Upcoming Activities & Offerings

“… 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/

“…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/  

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.

“…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  

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 . 

 “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 

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. 

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.

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. 

“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 

“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

“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 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 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 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 

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 

“…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/ 

“…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  

“…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 

“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/ 

“…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 

“…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 

“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 

“…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 

“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 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/ 

“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/ 

“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/  

 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. 

 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. 

“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/ 

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 

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.

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.

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)

... 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please add these prayers to your own prayers at home. 

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

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

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

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

                                                General audience Nov 15th 2017 

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

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

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

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

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. "

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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/ 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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