Sick & Housebound

If you have have a family member, or are aware of someone who is sick or housebound and would wish to receive any of the Sacraments, please advise Father Kevin.

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School & Nursery

If your child is eligible to attend Nursery, please clink on the link below to find more information about Our Lady of Lourdes School Nursery

OLL Ladies Group

Our next Meeting is on Thursday 19th January from 10am in the Parish Centre. All ladies in the Parish are welcome to join us . Why not come and while away those January blues with some entertaining games, fun and chat over coffee and cake and blow away the cobwebs? As usual subs are just £1. 00 with a fun Raffle. (unwanted gifts gratefully accepted to boost the Raffle).  We all look forward to seeing you there!    

Serving the Homeless

On Sunday, 29th January 2023 Serving the Homeless are holding a Sunday Lunch in the Park View Suite, Chalkwell Park, 12.30pm for 1pm.

Tickets cost £24 and are available from any Committee member or please ring Linda Wall on 01702 558217.

Sea of Voices Choir

Our Community choir returned last week, we meet every Thursday at the Parish centre from 7.45pm. New members who would like to sing are very welcome so come along and meet us!  We especially need male Basses, but all soprano, altos will be also very welcome.  If you know someone, especially any young singers, please tell them and get them to contact me (details below).

Darrell Binding 07825686249 or email seaofvoiceschoir@outlook.com.  Sea of Voices are on Facebook

Bereavement Support Group

The Group meets on the third Tuesday of every month in the Parish Centre (Bernadette room) at 2pm. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th January.

We are aware that this time may not be convenient for everyone who feels they need support following the loss of a loved one. We are therefore considering a possible change of day and time. For example Saturday morning or afternoon or a weekday morning or evening might be more convenient for people.

The Group is open to people who have experienced loss and Bereavement and who feel they might find sharing their experience with others in a confidential and caring environment. We try to ensure that nobody is under any pressure to talk but participants are gently encouraged to express their feelings supported by other Group members and experienced Counsellors. If further information is required please contact the Parish Office or phone Cynthia on 07783 094312 with your name and contact number.

If interested please give your name, contact details, and preference of day/ time to the Parish Office. Thank you.

Baptism of the Lord

Dear friends in Christ

Last year ended on the sad note of the death of Pope Benedict XVI. And yet, the thing that marks this great Pontiff's legacy in my mind—perhaps more than his brilliant theological mind and his steadfast defense of tradition and truth—is his insistence that now, more than ever, we need to be joyful. I think back to an interview he gave in 1997—then as Cardinal Ratzinger—in which he addressed the challenges that the Church faced in this dim postmodern age. During the interview, he urged a return to “unembarrassed joy”: a recognition, in faith, that “the world is basically good, that God is there and is good. That it is good to live and to be a human being. This results, then, in the courage to rejoice, which in turn becomes commitment to making sure that other people, too, can rejoice and receive good news.” So, even as we mourn the loss of Benedict—a great Pontiff, a brilliant scholar, and a faithful servant of Christ—we can remind ourselves that this is an occasion, too, for joy. Let us pray that our beloved shepherd, Pope Benedict XVI has entered into the everlasting joy that God promises all who love Him.

This Sunday following The Epiphany of Jesus, we celebrate His Baptism. By entering the waters of the Jordon to be Baptsied by John, Jesus shows us His humilty in submitting Himself to this ritual in solidarity with the rest of sinful mankind. He also makes holy the waters of Christian Baptism, whereby we become chlidren of God and receive the right of entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. This Feast is therefore a good moment for us to thank God for the supernatural life given to us—thanks to our parents and godparents—which is the promise of eternal life for those who are faithful to that grace.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale

Baptism of the Lord

Sunday 8th January
Baptism of the Lord

Liturgy:
Readings Year A
The Nicene Creed
Preface of The Baptism of the Lord

5.30pm Vigil Mass The People of the Parish
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

8am Mass Intentions of Maureen Ward (RO’C)
9.30am Mass Fr Richard Rowe, RIP (CB)
11.30am Mass Ellen Walsh, RIP (Anniv) (MC)
5.30pm Blessing of Recently Baptised Children & Benediction

Monday 9
Feria
9am Mass Peter Cope, RIP (MG)

2pm Requiem Mass—Maria Luisa Page RIP

Tuesday 10
Feria
9am Mass Intentions of Maria Cook (SD)

Wednesday 11
Feria
9am Mass Agnes & Steve McManus, RIP (Anniv) (SW)

Thursday 12
St Aelred of Rievaulx, Ab
9am Mass Fr John Fowler, RIP (PM)

Friday 13
St Hilary, Bp, D
12Noon Mass Intentions of Mystica Alexander (CB)

Saturday 14
Saturday Memorial of BVM
10am Mass Intentions of Margaret Johnson (MJ)
10.30-11.30am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

Sunday 15 January
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

5.30pm Vigil Mass Pat Poulton, RIP (PO’C)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Angela Barrett, (RIP) (LW)
11.30am Mass Dr Noel Hayter, RIP (PL)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries

Canon Francis Dobson, Fr John King, Walter McGune, Melissa Overton, John O’Leary, Elizabeth Hancock, Marie Thompson, Doreen Clements, Firmina Rose Bailey, Frances Sims, Bill Shanhan, Terence Foley, Gertrude Culley, Doreen Newcombe, Winifred Hughes, Madeleine Moroney, Clive Vincent Allen, Stephana Gallacher, Evelyn Roots, June Dillon, Cyril Jarman, Agness O’Donoghue, Agnes McManus, Catherine Ramsay, Hubert Carlyon, May Tomlinson, Ryan Allen, Margaret Bonsor, Juan Billena, Mabel Payne, Joe DeLobel, Leslie George Murray, Derrick Whithil-Smith, Mary Cooper, Tim McCarthy, Lily Jessie Johnson, Eileen Watson, Georges Egidio, Dr Robert Clark, Catherine Mills, Pat Rogers, Patricia Manning, Eric Major, John Mayo, Anna Soul & Rose-Margaret Gilbert.

We Pray for our Sick

Christine Reid, Rose D’Souza, Jimmy & Pauline Martin, Ben Dench, James Fegan, Muriel Matthews, David Lesley, Kenneth Biebuyck, Zach Stokes, Andrew Stokes, Noel Conroy, Marjorie Jay, Paul Sutton, John Murphy, Mary Monaghan, Jennifer Biebuyck, Moira Scott, Jill Yates, Leonora Maguire, Brian Mountier, Renata Butler, Margaret Bartle, Tony Downey, Kristy Monferrari, Fred Ring, Ian Irwin, Russell Short, Marie Karaf, Garry Pearman, Patricia Ann Darroch, Patricia Vanner, Amy Louise Fox, Sarah Savage, Bill O’Connell, Janet Weale, Charlotte O’Neil, Ella Williams, David Kislingbury, Mark Shepherd, Eileen Bines, Breege McCaffrey, Mark Hartley, John Lavery, Paul Keane, Rosemary Bragard, Pat Lynch, Maureen Gooding, Ben Wilson, Christian Ryan, Tina Doveaston, Addi Brady, Patricia Fleming, Nicky Wigmore, Rose Craft, Patricia Spikin, Sandra Fagan, Edna Wallace, Beryl Dixon, Nick Evans, Vicky Jack, Mary Boyce, Kristin Hallenga, Anne O’Neill, Cheryl Shallis, 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, Norma McCleverty, Belinda Balazsi, Johnny Pool, Edward Martin, Joanna Luciani, Pauline Wilsher, Simon Marshall, Kriston Barnes, Hugh Isaacs, Josephine Griggs, Dawn Deleigh, Lorraine Hart, Linda Dean, Georgina Cornwell, Antonella McConalogue, Sharon Levill, Annie Holland, Ivor & Joanne Knight, Brian Beresford, Rebecca Peake, Connor Bourke, Mattia Mollica, Bernadette Lane, Irena Solecki, Ianto Bellis, Marguerite Harris, Andrew Exley, Elizabeth McConalogue, Kean Smith, Keith Maliff, Bradley & children: Thomas Ball, Liam Davis, Connie Price, Albert Chambers, Fergus Grant, Mary Isherwood, Lucy Price, Frazer Gregory & baby Forest Gallagher.

We Pray for the Repose of the Souls of

MARIA LUISA PAGE RIP who died on Friday, 16th December. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, 9th January at 2pm followed by committal at Basildon Crematorium.

PETER ANTONY HAIGH RIP who died on Wednesday, 30th November. His funeral service will take place on Wednesday, 18th January at 11am followed by committal at Basildon Crematorium.

PAUL JAMES CORPE RIP who died on Thursday 15th December. His funeral service will take place on Friday, 20th January at Basildon Crematorium at 10.30am.

FRANCIS ANTHONY MURRAY HAYES RIP who died on 31st December. His Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 20th January at 2.15pm followed by committal at Basildon Crematorium.

JOHN McCARTHY RIP who died on Saturday, 17th December. His body will be received into the church on Tuesday, 24th January at 5pm and his Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday, 25th January at 11am followed by burial at Herongate Wood Cemetery, Brentwood.

TERENCE (TERRY) VICTOR LESLIE MARTYN RIP who died on Tuesday 20th December. His funeral service will take place on Thursday, 26th January at Basildon Crematorium at 2.30pm.

FRANCIS JOHN MULLAN RIP who died on 10th December. His funeral service will take place on Wednesday, 8th February at Southend Crematorium at 2.40pm.

CHARLES DE SOUZA RIP who died on 2nd January. Funeral details to follow.

JOHN HARLEY RIP who died on 6th January. Funeral details to follow.

Requiescant in pace

Sanctuary Lamp

This week the Sanctuary lamps burn for the intentions of the McChrystal Family and the deceased members of the Rockell Family.

Music at 11.30am Mass on Sunday

Prelude: Allegro in G—Starling Goodwin (c.1713-74)

Postlude: Fugue in D—George Frederic Handel (1685-1759)

Response to Psalm

Sick & Housebound

If you have have a family member, or are aware of someone who is sick or housebound and would wish to receive any of the Sacraments, please advise Father Kevin.

Serving the Homeless

On Sunday, 29th January 2023 Serving the Homeless are holding a Sunday Lunch in the Park View Suite, Chalkwell Park, 12.30pm for 1pm.

Tickets cost £24 and are available from any Committee member or please ring Linda Wall on 01702 558217.

Sea of Voices Choir

Our Community choir returns to singing next week on Thursday 12th January, meeting as usual at the Parish centre from 7.45pm. New members who would like to sing are very welcome so come along and meet us!  We especially need male Basses, but all soprano, altos will be also very welcome.  If you know someone, especially any young singers, please tell them and get them to contact me (details below) 

I would also like to thank all our supporters who came to our Christmas Concert on 10th December where we raised £220, shared between BCCS and the St. Vincent Centre charities. 

Darrell Binding 07825686249 or email seaofvoiceschoir@outlook.com.  Sea of Voices are on Facebook

Bereavement Support Group

The Group meets on the third Tuesday of every month in the Parish Centre (Bernadette room) at 2pm. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th January.

We are aware that this time may not be convenient for everyone who feels they need support following the loss of a loved one. We are therefore considering a possible change of day and time. For example Saturday morning or afternoon or a weekday morning or evening might be more convenient for people.

The Group is open to people who have experienced loss and Bereavement and who feel they might find sharing their experience with others in a confidential and caring environment. We try to ensure that nobody is under any pressure to talk but participants are gently encouraged to express their feelings supported by other Group members and experienced Counsellors. If further information is required please contact the Parish Office or phone Cynthia on 07783 094312 with your name and contact number.

If interested please give your name, contact details, and preference of day/ time to the Parish Office. Thank you.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI

Requiem Mass

7pm Wednesday 4 January 2023

For the eternal repose of his soul

Mary, Mother of God

Dear friends in Christ

I wish you all a very happy New Year!

On the Octave day of Christmas—New Year’s Day—we celebrate the Divine Motherhood of our Blessed Lady. We begin 2023 close to Our Lady, having contemplated her in these days close to Jesus and lovingly embracing Him. Each of us should make a decisive effort at the start of a new year, to have a close relationship with Mary. She is the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God, and therefore she has a special affection and care for each of us sons and daughters of God. May she assist us every day of this New Year and guide our steps along the ways of peace and holiness.

This Newsletter gives me the opportunity, as each year, to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has sent me greetings, cards and gifts over the Christmas season; also for the Christmas Offerings—I am so very grateful! This also provides the occasion for me to thank those in our Parish Family who work tirelessly so that the mission of the Parish and the local Church here can flourish. I am thinking at this time of all those who work to make our worship of God in the liturgy something noble: Musicians, Altar Servers, Readers, Sacristans and Florist. Also, those who work throughout the year to keep the interior and exterior of the church looking fine and orderly, especially the Cleaners. I think you will agree this Christmas that the outside decorations made the church look resplendent! Thanks to all of you who contribute to the workings of our Parish, and above all, those who daily pray for all our intentions.

Under the protecting mantle of Mary, may we all go forward in this year to live our Faith vibrantly, serve Christ in the most needy, and seek holiness of life in all we do.

I pray that God and His Blessed Mother will bless abundantly all of the homes and families of our Parish!

Msgr Kevin Hale

Mary, Mother of God

Sunday 1st January
Mary, Mother of God

Liturgy:
Readings of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
The Nicene Creed
Preface of Our Blessed Lady 1

5.30pm Vigil Mass William Underwood, RIP (Anniv) (RB)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

8am Mass Lucrecia Conlu, RIP (Anniv)
9.30am Mass Teresa McGeeney, RIP (MI)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
4pm Mass Intentions of Fr Kevin (RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

Monday 2
SS Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bpp, Dd
10am Mass Maureen Regan, RIP (Anniv) (CR)

Tuesday 3
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
9am Mass Frank Sadio, RIP (JS)

Wednesday 4
Feria of Christmastide
9am Mass Ernie Cotgrove, RIP (AMcC)

Thursday 5
Feria of Christmastide
9am Mass Fr Francis Leader, RIP (PM)

Friday 6
The Epiphany of The Lord—Holyday of Obligation
9.30 Mass Tom O'Callaghan, RIP (SH) (With OLOL School)
12Noon Mass Terence & Maisie Renehan, RIP (MH)
7pm Mass The People of the Parish

Saturday 7
Feria of Christmastide
10am Mass Peter Wilkinson, RIP (MH)
10.30-11.30am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

Sunday 8 January
The Baptism of the Lord

5.30pm Vigil Mass The People of the Parish
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

8am Mass Intentions of Maureen Ward (RO’C)
9.30am Mass Fr Richard Rowe, RIP (CB)
11.30am Mass Ellen Walsh, RIP (Anniv) (MC)
5.30pm Blessing of Recently Baptised Children & Benediction