Newsletter 16th March 2025

First Reading: Genesis 15:5-12,17-18

Responsorial Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

STATIONS OF THE CROSS DURING LENT

Mondays at 7pm in Holy Name Church
Fridays at 12:30pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church
Saturdays at 11:30am in St Augustine of Canterbury Church
"We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world."

KNIGHTS' ANNUAL DINNER: KSC will hold their Annual Dinner at the famous Blue Strawberry on Thursday, 3rd April. We have 40 places and over 30 have already been taken. The price is £40. If you would like places, e-mail Chris on thompsoncjt01@blueyonder.co.uk as soon as possible.

ST AUGUSTINE'S 200 CLUB: We will be collecting for next years 200 Club over Lent, starting this Sunday. We had over 150 shares taken last year so we would like to get the number over 200 this year. Please see Chris to give cash or cheques at Mass one Sunday, or pay directly to our bank account. For more details speak to Chris Thompson or e-mail thompsoncjt01@blueyonder.co.uk

HOLY NAME LADIES' GROUP EASTER RAFFLE: to raise funds for any future needs in the Parish. Tickets will be on sale before and after all weekend Masses beginning this weekend. The draw will be on 13th April (Palm Sunday) after 10.30 Mass in Canon Wilson Hall.

ST JOHN PAYNE LENTEN SERVICE: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, at 6:00 PM. The service will take place at St John Payne Catholic School, Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 4BS. For more information, please contact Katy Adams (Chaplain) at KAD@sjp.essex.sch.co.uk. We hope to see you there!

FOODBANKS IN OUR CHURCHES DURING LENT: Our collection for foodbank items this Lenten season has begun. Thank you so much for your generosity this Lenten season, it helps directly those in need in the local community. For more information about items needed please see the leaflets in church or on our Parish website. In St Augustine we continue to support the Little Free Pantry.

LENTEN LECTURES: Continue on Monday evenings at 7pm in New Hall School - the talks are on the theme of "Pilgrims of Hope and Love of the Stranger." The next talk on the 17th March the talk is by Dr Paul Thomas on 'How Science and Religion can support each other and my personal experience of miracles.' It is in New Hall Barn, near to the southern exit, to the right of the main building. Refreshments are provided beforehand. For more information on upcoming talks please see the Parish website and posters in Church.
At Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday evenings there are talks beginning at 7:30pm on the theme of 'Those Who Believe Don't Leave.' This week on the 19th March the talk is by Fr Philip Caldwell: On the Eucharist & and the Saints. For more information https://brentwoodcathedral.org...

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING IN ST AUGUSTINE: We would be delighted to welcome any children who have made their First Holy Communion and would like to altar serve at Masses in St Augustine to come to altar server training at 10:30am on Saturday 29th March. If you would like to attend, please let Ben Hitchen know or speak to the Parish Office.

HOLY NAME SOUP LUNCH: for CAFOD on is on Wednesday 26th March at 12:30pm. Do come along and join us for a light lunch and to meet old/new friends.

CAFOD LENTEN APPEAL: The family fast day was last Friday but is not fixed and can be done on a day of your choosing. Their will be Lenten appeal over the weekend of 15th/16th March with speakers in OLI and Holy Name Church, and a second collection over the weekend of 22nd/23rd March.

THE CANONESSES OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE: Invite applications for the post of BOOKKEEPER. (Relevant skills and experience required). 20 HOURS A WEEK. Office based in Colchester CO4 3XD. For further details please look at our website – www.canonesses.co.uk. Closing date for applications is May 9th, with interviews on May 23rd.

THANK YOU: The family of Ian Wiseman would like to thank all those who have sent cards and Masses, as well as those who helped out in so many ways before, during and after his funeral.
Brentwood Ursuline - 125th Anniversary: To mark out 125th anniversary, we invite past and present staff and students to attend an anniversary Mass at Brentwood Cathedral at 11.15am on Saturday 26th April 2025, followed by a community celebration at Brentwood Ursuline, from 1pm-5pm. For further details and to book a place at the event, please refer to the school's website: www.brentwoodursuline.co.uk

KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA REFUGEE APPEAL: The Knights of St Columba continue to support the refugees based in Wethersfield They have asked for support from parishioners in collecting the items below which can be left in the churches from next weekend. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Men’s clothing for younger men (joggers, jeans, coats, trainers, hoodies, sweatshirts, jumpers, t-shirts, long-sleeve tops); no suits please - New underwear and socks only - Rucksacks - Notebooks, pens, and English learning books - Art supplies (drawing pencils and paper) • Playing cards and dominoes.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Bishop Alan is seeking to appoint a Director of Education to promote and implement his vision for Catholic education within the Diocese. This is an inspiring, rewarding and fulfilling position as the Diocese serves a network of 90 schools, providing for the formation and educational needs of some 40,000 children and young people. The successful candidate will have extensive leadership experience in an education context, a strong grasp of current educational issues (including CMATs’ evolving role within the parish, diocese and local community); excellent leadership and management skills; and a deep knowledge and understanding of Catholic education as structured in this country.
For further details of this role and other vacancies across the Diocese https://www.dioceseofbrentwood...

THIS WEEK'S BAPTISMS: We welcome Callum as the newest member of our Catholic Community.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN.
Valerie MALIK (RIP) Funeral service on Tuesday 18th March at 10am in Chelmsford Crematorium.

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

Susan Ager, 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 & Shelia Mayo, Sarah & Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Donny McColl, Grazia Paola, Christine Staines, John Rees, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Gayle Williams, Shirley Willis.