Newsletter 26th 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. https://www.chelmsfordcatholic... The deadline for applications to the Parish office is Friday 31st January.

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!”

CHILDREN'S LITURGY- St Augustine's: Would you be interested in joining the small but very friendly Children's Liturgy team? Other members of the team are always available to assist and no prior experience is required. Either contact Cath Lyons or come out with the children one Sunday to find out more.

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE: - Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage, 19th – 26th July 2025 Open to anyone in school year 10 and above. Join the BCYS for our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, supporting the adult pilgrimage in a week of prayer, service and fun! All details can be found at www.bcys.net/events. Funding and bursary opportunities are available.

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!

MARRIAGE ALPHA: Starting Soon! We’re excited to announce the start of the Marriage Alpha course on Monday, March 3rd, taking place in Canon Wilson Hall. For those unable to attend in person, we also plan to offer an online option. The course is based on material from the well established Alpha brand, used by communities around the world. There’s still time to join as a guest or to volunteer! While we have a few helpers, we’re looking for additional support with welcoming, housekeeping, and catering for one or two evenings. If you’re interested in helping or would like more information, please contact the parish office, and we’ll be happy to provide further details.

BAPTISMS THIS WEEK: We pray for and welcome Michael, David and Lidia as the newest members of our Catholic community

CARITAS NETWORKING DAY: You are warmly invited to the 2025 Caritas Brentwood Networking Day on Sunday, 9th February, from 2–6 pm at St. Edward the Confessor Church Hall, Romford RM1 4AT. This event is an opportunity to explore the Catholic response to pressing issues such as homelessness, welcoming refugees and migrants, supporting those affected by the Cost of Living Crisis, and addressing climate change.
Join us to find inspiration during this Jubilee year, exchange ideas and best practices with parishioners across Essex and East London, and learn about the charities and resources available to support your efforts. Registration is free - find more details at www.caritasbrentwood.org/netwo...

OPENING THE DOORS TO FREEDOM FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Thursday, 6th February at 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 to receive the Zoom link closer to the date.

FUTURE OF THE PRESYTERY IN BEARDSLEY DRIVE: Thank you to everyone who submitted their comments and/or came to the parish consultation on the future of the presbytery. The notes from the meeting are available on the parish website at https://www.chelmsfordcatholic... and hard copies are available on request from the Parish Office.
We now need volunteers to join a Working Group to explore the costs of the 'retain and rental' proposal and to draft the business case for presentation to the Diocese. The initial meeting will be on Tuesday 4th February in St Augustine's Presbytery at 7:30pm.
Please contact the Parish Office to register your interest in being a member of this group.

KNIGHTS RETREAT : The Knights of St. Columba are arranging a Retreat to Worth Abbey on the weekend of 7th – 9th March. It will be lead by one of the Servite Sisters on the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” and we will join the Community for some of their services. The price of £200 includes accommodation and all meals from dinner on Friday to lunch on Sunday. Single rooms are available if necessary.
If you are interested in joining, contact us for more details on thompsoncjt01@blueyonder.co.uk.

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The SVP provides practical help to those in need. If you or someone you know could use support, call us confidentially at 0207 7033030, 07936 579230, or contact the Parish Office. For furniture project donations or assistance, call 0330 0436474.

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.
Bridget LOWE (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 30th January at 9:30am in St Augustine of Canterbury Church.
Ann SINCLAIR (RIP) Requiem Mass on Wednesday 12th February at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church.
Rose TURNER (RIP) Funeral to be arranged.

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, John Rees, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Gayle Williams, Shirley Willis and Ian Wiseman.