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.

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.

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.

Mary’s Meals is looking for volunteers. Could you spare a few hours during the year to help? We are looking for parish reps, volunteer speakers (training and support provided!) and volunteers who can help at events. We are very much a volunteer-led movement, so any little you can offer will make a huge difference to the children we serve in some of the world’s poorest communities. Please contact Roy Peachey ( roy.peachey@marysmeals.org or 07593 447297) if you can help. To find out more about Mary’s Meals, please visit marysmeals.org.uk . Thank you for your support.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has today, 19 December, appointed the Right Reverend Richard Moth as Archbishop of Westminster. Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Southwark on 3 July 1982, Archbishop-elect Moth has served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. Prior to that, he was the Catholic Bishop of the Forces from 2009 to 2015. Archbishop-elect Moth will become the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, succeeding Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has served in the role since 2009. Cardinal Nichols will now become Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Westminster until Archbishop-elect Moth is Installed at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 14 February 2026. On hearing of his appointment, Archbishop-elect Moth said: "I am moved greatly by the trust that Pope Leo has placed in me, in appointing me to the Diocese of Westminster. As I prepare to move to the Diocese, I am so grateful for the support being given to me by Cardinal Vincent Nichols at this time. He has given dedicated service to the Diocese and will be missed greatly. "Serving the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton has given me the wonderful opportunity of sharing the Church's mission with lay faithful and clergy, and I give thanks for the many blessings of these last ten years. "My first task will be to get to know the priests and people of Westminster and I look forward, now, to serving them. With them, and building on the firm foundations that have been laid by so many down the years, I look forward to continuing the great adventure that is the life of the Church and witness to the Gospel." Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: "I am delighted at this news. Archbishop-elect Richard will bring to our Diocese many gifts and considerable episcopal experience from his years of ministry in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and before that as Bishop of the Forces. I look forward very much to his Installation as our new Archbishop on Saturday, 14 February 2026. It is, of course, St Valentine’s Day, as well as the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-Patrons of Europe. "I remember being present in Westminster Cathedral on 29 September 2009 for the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard as Bishop of the Forces. So today I can say: 'Welcome back, dear Bishop Richard. You are most welcome indeed.'" Biography Bishop Richard Moth was born in Chingola, Zambia, in 1958. He was brought up in Kent and, after leaving The Judd School, Tonbridge, began formation for the Priesthood at St. John’s Seminary, Wonersh. He was ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark on 3 June 1982. He served as assistant priest at St. Bede’s, Clapham Park, before pursing studies in Canon Law at St. Paul University, Ottawa. In 1987, he was appointed assistant priest at St. Saviour’s Lewisham, during which time he also served as a Territorial Army Chaplain with 217 General Hospital RAMC(V). He served as Private Secretary to Archbishop Michael Bowen from 1992 until 2001, during which time he was also President of the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Second Instance of Southwark and Vocations Director. In 2001 he was appointed Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese. He was ordained Bishop of the Forces on 29 September 2009 in Westminster Cathedral and served in this capacity, until his appointment as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton on 21 March 2015. He is Chair of Governors at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, Chair of the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Liaison Bishop for Prisons. He serves on the Standing Committee of the Bishops’ Conference. He chairs The Plater Trust, dedicated to the support of projects across England and Wales that put into practice the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. He is also a member of the Mixed Commission of the Bishops’ Conference – a body that brings together bishops and those living Religious Life. Bishop Richard has been an Oblate of Pluscarden Abbey for over 40 years and is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, travelling many times to the Holy Land. In 2020 he was appointed Prior of the Southern Section of the Lieutenancy of England and Wales. He is a Liveryman and Extra Court Member of the Skinners’ Company and a Freeman the City of London, serving the Company as Chair of its History Committee. He enjoys horse riding and walking. The Diocese of Westminster The Diocese of Westminster serves the London boroughs north of the River Thames, stretching from the River Lea in the east to Hillingdon in the west, and including Hertfordshire to the north and the Borough of Spelthorne to the south. Established by Blessed Pius IX on 29 September 1850, the diocese celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025. Today, the diocese’s parishes and schools reflect a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. A key part of its mission is expressed through agencies such as Caritas Westminster who support those most at risk of exclusion due to poverty, disability, isolation, and exploitation. Further information will be shared nationally and on the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton’s website: www.abdiocese.org.uk/diocese/news Media Contacts Simeon Elderfield Head of Communications for the Diocese of Westminster E: simeonelderfield@rcdow.org.uk T: 0207 798 9030 or M: 07706 288913 Alexander DesForges Press Secretary to the Archbishop of Westminster M: 07983 704097 PDF DOWNLOAD OF THIS DOCUMENT HERE

In the opening verses of the Gospel of John, we are greeted with profound words: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This powerful statement sets the tone for everything that follows. John invites us to contemplate the mystery of Christ, present with God from the very start, the Word through whom all things were made. In our world, we often search for meaning and purpose. We look for something solid, something eternal upon which to build our lives. John tells us that this foundation is found not in things, but in a person—Jesus Christ, the Word. The coming of Christ into the world is not merely a historical event; it is God’s ongoing gift to humanity. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even amidst difficulties, uncertainties, and the shadows that sometimes fall upon our journey, Christ remains a light that can never be extinguished.  As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that God’s Word continues to dwell among us. Christ, the true light, offers hope and new life to all. May we welcome him, walk in his light, and bear witness to his love in the world. With my prayers for you all Deacon Simon

Archbishop-Elect Richard will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving for his ministry amongst us at 6.30pm on Friday 30 January in Arundel Cathedral. The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Baron’s Hall in Arundel Castle, by kind permission of His Grace, the Duke of Norfolk.  If you are interested in attending the mass, please contact Antonia in the Parish Office: adurvalley@abdiocese.org.uk , so we can get an idea of numbers. There will be more details available soon.