Welcome to St Edmund’s Catholic Church
in Bury St Edmunds
We are a friendly Catholic community who welcome others to join us in our worship and service of God.
We hope that you will find this website useful and that it will help you encounter Jesus Christ who is our life.
Mass Times
Saturday
18:00 St Edmund (Vigil)
Sunday
08:30 St Edmund
10:30 St Edmund
10:30 Montana
16:45 St Edmund (Polish Language)
For weekday Mass times see the parish newsletter
Holydays of Obligation
09:00 St Edmund’s Primary School
Term time only
12:00 St Edmund
19:00 St Edmund
Syro-Malabar Rite Masses
15:00 St Edmund
1st & 3rd Saturday of Month
Adoration & Prayers for Peace
10:30 Wednesday
Confessions
10:30 Wednesday & Saturday
Third Sunday of Easter
On the first day of the week, two of the disciples of Jesus were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognising him.
And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ And he said to them, ‘What things?’
And they said to him, ‘Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’
And he said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going further, but they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognised him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’
And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the Eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-35
Reflecting on the Mass
Recently, we have reflected on the different parts of the Mass in order to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Sacred Mysteries.
These downloadable articles explore different parts of the liturgy, explaining not just what happens, but why it matters.
Whether you are new to the Mass or have attended for many years, these reflections are intended to enrich your experience, strengthen your connection to the prayers and rituals, and invite you into a more meaningful participation in this central act of our faith.
Pilgrimage to Assisi
14-18 September 2026
Fr Sean will be leading a pilgrimage to Assisi in 2026 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ death.
The cost is £1,210 per person based on a shared room. This covers flights, accommodation, transfers, half board, all entrance fees, a professional tour guide and gratuities. There are a limited number of single room supplements at £50.
Deposit of £300 and completed booking form required by 27 February 2026 with balance and any single supplement due by 29 June 2026.
To book, click on the button saying “Book your Place’, enter Italy as your destination, then click on the dates drop-down box and select the pilgrimage: St Edmund’s Parish, Bury St Edmunds.
If you prefer to use a paper booking form, please contact the parish office.
For more information, contact Pilgrimage People 01223 968363
Bury Teens
Bury Teens is our recently started youth group for the parish, open to all in Years 9, 10 and 11. Meeting once a month in the crypt on Saturdays from 19.00 until 21.00, each session will include a meal together, lots of fun activities and chance to socialise, and some prayer. Participants need to be registered by their parents/guardian before their first attendance. Registration forms can be downloaded here. For more information email buryteens@gmail.com
Bethany Bereavement Support Service
Most of us will suffer bereavement at some point in our lives. Our parish runs a bereavement support programme which has been described as ‘a journey from heartbreak to hope.’
The Bethany Team offers support for anyone (all faiths and none) who is over the age of 18 years old and living in the Bury St Edmunds area.
The team offers individual and group sessions to support someone through the stages of grief and bereavement and will suggest other services as needed.
St Josephine Bakhita
Feast Day: 8 February
St Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. There are 50 million victims of human trafficking across the world and as many as 5,000 in the Diocese, hidden in plain sight in your neighbourhood. Pope Francis describes human trafficking as “blood money” and a “crime against humanity”. We are all called to combat this evil trade. To find out more and what you can do click the button below.
Praying for Peace
There seems to be so much conflict going on around the world and sometimes, albeit on a much smaller scale, even within our own lives. As Christians, we are particularly sensitive to conflicts taking place in the Holy Land of Jesus’ birth and it is terrible to see the plight of the people of Gaza, as well as witnessing the terror attacks on those who live in Israel. As people living in Europe, it is shocking to see another European country engaged in such a long and brutal war with Russia. Each Wednesday, after Mass, we pray before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and ask for peace in our world. You can join us in person, or simply use the prayers provided here to pray at home whenever you can.
Retrouvaille
Retrouvaille is the name of a programme designed to help heal and renew marriages. It all began in 1977 as a French language weekend for couples in Canada who were experiencing difficulties in their marriage. The word ‘Retrouvaille’ simply means ‘rediscovery’ and the programme offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your partner, and a loving relationship in your marriage. Retrouvaille now offers support and a lifeline for married couples facing difficulties in the UK and elsewhere around the world.
A Dementia Friendly Parish
A number of parishioners recently completed a dementia awareness course as our first step in ensuring that we are a dementia friendly parish. The five key takeaways seem obvious, but they challenge how we often think about dementia: (1) that dementia is not a natural part of ageing; (2) that dementia is caused by diseases of the brain; (3) that dementia is not just about losing your memory - it can affect thinking, communication and completing everyday tasks; (4) that it is possible to live well with dementia; and (5) that there is more to a person than the dementia.
Prayer