Kevin Hale
Second Sunday of Advent

Dear friends in Christ

The figure of Saint John the Baptist permeates Advent like a water mark.

Second Sunday of Advent
Kevin Hale
First Sunday of Advent

Dear friends in Christ

We now begin a new year in the life of the Church.

First Sunday of Advent
Kevin Hale
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe ...

Dear friends in Christ

The feast of Christ the King this weekend, brings the liturgical year to a close.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Youth Sunday)
Sheila West
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear friends in Christ

In the early Church there were some Christians who thought that the Second Coming of Christ was so imminent that they stopped bothering about everyday life.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kevin Hale
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

This weekend, in a rare departure from the usual Sundays of Ordinary Time, we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Pope’s Cathedral in Rome: The Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

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Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026

The proposed 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.

2025 Crib Donations

Christmas is a very busy and joyful time for us at BCCS. However, we are mindful that for some families, this season can be challenging, overshadowed by family tensions, loss, or financial hardship.

With thanks to the generous support of your parish community, we are proud and grateful to continue our work helping children and families in need. Our ability to carry on this vital mission depends on the remarkable financial support we receive from parishes and our community across the Diocese.

All funds raised from crib collections throughout the Diocese will help us sustain this important work, supporting vulnerable children and families who seek our help.

Julie Abbott, Head of Voluntary Income
BCCS - Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society
  

Journey of Faith—RCIA

This continues on Monday, 15th December 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 Bazaar

Thanks to all those who supported the Bazaar—the amount raised was just under £2,000— by their donations, gifts, and support on the day. Also, and especially, to those who helped to organise it.

As in previous years, we will donate the monies raised to support two important Charities: Aid to the Church in Need and our local St Vincent de Paul Centre in Southend who work with the homeless. God bless you all for your generosity.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School & Nursery

We have a vacancy for a Nursery Learning support assistant, working 8:30am - 3:30pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Pay scale 3-4, £18,379 - £18,668 (FTE £24,796-£25,185) 38 weeks of the year. The role is to start early to mid January with applications to be submitted by 7th January and interviews to be held on 9th January. Applications can be found on the school website or by contacting the school office –office@ourladyoflourdes.southend.sch.uk

We also have a vacancy for a Breakfast club assistant, 7 hours and 30 minutes per week - 7:15am - 8:45am (Monday, - Friday) Payscale 4 - £4,308 38 weeks of the year - term time only Start Date: 5th January 2026 We are looking to appoint a hardworking and enthusiastic member of staff to support our expanding wrap-around care breakfast club at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and Nursery, which is a member of the Assisi Catholic Trust.

Dates for your Diary

Sunday 7th December—Christmas Bazaar 8am to 1pm

Monday 8th December Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre

12th December—Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Advent 7pm Parish Centre

Friday 19th December—Annual Carol Service

Saturday 16th May 10.30am—First Holy Communion Mass

Sunday 7th June—Corpus Christi Procession 4pm

Sunday 19th to Friday 24th July—Lourdes Pilgrimage