St. Martin’s Vicarage Upper Wellington Road Brighton BN2 3AN July 2026 My dear friends, I hope by now that everyone knows the importance of the first Sunday in July when we look forward to a pastoral visit from Bishop Will who is our “acting” Bishop. As I said at Mass today, that might give some of you a clue as to when I am writing this, a Parish clergy we celebrate in the name of the Bishop. Added to the joy of welcoming our Father-in-God we shall have the chance of supporting James who the Bishop has kindly offered to Confirm on this occasion. Another important celebration is on July 16th. The School Leavers’ Mass at 09.30 on that day is one of mixed emotion as we both give thanks for those who have been members of the Parish family (some for eight years) but also bid them well for their continued education. A significant moment in this annual celebration is the ‘Anointing’ of those leaving : the words are, “N. remember Jesus loves you, follow him always”: you might like to add that to your prayers on this day. In the last week of the month I have the pleasure of leading the annual Wagner Group Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. While there are no Masses here, those not making the pilgrimage will be remembered at Mass in the Shrine and the schedule of Mass at S Bartholomew’s and S Paul’s is printed below the Kalendar. Please do ask if you wish any of us to take an intention for prayer in the Holy House. Thinking of Walsingham I am reminded that on August 16th we shall be holding a Parish Lunch after Mass. Bookings will open soon so please book the date. With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
June 2026 My dear friends, I begin this month’s offering with thanks to all who have supported our Saturday opening experiment. It is true to say that the stalls have not produced a great deal of income but of course, they cannot make a loss! These events and the Spring Bank Holiday Monday bar-b-cue have all seen a number of visitors with the usual phrase, “It is good to see the Church Open!” I hope the June Saturdays will be as well supported especially the Summer Celebration on June 13th. This issue will be published on May 31st the week before the wonderful celebration of the Feast of Corpus et Sanguis Christi. Sadly it has not been possible to secure an organist for this Sunday and while I was pondering music for the traditional ceremonies an invitation came from Fr Kieran at S Joseph’s to join with them. I therefore decided to simply conclude our celebration with the blessing thus enabling us to join our friends as the Procession passes around 12.15. If the route up Franklin Road and De Montfort Roads descending Elm Grove to Church for Benediction sounds too daunting you may like to go straight to the Church. I am looking forward to joining Year 6 for two of their leavers trips. The first is to S Paul’s Cathedral on June 4th and then at the end of the month, on S John the Baptist’s Birthday, to our own Cathedral where, supported by our friend Nic Robinson, they will be forming the Choir. When you look at the Kalendar you will see that there is no Mass here on S Barnabas’ Day as we are invited to the Patronal at Hove that evening. One last reminder is that Walsingham Balances are due by the end of the month so please help us who have to do the sums by paying them in advance. With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
My dear friends, This month begins with me being the only full time stipendiary priest in the Wagner Group. Together with Fr. Andrew and Fr. Robert we are offering as regular a programme here and also supporting our neighbouring friends as possible. We are all publishing each others regular worship patterns in an attempt to ensure a Mass is available within the group seven days a week. It is probably best to consult websites for any last minute changes. Ascension Day falls on May 14th and is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Principal Celebration that day is with the Wagner Group at s Michael’s at 7pm and I hope we shall be well represented. There will be a said Mass here at 12 noon for those unable to make the evening: if it is fine and the School Mass is celebrated outside at 1.30pm that is also open to you. Arrangements are well underway for the Wagner Group Supper on the Feast of Pentecost. Please see the Sunday Bulletin and listen to the notices about the time as I have yet to speak with Fr. Bill about the evening liturgy. In lieu of publishing a year Diary please note that on August 16th, the transferred date for the Solemnity of the Assumption, we shall be holding a lunch after the Parish Mass. On a final note please make sure your Walsingham Booking Forms have been returned as the earlier we submit the requests the more likely they will all be met. On this subject we are all being registered for half-board (Breakfast and Dinner) as there are so many opportunities for lunch variants. With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
My dear friends, This edition will be published on Palm Sunday as once again we begin the observance of Holy Week. There can only be Evening Celebrations on Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday and I am aware that though the clocks will have sprung forward for some this raises complications. Please would everyone be proactive in offering to collect people and take them home for these liturgies. It was a great pleasure to be able to congratulate Fr. Thomas on his appointment to S John the Divine West Worthing and S Andrew’s Worthing. Father’s licensing will be on Tuesday 28th April at 7.30pm in the former church and there is an open invitation to support him., General consensus is to arrange shared transport but the train may prove to be convenient for some—Let’s discuss this when we know who wishes to go. The details of the Wagner Group Easter Celebration next month are at the back of Church. Please note that bookings for this close on April 12th (Easter 2). Finaly I draw your attention to April 12th (Easter 2) when due to the closure of Lewes Road for The Marathon the Parish Mass will be celebrated at 4pm and to April 26th (Easter 4) when we look forward to welcoming eight first communicants in our family. Frs. Andrew, Nick and Robert join me in wishing you a Holy Week and Happy Easter. With my love and prayers,