We Pray for our Sick
Charlotte O’Neil, Ella Williams, David Kislingbury, Janet Weale, Mark Shepherd, Eileen Bines, Frank Bramley, Mark Hartley, Gillian Oldham, Basil Emmerson, Austin Butler, Christine Robinson, John Lavery, Rosemary Bragard, Paul Keane, Rose Craft, Maureen Gooding, Dympna Addecott, Pat Lynch, Christian Ryan, Mike Rubbert, Tina Doveaston, Addi Brady, Ben Wilson, Patricia Fleming, Nicky Wigmore, Brita Irons, Nan Carrit, Eileen Wilson, Patricia Spikin, Sandra Fagan, Edna Wallace, Beryl Dixon, Nick Evans, Vicky Jack, Lyn Gopee, Mary Boyce, Kristin Hallenga, Anne O’Neill, Cheryl Shallis, Anthony McEvoy, Justin Stark, Sheila Netherton, David Blyth, Janet Woods, Lynne Hilkene, June Moncaster, Laura & Anne Breen, Breda Lynch, Maria Clark, Roy Widdecombe, Johanna Lynch, Anthony King, Chas Taylor, Norma McCleverty, Belinda Balazsi, Johnnie Pool, Edward Martin, Joanna Luciani, Pauline Wilsher, Simon Marshall, Kriston Barnes, Hugh Isaacs, Josephine Griggs, Colleen Worley, Dawn Deleigh, Lorraine Hart, Linda Dean, Antonella McConalogue, Eddie McConalogue, Georgina Cornwell, Martha Braun, Wyn McCafferty, Annie Holland, Jane Jowers, Ivor & Joanne Knight, David Clark, Brian Beresford, Rebecca Peake, David Clark, Connor Bourke, Mattia Mollica, Sharon Levill, Bernadette Lane, David Kislingury, Maureen Ward, Irena Solecki, Lanto Bellis, Doreen Troughton, Marguerite Harris, Andrew Exley, Richard Collins, Niqui Denkmayer, Elizabeth McConalogue, Kean Smith, Mick Cordingley and children Thomas Ball, Liam Davis, Albert Chambers, Fergus Grant, Mary Isherwood, Lucy Price, Connie Price & Frazer Gregory.
Please Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Fr William Guinevan, Fr Artur Cowd, Mary McQuaird, Francis O’Neill, Kevin Shanahan, Herbert Marriott, Evelyn Tobias, Ronald Buckley, Patricia Bishop, Andrew Hills, Mary Hurley, Alice Chapman, Miss Parker, Paul Emmerson, Sylvia Walton, Gladys Symons, Mabel Walmsley, John Baigent, Anthony Fleming, Bernard Murphy, Paola Murch, Mary Poole, Peter Robson, Christopher Mabey, Mabel Carter, Francis Brady, Eleanor Dillon, William Smith, Grace Greiner, Veronica Barrett, Cathy Baker, Robert Kirsch, Teresa Euans, Roland Glazebrook, David Middleton & Mario Piacentini.
May their Souls & the Souls of all the Faithful Departed rest in peace.
Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday 16th December Gaudete Sunday
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Evelyn Roots, RIP (Anniv)(SR)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Paul Emmerson, RIP (Anniv)(AE)
9.30am Mass Irena Soleki - Thanksgiving (IS) Gift Mass
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 17 Feria
9.00am Mass Raymond de Chantilly, RIP (Family)
Tuesday 18 Feria
9.00am Mass Joan Clark, RIP (Anniv) (CH)
5.00pm Body in Church Jack Vesey, RIP
Wednesday 19 Feria
10.15am Requiem Mass Jack Vesey, RIP
Thursday 20 Feria
9.00am Mass Marjorie Worsley, RIP (Anniv) (JC)
Friday 21 Feria
12Noon Mass Bernadette Perry, RIP
2.45pm Requiem Mass Christine Lyons, RIP
Saturday 22 Feria
10.00am Mass Mark Christopher Wilson, RIP (Anniv) (KW)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday 23rd December
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil All deceased relatives and loved ones of the Bragard & Underwood Families (RB)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Tony Nesnas, RIP (Anniv)(S&JC)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Anthony Comey, RIP (Anniv) (MC)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
Services from the church are live streamed
Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete
Dear Friends in christ
The joy of the Advent season - highlighted on this Gaudete Sunday - is the closeness of Jesus. His closeness makes Mary rejoice: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you! Then His nearness makes the unborn John the Baptist leap in the womb of his mother. We too will be full of joy if Jesus is present in our lives, if we have not lost Him, if we have not allowed our vision of life to be clouded by lukewarmness in our faith or lack of generosity. To know Christ and live in His company is to have the kind of joy that the Church expresses on this Sunday of Advent.
Dear Friends in Christ
The joy of the Advent season - highlighted on this Gaudete Sunday - is the closeness of Jesus. His closeness makes Mary rejoice: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you! Then His nearness makes the unborn John the Baptist leap in the womb of his mother. We too will be full of joy if Jesus is present in our lives, if we have not lost Him, if we have not allowed our vision of life to be clouded by lukewarmness in our faith or lack of generosity. To know Christ and live in His company is to have the kind of joy that the Church expresses on this Sunday of Advent. The days of the final lead-up to Christmas begin this week, expressed in the Christmas Novena. We can try to be more ready by encouraging an atmosphere of Christian peace where we live and work, and by doing all we can in small ways to bring happiness and affection to those around us. People need to be convinced that Christ has come into our world, and this life which He lived amongst us has changed humanity for good. Few things are more convincing than the habitual happiness of the Christian, even in the midst of pain and contradiction. Our Blessed Lady knew these difficulties and by staying close to her we can learn how not to lose our peace and live joyfully.
At 9.30am Mass next Sunday we invite you to bring the figures of the
Infant Jesus which will be blest at the end of Mass ahead of placing them in our Cribs on Christmas Day.
God bless you all in the final days of Advent!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org
Second Sunday of Advent
Dear Friends in Christ
St John the Baptist appeared as the first witness to Jesus. He is often referred to as the last of the Old Testament Prophets and the first of the New Testament Saints; a bridge between the two Covenants. He himself declares, so as not to cause any conflict with Jesus: He must increase and I must decrease. We ask St John in these days of Advent to direct us always towards Christ, who must be centre-stage in all that we undertake.
Dear Friends in Christ
St John the Baptist appeared as the first witness to Jesus. He is often referred to as the last of the Old Testament Prophets and the first of the New Testament Saints; a bridge between the two Covenants. He himself declares, so as not to cause any conflict with Jesus: He must increase and I must decrease. We ask St John in these days of Advent to direct us always towards Christ, who must be centre-stage in all that we undertake.
We began Advent last weekend just as we ended our Forty Hours Prayer. This is always a beautiful expression of our Catholic Eucharistic faith. Those who came, had the opportunity of that silent encounter with our Lord Who, remains day and night, awaiting, calling and welcoming all who come to visit Him. It was also a great idea this year to open the doors of the church and invite all those who had come for the Leigh Lights to experience a different Night of Light: to enter the church and light a candle and present a prayer request. Dozens and dozens of people who might never enter a church had the opportunity to come in before Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament. The Parish Facebook page reached 1,935 people for this event! Our thanks to those Parishioners who organised this.
We have established now the tradition of holding our Parish Bazaar on Sunday morning in Advent; this facilitates many more people coming to support the work of the Parish. We are grateful again to all those who arranged the Parish Centre, those who donated gifts, and all of you who supported the event by your presence there. £2,800 was received and which will be used for ongoing upkeep of the Parish Centre (which is in constant use) and for the charitable works of the Parish.
Next Sunday the 9.30am Mass is the traditional Gift Mass during which families are invited to bring a gift suitable for a child which the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society will distribute. It is helpful if you can indicate on the outside the age-appropriateness of the gift. Thank you all in anticipation!
With every blessing for this Advent season!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org
Second Sunday of Advent
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday 9th December
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil David Gurney, RIP (GA)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Margaret Farrell, RIP (Anniv)(TF)
9.30am Mass Clare Clarke, RIP (Anniv) (BH)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 10 Feria
9.00am Mass Teresa Parascandolo, RIP (MT)
Tuesday 11 St Damasus 1, P
9.00am Mass Intentions of Paul & Jane Abbott (FO’B)
Wednesday 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe
9.00am Mass Hannah Kelly, RIP (MC)
Thursday 13 St Lucy, V, M
9.00am Mass Intentions of Cynthia Bush (JL)
Friday 14 St John of the Cross, Pr, D
2.00pm Requiem Mass Edith McCouat, RIP
Saturday 15 Feria
10.00am Mass Alex & Peggy McFarlane, RIP (Anniv) (MW)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday 16th December ~ ‘Gaudete’ Sunday
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Evelyn Roots, RIP (Anniv) (SR)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Paul Emmerson, RIP (Anniv) (AE)
9.30am Mass Irena Soleki - Thanksgiving (IS) Gift Mass
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
Services from the church are live streamed
St Bernard’s High School, Milton Road, SS0 7JS, Bank Supply Teachers 01702 608005 Fax 01702 390201, email sjc@stbernards.southend.sch.uk
The School are looking to replenish the number of Bank Supply Teachers available that it can contact for either planned or last minute absence. St Bernard’s is a successful girls’ school from 11-16 with mixed Sixth Form. If you are a qualified teacher happy to be contacted for occasional work, able to teach to KS3/4 and possible A Level please contact the school and arrange a visit. All staff are given strong support within the positive ethos of this happy and high performing school We welcome applications from teachers of all denominations or of none. The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment. Application via our website www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk Please contact Mrs Sue Clancy, Executive Assistant to Head Teacher for further information or to arrange a pre-application visit.
Co-op Hamper Raffle for Our Lady of Lourdes School
The Broadway Coop are raffling a lovely hamper for school funds. Tickets available from 1st December from the Coop or Darrell Binding 07825686249 or email darrell.binding@coopmembers.co.uk. The prize will be drawn on 21st December.
HARP
Our thanks for all your recent donations of food and clothing. At this time of the year we think of the vulnerable people in our community, not having a safe place to call home or not knowing where the next meal will come from. HARP have now launched their Christmas appeal – could you sponsor a Christmas meal for £10? They hope to provide 250 meals for homeless and vulnerable people over the festive period. You can do this online at www.harpsouthend.org.uk, leave your donation in the office or give it to Linda Wall.
Night of Light
A big thank you to all those who made this event so memorable. To the volunteers who came from Benfleet and Southend, the people who prayed continuously in the church, those who prayed in their own communities and to the Sion Community who provided the music and presence on the street, helping us to invite passersby into our beautiful church. Over 200 people passed through our doors, many of whom said they had never been into a church before. Well done everyone.
Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society Gift Mass
There will be a Gift Mass on Sunday 16th December at 9.30am. Please write clearly on the gift whether it is for a boy or girl and what age range it would suit. Gifts for teenagers would also be much appreciated and if you are struggling with ideas, then Gift Vouchers are always very welcome.
Lourdes Ladies Group
Come along and enjoy a pre Christmas fabulous morning of entertainment with a return visit of Elizabeth Dunlop and her singers, plus mulled wine and festive Fayre on Thursday 13th December from 10.30am to12.30 pm. We will also be holding a Raffle with some fantastic prizes and announcing an exciting programme of events for the New Year. Admission only £1. Open to all ladies in the Parish, if you are a regular attender or never joined us before you are all very welcome, so don't miss out!
Serving the Homeless
Serving the Homeless have recently become one of the charities to benefit from purchases made via Smile.Amazon. If you would like to support us in helping the homeless people of the Southend area and you are a user of Amazon please consider registering with Smile Amazon.co.UK so that a small percentage of your purchase price comes to us. Please select Serving the Homeless from the list of charities and once you have done this, all future purchases will go towards benefiting our cause. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you. Nina. ninabridgeman@btinternet.com
Sacred Heart Winter Night Shelter
As part of the Southend Churches Winter Night Shelters, the Sacred Heart’s Shelter will open on Wednesday 5th December and run for sixteen weeks. The Night Shelter is urgently asking for items needed to run the shelter and offer as much help as possible to the guests. Items now being requested are: new adult sized socks, toothbrushes, sanitary products for women, travel size soap, deodorant, shower gel and toothpaste etc. Warm adult sized jumpers; t-shirts, trousers etc. and winter coats would be very welcome. Our Lady of Lourdes SVP has offered to coordinate on behalf of the Night Shelter the collection of donations from parishioners and to that end a box has been placed in the sacristy – marked ‘Sacred Heart Night Shelter’ - where donations can be placed. Thank you in anticipation for any help you can give! OLOL SVP Conference.
Christmas Dinner - Sunday 23rd December 2018
Once again this year Sacred Heart Primary School will be hosting Christmas dinner on 23rd December, as it was such a lovely occasion last year, celebrating with some friends old and new. If you are on your own that day and would like to join us for turkey and all the trimmings then please contact the school office on 534546 to reserve a place. We will be serving dinner about 1pm but will welcome visitors after 11am M.00ass. If you require transport please advise the office. Look forward to seeing you, Sally Nutman, friends and family.
Brentwood Diocesan Directory 2019
These are now available from the back of church at a cost of £2.75p.
Carol Concert Friday 14th December at 7pm
‘Serving the Homeless’ would like to invite you to a short service of carols and readings for Christmas on Friday 14th December at 7pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and afterwards to join us for mulled wine and mince pies. A retiring collection will be taken to support Southend YMCA projects.
Counters & Folders
Counters: Linda Wall & Sheila West
Folders: Jane Trower & Clare English
Advent Windows
Hopefully you have enjoyed the Advent windows and the Jesse Tree. Thank you to all who contributed to their production, especially St Bernard’s and Our Lady of Lourdes pupils, and the ‘Lourdes Ladies’ group. A special thank-you to Claire for her wonderful knitted shepherds and sheep. The Jesse Tree tells the story of redemption through the prophets of the Old Testament up to the birth of Christ.
Journey of Faith (RCIA)
A series of informal talks, designed to give an insight into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic church, continues on Monday 10th December at 8pm in the Parish Centre with Journey of Faith (Mary and The Saints). You are welcome to attend some or all of these talks; for more information please speak to Fr Kevin.