Please Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Fr Owen Fitzgerald, Fr John O’Mahoney Fr William Donelan, Fr George Duckett, Fr Joseph McEntee, John Clements, Ian Walker, John Adams, Agnes Ransom, Martin Payne, Peter Abel, James Kennedy, Sebastiano Marino, Stephen Bendall, Orla Shapiro, Antonio Capone, Mary Ellen O’Driscoll, Kenneth Sigovallan, Doris McEvoy, Cecelia Spendley, Wilfred Walton, Phyllis Osment, Beryl Rombaut, Mary Kyrke-Smith, Anna Coste, George Andrews, Millicent Howell, Albert Cook, Violet Dagnell, Louisa Hucks, Harold Horam, Ellaline Stenfalt and Magdalena Schenbel.
May their Souls & the Souls of all the Faithful Departed rest in peace.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Dear Friends in christ
The final two weeks of Lent - Passiontide - brings us closer to the highpoint of the liturgical year: the Sacred Triduum of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day. We shall spend these days considering the infinite love of God, who permitted His Son to suffer for our sins. The whole meaning of the Christian life is summed-up in the Cross, and although our crucifixes and images are veiled in purple now, it is so that when they are unveiled on Good Friday, the whole drama of the mysteries of our salvation are made manifest. So, although we veil images and objects at certain times, this is only so that our sense of anticipation be heightened, and when the veils are taken away, we may see the Mysteries with fresh eyes.
Dear Friends in Christ
The final two weeks of Lent - Passiontide - brings us closer to the highpoint of the liturgical year: the Sacred Triduum of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day. We shall spend these days considering the infinite love of God, who permitted His Son to suffer for our sins. The whole meaning of the Christian life is summed-up in the Cross, and although our crucifixes and images are veiled in purple now, it is so that when they are unveiled on Good Friday, the whole drama of the mysteries of our salvation are made manifest. So, although we veil images and objects at certain times, this is only so that our sense of anticipation be heightened, and when the veils are taken away, we may see the Mysteries with fresh eyes.
Next week at Mass we shall hear the Passion read according to St Luke; on Good Friday it is always the account of St John that we hear. Holy Week, and especially the Triduum, can be seen as something of a mini-retreat for the Parish: we spend many hours in church, our lives go into a sort-of slow motion, as we consider all of the details of those last days and hours of Our Lord’s life. The primary consideration for us is: Jesus suffered all this for love of me. I would suggest that the Prayer before the Crucifix is a helpful devotion in these days as we ask in that ancient prayer: to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment.
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
The Sunday Homily is available as a podcast at LourdesLeigh.org
Fifth Sunday of Lent
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
Monday 8 Feria
9.00am Mass Intentions of Simone Dann
10.00am Funeral Service Eric Newman, RIP
Tuesday 9 Feria
9.00am Mass Intentions of Jan Lewis (MF)
Wednesday 10 Feria
9.00am Mass Alan Bush, RIP (SVP)
Thursday 11 Feria
9.00am Mass Kathleen Young, RIP (Anniv) (LY)
5.00pm Body in Church Terence Larman, RIP
Friday 12 Feria
Mass Joyce Foy, RIP (MS)
12Noon Requiem Mass Terence Larman, RIP
8.00pm Way of the Cross & Benediction
Saturday 13 Feria
10.00am Mass Patricia Armstrong, RIP (Anniv)(MB)
10.30am-11.30am Exposition & Confession
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD - Sunday 14th April
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Malcolm & DJanet Cheshire - 64th Wedding Anniversary (MC)
6.30pm–7.30pm Exposition & Confession
8.00am Mass Joe Lynham, RIP (K&LW)
9.30am Mass Eric Newman, RIP (BH)
11.30am Mass James Bartle, RIP (AT) (preceded by Blessing & Procession of Palms)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
The Sacrament of Penance is available on request
Services from the church are live streamed
Counters & Folders
Counters: Linda Wall & Eileen Wilson
Folders: Angie Martin & Joseph Martin
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
Flower Festival 15th June 2019
Thank you to everyone who has responded to our request for help with the Flower Festival this year. We now have about 15 Hymns covered, but we still have room for a few more! If you would like to have a go please contact Jo 474062 or Theresa, 335122 as soon as possible.
Margueriteville Country Music Club
Following my last gig as Secretary of this club last Saturday, a donation of £500 has been paid into the church as part of our ongoing donations. Raffle and tea money proceeds will continue to be paid to the Church periodically by Bernie Lane and Vita de Souza. My thanks to all parishioners who have supported us with donations of prizes and we are happy to receive them as and when! Thank you. Darrell Binding.
National Catholic Men's Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 27th/Sunday28th 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 - 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
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 8th April at 8pm in the Parish Centre with Journey of Faith (Prayer & The Lords Prayer). 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.
Save the Date: Saturday 11th May
March for Life UK is happening in London. Join thousands of other pro-lifers in creating awareness of the hurt and damage abortion causes and helping to promote a culture of life. Inside festival (LifeFest19) 9.30am - 1.30pm, booking required. The march starts at 2pm (no booking required). For more information see posters/leaflets, go to marchforlife.co.uk or call 07773501721/ 0788550511.
Penitential Service
There will be a Penitential Service at St Helen’s Church, Milton Road, Westcliff this Wednesday, 10th April at 7.30pm with local priests for the Sacrament of Confession.
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.
Ladies Group
The next Meeting is on Thursday, 11th April from 10.30am, all women welcome. Come and enjoy some good company and make an Easter Bonnet, decorate an egg or whatever inspires your hidden artist!! Or just have a cup of tea! Last meeting until after Easter.
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
First Thursday of every month Meeting of Parish Evangelisation Team 8pm
Please Pray for the Repose of the souls of
Eric Newman, RIP who died on Monday, 18th March. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, 8th April at 10am, followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.
Terence Larman, RIP who died on Tuesday, 26th March. His Body will be received into the Church on Thursday 11th April at 5pm and his Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, 12th April at 12 Noon, followed by committal at Sutton Road Cemetery.