Newsletter 24th December 2023

MESSAGE FROM FR MARTIN: Many people will be aware that the collections at Christmas and Easter form the greater part of the personal income for the priests of our parish communities. For this Frs Damien, Paschal and I are truly grateful, especially in these hard times of a sharp rise in the cost of living. We realise that many people now give to the parish through standing orders. In order that our auditors fully appreciate the intention of donors through the standing order scheme it would be very useful if parishioners could indicate whether they consider a proportion (2 weeks of the 52 weeks of the year) to go to the Christmas and Easter offering amounts. A simple email or note to the office (office@chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk) would clarify our accounts. We fully appreciate that some will wish to contribute separately to the priests at this time and this could be a one-off BACS transaction marked ‘Christmas’ (with gift aid number if applicable), or a marked envelope (again with gift aid number if applicable). You may of course wish simply to place offerings in the usual collection at the weekend. For all this and your continued generous support of our parishes… Many thanks!

CHILDREN'S LITURGY 31st DECEMBER: There is no children's liturgy in Our Lady Immaculate on Sunday 31st December.

TUESDAY FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Does not meet this Tuesday the 26th December. From January 2nd all are welcome to join us in meeting every Tuesday weekly after the 12:30pm Mass on Tuesdays in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall.

SVP CHELMSFORD: would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those parishioners who have so generously supported us throughout the year, either through one off or regular online donations, by attending our popular monthly coffee mornings or through donations of food and gifts at Christmas time. We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas.

HOLY NAME THANK YOU: To all who came to enjoy the mince pies and mulled wine recently at Holy Name. Thanks to your generosity we raised £125. With the money we are buying a 'Terrific Toilet' and an 'Emergency Shelter' from the CAFOD World Gifts Catalogue.

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS - CERTIFICATE OF CATHOLIC PRACTICE FORMS: Fr Martin will be signing the ‘Certificate of Catholic Practice’ forms in Our Lady Immaculate Church between 17:30pm-18:30pm on Tuesday 9th January 2024. He will have the Certificate of Catholic Practice forms available, if families could please bring their child's baptism certificate with them.

FUNERAL OF PHILOMENA MILTON (RIP): In Our Lady Immaculate Church on Wednesday 27th December at 12:30pm. The family have asked if all attendees could please wear colourful clothes, not black to celebrate Philomena's life.

PRIORY CHAPEL PRAYER GROUPS ON WEDNESDAYS: The Holy Rosary of the crucifixion Prayer group meets every Wednesday at 6:15pm. All are welcome to join us in praying this beautiful devotion. This is followed at 7pm by traditional prayers, litanies and devotions until 7:45pm. All very welcome.

MASS TIMES CHRISTMAS DAY: Please note there is no 7pm Mass on Christmas Day in Our Lady Immaculate Church.

LIBRARY IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE: The Library is for all Parishioners to borrow and lend books and run by volunteers. Please can you leave the books in the order you found them, so others can enjoy them.

FOR CURRENT VACANCIES IN BRENTWOOD DIOCESE: Across the schools and departments please see: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood...
New this week: Choral Director – Diocese of Brentwood Schools Singing Programme.

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: provides practical help and support where possible for those who need it. Are you lonely, in need of help, or do you know someone who is? If so, contact us on 07876 551150 to arrange a visit. All calls are completely confidential.

HOSPITAL AND SICK VISITS: If you or a member of your family go into hospital, or are sick and housebound, please inform the Parish Office so a priest or the Legion of Mary can visit you.