CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. EDMUND OF CANTERBURY 2 February 2020 20 Village Way, BR3 3NP The Presentation of the Lord Email [email protected] Website: www.saintedmunds.net Salesian Sisters Parish Office 020 8650 0970 25 Village Way, BR3 3NA Monday to Friday 9 - 1pm 020 8650 6313 [email protected] Fr. Steve Wymer - Parish Priest 020 8650 3390 - [email protected] Missionary Sisters of Fr. Ashley Beck - 020 8650 4117 or 020 7998 5949 - [email protected] St. Peter Claver Fr Vianney Alphonse - 020 8650 7533 - [email protected] 89 Road BR2 0JL Deacon Sean Murphy - 020 3490 5693 - [email protected] 020 8313 3915 Deacon Duncan Aitkins - 07957 861404 - [email protected] [email protected]

Today is our collection for refugees

LIGHT OF THE NATIONS, A REJECTED SIGN, LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF FAILURE

CANDLEMAS is one of the loveliest book Fr Navone reminds us that as festivals of the Christian year; but as it Christians we don’t share in conven- only comes round on a Sunday every six tional success ideology. The crucifix- years, comparatively few Catholics ex- ion of Our Lord turns the values of the perience it. We have an account of it world upside down: by any conven- being celebrated in Jerusalem from the tional yardstick the ministry of Jesus, earliest centuries of the Church; what particularly as it is presented in the the old man Simeon says about the baby gospel of Mark, ended in failure, with in his arms being ‘a light to enlighten him having few followers, deserted by the pagans’ quickly inspired Christians them, arrested and tried on trumped-up to mark his words by carrying lighted charges and brutally executed as a hand candles in procession before going common criminal, without human into church (the equivalent of the rights or dignity, outside the walls of Temple in Jerusalem). The historian the Holy City. Simeon foresees this Eamon Duffy in his classic work The failure in the gospel account when he Stripping of the Altars describes how the says that the child in his arms will be feast day was particularly important in ‘a sign that is rejected.’ The reality of the Middle Ages in and the rest the Cross will always be a challenge; of northern Europe because of cold win- indeed it is pointed to by Simeon in ter conditions at the beginning of February – candles were a the gospel account today when he says to Our Lady ‘a sword will source of much needed light and warmth. People didn’t simply pierce your own soul too’. Fr Navone shows us that because of receive candles in church; they brought domestic candles to be the Cross we can use failure to good effect on the path to resur- blessed by the priest and would use them during the year in their rection and new life: not by pretending that the failure isn’t real, homes to put in their windows during thunderstorms and to give nor by accepting evil and ‘moving on’, but finding new opportu- to people to hold if they were praying around the bed of a dying nities to witness to truth and light. family member. In England Candlemas ceremonies (like so much When Pope Francis was elected in 2013 it became clear that Fr else) were abolished at the Reformation in the 16th century so this Navone’s book had been influential on him, so the book was re- tradition receded from public life until the nineteenth century. In printed and the author (who had never met the pope) added a new spite of anxieties, owing to the incident involving a lighted candle postscript in which he wrote at one point: ‘As the father of lies, at a carol service in our neighbouring parish of Addiscombe be- Satan the Adversary reigns where persons and nations live fore Christmas, we repeat this ancient ceremony before all Masses this weekend, walking with love to meet our Lord in his for self-glorfication in a state of self-idolatry, persons whose holy place. Traditionally Candlemas marked the end of the very lives secrete a life-lie.’ (p.182) The way of the cross, the Christmas season which is why here (and elsewhere) we keep the way of failure in the eyes of the world, stands in opposition to the crib in place until today. way of Satan, the way of people and nations who glorify them- When Simeon used these words a lot in his world must have selves, who indulge in self-worship; this is all about lies and seemed rather dark. The Temple itself was controlled by a corrupt falsehood. The truth of Catholic teaching, which should guide us priesthood in hock to the Herodian quisling monarchy and the in the whole of our lives, shows us, and our nation, a better way occupying Romans; there was a lot about Temple worship and to live. The Church teaches unequivocally that nations should the Temple ‘establishment’ which the great prophets of the Old work together in solidarity, that our sovereignty and independ- Testament would have forcefully denounced. When we feel we ence is never unqualified or absolute, that countries should not be are in periods of darkness and gloom, it is important that we are selfish or self-seeking. That message is part of how we seek to able too to greet the Lord Jesus as our true light, to keep us from offer guidance in the search for truth in the world, and the mes- the sin of despair, and many of us will feel this over this week- sage continues to be true after this weekend; as we saw on end. In the talk we had on Catholic Social Teaching on Wednes- Wednesday part of how we need to impart this message is a call day evening I alluded to an important book which Pope Francis to repentance. has found very helpful in his pastoral ministry as a priest and bishop in Argentina – Triumph through Failure - A Theology of the Cross (1984) by the Jesuit theologian John Navone. In the

Preparation for the Rededication of England CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY as the Dowry Mary. The CYM Careers Fair will return for a third year In addition to the celebration of ‘The God who speaks’ – The on Saturday 8th February from 11.30-2pm at St James Year of the Word, which began last year, the Catholic Bishops of the Great Church, Petts Wood. Come and take part in England and Wales have invited us to participate in the prepara- tions for the rededication of England to God as Our Lady’s ‘mock interviews’, receive one-to-one careers advice from Dowry. We can do this individually, as a family, as a parish and industry professionals, find out about the range of oppor- as a country. tunities relating to modern day apprenticeships, peer ministry and GAP year opportunities and receive practical But what is a dowry? We have a tendency to think of it as a tips to help craft the perfect CV. We encourage you to transfer of property by a bride’s family to the family of her new husband. However, in Medieval English law the meaning was reserve tickets to receive updates on the contrib- almost the opposite. The husband would offer a portion of his utors for 2020 and special workshop sessions for estate to support his wife should he die first. This was the early popular industries. Don’t miss out - reserve your understanding of England as the Dowry of Mary – England has place now by visiting our website: been set apart for Mary. http://www.bromleydeanery.org/career-fair-08-02-2020/ or

The programme for this year is as follows: through Eventbrite by searching ‘cymcareerfair’. th CYM Musical ‘The Crusader’ – Audition dates (15 & 1 January 2020 The Bishops have made a formal public state- nd ment of the intention to rededicate England as Mary’s Dowry. We 22 February) have been invited to pray the Angelus every day. As part of the CYM programme we will be putting on a new, original musical! ‘The Crusader’ is about a young 21 February We are invited to begin a 33 day retreat at home in Knight, who, on his return from the Third Crusade with preparation for a personal consecration to Jesus through Mary following the method of St Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort as King Richard the Lionheart, is delayed on his journey and presented in Michael Gaitly’s ’33 Days of Morning Glory’ and to presumed to be dead, yet survives to undergo a conver- make a personal act of consecration on the Feast of the Annun- sion of heart leading him to turn away from violence and ciation, 25th March. warfare. There are many characters, sub-plots, fun-filled

19-21 March The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham has been drama and action in this project that has strong themes of touring all the cathedrals since June 2018. We are invited to take faith and forgiveness Although ideally suited to Years 9,10 part in the final visit of the Dowry Tour at Westminster 19-21 and 11, we encourage all young people and members of March, (the 19th is the Feast of St Joseph, spouse of the Blessed the deanery community with a passion for music, acting, Virgin Mary). singing and stage production to get involved in this excit- More dates will follow throughout the year. My apologies for the ing production which we hope to perform in mid-late lateness of some of this information. Fr Steve Spring. We will be holding auditions for actors/singers and musicians to be part of the orchestra on Saturday BEREAVEMENT OPEN DOOR 15th and Saturday 22nd February from 12-2pm at St This Thursday from 10.30 to noon, in no 11. Joseph’s Church Hall, Plaistow Lane, . For more information, please contact: [email protected] CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE or [email protected] Tuesday 4 February, 2.30 in no 11. Faith in Action – Register now for 2020! The Faith in Action Award launched in January – it was If there are Readers who have not received an email from wonderful to welcome so many new candidates as well as Deacon Duncan Aitkins about a proposed meeting would returning candidates who are continuing their Faith in they please collect a copy of his letter from the Sacristy Action journey. Before our first Reflective Session on th this weekend. Saturday 15 February (St Joseph’s Church), you can still register for this year’s award through our website: http://www.bromleydeanery.org/faith-in-action-award- scheme-2020/ or by emailing: [email protected]. th You can also register on the 15 Feb from 2.30pm onwards. We look forward to seeing you for another exciting year! MUSIC FOR VIGIL MASS We would like to explore introducing some music at the FOLK CHOIR ANNIVERSARY Saturday 6pm Vigil Mass. As you know, music is a The Folk Choir will be 50 years old in servant of the Liturgy and a very powerful tool through September. We would like to invite all which we can enter deeply into the Sacramental Mys- present and former members to join us at tery. The style we hope to adopt will particularly focus on the 5.30 Mass on Sunday 27th prayer as the gateway through which we play, sing and September. Afterwards we are minister. As such, I invite you to carefully pray and discern planning some food and drinks in the Hall whether this might be something you might like to get in- with an open mic night. volved with. I would like to stress that this is not necessar- ily only for those with musical gifts or talent, but also for If you are a former member, please contact us for more anyone with an open and prayerful heart who has a desire details. If you are in contact with any other former to serve in this way. Therefore, please let me know if you members, please pass this on to them. are interested by emailing me on [email protected] [email protected] Many thanks and God bless! Joseph Gulliford

The CWL would like to thank everyone who supported their cake sale last Sunday, which raised £250 for two leprosy charities.

Friday 28 February The Dilworth family’s annual quiz in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care Tickets £15 to include a light supper Please see all the details on the poster in the porch

COFFEE MORNING AT BISHOP CHALLONER YEAR OF THE WORD 2020 SCHOOL Sacred Heart School Camberwell Friday 7 February at 8.30 am Saturday 14 March Friday 20 March at 8.30 am Bishop Pat Lynch has arranged a day for the Year of the We would like to invite parishioners from St Edmunds Word for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy and St Josephs to attend our spring Coffee Mornings, Communion. Fr Victor Darlington will be the guest which will include tea or coffee and some delicious speaker during sessions in the morning and the after- pastries. noon. Fr Victor is a renowned scripture professor who teaches at St John’s Seminary Wonersh. All are welcome Full details of the day are on the notice board in the narthex. Please take a look at them and if you wish to

attend please sign your name on the sheet before the 300 Club end of February so we can give numbers to the bishop’s Congratulations to our 300 Club winners for February. office. You will shortly receive your cheques in the post. £100 - No 57 - Mrs Philippa Ryan £75 - No 161 - Miss Anna Barnfield CONVENT OF ST ELISABETH, BELARUS £50 - No 147 - Mrs Claire Huijnen The Sisters of St Elisabeth’s Convent will be with us £25 - No122 - Dr Patricia Onuoha after all Masses on 8 and 9 February to raise funds for the help they provide for those in need in Belarus.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BECKENHAM (CTiB) The sisters will be bringing some of the beautiful items Many thanks to all who attended the recent Week of that they have and we hope you will give them your Prayer Services for Christian Unity. There was something generous support. for everyone - a rich Choral Evensong, thoughtful Taize singing, quiet meditation, talking Scriptures over coffee BOOK APPRECIATION GROUP and Campfire Worship. Will meet, as usual on the 1st Tuesday of the month, 4th Our next programme is St Paul’s, Brackley Road, Lent February, after the 10.00 am Mass, in no 11 Village Course which runs for 8 Weeks from 18 February, either Way. Bring along a book you have enjoyed and join us at 10.30 or 8.00 each Tuesday. It shows how the books for an interesting chat about good reads. and events in the Bible form one big story. Please apply Refreshments are available. Mavis directly to St Paul’s Church Office for info or to register - 0208 650 0501 or [email protected] Angela Dowling CTiB St Edmund’s NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL Close to a thousand parishioners now receive this ‘THE GOD WHO SPEAKS’ weekly newsletter online. This has enabled us to Year of the Word 2020 reduce the print run by half. If you would like the news- letter sent to you this way please send an email to the Parish Office and we will add your to our list.

GREASE Bishop Challoner School is put- To mark the special Year of the Word Archbishop ting on Grease - the musical on John Wilson is 12 and 13 February in their Main inviting all Parishes in the diocese to join him for a Hall at 7.00 pm. Tickets are £10 special diocesan gathering in Aylesford on from the school. Saturday 27 June. If there is enough interest we will organise a coach to take us to the Priory. BISHOP CHALLONER SCHOOL Whole School Open Morning Saturday 14 March More details will be published in due course, but 9.00 am- 1.00 pm please put the date in your diary. Masses this week DIARY DATES

Meditation every Monday in no11 from 5.30 - 6.15 pm -except on Monday 3 Feb St Blaise Bank Holidays. 7.30 am Church Thomas Keane Sr Open door for the bereaved on the first Thursday of every 10.00 am Church Private int month from 10.30 am to 12 noon in no11 Blessing of throats Law Surgery every second Monday of the month in no11

at 7pm Tuesday 4 Feb Feria Prayer Meeting last Friday of the month in no11 at 7.30pm 7.30 am Church Rodriguez Family 10.00 am Church Aileen Dunning RIP FEBRUARY Wednesday 5 Feb St Agatha Sun 2 Watch & Pray film club - no11 at 3.00pm 8.15 am Claver Sr Monica Tue 4 2.30 pm in no 11, CWL 10.00 am Church Dave Blatchford RIP (1st anniv) Thu 6 Bereavement Open Door-no11 from 10.30-12.00 7.30 pm Church Hazel Barnes RIP Mon 10 Law Surgery in no11 from 7.30 pm Thursday 6 Feb St Paul Miki & Companions Sat 29 Contemplative Saturday - no 11, 11 am-noon 7.30 am Church Sandy Baron RIP 10.00 am Church Benefactors & members of the MARCH Salesian Family Fri 6 World Day of Prayer - 11 am St John’s Church, 8.00 pm Claver Adoration and Benediction Eden Park Friday 7 Feb Feria 7.30 am Church Canon Richard Meyer RIP 9.00 am Challoner Private Intention 9.10 am St Mary’s Patrick Larmer RIP Readings for the 9th February 10.00 am Church Fr Tom Creagh-Fuller RIP 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Followed by Adoration and Benediction Cycle 2, Psalter wk 1 Saturday 8 Feb St Josephine Bakhita Isaiah 58:7-10 8.15 am Claver Sr Editta Psalm 111 10.00 am Church Anne Guinle RIP (anniv) Paul to the Corinthians 2:1-5 Confessions Matthew 5:13-16 10.30 - 11.00am and 5.00pm - 5.55pm 6.00 pm Church The Airey Family

Sunday 9 Feb Fifth Sunday 8.00 am Church James Huffe 9.30 am Church For the people 11.00 am Church Ralph Lilly RIP (anniv) 5.30 pm Church Gerrard Logan RIP 7.00 pm Church Ed Haliburn

The Rosary is prayed from 9.40 every Monday - Saturday before the 10.00 am Mass and following these Masses there is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The collection last Sunday came to £1892.02 with a further £1584.09 through ChurchSuite and standing orders.

The Collection for our local SVP raised £1722.36

Thank you for your continued generosity.

We pray for those who have died recently: Maria Ferreira and Sarah Muduroglu (nee Henderson).

We pray for those whose anniversaries are at this time: John Hatfield, Dolly Lock, Patricia Jenkins, Mary Li, Gaynor Mullane, David Clifton Young, Aileen Dunning, Michael Greaves, Lionel Fannin, Berenice Goodwill, Anne Guinle, Cyril Fleming, Jeannette Whiting, Clive Parfitt, Lucienne Alphonse.

We pray for the sick: Angela, Bernice, Bob Burns, Emma-Jane, Carmel Cardiff, Chant, Christine, Leah Clent, John Crouch, Niamh Dawson, Giacomo Dillon, Joshua Dunford, Nicholas Dunford, Cecil Dutton, Ann Elmer, Felicity, Mary Flood, Erika Geddes, Chris Grant, Tony Hallett, Hans Halpin, Eileen Hayes, Kathleen Hayes, Jerry Jacob, John, Ellie Jones, Mary McGrath, Eddie Mitchell, Barbara Moyce, John Quaife, Brian Russell, Brigitte Savreux-O’Driscoll, Clare Shelton-Jones, Mary Shipsey, Coleen Shroeder, Siobhan, Helen Solley, Angela Stolle, Patricia Weal and Charlie Wynn.