Newsletter 12th January 2025

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION 2025. This is now open to all in Yr 10 and above. Application forms are available on the website. Deadline for applications to the Parish office is the 31st January. https://www.chelmsfordcatholic...

NEWSLETTER FOLDING: We need a couple of new members to join our teams of folders on a Friday at noon in The Priory, New London Road. The commitment is once every 5 weeks for 1-2 hours. If you can help please contact Linda Kelly on kelly.clan@btinternet.com or 01245 265323.

FIRE MARSHALLS NEEDED IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE CHURCH: If you would like to help the Church by joining the fire marshall team for large Masses and events please contact the Parish Office or speak to Frs Martin and Damien.

ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY MEETING: In the chapel at St Augustine on the 20th January with Fr Martin and St Augustine Finance Committee at 7:30pm to discuss the future of the Presbytery at St Augustine Church.

WHY DO PEOPLE NO LONGER COME TO CHURCH?: The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre are hosting a talk by Rev Dr Liam Hayes at New Hall School. The talk, followed by discussion, starts at 7pm on Wed Jan 22nd. Refreshments will be served from 6.30pm. No cost to attend. All are welcome but need to register via the following link https://canonesses.co.uk/event...

FLAME TICKETS 15TH MARCH 2025: Flame is the largest Catholic youth gathering in the UK, and we can’t wait for it’s return in March 2025! Most recently, in March of last year, Flame 2023 welcomed over 8,000 young people to the OVO Arena, Wembley for a day of inspirational speakers, world-class Christian musicians and moments of prayer and Adoration. The Parish has limited tickets available, please contact the Parish Office if you would like to attend and have a seat on the coach. This years theme is “Unstoppable – Fan the Flame of Hope!”
Deacon Kevin and Cath: would like to thank all Parishioners for their Christmas Gifts and Cards. Thank you for your support and prayers over the last few difficult months. Assuring you all of a remembrance in our prayers. God bless you.

DONATIONS OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLOTHING: Have First Holy Communion clothing in good condition? Donate it to be reused and loved again! Borrowed clothing helps families save money, supports the environment, and raises funds for CAFOD (last year we raised £100!). Drop items off at the office or Holy Name Church on hangers to keep them in great shape. Thank you!

SVP CHELMSFORD: Would like to say a big thank you to all parishioners who signed up to buy Christmas gifts for our beneficiaries and mothers and children in The Women's Refuge. Thank you also to parishioners who donated food and toiletries; we were overwhelmed by your generosity.

UNWANTED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS: if anyone has received Christmas presents which are unwanted or are surplus to requirements and wants to donate them to this year’s Christmas Fayre, a box will be left at the back of OLI church for the next few weeks. Thank you for your generosity!

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK: Hope is central to Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace messages, especially in this Jubilee of Hope. On Sunday, 19th January, there will be a second collection for Pax Christi. Rooted in Catholic values they promote peace and nonviolence and welcome support from all who share its mission. More at www.paxchristi.org.uk.

CARITAS NETWORKING DAY: Join us on Sunday, 9th February 2025, 2–6 pm at St. Edward the Confessor Church Hall, Romford RM1 4AT, for the Caritas Brentwood Networking Day. Explore Catholic responses to homelessness, refugees, the Cost of Living Crisis, and climate change. Discover resources, share ideas, and find inspiration during this Jubilee year. Free registration at www.caritasbrentwood.org/netwo...

CAFOD - A YEAR OF HOPE: What does the 2025 Jubilee Year mean? How is the Church celebrating it, and how can you take part? Join Catholic talk show host Nana Churcher, CAFOD leaders, and special guests for an inspiring online event featuring Fr Jan Nowotnik, Christine Allen, Kayode Akintola, and Catholic band Ooberfuse. Saturday, 18th January, 10:30 am–12:00 pm. Free registration at cafod.org.uk/jubilee.

CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK 2025: Join us in prayer and reflection during Christian Unity Week, 18th–25th January 2025, as we work together to build bridges and celebrate unity among all Christians. Find events, resources, and ways to participate at chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk/christianunity2025 and on the posters in our Churches

SION COMMUNITY MARANATHA EVENT: The next Maranatha will be on Thursday 16th January at the Sion Community, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BX at 7pm for Mass, Praise and Worship and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Everyone is welcome, so do join us for what has come to be a very blessed evening.

WORD ON FIRE UK BIBLE CONFERENCE: Join Bishop Robert Barron and leading speakers like N.T. Wright and Professor Tracey Rowland for Evangelisation & Culture: The Bible. Dates: Friday 21st–Saturday 22nd February 2025, at the Excel Centre, East London. Discover insights into Scripture and faith with thousands of Catholics. Details and registration: wordonfire.org/the-bible-event.

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The SVP provides practical help to those in need. If you or someone you know could use support, call us confidentially at 0207 7033030, 07936 579230, or contact the Parish Office. For furniture donations or assistance, reach the SVP Furniture Project at 0330 0436474.

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

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN.

Maureen PORTER (RIP) Requiem Mass on Tuesday 14th January at 1:30pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church.

Bridget LOWE (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 30th January at 9:30am in St Augustine of Canterbury Church.

Anne SINCLAIR (RIP) Requiem Mass on Wednesday 12th February at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.)

Jennifer Bowman, Maureen Byrne, Marie Callahan, Valerie Cummins, Doreen Cornish, Madeleine East, Troy Erickson, Marta Fevola, Mary Fletcher, Michael Hoare, Mike Healy, Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, Connor Hickey, Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas, Margaret Lowrey, Anne Lowden, Maura Magee, Barry Mayo, Sarah & Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Donny McColl, Grazia Paola, Christine Staines, Rose Turner, John Rees, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Gayle Williams & Shirley Willis.