Dear friends in Christ
The Gospel of Mass this Sunday speaks of the requirements Jesus makes for following Him.
Dear friends in Christ
In the Readings of the Mass this Sunday, Jesus offers us a lesson in the virtue of humility.
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
We are between the two beautiful Marian feasts of the Assumption of Mary last Friday, and her Queenship next Friday.
Father BRIAN McWILLIAMS formerly Chaplain at Nazareth House who died on Saturday, 30th August. Fr Brian lived in Leigh after his retirement 1997—2003. His body will be received into St Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea at 4.30pm on Thursday, 25th September and his Requiem mass will take place at 11am on Friday, 26th September, followed by burial in the old Nazareth House cemetery.
Requiescat in pace
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of Rose D’Souza.
Prelude: Improvisation on the Introit: Iustus es Domine
Postlude: Toccata in F BuxWV 157—Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
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
This year we are celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the opening and dedication of our beautiful Parish Church. The Centenary of the Parish was celebrated in 2012 when Bishop McMahon came to join with us in marking that important milestone. A very informative Parish History was published on that occasion and is available again at the back of church (priced five pounds). Before the present church was built, Mass was celebrated in homes and then in the army drill hall (which later became the Parish Hall) before the construction of the present building by Canon Francis Gilbert. It was opened and blessed by him on 8th September 1925 and consecrated later that year by the Bishop. The site was further enhanced in 2013 with the opening of the new Parish Centre, which architecturally mirrors the church itself. It is fitting that the feast of the Birthday of Our Blessed Lady signalled the opening of our church, dedicated to the Blessed Mother and St Joseph. Therefore on Monday, 8th September, we shall celebrated Holy Mass in Thanksgiving for all the graces that God has seen fit to bestow on countless souls in our beautiful church, these past hundred years.
The Church is the People of God and each individual Parish is a family of souls who gather for the worship of God in the Sacred Liturgy. Our churches are more than just bricks and mortar, since they represent God’s Faithful People who gather there to worship Him. St Peter says that you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. That is why the church building is also sacred and important, since the stones of the church and the Altar, have been consecrated (with sacred Chrism) and thus dedicated to God’s service. We shall remember all those who gave of their time and resources to make our church a place fitting for the praise of the Almighty. Do keep 8th September free for the Solemn Mass at 7pm.
On the following Sunday, 14th September—feast of The Triumph of the Cross—there will be an hour of musical celebration in the church from 3–4pm with contributions from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, St Bernard’s & St Thomas More High Schools, and the Parish Sea of Voices Choir. Both of these occasions will be followed by a reception in the Parish Centre. With these celebrations we will mark another joyful milestone in the life of our Parish Family.
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.
The next meeting for the Young Vincentians will take place in the Parish Centre this Monday, 8th September from 5.15pm. Young Vincentian Committee.
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.
Hello all Ladies in the Parish and welcome back after the long hot summer! We meet again for our Autumn term on Thursday 11th September for a prompt start at 10am in the Parish Centre.
We are starting off with a relaxing morning with a selection of games, so if you have your own favourites please bring them along, or you may prefer to just catch up with friends old and new. We look forward to seeing you all and sharing news of our exciting programme over the coming months, which includes talks from Bee-keeping to Shipwrecks!
NB Just a reminder that Raffle prizes would be appreciated please. Subs are just £1.
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
We will be open again on the weekend of 6th/7th September after all the Masses. We look forward to your interest and support so do come and have a browse.
Amongst our new stock we have a new selection of Mantilla’s in various shades, plus many other religious stock arriving soon. If you are looking for something specific please ask one of the volunteers for assistance.
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.
Please follow the link to find resources to help support married couples in faithfully living their vocation of marriage within the family.
JOSEPHINE ALANI who died on Saturday, 9th August. Her Requiem Mass will take place at 12.45pm on Wednesday, 3rd September followed by burial at Woodside Cemetery.
Father BRIAN McWILLIAMS formerly Chaplain at Nazareth House who died on Saturday, 30th August.
Requiescant in pace
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
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of the Parisio Family,
Prelude: Ave Maria—Jacques Arcadelt (c. 1530)
Postlude: Prelude in G—Johann Walther (1496-1570)
This year we are celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of the opening and dedication of our beautiful Parish Church. The Centenary of the Parish was celebrated in 2012 when Bishop McMahon came to join with us in marking that important milestone. A very informative Parish History was published on that occasion and is available again at the back of church (priced five pounds). Before the present church was built, Mass was celebrated in homes and then in the army drill hall (which later became the Parish Hall) before the construction of the present building by Canon Francis Gilbert. It was opened and blessed by him on 8th September 1925 and consecrated later that year by the Bishop. The site was further enhanced in 2013 with the opening of the new Parish Centre, which architecturally mirrors the church itself. It is fitting that the feast of the Birthday of Our Blessed Lady signalled the opening of our church, dedicated to the Blessed Mother and St Joseph. Therefore on Monday, 8th September, we shall celebrated Holy Mass in Thanksgiving for all the graces that God has seen fit to bestow on countless souls in our beautiful church, these past hundred years.
The Church is the People of God and each individual Parish is a family of souls who gather for the worship of God in the Sacred Liturgy. Our churches are more than just bricks and mortar, since they represent God’s Faithful People who gather there to worship Him. St Peter says that you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. That is why the church building is also sacred and important, since the stones of the church and the Altar, have been consecrated (with sacred Chrism) and thus dedicated to God’s service. We shall remember all those who gave of their time and resources to make our church a place fitting for the praise of the Almighty. Do keep 8th September free for the Solemn Mass at 7pm.
On the following Sunday, 14th September—feast of The Triumph of the Cross—there will be an hour of musical celebration in the church from 3–4pm with contributions from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, St Bernard’s & St Thomas More High Schools, and the Parish Sea of Voices Choir. Both of these occasions will be followed by a reception in the Parish Centre. With these celebrations we will mark another joyful milestone in the life of our Parish Family.
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.
