Upcoming Activities & Offerings

“…In Sudan, ten million civilians - a quarter of the population - have fled their homes to escape indiscriminate bombing by the warring parties; and more than six million face starvation. There are serious geopolitical implications whichever of Sudan's battling militias wins….Yet, a deadly combination of racism ("this is what happens in Africa") and other conflicts competing for the headlines ("compassion fatigue") has sidelined Sudan….Those responsible for the killing have so far faced no consequences, concluding that they can continue the slaughter with impunity….”

 (Independent Catholic News, Rebecca Tinsley, 31 Oct. 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50989

“The Bishops will gather in …Leeds, to unite in compassionate action in light of the bill passing through parliament that seeks to legalise assisted suicide….[Cardinal Nichols said] ’…we pray that many minds and hearts will be open to this beautiful and great truth about the value, importance, and beauty of every human person ….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 3 November 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.rcdea.org.uk/cardinal-calls-catholics-to-pray-for-dignity-of-human-life/

The new lectionaries have arrived.  We will begin using them from the 1st Dec., the beginning of the new church year & 1st Sunday of Advent.  Training for all readers is needed to use these new lectionaries and will be set for some time in November.  Readers, please make time for this training when it is announced as it is required.

...it is an opportunity to pray as a parish family in preparation for the Holy Mass. All are Welcome!!!!

We welcome Fr. Mark Odion, MSP, of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) this morning who will speak on the work of the mission.  The MSP is a religious congregation working in different parts of the world, committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and the salvific work of God the Father in the Holy Spirit.  

See the flyer in the Special Notices section of the Newsletter page on our website for ways to offer financial support (there will be a retiring collection) and contact details.

St Louis Catholic Academy / Primary School, Newmarket: Headteacher (Permanent).

St John the Baptist Catholic Multi-Academy Trust: CEO (Full Time, Permanent);  Trust Clerk (Part Time, Permanent).

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Peterborough: Headteacher (Full Time, Permanent).

The Food Bank collection of non-perishable items will be held on the FIRST Sunday of each month. Days for upcoming collections will be December 1st and January 5th.  In the meantime, donations can be delivered directly to King’s House, Market Street, Mildenhall, IP28 7EF, M-F, 10 am to noon ( office@kingsproject.org.uk ) or to the Brandon – Thetford Food Bank, Harvest Centre, Fengate Drove, Brandon, IP27 0PW, Tues., 11 am to 1 pm ( info@thetford.foodbank.org.uk ).

The following are items needed now by clients, but appear rarely in donations: Tinned fish, tinned meat, tinned spaghetti, tinned vegetables, cooking oil, peanut butter, marmite, cereal, tinned fruit, tinned custard, long life milk, tinned baked beans, tinned chopped tomatoes, instant hot chocolate, instant coffee hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and household cleaning products). Please make sure produce is within expiry date.

Can you help?  Will you help, please?  Many in our community rely upon Food Banks for help in time of urgent need.

Please bring along your donations of food, hygiene other items in a box or carrier bag. This makes it easier to carry and deliver everything from church to the Food Bank. 

Please no already opened packages or bottles: no alcohol.

See also the notices on our church website and those of the local Food Banks.

Needs our help!

Next time you shop – or have someone shopping for you – use two bags, one for you and one for non-perishable items for those who cannot afford to find good food for themselves. 

• Bring your donations to Mass at St John's on the first Sunday of each month, or
• Take your bag with you the next time you go shopping and drop it off at the Food Bank, or 
• Ask a neighbour who is going shopping to deliver your contribution, or
• Have your contribution put into the Coop’s or Sainsbury’s special basket for Food Bank donations.  

The Food Bank is open from 10am - 12 noon each Monday and Friday. It is located on the ground floor of the King’s Project on the corner of Market Street and King Street, Mildenhall.  

Useful items include:  Milk (UHT or powdered), Sugar, Long life Fruit Juice, Cereals, Tinned sponge pudding, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned vegetables, Soup, Tinned rice pudding, Tea bags/instant coffee, Instant Mash, Rice, Tinned meat/fish, Tinned Fruit, Jam, Biscuits/snack bars 

... who contributes to the Food Bank.  We thank God for this opportunity to comfort our brothers and sisters.

“In a letter sent yesterday to migrants gathered in Lajas Blancas, Panama, Pope Francis spoke about his own family, who emigrated from Italy to Argentina in the 1920s. Migrants are ‘the face of Christ’, whom the Church lovingly offers ‘relief and hope,’ the Pope wrote. He spoke of wanting to accompany them personally, and expressed his understanding for their situation. ‘I too am a child of migrants,’ he said, ‘who set out in search of a better future.’…”

Independent Catholic News, 22 Mar 24. Full article: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49399

“A Norwich Catholic parishioner is helping more churches across Norfolk to engage with the Operation Christmas Child campaign, run by international relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse, and fill shoeboxes with gifts for needy children around the world.

“…Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—to children worldwide for three decades….Those interested in more information on Operation Christmas Child for your church, school, group or business can contact Mark and Debra Watkins at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com .” 

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 25 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/norfolk-churches-urged-to-join-shoebox-project/  

Theme: “Called to More: Finding God in the Hidden Things of Daily Life.”

This retreat aims to provide women with the tools and insights needed to recognise and embrace the divine presence in every detail of their lives, fostering a deeper and more intimate connection with God.  

It is a unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and reflect on how God is present in every moment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. We warmly invite all women to join us for a day of reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

Time: 11am – 4pm (Optional parish mass at 10.30am)

Location: Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda, Newmarket, CB8 8LT. In the hall.  

Retreat led by: The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham

Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch, though soup and bread will be provided. The suggested donation for the day is between £5 and £10, payable on the day via cash or card.

For mothers attending the retreat, there will be childcare facilities provided on-site by the Sisters.

Due to the limited space, booking is essential for this retreat. Please complete the booking form found at. https://www.rcdea.org.uk/east-anglia-diocese-announces-retreat-day-for-women/ .

For any further questions, please contact Antonia Braithwaite at mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk.

Join us for a night of celebration and dancing as Radio Maria marks its 5th anniversary! We're hosting a lively ceilidh dance and buffet at St Mary's School, Bateman St, Cambridge CB2 1LY, on Wednesday, 9th October, starting at 7 PM. It's set to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, laughter, and great company. Don’t miss out on this special event! 

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit www.RadioMariaEngland.uk/Events.

There were a few people that didn't manage to receive an order of service and/or memorial card from Nial Murphy's funeral. The family have now had some more printed -- if anyone would like one could they let Mary Rider know.....01638 714369 or mary.rider@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible.

“…Multiculturalism is one of the most ambitious social goals you can imagine. Some people would give up and say it’s impossible … But the New Testament presents cross-cultural unity as something manifest in the Church as a glorious result of the victory of Jesus. Membership of God’s family is open to people all cultures. And they’re seizing hold of it. …”

  (Bible Society, James Howard-Smith, 13 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/bible-articles/why-are-asylum-seekers-so-important-to-god/

“Pope Francis has said that it would be fitting to celebrate the Jubilee Year in 2025 by cancelling all or most of the debts of world's poorest countries…. we need ‘a new international financial architecture that is courageous and creative’…  He noted that debt cancellation during a Jubilee Year is a biblical tradition….”

 (Independent Catholic News, Source: Vatican News, 22 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50476

“… is the theme of a Diocese of East Anglia Retreat Day For Women to be run by the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham in Newmarket in October….

“It will take place on Saturday October 12 at Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda Newmarket Church, CB8 8LT.

“Booking is essential; please contact Antonia Braithwaite to book a place and for more details:  mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 22 August 2024.  For the full article, see.   https://www.rcdea.org.uk/new-group-womens-retreat-sight-loss-friendly-church/

“The Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder. CTE is the national ecumenical organisation that encourages Christian unity and brings together 54 member churches. Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of its Presidents….”

 (Independent Catholic News, Source: CTE, 7 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50374

“…The SVP Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) Project, first established over 5 years ago in Cromer and Sheringham has now been further enlarged to cater for more homeless families since the need for emergency family accommodation has doubled during that period. The whole project of 3 properties now protects up to 7 families and more than 20 children at any one time….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 6 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/svp-house-reopens-expanding-family-accommodation/

“On Saturday July 6, parishioners in Thetford gathered in the presbytery to celebrate the 198th anniversary of the opening of the parish church.

“Built in 1826, the Catholic church in Thetford was built before Catholic Emancipation and Queen Victoria was not even queen yet and when Pope Leo XII was in the Vatican….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 8 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/thetford-parish-celebrates-churchs-198th-anniversary/

As you may well have heard, the Bishop has appointed me to the parishes of Our Lady and St John, Sudbury & St Joseph’s, Hadleigh effective at the end of September. I had hoped not to have to release this news so soon, but it had been in the ‘Ad Clerum’ and inevitably these things leak out. I will also be going on holiday in the middle of August and will be back to the parish in the first week of September.

Some of you have already heard that our new Parish Priest is going to be Fr Anil Zacheria, currently working as Assistant Priest at Our Lady and English Martyrs Church, Cambridge.Fr Anil will be arriving in the parish at the end of September. We pray for him and wish him every blessing on his ministry in our parish. A definite date of his arrival will be published in the near future. A cordial welcome to Fr Anil.

Fr Antony Arockiam

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“Clerical moves set to take place across the diocese

“…Fr Anthony Arockiam has been appointed as Priest-in-Charge at Our Lady and St John the Evangelist, Sudbury, moving from St Thomas of Canterbury in Brandon.

“Fr Anil Zachary has been appointed as Priest-in-Charge at St Thomas of Canterbury, Brandon, moving from Bury St Edmunds.

“Bishop Peter said: ‘These appointments become operational on Sunday September 22 and I am grateful to these priests for their willingness to take up new pastoral responsibilities.…”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 14 August 2024.  For the full article, see.   https://www.rcdea.org.uk/clerical-moves-set-to-take-place-across-the-diocese/

“The Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin was received in Kyiv by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, yesterday. During their meeting he conveyed the Pope's solidarity and the Holy See's commitment to help find ‘a just and lasting peace’…."

 (Independent Catholic News, Source: Vatican News, 24 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50274  

“The people of Ethiopia's Tigray region ‘experienced hell’ during two years of civil war, according to their bishop, who highlighted the trauma the community have endured. 

 (Independent Catholic News, Amy Balog, Source: ACN, 25 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50277  

Are your customers raving abou“Dr Macdonald concluded: ‘This is a missed opportunity of gigantic proportions to try and fix the UK's broken palliative care system, which has been under funded for decades and fails around one in four Brits….’” 

  (Independent Catholic News, Source: Care Not Killing, 19-20 July 2024).  For the full article see  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50236t you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

“…This year the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on Sunday 28th July….Dear Lord, We thank you for grandparents and elderly relatives throughout the world, their lives and their vocation….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 8 July 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.rcdea.org.uk/upcoming-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly/

The Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have approved a new Lectionary 

When the Priest and Readers announce God’s message on Sundays, they must use the approved Lectionary as their text. Every Parish must have an approved copy for use at Mass and with the Sacraments. 

The copy for use in Churches (the “Ambo” version) comprises 4 volumes. Changes have been made to assist in speaking the text clearly and meaningfully. This will help both Readers and the Congregation to understand better God’s message to us.

When are the changes happening?

The new Lectionary becomes mandatory from Advent 2024 [Sunday December 1st]. The Publisher, CTS, plan to release copies on 14 October 2024. In our Parish we need 2 new Lectionaries: i.e. one at St Thomas’ and one at St John’s. The publication date means we will have about 4 weeks to help Readers become familiar with any changes.

How Much Will It Cost?

Each set of 4 volumes is priced at £695, i.e. a total of £1,390 (2 sets).

The Book of the Gospels is priced at £295, i.e. a total of £1,685

How we will raise the Money

We will use a range of approaches, such as a special Sunday Collection; profits from the September Event, etc.  More information will be published soon.

If you have any questions now, please talk to Fr Anil, Philip Kemp, our Treasurer, Jo Leveridge (St Thomas’) or Tom Caple (St John’s).

“…’I hope that the Paris Olympics will be an unmissable opportunity for all those who come from around the world to discover and appreciate each other, to break down prejudices, to foster esteem where there is contempt and mistrust, and friendship where there is hatred.’…” 

 (The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, 19 July 2024.)  For the full message, see  https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pope-francis-the-olympic-games-are-an-unmissable-opportunity-to-foster-peace/

“…A distinctive feature of Vatican diplomacy on nuclear issues is that the possession of nuclear weapons, even for deterrence, is morally wrong. This was a principle that Archbishop Balestrero underlined, noting that Pope Francis has recently reaffirmed the immorality of both manufacturing and possessing nuclear weapons. …”

 (The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, 24 July 2024.)  For the full message, see  https://www.cbcew.org.uk/holy-see-expresses-deep-concern-over-growth-in-nuclear-rhetoric/

“At the conclusion of their annual Synod in Baghdad, the Iraqi bishops expressed their deep concern over the impact of the war in Gaza on the entire region, and reaffirmed a two-state solution as the only way for a lasting peace….in which Israel and Palestine can both live ‘in peace and security.’…”

 (Independent Catholic News, Source: Chaldean Bishops/Vatican Media, 24 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50271  

“Bishop Peter Collins marked the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Sunday July 14, by celebrating Mass in St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich in front of a large congregation including friends and parishioners from his former parish in Cardiff….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 14 July 2024.  For the full article, see. https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-celebrates-40-years-service-as-a-priest/

“…Around 30 mostly young pilgrims, led impressively by Bishop Peter Collins, walked 120km from the Portuguese border at Valenca, following the Portuguese Way route north into Spain over six days….

“’It has been a privilege talking and listening to our young people who have been very open, engaged and engaging. They have opened their hearts to possibilities, they are truly searching and they have gained much from the sharing one with another along the way, as have I,’ said Bishop Peter. ‘We also talked to many international pilgrims along the way in wonderful joyful encounters….’”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 August 2024.  For the full article, see.  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/young-east-anglia-pilgrims-complete-joyous-camino/

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Young East Anglia pilgrims heading for Spanish Camino

“A group of mostly young pilgrims from the Diocese of East Anglia will be walking 120kms over six days in northern Spain next week following the Way of St James Camino to Santiago de Compostela, led by Bishop Peter Collins….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 19 July 2024.  For the full article, see. https://www.rcdea.org.uk/young-east-anglia-pilgrims-heading-for-spanish-camino/

“What's in the King's Speech for Church fundraisers and charities

“…Positive Outcomes: The focus on tenant rights and mental health could result in more stable living conditions and improved mental health services, aligning with the goals of many charities.

“Challenges: The tax changes affecting private schools may create financial strain and increased demand for state education, indirectly affecting charities that support educational initiatives. Freedom of speech may be challenges by the Conversion Practices Bill….”

 (Independent Catholic News,18 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50226  

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“Christian Aid welcomes King's Speech

"…’The UK has a moral responsibility to act. Christian Aid therefore strongly welcomes the new government's recognition in the King's Speech of the “urgency of the global climate challenge’.

"’With COP29 just around the corner, keeping global climate cooperation on track depends upon securing an ambitious goal on climate finance….’”

 (Independent Catholic News,17 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50222  

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“SVP response to the King's Speech

“…we are encouraged to see the announcement of legislation which can address some of the most pressing issues facing our country, including homelessness, secure work, and regional inequalities.  We welcome the commitment to ending no-fault evictions….happy to see the … proposal to enhance employment rights and ban exploitative practices, including zero-hours contracts,…”

 (Independent Catholic News,17 July 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50220  

“St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich is one of seven churches across England and Wales to share funding of £70,000 to explore the relationship between science and faith through the church engagement programme, Scientists in Congregations…

“The team at St John’s in Norwich have been awarded a grant for a project that aims to help Catholics who work in the life sciences (defined as Medicine, Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Biotechnology) to explain their Catholic beliefs in an increasingly challenging work environment….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 18 July 2024.  For the full article, see. https://www.rcdea.org.uk/st-johns-cathedral-joins-science-and-faith-programme/

“The popular BBC online website has carried a feature about the vocational stories of the sisters of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham near Dereham. The story, titled “I wanted seven kids but instead I became a nun”, shares the journeys of Sr Catherine, Sr Theresa, and Sr Camilla….”

“Credit to BBC, original story: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c255rpwyxr2o”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 25 June 2024.  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bbc-carries-feature-on-dereham-based-religious-sisters/

“…We [appeal] to everyone who has the ability to do so, to participate in the democratic process by exercising their hard-won right to vote. Even where there is no candidate who reflects the full range of a voter's values or aspirations, it is still a fundamental Christian duty to maximise the good we can do by taking part in the democratic process….”

 (Independent Catholic News, 25 June 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50062

The Prime Minister has called a general election for Thursday, 4 July. We have a section of resources offering information and guidance on key issues of importance to us, as Catholics, to help inform how we vote. Read more.

President of the Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, is asking voters to be active rather than passive to engage with politicians on the key issues. “You want to know what your candidate will think and say on your behalf when that candidate gets into Parliament,” says the Cardinal. “I would like to put forward a theme for us all to think about. How do we seek to construct a society in which families can flourish? That’s the bedrock”. Resources and message here.

“Paul is the Christian apostle who spread the gospel of Jesus after his radical conversion. He planted church communities across Asia Minor and Europe, raised people from the dead, and was jailed for Jesus. But this is the Christian Paul. What about before that?...

“…Paul tells the Philippians, ‘I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church’ (verse 6). Can you imagine using violence as a way to love and honour God? Paul did….”

 (The Bible Society, 18 June 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/bible-articles/what-does-philippians-tell-us-about-the-life-of-the-apostle-paul/

Join Fr Sean Connolly and a group of Catholic men from the Diocese of East Anglia at the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham as we discuss and reflect on our mission of service to our family, our parish and wider community.

Includes confession, Mass, Holy Mile and Rosary as well as talks and discussion.

Please bring your own packed lunch.  Tea, coffee, refreshments included

Cost for the day is £12.50. Booking can be found on EventBrite, or email Marriage and Family Coordinator on mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk 

 Booking Link Here

“The new initiative to tackle Modern Slavery in East Anglia has taken off … with volunteers now numbering around 30, reports Simon John. The new group have met twice virtually since the launch on February 8, the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita, regarded as the patron saint of Modern Slavery. Its principal aim is simply to learn the signs of Modern Slavery and safely report them on the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700…. 

"The group is still looking for new volunteers. No particular skill or experience is necessary – only a desire to reduce slavery in our Diocese. Contact Simon John on john_simong@hotmail.com .”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 12 June 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.rcdea.org.uk/east-anglia-modern-slavery-initiative-takes-off/

“As summer rolls around and we jet off on our holidays or enjoy a stay-cation, families may find that they have a bit more time on their hands, and what better way to while away the summer hours than with good books, says Marriage & Family Life Co-ordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, in her Faith in the Home column….”

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 20 June 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.rcdea.org.uk/summer-readings-ideas-for-the-family/

“…As Pope Francis reminded us in Fratelli Tutti, ‘our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarised by four words, welcome, protect, promote and integrate’ (#129). In Refugee Week [17-23 June] we celebrate those who have made the UK their home, we grieve for those who lost their lives trying to reach safety in the UK and we advocate for a more humane treatment of those who come to us seeking sanctuary.”

“As Catholics we believe 'our response to migrants and refugees is rooted in the innate worth of each human person (Love The Stranger, Principle 1)….”

(Independent Catholic News, Source: CSAN, 13 June 2024).  For the full article see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/49976

Are you working in one of our Catholic schools? If not, would you like to? Did you know that the Diocese of East Anglia, along with its two Multi-Academy Trusts, has responsibility for twenty-eight schools across the Diocese? Our schools cover primary and secondary phases, state school and independent sector.  Perhaps you’ve always been interested in teaching in a Catholic school, but the opportunity has not arisen. 

If you are interested in following your vocation to teach in a Catholic school you are warmly invited to an initial information giving meeting, to be held on Zoom, on Monday 10th June 2024 at 6.30pm. 

You will have an opportunity to hear from the Diocesan Schools Service and the CEOs of our two Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts.

To receive a meeting invitation, please contact the Schools’ Service Administrator, Jane Delph, at ssc@rcdea.org.uk  We look forward to seeing you!     Andy Stone, Director of Schools’ Service

Millions of families in Sudan, forced to flee their homes amid conflict, now face yet another urgent crisis – extreme hunger. 

Please give to CAFOD’s Sudan Crisis Appeal at cafod.org.uk/sudanappeal . Thank you for your generosity and prayers. 

You can also text Text CAFODSUDAN to 70450 to donate £10.  

See the flyer in the Special Notice section of the Newsletter page on our website for more details.

“…’You want to know what your candidate will think and say on your behalf when that candidate gets into Parliament,’ says the Cardinal. ‘I would like to put forward a theme for us all to think about. How do we seek to construct a society in which families can flourish? That’s the bedrock – many positive things flow from that.’…”

 (The Catholic Church, Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, 31 May 2024.)  For the full message, see  https://www.cbcew.org.uk/next-government-should-support-a-society-in-which-families-can-flourish-says-cardinal/

“Bishop Peter Collins has joined with other Norfolk and Waveney senior church leaders to encourage Christians to engage with candidates, draw attention to the big issues of our time, to pray and then to vote in the forthcoming General Election…

“This election is being contested against the backdrop of deep and profound challenges around issues such as poverty, the cost-of-living crisis, access to health and caring services, social justice and inclusion, as well as how we welcome refugees, manage migration, and respond to the ongoing debate about assisted dying.  The threat to the environment from climate change and the ongoing tragic wars in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza add to a sense of crisis, which represents a significant challenge for whichever party is elected.

“We pray that those elected to office have the wisdom, compassion and courage to deal with the multitude of challenges and issues our country faces….

 (Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 7 June 2024.  For the full article, see https://www.rcdea.org.uk/nwct-church-leaders-make-election-statement/  

“…a simple way of remembering who we should pray for – simple enough for children to understand explains Marriage & Family Life Co-ordinator, Antonia Braithwaite, in her Faith in the Home column….

“Hold out your hand, with your fingers spread apart:

“1st finger, Thumb: This finger is closest to us, so we start for praying for those people who are closest to us….

“2nd finger, Index finger: Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you….

“3rd finger, middle: This is the tallest finger and reminds us to pray for our government leaders and those who have authority….

“4th finger, ring: This is our weakest finger, and so reminds us to pray for the weakest amongst us….

“5th finger, little finger: our smallest finger reminds us to pray for ourselves….”

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 23 Mar 2024. Full article at: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/a-handy-reminder-of-who-to-pray-for-says-pope-francis/

Would your family like to become more involved in our parish? Fr Anil needs boys and girls (school Year 3 and above) from our parish to volunteer to be trained and become altar servers typically at our Sunday and special Holy Day services. Please find the time and energy to help enrich our Holy Mass services for the entire community. 

Every year we conduct classes for those among us who are preparing to take the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. These classes are lead by parishioners who choose to be Catechists and help to enrich the lives of others growing in their faith. 

Fr Antony has put out a call for such people within our community who might step forward now and volunteer to become Catechists. If you can answer that call, please contact Fr Anil. Thank you. 

“Catholic social teaching (CST) is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.  

“…some of the CST principles which inspire our work:

• Dignity .    
• Solidarity .    
• The common good ,   
• The option for the poor ,    
• Peace ,   
• Care for creation  
• The dignity of work and participation   

“Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.     

“What are the principles of Catholic social teaching?  

“Modern Catholic social teaching is said to have originated in 1891 with the encyclical letter, Rerum Novarum. Since then, a wealth of teaching continues to give new life to the Scriptures and shape the Church’s response to our modern world. From these Catholic social teaching documents and encyclicals we derive core principles…. 

“Dignity  

“We believe very human person is made in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift that we all share as fellow human beings; we are all infinitely loved by our Creator.  

“God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect….   

“Solidarity  

“Solidarity arises when we remember that we belong to each other. We reflect on this in a special way at Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, ‘The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognise Christ in the poorest.’…   

"Common good  

“The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. Pope Paul VI spoke about this 50 years ago in his encyclical Populorum Progressio….  

“Option for the poor  

“The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors, but loves the humble….”  

“This principle is believed to have originated from the Liberation Theology movement in Latin America. For the first time, people living in poverty in the slums were holding the Bible in their own hands and imagining a world free from injustice. This radical thinking shaped CAFOD’s early work in the 1960s. 

“More recently, some Catholic theologians have spoken about an ‘option for the earth’. Pope Francis writes, “the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor” Laudato Si’ #2….  

“Peace  

“Peace is a cornerstone of our faith. Christ, the Prince of Peace, sacrificed himself with love on the cross.  

“In 1963, Pope John XXIII published Pacem in Terris (Peace on earth). It was a dangerous time for humanity; with the rise of nuclear weapons, the frightening stand-off between the US and the Soviet Union over the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the building of the Berlin Wall. The Pope's letter urged the world to seek peace…. 

“Creation and environment  

“In the first pages of the Bible we read how God created the sun and the stars, the water and earth, and every creature. We believe Christ is the redeemer of all creation.  

“In 2015, Pope Francis brought together decades of Church teaching in the encyclical, Laudato Si’. In this deeply influential letter, Pope Francis invites everyone on the planet to consider how our actions are affecting the earth and the poorest people. Everything is interconnected, and all of creation praises God. It is our Christian vocation to care for creation….   

“The dignity of work and participation  

“The dignity of work has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning.  

“In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labour). He shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions.  

“Since then, Church teaching has upheld the dignity of work and participation. The human person should always come before the pursuit of profit. Workers have the right to join trade unions, to a just wage, to spend time with their families and to rest. Work is an essential part of our human dignity and everyone has the right to participate.   

“At CAFOD we know that earning a living is essential to living with dignity….”

                            With Permission, CAFOD,  https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Catholic-social-teaching  

...is true to its mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it” Keeping Catholics informed about their faith, and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to keep our high standard going and maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice at a time when it is much needed in the world, please consider taking out a subscription.

We have an excellent website full of trustworthy articles and an online shop with all subscribers receiving a 10% discount.

Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE introductory offer by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk

We invite you to submit articles/news and celebrations about your local parish activities.

Please see link below for last week’s Universe Catholic Weekly.

https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk/universe-weekly-newsletters/november-2022/UNIVERSE-25-NOVEMBER-2022.pdf

Tom Caple’s book of poems Stations of the Cross is available free. Each poem is a reflection for each Station. Contact Tom at dashwoodtales@gmail.com. Voluntary donations will go to the Parish.

To offer support during the pandemic while many are unable to get to Mass and communal Mass books and missalettes are not permitted, CTS are offering The CTS New Sunday Missal 2021 for just £1.99 while stocks last.

This liturgical companion for Catholics is beautifully designed for every churchgoer and runs from the First Sunday of Advent 2020 to Christ the King 2021.

To order go to https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/cts-sunday-missal-2021/ or call 020 7640 0042

John Wyclif, in Of Prelates in 1382, wrote “Charite schuld bigyne at hem-self” and others, such as John Marston (1610) and Sir Thomas Browne (1642) have proved authors of its use as “Charity begins at home.” It is, in my view, used too frequently to discourage charitable giving to others, especially foreigners: that is, “charity should begin at home and end there.” That’s a pity, because it shows ignorance of the origin of the saying. The notion that family should be one’s foremost concern is in 1 Timothy 5:8:    “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

This is not a recommendation to have compassion only for one’s nearest and dearest. It and the proverb itself are much deeper in meaning than an exhortation to meanness. For me, an Australian Baptist Minister, Melinda Cousins, summed it up in a blog, six years ago:
“… my understanding is that the saying as it was originally taken up …. was meant to refer to the fact that virtues are cultivated in the everyday – that is, we learn to be compassionate and charitable people at home; [and] that capacity within us as human beings begins to develop there, and then grows as we exercise it outside the home.” 

‘Can we please stop saying ‘Charity begins at home?’ Thinking Aloud 2014

The word ‘charity’ entered the English language to mean ‘Christian love for others’, especially the poor. It has often been linked to agapé, or unconditional love, the most Christ-like love there can be. That’s a far cry from restricting compassion to just your aunty.

As we learn to love God through experience of His love for us, so we learn how that kind of loving can be the route to helping those in need, wherever in the world they are, and thus demonstrating, with the humility and tenderness agapé requires, God’s love and His Son’s offer of salvation.                                                                                            

                                                                         TC

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CHARITY AND THE POOR
Last week we saw that charity does begin at home, when “home” is your heart stirred by God’s love into having compassion for others, that is, the poor, whether poor in spirit or in material things. Let us look at the latter. 

Pope Francis has summed up the issue succinctly, as usual:  “Jesus tells us what the ‘protocol’ is, on which we will be judged. It is the one we read in chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel: I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was in prison, I was sick, I was naked and you helped me, clothed me, visited me, took care of me. Whenever we do this to one of our brothers, we do this to Jesus. Caring for our neighbour; for those who are poor, who suffer in body and in soul, for those who are in need. This is the touchstone.”  From Papa Francesco: Questa economia uccide (Pope Francis: This economy kills) by Andrea Tornielli &. Giacomo Galeazzivia  

This will be news to few of us. There are an estimated 1.2 billion Catholics in the world, every one of whom will have heard this extract from Matthew’s Gospel. One in twelve people in the UK are Catholic – that’s 5 million people in our country who have heard this bit of Good News.  There are 736 million in the world in extreme poverty, who have little or no access to fresh water or adequate health care and, if they are employed at all, earn less than £1.42 per day. What could you do with only £1.42 a day or the equivalent of £9.94 for a seven day working week?  

Here in England it has recently been revealed that some workers in the garment industry are working for less than £3 per hour. Again, how would you manage on £150 (gross) for a 50 hour week?  It is mystifying why these inequalities continue, when there are so many of us charged by Jesus to aid the poor. What to do? We’ll look at that next week.  [Statistics about global poverty are attached to this Newsletter.]                   TC
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CHARITY & THE POOR – HOW TO CREATE A TSUNAMI
In 2015, more than 700 million people, or 10 per cent of the world population, lived in extreme poverty, struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation. Until 2019, That figure dropped dramatically to less than 5 per cent. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing the trend of poverty reduction, with tens of millions of people in risk of being pushed back into extreme poverty - people living on less than $1.90/day - causing the first increase in global poverty in more than 20 years. Given the scale of the problem, it seems that ordinary people, like you and me, can do little to stop this trend. That is not true. There is much that we can do locally, and for the world 

There is much we can do:  

• Supporting the Food Bank each month. This is crucial for the Food Bank’s survival and the sustenance of the poor among us;
• Supporting missionaries who help the poor around the world by saving money through the Red Box campaign;
• Buying fairly traded [Fairtrade] goods, which mean poor producers can get fair profits and trade their way out of poverty;
• Living simply so that climate change can be slowed and the poor better protected from climate disasters;
• Donating to CAFOD to support its campaigns for the poor;
• Supporting the annual Shoebox campaign;
• And many more initiatives that each of us get involved in.

These may be small acts of generosity, but small gestures build up to create tsunamis of love for our neighbours here and across the world.                                    TC

If you have an APF Red Box, you can now leave or have it delivered at one of our churches. Sue Dean will arrange its collection and processing

TO BE A CHRISTIAN IS TO BE A MISSIONARY - YOU CAN HELP BY PRAYING FOR THE MILL HILL MISSIONARIES AND DONATING THROUGH USING A RED BOX.  

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Red Box Fundraising in 2022

St Thomas of Canterbury and St John the Evangelist raised £636.57 in 2022 through the Red Boxes, including individuals giving directly. The diocese as a whole raised around £50,000 so we did very well. 

Keep donating for Missio’s invaluable work and the Red Boxes will be collected in again at the beginning of June 2023. 

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Thank you for helping APF's Missionary work. Please keep up this good work for 2023-24.  

Not got a Red Box? Some spare boxes are at the back of the church. Take one and tell Sue Dean or Fr Antony. 

The first series of talks have finished for the time being, but the full catalogue is available below.

Missed a talk? The full series is available to ‘watch again’ both here on our Faith Talks page and on Facebook. 

Topics covered thus far: 

• Faith for our Times: God's call on our lives - Fr Luke's Vocation Story
• Faith and Reason (Science and Faith) 
• Genesis, Evolution and the Big Bang!
• The Resurrection in scripture and Tradition 
• The Eucharist: Real Presence 
• The Eucharist: Source and Summit
• The Eucharist: Meal and Sacrifice
• The Church
• The Problem of Evil
• Spiritual Warfare
• There is something about Mary

Having a Mass offered for someone’s intention is a good and holy thing to do. It is important to remember, however, that Mass is always offered in the first instance for all people. (For For God’s Glory and our sanctification) No one buys or owns a Mass. A Mass is always ‘our Mass’ - even if offered for a particular individual. Please also remember that in our parish only one Sunday Mass can be offered for an intention that someone has asked for. 

There can be a bit of a back log with Mass intentions:

• If you would like Mass offered for a particular intention on or near a specific day, (and at a specific location) please give as much notice as possible – some people book days a year in advance. 
• If the date that you would like is unavailable. Mass will be offered at the requested location, on the next available free-day. However, this means that it could be as long as six weeks after the proposed date. 
• If you are not too-concerned about where Mass will be offered (Brandon or Mildenhall) then it is often possible to fit a Mass in sooner than this. 

Want to know more about the Church?  Perhaps you are a Catholic but missed out on making your confirmation as a youngster.

If this is you, please consider joining our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme. Please write to Fr Luke expressing your interest.

Free e-book (with church imprimatur) for your computer/tablet/phone:

The new Liturgical Year begins on the First Sunday of Advent. This e-book may be downloaded free of charge to any computer/tablet/phone. It offers the Gospel for every day of the coming Liturgical Year A-2 (Sundays Year A, weekdays Year 2), together with a reflection of some 750 words on each daily Gospel. 

The e-book may be passed on for downloading to friends or acquaintances as desired, and may be accessed at the following URL address:  www.catholic-thoughts.info/ebook/

As a parish, we are dedicated to working for fair treatment of growers and suppliers in the Third World. 

Because of lack of support, we no longer have a Traidcraft stall at Mildenhall, but we are still obliged to use Fairly Traded tea and coffee. If these cannot be purchased from shops and supermarkets locally, Gillian Caple can order it from Traidcraft. Please ask her. 

Locally, Sainsbury’s have opted out of using the Fair Trade logo and, therefore, there is uncertainty about the status of their products. Non-fair trade brands such as Nescafe, Lavazza, etc. should not be used in St John’s. Please inspect purchases carefully for the Fairtrade logo. 

We have a number of ways of recording people for whom prayers are said, including, books at each church and this section of our weekly Newsletter. 

In the Newsletter we record the names of those whose anniversaries occur each month and sometimes those for whom special requests have been made. These names will, of course, re-appear the same time next year. Because of limited space, the anniversaries are for those who have died since 2010. 

Do you want to share our faith in everyday life here in the parish?

This autumn we have started a Proclaim! Group focusing on evangelisation. We are reading Sherry Weddell’s Forming Intentional Disciples together over six weeks and then we support each other to proclaim God’s Good News.  

Following the first presentation on Wednesday 25th September at St Thomas’ Brandon, it was thought that it would be good to share our prayers with the whole parish.  So a prayer pamphlet was enclosed in your newsletter on 29th Sep.

Please add these prayers to your own prayers at home. 

Pray for yourself; and for the group who are estabilishing the programme on Wednesdays; and for the whole parish: that we will have the desire and confidence to share the beauty of God’s love with others.  

Fr Luke writes:  Many thanks for all who have contributed to keeping a respectful silence before mass. This is a joyful practice and creates the appropriate atmosphere for the celebration. 

Please also respect others, who may be trying to pray before and after Mass, by keeping talking to a minimum in and around the main body of the Church. (This does not apply so much to Mildenhall after Mass as we have a Blessed Sacrament chapel for people to pray in whilst teas and coffee continue at the back of the Church.) Silent and prayerful preparation is something that Pope Francis asks us to take seriously.

The Pope says: “Mass is the highest form of prayer and not an appropriate moment for small talk. At church, Catholics should spend their time in silence before Mass, preparing to meet with Jesus instead of engaging in "chitchat,”. Silence is so important…we are not going to a show. Silence prepares us and accompanies us." –           

                                                General audience Nov 15th 2017 

       IF SILENCE IS GOLDEN, PLEASE GIVE JESUS A LITTLE OF YOUR GOLD 

A superb free App from the British Jesuits. Lots on the App including a daily 10-12 min prayer meditation, as well as Stations of the Cross, Rosary meditations and other prayer resources. If you have a smart phone download the App, it could help develop your prayer life and your friendship with Jesus. Why not try it out for Holy Week? Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

Are you leaving school or university soon, in between jobs or would like to do something 'different'? The Diocesan Youth Service is looking for people age 18-30 to join the Ignite Team, sharing the Gospel Message with young people in a way they can relate to. These are full-time positions, with food, accommodation and a monthly allowance provided. Ideal as a ‘gap year’. For more information see www.rcdea.org.uk/youth .

CPW offers a chance to enrich and develop your faith, as well as warmly welcoming people from other faith traditions who are in sympathy with the catholic tradition. Events range from 1-day meetings to 7-day holidays, from retreats to conferences to walking holidays. They vary from activities for whole families (in school holidays) to 18+ events: and they are affordable holidays in comfortable accommodation. A limited number of leaflets are available. For details talk to Gill or Tom Caple. 

“Discover Lectio Divina with Fr Bernard Murphy CFR and be enriched by this ancient Scriptural practice.

“Join Fr Bernard in this ancient Scriptural practice as he guides you through each stage of Lectio Divina: Reading (Lectio), Meditation (Meditatio), Prayer (Oratio), Contemplation (Contemplatio), Action (Actio), and Communal Sharing (Collatio).

“Engage in a transformative journey of Scripture and prayer with this world-renowned Franciscan friar, spiritual director and retreat giver. Drawing on Fr Bernard’s rich understanding and experience, he shows how each step of Lectio Divina plays a profound role in the way we connect with God’s Word….

“Embark on this sacred adventure of prayer and spiritual growth by practising Lectio Divina….”

See the video on The God Who Speakswebsite at the link provided below and find additional related resources. 

The Bible and Catholics, The God Who Speaks, 29 June 2023. See the full article at https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/lectio-divina-with-fr-bernard-murphy-cfr/  

Time set aside for Lectio Divina enables us to discover in our daily life an underlying spiritual rhythm. We discover an increasing ability to offer more of ourselves and our relationships to the Father, and to accept the embrace that God offers us in the person of his son, Jesus Christ. We can attend "with the ear of our hearts", listening for God's presence in our lives. 

• Choose a text of the Scriptures that you wish to pray. This could be a reading for that day’s mass, or a particular book from the New Testament. The amount of text covered is in God's hands, not yours. 

• Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent. This could be a few moments focused on your breathing, or a favourite prayer. Use whatever method is best for you and allow yourself to enjoy silence for a few moments. 

• Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savour each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow says, "I am for you today." In Lectio Divina, God is teaching us to listen to him, to seek him in silence. 

• Take the word or phrase into yourself. Slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that, when they rise up during Lectio Divina, are asking to be given to God along with the rest of your inner self. 

• Speak to God. Whether you use words, ideas, or images--or all three--is not important. Interact with God as you would with one you know loves and accepts you. Give to God what you have found within your heart. Experience God by using the word or phrase he has given you as a means of blessing and of transforming the ideas and memories that your reflection on his word has awakened. 

• Rest in God's embrace. And when he invites you to return to your contemplation of his word or to your inner dialogue with him, do so. Learn to use words when words are helpful, and to let go when they no longer are necessary. Rejoice in the knowledge that God is with you in both words and silence. 

 Many prayer groups find it a useful approach to collective study and prayer. 

This form of Lectio Divina works best in a group of between four and eight people. A group leader coordinates the process and facilitates sharing. The same text from the Scriptures is read out three times, followed each time by a period of silence and an opportunity for each member of the group to share the fruit of her or his Lectio. 

• The first reading is for the purpose of hearing a word or passage that touches the heart. When the word or phrase is found, the group's members take it in, gently recite it, and reflect on it during the silence that follows. After the silence, each person shares which word or phrase has touched his or her heart. 

• The second reading (by a member of the opposite sex from the first reader) is for the purpose of "hearing" or "seeing" Christ in the text. Each ponders the word that has touched the heart and asks where the word or phrase touches his or her life that day. Then, after the silence, each member of the group shares what he or she has "heard" or "seen." 

• The third and final reading is for the purpose of experiencing Christ "calling us forth" into doing or being. Members ask themselves what Christ in the text is calling them to do or to become today or this week. After the silence, each shares for the last time, and the exercise concludes with each person praying for the person on the right of him or her. 

Those who regularly practice this method of praying and sharing the Scriptures find it to be an excellent way of developing trust within a group. It also is an excellent way of consecrating projects and hopes to Christ before more-formal group meetings. 

 Based on “How to Practice Lectio Divina” Rev. Luke Dysinger OSB www.beliefnet.com