Please pray for the Repose of the Souls of:
John Patrick Mansfield, RIP who died on Saturday 21st January. His funeral will be held at Southend Crematorium on Monday 27th February at 2.20pm.
Henry D’Souza RIP who died on Wednesday, 15th February. Funeral details to follow.
Please Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Fr Thomas O’Connor, Fr Archibald O’Brien, Deacon Sidney Lewis, Canon Aloysius Roche, Fr Gerard Murphy, Robert Bautista, Constance Anne, Christopher Keville, Theresa Daniels, Maria Calame, Amy Cutforth, Eileen Ditton, Grace Angwin, Anthony Warwick, Mary Latham, Mary Asher, Anna McCall,Adolph Figueredo, Mary Keefe, Frank Blaker, Jim Keniry, Mary Wilden, Joseph Mills, Vincent Sullivan, Dominick Fanning, Maire Callanan, William Shanahan, Ernest Tobias, Olive Cale, Rose cook, Amelia Mullins, Anne Florence, Marie Bartley, Violet Nottle, Mary Sobota,
Beau Winter-Myers and Maddalena Forte.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel of St Matthew is read at Sunday Mass during these days preceding Lent; this is the first book of the New Testament. The divine nature of Jesus was a major issue for the community for which he writes, the crucial element marking them from their Jewish neighbours; while Mark beginswith baptism and transfiguration, Matthew goes back further still, showing Jesus as the Son of God from his birth, the fulfilment of Old Testament messianic prophecies. The title Son of David identifies Jesus as the healing and miracle-working Messiah of Israel (it is used exclusively in relation to miracles), sent to Israel alone. As Son of Man he will return to judge the world, a fact his disciples recognise but of which his enemies are unaware. As Son of God he is God revealing himself through his son, and Jesus proving his sonship through his obedience and example. The front image - a detail from the Caravaggio canvas - displays how St Matthew is being inspired by an angel to write what he recalls of the life of Christ; in the full portrait one sees that he is poised with one foot on the ground and this other raised upon a stool it signifies how his Gospel is both inspired from above but rooted firmly on earth. As we listen to him recounting the teachings, miracles and saving events in Our Lord’s life, may we be drawn into a deeper desire for friendship with Christ and also be moved to read more Sacred Scripture.
Dear Friends in Christ
The Gospel of St Matthew is read at Sunday Mass during these days preceding Lent; this is the first book of the New Testament. The divine nature of Jesus was a major issue for the community for which he writes, the crucial element marking them from their Jewish neighbours; while Mark beginswith baptism and transfiguration, Matthew goes back further still, showing Jesus as the Son of God from his birth, the fulfilment of Old Testament messianic prophecies. The title Son of David identifies Jesus as the healing and miracle-working Messiah of Israel (it is used exclusively in relation to miracles), sent to Israel alone. As Son of Man he will return to judge the world, a fact his disciples recognise but of which his enemies are unaware. As Son of God he is God revealing himself through his son, and Jesus proving his sonship through his obedience and example. The front image - a detail from the Caravaggio canvas - displays how St Matthew is being inspired by an angel to write what he recalls of the life of Christ; in the full portrait one sees that he is poised with one foot on the ground and this other raised upon a stool it signifies how his Gospel is both inspired from above but rooted firmly on earth. As we listen to him recounting the teachings, miracles and saving events in Our Lord’s life, may we be drawn into a deeper desire for friendship with Christ and also be moved to read more Sacred Scripture.
Thanks to all those who helped to make the celebration of our Parish Feast Day last Saturday - and which marks the start of our Diocesan Centenary - such an enjoyable occasion! I remind you that from Monday - Friday the church has to remain closed during the work of redecoration; Mass is celebrated in the Parish Centre.
God bless you all!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 12th February - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Bernard Ward, RIP (Anniv)(MW)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Intentions of Ian & Betty Ward - 40th Wedding Anniversary, (JL)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
First Holy Communion - Presentation of photographs
11.30am Mass Intentions of Juan Ayerbe (CB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 13 Feria
9.00am Mass Jennifer Garrett, RIP (Anniv) (JH)
Tuesday 14 SS CYRIL, Monk & METHODIUS BP
9.00am Mass Joe de Lobel, RIP (VC)
Wednesday 15 Feria
9.00am Mass Elaine McDonald, RIP (Anniv) (JH)
Thursday 16 Feria
9.00am Mass Fr John Caden, RIP (MK)
Friday 17 Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
12Noon Mass Thomas Byrnes, RIP (Anniv) (SG)
Saturday 18 Our Lady on Saturday
10am Mass Neil O’Keefe, RIP (Anniv) (UO’K)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
The Holy Rosary is prayed after morning Mass during the week
Sunday 19th February - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Guy Bragard, RIP (RB)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Joe Scott, RIP, (C)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Anthony Trigg, RIP (AT)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
First Holy Communion Dresses
First Holy Communion Dresses
Bespoke and Unique First Holy Communion dresses, beautifully made to meet your specific requirements. Please contact Helen Morgan (Parent at Our Lady Of Lourdes School) on 07715418074 for a no obligation chat.
St Patrick Day Celebrations - Friday 17th March
Live music by Merv and Maria. Jig, dance and sing along to Irish, country and sixties tunes. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Raffle (donations most welcome). 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets £8.50 each or family £25. All proceeds to our church.
Tickets from Phyllis 07969465518, Darrell 07825686249 or Marian after Mass.
Vacancy – Diocesan Property Consultant
Working out of Cathedral House in Brentwood. Full-time role. If you – or any of your family/friends – are interested in applying, please first contact property-recruitment@dioceseofbrentwood.org and request a job description and person specification. You should then send in your CV, with a covering letter demonstrating how your experience and skills match the essential requirements and attributes of the role. Closing date for CVs/applications is 19.00 on Tuesday 28th February 2017. Interviews take place week commencing 6th March 2017.
Counters and Folders
Counters: Linda Wall, Bob Hall & Eileen Wilson
Newsletter Folders: Amanda Phipps & Clare English
Donations:
Serving the Homeless - £2007.44
Apostleship of the Sea - £50.16
CRIB - BCCS - £391.34
PAX CHRISTI - £125.46
Parish Drama Group
Parish Drama Group
Following a successful first drama group meeting, a proposal was put forward that a short revue be performed at the Annual Parish AGM in July. We would like to invite budding and established writers, actors, singers and performers to be involved in this exciting new venture for the Parish family, which is open to all ages.
If you are interested please come along to our meeting on 21st February, at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. If you want to be involved but can't make the meeting, please contact:-
Angela Clements 07940 183452 angelaclements47@gmail.com
Sue Lawford 07816 141492
Carrie James 07799 475464
Gina Marshall 01702 710836
Coffee, Cake and Climate Change
CAFOD are asking us to follow the Pope's advice to be good stewards and show our love for the world God has given us to live in by wearing green hearts this Valentine's Day.
The Live Simply Group are holding a 'drop in' coffee morning on Monday 13th February 10am-12Noon in the Parish Centre to help raise awareness of the impact of climate change on our environment. There will also be hearts for children to colour in and demonstrate what they like about their environment. Everyone is welcome, come along and bring a friend.
Parish/Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Monday 24th-Friday 28th July 2017
Four nights (full board) travelling with British Airways via Toulouse and staying at the Grand Hotel Moderne Soubirous will cost £565. Please indicate your interest by putting your name on the list in the Parish Office.
Catholic Women’s League
Our next CWL Business Meeting is on Monday, 13 February at 2pm in the Newman Room. We are always happy to welcome new members, so if you would like to come along please do.
Scripture Group
Fr Con Joyce’s Scripture Group will next meet in the Parish Centre 8pm-9pm on Thursday,16th February. Fr. Con will be talking about the prophets. All welcome.
New Altar Servers Required
Any child who has received First Communion and would like to become an Altar server please contact the Parish Office on 478078 or leave your name and telephone number via the Parish Website.
ABC - About being Catholic
ABC - About being Catholic
The series of informal talks designed to give an insight into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic church continues every Monday, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre. 13th February: Reconciliation. 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 on 712123.
Sacrament of Confirmation
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Anyone who wishes to begin preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation should send their name to Fr Kevin by the end of February, together with an email address. Applicants should have reached their fourteenth birthday by the end of August 2016.
Dates for your Diary
Saturday 6th & 13th May First Holy Communion Masses- 10.30am
Sunday 4th June Confirmation Mass - 11.30am
Saturday 22nd July Walsingham Centenary Pilgrimage
Monday 24th/Friday 28th July Parish Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
7th October to 15th October Parish Mission