Newsletter 14th January 2024

ROUNDABOUT CLUB AT HOLY NAME: Now we've resumed meetings we are holding a Red Cross educational workshop on Thursday 18th( January) next week. We welcome anybody who would like to join us on this occasion just turn up at the hall at Holy Name at 2pm or just before . You can contact Noreen on 01245 265159 if you need more details . Thank you and we look forward to you joining us.

SVP SPRINGFIELD CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE: thank you! A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Giving Tree project by purchasing gifts or making donations. Thanks to your generosity and that of Church of Our Saviour parishioners and some website supporters, we were able to provide 2 gifts for each of 104 children across 37 families. We were also able to provide a small gift for many of the Mums and the Round Table provided us with supermarket vouchers for all the families. Thank you so much - your generosity has made such a difference.

Thank you also to everyone who helped with collecting, sorting and distributing supermarket surpluses at Christmas and the New Year. We apologise if you volunteered to get involved and we haven't yet got back to you - it's been a very busy period but you will hear from us soon.

KSC ANNUAL DINNER: The Knights of St. Columba are holding their Annual Dinner at the Secret Garden on Saturday, 10 February (18.30 for 19.00). We have a small number of places left and guests will be welcome to join us. The price is £40, and the dress code is lounge suits (black tie optional). This is an excellent way to meet the Knights informally, so if you would like to join us, contact Chris Thompson for more details at thompsoncjt01@blueyonder.co.uk .

YEAR 12 RETREAT – Friday 16th to Sunday 18th February: “Life to the Full” - You are at a stage where you are about to start making decisions and dreaming about future plans. You might be at a stage where you are looking to explore your faith further and learn more about the role God plays within your life. This retreat will give you time to think, pray and chat with those in your year from across Essex and East London. There will be a mix of fun and games, & times of reflection and personal prayer. For just £35, the cost will include meals, accommodation and youth-led formation. Apply now at www.bcys.net/events/yr12retreat/

AN EVENING WITH JESUS AND MARY: All are welcome to our monthly evening of catechesis and prayer. Our time together begins with the Holy Rosary, followed by a talk, and ends with a time of adoration. After the event there will be refreshments available in the hall. These nights look to inform, encourage and enrich all who attend, building up our parish life and community. We meet again on the 17th of January, 7.00 - 9.00 pm at St Augustine's Church Springfield with Fr Paschal.

OCTAVE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY: Jan 18th to the 25th. The octave of prayers for Christian unity has a history of over 100 years where Christians observe a time of prayer for visible Christian Unity. By annually observing the octave, Christians move toward the fulfilment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." - John 17:21

A FIRE IN MY HEART - A CONVERSATION WITH BIBLICAL FRIENDS: On Saturday 3rd February from 11 am until 2 pm (coffee and refreshments at 10.30 am), at the church of Christ the Eternal High Priest in Gidea Park (RM2 6DH). Fr Adrian Graffy, Parish Priest will be in conversation with professor Nuria Calduch-Benages, secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, and Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio, archbishop of Lima, Peru. The speakers will be present in-person, but this free event is also live-streamed on www.whatgoodnews.org If attending in person please book your place in advance at gideapark@brcdt.org The event is under the auspices of the Catholic Biblical Association of Great Britain.

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.