in the wilderness but also by the way He accepts His passion and cross. Sometimes words, sometimes silence, never harmful. Jesus trusts in His Heavenly Father, the authority of the Word of God and primacy of the worship of God. Jesus knows that everything has been put into His hands. That He will undo the disobedience of Adam by His obedience to God's will. He knows that through His death and resurrection grace will always outdo sin and death. When we are tempted to say a word that might harm or hurt, remember the words that were thrown at Jesus as He carried His cross and the silence that absorbed them. Abstinence is about the love of God and His authority over our bodies and souls. It draws our attention away from self and to a deeper and real relationship with God and our neighbour - be them friend or stranger. With my daily prayer for you this Lent. May God bless you. Fr Graham
We have spoken about preparing for Lent. We will be reminded about prayer, fasting and alms giving on Ash Wednesday by Jesus in the Gospel for the day. Alms giving is often misunderstood. It is not just about giving to charity but about justice. To give to those in need is to give them their right to live, to eat, to drink, to have somewhere to sleep, to be without fear. It is also for ourselves. As we grow in spiritual discipline we know we need forgiveness from God and others. The practise of alms giving is an act of love and love cancels many a sin. Our Lenten Alms collections and donations will be distributed equally between our local SVP project at St Charles Borromeo and also Let the Children Live, a priest helping Columbian street children, see here . Collections throughout Lent.
The singer is a local man who has visited St Peter’s before as Elvis. He is exceptional and we can promise you a great evening. Refreshments will be available to purchase at the event. It will be a great night and if you like Elvis’ music you really will not be disappointed. Tickets are £12.00 each. If you are interested, please email Liz Matthews at the school – office@stpetersshoreham.co.uk and advise how many tickets you would like.
Adur Valley Catenians Quiz Night in aid of 'Safe in Sussex', a women's refuge from domestic abuse Saturday 28th February, 6.30 for 7.00pm , at The Towers 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.
Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st May 2026 . Full cost including meals and transport by coach will be £300. 25 rooms have been booked with a few spare ones to go. Friends from local parishes will be most welcome to join us. However, we must have definite names by Thursday 19th February at the latest. Please contact parish office for more information. 01903 785901.