Please pray for the repose of the soul of
ROSSENIE SANDOVAL who died recently.
Requiescat in pace
Music at 11.30am Mass
Prelude: Pastorella—Johann Nauss (1690-1764)
Postlude: Dialogue in F—Jean-Francois Dandrieu (1682-1738)
Friends of the Holy Land
We are very grateful to Edmund Adamus for speaking in the Parish last weekend about the plight of our bothers and sisters in the Holy Land. The suffering and persecution which they are enduring is truly shocking and we keep them much in our prayers. Thanks to the charity of the Parish Family we have been able to donate at least £2,688 to support the world of the Friends of the Holy Land. You can find more information and ways to support this work from the link here: friendsoftheholyland.org.uk
National Marriage Week
National Marriage Week this year is Saturday 7th—Saturday 14th February, 2026. A Christian marriage is rooted in faith; that means faith in God, as the giver of life and the one who promises eternal life to those who believe in him. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has launched a series of resources for National Marriage Week.
Please pray for all those living out the vocation to marriage and couples preparing to marry. Support is available for those who need it, and your parish priest can point you in the right direction. If you are celebrating a significant anniversary this year, please let your fr Kevin know so that you can be invited to the Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral on Saturday 11th July.
Here is a simple prayer of thanksgiving for the vocation to marriage:
God our Father,
We pray in thanksgiving for the vocation to marriage
And for each couple that you join together
in order to make a family.
We ask that every marriage brings each couple
closer to you and closer to holiness.
We pray for those who are struggling
in their marriage at present,
That they can make it through this tough time
And support each other in their differences.
We make this prayer through Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.
Lent Parish Talks
Nourishing our faith this Lent
Do you want this Lent to be a bit more than giving-up chocolate or alcohol?
Do you sometimes wonder what it really means to say you have a relationship with Jesus?
Would you like a deeper appreciation of Jesus’ Passion, death & resurrection & its meaning for our lives?
If your answer to any of these questions, or questions like them, then why not come along to our Lenten series of talks by the Scripture scholar Brant Pitre, running in the daytime & in the evening? No need to book.
Jesus the Bridegroom: Unveiling the Love of Christ in the Passion and the Sacraments
Monday 23rd February 10.30 – 12.00, following coffee in the Parish Centrel after Mass.
Wednesday 25th February 7.30 – 9pm in the Parish Centre
1. The Jewish Roots of Holy Week: The 7 Last Days of Jesus
Offered in 2 ways – fortnightly or as a retreat/study day
Saturday 7th March retreat/study day
10 am – Mass
10.30 – 11.00 Exposition
11.00 – 11.15 Welcome, tea/coffee in the Parish Centrel
11.15 – 12.45 1st talk & discussion
12.45 – 1.30 Shared table lunch
1.30 – 3.00 2nd talk & discussion
3.00 – 3.30 Prayer
3.30 – Tea/coffee & depart
If you can’t make it for the whole day come for the morning or afternoon.
Mon 9th March 10.30—12.00 following coffee in the Parish Centre after Mass.
Mon 23rd March 10.30—12.00 following coffee in the Parish Centre after Mass.
Wednesday 11th March 7.30–9pm in the Parish Centre
Wednesday 25th March 7.30–9pm in the Parish Centre
Want more info? Contact Heather 07885 737393, heatherward55@gmail.com
Dates for your Diary
Monday 9th February Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre
Saturday 16th May 10.30am—First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday 24th May—Visitation and Confirmation—11.30am Mass
Sunday 7th June—Corpus Christi Procession 4pm
11th July—Flower Festival
Sunday 19th to Friday 24th July—Lourdes Pilgrimage
Brentwood Cathedral Lenten Lectures
These will take place at Brentwood Cathedral Parish Hall commencing Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 7.30pm
The theme this year is: “What does it truly mean to be Catholic?” This invitation is to the whole Diocese of Brentwood. All Welcome!
Talk 1 Wednesday 25th February. Abbot Hugh Allan, O Praem.
“I Believe…” Living and Proclaiming the Catholic Faith—7.30pm
Talk 2 Wednesday 4th March. Rev Msgr Kevin Hale, VG.
Being Catholic and the call to holiness as seen in the lives of some recently canonised saints—7.30pm
Talk 3 Wednesday 11th March. Mr Mauro Iannicelli.
Prayer as the Foundation of our Catholic Life—7.30pm
Talk 4 Wednesday 18th March Rev Msgr John Armitage.
The uniqueness of Catholicism for British Society—7.30pm
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026
The Pilgrimage to Lourdes next year, flying with BA, will depart Heathrow on Sunday 19th July 17.05pm—Arrive Toulouse 20.05pm, returning on Friday 24th July 19.05pm—arriving at 19.50pm.
The 5-night package price is £910 per pilgrim sharing, single supplement is £245, staying at the 4 star Grand Hotel Moderne Soubirous (closest to Sanctuary).
This includes 5 nights full-board and return luxury coach transfer from Lourdes airport to the hotel.
Please leave your name and contact details with the Parish Office soon, as places are limited.
Journey of Faith—RCIA
This continues on Monday, 9th February 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.
OLOL Ladies Group
We meet again next Thursday 12th February, for a prompt start at 10am.
We are very pleased to welcome one of our Parishioners as our Guest Speaker, Allen Long who must surely be well known in Athletic circles as a Champion runner for many years, and now as an Octogenarian runner he is still winning all the prizes! Allen has very kindly agreed to give a talk on his sporting career, including how he started and the many countries where he has competed, not least in America.
All ladies are welcome, with subs remaining at £1 including refreshments. As Lent is soon upon us, enjoy the coffee and cakes while you can!!
SVP Tea Party
The Parish SVP are hosting a Tea party for our elderly Parishioners, on Saturday 14th February between 2pm and 4pm, in the Parish centre. If you would to come along please phone Janet on 07786 901488.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham—23rd May 2026
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. If you would like to come please leave your name and contact details with the Parish Office.
Fruition—Fair Trade Fruit from Columbia
Saturday 14th February 7.30-9.00pm at The Lounge, The Stables, Leigh Road Baptist Church
This charity, Fruandes, was set up 20 years ago to support those living in extreme poverty in Columbia. The farmers are supported and paid a fair price for their produce. Today Fruandes generates fair trade income for 384 families.
The founder Giovanni Porras will be talking about the work they do and give us a taste of the delicious dried fruit they produce.
Please come along and support this event and our brothers and sisters in Columbia.
For more information contact Cathy on 07762 107920
Repository
We are open at weekends after all Masses. We have a few Calendars left, reduced to half price. We also have the new 3 Year Sunday Missal and a small selection of Mantillas ,plus our usual selection of beautiful statues and Rosaries. Any special requests please ask one of the volunteers for help.
Bereavement Group at St Helens
A Bereavement Group meet at Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helens, Milton Road, Westcliff-on-Sea on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from 10am to 12Noon, at the parish’s small hall.
Young Vincentians
Our next meeting is on Monday 9th February from 5.15pm. Young Vincentians Committee.
World Day of Prayer 2026
This years World Day of Prayer Service takes place on Friday 6th March at 10.30 am at Kings Road United Reformed Church, 91 Crowstone Road, Westcliff-On-Sea SS0 8LH followed by tea/coffee.
This years’ service is prepared by the women of Nigeria on the theme “I will give you rest, come”.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
The Governors of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Hornchurch, are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head Teacher. Closing date: Friday 6th March 2026 at 5pm / Interview Date: Friday 20th March2026. Enquiries can be made by email to admin@stmcps.co.uk, or phone 01708 448430.