Newsletter 19th 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 new members to join our teams of folders on a Friday at noon in St Philip's 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.

SVP CHELMSFORD: Coffee Morning today, Sunday 19th January in Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall. We will be serving coffee, tea and soft drinks, as well as delicious homebaked cakes and sausage rolls after 9.00 am and 12.00 Noon
masses. All are warmly welcome.

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 this Wednesday 22nd January. 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, Christian musicians and prayer and Adoration. The Parish has limited tickets available, 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!”

Donations of First Holy Communion Clothing: Do you 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!

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 THIS WEEK: Hope is central to Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace messages, especially in this Jubilee of Hope. Todays second collection is for the Catholic organisation Pax Christi. Rooted in Catholic values they promote peace and nonviolence and welcome support from all who share its mission. 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. Free registration at www.caritasbrentwood.org/netwo...

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS: Take place in Holy Name Parish Church after the 7:30pm Mass on Monday 20th January. All are very welcome.

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

49 CLUB HOLY NAME: Winners from October to December are Anne Gardner, Greg and Joan Carvalho, Lynne Walker, Sarah Hiom and David Mowbray – congratulations to all of the winners. If you’d like to be a member of the 49 Club, please contact Sarah Hiom (sarah@hiom.co.uk ) or on 07771 786184.

BCCS Shrove Tuesday Afternoon Tea: Tuesday, 4th March 2025 , 1 PM–3:30 PM, Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend-on-Sea. Join Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS) for an afternoon tea celebration. Tickets are £35 per person and can be purchased at www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/e... you have dietary requirements or wish to arrange group seating (tables of 12), please contact Julie at jabbott@bccs.org.uk after purchasing your tickets. Don’t miss this lovely event!

OPENING THE DOORS TO FREEDOM FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Thursday, 6th February | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM | Via Zoom. Join the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) for their first Jubilee Year event, facilitated by Brian O'Toole of APT Ireland, RENATE, and Talitha Kum. Discover more about Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in the UK, and explore ways to help victims as "Pilgrims of Hope."To register, email admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk and receive the Zoom link closer to the date.

LIVE MUSIC FROM 'THE APPROACH' AT BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH HALL: Join us for an evening of live music with local band 'The Approach' on Saturday, 25th January at Blessed Sacrament Hall, Melbourne Avenue, CM1 2DU. Doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets are £5 (cash only), available after weekend Masses, from Jenny at 07904 903800, or at the door. Enjoy classic covers from the 60s to 2000s with guaranteed dancing! Bring your own drinks, glasses, and snacks. A raffle will also be held. Don’t miss it!

BAPTISMS THIS WEEK: We pray for and welcome Marcel as the newest member of our Catholic community

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

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 and Ian Wiseman.