Fourth Sunday of Lent
Dear Friends in Christ
Each week I try to present an image on the Newsletter of some piece of Catholic Art that relates to the Gospel of the day, one of other Readings or some theme in the liturgy of the season. The Parable of the Prodigal Son has been depicted by many artists, simply because it is one of the most famous short stories ever told. The painting this week is by Jacopo Palmo (1544-1628). You will know from being at Mass that I have been making a more extensive catechesis of the Sacrament of Confession over these Sundays of Lent.
Dear Friends in Christ
Each week I try to present an image on the Newsletter of some piece of Catholic Art that relates to the Gospel of the day, one of other Readings or some theme in the liturgy of the season. The Parable of the Prodigal Son has been depicted by many artists, simply because it is one of the most famous short stories ever told. The painting this week is by Jacopo Palmo (1544-1628). You will know from being at Mass that I have been making a more extensive catechesis of the Sacrament of Confession over these Sundays of Lent. This is because it is not only central to this penitential season, but because it is central to the Christian life. Together with the Blessed Eucharist, Confession or Reconciliation are the two Sacraments that we should be receiving most frequently. As we listen to the words of the Liturgy and of Sacred Scripture in these days, we are being called to a fuller life in Christ. Jesus wishes to dominate our lives in all their dimensions and for us to bring forth the fruits of holy lives.
Very shortly we shall begin the final weeks of Lent, we approach Holy Week and Easter. This in itself draws us to repentance, mercy and forgiveness. A little while longer and the mystery of our salvation will be accomplished. If at times we have been reticent about penance and atonement, we will be filled with courage at the thought of how short is the time involved and how great the reward, a prize entirely disproportionate to our own small efforts. Let us cheerfully follow Jesus, and confidently seek His mercy in Confession. Pope Francis is talking about this all the time. He said recently: each of us should ask ourselves: When was the last time I went to Confession? And if it’s been a long time, do not lose another day! Jesus is there, be courageous, go to Confession. Pope Benedict called the crisis we are experiencing in the Church, the crisis of Confession. He wrote to all of us priests asking to rediscover and help others discover the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s a Sacrament we need to use and cherish. It’s there to help us become the children of God that we are meant to be, and let go of all the rubbish and baggage that we carry out, of the sins, that Christ died for.
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
The Sunday Homily is available as a podcast at LourdesLeigh.org
Fourth Sunday of Lent
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
Monday 1 April Feria
9.00am Mass Roseleen Armstrong, RIP (Anniv) (MB)
Tuesday 2 Feria
9.00am Mass Jack Vesey, RIP (SV)
Wednesday 3 Feria
9.00am Mass Michael Deeley, RIP (UO’K)
Thursday 4 Feria
9.00am Mass Neil & Margaret Storey - Silver Wedding Anniversary (RM)
Friday 5 Feria
6.30am Mass John Holland, RIP (Anniv)(MH)
12Noon Mass Will & Vi Coveney, RIP (Anniv)(MC)
12.30pm Exposition after Mass until
8.00pm Way of the Cross & Benediction
Saturday 6 Feria
10.00am Mass Grace Millane, RIP (SK)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT - Sunday 7th April
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil The People of the Parish
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Tony Irons, RIP (JV)
9.30am Mass Eileen Pearson, RIP (Anniv) (SP)
11.30am Mass Lilian Hippard, RIP (Anniv) (SH)
4.00pm Mass Intentions of the Vesey Family (PM)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
Services from the church are live streamed
Counters and Folders
Counters: Jacky Hoggett & Sheila West
Folders: Pauline Jordan & Maureen Ward
Is God calling you to be a priest?
There is a monthly vocations group for those who would like to find out more about a possible vocation to the priesthood. There will be a talk, time of prayer and some food. The sessions take place at St Edmund of Canterbury church, 9 Traps Hill, Loughton, IG10 1SZ. Tuesdays: 2nd April, 7th May, 4th June and 2nd July. Please contact Fr Mark Swires, Vocations Promoter for more information: vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
Lenten Service at 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.
Coffee Morning Cake Sales
Thank you very much to everybody who supports the Thursday Coffee Mornings and donates to the home made cakes. I have recently sent off another cheque to the Wonder Foundation for £150. More cakes after lent! Cynthia Bush.
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
Men's Weekend Retreat from 10th to 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
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
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 1st April at 8pm in the Parish Centre with Journey of Faith (Ten Commandments: 6-10). You are welcome to attend some or all of these talks; if you would like more information please speak to Fr Kevin.
Catholic Newspapers
The number of Catholic Papers sold at the back of church has been steadily dwindling over the years. The Parish has also been losing money through the sale of these Papers. We have therefore decided that from Easter we will not stock newspapers in the Parish. However, there are a couple of alternative ways of receiving these newspapers which are both more efficient and cost effective. From now onwards if you wish to receive a Catholic Paper each week, please either subscribe directly to the publisher, so that it can be delivered to your home; or take-out a subscription to receive it electronically. We shall still continue to sell the Magnificat booklets each month.
Brentwood Catholic Children's Society
Children and families are now able to access direct therapeutic support in one of our clinics. Sessions take place after school or at an evening clinic at our counselling suites in Rayleigh. Our highly experienced counsellors provide support directly to the whole family or to children and adolescents on a 1:1 basis. If you are concerned that your child may need someone to talk to, please contact Catherine on cmunns@bccs.org.uk There is a sessional charge, so please enquire.
Gift Aid Envelopes
New boxes of envelopes for those in the Gift Aid Scheme will be available for collection this weekend. 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.
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.
Pilgrimage to Knock
Led by Fr. John Corbyn, fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, 27th May 2019. £649.00 pp sharing. Price includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with FULL BOARD. All entertainment/ day trips and guided tours included. Single room supplement £100. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.
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.
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