Newsletter 21st January 2024

KSC ANNUAL DINNER: The Knights of St. Columba are holding their Annual Dinner at the Secret Garden on Saturday, 10th 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 . The Secret Garden would like to know our numbers by the 3rd Feb, so please contact us as soon as possible.

YEAR 12 RETREAT – Focussed on ‘Life to the full’: Walsingham House are running a retreat for students in Yr12 on the weekend of the 16th-18th February. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other young people from across the diocese, to make new friends and to take time out from their busy lives to reflect and pray. The cost of the retreat is £35. For more information and to apply please see the website https://bcys.net/events/yr12re...

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

UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS: With a view to our Christmas Fayre which will be held in November this year, a box will be left at the back of OLI church for the next few weeks to receive any Christmas presents which are surplus to your requirements and which you might like to donate to this worthy cause, which raises much needed funds for our Parish. With many thanks.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK FOR RACIAL JUSTICE: The theme for Racial Justice Sunday is: “Seeing one another in the life of the Church”.

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS: Take place in the Church of the Holy Name after the 7:30pm Mass on Monday 22nd January. All very welcome.

SVP CHELMSFORD COFFEE IN OLI: SVP Chelmsford are holding a Coffee Morning after 9.00 and 12.00 masses on Sunday 28th January. Come and meet your fellow parishioners and enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and savoury treats.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS: will be held immediately following the 10:30am Mass on Saturday, 27th January at Our Lady Immaculate church. All welcome.

KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA THE IRISH SHOW LONDON 15th MARCH: Tickets are available for a escorted coach journey picking up at our three linked parish churches on the morning of the 15th March and leaving London to return at 5:15pm. . The price is £85 per adult including return coach travel and a lunch before the show. If you would like further information please contact John Holland on 07754972942 For more information about the St Patricks Irish Music Hall show see https://www.bricklanemusichall...

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: Escorted Tour to Westport, Knock & Co Mayo, 7th April 2024. £899.00 pps. Price includes flight, 10kg hold luggage, 5 nights’ in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Lunch on three days. All entertainment, excursions and transport included. Visit Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle. Single supplement on Enquiry. Contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com

FOR CURRENT VACANCIES IN BRENTWOOD DIOCESE: Across the schools and departments please see: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood...
New this week: St Peters Primary School, Goresbrook Road, Dagenham is seeking to appoint a School Office Administrator asap. Hours 8am to 4pm, term-time only plus one week. Closing date 29 January 2024. Please call school office for more information tel.0208 270 6524, email:- office@st-peter.bardaglea.org.uk.

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.