MISSIO Red Boxes
I have received the Autumn Missio magazines. If you have not already received one from me personally please take one from the back of the Church (usual place). If anyone has a box that is ready for paying in to the Bank please give it to me personally or leave in the office for me to collect. Thank you. Joan Caunce 01268 757505.
St Bernard’s High School
We have a vacancy for a Part Time Librarian – Monday-Wednesday – 8.00am-4.00pm – to start as soon as possible. Salary Scale 7-12 £26,403 - £28,598 (pro rata actual salary £13,764 - £14,908.
You will find a support staff application form on our website in High School/Key Information/Vacancies, and email it to recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk. Please note that CVs will not be accepted
Closing Date: 14 September 2026 @ 9am. Interviews: w/c 14 September 2026
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear friends in Christ
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Dear friends in Christ
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. There is something beautiful about being together. We often imagine that we need a large gathering, a full church, or a special occasion for God to be present among us. Yet Jesus reminds us that His presence is not measured by numbers. Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Two people praying together. A family gathered around the dinner table. Friends sharing a word of encouragement. A small group listening, caring, and making room for one another. These ordinary moments can become holy moments.
Christ does not ask us to create something spectacular before He will come among us. He simply asks us to gather in His name—with open hearts and a willingness to love one another. When we do, He is there. Perhaps this is especially important to remember when our communities feel smaller, when we wonder whether our efforts make a difference, or when we feel that our prayers are somehow too quiet to matter. The Gospel assures us otherwise. God is present in the small beginnings, in the faithful few, and in the simple act of coming together. May we never underestimate the grace that can flow from two or three people gathered in faith. May our homes, our churches, our friendships, and our communities become places where others can recognise the gentle presence of Christ. And wherever we gather this week—whether many or few—may we remember that we are never truly alone. Where two or three are gathered in His name, Christ is there. Let us gather. Let us pray. Let us encourage one another. And let us make His presence known through the love we share.
God bless you and all those with whom you gather!
Msgr Kevin Hale
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings of Year A
The Nicene Creed
Preface of Sunday 3
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saturday 5th September
St Teresa of Calcutta, Virgin
5.30pm Vigil Mass Intentions of the McDonagh Family (LMcC)
6.30pm—7.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 6th September
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
8am Mass Gilberte Cook, RIP (Anniv) (MC)
9.30am Mass The People of the Parish
11.30am Mass Frank & Barbara Blaker, RIP (DB)
4pm Mass Helen Hiscock, RIP (MH)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 7th
Feria of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
9am Mass Margaret McFarlane, RIP (Anniv) (MW)
Tuesday 8th
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9am Mass Sharon Ferminger, RIP (MR)
Wednesday 9th
St Peter Claver, Pr
9am Mass Norma Giller, RIP (JPB)
Thursday 10th
Feria of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
9am Mass Michael Harvey Mapson, RIP (LM)
Friday 11th
Feria of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
12Noon Mass Dec'd Relatives of the Clancy Family (JL)
Saturday 12th September
The Most Holy Name of Mary
10am Mass Intentions of Louis, RIP (Anniv)
10.30am—11.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
12 noon Nuptial Mass: Peter Underwood & Erin James
5.30pm Vigil Mass The People of the Parish
6.30pm—7.30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 13th September
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
8am Mass Intentions of the Quinn Family (TQ)
9.30am Mass Jean Mulhern, RIP (MS)
11.30am Mass Alan Bush, RIP (Anniv) (CB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries
Mgr Canon Michael Wilson, Fr Charles Johnson, Fr Conrad Smith, Noel Crighton, Anthony Cummins, Judith Davies, Mary Agnes Birkins, Gilberte Cook, Edith Annie Murray, Michael Satelle, William Peck, Marie Bailey, Francis Ryan, John Burns, Mary Cope, Winifred Hansen, Joseph Manton, William Allen, Jim Hayes, Peter Green, Joseph Thurlow, Elaine Ivett, Anne Brooks, Mary Manton, William Wheaton & Kathleen Matthews.
We pray for our sick
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
The Sanctuary Lamp burns for the deceased members of the Cook, Dann & Mackay Families.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of
ROGER TISI, RIP who died on Saturday, 15th August. His Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday, 10th September at St Joseph’s Church, Upminster.
SUSAN GRIFFIN, RIP who died on Thursday, 27th August. Her body will be received into the church on Tuesday, 22nd September at 4.30pm and her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday, 23rd September at 11am, followed by burial at Sutton Road Cemetery.
Requiescant in pace
Prayer for a new Bishop
As we await the appointment of a new Bishop, following the resignation of Bishop Alan Williams last March, we might offer the following prayer at this time:
O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church of Brentwood
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care,
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
(Roman Missal)
Votive Lights
There is something deeply moving about the little votive lights that burn quietly in our church. We light them for many reasons: perhaps to give thanks, to ask for help, to pray for someone we love, or simply because we do not quite know what else to say. The candle is, in a beautiful way, a continuation of our prayer. Long after we have left the church, a little flame continues to burn before the Lord. It reminds us that prayer does not end when we walk out through the church doors. We have entrusted our intentions to God, and we leave them there in faith.
Please ensure that all the candles that are lit are placed only in the places provided; this will prevent accidents. The offering for an eight day lamp is five pounds and for the smaller lights a minimum offering of fifty pence. The monies can be placed in boxes provided or donated online. Thank you!
Sea of Voices Choir
The choir returns to rehearsals at the Parish Centre from Thursday 10th September from 8pm. New and returning members welcome to join us to rehearse for our Christmas programme, for concerts and the annual carol service.
Contact Darrell on 07825686249 or email seaofvoiceschoir@outlook.com
Certificates of Catholic Practice
Please note Fr Kevin will be issuing Certificates of Catholic Practise in September/October. These should be collected from the Parish Office Tuesday—Friday 9.00—13.00.
Journey in Faith—RCIA
This begins on Monday 12th October at 7.30pm 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 are held in the Parish Centre and last for one hour. Names may be given in advance to Father Kevin or to the Parish Office.
Those interested in reading or learning more before the course begins may wish to purchase a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church from the Catholic Truth Society, or listen to The Catechism in a Year podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz.
Elliot Dobie’s Fundraiser
Thank you so much for your support and donations. All tickets have now been sold. Thank you. Elliot
OLOL Ladies Group
Our first Meeting for the new Term is on Thursday 10th September at 10am in the Parish Centre. New members are welcome to attend any of our meetings. Subs remain at £1 per session plus a fun Raffle.
For this Meeting we are having a light hearted Beatle Drive so do come and join in the fun or just enjoy a relaxing time meeting friends old and new.
NB it would be very much appreciated if any ladies could donate Raffle prizes.
A Bible Study with Dr Brant Pitre
"Why We Believe – A Bible Study with Dr Brant Pitre
Join us this autumn for Why We Believe, a fascinating Bible study exploring the big questions people ask about the Catholic faith — from "Does God exist?" to the Eucharist, Confession, Mary, and Purgatory. Reasonable, biblical and beautiful, this series is for everyone: cradle Catholics, those returning to the Church, or simply the curious. No theology background needed — come as you are, questions welcome!
Two ways to join:
Mondays, 10.30am, starting 7 September
Wednesdays, 7.30pm, starting 16 September
Both sessions run at the Parish Centre. All are welcome!"
Further info from Heather Ward 07885737393, heatherward55@gmail.com
Repository News
We are happy to say we are back this weekend with some new stock, including a larger collection of greetings cards for almost every occasion.
Please feel free to browse or ask one of the volunteers for help if you can't find what you are looking for.
Seniors Exercise & Balance Class
10am Tuesdays
Parish Centre
£6
You are invited to join the Exercise & Balance Class for Seniors which is held every Tuesday morning in the Parish Centre. The class starts at 10am and lasts one hour. Exercises are done to music and each session costs £6.
Food Donations
Please add any donations to the SVP box in the Repository. DRY GOODS only please, hygiene items also welcomed.
Sallie Pollock SVP @ OLOL