Parish History
Copies of the Parish History are available at the back of church (priced five pounds). Please put all monies in the box on the wall, labelled books.
Lourdes Pilgrimage - Thank You from the Parish Youth
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our pilgrimage to Lourdes this year! It was such an incredible week, full of opportunities to help others, strengthen our faith, and spend time together as a group. We met so many inspiring people and had experiences that we’ll never forget. The quiz night was fun and we’re so grateful for all the generous donations people made, both on the night and directly. Knowing that the Parish was behind us meant so much, and we made sure to keep everyone in our prayers throughout the trip, especially at the Grotto. We’ve come home with so many good memories, a deeper sense of what Lourdes is all about, and a real appreciation for the support of our Parish community. We really hope even more people can join us next year – it’s an experience like no other!
Thanks again,
Joseph, Luke, Mary & Roisin
Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of the Rothwell Family.
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.”
We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Canon Peter Prendergast, Canon Vincent Hurley, Fr Andrew Hurley, Fr George Gresley, Fr Sean Sheils, Canon Vincent Cameron, Francis Bartley, Mary Hattersley, Bernardette Perry, Andre Lince, Raymond Vaulbert de Chantilly, Annie Gallacher, John Walmsley, Margaret McFarlane, John Power, Marjorie Hook, Edwin Martin, Catherine McGowan, Noreen Seles, Edward Chavner, Charles Roots, Mary Theresa Johnson, Denise Gianelli, Valerie Huntley, Rocco Forgione, Agnes Harding, Diane Seebold, Edith Seymour, Mary Saegar, Rhoda Addecott, Doreen Spaul, Teresa Griffiths, Annie McCarthy, Ronald Agnett, Agnes Una Young, Eileen Shears, Christopher Poulain & Sadie Marlow.
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends in Christ
The liturgy is a lesson in vigilance this Sunday: because the enemy never rests, and love never sleeps.
Dear friends in Christ
The liturgy is a lesson in vigilance this Sunday: because the enemy never rests, and love never sleeps. Jesus says this in the Gospel and warns us to be ready, like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding. A short amount of time separates us from our definite encounter with Jesus. The Lord should find us ready and prepared at whatever time He chooses to call upon us.
On Friday we celebrate the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady. So then, the great Mother of God, so mysteriously united to Jesus Christ from all eternity...received, as it were, the final crowning privilege of being preserved from the corruption of the grave and, following her Son in his victory over death, was brought, body and soul, to the highest glory of heaven, to shine as Queen at the right hand of that same Son, the immortal King of Ages. (Pope Pius XII, Proclamation of the Dogma, 1950). It is a glorious celebration of the end of Mary’s life, celebrated in the midst of this Summer-time; as we come to Mass on Friday—a Holyday of Obligation—let us rekindle our love and devotion to God’s Mother and our Mother.
Last week we learned the great news that Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has declared that St John Henry Newman is to be a 'Doctor of the Church’. This title is given to a Saint who has written with especial clarity and intellectual integrity in matters of the Catholic Faith and theology or spirituality. This request had been before the Holy See for some time, having received declarations of support from many different parts of the world, especially our own Bishops. The recognition that the writings of St John Henry Newman are a true expression of the faith of the Church is of huge encouragement to all who appreciate not only his great learning but also his heroic sanctity in following the call of God in his journey of faith, which he described as 'heart speaking unto heart’. This moment brings back vivid memories of the Papal Visit in 2010 of Pope Benedict XVI to these countries when he declared the beatification of John Henry Newman. Also, of his canonisation in 2019. Those moments have now reached fulfilment and give great joy to all who strive to follow Christ today, in his One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church! Deo gratias!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Liturgy:
Readings Year C
Preface of Sunday 6
The Nicene Creed
Saturday 9
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, V, M
5.30pm Mass Vincent Glauda, RIP (Anniv) (KC)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
10th August
8am Mass Deceased Members of the Maguire Family (FM)
9.30am Mass Roger & Ann O'Boyle, RIP (MI)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 11
St Clare, V
9am Mass Intentions of Henry & Philippa Ashcroft (VA)
Tuesday 12
St Jane Frances de Chantal, Rel
9am Mass Liam Armstrong, RIP (Anniv) (JA)
Wednesday 13
Ss Pontian, P and Hippolytus, Pr, Mm
9am Mass Intentions of Anita Lupton, (K&LW)
Thursday 14
St Maximilian Kolbe, Pr M
9am Mass Thanksgiving for answered prayers (MT)
Friday 15
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holyday of Obligation
9am Mass Frank Mann, RIP (Anniv)
12.00 Noon Intentions of Edward Potts (HU)
7pm Mass The People of the Parish
Saturday 16
St Stephen of Hungary
10am Mass Michelle Power, RIP (AC)
10.30—11.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
12Noon Wedding Jack Royce & Eleanor Johnson
5.30pm Mass The People of the Parish
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
17th August
8am Mass Raymond de Chantilly, RIP (Anniv) (LC)
9.30am Mass Fred & Doreen Wall, RIP (Anniv) (L&KW)
11.30am Mass Bernadette Perry, RIP (KH)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Fr David Papworth, Fr Stephen Keane, Fr John Cairns, Lily de Lobel, Maria Robinson, Vincent Glauda, Teresa Booty, Doris Lowe, Leonard Stevenson, Christopher Bariago, William Smith, Joseph Herinckx, Ronald Hill, Les Smith, Len Murray, James Jones, Dawn Pursey, John Dillon, Gerard Rodgers, Magdalaine Rubeck, Philippa Soggre, Jean Kerr, Philomena Stone, Arthur John Watkins, Frank Mann, Hugh Palmer, Helen Louise Enright, Dr Anna (Reggie) Kemmerling, Carmen Georges & Bridie Corrigan.
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.”
Sanctuary Lamp
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of the Mapson Family & friends.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of
PATRICIA MANSFIELD who died on Wednesday, 30th July. Her funeral will be held at 10am on Thursday, 28th August at Southend Crematorium.
Requiescat in pace
Music at 11.30am Mass
Prelude: Larghetto—Peter Prelleur (1705-1741)
Postlude: Sonata per Organo—Giovanni Pergolesi (1710-1736)
Dates for your Diary
Monday 8th September Centenary of the Opening of our Church. Mass 7.00pm
Sunday 14th September Parish Centenary Celebration 3pm
Monday 22nd September Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre
First Holy Communion 2026
If your child is going into Year 3 or above and you wish for them to make their First Holy Communion in May 2026, please submit the application by Friday 5th September.
This should be done via the parish website, under Sacraments - Communion
(https://lourdesleigh.org/sacraments)
The first meeting for parents will be held on Thursday, 25th September at 8pm in the Parish Centre.
Journey of Faith—RCIA
This begins on Monday, 22nd September 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 Newman 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.
Repository
The Repository is now closed until the first weekend in September. Mass cards are available from the Parish Office on weekday mornings only.
Lourdes Pilgrimage October 2025
St Helens Westcliff will be going on Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Wednesday October 15th to Saturday 18th October inclusive. Staying at Hotel Grande Moderne 4* closest to sanctuaries. All rooms have ensuite facilities. Full board. Flying from Stansted direct to Lourdes (Tarbes) airport. Transfer time 20 mins by luxury coach included both ways in France. We have a few places available and you will be made most welcome.
Please contact Sue Baillie for more information 07979746707, Tour Operator Anam Cara Travel.
St Vincent Afternoon Tea
We are delighted to invite you to a special Afternoon Tea hosted by St Vincent at the beautiful Roslin Beach Hotel on Monday, 8th December, at 1.30pm.
Join us for an elegant afternoon overlooking the sea, sharing delicious treats and warm company. The event promises a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and is a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season together in style.
Tickets are £37.50 per person and include a traditional afternoon tea selection perfectly brewed teas, freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches and irresistible cakes.
Not only will this be a lovely occasion but by joining us, you will also help us continue our charitable work in the community. Your support truly makes a difference.
Booking is essential please RSVP to secure your place. To reserve email NesperM@svp.org.uk
We very much hope you can join us for what is sure to be a memorable afternoon.
St Bernard's High School
Learning Mentor – from September 2025
Five days per week, Term Time Only 8.00am-4.00pm
Scale 7-12 (£25,584-£27,711) / pro rata actual salary £21,933 - £23,757
An opportunity has arisen for a Learning Mentor to join our Pastoral Team. We are looking for a positive, enthusiastic and approachable professional to work alongside our Learning Mentor Team supporting identified students.
You will be joining a successful, friendly and supportive department within a high-performing school, supporting students from Years 7 – Y13. You will need to be able to work flexibly and provide support, motivation and guidance to help students overcome barriers to their learning.
St Bernard's High School is a vibrant Catholic girl’s school from Years 7-11 with a co-educational mixed Sixth Form. Our school is ranked one of the top schools in Southend, and we are in the top 20% of schools across the country for our progress with students and our outcomes. It is a warm and welcoming school where our Catholic values underpin our day to day life.
All new staff are supported within the positive ethos of this happy and high performing school, and to this end all staff complete an applicable induction training programme. The community at St Bernard’s welcome applications from all faiths or none.
Closing Date: 1 September 2025, 12:00 . Interviews: date tbc