Newsletter 31st December 2023

NEW YEARS EVE VIGIL AND MASS AT MIDNIGHT: Kickstart 2024 with New Year's Eve Adoration, Vigil and Mass at Midnight. Join us at Our Lady Immaculate Church for an evening filled with prayer, silent time with Our Lord, ushering in the sacred presence of Jesus into the New Year. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament commences after the 7pm evening Mass on Sunday.

We'll come together in prayer, engaging in the Holy Rosary, litanies, prayers and various devotions interspersed with time in silent reflection. We'll express gratitude for the year ending and seek blessings and protection for 2024. At Midnight we'll celebrate together the first Mass of 2024. Join us for this beautiful time with Jesus—whether it's for a few minutes, a couple of hours, or the entire duration of Adoration—because He eagerly awaits your presence. This inclusive service is open to all; extend the invitation to friends and family. Let's collectively embark on the New Year, choosing to be with Jesus, the true source of our blessings and grace.

THE FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS: will follow immediately after 10:30am Mass in Our Lady Immaculate Church on Saturday 6th January.

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

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

JANUARY YOUTH MASS IN BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL: We will begin the evening with celebrations for the feast of the Epiphany from 6:30pm. Please come and join young Catholics from all over the Diocese, for Pizza, refreshments and more in the Parish Hall. All are invited to bring any unwanted Christmas gifts to this Youth Mass which we will then donate to local charities to bring joy to someone in need.

TUESDAY FRIENDSHIP CLUB: Meets every Tuesday weekly after the 12:30pm Mass on Tuesdays in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall. All are very welcome to join us to meet friends old and new and enjoy plentiful refreshments.

CATHOLIC PRACTICE FORMS: Fr Martin will be signing the ‘Certificate of Catholic Practice’ forms in Our Lady Immaculate Church between 5:30pm - 6:30pm on Tuesday 9th January 2024. Fr Martin will have the Certificate of Catholic Practice forms available, if families could please bring their child's baptism certificate with them.

THE SVP ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS: willing to help children put their faith into action: The St Vincent de Paul Society have primary school groups called Mini Vinnies, and volunteers would support teachers or youth leaders wishing to start a group in their school or parish. The role is flexible but does need people with some availability during school hours (at least 2 mornings or afternoons per month) who are willing to travel within the diocese (all costs are covered). If you are passionate about helping children discover how they can make a difference in their communities, please email Sarah at youngvincentians@svp.org.uk. You do not have to have previous experience of working with children as all training will be given. Our next initial training day is on Tuesday 27th February 2024.

THE PRAYER INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER: Entrusted to the Pope's worldwide prayer network. January 2024 asks us all to pray for the gift of diversity in the Church. "We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognise the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church."

FOR CURRENT VACANCIES IN BRENTWOOD DIOCESE: Across the schools and departments please see: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood...

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.