Kevin Hale
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear friends in Christ

The texts of the Mass this weekend remind us of the power of trusting and persevering prayer.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kevin Hale
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The terrible disease of leprosy is presented in the First Reading and Gospel of the Mass this Sunday, but as means to a greater good.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kevin Hale
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear friends in Christ

The liturgy of this Sunday speak to us of the virtue of Faith. Jesus assures us that if our faith was only the size of a mustard seed, it will nevertheless grow into something deep and sustaining.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kevin Hale
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear friends in Christ

Once again this week we hear from the Prophet Amos after his return from the desert of Samaria. he finds the leaders of the chosen people wholly given over to the pleasures of the world, which he describes in details before telling them their destiny: exile!

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Kevin Hale
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear friends in Christ

The Prophet Amos in the first reading of the Mass this weekend, thunders against the exploitation of the poor by ruthless profiteers; as also in the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the unjust steward who is forced to give an account to his master.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

information

Please pray for the repose of the souls of

ALAN WARD who died on Thursday, 18th September, His Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Monday, 27th October followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.

ANTHONY ROBERT ABBOTT who died on Saturday, 13th September. His Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday, 6th November at 10am followed by committal at St Lawrence & All Saints, Eastwood.

CAROLYN DE SYLVA who died on Thursday, 25th September. Her Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday, 12th November at 9.30am followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.

Requiescant in pace

Dates for your Diary

Monday 20th October Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre

Wednesday 22nd October 7pm in the Parish Centre—A Biblical Explanation of the Mass

Thursday 6th November Parish Requiem 7pm

Thursday 27th-Saturday 29th November—Forty Hours’ Prayer

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

Friday 19th December—Annual Carol Service

Saturday 16th May 10.30am—First Holy Communion Mass

Sunday 7th June—Corpus Christi Procession 4pm

Volunteer Needed

Would you be able to spare a couple of hours from 8.30am on a Monday morning to assist with the counting?

You would be part of a team counting the cash taken in the various collections.

Ideally you should have a liking for figures, have attention to detail and be able to input into basic spreadsheets.

Previous experience of cash handling would be an advantage, but not essential as full training would be given.

There's a fortnightly rota but you may need to cover absences.

If you can help, please contact the Parish office.

Parish Christmas Bazaar - Sunday 7th December, 8.30am - 1.00pm

Yes, it’s the time of year to dig out all of your unwanted gifts in particular, along with good quality bric-a-brac, books, bottles and any other fabulous donations you can spare for the Parish Bazaar. Draw tickets are now available from the church office or the back of church after all masses!

This year the Bazaar will be on Sunday 7th December, running all morning from 8.30am until 1pm. Put the date in your diary and come along for breakfast and a little shopping too! Please place donations in the old baptistery, with many thanks in advance!

If you are free to offer an hour or two on the day, please call or message Sue on 07816 141492.

Parish Fundraising - 200 Club

The winners of the draw this month are:

1st Prize £150 15 Mrs A Aldridge

2nd Prize £100 183 Mr S Samuels

3rd Prize £75 170 Mrs J Caunce

4th Prize £25 114 Mr P Collingwood

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.

OLOL Ladies Group

We meet again on Thursday 23rd October in the Parish Centre for a prompt start at 10am. Subs are £1 plus a Raffle. Refreshments are available. This week we are very pleased to welcome our guest speaker Steve Ellis who will be giving a talk on Shipwrecks….in particular “The London Wreck” which promises to be a very interesting morning. All Ladies in the Parish are welcome

We are planning a trip to Cambridge on Thursday 6th November. The cost is just £20 for an enjoyable and interesting day out. We plan to leave outside the Church at 9.45 am and leave Cambridge at 4pm, so there is plenty of time to explore this lovely City or indulge in early Christmas shopping.  Ladies in the Parish are welcome to join us. Please give your names and cash to either: Jan on 07775 620890 or Cynthia on 077830 94312 by 23rd October, or as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

MISSIO

Today, 19th October is World Mission Sunday. By supporting the Pope's charity for world mission we stand as God's global family in prayer solidarity and action. Pope Leo has issued a special video message see missio.org.uk. To donate see the missio envelopes at the back of the Church or call 02078219755 or visit missio.org.uk See World Missio Sunday poster at back of Church.Thank you Joan Caunce Secretary 01268 757505.

Repository

We are pleased to  announce that some new stock has arrived including Rosaries, bracelets and some statues. In addition to our popular selection of cards (all at only £1 each) we now have cards for those special Wedding Anniversaries ie Silver, Ruby and Gold.  

Please come and have a browse, and if you cannot find what you are looking for please ask one of the Volunteers for assistance.

Journey of Faith—RCIA

This continues on Monday, 20th October 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.

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!

22nd October A Biblical Explanation of the Mass—video presentation by Brant Pitre

If you want to enter more fully into your celebration of the Mass, if you sometimes wonder about the reasons for some of the things we do in it, this talk is just what you need! Last month Brant Pitre opened our eyes to the biblical foundations for our beliefs about Jesus & in this talk he does the same for our understanding of the Mass.

In November into December he will help us prepare for Christmas by guiding us through the Scriptures of Advent, enabling us to see the “big picture” of this season.

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

BCCS - Join Our Mission: Become a Trustee and Support Children’s Wellbeing (Copy)

Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society is currently seeking new Trustees with expertise in fundraising and marketing to help us expand our reach and strengthen our impact. Your skills and experience could play a vital role in shaping the future for children and young people, ensuring we continue providing essential services to children and families in need.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or know someone who might be a great fit, please do not hesitate to contact our Director, Bernadette Fisher, at bfisher@bccs.org.uk. She will be delighted to hear from you.
 

Coffee Morning/Remembrance Concert

Given by The Two Elizabeths. Please come to support the concert of beautiful music for Remembrance, plus a Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy, including homemade cakes, to support the local World Day of Prayer Committee.

To be held on 8th November 2025 10.30am—12Noon (Concert lasts around 45 minutes) at St Clements Church, Leigh Broadway SS9 1AR

Everyone welcome—no entry charge

Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Primary School

KS2 Teacher—Fulltime/Part time—MPR/UPR—required January 2026

Our Lady of Ransom Catholic School is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and  highly-motivated class teacher to join our friendly and dedicated team. The successful candidate will need to be a strong practitioner committed to achieving high standards of pupils' learning and capable of teaching imaginatively.  They will be willing to be involved in all aspects of school life. 

The post would suit an experienced teacher who is either a practising Catholic or willing to support the strong Catholic ethos of our school. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, medical and enhanced DBS checks.

Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. For more details please contact Mr. Parascandolo (Head Teacher)  via the school office (01268 785741)  For an application form please visit the school website www.olorcps.net

Closing date: Tuesday 21st October (4pm)  Interview date: Thursday 23rd or Friday 24th October 2025 We reserve the right to call for interview and appoint prior to the closing date

Fireworks Night at OLOL!

Join us for a fantastic community evening full of fun, food, and fireworks!

📅 Date: Friday, 7th November

🕠 Gates Open: 5:30 PM

🎇 Fireworks Show: Starts around 7:00 PM

Enjoy a great night out with:

🍔 Delicious food stall

☕ Hot & cold drinks

🍭 Sweet treats

✨ Glow-up toys

Bring your family and friends — let’s make it a night to remember!

🎟 Tickets:

• Available on Ticketsource www.ticketsource.co.uk/our-lady-of-lourdes-pta

• OLOL school families can book via SchoolMoney

Spread the word and join us for an evening of sparkle and community spirit!