RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 2021: A TIME TO ACT
Webmaster • January 30, 2021
Ethnic minorities have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a systemic problem with racial injustice in our society. This was dramatically brought home with the brutal killing of George Floyd and the reaction it provoked. As Pope Francis reflects: “instances of racism continue to shame us, for they show that our supposed social progress is not as real or definitive as we think.”
These shameful reminders of racism demand meaningful action to confront and dismantle sinful structures of injustice. Our brother Bishops in the USA remind us that: “all of us are in need of personal, ongoing conversion. Our churches and our civic and social institutions are in need of ongoing reform. If racism is confronted by addressing its causes and the injustice it produces, then healing can occur.”
Racism is a sin and a violation of human dignity in which we are all complicit. As Catholics we need to acknowledge and confront our own failings, as individuals and as a Church. Every single one of our parishes, schools and organisations has a responsibility to actively practise anti-racism in all aspects of our mission.
We need to address the lack of visible diversity at every level, so that people can see themselves, their race, their culture and their history in the Church’s life.
We need to engage suppliers and businesses from all parts of the community, seeking out those which promote diversity and inclusivity.
Most importantly we need to actively invite people from different ethnic communities to share their experiences and genuinely listen to their voices, however challenging this may be.
It is not enough to simply denounce racism. This is a time to act. In the words of the Holy Father: “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities — what we value, what we want, what we seek — and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of. God asks us to dare to create something new.”
NOTES FOR PREACHERS
At the beginning of his public ministry Jesus outlines his Mission in the synagogue in Nazareth,
‘He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight,
to set the downtrodden free,
to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour’
His ministry was one of compassionate involvement, concern for the disadvantaged. Aware of obstacles, including those of the Law, which limited joy and fulfilment Jesus acted. He confronted, sometimes angrily, what undermined a person’s dignity.
The theme of Racial Justice Sunday 2021 is A Time to Act.
Racial issues and inequalities were identified nationally and internationally in 2020 generating awareness, emotion and outrage. In light of this Racial Justice Sunday 2021 is particularly significant.
Action is needed to further the cause of racial justice. What can we do?
In recent years Pope Francis has repeatedly used four verbs encouraging positive and direct action in relation to migrants and refugees, ‘Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate’. These same words are essential to advancing the cause of racial justice. None can be omitted, it is as necessary to have plans to Promote and Integrate as it is to Welcome.
Jesus’ sermon in the synagogue in Capernaum (today’s Gospel Mark 1:21-28) triggered a reaction from a member of the congregation. (It is always unnerving to have your sermon interrupted by someone who disagrees with your words). ‘What do you want with us?’ ‘Have you come to destroy us?’
The duty of the Prophet in speaking God’s words and so bringing God’s light into lives and situations is to enlighten, to encourage, sometimes to warn. To identify what action is needed to ensure that all God’s people know they are equally valued by society and the Church.
The plea of the psalmist today is ‘ …listen to his voice, harden not your hearts’. Racial Justice Sunday is a time to absorb fully this scriptural request.
Listening to the voice of God and the voice of the Church we learn of equal love for all.
Voices that discriminate unjustly, attitudes that undermine on the grounds of race must be opposed.
Voices of those who feel rejected or perpetually in second place must be listened to.
The dignity of all must be respected and promoted.
In the Church we proclaim that everyone of whatever racial origin should be Welcomed, Protected, Promoted and Integrated. What action is needed that this may be achieved?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ,
in your ministry
you were approached by people
of many different nations and cultures.
You listened to their cry for help,
treated them with love and compassion,
and brought them healing and wholeness.
In our own time may we provide
to all those who are suffer
the help that they need
and the care that they require.
May we respond to the invitation of the Holy Spirit
to dream of a world made new
where the poor are not forgotten
but are given the opportunity
to live and flourish
with good health and equal prospects.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
All are invited to come and spend some time at the Crib. Please take one of our prayer cards. We are very grateful fo those who will be setting these up in our churches. If you are able to, please consider giving a donation at the crib. In recent years, the Arundel & Brighton Crisis Fund of the Catholic Children’s Society has been a tremendous help to many families in the Diocese. The Catholic Children’s Society (CCS) helps families in our diocese who are facing a crisis in their lives. Through their A&B Crisis Fund they provide immediate support when families need it most. For example, helping a newly bereaved family put food on the table, or simply providing a child living in poverty with a warm winter coat. Recently CCS helped a mother and her two young children who had fled domestic abuse with just the clothes on their backs. They were rehoused but their new flat was completely bare, without basic items such as beds or a cooker. For weeks the family slept huddled together under blankets on the cold floor, surviving on instant soup made with an old kettle. When the children’s school contacted CCS, they responded immediately and provided the family with the essentials they needed. The children can now sleep comfortably in their own beds and enjoy warm meals together. The mother said: I’m so grateful for this support. It’s made a huge difference to my children’s wellbeing. Thank you for your kindness during such a difficult time. There are many more vulnerable families in need of support and our parish will be donating our Crib Offering to support this important work. You can donate at the Crib or via the CCS website: www.cathchild.org.uk/crib .
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
Dear brothers and sisters, With the focus in Advent moving, from the 17th December, to the proximate preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth, this Sunday’s readings focus very clearly on the Incarnation. Isaiah’s message is clear: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel – God-with-us. St Paul, in the first words of his letter to the Romans, is clear in his witness to the Saviour, from the House of David. Matthew’s account of the announcement of Jesus’ coming focuses on Joseph – of the House of David, and the angel’s words to this man of integrity, astounded at what he has been told, are those of Isaiah. The One who is to be born is the fulfilment of the prophecies of old, of David’s line and coming to the world in simplicity and in wonder. As we prepare in these final few days before the celebration of Christmas, may our response be that of Joseph: wonder, reflection and – now that our salvation has been won for us – obedience to the Word made flesh, God-with-us. With every blessing, + Richard
Saturday 24 January 2026 11-4pm at St Michael’s Church, Worthing BN13 3AL Led by Bishop Richard and Catherine Christmas, Liturgy and Music Adviser. On the weekend of the Sunday of the Word of God, this day will include talks on the Scriptures, the Lectionary and its use in the Liturgy, the Liturgy of the Word, and preparing to minister as a reader. There will be a time of Lectio Divina, and the day will conclude with the celebration of Mass. To book a place go to the Events page of the Diocesan website or use this link Day of Reflection for Ministers of the Word (24-Jan-2026) · ChurchSuite Events
Did you serve when you were younger? Perhaps you’ve never thought it was for you. Altar Servers are an integral part of Sunday worship. Tasked with assisting the priest, they ensure that at each section of the mass, the various books and sacred vessels are brought to the altar at the correct time. There is arguably no better way to be so closely part of the Eucharist, to serve God and your community. We welcome people of any age, who have made their First Communion, to consider this important role. Full training is provided. For more information speak to Fr Graham, or one of the servers.
Huge thanks to the team behind the recent Parish Christmas Lunch. They worked tirelessly for days to get it all ready. Appreciated by all who came.
Everyone is invited and welcome to our parish and our celebration of Mass especially if your are visiting or if you are searching - catholic or not. You are here because God has found you and the yearning you feel in your heart for truth, meaning, healing or mercy is really for Him. I know because that is how I realised that God is real and He knew me even though I didn't know Him. Christmas shows us how far He is prepared to go to find us. You might not feel lost, but unless we know where we are going then we are lost. Jesus, the Son of God made visible, comes to us as a man. So He knows our thoughts, anxieties, fears and joys. If you are coming to Mass tentatively then be confident He is waiting for you here. We are as safe in His arms as He was in Mary's arms. You are welcome to discover more every Sunday and at our Come and See group on Tuesdays (see flyers and below for details). "and you shall call His name Jesus".
I am sure that many of you will have put up your Christmas decorations, and many of you will have an advent wreath with four candles, and today all four will be lit. There are just three sleeps till the long-expected day and an end to Advent. But the spirit of Christmas is not just for one day, 25th December. That day marks a beginning not an end. With a world in turmoil, we need to redouble our Christian efforts for what Jesus came for, to spread justice and peace, now, before it is too late and wrong and chaos disrupt our world. With this in mind, here is a poem we can all take to heart. I Will Light the Candles This Christmas From “The Mood of Christmas…” by Howard Thurman I will light Candles this Christmas, Candles of joy despite all the sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch, Candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, Candles of love to inspire all my living, Candles that will burn all year long. With every blessing, Deacon Simon.
Bishop Richard issued a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese The Word Who is Life: The Call to Mission in January 2024. The Plan marks an important new stage in the development of diocesan parish structures, with the 11 former deaneries of the Diocese becoming 11 new parishes. Two new parishes have been established this year; Brighton & Hove (14 September) and Guildford (29 November). Weybridge will be inaugurated on 7 December. To find out more about the Pastoral Plan, visit the diocesan website: www.abdiocese.org.uk/diocese/pastoral-plan .
Below is a list of Advent Reconciliation services happening across our Deanery. Father Tony will be joining Fr Graham on Thursday evening (18th December) at St Peters to hear confessions.