Newsletter 14th April 2024

CANON BRIAN O'SHEA GOLDEN JUBILEE: Fr Brian O'Shea is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of his ordination in St Thomas of Canterbury, Grays on Saturday 4th May at 1:30pm. All are invited to the celebration, however if you are planning to attend please you could you contact the Master of Ceremonies, Nick, N.Chinnon@sky.com to help the purpose of numbers and catering.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR CONFIRMATION 2024. This is now open to all Yr 10 and above or students in year 9 who are currently on the Alpha Course. For more information see the website and letters and application forms available in the back of the Church. Please return these back to the Parish Office as soon as possible.

OPEN LINKED PARISH MEETING: All are invited to a Chelmsford Linked Parish meeting at 7:30pm in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall on Wednesday 17th April. There will an opportunity with Fr Martin to (1) Reflect on the way forward for the cross-Chelmsford Parish Partnership. (2) Receive an update on Finance and Buildings across the Chelmsford linked parishes and, (3) Discuss the invitation from Pope Francis to involve all in the Jubilee Year of Prayer in 2025.

SVP FUNDRAISING EVENT: It’s you that wear the clothes, not the clothes that wear you! It’s knowledge that buys a pulled together look – not money! Wearing colours that flatter is key. Some shades will bring out the best in you, some will drag you down. The good news is you can wear almost any colour, it’s the undertone and intensity that make a difference. Get inspo from Colour and Style Coach Sandra with a 45 minute practical demo which will help you understand which colours work best for you so you’ll need to buy less clothes and make more of what you’ve got already in your wardrobe!
The live talk is in the hall on Saturday May 11th at 11.15am followed by tea, coffee, cake and a chance to browse and buy accessories. Tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the door. Bring some friends! All proceeds go to the SVP. Apply: SecretarySVPChelmsford@svp.org.uk.
Tickets on sale after 9am and 12 noon masses on April 21st and April 28th in OLI, and after the 6pm and 10:45am weekend Masses in Holy Name.

LEGION OF MARY HOUSE ROSARY: Two members of the Legion of Mary will be happy to visit your home to say a rosary with your family during May. If you would like a visit there are sign up sheets at the back of churches or contact the Legion of Mary via the Parish Office

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS: Take place in Holy Name Parish Church after the 7:30pm Mass on Monday 15th April. All are very welcome.

OLI CHURCH GARDEN HELP NEEDED: If you could help with the maintenance of the Church Garden please could you contact John Holland on 07754 972942 or via the Parish Office. Thank you in advance for your help.

ALPHA YOUTH GROUP CATERERS NEEDED: If you could help provide catering for the final two Youth Alpha sessions on the 19th April and the 3rd May please could you contact Fr Paschal for further information. This weekend our young people will be on their retreat, please remember them in your prayers.

NEW MISSAL FROM ADVENT 2024 OFFER: From Advent 2024 the lectionary across England and Wales will be updated to including the translation of the readings to the English Standard Version. Archbishop Emeritus George Stack of Cardiff, Chair of the Department for Christian Life and Worship, has welcomed the changes saying, “As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council we can see that the Lectionary is one of the great fruits of the Council. It fulfils the mandate of the Council Fathers to open up the scriptures for the faithful so that Sunday by Sunday Christ himself speaks to us in the word...the new Lectionary gives us an opportunity to hear that Word with fresh ears as we engage with a text which is intended for public proclamation and reflects up to date biblical scholarship. I hope that parishes and other communities will engage in preparation for the Lectionary so that all the faithful will hear the word of God with deepened faith and understanding.” Redemptorist Publications are offering an early bird discount on their Sunday missals for people wishing to follow the Mass with the latest translation of the readings. For more information see https://tinyurl.com/missal2024

FOR CURRENT VACANCIES IN BRENTWOOD DIOCESE: 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, in need of help, or know someone who is? If so, contact us on 07876 551150. 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.