Fr. Aaron Writes 10th September 2023

Webmaster • September 9, 2023


Leaving Horsham... This weekend I celebrate my last Sunday with you as your Parish Priest. It is difficult to leave a place that has

been my home for nine and a half years as assistant priest and then, later, Parish Priest. I thank you for helping me celebrate fifteen

years as a priest last weekend. I was very touched by your presence and prayers.


Thank you for all the love and support you have given me over these years; I hope I have been able to be a good pastor to you in this

wonderful part of God’s kingdom. This being my ‘first gig’ as Parish Priest means I have had to ‘cut my teeth’ here. So, if there have

been many mistakes and failings and, perhaps, misunderstandings, I hope I depart with your forgiveness.


It has been a great privilege and pleasure to be Parish Priest of Horsham – I hope I have been able to share the love and mercy of

God, promote the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives and simply follow what I was called to do at ordination – to serve and be

available to all, and to preach, teach and sanctify. We have a wonderfully diverse parish, full of many ages and enriched by so many

cultures, which is a joy to see each week in the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments. Attention to facilitating the

pastoral life of the parish, celebrating the source and summit of the Christian life, the Holy Mass, well and in a dignified manner,

supporting our schools, making our parish a place of welcome and inclusion and a social place to gather, have all been the focus of

my prayers, work and energy.


Being part of your lives, allowing me to be part of your families, has been so precious to me. Your kindness and generosity have been

immense. A priest is not a priest for himself, but for you. In the ministry of the priest, he is invited into the highs and lows of people’s

lives. There have been many celebrations, joys, much laughter and happiness but, as always, there has been a bearing and sharing

of illness, of hurts, wounds, burdens, bereavements and loss, loneliness, worries, fears and anxieties. I hope I have been always

available to accompany, support and lead you on our joint earthly pilgrimage to Heaven.


The loss of my parents whilst with you has been very hard for me but your love and prayers carried me through those difficult days

and continue to carry me each day. We got through the pandemic together and made it through to the other side. I remember

offering daily Mass for you, alone in church, which I never would have anticipated when I began here; similarly, I never would have

thought I’d be live streaming the Mass and be able to be beamed into your homes! I remember eagerly awaiting the opening of

churches again; I remember thinking that I must make it a special focus, using all my energy and strength, to get people back to

Church, back to Mass, back to the sacraments, without delay, and safely.


I would like to thank all those who volunteer in the parish in so many different ways - you are the oil in the engine of any parish - but

I would like to particularly thank you for your tireless generosity in serving the community. I would like to thank my colleagues in the

Presbytery - Deacon Tom, who has been a fine deacon, friend and pastoral collaborator, Cathy White, who has looked after me in

the house, and my former secretaries, Trish Fitzsimmons and Trish Moynihan, as well as my current help, Sue Smith and Cozette

Rice, for supporting and putting up with me! Special thanks to David Innes and the Finance Committee in being a kind and sure

support in the stewardship of the parish’s finances.


When Mgr John Hull, our former Vicar General and who himself had been sent here for his first appointment after ordination, heard

I was going to be your Parish Priest, he said fondly “Look after my first love.”


I hope I have been able to do that!


Please keep me in your prayers at this time as I pray for you.


Fr Xavier Amirdasamy – has arrived and will be concelebrating this weekend’s Masses. He will introduce himself at Holy Mass and

write in next week’s newsletter.


Robin Charles – After many years of service to our parish, managing our car parking permits and being a member of the Parish

Finance Committee, Robin is retiring from these roles. I would like to thank him, on behalf of the parish, for all his hard work in

making sure that our car parking facilities are well managed. His membership of the Parish Finance Team has also been a great

support to me and many of my predecessors. We wish him well and ask the Lord to bless him.


Altar Servers’ Mass at Arundel Cathedral – Holy Mass will be at 12 Midday on Saturday 23rd September and will be celebrated by

our Bishop. It would be good to see large numbers attending, particularly as it will take place during the 150th Year celebrations of

the Cathedral Church. Servers are asked to contact Grahame Moonan if they wish to attend.

A message from Fr Xavier

By Webmaster • June 6, 2025
Farewell and goodbye can often evoke feelings of sentiment, sadness, and departure, but they also mark an occasion of joy and the renewal of hope. We must trust in ourselves to move from the ordinary into the extraordinary, from this moment here in Horsham to every corner of the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be available to all who wish to collaborate, share, and grow together. As I say goodbye, I carry with me all the cherished memories of your loving care, comforting hugs, and unwavering support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, knowing that you will be there for me, even as I embark on my ministry and face times of need. A special thanks to Fr. Tristan for your kindness—you have made this year a memorable one for me. The portrayal of Pentecost in the Gospel is a vibrant and powerful image of the early church, awakened as an active missionary community. The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, with tongues of fire alighting on their heads, breathing new life into this group. The transformation is nothing short of radical: once fearful and hiding in the upper room, they are now emboldened, inspired to go into the marketplaces and boldly proclaim the crucified Christ they believe in. They are no longer the trembling individuals they once were. They have been changed, transformed into a new creation—enthusiastic, eloquent, and with a profound sense of their vocation. The first Pentecost was indeed a striking and exciting moment in the life of the Church. However, the coming of the Holy Spirit is not a singular event confined to the Church’s foundation. The gift of the Holy Spirit, which was given at Pentecost, is still available to the worshipping community here in Horsham, provided we are open and willing to receive it. The Holy Spirit works through human beings like ourselves, depending on our willingness to respond to His promptings. This feast day offers us an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we are using the gifts God has entrusted to us. While our gifts may not always be as spectacular as those that amazed the onlookers at the first Pentecost, their value is no less significant. What matters most is how we use our talents for the benefit of others—whether we are a patient father, a loving mother, a good listener, a generous giver, or someone who takes time for the elderly and the needy. Let us all pray together: "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love." My contact details: Fr. Xavier Amirdasamy, PP and VF. St. Joseph’s RC Church, THIRUVALLUVAR NAGAR, LALGUDI S.O. TRICHY Dt-621702. Tamil Nadu, South India.  Mobile and WhatsApp +919443247835, Email xasun@yahoo.com.

NEW WEEKDAY MASS TIMES FROM MONDAY 16TH JUNE

By Webmaster • May 30, 2025
Our ‘normal’ weekday Mass times will be changing from Monday 16th June, once Fr Xavier departs. The new schedule will be as follows: Monday - 12 noon, Tuesday - 7:30 in the morning, Wednesday – no Mass, Thursday – 12 noon, Friday – 12 noon. Occasionally, we may find we need to alter a ‘normal’ weekday Mass time, so please continue to check the weekly Mass times that are published in our Newsletter and on the website.

THIS WEEKEND’S SECOND COLLECTION

By Webmaster • May 30, 2025
THIS WEEKEND’S SECOND COLLECTION - is for World Communications Day, which supports the Church’s apostolate in the mass media. The theme for this year, chosen by the late Pope Francis, is ‘Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.’ (cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16) You can donate via the baskets or the card machines at the back of the church. Please note that this is not a Gift Aid-eligible collection. Thank you for your generosity.

Fr Tristan Writes 1st May 2025

By Webmaster • May 30, 2025
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he vanished from the Apostles' sight, and they spent a short while gazing into heaven. But as they looked up two men in white robes appeared before them and asked them what they were doing. 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?' (Acts 1:11) It was a rhetorical question, and one that we could pose of ourselves. 'Looking into heaven' is clearly a good thing to do! After all, it is where Christ, risen from the dead, and now ascended, has taken His seat to reign. Indeed, St Paul tells the Colossians to keep gazing in his direction: 'If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.' (Col 3:1-2) After the Ascension, our lives must surely be ones of contemplation, constantly putting before ourselves the face of Jesus, and the mystery of His death and Resurrection for us, and the glory to which he calls us.  However, still the angelic figures in Acts ask the Apostles 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?' The reason why is given immediately, when they add: 'This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.' (Acts 1:11) The concern of these heavenly messengers is that the Apostles do not think that Jesus's story is now complete. In fact, He will return to earth, just as He had taught them before, from the throne of the Father, as Judge of humanity (cf. Mt 25:31ff). We should never for a moment live our lives as if Jesus's story is done and dusted. In fact, like the disciples, apart from gazing into heaven, we need to keep our eyes open to observe the world around us in the here and now. The disciples are not to rest on their laurels having witnessed the Ascension. Instead, they must go straight to Jerusalem and take up the task the Lord left them to spread His Gospel. In order to do this, they will need the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (cf. Acts 1:5) The Holy Spirit, far from making them 'other worldly' - members of a sect who will no longer be concerned with the world's affairs - actually sends them into the world in a new way. We are constantly being called and empowered by the same Spirit to do likewise. In the face of great changes in our local church at this time, as we prepare to become one parish with the other communities of our diocese, we will also need to invoke the Holy Spirit's help, and Jesus's presence within us, bringing heaven and earth together. We will need both contemplation and action.

Fr Tristan Writes 25th April 2025

By Webmaster • May 25, 2025
This Thursday sees the great feast of the Ascension (a Holy Day of Obligation, and there will be two Masses in the parish to help you attend!) Jesus's return to the Father marked a profound turning point for the Apostles, when they entered a new phase in their discipleship. After forty days of being with them in his newly risen way of being, He instructed them to "stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high". And so began nine days of intense prayer and rejoicing together, until the day of Pentecost when that promised power - in the form of Jesus' Holy Spirit - would come upon them and remain with them, sending them out into the city streets, and into the world, manifested at last as the Church. This nine days of prayer is the pattern for the liturgical period between Ascension and Pentecost, known as the 'Novena'. Traditionally, we pray each day for a different gift of the Holy Spirit to be given to us, empowering us to live our vocation. You can easily find the full formula of prayer to use online, but here's a brief version, just in case it is useful. Happy Novena! Prayer for each day: "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your divine love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen." Intention for Day 1 (Friday after Ascension) For the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Day 2 (Saturday after Ascension) For the gift of Holy Fear Day 3 (7th Sunday of Easter) For the gift of Piety Day 4 (Monday) For the gift of Fortitude Day 5 (Tuesday) For the gift of Knowledge Day 6 (Wednesday) For the gift of Understanding Day 7 (Thursday) For the gift of Counsel  Day 8 (Friday) For the gift of Wisdom Day 9 (Saturday) For the fruits of the Holy Spirit

AN IMPORTANT DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: FR XAVIER IS LEAVING

By Webmaster • May 17, 2025
After the best part of two wonderful years with us, Fr Xavier will be returning to his home diocese in India in mid-June. On Friday 30th May we will hold a special Thanksgiving Mass for him, at which Bishop Richard and priests from across the Deanery will be present. The Mass will start at 6pm and will be followed by a Party in the Hall from 7:30pm. We hope to see as many of you there as possible, to give Fr Xavier a memorable send-off! Please bring a dish to share, savoury or sweet. We’d love the food you bring to be representative of the various cultural communities that make up our wonderful parish family! Drinks will be provided.

Fr Tristan Writes 17th April 2025

By Webmaster • May 17, 2025
'Baptised people of God/walk towards your light/Christ the Lord is risen/Alleluia!' We sang these words along with thousands of others on a Sunday in Lourdes a few weeks ago, during the Entrance Procession for the International Mass, which takes place in the vast underground basilica of St Pius X. It was a joyful reminder of the connection between our baptism and the Resurrection, which should really be a daily meditation for us as Christians. It reminds us that Baptism is not just an initiation ceremony or act of witness, it is a real participation in the rising of the son of God to life eternal! St Paul reminds the Christians of Rome: "we were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Rm 6:4) The life of the Risen One we receive is something 'new'. In 21st Century Western culture we are obsessed by novelty: so much of what we own is ‘brand new' or the 'latest thing'. But 'newness' in the Biblical context cannot mean something disposable. It is the property of Himself who is ageless and without time. It is, put plainly, divine Love: that power to gaze steadfastly on the true good and become united with it afresh in every moment, in everrenewing wonder, without fatigue or decay. Our Christian life needs to be a constant renewal of love. Every hour of every day brings challenges, but the goal is to see every hour in its 'newness'. Every prayer, no matter how familiar or repetitious to us, is Jesus's Word spoken anew. The sad thing is that we see our Christian life as something blasé; a key indicator of this is that we stop trying to grow. When we are challenged by a homily or a passage in Scripture, we think "I've heard that before and I already know what that means." When asked to help in the parish, we say to ourselves "no thanks; I've done my bit already". We assume we know how to 'do' faith. We have no desire to increase our knowledge, our outreach, our relationship with Christ or others.  Since the flower of eternal life has already been planted in us in the seed of grace, we should take care not to stifle its growth through a sense of over-familiarity. We can never be too familiar with the Persons of the Trinity who dwell within the soul filled with grace, just as They do not feel too 'familiar' in being united with us. We are to be open to life with Them forever. Especially crucial to this, and beautiful, is that encounter with the Son that we make so frequently, which is Communion with Christ's Risen Body in the Eucharist. Let us pray for our young people who will make this encounter for the first time this weekend! Throughout their lives, may they receive Holy Communion lovingly and always with a sense of doing something 'new'. May all our Communions, too, be warm and affectionate meetings with the Risen Lord, who sacrificed Himself for us, and draw from us a grateful 'Alleluia', each and every week!

HABEMUS PAPAM!

By Webmaster • May 11, 2025
Pope Leo XIV

Bishop Richard's weekly reflection - 4th May

By Webmaster • May 2, 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Writing in the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke records St Peter’s words to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses to all this.” This is as true for us as it was for the Apostles. The history of the Church gives us so many examples of martyrs and confessors of faith who put their witnessing to the Resurrection before all else. We are their successors and we share their responsibility. This may seem a daunting task but, like them, we are guided by the Holy Spirit. At this time when the Cardinals are preparing for the conclave, let us pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, in their solemn task of electing the next successor of St Peter. I ask your prayers, too, for the young people of our Diocese who, over the coming weeks, will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important moment for each of them, as they take this very significant step on the path of discipleship. It is also a time of celebration for the whole Diocese, as we rejoice in their openness to the life of the Gospel and pray that they will take their place in the mission of the Church.  With every blessing,

Mass time change- Saturday 26th April

By Webmaster • April 22, 2025
IMPORTANT: Saturday 26th April 2025  Due to Pope Francis’ funeral Mass taking place at 9:00am BST this coming Saturday, morning Mass at St John’s will be celebrated at 8:00am, with no Adoration, Benediction or Confession.
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