Third Sunday of Lent

Dear Friends in Christ 

The Parable of the Fig Tree, which forms part of the Gospel of this Third Sunday of Lent, reminds us that during this sacred season we are trying to produce fruit: the fruits of the spiritual life. St Paul lists these fruits for us as being: charity, generosity, joy, gentleness, peace, faithfulness, patience, modesty, kindness, self-control, goodness & chastity which are the result of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Those who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in May will be reflecting on these gifts and fruits at this time. All of us, who have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation, can bring forth these fruits. During Lent we apply a special intensity to the living of the  spiritual life, so that we can do now, what we should be doing throughout the year.

Please remember to pray for all those who are preparing for Sacraments at this time: our young adults in Confirmation; the children for their First Holy Communion; and the engaged couples participating in the Marriage Preparation Course which we are currently running.

Monday, 25th March, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of The Lord. This was the moment when the greatest news ever, was announced to the world: God, the Word, would become flesh. When we pray the Angelus - morning, noon and evening - we call to mind this moment; it's nine months now until the celebration of the Nativity! May the presence of the Word among us, lead us to produce the holy fruits of this Lent!

God bless you all!

Msgr Kevin Hale

Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org

Third Sunday of Lent

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT - Sunday 24th March

Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Frank & Moira Keenan, RIP (Anniv) (FK)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession

8.00am Mass Sister Rosemary (MM)
9.30am Mass Francie McCrory, RIP (JB)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction 

Monday 25 THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
9.00am Mass Intentions of Ciaran & Christina O’Hart (MO’H)

Tuesday 26 Feria 
9.00am Mass Margaret Quinn, RIP & Intentions of Ian Quinn (EG)

Wednesday 27 Feria 
9.00am Mass Intentions of Paula Durante (PM)

Thursday 28 Feria 
9.00am Mass Intentions of Lena Young (CG)

Friday 29 Feria
6.30am Mass Jack Vesey, RIP (PP)
12Noon Mass Madeleine Jones, RIP (BT)
8.00pm Way of the Cross & Benediction

Saturday 30 Feria 
10.00am Mass Robert & Ione Waite (NB)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
11.30am First Confessions  

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Lætare- Sunday 31st March

Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Colm O’Loughlin, RIP (RJ)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession

8.00am Mass Terence & Maisie Renehan, RIP (Anniv) (MH)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Alan Bush, RIP (GC)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
Services from the church are live streamed

National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima with Relics of Saints Jancinta & Francisco

There will be an official day of thanksgiving and blessing of the National Pilgrim Fatima Statue at Our Lady Immaculate, 178 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AR on Saturday 23rd March 2019, 9.55am to 5pm.  For more information please contact Moreen Healy 01245 472773.

National Catholic Men’s Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th April 2019

A warm invitation to the second annual pilgrimage for Catholic men. Meet, talk and share the faith with other men; listen to speakers, celebrate confession and Mass, pray for families, the nation and the Church. We welcome lay and religious, single and married, young and old, fathers and sons. "When England returns to Walsingham, Our Lady will return to England". Pope Leo XIII, 1887 In partnership with the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady and Catholic Man UK. For more information visit www.catholicmenspilgrimage.co.uk

Flower Festival - 15th June

We are holding a Flower Festival again this year on 15th June. There was such a lovely response last year that we wanted to repeat, and even outdo what was achieved last year.

This year the theme will be Hymns. We have drawn up a list of Hymns with a different focus, which you will be asked to choose from. Your display will then reflect the words of the Hymn, eg ‘Follow Me’  (Fishing nets beach) and ‘Bread for the World’ (corn).  As with last year, we do not expect you to be professional flower arrangers, just willing to have a go! If you would like to take part or get more information, phone Jo 474062, or Theresa 335122.

Lenten Service St. Thomas More High School

On Thursday 4th April at 7pm we welcome all parents, Governors, staff members and friends of the school to our annual Lenten Service.  This year, we will be presenting The Way of the Cross using an adaptation of a musical depiction of Our Lord’s journey to the cross, portrayed through the eyes of Jesus’ beloved disciple Peter.  The presentation is entitled, ‘Peter’s Passion’ and was written by Bernadette Egan.  This service is designed to bring us to prayer, deepening our Lenten observance and helping us to prepare our hearts for the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter.  Please try to come along and join with others in our community as we journey together towards Easter.  A particular invitation to the parents of Year 7 to complete their induction into the liturgical life of our school.

Newsletter Folders Required

Would you be available to join our rota to help fold Newsletters on a Friday morning at about 10.15/10.30am? Our teams work in twos and it takes about an hour and a half.  We have a rota which means you would only have to fold every five to six weeks.  If you think you would be able to help, please contact the Parish Office on 478078.

HARP’S Spring Walk - Sunday 28th April 2019 at 2pm

Join us for a gentle 3.5 mile stroll along the Prittle Brook Greenway, from Priory Park to Belfairs Park. Every step you take will show your solidarity with local homeless people and help HARP beat homelessness for good. Enjoy free tea and cake at the Belfairs Woodland Centre. The route is pushchair friendly, and dogs on leads are welcome. https://www.harpsouthend.org.uk/spring-walk-2019

40 Days for Life

Thanks to those participating for the prayers and support you have offered to women and babies facing abortion. Everyone is welcome to come and see how you can help save more lives in London:  40 DAYS FOR LIFE Annunciation Midway Event on Monday 25th March with 6pm Mass in St James’ Church, followed by 40 Days event and a buffet in the Hall 6.30pm-8pm.  Location: Spanish Place, London W1U 3QY (nearest tube: Bond Street) Contact details: Sarah 07776 256838 london40daysforlife@hotmail.com  40daysforlife.com/London.

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 25th March at 8pm in the Parish Centre with Journey of Faith (Ten Commandments: 1-5).  You are welcome to attend some or all of these talks; if you would like more information please speak to Fr Kevin.

Men’s Weekend Retreat from 10th - 12th May 2019

Lord teach us to pray’.  A retreat for men of all ages who desire to draw closer to God in prayer.  Book online at www.sioncommunity.org.uk/mens-weekend-retreat.html  or email for a booking form to admin@sioncommunity.org.uk.

Gift Aid Envelopes

New boxes of envelopes for those in the Gift Aid Scheme will be available for collection on 23rd/24th and 30th/31st March.  If you wish to gift aid your weekly offering by using envelopes, please complete a Gift Aid Form, available at the back of Church, and either hand it in to the Parish office or place it in the offertory collection.  You will then receive a box of envelopes for your weekly collection.

Counters & Folders

Counters:  Mary Cook & Jacky Hoggett
Folders:   Jacky Hoggett & Sue Hibbert

Lenten Lunches

Held in the Parish Centre every Friday from 12.30pm onwards for the duration of Lent.  Delicious home made soup, bread, cheese coffee etc.  Only £5 donation to charity.

Ladies Group

Our next Meeting is on Thursday 28th March. Look forward to a fantastic morning with ‘Mr. Rock & Roll’ who will revive our memories with the history and  music of those early years of popular music. All women are welcome but please be prompt for a 10.30am start.

APF Boxholders

I have received the Spring 2019 Missio magazines. If you have not received one personally from me please take one from the back of the church (in the usual place). Thank you. Joan Caunce, Secretary 01268 757505.

Lenten Talks 2019

The schedule for this year’s Lenten Talks, which all take place in Nazareth House on Wednesdays at 7.30pm, is as follows:

27th March Mark Lambert ‘The Culture of Life vs The Culture of Death’
3rd April Fr Andrew Forys ‘The healing power of Confession’
10th April Fr Jeff Woolnough ‘Mary at the foot of the Cross’

Dates for your Diary

Saturdays 11th & 18th May First Holy Communions - 10.30am
Sunday 19th May Visitation and Confirmation
Monday 22nd-Saturday 27th July Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
1st Thursday of every month Meeting of Parish Evangelisation Team 8pm

Cyclone disaster in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe

Following the devastating Cyclone Idai which has caused catastrophic flooding, destruction of homes and death in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, an Emergency Appeal has been launched. If you wish to donate to the appeal, you can do so at the following links: Aid to the Church in Need (UK) https://acnuk.org or CAFOD www.cafod.org  Please keep the people of these countries in your prayers.

Please Pray for the Repose of the Soul of

ERIC NEWMAN, RIP who died on Monday 18th March. Funeral details to follow.