Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
On Sunday 7th September 2025 two young men will be canonised as Saints by Pope Leo XIV. Both of these men were exceptionally faithful and dedicated their lives to our Lord during times where faith was difficult to uphold. Please join us on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 at 7PM in Sacred Heart Church Hall as we discuss what it means to be named a Saint and what lead both these men to their canonisation. Please contactsouthend@brcdt.org if you have any questions.
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.
Parish Fundraising
The winners of the draw this month are:
1st Prize £150 199 Mrs F McEvoy
2nd Prize £100 84 Mrs E Hall
3rd Prize £75 43 Mr C Luft
4th Prize £25 60 Mrs S West
The funds raised from the 200 Club will now contribute to the overall costs of the tuition and expenses of trainee priests who, on completion of their formation, will be available for mission appointments strengthening the Church within Nigeria and elsewhere in the world. These missionary priests are known as Spiritans.
Please support this fundraising. There are some places available in the 200 Club, and if you wish to join, there is a monthly regular donation of £5. Forms are available at the back of the church. Alternatively, you can telephone Linda Wall on 01702 558217.
Children's Liturgy
Children's liturgy will begin on 13th September. We are looking for more people to join our team. This will involve volunteering once a half -term to assist with the teaching of children about the liturgy and gospel of the day at 9.30am Mass. Why not come along for a look first or contact Sam on 07879676341.
Discover Radio Maria England
Radio Maria England is a Catholic radio station sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through prayer, teaching, music, and inspiring testimonies. Tune in for daily Mass, the Rosary, uplifting music, and thought-provoking programmes that strengthen faith and build community.
How to Listen:
DAB+ Radio: Search for “Radio Maria England”
Online: www.RadioMariaEngland.uk
Mobile App: Free on Google Play & App Store
Smart Speaker: Say “Play Radio Maria England”
Wherever you are, let Radio Maria England accompany you on your journey of faith.
Celebrate our Faith Together
Celebrate your faith
This year our parish mission enlivened our faith and in September we will be celebrating a hundred years of our parish’s worship & witness in Leigh. So what better time to go deeper into our faith, growing in understanding & knowledge?
From September until Easter 2026 there will be an opportunity to watch & discuss a series of video talks by Brant Pitre, author of books like Jesus the Bridegroom & Jesus & the Last Supper. He is a very lively & engaging speaker who can open our hearts & minds to the depths & treasures of our faith.
We will be holding regular meetings in the parish centre but for those who want to join in from home it’s possible to buy audio & video versions of the talks from www.brantpitre.com.
Normally meetings will run from 7 to 9.30 pm to give ample time for a break, questions & discussion. It would be helpful to bring with you whatever you use for making notes. No need to book – just come!
Ist October The Case for Jesus - “Who do you say I am?”
This talk has something for everyone - if you want to deepen your understanding of Jesus; if you are sometimes not sure how you would answer this question; if you are hesitant about explaining your belief in Jesus to someone who challenges it.
It looks at questions such as
Are the Gospels history or fiction?
Did Jesus claim to be God?
Is Jesus divine in all four Gospels? Or only in John?
What is the evidence for the Resurrection?
22nd October A Biblical Explanation of the Mass
Pope Benedict XVI said that in order for Christians to actively and fruitfully participate in the Mass we must understand “the meaning of the signs contained in the rites” . In this talk Brant Pitre helps us towards this understanding by explaining the biblical meanings of the most significant moments of the Mass.
12th & 26th November, 10 December
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Advent
If sometimes Advent gets lost in all the preparation for Christmas these talks, which focus on the Sunday Mass readings for Advent, will enable us to understand its deeper meaning & so lead us to a fuller, joyful celebration of Christmas.
If you’d like to know more please contact Heather Ward, 07885 737393, heatherward55@gmail.com
Artificial Intelligence and Catholic Social Teaching
AI is a new, exciting, and fast developing tool that is being used in most aspects of society. But are there drawbacks of this new technology that contradict the moral teachings of the Church? Join us on Thursday 9th October 2025 in Sacred Heart Church hall as we discuss AI through the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching - the positives, the negatives, and what it could mean for the future of humanity. Please contact southend@brcdt.org if you have any questions.
Repository
The Repository is now closed until the first weekend in September. Mass cards are available from the Parish Office on weekday mornings only.
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends in Christ
A person in the Gospel asks Jesus: Lord, will those who are saved be few? Jesus responds: Strive to enter through the narrow door.
Dear friends in Christ
A person in the Gospel asks Jesus: Lord, will those who are saved be few? Jesus responds: Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. He does not discuss numbers, but only the manner by which we can reach Heaven. Divine privileges are not enough. What is asked of us is a faith with works, the kind of faith to which we have all been called. All of mankind have a vocation to go to Heaven, the definite Kingdom of God. This is what we have been born for, this is what Jesus desires for us: that everyone be saved. Our mission in the Church is the universal salvation of every person. The means God has given us is His Holy Church—this is the barque of salvation for every soul on the planet. It is an institution that is both divine and human: divine, because it is of God and is the Mystical Body of Christ; human, because it is constituted of human beings, all of us, who are sinners. It was said of the first Christians that what the soul is to the body, Christians are to the world. Could this be said of us, as we live our lives among our work colleagues and friends, among those with whom we socialise and enjoy sporting activities with? How many have we spoken to about God? Whom have we helped to go to Confession, or to whom we have explained the Church’s teaching on marriage and family life? To whom have we shown the greatness of being generous to the poor? How many have we helped to get to Heaven! As we listen to the Word of God at Mass this Sunday, we can ask ourselves these questions. We shall sing the words of Our Lord in the Psalm: Go into the world and tell the good news! May it be a lived reality and not simply a sentiment.
God bless you all!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Liturgy:
Readings Year C
Preface of Sunday 8
The Nicene Creed
Saturday 23
St Rose of Lima, V
5.30pm Mass Valerie Quinn, RIP (TQ)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
24th August
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Margaret Owens, RIP (Anniv) (SO)
11.30am Mass John Butler, RIP(RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 25
St Louis
10am Mass Eugene & James Renehan, RIP (MH)
Tuesday 26
Bl Dominic of the Mother of God, Pr
9am Mass Basil Emmerson, RIP (Anniv) (AE)
Wednesday 27
St Monica
9am Mass Intentions of Richard Poole (sick) (AC)
Thursday 28
St Augustine, Bp, D
9am Mass Marian Payne, RIP (Anniv) (VP)
Friday 29
The Passion of St John the Baptist
12.00 Noon John, Agnes & Susan Watkins, RIP (Anniv) (JW)
Saturday 30
Ss Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line & Margaret Ward, Mm
10am Mass Thanksgiving for Ian Spacie, RIP (VS)
10.30—11.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
5.30pm Mass John Jarvis, RIP (Anniv) (VJ)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
31st August
8am Mass Paul Sutton, RIP
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Dec'd Members of the Siani & Butler Families (RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends in Christ
We are between the two beautiful Marian feasts of the Assumption of Mary last Friday, and her Queenship next Friday.
Dear friends in Christ
We are between the two beautiful Marian feasts of the Assumption of Mary last Friday, and her Queenship next Friday. Mary’s Assumption leads naturally to her coronation. St Ephraim puts these beautiful words on the lips of Mary: Let Heaven hold me in it's embrace, for I am more honoured than Heaven, since Heaven was only your throne, not your Mother. Of course, how much more worthy of honour and veneration than His throne is the Mother of the King! We can only contemplate the great celebration of Heaven as the Blessed Trinity greets Our Lady to take her to Heaven for all eternity. All this was possible because God loved His Mother and gives her to us so that we too can share in His joy.
In the Gospel of this Sunday Jesus speaks to us of fire as a symbol of His desire to purify and purge—a symbol of His love. Love is ignited by our contact with God. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles in the form of tongues of fire, to purify their hearts and prepare them for the mission of extending the Kingdom of Christ throughout the world. God desires that this fire of love ignite our hearts so that we too may be all alight and on fire with Him.
God bless you!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Liturgy:
Readings Year C
Preface of Sunday 7
The Nicene Creed
Saturday 16
St Stephen of Hungary
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
Monday 18
St Helen, Widow
9am Mass Pamela Uglietti, RIP (RO’C)
Tuesday 19
St John Eudes, Pr
9am Mass Seamus Collins, RIP (RO’C)
Wednesday 20
St Bernard, Ab, D
9am Mass Intentions of Paul & Mark Craig (AC)
Thursday 21
St Pius X, P
9am Mass Thomas Walsh, RIP (Anniv) (MC)
Friday 22
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
12.00 Noon Ian Spacie, RIP (VS)
Saturday 23
St Rose of Lima, V
10am Mass Alex & Margaret McFarlane, RIP (Anniv) (MW)
10.30—11.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
12Noon Wedding George Maloney & Milly Cano-Lopez
5.30pm Mass Valerie Quinn, RIP (TQ)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
24th August
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Margaret Owens, RIP (Anniv) (SO)
11.30am Mass John Butler, RIP(RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Celebrate our Faith Together
Celebrate your faith
This year our parish mission enlivened our faith and in September we will be celebrating a hundred years of our parish’s worship & witness in Leigh. So what better time to go deeper into our faith, growing in understanding & knowledge?
From September until Easter 2026 there will be an opportunity to watch & discuss a series of video talks by Brant Pitre, author of books like Jesus the Bridegroom & Jesus & the Last Supper. He is a very lively & engaging speaker who can open our hearts & minds to the depths & treasures of our faith.
We will be holding regular meetings in the parish centre but for those who want to join in from home it’s possible to buy audio & video versions of the talks from www.brantpitre.com.
Normally meetings will run from 7 to 9.30 pm to give ample time for a break, questions & discussion. It would be helpful to bring with you whatever you use for making notes. No need to book – just come!
Ist October The Case for Jesus - “Who do you say I am?”
This talk has something for everyone - if you want to deepen your understanding of Jesus; if you are sometimes not sure how you would answer this question; if you are hesitant about explaining your belief in Jesus to someone who challenges it.
It looks at questions such as
Are the Gospels history or fiction?
Did Jesus claim to be God?
Is Jesus divine in all four Gospels? Or only in John?
What is the evidence for the Resurrection?
22nd October A Biblical Explanation of the Mass
Pope Benedict XVI said that in order for Christians to actively and fruitfully participate in the Mass we must understand “the meaning of the signs contained in the rites” . In this talk Brant Pitre helps us towards this understanding by explaining the biblical meanings of the most significant moments of the Mass.
12th & 26th November, 10 December
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Advent
If sometimes Advent gets lost in all the preparation for Christmas these talks, which focus on the Sunday Mass readings for Advent, will enable us to understand its deeper meaning & so lead us to a fuller, joyful celebration of Christmas.
If you’d like to know more please contact Heather Ward, 07885 737393, heatherward55@gmail.com
Artificial Intelligence and Catholic Social Teaching
AI is a new, exciting, and fast developing tool that is being used in most aspects of society. But are there drawbacks of this new technology that contradict the moral teachings of the Church? Join us on Thursday 9th October 2025 in Sacred Heart Church hall as we discuss AI through the perspective of Catholic Social Teaching - the positives, the negatives, and what it could mean for the future of humanity. Please contact southend@brcdt.org if you have any questions.
Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
On Sunday 7th September 2025 two young men will be canonised as Saints by Pope Leo XIV. Both of these men were exceptionally faithful and dedicated their lives to our Lord during times where faith was difficult to uphold. Please join us on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 at 7PM in Sacred Heart Church Hall as we discuss what it means to be named a Saint and what lead both these men to their canonisation. Please contactsouthend@brcdt.org if you have any questions.
Music at 11.30am Mass
Prelude: Improvisation on the Introit of the Day
Postlude: Passacaglia in C minor BWV 582—J S Bach (1685-1750)
Repository
The Repository is now closed until the first weekend in September. Mass cards are available from the Parish Office on weekday mornings only.
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.
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.
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