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 21st February.
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.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends in Christ
Over these current Sundays of Ordinary Time, Jesus expounds the moral law as He teaches the people in His Sermon on the Mount.
Dear friends in Christ
Over these current Sundays of Ordinary Time, Jesus expounds the moral law as He teaches the people in His Sermon on the Mount. Many of His listeners thought what He taught was extraordinarily demanding. Jesus teaches that from the beginning God established unity and indissolubility in Marriage. For the followers of Christ, the clear and simple formula is that matrimony means one man and one woman for life. Pope Pius XI famously stated: Marriage was protected, confirmed and elevated not by human laws, but by the very author of nature, God Himself, and by the restorer of that nature, Christ our Lord. This law therefore, cannot be subject to the variable choice of men, not even by the contrary judgement of the spouses themselves (Casti conubi). This teaching has been also affirmed and reaffirmed by all the subsequent Popes, Councils and Synods of the Church. The intrinsic nature of Marriage, as established by God in the Bible, is what gives substance and foundation to our world and human relationships. In Christian Marriage—especially when it is Sacramental—there is a powerful sign of the permanent love of God in our world: a sign and symbol of God’s enduring concern to support us on the pilgrimage through this life to eternal life. We are in the middle of National Marriage Week, which whilst not an exclusively Christian initiative, gives us the occasion to celebrate, reflect on, and rejoice in, this great Sacrament in Christ and the Church. At a time when there are all-too-few Marriages, and when family life is weakened by secularising influences, our focus is thanksgiving to God for all those who persevere in this sacred bond. We remember all those who are discerning Marriage too, and we hold in prayer and the support of our affection, those who struggle in their relationships and family life. None of us claims perfections in the way we live the Christian vocation, which is why together we strive for virtue and perfection through the living of the virtues of enduring love.
At the Mass his weekend we shall pray for all of these intentions, and offer the blessing of the Church to those who live the Sacrament of Marriage, especially any who celebrate a significant anniversary this year.
God bless you all, your homes and your families.
Msgr Kevin Hale
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday 12th February
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Liturgy:
Readings Year A
The Nicene Creed
Preface of Sunday 5
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 Josephine Giordmaina, RIP (DS)
11.30am Mass Tony Trigg, RIP (Anniv) (AT)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 13
Feria
9am Mass Jennifer Garrett, RIP (Anniv) (JH)
11.30am Requiem Mass Charles D’Souza, RIP
Tuesday 14
SS Cyril Monk, and Methodius, Bp
9am Mass Maureen Gooding, RIP (SVP)
Wednesday 15
Feria
9am Mass Elaine MacDonald, RIP (Anniv) (JH)
Thursday 16
Feria
9am Mass Dr Noel Hayter, RIP (SVP)
Friday 17
The Seven Holy Founders of the Service Order
12noon Mass Anna Maggio, RIP & Beppi Bozzetto, RIP (LM)
Saturday 18
Saturday Memorial of BVM
10am Mass Jeff Sharp, RIP (CS)
10.30-11.30am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 19 February
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
5.30pm Vigil Mass Margaret Riley, RIP (WW)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
8am Mass John & Pat Moon, RIP (SM)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Mona Cundick RIP
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Fr John Garrett, Fr Charles Snell, Fr John Joyce, Eric Wallen, Mary Mulhern, Mary Gleeson, Patrick O’Donnell, Martin Ryan, Daphne Rickard, Ivy Spratt, Christina Riddell, Jack Pearson Joan Stanley, Malcolm Atkinson, Patricia Garnett, Anthony Ashwell-Rivens, Elaine MacDonald, Mary Rigden, Amy Read, John Armstrong, Doreen O’Leary, Alice McGiff, John McCarthy, Ernest Treston, Eleanor Walsh, Veronica Collins, Mark Bragard, Michael Fitzgerald, Maire Beckwith, Douglas Ellegard, Ernest Bullock, Anthony Hillier, Peggy Stevenson, Branko Deyanovitch, Hugh McHattie, Leo Farge, Elizabeth Callo, Vera Thompson, Christopher Purcel & Neil O’Keefe.
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, 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, 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.
Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary lamp burns for the deceased members of the Walsh and Comey Families.
We Pray for the Repose of the Souls of
CHARLES D’SOUZA RIP who died on 2nd January. His Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, 13th February at 11.30am and committal will take place at Basildon Crematorium at 4pm.
CHRISTINE WISE RIP who died on 21st January. Her body will be received into the Church on Thursday, 16th March at 5pm and her Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 17th March at 9.30am followed by burial at Hall Road Cemetery.
MARIA FITZAKERLEY RIP who died recently. Funeral details to follow.
TERRY COCKERALL RIP who died on 29th January. Funeral details to follow.
MICHELLE POWER RIP who died on 31st January. Funeral Service, Thursday 16th February 4pm
Requiescant in pace
Dates for your Diary
Monday 13th February—Journey in Faith-RCIA continues
Saturdays 13th & 20th May—First Holy Communion Masses 10.30am
Sunday 28th May—Pentecost Sunday—Confirmation Mass 11.30am
Sunday 11th June—Corpus Christi Procession 4pm
Saturday 8th/Sunday 9th September—Flower Festival
Pastoral Letter for the weekend of 11th/12th February 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The readings at our Masses this weekend speak of the wisdom and authority of God - if we trust God and are fashioned by His grace then we will go forward with confidence and hope.
Four years ago wide discussions and consultations led to our Vision Document [Shaping our Future] but pandemic lockdowns and world events have held back our progress. Beginning immediately, I think we need to re-claim the fruits of the hard work and discernment that went into the creation of that Vision.
I want to emphasise that it is a vision of hope despite the very difficult wider context in which we find ourselves. It is a vision that speaks of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in our Diocese and exploring new ways of doing that in our parish partnerships.
As I go around the diocese I am greatly encouraged and delighted by what I see and hear. In parishes and schools the generosity and witness of laity and clergy are astonishing. Whether in the celebration of the Liturgy or pastoral care, authentic Catholic Life is celebrated and God’s saving work is furthered.
However we are also facing new and serious challenges. Since the pandemic many have not returned to the practice of the Faith. There have been major shifts in the Catholic populations within the diocese. Some churches and schools have seen their local active Catholic numbers plunge; in other places we are seeing the opposite.
The Vision Process described active Parish Partnerships and these are already strong in some parts of the diocese. Collaboration around catechetics, music and Catholic organisations is widespread but we need to develop and formalise many of these links.
Both in the Vision process and in the more recent reflections on the Synodal Church concern was expressed for the wellbeing of our clergy who give so generously in their ministry as priests and deacons. All our parishes are facing increasing demands in areas such as Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Finance. Many of us are discovering that these challenges can only be met in partnership with others.
Underpinning all this is a vision of the people of God working together to care for one another and to share our faith with as many people as possible. One great project in your partnership would be to employ a Parish Partnership Youth Coordinator. The Brentwood Catholic Youth Service can help here if you look at the Resources section of their website.
Shaping our Future speaks of supporting our renewal by using all of our combined resources to the best of our abilities. As we go forward we must recognise that we will not be able to maintain and repair all our buildings.
The Synodal Pathway led by Pope Francis emphasises the particular role of the diocesan bishop who must discern the signs of the times and determine ways forward after listening carefully to the people of God.
If we are to ensure a flourishing Catholic presence in East London and Essex for future generations we need to renew and restructure in line with the Vision document-
‘As parish partnerships work together… everyone will need to be very bold. Reach high in your aspirations and dreams’.
I have asked Steve Webb, our Director of Development, to talk to all parish partnerships about how implementation of the Vision Document Shaping our Future can be taken forward. I recognise that each partnership is unique and at a different stage. As this Pastoral Letter is read this weekend he will be writing to all Parish Priests, Stewards of the Gospel and others closely involved in this process.
Today I want to restate my thanks to everyone who contributed to the creation of our Vision and to reaffirm that it remains the way forward for us to renew and restructure our diocese.
The world is rapidly changing and the future is always uncertain but God’s care for His Church never fails - ‘They are happy who do His will, seeking Him with all their hearts’.
Yours in Christ and Mary,
+Alan Williams, sm
Bishop of Brentwood
Earthquake Relief Charities
Please donate via Aid to the Church in Need or CAFOD websites.
Like so many charities and organisations, Caritas Diocese of Brentwood is here in solidarity with those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
We have a webpage dedicated to ways that people can help, through prayer and financial donations.
All information is at: www.caritasbrentwood.org/news/earthquakes
Music at 11.30am Mass on Sunday
Prelude: Sonata No.2 in D —Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
Postlude: Sonata in D—Giuseppe Sigismondo (1730-1826)
Response to Psalm
Serving the Homeless
Thank you to everyone who supported the Sunday lunch, which raised £657. Our next event will be a Quiz Evening in St Margaret's Church Hall on 11th March, 7pm for 7.30pm. The cost is £5 per person, bring your own drinks and nibbles.
If you wish to book a table (up to 10 people) or a place with another team, please ring any Committee member or Linda Wall on 01702 558217.
HARP
Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas appeal. We thought the following update would be useful to all of you:
In January we helped a total of 508 people, of which 30 were new. We provided 1,750 breakfasts and 25 food parcels, 279 people were housed with us, 32 people moved into HARP accommodation, 9 people moved on to independent living and we served approximately 4,650 meals to our residents.
Your continuing support is greatly appreciated.
Our Lady of Lourdes Ladies Group
Our next Meeting is on Thursday, 16th February from 10am in the Parish Centre. As usual all ladies in the Parish are very welcome to come and enjoy a convivial morning of interesting talks, meet new friends and generally relax over refreshments for only £1.00 subs plus a donation for our very popular Raffle.
We hope to give a big welcome to our guest speaker, Mr. Richard Brown, who is a Volunteer guide and speaker for Southend Pier and Museum. This promises to be an interesting morning with lots of information about what’s almost on our door step and which we probably know little about, with lots of pictures and local knowledge.
Sacrament of Confirmation
This will take place on Pentecost Sunday, 28th May. Any adult or young adult (who must have reached the age of fourteen by 1st September 2022) may apply. Please send an email with your name and contact details to mrscatherineharris@gmail.com by Ash Wednesday, 22nd February.
Repository
The Repository is situated at the rear of the Church in the old Baptistry and will be open following the 5.30pm Vigil Mass and after the 9.30am and 11.30am Masses on Sundays.
We have a good selection of cards and small gifts. Over the next few weeks we hope new stock will be arriving in time to celebrate those special occasions of St.Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter. If you can’t see what you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to ask. After Easter, cards and gifts should be available in time for First Holy Communions and Confirmation.
Deanery of Southend Lent Talks 2023
Wednesday evenings at 7pm—Eastwood Parish—St Peter’s
59 Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea SS9 4BX
Questions & Answers facilitated by Fr Jeff Woolnough
March 1st Fr Graham Smith
The Gospel According to John
March 8th DVD Presentation
Dr Scott Hahn—The Eucharist in Scripture
Part One—The Lamb’s Supper
March 15th DVD Presentation
Dr Scott Hahn—The Eucharist in Scripture
Part Two—The Fourth Cup
March 22nd DVD Presentation
Dr Scott Hahn—The Eucharist in Scripture
Part Three—Consuming the Word
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.
World Day of Prayer Friday 3rd March
This year’s World Day of Prayer Service takes place on Friday 3rd March at 10.30am at St alban’s Church, St Johns Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7JY, followed by tea/coffee. Car parking is available at North Road and Cliffs Pavilion car parks.
All are welcome to this years Service which is prepared by the women of Taiwan on the theme ‘I have heard about your faith’
BCCS
The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society is an established children’s charity delivering vital mental health services in schools throughout the diocese and in our specially adapted therapy rooms in Billericay. Currently we are seeking to appoint new trustees to our Board to help guide and develop our work. Further information is available on our website https://www.bccs.org.uk/who-we-are/our-trustees/ or please email Bernadette our Director at bfisher@bccs.org.uk who will be happy to discuss this important role with you.