Spiritual Cost Benefit Analysis It is notoriously difficult to quantify the cost of large projects. The Channel Tunnel cost 80% more than the original budget, The London to Birmingham high speed rail line is currently forecast to cost three times the original estimate. But just as important as the cost is the realised benefit. For example, using the Channel Tunnel is far greener than using ferries or flying, as the trains, unlike ships and planes, use electricity from low carbon sources. In today’s gospel Jesus spells out the cost of discipleship in stark terms. To be a disciple we must go all in. As we heard, three weeks ago, Jesus recognised that his teachings have the power to divide families against each other. This week Jesus doubles down saying that his teachings have the power to cause hatred between a disciple and their family. I think that Jesus is exaggerating to make a point. When it rains heavily, we often say it is raining cats and dogs, we do not mean it is literally raining cats and dogs, we use this figure of speech to emphasise the severity of the rain. I think that Jesus is exaggerating to emphasise the level of commitment that His disciples are expected to show. It may have also served to sift out those, in the great crowds that accompanied Jesus, that were serious in following Him. So if the cost of discipleship is complete commitment to Jesus what is the benefit? With every blessing, Deacon Simon

The term ‘assumption’ encompasses several ideas. As we observe the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven this coming Friday, it is important to clarify its intended meaning in this context. 1. Assumption as a proposition or axiom taken for granted: This definition does not apply, as there is substantial contemporary and traditional evidence that Our Lady was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. 2. Assumption as the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something (e.g., assumption of power): This is not relevant here, since Mary did not assert her role; rather, it was graciously offered to her and she accepted. 3. Assumption as taking on a new responsibility or position (e.g., assumption of a role): While Mary did accept the role of Theotokos (“God-bearer”) at the Annunciation, this event is distinct from the Assumption. 4. Assumption as the taking on of another's debts: This meaning is also inapplicable, as Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus bore the debt of humanity’s sin, not Mary. 5. Assumption, derived from the Latin *ad-sumere* (“to be taken towards something”): This is the pertinent definition. Mary, mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, body and soul, by the divine will and power of God. (Definitions referenced from Webster’s Dictionary.) With continued prayers for all,  Deacon Simon

Thank you to all who have contributed to our Foodbank appeal.  For the next two weeks the theme is “Personal Hygiene”. Please bring toiletries, nappies, sanitary products etc. For more information speak to Ann Olliver or email the Parish Office.

Tickets (£1 each) will be on sale this weekend at SP and CTK for the annual SVP National Raffle. The top two prizes are £5,000 and £1,000 respectively, plus many others.

Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday is Sunday 13th July. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate , or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously.  Thank you.

Deacons Scott Coleman and Gary Carter will be ordained to the Priesthood at Arundel Cathedral on 5th July at 12.00pm. All are welcome to attend the Mass. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the ordination on the cathedral's livestream.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the seventy-two and gives them a word for those they visit. This word, this message, is the message of peace – and peace is the first gift of the Risen Christ to the Apostles, spoken as He appears to them in the Upper Room. In the 4th Century, as monasticism began to develop in Egypt, Syria and the Holy Land, monks would go to their spiritual fathers and ask for a word by which they might be saved. The word that was given to them, although expressed in different terms, was often about living in peace, in harmony, and in the silence that opens our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit. Just as the seventy-two offered a "word", given them by the Lord, so these monks of earlier times did the same – and this practice continues in the spiritual accompaniment sought by so many in our own times. Openness to the word demands a spirit of listening, and we might reflect that the first word of St Benedict’s Rule is “Listen.” When the seventy-two went on their journey, Jesus told them that if the word of peace was not received, it would come back to them. Listening is just as important as speaking, for the word that is spoken must find a home to be effective. This message of peace is so necessary in our present world, and the need for the spirit of listening is equally necessary. May our word to the world be that of the seventy-two, for it is the gift of the Risen Lord: “Peace be with you.” May this message find a home in the hearts of all. Peace is the gift of the Risen Lord to those gathered in the Upper Room on the first Easter Day. It is in Him that true, lasting, peace is to be found, for the Risen Lord has won the victory over sin and death. He offers us the gift of His peace – it is something real and it is a reality to be accepted.  In a world where, in so many places, peace is not a reality, it is our task, always and everywhere, to offer that greeting of the seventy-two disciples and the joy that is the gift of the Risen Christ. With every blessing + Richard

In recent weeks our numbers have been slightly down, compared with the beginning of the year. Most weeks we help provide support of about 45-50 households, in recent weeks this has been 35-40 households We can but hope this is perhaps a sign that folk are finding it easier to cope, this at a time when food inflation is still higher than general inflation and food now takes a bigger slice of the household budget. In June we provided support on 507 occasions to households, 54 of these home deliveries to the most vulnerable. This provided food and household items to 1136 individuals, 298 of whom were children. Although numbers are slightly down, we are seeing a growth in families needing support.  Current shortages: Breakfast Cereal, Washing-up liquid, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce, UHT milk (semi-skimmed), red lentils, tinned fish, tinned ready meals, teabags (40s).

Our SVP members have been working closely with their counterparts in Worthing for some time now, leading by example as to how things will work when the new larger parish is formed, in line with Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Plan (copies available in the church porch).  A major project (based in East Worthing) involves collecting, sorting, storing and then distributing furniture, clothing and other essentials to refugee families across the whole of our deanery. If you are interested in learning more, speak to any of the SVP members, or email the Parish office. Current need: Beds, preferably doubles, in good condition. They can collect. Speak to Ann Olliver if you can help.