Third Sunday of the Year
Dear friends in Christ
One of the things that should strike us about the way the first disciples of Jesus responded when they were called is, the immediate nature of their response: …and at once they left everything and followed Him. There is something about the person of Our Lord that makes those who encounter Him want to leave what seemed important to them before, and go after Him unconditionally. To truly follow Jesus we know deep down that we need to be detached from all that makes us comfortable. We need to be constantly on the watch, and examine our souls frequently, so as not to allow any created things – persons or material goods – to get in the way of our union with God. Rather, we have to let all the things and people around us become the means for loving and serving God better. The Second Vatican Council admonishes us: Let all Christians see that they guide their affections rightly, otherwise, they will be thwarted in the search for perfect charity by the way they use their earthly possessions, and by a fondness for riches which goes against the Gospel spirit of poverty. The Apostle St Paul has sounded the warning “let those who make use of this world not get bogged down in it, for the structure of this world is passing away” LG42. In the same way that Jesus invited his first Apostles to follow Him, He invites each of us, wherever we find ourselves, to follow Him unconditionally.
God bless you all in this coming week!
Fr Kevin Hale
Year B, Psalter Week 3
9.15am Mass: Bishop Patrick Casey, RIP
Tuesday 27th St Angela Merici, V
9.00am Mass: Intentions of the Ward Family
Wednesday 28th St Thomas Aquinas, Pr, D
9.15am Mass: Mark Solecki, RIP (Anniv)
Thursday 29th Feria
9.15am Mass: Winifred Smith, RIP
Friday 30th Feria
12 Noon Mass: Raffaele Sorrentino, RIP
Saturday 31st St John Bosco, Pr
10.00am Mass Tom Swann, RIP
Confession – the Sacrament of Penance – is also available on request
Holy Rosary is said after morning Mass during the week
ABC - About Being Catholic
The series of informal talks designed to give an insight into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church will continue starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre. 26th January - Confirmation & the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
You are welcome to attend some or all of these talks; if you would like more information please speak to Fr Kevin or telephone Pat O’Connell, Tel 01702 712123.
Parish Fundraising
Thank you to everyone who currently supports the Parish 200 Club; the profit from which goes towards the running expenses of the Parish Centre. This month’s winners are:
1st prize £150 192 Mrs M Rubbert
2nd Prize £100 38 Mrs M Gooding
3rd Prize £75 201 Mrs A Craig
4th Prize £50 12 Mr C Regan
5th Prize £25 104 Mrs M O’Hara
Subscription is £5.00 per month, either by cash, cheque or direct debit. We are currently 19 members short of our 200 target. If you would like to join, please fill in a form which can be found at the back of the church or ring Linda Wall on 01702 558217.
Young Catholics of Leigh
After two successful meetings of our new youth group, Young Catholics of Leigh, we would like to encourage any other members of the parish 14+, to join us. We promise to make you most welcome! Our next meeting will be in the Church car park at 7:15pm on Wednesday 4th February where we will be gathering to depart for a visit to Brentwood Cathedral at 8pm to join other young Catholics of the Diocese for the Youth Mass with Fr. James Mackay.
If you would like to join us please email louise@landbtechnical.com so that we can gauge numbers for lifts. You can also use this email address for any other queries about the group.
Young Catholics of Leigh
After two successful meetings of our new youth group, Young Catholics of Leigh, we would like to encourage any other members of the parish 14+, to join us. We promise to make you most welcome! Our next meeting will be in the Church car park at 7:15pm on Wednesday 4th February where we will be gathering to depart for a visit to Brentwood Cathedral at 8pm to join other young Catholics of the Diocese for the Youth Mass with Fr. James Mackay.
If you would like to join us please email louise@landbtechnical.com so that we can gauge numbers for lifts. You can also use this email address for any other queries about the group.
Money Matters
Offertory: Thank you for the generous offerings received last weekend, which amounted to £1,427.45
Counters are Jan Lewis, Sandie Hippard & Josephine Vickers.
Newsletter Folders are Tom O’Callaghan & Rita O’Callaghan.
Diocesan Celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes
Please join Bishop Alan and parishioners from across the Diocese at Brentwood Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th February, for Mass to celebrate one of the Patrons of Brentwood Diocese, in the week of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Many hundreds take part in our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes each year – Cathy O’Connor, the pilgrimage administrator, will be on hand to answer any queries you have, and the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service will also be assisting, just as they do in Lourdes. This special celebration will include candles blessed in Lourdes, and everyone is very welcome. There will be refreshments after the Mass. For more information about the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes please visit www.brentwoodlourdes.org or call Cathy on 01206 501146.
Diocesan Celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes
Please join Bishop Alan and parishioners from across the Diocese at Brentwood Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 15th February, for Mass to celebrate one of the Patrons of Brentwood Diocese, in the week of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Many hundreds take part in our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes each year – Cathy O’Connor, the pilgrimage administrator, will be on hand to answer any queries you have, and the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service will also be assisting, just as they do in Lourdes. This special celebration will include candles blessed in Lourdes, and everyone is very welcome. There will be refreshments after the Mass. For more information about the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes please visit www.brentwoodlourdes.org or call Cathy on 01206 501146.
Serving the Homeless
This weekend, 24th/25th January, there will be a special collection at all masses for ‘Serving the Homeless.‘
First Holy Communion 2015
There will be a parent’s meeting on Wednesday 4th February at 8pm in The Parish Centre for those parents who have a child making their First Holy Communion in May.
Nazareth House
A Coffee Morning and Sales will be held at Nazareth House, 111 London Road, Southend on Saturday 31st January starting at 10.30am. Admission is Free and will be run by the Friends of Nazareth House.
Seeking Silence for Lent?
For those wishing to take up the practice of Silent prayer during Lent join us on Sunday 15th February from 2pm to 4 pm in the Parish Centre.
- The tradition of Silent prayer (Contemplative Prayer; Christian meditation)
- The roots in Monasticism in the Early Church
- Helpful hints & support
Led by members of the Contemplative prayer Group, Suggested donation £3.00. To book contact Fran McEvoy 01702 330178 or franmcevoy@hotmail.com
Reception into the Church
During the 11.30am Mass this Sunday, candidates for reception into the Church will be presented with copies of the Holy Bible as part of the Rite of Acceptance. Please keep them in your thoughts and remember them in your prayers as they make their pilgrimage of faith.
Seeking Silence for Lent?
For those wishing to take up the practice of Silent prayer during Lent join us on Sunday 15th February from 2pm to 4 pm in the Parish Centre.
- The tradition of Silent prayer (Contemplative Prayer; Christian meditation)
- The roots in Monasticism in the Early Church
- Helpful hints & support
Led by members of the Contemplative prayer Group, Suggested donation £3.00. To book contact Fran McEvoy 01702 330178 or franmcevoy@hotmail.com
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF:
Frances Emmerson, RIP who died on Wednesday, 21st January 2015. Her Body will be received into the Church on Thursday, 5th February at 4.15pm and her Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, 6th February at 2.15pm followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.