St. Martin’s Vicarage Upper Wellington Road Brighton BN2 3AN September 2024 My dear friends, I cannot believe how early in August I am writing the September letter—you will be relieved therefore that it will be quite short! So far the Summer has led up to our usual British expectations—unpredictable and changeable! The four days that we spent together as the Wagner Group Pilgrimage were some of the hottest of the year, though I was sorry for the Youth Pilgrims that it rained on their second day, (well it did here!), on the whole I think they fared better, camping as they were in the open air! One thing Walsingham is not, well may be two, is ‘unpredictable and changeable’! The spirit of prayer and holiness meets one at the Altar of the Annunciation, the beauty of worship (despite some old fashioned trimmings) is all embracing and after all that the words of the farewell hymn never cease to choke. Plans are in place for next year’s pilgrimage (28-31 July) and we look forward to being rejoined by our friends from S Michael’s again. While it seems a long way off please do reserve your place: there were five other parish groups there this year who will probably be looking for pl aces too: this means that it may not be possible to accept late bookings and it also means that you can pay slowly week by week which will ease the cost. Continuing on the same theme—remember the Diocesan Walsingham Festival on Saturday 28th—as well as the Wagner Clergy, Our Lady extends an invitation as well! With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
St. Martin’s Vicarage Upper Wellington Road Brighton BN2 3AN August 2024 My dear friends, “Receive the sign of the Cross, remember Jesus loves you. Follow him always” rings readily in my ears as I write for this edition of the monthly news. That is because I write on the day of The Leavers Mass during which the Year 6 leavers are anointed with holy oil in the manner that the Church has strengthened her children for their Calling at Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. I am calling this to mind this month as we can now inform you that the School had a “Good “ Ofsted inspection and within the five criteria both ‘Behaviour and Attitude’ and ‘Personal Development’ were each graded “Outstanding”. I am writing this in order to congratulate my staff colleagues on the result and also to highlight the school’s centrality to the missionary life of this Parish. The ministry of the School will feature among the celebrations of the Parish’s 150th Anniversary next year, the programme for which has recently been launched. I mention this now as now is the time to book for the Celebration Lunch on June 29th and also to begin looking out any memorabilia that may enrich the Flower Festival. With regard to the former we need an initial thirty-five bookings in order to secure the venue but they can be added to as I hope you will be encouraging others with a link past or present to join this event. Returning to the theme of anointing, in case you have not seen the Sunday Bulletin for July 6th , I would like to reiterate my thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts and card on the occasion of my 40th anniversary ; to Frs. Andrew and Robert for their kind words; and to Ange for organising the whole thing. That brings me to the final and most joyful news in this month’s offering. I am delighted to congratulate Ange on being awarded the Diocesan Order of Saint Richard . This so rightly reflects many years of devoted and tireless service to the Parish and the People of God it serves. With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
The Church Wardens and the congregation of St Martin's congratulate Father Trevor on reaching his 40th Year as ordained priest. After Mass on Sunday 30th June there was a gathering of parishoners, fellow clergy and our friends from St Martin's school to celebrate Father Trevors achievement and to present a token of thanks for his years of work and ministry within the parish. Father Trevor was Ordained Priest on July 1st 1984 by The Bishop of Chichester Eric Kemp.
St. Martin’s Vicarage Upper Wellington Road Brighton BN2 3AN July 2024 My dear friends, At its recent meeting the Standing Committee asked Brenda to write in this issue to update you more about our financial situation. To that end I just wish to highlight three school events in Church: The Key Stage 2 shows on July 15th (2pm) and 17th (6.30pm): also the Leavers Mass on the 23rd (9.15am) - you are warmly encouraged to support these. I am very aware that we are all going through a hard time financially. However, I think it is only right that I make you aware that our church is also going through a very difficult time. For instance the money given by the congregation each month is approximately £650.00 to £700.00. The insurance we have to pay for the church alone is £928.00 . I only give this as an example but am willing to answer any questions. If you are able to spare even a small amount this would be most welcome. The parish giving scheme is the easiest way to give. The direct debit goes out of your account on the first day of the month and we receive the money a few days later. It is very easy to sign up for this and you can amend or cancel at any time. Please ask Angela or me if you would like to give this way. My thanks for all that you give to support our church. Thank you for this Brenda. With my love and prayers,Fr. Trevor
