Flower & Craft Festival Saturday 6th July 2024
It is time to start preparations for this year’s Flower and Craft Festival! The Theme this year is ‘PRAYER.’
We would love to have as many people as possible to take part. Simply choose a prayer or prayers and think about how that can be illustrated visually with Flowers, Art work, Artefacts, Needlework etc.
The Festival day is always a very inspiring occasion with people from all faiths or none dropping into our beautiful Church. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response that there has been over the last few years to our themes.
If you would like to take part please email me at : mcronan@btinternet.com, or simply speak to me or Theresa.
If you are not sure about a suitable prayer then I have lots to choose from. Jo Ronan
Catholic Parish Summit
The Catholic Parish Summit is taking place in Harrogate from the 12th to the 14th of June with over 1,000 parish leaders from across the country.
Our diocese has booked some places for the Summit which are available to anyone who is interested in attending. These places are free but they are limited and you will need to make arrangements for accommodation while you are in Harrogate. For more information about the Summit please visit their website: https://catholicparishsummit.com/
If you would like to find out more please email Father Dan Mason, the Episcopal Vicar for Parish Renewal at billericay@brcdt.org
Missio Red Box Holders
I have received the Spring 2024 Missio magazines. If you have not received one from me personally please take one from the back of the Church (Usual place). Thank you Joan Caunce Secretary.01268 757505
2024 Caritas Networking Day
Interested in the Catholic response to homelessness, welcoming refugees and migrants, assisting with the Cost of Living Crisis, or tackling the causes and effects of climate change? You are invited to the 2024 Caritas Brentwood Networking Day, Saturday 27th April, 10am – 2.30pm, at the St Edward the Confessor Church Hall, Romford (10-minute walk from Romford Station on the Elizabeth line, Bus routes from London are regular, parking is available but limited and a bike rack is also on site). This day is a chance to be sustained, share ideas and good practices with people from parishes across Essex and East London and hear about charities and resources available. Details and Registration (for free!) at www.caritasbrentwood.org/network<http://www.caritasbrentwood.org/network>
Journey of Faith—RCIA
RCIA will meet on Monday, 11th March and is specifically for those who are not Catholics but who are enquiring with a view to finding out more about the Catholic Faith and Reception into the Church. These evenings begin at 8pm, are held in the St Clement Room of the Parish Centre (the door is beside the Memorial Garden) and usually last just over an hour. Names may be given in advance to Fr Kevin or the Parish Office.
National Novena to St. Joseph: 10th to 18th March 2024
Every year the Mill Missionaries prepare for the Feast of St. Joseph with a Special Novena of Masses and prayers to ask for God' blessing for the intentions of all those who support their work. Please see the poster at the back of Church with more information. Thank you. Joan Caunce (Secretary).
Repository
We are open after all Masses at weekends so please feel free to come and browse our new stock. We are pleased to say we now have a large collection of Rosaries to suit all tastes/ages, plus a selection of Statues and Candles.
Just arrived are new Cards for Mass intentions, Sympathy, Get Well, Birthday etc. For the early bird we have some Easter and Mother’s Day cards, plus gifts and cards for Baptism. If you do not find what you are looking for please ask one of the Volunteers.
Loving Leigh
Following on from the Bishop's request to respond to the needs of our environment and our brothers and sisters we are proposing to initiate the following projects with your help.
Fair Trade - we will sell Fair Trade products on Sundays 8.30am-11.30am (after 8.00am Mass, before/after 9.30am Mass and before 11.30 Mass) once a month beginning on Sunday March 17th. Please support our brothers and sisters who work hard to provide goods for us.
Environment - We are looking for donations of any environmentally friendly plants for the church gardens (both drought resistant and pollinators)
Volunteers needed - A charity called Your Family are looking for volunteers to help with some of their initiatives including: 'Cuppa and Chat drop in', Messy Play sessions, Food banks, 'Little love Baby Bank' and family engagement in libraries. Any travel costs will be reimbursed.
Street Pastors - Asking for volunteers who will be trained to work on the streets of Southend. They also need a treasurer.
Southend University - We plan to operate a Homework Club in the Parish Centre one day a week between 3.30-5.00pm to support young people who do not have the facilities at home to do their homework. The University will provide some mentors but if one or two parishioners could also support this initiative on a rota basis that would be great.
We hope that by putting our faith into action that we are responding to the example of Jesus and the words of our Pope.
If you are willing to help in any of the above ventures or just want to know a little more about them please ring Cathy on 07762 107920 to find out more. Thank you. Cathy, Live Simply Group.
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School
Are you looking for a Nursery for your 2 to 4 year old?
Contact us to look around our learning environment!
office@ourladyoflourdes.southend.sch.uk 01702475689
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School is located in Leigh's heart along Manchester Drive, a short walk from the London Road.
Our welcoming community school is perfect for children starting Nursery in 2024.
We're proud of our family feel, which spans generations, and our vast grounds for children to play.
Excelling in music, sport, science, and a balanced curriculum, we're the ideal place for your child to flourish.
Thinking about your child as they grow, our children transition easily and happily into our Reception classes. Our children achieve well in KS2, with many children moving on to the Catholic secondary schools.
St Bernard's High School—Exam Invigilators required as soon as possible
Current Hourly Rate: £10.50
Invigilators should be reliable, responsible, and able to follow instructions in a calm and sensible manner. A flexible approach to working hours is essential and full training will be provided. We welcome applications from all denominations or none.
The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment.
If you are interested in this position, please fill in the support staff application form found on our website under https://www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/ and email it torecruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk
Note: CVs will not be accepted.
BCCS Anniversary Afternoon Tea
Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society will be hosting a very special Anniversary Afternoon Tea at the Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 1pm for service at 1.30pm. They are delighted that Bishop Alan, BCCS President, will be attending as guest of honour. Tickets for the event are £34.00 per person and should be purchased before Monday 8th April directly from their event webpage: www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/ Once you have purchased your tickets, please advise Julie of any special dietary requirements or seating requests by contacting her by email jabbott@bccs.org.uk or call her on 07912 277413. Guests will be seated at tables of 12.
Vacancy at St Bernard's High School
EVENING CARETAKER
Part-time (15 hours per week, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, Monday to Friday)
Scale 14 - £27,334 (pro-rata actual salary £11,081)
Provisional start date: 8 April 2024
Closing Date: 18 March 2024, 9.00am
Interviews: Friday 22 March 2024
Are you a team player who is flexible, can prioritise and be proactive? We are looking to recruit an Evening Caretaker to become part of our busy Premises team.
The role will be challenging at times so you will need to be organised and adaptable to issues that might arise. You will be required to secure the school site at the end of the evening, deal with lettings, clear up after use of our facilities, carry out general maintenance, and ensure the site is kept clean and safe at all times.
The successful candidate must have a proven track record in a suitable maintenance role ideally working within a School or similar environment.
If you would like more information about the role please see our website (www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk under About Us/Vacancies). If you are interested in applying please complete the Support Staff Application Form found on the Vacancies webpage and email it to recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham - Saturday 25th May 2024
Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House.
We will be sharing a coach with Sacred Heart Parish. If you would like to book a seat please leave your name and contact details with the Parish office.
40 Days for Life
40 days for life is a witness to human life praying and peacefully offering help to vulnerable women and girls. Southend City On Sea Marie Stopes International is an Abortion DIY Pills provider. Join us over the Lenten period till Friday 22nd March. Contact Mary Connolly 07478765010 Madrecasita8@gmail.com
Organ Loft cleaner required
Would you be able to spare an hour a week between 10am and 1pm, to help clean our organ loft? Whichever day suits you, and it doesn’t have to be the same day every week!
If you can help, please contact the Parish office on 01702 478078 or email office@lourdesleigh.org.
Third Sunday of Lent
Dear friends in Christ
We read the Gospel of this Sunday that Jesus expressed a righteous indignation at the way the Temple was being used for commercial gain: Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money-changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me.
Dear friends in Christ
We read the Gospel of this Sunday that Jesus expressed a righteous indignation at the way the Temple was being used for commercial gain: Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money-changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: ‘Zeal for your house will devour me.’
By referring to the destruction of the Temple and it’s rebuilding in three days, Jesus was looking beyond the physical building to that of His own body, which would be raised up on the third day after His death. His risen body is the new sanctuary of God’s presence, the new true temple. It is no longer necessary to enter a sacred building such as the temple in Jerusalem, to meet with God. We need only to turn to Jesus, our risen Lord, and he is not confined to the physicality of a temple or a sanctuary or a church. He can be found anywhere. In fact, after Jesus’ resurrection, the followers of Jesus who lived in Jerusalem continued to worship in the temple, but they also worshipped together in one another’s homes. The communities of believers to whom Paul wrote his magnificent letters all lived a long way from Jerusalem. They gathered together for prayer and the Eucharist in the homes of those members of the community who had the space to accommodate others. There would be no church buildings for almost another three hundred years when Christianity was officially recognised by the Roman emperor Constantine.
As we make the pilgrimage through Lent, we remind ourselves of the need to purify the temples that are our own bodies, so that we are found worthy to receive the Living God, both now, and at the the time of His calling us.
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Third Sunday of Lent
Liturgy:
Readings of Year B
The Apostles’ Creed
Preface of Third Sunday of Lent
Saturday 2
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
5.30pm Vigil Mass Fr Richard Moroney (Northampton) (PM)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 3 March
Third Sunday of Lent
8am Mass Henry O'Callaghan, Special Intention
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Janet Weale, RIP (TW)
4pm Mass Violette Gray, RIP
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 4
Monday of the Third Week of Lent
9am Mass Victorine Bartholomeusz, RIP (Anniv) (BC)
Tuesday 5
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
9am Mass Albert Thomas Cook, RIP (MC)
Wednesday 6
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
9am Mass Intentions of Maya Solecki (sick) (IS)
Thursday 7
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
9am Mass Emily Boggis, RIP (JA)
Friday 8
Friday of the Third Week of Lent
12noon Mass Robert Hodgson, RIP (CR)
7pm Way of the Cross and Benediction
Saturday 9
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
10am Mass Madeleine Selvini, RIP (Fr Selvini)
10.30-11am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
11am First Confessions
5.30pm Vigil Mass Bernardette Lane, RIP (MH)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 10 March
Fourth Sunday of Lent—Lætare
8am Mass Maria Horlock, RIP (Anniv) (M&RMcC)
9.30am Mass Tom O'Callaghan, RIP (Anniv) (JA)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Mgr Canon Patrick O’Donnell, Fr Brian Galvin, Fr Francis Hastings, Fr Malachi Kelly, Canon Joseph Whitfield, Fr Thomas Lawton, Fr John Gordon, Patricia Sellers, Hugh Gallacher, Maria Vanden Heuvel, Patricia Church, Margaret Ellis, May Perkins, Esperanza Reyes, Bernard McCarthy, Ena Bartley, Mary Smith, Doris Conner, Danielle Sutherland, Sandra McGran, Philip Thomas, Anthony Conlon, Hannah Harris, Johnathan Grindley, Granley Rumsey, John Stephen Burke, Miss Sydney Compton, Edward Baigent, Elsie Killman, Janet Harris, Malcolm Cheshire, Teresa Rumsey, John Button, Constance Ryan, Joyce Quinn, Pamela Jones, Peggy Choppin, Vincent Ingham, Christopher Tyler, Joe Swann & Tom O’Callaghan.
We pray for our sick
The Sick List is available on the website main menu, under Worship.
We pray for the sick of our parish
“Father,
by the power of your Spirit
you have filled the hearts of your faithful people
with gifts of love for one another.
Hear the prayers we offer for our relatives and friends.
Give them health of mind and body
that they may do your will with perfect love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.”