Newsletter 29th December 2024

NEW YEAR'S EVE VIGIL AND MASS AT MIDNIGHT: Join us at Our Lady Immaculate Church for an evening filled with prayer, silent time with Our Lord, ushering in the sacred presence of Jesus into the New Year. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament commences at 11pm. At Midnight we'll celebrate together the first Mass of 2025. Join us for this beautiful time with Jesus—whether it's for a few minutes, a couple of hours, or the entire duration of Adoration—because He eagerly awaits your presence. This inclusive service is open to all; extend the invitation to friends and family. Let's collectively embark on the New Year, choosing to be with Jesus, the true source of our blessings and grace.

THANK YOU FROM OUR PRIESTS: A heartfelt thank you. We want to extend a very big thank you to our entire parish community for the incredible effort and dedication shown in preparing for this year's Christmas celebrations. We are deeply heartened by the overwhelming voluntary support within our parish.

Your contributions are a testament to the sense of community, commitment, and belonging that makes our linked parishes so special. From the stewards and greeters to the servers, readers, eucharistic ministers, and choir, your hard work and dedication brought our Advent and Christmas celebrations to life in such a beautiful way.

May we continue to grow in faith and fellowship as we journey together. Thank you all once again, and may you have a blessed Christmas season!

On a more personal note we would like to thank the many parishioners who sent personal Christmas greetings and gifts, it was extremely thoughtful of you.

With gratitude, Frs Martin and Damien

TUESDAY CLUB IN OLI HALL: is on a Christmas break and will recommence on the 7th January in the new year.

THE DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: led by Bp Alan, will be from Friday 18 July – Friday 25 July 2025. The flights will be Southend to Lourdes. Details, including how to book, will follow.

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: provides practical support where possible for those who need it. Are you, in need of help, or know someone who is? If so, contact us on 0207 7033030, 07936 579230 or via the Parish Office. All calls are completely confidential. If you would like to donate furniture or are in need, contact the SVP furniture project on 0330 0436474.

FROM POPE FRANCIS: “The mystery that never ceases to amaze and move us was renewed this night: the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. That is how the shepherds of Bethlehem, filled with joy, found him, as the angels sang: “Glory to God and peace to men” (cf. Lk 2:6-14). Peace to men and women.

This event, which took place over two thousand years ago, is indeed made new thanks to the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit of Love and Life who made fruitful the womb of Mary and from her human flesh formed Jesus. Today, amid the travail of our times, the eternal Word of salvation is once more truly made incarnate, and speaks to every man and woman, to the whole world. This is the message: “I love you, I forgive you; come back to me, the door of my heart is open for you!”

Brothers and sisters, the door of God’s heart is always open; let us return to him! Let us go back to the heart that loves and forgives us! Let us be forgiven by him; let us be reconciled with him! God always forgives! God forgives everything. Let us allow ourselves to be forgiven by him.

This is the meaning of the Holy Door of the Jubilee, which I opened last night here in Saint Peter’s Basilica: it represents Jesus, the Door of salvation open for all. Jesus is the Door; the Door that the Father of mercies has opened in the midst of our world, in the midst of history, so that all of us can return to him. We are all like lost sheep; we need a Shepherd and a Door to return to the house of the Father. Jesus is that Shepherd; Jesus is the Door.

Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid! The Door is open, the door is wide open! There is no need to knock on the door. It is open. Come! Let us be reconciled with God, and then we will be reconciled with ourselves and able to be reconciled with one another, even our enemies. God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge. Come! Jesus is the Door of Peace.”

Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi Christmas 2024

HOSPITAL AND SICK VISITS: If you or a family member go into hospital, or are sick or housebound, please inform the Parish Office so a priest or the Legion of Mary can visit you.

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

Mavis JENNINGS (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 9th January 2025 at 12Noon in Our Lady Immaculate Church.

Shelia TURNER (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 10th January 2025 at 12:30pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church.

Maureen PORTER (RIP) Requiem Mass on Tuesday 14th January 2025 at 1:30pm 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.