St. Thomas & St. John Catholic Parish

St. Thomas & St. John Catholic ParishSt. Thomas & St. John Catholic ParishSt. Thomas & St. John Catholic Parish
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  • Justice & Peace (NJPN)
  • Ukraine
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  • The Church in Our Times
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  • Charitable Activities
  • Contact Us
  • Links
  • Saints from our Tradition
  • National Cycle of Prayer
  • The Synodal Process
  • Bishop's Letters & Info
  • Fr Luke's Faith Talks
  • Fr Luke's Lent Talks
  • Fr Luke's Advent Talks
  • Covid-19 Church Info
  • More
    • Home
    • Church Services
    • About Us
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • Current Parish Activities
    • Prayer
    • The Care of Creation
    • Life & the Family
    • Poverty
    • Food Crisis
    • Migration Crisis
    • Justice & Peace (NJPN)
    • Ukraine
    • CAFOD
    • The Church in Our Times
    • Our Parish Community
    • Charitable Activities
    • Contact Us
    • Links
    • Saints from our Tradition
    • National Cycle of Prayer
    • The Synodal Process
    • Bishop's Letters & Info
    • Fr Luke's Faith Talks
    • Fr Luke's Lent Talks
    • Fr Luke's Advent Talks
    • Covid-19 Church Info

St. Thomas & St. John Catholic Parish

St. Thomas & St. John Catholic ParishSt. Thomas & St. John Catholic ParishSt. Thomas & St. John Catholic Parish
  • Home
  • Church Services
  • About Us
  • Weekly Newsletter
  • Current Parish Activities
  • Prayer
  • The Care of Creation
  • Life & the Family
  • Poverty
  • Food Crisis
  • Migration Crisis
  • Justice & Peace (NJPN)
  • Ukraine
  • CAFOD
  • The Church in Our Times
  • Our Parish Community
  • Charitable Activities
  • Contact Us
  • Links
  • Saints from our Tradition
  • National Cycle of Prayer
  • The Synodal Process
  • Bishop's Letters & Info
  • Fr Luke's Faith Talks
  • Fr Luke's Lent Talks
  • Fr Luke's Advent Talks
  • Covid-19 Church Info

Upcoming Activities & Offerings

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

PARISH DIARY – 26th Week of the Year, Psalter Week 2, Year A


Sun. October 1st   --   26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                                      Mildenhall - 09:00 am Mass

                                       Brandon - 11:00 am Mass 


Tues. October 3rd    -   Mildenhall - 10.00 Mass

Wed. October 4th     -   St Francis of Assisi

                                         Brandon - 10.00 Mass

Thurs. October 5th   -   Mildenhall - 10.00 Mass 

Fri. October 6th         -   Harvest Fast Day

                                         Brandon -  09.00 Adoration 

                                                            10.00 Mass


Sun. October 8th   --   27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                                      Prisons Week

                                      Mildenhall - 09:00 am Mass

                                       Brandon - 11:00 am Mass 


Upcoming Dates to Remember

8-14 Oct, Prisons Week

22 Oct, Sunday, World Mission Day

1 Nov, Wednesday, All Saints Day, Holyday of Obligation

2 Nov, Thursday, All Souls’ Day

4 Nov, Saturday, Parish Winter Fayre

12 Nov, Sunday, Remembrance Day

19 Nov, Sunday, World Day of the Poor

26 Nov, Sunday, Christ the King & Youth Day 

3 Dec, Sunday, 1st Sunday of Advent & Migrants’ Day

24 Dec, Sunday, Expectant Mothers

25 Dec, Monday, Christmas Day


Notes: 


For a complete list of pages on this website, please go to the Direct Links section on the Home Page of this website.



Meeting of Parents of First Holy Communion Children …

Wednesday, 18 October 2023, 6 pm, at St Thomas’ Church in Brandon


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Pope’s October prayer intention - "For the Synod": 

“Let us pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a style of life at every level, allowing herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the world’s peripheries.”


Vatican News,  Oct 2023.  See full article at 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-09/pope-francis-prayer-intention-september-for-the-synod.html#:~:text=Pope%20Francis%20launched%20that%20invitation%20on%20Friday%20as,synodal%20dynamic%20carries%20forward%20the%20Church’s%20missionary%20vocation.


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Mildenhall Food Bank Collection

The first Sunday of each month we have a collection at St John's of food stuffs for the Mildenhall food bank.   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. 


We can only take non-perishable items . If people can’t donate on that Sunday it is possible to donate most Sundays.  See also the special Food Bank section further down on this page.


Churches Together Mildenhall Prayer Meetings are held on the First Saturday of Month at 9am.  Location varies so please check. 


Fix the Food System

“Our global food system is broken. Over 800 million people go hungry, and the way we produce much of our food harms our planet, too. Meanwhile, huge corporations make enormous profits. Small-scale farmers around the world produce around one third of our food, and if they had more support, things could be so hugely different.


“In 2023, the second phase of our Fix the Food System campaign will focus on the issue of seeds. Seeds are at the very heart of the food system. They are part of nature and given by God for the benefit of all but increasingly farmers’ rights to choose their own seeds are under threat….”


With Permission, CAFOD.  See cafod.org.uk/food for more.


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Our Autumn Fayre will be held on Saturday, 4 November 2023. Draw tickets are on sale now.  See the flyer in the Special Notices section of our Newsletter page.


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CAFOD World Gifts: Give a gift of hope at any time of the year

Let’s share the promise of hope that has been made to us with our sisters and brothers around the world. You can buy CAFOD’s World Gifts for family and friends online at https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/ or pick up a catalogue in church. World Gifts such as “super soup kitchens”, “trees for life”, or “water for a family” will help transform lives in a world filled with challenges.


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 CAFOD “Voices of Change” Podcasts 

 Inspiring stories of dedicated local experts, resilient community members, and lovely individuals doing CAFOD’s work. Listen at https://cafod.org.uk/voices-of-change 


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Might you make time to volunteer to help build a better world?

CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to give some time and join them in their mission. Could you help develop our work in parishes or Catholic schools? Or raise a voice and campaign for justice throughout the diocese? Training and support are provided. See cafod.org.uk/Volunteer for more information or get in touch with eastanglia@cafod.org.uk


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Mass Intentions. Please let Fr Antony know of any Mass Intentions you would like him to announce during our Masses on Sunday or weekdays.  Place your name and your intention on a slip; add any special date or particular mass or location (Brandon or Mildenhall) you desire; put that in an envelope along with any offering (not required) you wish to include; give the envelope to Fr Antony or mail it to him.  Fr Antony will make his best effort to match your desires.  Mass intentions for the coming week are published at the end of our weekly newsletter and announced during the Mass.  Some dates are particularly popular, like Sundays, so let Fr Antony know in advance so he can sort out any competing desires from other parishioners.


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Catholic East Anglia - October 2023 issue is now available on line and in the back of the church.

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CEA-October-23-Web.pdf


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See the poster in the Special Notices section of the Newsletter page on the 75th Anniversary of the 1948 Pilgrimage of Prayer & Penance for Peace to the National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham.


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The Catholic Network - Your free digital daily news service & weekly newsletter. 

Subscribe at www.thecatholicnetwork.co.uk . See also the flyer in the Special Notices section of our Newsletter page here on our website.


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Monthly God who Speaks newsletter, created in partnership between the Catholic Bishops' Conference and Bible Society, as part of our God who Speaks campaign. https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/

Each month we offer you new resources for your Bible engagement - whether individually, as a family, an online community, parish or school, to share the scriptures wherever you are.


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Parking at Brandon: Please respect our neighbours and one another when parking. If you need to park on the road in Fengate Drove, please be mindful of pavements and private drives. How people perceive us as a community is important: remember we are adverts for the Catholic Faith!


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Take advantage of the many Catholic publications to enrich your faith.  See the link page on this website for information on a number of them.

Shoebox Gifts

For those who are preparing for the shoe box campaign this year


Thank you for taking part!  


We will be holding a shoe box service at Freckenham, on Sunday 5th November at 3.00 pm.


If this is not convenient, you are still welcome to drop shoe boxes off at Tom Caple’s home – 13 East View, Freckenham, IP28 8HU (before that date if possible).


Tom is holding the “Shoe Box Sale” at his home (details above) on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3rd & 4th October, when he will have lots of bits for sale to help fill the shoe box and also both official and covered shoe boxes for sale. 


If you or your friends would like to come, please could you let him know which date would suit you best, by text or phoning him on 07796387446, and he will sort out a time with you.

CAFOD Family Fast Day appeal – Harvest Collection at Masses this week

We pray for all those who have experienced flooding or other natural disasters, those who have seen their homes and crops destroyed. May we stand alongside them when they need our help and as they rebuild their lives once more. Lord, in your mercy... 


Imagine if our homes were flooded, and our families were getting sick. This Harvest, CAFOD tells of Dr Nasha’s amazing mobile medical clinic, and how she got life-saving help to where it was most needed after the Pakistan floods. The support of our parish will ensure families and communities can continue to get expert help when they need it most.  


See also the flyers in the Special Notices section of our Newsletter page.


Donate to CAFOD today. Use the envelope in church or give online at https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/family-fast-day

Grand Draw & Autumn Fayre

SAT. NOV 4th 10-12pm, John’s Church, St John’s Close, Mildenhall, IP28 7NX

 

See the flyer in the Special Notices section of the Newsletter page on this Website.


Grand Draw, 1st Prize: £150.

Tickets £1. See  as many as you can.


Bottles of pleasing liquids needed.  Contribute as many as you can.


Cakes needed, good size for sale at £2-3 each.


Good quality items for resale as Christmas gifts.


Books in good condition (paperbacks are best).


For Eileen's special Christmas cakes (£15), see the flyer linked above.


This is our BIG fundraiser, so most of all we need your support.

Have coffee & cake or a sausage roll from the café, catch up with old friends from the Parish….

Please come along on the day & bring your friends!

CAFOD Fix the Food System campaign

 “CAFOD's food campaign is urging the UK government to protect the right of farmers around the world to use their seeds. For generations, small-scale farmers have freely swapped and shared a wide variety of seeds to produce food and maintain biodiversity. More recently, farmers have also developed seeds that ensure crops are resilient to climate change. However, their right to choose what seeds they use is increasingly under threat as new laws are introduced across the world that limit what small farmers can do with their seeds.” 


Shiela Devlin has locally been circulating a petition to gain signatures to show solidarity with the world’s small-scale farmers. If you are able, please support her signature drive. 


See also https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/fix-the-food-system 

Saint Francis of Assisi – commemorated on 4 October

“… Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally … by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit, and without a sense of self-importance….


“Francis of Assisi was poor only that he might be Christ-like. He recognized creation as another manifestation of the beauty of God. … He did great penance…that he might be totally disciplined for the will of God. Francis’ poverty had a sister, Humility, by which he meant total dependence on the good God. But all this was… preliminary to the heart of his spirituality: living the gospel life, summed up in the charity of Jesus … perfectly expressed in the Eucharist.…


Patron Saint of: Animals, Archaeologists, Ecology, Italy, Merchants, Messengers, Metal Workers.”


This “Saint of the Day” material is reprinted with permission from Franciscan Media. Visit www.FranciscanMedia.orgfor more.  Full article at https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi/

SVP East Anglia Festival Days

St Vincent de Paul Society East Anglia is holding 2 open Festival days, on 30th Sept in Norwich and 1st Oct in Newmarket. If anyone would like to come along & find out more about SVP, please contact PresidentE06@svp.org.uk for more details.

“Have a more abundant life with a living faith [Fr Alvan Ibeh]

“…“How am I committed to using these gifts God has given me, not just for my good but for the common good of the body of Christ? Apart from just going to Mass on Sundays for a few hours, do I also dedicate some time each day of the week to do God’s work as an important part of the body of Christ? How do I use the time, talent, and treasure that God has blessed me with? Do you know that making time every day to pray for people in the hospital — people in great need — can be a great commitment on your part as a Christian? Are we just comfortable existing as Christians without any commitment?...God has blessed you with many things, and He doesn’t want you to leave this world without making any impact. The earth should feel your impact, not just your existence. There is a purpose for which you were brought into this world….Don’t just exist, my dear friend; you must begin Living….”


Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 3 September 2023.  See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/have-a-more-abundant-life-with-a-living-faith/

“Becoming Radically Open

“…If we want to follow Christ, we must let go of every expectation or hope we may have because it will only serve to get in our way. We do not know where we’re going, how to get there, what it will look like, or how long it will take. And that might seem daunting to us at first. But trusting in the fact that God loves us and wants the best for us, we can take solace in one thing: “eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has in store for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).”


Franciscan Spirit Blog, Casey Cole, OFM, 22 September 2023.  Used with permission from Franciscan Media (WWW.FRANCISCANMEDIA.ORG) .  See full article at https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/becoming-radically-open/?utm_campaign=Franciscan%20Spirit&utm_medium=email&utm_content=275362622&utm_source=hs_email

“Emmaus founder to speak at Caritas in Cambridge

“Caritas East Anglia will stage its first-ever Caritas Festival in Cambridge on November 4 at St Laurence’s Church…. The founder of Christian homelessness charity Emmaus UK … is the keynote speaker at 11.15am…Emmaus UK…provides home, companionship and meaningful work for over 1000 formerly homeless people in 30 Emmaus communities and three local charities are working towards setting up a residential community and social enterprise. …goal is to see an Emmaus community in every UK town and city, giving homeless people the self-respect they desire….


“All are welcome to the Caritas Festival; drop in when you’re free or stay for longer. Mass is at 9.30am and there will be a closing liturgy at 2pm. Tea and coffee will be available all day. Venue: St Laurence’s Church 91 Milton Road, CB4 1XB


Further information about Emmaus in Cambridge is available on their website

For more information about Caritas in East Anglia see the Diocesan website.” 


Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 8 September 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/emmaus-founder-to-speak-at-caritas-in-cambridge/  

National Cycle of Prayer (Autumn – September to Christ the King)

Justice and Peace in the World, especially on Harvest Fast Day, 1st Friday in October

Prayer: O God, who show a father’s care for all, grant, in your mercy, that the members of the human race, to whom you have given a single origin, may form in peace a single family and always be united by a fraternal spirit. Roman Missal


Prisoners and their Families: especially on Prisoners Sunday (2nd Sunday in October) and in Prisons Week: 2nd Week in  October

Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, to whom alone the secrets of the heart lie open, who recognize the just and make righteous the guilty, hear our prayers for your servants held in prison, and grant that through patience and hope they may find relief in their affliction and soon return unhindered to their own.   Roman Missal


The Spread of the Gospel, especially on World Mission Day, 22 October 2023 

Prayer: O God, whose will it is that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, look upon your abundant harvest and be pleased to send workers to gather it, that the Gospel may be preached to all creation and that your people, gathered by the word of life and sustained by the power of the Sacraments, may advance in the path of salvation and love.  Roman Missal


All Victims of War: especially on Remembrance Sunday: 2nd Sunday in November

Prayer: O God, merciful and strong, who crushes wars and casts down the proud, be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst and to wipe away all tears, so that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.    Roman Missal


Young People: especially on Christ the King: 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Prayer: O God, who gave one origin to all peoples and willed to gather from them one family for yourself, fill all hearts of all young people, we pray, with the fire of your love and kindle in them a desire for the just advancement of their neighbour, that, through the good things which you richly bestow upon all, each human person may be brought to perfection, every division may be removed, and equity and justice may be established in human society.   Roman Missal (adapted)


Source: Diocesan Calendar, East Anglia 2023 Yearbook, Dioceses of East Anglia 

Parish Finances

Annual Summary of Parish Finances is displayed on our notice board at the back of both Churches. 


Thank you for your continued and generous financial support of our Parish.


Update on Offertory Donations


Sunday collections are now to be reintroduced, in particular for those who have no means of donating other than by cash contributions. You are urged to otherwise continue with non-cash payments where possible as this has enormous advantages for the Parish and reduces numbers needed to act as counters, banking arrangements and meeting accounting requirements.


A basket is available for cash and cheque offertory donations at the back of each church. Offertory collections will not be taking place during the Mass. 


A reminder of the options for making offertory and second collection donations: -

  1. Standing Order or bank transfers (see our bank details below).
  2. Web donations using the DONA button below or on the Home Page of this website
  3. Contactless card payments using the DONA Digital Collection Plate at the rear of Church.
  4. Cheques (payable to Brandon & Mildenhall Catholic Parish).
  5. We will of course continue to accept cash donations if you prefer.


Gift Aid. Those in the Gift Aid scheme who donate electronically or by cheque will have their donations readily credited to their Gift Aid account.  However, if you make cash donations, you will need to put it in an envelope with your name OR your Gift Aid number. (Contact Philip if you are not sure what it is).


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Message to Gift Aid Donors


The Parish is required to inform you of the following: The Parish will be making its annual Gift Aid rebate claim and is claiming tax on your behalf on the basis you are paying UK income or capital gains tax, unless you advise the contrary. Gift Aid donors are requested to advise if they are no longer paying UK tax or if you have changed address.   


Many thanks for your continued support of the Gift Aid Scheme which provides the Parish with significant additional income at no extra cost.   


 Philip Kemp, Parish Treasurer & Gift Aid Organiser, pjkemp1@gmail.com 

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Parish Bank Account details: 

Account Name: Brandon & Mildenhall Catholic Parish 

Lloyds Bank, Sort Code: 30-98-58 A/C No: 00489176


Contact: Philip Kemp, Parish Treasurer Tel 07514430468 Email pjkemp1@gmail.com

DONA

“Bishop Peter outlines his vision for Catholic education

“… Our Catholic schools are critical to the mission of the Church, providing an arena where Christ is proclaimed and encountered.  Parents are the primary educators of their children and the Church recognises how essential it is to support families with Catholic schools which offer excellence in all aspects of provision.


“With Christ at the Centre, the vision for Catholic education will always prioritise the wellbeing and fulfilment of the human person.  Whilst seeking the best possible outcomes in every subject, it is the spiritual formation of our children and young people in Christ that inspires and moulds our entire educative enterprise….”


Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 19 September 2023.  See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-outlines-his-vision-for-catholic-education/

“Catholic schools offer something special to their pupils

“…Our Catholic schools have Christ at their centre and always aim for excellence in every aspect of their being. This is because their mission demands real human flourishing in order for our society and future society to flourish too. In other words, children and young people in Catholic schools are formed to contribute to the common good of society….


“Catholic schools are inclusive and welcoming of everyone, so one of the strongest and most tangible aspects universally experienced in our Catholic schools is the innate dignity of the human person, regardless of background or religious belief….” 


Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 6 September 2023. See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/catholic-schools-offer-something-special-to-their-pupils/  

Could you be a Foundation Governor in one of our Catholic Schools

The Diocese of East Anglia is responsible for 26 schools across the diocese. They all need foundation governors to provide support and challenge and oversight of the work of the school. We need more practising Catholics to put themselves forward to serve as foundation governors. 


If this is something you feel you might be able to contribute to (and full training and support will be provided) we would love to hear from you. 


Please contact Andy Stone, Director of Schools’ Service, by email andy.stone@rcdea.org.uk or by phone on 07500701977 if this could be something of interest to you.

“Columbans launch Schools Competition: 'Biodiversity Matters'

“…The launch is during the first week of the Season of Creation when Christian communities around the world focus on valuing and protecting God's creation. And a core aspect of Columban mission is justice, peace and ecology….

“Pope Francis has told us that "because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God ... We have no such right" (Laudato Si' #33).…

Website: www.columbancompetition.com/ 

  

Independent Catholic News, Source: Columban Missionaries, 7 Sep 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47959  

Escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland

16th October 2023. £699.00 per person sharing. Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Single supplement £150.00. Contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com . 

“World Faiths to run pavilion at COP28

 “Faiths are being formally recognized as essential contributors to the December 2023 United Nations COP28 climate conference in Dubai…. the first-ever robust Faith Pavilion at a UN climate conference… will promote the active involvement of religious leaders and communities around the world curbing climate change. Faith leaders have a key role to play in addressing climate change and climate justice, which requires deep transformation within society. Given the influence of religious leaders on religious people around the world, the advocacy and action of religious leaders can increase awareness of the urgency of climate action and inspire behavioral changes based on moral and spiritual responsibility to curb climate change. "


Independent Catholic News, 14 September 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48010 

Altar Servers Needed

Would your family like to become more involved in our parish? Fr Antony 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. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023/24.

The registration forms for next year’s First Communion programme are now available in our parish churches.  Please call in and collect one for you or for your friends’ children.

Adult Leaders for Baptism and Confirmation Instruction

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 Antony. Thank you. 

“Prayer Transforms Us

“Who prays? Dads and moms as they strive to raise their children in a secular culture; teachers who know that without God’s help they will have little influence on their students; doctors who beg God to guide them in their practice of healing the ill; farmers who understand that all life, all holiness comes from God; all people who are aware of their total dependency upon God and believe in God’s providential love lift up their minds and hearts to God on a daily basis….


“Praying is about seeing, hearing, serving; it’s about abiding in God’s loving and merciful presence….Our ability to pray is rooted in a gift that comes from God: ‘I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh’ (Ezekiel 36:25–27)….” 


 With permission from Franciscan Media, (WWW.FRANCISCANMEDIA.ORG)”, 18 August 2023. See full article at https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/prayer-transforms-us/?utm_campaign=Franciscan%20Spirit&utm_medium=email&utm_content=270820485&utm_source=hs_email 

“Pope Francis: Faith is passed on in one's mother tongue

“In his address to pilgrims …, Pope Francis thanked mothers and grandmothers who hand on the faith to children, saying the faith is passed on in one's mother tongue.


“The Holy Father gave the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe to stress the importance of transmitting the faith in one's native language, as he continued his series of catechesis on ‘the passion for evangelization.’…" 


Independent Catholic News,   Source: Vatican News, 24 August 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47859

“Norfolk churches urged to join shoebox project

“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/  

The Food Bank

The Food Bank (Collection at St John’s Only - NEXT on 5 November

The Food Bank collection of non-perishable items will be held on the FIRST Sunday of each month. Days for upcoming collections will be November 5th and December 3rd.  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.

Our local Food Bank

Needs our help!

How we can 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 

Thanks to everyone

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

“East Anglia Membership Support Officer role with SVP

“The St Vincent de Paul Society would like to recruit [a part-time, home-based worker on 15 hrs per week, 2-year contract] to support member recruitment and development, provide general support for members and be the link between groups and National Office….” 

  

Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 2 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/east-anglia-membership-support-officer-role-with-svp/ 


See also the flyer on this website in the Special Notices section of the Newsletter page. 

“Bishop Peter Collins backs campaign to “scrap the cap”

Bishop Marcus Stock … Chairman of the Catholic Education Service, said he was ‘pleased to support the new campaign launched by Catholic Union to lift the 50 percent admissions cap on new free schools with a religious designation.’

"… the cap has made it impossible for Catholic Bishops to sanction new Catholic free schools as it would lead to pupils being turned away on the basis of their Catholic faith….” 

  

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 16 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-peter-collins-backs-campaign-to-scrap-the-cap/ 

“Pope urges us not to be indifferent to refugee crisis

“…Pope Francis expressed his sorrow and urged all men and women of goodwill not to be indifferent in the face of continuing migrant deaths during dangerous sea crossings and journeys of hope….


"Pope Francis… has repeatedly appealed to leaders and policy-makers to protect the lives and dignity of our brothers and sisters on the move. One model he has upheld is that of the ‘humanitarian corridors’ that provide safe passage to vulnerable migrants who are then supported and helped to integrate into host societies. The initiative is promoted by faith groups and government authorities of some EU countries….” 


Independent Catholic News, Source: Vatican Media, 13 August 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47790 

Young Adults Formation

The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham (COLW) is offering an opportunity to Catholic men and women aged 18 - 35 to live alongside their community in Dereham for a week this summer. There are two choices of dates: 14th - 21st August or 30th August - 6th September.


As well as joining community prayers, meals and activities, young adults will receive formation on topics such Prayer, Scripture, Discernment and the Spirituality of Walsingham.


To find out more and for an application form, please enquire by 30th July by emailing the COLW Sisters at freetobe@walsinghamcommunity.org


Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, House of the Divine Will, Neatherd Moor, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4AZ.

Tel. 01362 421442. www.walsinghamcommunity.org 

“Bishop Collins honours 50 altar servers in special Mass

“…A special Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins… [who] delivered a powerful homily to the altar servers, acknowledging their crucial role in their service and expressing his gratitude…


“’… Serving at the sanctuary is … a most serious undertaking… It is a great honour and a great privilege to stand upon the sanctuary, to serve at the altar of the Lord. Everyone who comes to Mass is not invited there to be mere spectators, everyone who comes to Mass is a participant within the gathered people of God….’” 

  

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 26 July 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-collins-honours-50-altar-servers-in-special-mass/ 

“Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity

“…The Holy See delegation recalled that every human person has the right to food, while highlighting that over a quarter of a billion people currently face high levels of acute food insecurity worldwide…. Archbishop Caccia stressed the need for responsible multilateral cooperation that generates…solidarity with those who hunger. 


“… the Holy See urged all parties to return to dialogue regarding the renewal of the Black Sea Initiative, stressed the need to ensure that economic sanctions avoid negative effects on food security at the local and global levels, and called on all countries to protect our common home from climate change, in part due to its effects on local food systems….” 


Independent Catholic News, Source: Holy See to the United Nations, 4 August 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47733  

“Viewpoint: Austerity cannot meet the challenges we face

“…Austerity… is an economic approach which has been comprehensively debunked as a theory and shown to be extremely damaging and counterproductive in practice…. 


"Many people may not realise just how lethal austerity has been for the people of the UK. In 2022 researchers concluded that, prior to the pandemic, over 300,000 deaths in Britain could be attributed to the UK government's austerity measures….


“The tragic thing is that these deaths did not have to happen. In the words of the United Nations, in a society as wealthy as the UK, 'poverty is a political choice'….” 


Independent Catholic News, Bernadette Meaden, 9 August 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47765 

“Bishop announces East Anglian Caritas festivals

“A series of Caritas festivals across the Diocese of East Anglia, starting this November, has been announced by Bishop Peter Collins as a celebration of love and concern for our neighbour in action….


“’… In every deanery in the diocese over the next two years I have asked that we celebrate the ways through which the Catholic community puts faith into action via Caritas and other outreach organisations (e.g., Foodbanks). I hope that at each of these Caritas Festivals we will all be encouraged to participate….’” 

  

Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 3 August 2023. See the full article at

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-announces-east-anglian-caritas-festivals/ 

“Seven Catholic social teaching principles

“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  

“New Lectionary to be launched in England and Wales

 “…The Lectionary, which includes the scripture readings for Mass and the sacraments, will come into use in Catholic parishes in England and Wales from Advent 2024….” 


Independent Catholic News, Source: CBCEW, 24 July 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47652  

The Universe Catholic Weekly

...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

Email Scam – NOT from Fr Antony

Someone has created a new SCAM email address (parishoffice7879@gmail.com) misusing Fr Antony’s name.  You will know this is not Fr Antony’s email address.  You may have received such an email with the subject “Request for confidentiality?”.  Ignore it.  It is a scam like others that have abused our clergy and parishioners for several years.

“'Participation of women in Church - especially in leadership - a sign of the times'

“…Sr Nathalie [Undersecretary of the Office of the Synod of Bishops] said that ‘since the beginning of the [synodal] process, with this broad listening from the grassroots in all the dioceses, countries and bishops' conferences, one of the main topics that came from everywhere is about the participation of women.’…” 


Independent Catholic News, Source: NBCW, 14 July 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47587 

“Bishop for Life on abortion tablets Court of Appeal ruling

“…Commenting on the ruling, Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops' Conference, said: "I reiterate the consistent teaching of the Church that both the mother and the unborn child should be afforded the protection of the law and that abortion is always a tragedy for all concerned.’…


"’I raise again the concern that telemedicine (pills by post), which allows the home termination of pregnancies of up to 10 weeks, is dangerous for the health of women.’" 


Independent Catholic News, 18 July 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47616 

“Christian Aid: Russia's weaponisation of food exports is an attack on world's poorest people

“International development agency, Christian Aid, says the hail of Russian missiles and threats against Ukraine's Black Sea ports and grain storage facilities this week, is a devastating blow for poor countries and has urged all parties keep talking to find a way for grain to reach countries such as South Sudan….


"’This weaponisation of food exports by Russia is an attack on the world's poorest people. It looks now that Russia has no interest in finding a deal to keep food flowing across the Black Sea to countries in need.’…” 


Independent Catholic News, 21 July 2023. See full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47636 

“Holy See statement to UN on sustainable development

“…Archbishop Caccia noted with concern that halfway towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress towards the goals of the Agenda has either been insufficient or has regressed, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.


“Poverty eradication remains the greatest global challenge and a requirement for sustainable development, he said….” 


Independent Catholic News, Source: Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN, 20 July 2023. Full article at https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47631 

“Pope Francis: 'Priests must be close to the people'

“On Monday Pope Francis had a long dialogue with seminarians and priests studying in Rome. Throughout the meeting…the Pope was asked several questions.  In response to a question about mercy, Pope Francis said it is necessary to learn the language of gestures that express closeness and tenderness. This also applies when giving homilies, he said. ‘Let the expression be complete.’


“Describing three languages that reveal the maturity of a person, he said: ‘the language of the head, the language of the heart, and the language of the hands’ and urged them to learn to express themselves in these three languages, ‘that I think what I feel and do, feel what I think and do, do what I feel and think’.


“To those who asked him how to live the priesthood without losing that "smell of the sheep" that must be proper to the priestly ministry, Pope Francis replied that even if one is engaged in studies or in Curial work ‘it is important to maintain contact with the people, with God's faithful people, because there is the anointing of God's people: they are the sheep.’


“’By losing the smell of the sheep, by distancing yourself from them, you can be a theorist, a good theologian, a good philosopher, a very good curial official who does all the things’ but you will have lost ‘the ability to smell the sheep.’ The Pope then reiterated what he calls the principle of the four ‘proximities’ of priests: closeness with God through prayer, closeness with the bishop, closeness with other priests, and closeness to the people of God: ‘If there is no closeness to the people of God, you are not a good priest.’


“The Pope then spoke of priests who live the priesthood as if it were a job, with set hours; official priests, who like a quiet life.


"’The priesthood is a sacred service to God’, the Pope explained, ‘the service of which the Eucharist is the highest degree, it is a service to the community.’…


“Responding to another question, the Pope described life as ‘a continuous imbalance,’ because it means walking among many difficulties, falling down, and getting up.


“He encouraged his audience not to be afraid of it and to discern, instead, in such daily imbalance, because ‘in the imbalance, there are God's motions that invite you to something, to the desire to do good’. ‘Knowing how to live in imbalance’ leads to ‘a different equilibrium’, a "dynamic equilibrium’ governed by God….


“Responding to a Ukrainian priest, the Pope said that the Church, like a mother, suffers in the face of wars ‘because wars are the destruction of children.’ The Church ‘must suffer, weep, pray. It must assist people who have had bad consequences, who lose their homes, or war wounds, deaths ... The Church is a mother, and the role first of all is closeness to the people who suffer.’


“Then, addressing himself directly to the young priest who had asked him the question, the Pope concluded by saying, ‘You suffer so much, your people, I know, I am close. But pray for the aggressors, because they are more victims like you. You cannot see the wounds in their souls, but pray, pray that the Lord will convert them and that peace will come.’"


 Independent Catholic News, 26 Oct 2022, Source: Vatican News, https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45777

“Bishop urges priests to guide and lead their people

“…Bishop Collins spoke of the crucial role of priests…’The priest proclaims the Word of God in the midst of the People of God….In communion with his people, the priest unites himself to the Sacrifice of Christ.’


“He also emphasized the priests’ responsibility to guide their congregation….’By word and example, the priest must accompany, guide and lead his people through this journey of faith.’” 


Diocese of East Anglia, Joshua Clovis, 3 June 2023. See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishop-urges-priests-to-guide-and-lead-their-people/ 

“A Time for Everything: our self-directed retreat

“Here we offer you a simple retreat that you can do yourself over a morning, afternoon or early evening.


“Aims and Purpose

“It combines Scripture, poetry, art and prayer to aid your meditation.
“It’s designed to give you some time to be in the presence of God.
“It encourages you to reflect on your life at this point in the year.
“It enables you to ask for wisdom and peace over the coming months.


“‘Make humanity your journey and you will arrive at God.’ St Augustine….”


See the full retreat on The God Who Speaks website at the link provided below. 


The Bible and Catholics, The God Who Speaks, 30 Aug 2022. See the full article at https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/a-time-for-everything-do-it-yourself-retreat/ 

“Video: A Guide to Lectio Divina with Fr Bernard Murphy CFR

“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/  

Church Flowers for Brandon - Donations

 Flowers for the altar in our Brandon church are not being covered by donations at present. 


Please, if you can donate to our church for flowers in St Thomas church, simply follow the Donation instructions in this newsletter for bank transfers or DONA contributions, marking your donation for ‘Brandon Flowers’. 


Alternatively, put your donation in an envelope, mark it ‘Brandon Flowers’, and hand it to Fr Antony. 

Retrouvaille: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages

 Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? 


Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. 


There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 6 - 9 July 2023 or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 13-15 October 2023, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com - or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk. 


See also the poster in the Special Notices section of the Newsletter page on this website. 

“New Dawn family conference set for Walsingham…

“This year the [The New Dawn in the Church Catholic Charismatic Family Pilgrimage Conference] will take place [at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham] from Monday July 31 to Friday August 4 and offers a programme of liturgy, sacraments, prayer, praise, worship, teaching, workshops, age-appropriate ministries (creche, children and youth), fellowship, and community.


“Featured will be several renowned speakers, over 20 workshops, and various exhibitors including Radio Maria England, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Genesis Mission, March for Life UK, Rachel’s Vineyard, SPUC, Cenacolo, Youth 2000 and Mary’s Meals….


"Full conference details including how to register can be found at https://www.newdawn.org.uk/new-dawn-2023/ ” 


 Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 27 May 2023. See the full article at https://www.rcdea.org.uk/new-dawn-family-conference-set-for-walsingham/ 

Sea Sunday, 9 July 2023

Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. In the last year, more crews have been abandoned by their employers than ever before. Many are still being denied the right to leave their ships for even a short break away from the relentless noise and pressure onboard. Many are reporting more stress and poorer mental health. 


Sea Sunday 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 

Parish Finances

Funding the Parish

We are a small parish, as everybody knows and, unusually, we have to maintain three buildings. Fortunately, we have a congregation which, time after time, provides funds, through offertory payments, stole fees and donations. So we are very grateful. One way in which you can help the parish in the long term is to consider a bequest in your will. Talk to Fr Luke or Philip Kemp for further information about this.

Keeping the Parish Going

Thank you all for helping to keep the parish going, your generosity means we are surviving as a parish. Although we have returned to public Masses, we are still not able to take a collection at Mass, so we still rely on your giving:


Please consider how you can donate at least equal to your normal giving.


Here’s how you can do this:


1. By Standing Order or Direct Debit. A form is included in the next section which you can use. Details of the parish’s bank account are

  • Bank Name: Lloyds Bank plc
  • Bank Address: Thetford (309858) Branch
  • Sort Code: 30-98-58
  • Account Number: 00489176
  • These details are already printed on the Standing Order form below. You can set this up online or post this to your bank, if you are unable to go there in person.

2. By making a transfer from your bank account to the parish’s, using the details above.

3. By sending a cheque to the parish made out to Brandon & Mildenhall RC Parish.

                      ***  Please do not send cash  ***


We suggest that you arrange these payments on a monthly basis, starting on the first Monday of each month.


Thank you to all those who have been making bank transfers or forwarded cheques as offertory donations to the Parish since the lockdown commenced. Bank transfers are preferred but if you do make cheque payments please note that the payee details for the Parish are "Brandon and Mildenhall Catholic Parish".


THANK YOU for helping in keeping the parish going.

                   Fr. Antony Arockiam, Parish Priest 

                   Philip Kemp, Parish Treasurer

Now Accepting Contactless Donations

You will find our new DIGITAL COLLECTION PLATE - a contactless terminal in the church.  Just use your contactless debit / credit card or smart phone / device to make a donation.


Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and hold your card onto the reader.


If you are a UK taxpayer, you can also opt-in for Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%. (You only need to do this once and future donations will automatically be Gift-Aided.)


Contactless donations are simple to administer, secure and convenient.

A new way of giving

  • Simply clink on the DONA button below to donate to our church online.  This action takes you to our online donation portal. When you see the input page, simply enter the amount you want to donate, then click 'Donate'; on the next page, enter your credit card details and again click 'Donate'. That's all you need to do to help keep our parish financially viable.

DONA

Gift Aid

New Gift Aid envelopes have arrived but are not being distributed until Sunday Mass collections resume. Parishioners who are in the Gift Aid scheme are encouraged to make their offertory contributions preferably by bank transfer, or by cheque, as indeed many are doing so already. Your contributions are still being collated for Gift Aid claim purposes. Many thanks.


Thank you to those who have signed up to GA. If you missed this and would like to discuss your GA, please let me know. If you pay UK tax the Parish can claim back 25% of your Sunday offering from the tax office. The only details required are your name, address and signature confirming you pay UK tax. Philip Kemp Tel 07514430468 Email pjkemp1@gmail.com

Existing Gift Aid claimants

I am obliged to inform existing members of the Gift Aid Scheme that I will be claiming tax rebates for  tax year just past on your behalf unless informed of the contrary. You are also requested to advise me of any changes in address, post code or name in the last 12 months.


Thank you

Philip Kemp, Parish Treasurer & Gift Aid Organiser

Tel 07514430468; Email pjkemp1@gmail.com

Support Our Parish 50/50 Club

Around the end / beginning of the year is the time when most 50-50 Club subscription renewals are due. This can be paid by cash, cheque, bank transfer or card payments through the Parish website. Bank transfers - please reference '50-50 club'. Web payments - email me so I know. Cash or cheques can be passed on to me (Philip Kemp).


Please speak to Joanne Thomas at St Thomas's (Tel 07549 946444 email joannethomas@btopenworld.com ) or Philip Kemp at St John's (Tel 07514430468 email pjkemp1@gmail.com ). Do consider becoming a member if you are not already and help raise valuable funds for the Parish.  


Monthly winners are announced in the Parish Newsletters. If you are uncertain whether you are a 50-50 Club member or if you are not sure how many numbers you have, please get in touch. Contact details above.


The 50:50 Club is a major source of income to help keep this parish running.   ---  FACT 

The proceeds go half to winners and half to the parish   --- FACT 

You can join now!  ---  FACT 

Speak to David Thomas (St Thomas’); Janet Murphy (St John’s)  ---  SIMPLE! 


50:50 Club Winnings

Winners can email me their bank details to facilitate a bank transfer.

PhilipKemp: pjkemp1@gmail.com

Reading: Tithing for Catholics

A new book by a local Catholic author Derek Williams is available at the back of the Church priced £7.99.


“Tithing for Catholics is an innovative piece of writing that cuts to the heart of Scripture and Church Teaching…. the author takes us on a journey of first-hand experiences that demonstrate how tithing is a real service of faith that won’t let you down because God cannot be outdone in generosity”

                                                                        - From the cover of ‘Tithing for Catholics’


Please place money in CTS box or give to Fr Antony directly.

WILL YOU?

The Parish - whole Church – depends on its members for finance to achieve its mission. That is why we have first and second collections at Mass and welcome people’s generosity in making donations. 


Have you considered continuing your contributions after you have departed? 


You can do this by making a gift in your will. You can specify what it is to be spent on and the charity that will benefit.  Talk to our treasurer for more information: 

Philip Kemp: Tel 07514430468; Email pjkemp1@gmail.com 

Why leave a legacy?

Whether you want to support a local cause such as your parish or diocese, provide for vulnerable families in the UK or help overseas communities and parishes, a legacy could be the most far-reaching gift you ever make.


Go to https://www.yourcatholiclegacy.org for more information.

Easter Offering

The Easter Mass Offering is normally an important contribution to annual income of the Parish Priest. If you are considering making a BACs (online transfer) for this purpose please reference it 'Fr Antony'.  


PDF Viewer

Download PDF

Tom Caple’s book of poems Stations of the Cross

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.

New CTS Sunday Missal

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

Charity begins …

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

CHARITY UPDATE

FOOD BANK

Although  we still cannot use our churches as a collection centre for the Food  Bank, people’s needs remain. You don’t have to be unemployed to get help  from a Food Bank. Those in low paid jobs, including those still  furloughed, struggle to provide themselves and their families with the  basic essentials of daily living, from food to hygiene and health  products.


CAFOD


CORONAVIRUS INITIATIVE:  CAFOD  has joined with the UK Disasters Emergencies Committee to help millions  of people whose lives are at risk, as coronavirus spreads across  refugee camps and countries suffering conflict. 


COVID -19 has swept cross the world. Over 1,450,000 people have died and more than 43 million have survived it. Western nations have the highest  survival rates. Poor countries have the worst. 


Please remember and join  in CAFOD’S Coronavirus Campaign. Go to www.cafod.org.uk/coronavirus

You can donate at www.cafod.org.uk/coronavirus to help CAFOD scale up its coronavirus response through our Global  Church family. Or use CAFOD’s Summer of Hope fundraising ideas with your  family and friends to transform lockdown and raise money for the  appeal: for more information go to www.cafod.org.uk/summerofhope .


CAFOD Beirut Emergency Appeal

The explosions In Beirut have left hundreds of families with NOTHING.

Local organisations and volunteers are already on the frontlines, assisting hospitals and attending to the injured.

YOU CAN HELP: go to https://cafod.org.uk/donations/one-off?_Amounts=25&_Appeal=121949


CAFOD’S REACH.  Here’s a short list of their campaigns. Click on each to  get an up-to-date report.


• Syria crisis: Millions of refugees face new threat from coronavirus

• Rohingya Crisis: Reaching vulnerable families

• Yemen crisis explained

• Cyclone Amphan brings double crisis to Bangladesh and India

• Cyclone Idai: how your donations are helping people rebuild their lives

• The humanitarian challenges that lie ahead in 2020

• CAFOD launches urgent appeal for millions of families facing hunger in Zimbabwe and Zambia

• Over 200,000 evacuated as Typhoon Kammuri makes landfall in the Philippines

Your Red Box

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.  


--------------------

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. 

--------------------


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. 

EASTER & CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

The Easter and Christmas offering is given to the Parish Priest and forms a significant part of his annual income. 


If you would like to give to Fr Antony this Easter or Christmas, you can do so in several ways:

  • Make a bank transfer to the parish with the details on the back of the newsletter referencing the payment “Fr Antony”, 
  • Hand cash to him or to Philip Kemp in an envelope directly marked “Fr Antony or Easter / Christmas Offering”, 
  • Use the special “Easter / Christmas Offering” tab on the website DONA to give, or 
  • On Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Only – the card readers at the back may be used as normal. 


Please use “Fr Antony” or “Easter / Christmas Offering” as the reference for these gifts.Thank you.

Our Virtual Parish: Faith for Our Times

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

The Parish needs your help!

(Please see the Church Services page for updates.)

Mass is now celebrated with a congregation in both of our churches and is also available to view and follow online live on this website and on Facebook.

With the return of public Masses, both churches need to be cleaned after every Mass. Stewards are also needed for both churches to help with seating and moving around the church for Holy Communion. Please do volunteer (we cannot do this without you) to help by cleaning or stewarding. Special disinfectant spray has been ordered so cleaning between Masses will only really entail spraying seats and surfaces and wiping door handles. (PPE can be provided.)

Altar Servers: whilst restrictions are in place no Altar servers are allowed at this time.

Holy Communion at Home?

If you are unable to come to Mass and would like Holy Communion or other sacraments Fr Luke is very willing to visit you at home. Please do get in contact and don’t just assume the parish has your details on file. The Parish database suffered immensely from the changes in GDPR guidelines a few years ago and many parishioners details are not held on file.

School Governors Needed

Develop your skills and help your community and its children at the same time. Volunteer to be a school governor at Forest Academy, Brandon, today.  Or become a Member of the Academy Trust.


For more information, contact Phil Richardson, par.uk@gmx.co.uk.

Speak up at Mass!

Mass is not something the “Priest does” alone, it is the action of the whole People of God. As such it is a prayer and act of supreme worship. Making the responses clearly and audibly is one simple but important way in which we pray the Mass.


“Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and activeparticipation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people, is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.”
                                                                                               Vatican II (SC 14)

Artisan Candles ...

... for Prayer, Special Occasions and more….


Anna Liwak who kindly makes our Paschal Candle each year makes and sells bespoke candles. If you would like one of her candles for you or a loved one please contact her on 07741209889 or check out her Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/artisticheartanna  Examples of her work below:

Use of our buildings

Please note that at this time, our buildings will only be used for public Mass; no other groups will meet in the Churches. Anyone accessing the building other than for Mass or to clean must clear this with Fr Luke first.  


Sacristy: Sacristies are strictly out of bounds to all people, without exception (Fr Luke will act as his own sacristan for the time being) (Mildenhall parishioners must not use back door to enter church.)  


Toilets: If necessary one toilet will be available for everyone to use in each of our churches.  


Time in buildings: Please arrive just before Mass and leave shortly after (unless you are cleaning).

Jesus to your Door!

Fr Luke writes:            

Would you like a personal visit from the Risen Lord? Although restrictions prevent people receiving Holy Communion and gathering in Church. As a ‘religious worker’ I am key worker and so can come to you and assist you. I can bring the Blessed Sacrament to your home, expose the Host in small monstrance at your door, window or back garden if there is a side entrance (keeping 6ft away) lead prayers with you and then give you Benediction.   


So how about it? Are you missing Jesus? Want to pray together in person? Contact me now and we’ll book in time for a visit from the Risen Lord! I will remain at your door/garden/front window with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I will not come in, social distancing will be observed at all times.

Can’t find Mass on Facebook?

Don’t worry you can now just visit our website!

The Facebook live steam in now integrated with our parish website, this means you can simply go to the parish website and see the live stream. The video will appear in a screen below the main logo (active while services are being streamed live). If it doesn’t appear after a few minutes refresh the page.  If still having problems, click on the link in the box below the live stream place holder.

For those of you who are using Facebook and commenting, please continue to do so as you can only interact with the page through Facebook.

If you don’t have internet access: then listen to Mass on the Radio!

The Irish station Radio RTE, which is based in Dublin, is broadcasting to the UK on long wave 252kHz. Every other Sunday they broadcast Mass at 11am.

Radio Maria England, which is based in Cambridge, broadcasts on DAB+ in Greater London and on DAB (Band 11C 220.352 MHz) in Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas.  You can also listen to it from across East Anglia online at https://radiomariaengland.uk  Broadcasts include Masses, the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and morning and evening prayer.

EWTN, which has a base in Walsingham, Norfolk, produces a wide range of radio programmes and can be reached on https://www.ewtn.com/radio

Premier Christian Radio is on DAB, Internet and can be also accessed via TV Freeview 725.

Spiritual Communion

At this time, it will not be possible for people to receive Holy Communion. Everyone is invited, however, to join in the ancient practice of making regular spiritual communions, this can be particularly fruitful when following the daily Mass in your Missals on online via the live feed.

Prayer of St Alphonsus:  My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.

Feeling Isolated?

Struggling with the coronavirus and social distancing measures? Scared? Need to talk? Struggling to get shopping or basic groceries?

Pick up the phone!  Your parish is your family and we are here for you, in the first instance feel free to call Fr Luke on 01842 812200 and he will do his best to help you, support you and put you in contact with others who may be able to help. If you don’t get an answer.  Leave a message and your number (Clearly) and he will get back to you. We may be socially isolating -but we are not on our own!

Other Resources ...

(especially if you are having trouble live-streaming Online)

Radio Stations: DAB (Digital) Radio: Radio Maria England, Premier Christian Radio (available on TV Radio as well and has Sunday Morning Worship) Radio 4 Has Sunday Worship on Sunday Morning at 8:10 am on FM and a Daily Service at 9:45 am on Long Wave (not FM).

TV: Sky TV 588 is ETWN (Catholic Channel) and has Daily Mass broadcast as well as other prayers and devotions.

Websites: https://pray-as-you-go.org/ https://shalem.org/programs/online/holy-interruptions/
https://stpaulcenter.com/hub/

Coloring prayer resources: If you would like adult-coloring sheets, to help with
prayer/mindfulness/meditation please contact Fr Luke and he will try and source them for you.

Mass intentions

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. 

Interested in becoming a Catholic?

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.

Son of God: The Daily Gospel Year A-2

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/

Fairly Traded

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. 

Note about 'IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS'

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. 

Proclaim!

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.  

Talking in Church and Silence before Mass

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 

Pray as You Go PAYG

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.

Interested in joining the Ignite Team?

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 .

CATHOLIC PEOPLE’S WEEKS (CPW) HOLIDAYS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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. 

Pax Christi - Nonviolence Works

Pax Christi

Pax Christi (The Peace of Christ) works for:

  • Peace – based on justice. A world where human rights are respected, basic needs are met and people feel safe and valued in their communities.
  • Reconciliation –a process which begins when people try to mend relationships –between individuals or whole countries after times of violence or dispute.
  • Nonviolence –a way of living and making choices that respects others, challenges what is not fair or unjust, and offers alternatives to violence and war.


To do this Pax Christi works to:

  • Support teachers, chaplains and youth workers in promoting a culture of peace in schools and amongst young people.
  • Develop solidarity between people who are working non-violently for justice and peace. Pax Christi does this through joint actions for peace in Israel-Palestine, through events to encourage international efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and by celebrating the life and witness of peacemakers.
  • Promote an understanding of sustainable security where human needs are met and the environment is protected, rather than seeking security through weapons and warfare. Pax Christi campaigns against military spending, the arms trade and nuclear weapons.

                                                                                                    TC

Nonviolence Works

Nonviolence Works is a network of Christian Peace Organisations, including Pax Christi, committed to furthering peace in communities. The network has evidence that there are ways other than violent intervention to resolve differences and bring an end to wars. It publishes cases that show how nonviolent approaches can and do work. We will publish examples from time to time. Here are three: 


Norway 1942 

Teachers refused to co-operate with the pro-Nazi Quisling regime and, although many endured prison, the obligation to teach Nazi doctrines had to be withdrawn. 


Mozambique 1989-92 

The Rome-based Community of Sant” Egidio brokered an agreement between RENAMO and FRELIMO forces, ending ten years of war. 


1996 -- The movement to oust Serbia dictator Slobodan Milosevic, which began in November 1996 with Serbs conducting daily parades and protests in Belgrade and other cities. At that time, however, Serb democrats lacked a strategy to press on the struggle and failed to launch a campaign to bring down the Milosovic dictatorship. In early October 2000, the Otpor (Resistance) movement and other democrats rose up again against Milosevic in a carefully planned nonviolent struggle.


1999 to Present -- Popular protests of corporate power & globalization begin with Seattle WTO protest in Seattle, 1999. This is what set the trend for the Occupy movement which is still alive.


2001 -- The “People Power Two” campaign, ousts Filipino President Estrada in early 2001.


Guatemala 2007 

Young stilt walkers used circus acts and carnival in the streets to transform the climate of violence spread by brutal youth gangs. 

I made a choice

War changed my life. For us ordinary people of Croatia, the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia came so suddenly we were confused. The war and the logic of war spread like a violent fire. From a culture of nationalism to the fear-ridden images of the enemy, to being surrounded by Serbian forces bombing us… I started to think like others, there was no other way. It is them or us… While we were thinking and praying in a small group we spoke about the meaning of love for our enemy in this very situation. …. I started to think, what would it mean to love my enemy in this time of war? I could not find the answer. But then I made a choice, from my will. So, I chose to love my enemy as Jesus would. This choice was my first move from the logic of violence, and I felt I could breathe again. 

My next step was to think how would I defend life? I would defend life but not by killing. But what if I needed to defend the life of my children? I don’t know what I would do in such a situation. But this transition from the logic of violence opened my heart and my mind to ask: what could I do for peace and the end of the war? I met someone who was an ethicist and then a conscientious objector. … And this was the beginning of the peace movement, the Centre for Nonviolence and Human Rights in Osijek, from the middle of the war. 

                               Katarina Kruhonja, former Board member, Pax Christi International 

Newsletter Teaching Supplements “What we believe”

Fr Luke writes: I have decided to produce regular (or semi-regular depending on commitments!) articles which I shall include with the newsletter from time to time as a supplement entitled ‘what we believe’. I hope to explore with you some aspects of our faith that perhaps, we haven’t always (or at least recently) thought about too deeply. It is not always possible and not really the right forum to explore these themes in depth in homilies so I have decided to explore them in written form with the hope that we can go a bit deeper and, if you wish, read at your own pace and re-read as necessary. I may also in time have these available online as well.   

The third reflection on the Creed: ‘Creator of Heaven and Earth’.  

The fourth reflection: ‘Of all things visible and invisible’. 

The fifth reflection:  ‘I believe in Jesus Christ, the Only Son, Our Lord.’ 

The sixth reflection: "He was conceived by the Holy spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. "

Adult Faith Formation (AFF)

This is a programme of weekly sessions exploring understanding of our faith and spiritual development, held at Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda after 7 pm Mass each Thursday.  All are welcome. Tom & Gill Caple have details. 

For a full programme see the OLiSE website - www.olise.co.uk. 

Parish Mission Advisory Team (P-MAT)

Fr Luke writes: In order to help me run our parish I am looking to appoint a group of advisors from both the Mildenhall and Brandon Community. I am going to spend some time next week praying over the mission and ministry of our parish and planning the way forward. A constitutive part of this team will be a new safeguarding rep as our current rep, Andy Watts has decided to step down. I am grateful to Andy for the work he has done. If I approach you over the next few weeks, please be generous in giving of yourself in service of our parish community. If you have any ideas or suggestions about how things are done in our parish please feel free to email me or to talk to personally, I want to hear your views. 

“Let’s Go To Mass” A Booklet for Children and Their Parents

An anonymous donor has given the parish 10 copies of this Redemptorist booklet, which can be used by children (with or without their parents, depending on age) to follow and learn about the Mass. Users can colour in and wipe off again and again. 

Five of the copies will be available in each church. You may use it, but please clean and return it after Mass. If you want to take it home for study between masses, please do so, but return it the following week. Thank you. 

Discipleship Days

A new series of day-retreats entitled 'Discipleship Days' aimed at those aged 16 - 35, are now being launched around the Diocese of East Anglia. These days are for those who wish to grow in their faith through a day of fellowship, formation and prayer. The first one took place on the 23rd of February in Brandon. These events are free of charge. If you are under 18, please go to www.rcdea.org.uk/youth for a parental consent form. 

Paschal & Prayer Candles

Anna Liwak, the parishioner from Brandon who created our beautiful Paschal candles is now taking commissions for Candles.

Her candles are handcrafted and can be personalized for First Communion, Baptisms, Memorials, Anniversaries or any other important occasions. Individual prayer candles are also available.

For more information please contact Anna on 07741209889 or check out her facebook page: ‘Artistic Heart.’ 

Masses & Flowers

Having a mass said or paying for flowers in the church are practical ways supporting the work of the parish. Please give your donations to Fr Luke or Philip Kemp. 

House Blessing/Visit

Has your house been blessed? Would you like a home visit and a blessing for you home and family? 


If you would like Fr Luke to visit you in your home and invoke God’s blessing upon your home and family, please speak to him after Mass or call the presbytery. 


Even if your home has been blessed in the past we can still pray together and ask for God’s blessing upon our lives. It’s also an excellent way for priest and parish to get to know each other! 

Traidcraft

Just Traid, the Fair Trade shop next to St John the Baptist Church, St John’s Street, Bury, has launched an exciting new menu in their café and a wide range of goods in their shop. Well worth a break to rest your legs and your pocket, when Christmas shopping! 

  • Just Traid are also looking for volunteers to help in the shop and the kitchen. For more talk to Gill Caple. 

What is the St Edmund Fund?

The Fund deals with emergency grant applications from families or individuals in need. It also considers support for young people wishing to explore a third world project in their gap years or long vacations. 


The fund is administered by Caritas East Anglia. All applications come from the parish or endorsements from professionals working with applicants. 


Over the past year, the Fund has supported families and individuals facing homelessness or job losses resulting in rent arrears. Others helped have been dealing with the sudden onset of terminal illness. 


For more details go to:  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/caritas-east-anglia/ 

Book of the Dead

November is a traditionally the month when we pray for the dead. In both of our Churches you will find a ‘Book of the Dead’. 


Please put the names of your loved ones who have died in the book and they will be prayed for throughout November. I will also offer Mass for the Holy Souls at various points in November and they shall be remembered in those Masses. 


To add a name, simply find the page which corresponds to the month that they died and write the name in. Any name of any deceased person can be added, they do not need to have died in this last year nor do they need to be a Catholic. All people alive and dead can benefit from our prayers! 

Two new pictures of The Divine Mercy ...

were donated to the parish and have come from the shrine at Krakow. To find out more about this devotion please take a leaflet from the rack at the back of Church. 

Takeaway Sunday Lunches at the Orient Express (Great Eastern Hotel) Brandon

If you are struggling to get a roast dinner ready after Mass at Brandon, consider taking one home with you from the Orient Express Carvery!  For £9:99 they give you a takeaway tin and you fill it with freshly cooked food and locally sourced meats. 

You too can help our community -- We Need YOU!

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy

 If you would be willing to help run a children’s liturgy group at Mildenhall or Brandon please speak to Fr Luke. 

Alter Servers

Children’s Liturgy

Children’s Liturgy

If you have made your first Holy Communion and would like to serve at Mass at either Brandon or Mildenhall, speak to Fr Luke. We need you! 

Lectio Divina

A personal search for dialogue with God

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. 

How to Practice Lectio Divina as an individual

• 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. 

How to Practice Lectio Divina as a group

 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 

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The Roman Catholic Parish of Brandon and Mildenhall is part of the Diocese of East Anglia covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and the Unitary Authority of Peterborough within the Province of Westminster, part of the Catholic Church of England and Wales in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.