OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE

In a parish in southern Lebanon last Sunday 50 children received their First Holy Communion with great joy amidst the fear of missile attacks (EWTN News). Today we rejoice as 5 of our young parishioners receive their First Holy Communion. The context could not be more different but sadly not unique. We take it for granted that we can gather in peace, practice our faith and receive the sacraments. Today's Mass is unlikely to make the news headlines of EWTN. But every celebration of Mass and reception of Holy Communion is of universal and eternal significance. A Holy Communion received with love, reverence, sincerity and faith can change the world. It brings about change just as the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ. Jesus says that His "flesh is true food and (His) blood is true drink" and Saint Paul reminds us that we participate in the body and blood of Christ. There can be no ambiguity here. To be united to Jesus and communion with Him is expressed in our Holy Communion whether it is the first, one hundredth or last time. The gift and sacrifice of Jesus, given on the cross and in the Mass perpetuates in the Tabernacle. He is here. The graces received can be extended in adoring Jesus in the monstrance on the altar. We and many parishes have opportunities for this. You can even watch online. The angels prostrate before Him. The benefits are many. But ultimately, in adoring the Blessed Sacrament we see Jesus face to face and it is His face that we seek and yearn for always and everywhere. With my prayer for an increase love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. God bless you.  Fr Graham

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 (in the entrance porch). 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 usually 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: the prayer intentions will remain private. They will not be read aloud.  The aim is to ensure that our intentions remain current and meaningful

Saturday 18 July 12 noon – 4.15pm ,  Church of Our Lady of Consolation & St Francis, West Grinstead, RH13 8LT. A pilgrimage for people across our diocese - the day includes Holy Mass, a personal Consecration to Our Lady, the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, Exposition, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Adoration and Benediction. There is no need to book, to find out more contact Linda C-Dominguez T:01273463463 or M:07944377252. Please bring a packed lunch.

The Bishops’ Conference invites us to join in the Novena in preparation for the forthcoming Day for Life. The Novena will run from Saturday 23 May to the Feast of the Visitation (Sunday 31 May). This is the third year in which the Dioceses of England and Wales will join with those of Scotland and Ireland to pray this Novena. The Novena is found here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/ novena-for-life/ .

On the Bishops' Conference Day for Life there will be a short service of prayer at the Memorial at Arundel Catholic Cemetery, 6 London Road Arundel BN18 9AT to pray for all those affected by the loss of a child at or before birth and for the promotion of a culture of life. The theme this year is The Wonder of the Child in the Womb. See: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-for-life/ All welcome, refreshments afterwards in the hall.

Adur Valley Catenians are pleased to announce we have elected Adrian Gilbert as Circle President for the year 2026-27. Last year, we raised over £2000 for our nominated charity, Safe-In-Sussex. This year, we shall be supporting JustLife, a local charity supporting homeless people. We will be attending the 9.00am mass this Sunday, 31st May, and will be pleased to provide more information about our Association afterwards over coffee.

Come along on Saturday 6th June to watch a short film with a friendly group of fellow parishioners. We meet in the Parish Room at St Peters after Saturday mass and rosary. All are welcome.

Ann’s husband, Paul, has asked that people wear bright colours to Ann’s mass on Friday (no black). We are expecting a large turnout, so please note that the car park will be reserved for family only. Please allow extra time and park elsewhere on that day, thank you. All are welcome for refreshments in the Parish Room after the mass. There will be a collection for the SVP in Ann’s memory. If you cannot attend on the day, you can donate online at https://annolliver.muchloved.com/ or by scanning this QR code:

‘United in prayer we save our children’ ‘Mothers Prayers’ was launched in England in 1995. At that time, two grandmothers felt led by the Lord to pray in a special way for their children. The movement has spread throughout the world and is now in over 100 countries. Our parish group meets on the first Friday of the month, in the Parish Room at St Peter’s. Please note that on Friday 5th June , we will meet at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am . Open to all mothers, including spiritual mothers, godmothers and grandmothers. “As mothers learn to trust each other, through their prayers and sharing together, their burdens become lighter”.