Dear friends in Christ
The Kingship of Christ is a strange kingship, by the values of this world.
Dear friends in Christ
The penultimate Sunday of the liturgical year presents us with a picture of the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment.
Dear friends in Christ
The Readings of the Mass this weekend teach us an important lesson in charity, Christian almsgiving and generosity.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 21st March at 10.00am. All ladies welcome to join us, subs £1.00, plus a raffle.
To round off this ‘term’ we will be having a fun morning of Easter arts & crafts, led by Jo Ronan. All materials will be provided, but it would be helpful if ladies could bring their own scissors (or secateurs). Not keen on crafts? Just come along for the company and a hot cross bun!
NB Our next meeting will be after Easter.
Please note that boxes of Offertory Gift Aid envelopes for the financial year 2024/2025 are available for collection at the back of Church.
There are also special second collection envelopes for those parishioners who have elected to donate offertory donations by means of a Standing Order.
Thanking you for your continued generosity and support with the finances of the Parish.
It is time to start preparations for this year’s Flower and Craft Festival! The Theme this year is ‘PRAYER.’
We would love to have as many people as possible to take part. Simply choose a prayer or prayers and think about how that can be illustrated visually with Flowers, Art work, Artefacts, Needlework etc.
The Festival day is always a very inspiring occasion with people from all faiths or none dropping into our beautiful Church. We have been overwhelmed by the positive response that there has been over the last few years to our themes.
If you would like to take part please email me at : mcronan@btinternet.com, or simply speak to me or Theresa.
If you are not sure about a suitable prayer then I have lots to choose from. Jo Ronan
The Catholic Parish Summit is taking place in Harrogate from the 12th to the 14th of June with over 1,000 parish leaders from across the country.
Our diocese has booked some places for the Summit which are available to anyone who is interested in attending. These places are free but they are limited and you will need to make arrangements for accommodation while you are in Harrogate. For more information about the Summit please visit their website: https://catholicparishsummit.com/
If you would like to find out more please email Father Dan Mason, the Episcopal Vicar for Parish Renewal at billericay@brcdt.org
I have received the Spring 2024 Missio magazines. If you have not received one from me personally please take one from the back of the Church (Usual place). Thank you Joan Caunce Secretary.01268 757505
Interested in the Catholic response to homelessness, welcoming refugees and migrants, assisting with the Cost of Living Crisis, or tackling the causes and effects of climate change? You are invited to the 2024 Caritas Brentwood Networking Day, Saturday 27th April, 10am – 2.30pm, at the St Edward the Confessor Church Hall, Romford (10-minute walk from Romford Station on the Elizabeth line, Bus routes from London are regular, parking is available but limited and a bike rack is also on site). This day is a chance to be sustained, share ideas and good practices with people from parishes across Essex and East London and hear about charities and resources available. Details and Registration (for free!) at www.caritasbrentwood.org/network<http://www.caritasbrentwood.org/network>
RCIA will meet on Monday, 18th March 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 St Clement 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.
We are open after all Masses at weekends so please feel free to come and browse our new stock. We are pleased to say we now have a large collection of Rosaries to suit all tastes/ages, plus a selection of Statues and Candles.
Cards and gifts for First Holy Communion will be available after Easter.
Just arrived are new Cards for Mass intentions, Sympathy, Get Well, Birthday etc. For the early bird we have some Easter and Mother’s Day cards, plus gifts and cards for Baptism. If you do not find what you are looking for please ask one of the Volunteers.
Following on from the Bishop's request to respond to the needs of our environment and our brothers and sisters we are proposing to initiate the following projects with your help.
Fair Trade - we will sell Fair Trade products on Sundays 8.30am-11.30am (after 8.00am Mass, before/after 9.30am Mass and before 11.30 Mass) once a month beginning on Sunday March 17th. Please support our brothers and sisters who work hard to provide goods for us.
Environment - We are looking for donations of any environmentally friendly plants for the church gardens (both drought resistant and pollinators)
Volunteers needed - A charity called Your Family are looking for volunteers to help with some of their initiatives including: 'Cuppa and Chat drop in', Messy Play sessions, Food banks, 'Little love Baby Bank' and family engagement in libraries. Any travel costs will be reimbursed.
Street Pastors - Asking for volunteers who will be trained to work on the streets of Southend. They also need a treasurer.
Southend University - We plan to operate a Homework Club in the Parish Centre one day a week between 3.30-5.00pm to support young people who do not have the facilities at home to do their homework. The University will provide some mentors but if one or two parishioners could also support this initiative on a rota basis that would be great.
We hope that by putting our faith into action that we are responding to the example of Jesus and the words of our Pope.
If you are willing to help in any of the above ventures or just want to know a little more about them please ring Cathy on 07762 107920 to find out more. Thank you. Cathy, Live Simply Group.
Are you looking for a Nursery for your 2 to 4 year old?
Contact us to look around our learning environment!
office@ourladyoflourdes.southend.sch.uk 01702475689
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School is located in Leigh's heart along Manchester Drive, a short walk from the London Road.
Our welcoming community school is perfect for children starting Nursery in 2024.
We're proud of our family feel, which spans generations, and our vast grounds for children to play.
Excelling in music, sport, science, and a balanced curriculum, we're the ideal place for your child to flourish.
Thinking about your child as they grow, our children transition easily and happily into our Reception classes. Our children achieve well in KS2, with many children moving on to the Catholic secondary schools.
Current Hourly Rate: £10.50
Invigilators should be reliable, responsible, and able to follow instructions in a calm and sensible manner. A flexible approach to working hours is essential and full training will be provided. We welcome applications from all denominations or none.
The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment.
If you are interested in this position, please fill in the support staff application form found on our website under https://www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/ and email it torecruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk
Note: CVs will not be accepted.
Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society will be hosting a very special Anniversary Afternoon Tea at the Roslin Beach Hotel, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 1pm for service at 1.30pm. They are delighted that Bishop Alan, BCCS President, will be attending as guest of honour. Tickets for the event are £34.00 per person and should be purchased before Monday 8th April directly from their event webpage: www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/ Once you have purchased your tickets, please advise Julie of any special dietary requirements or seating requests by contacting her by email jabbott@bccs.org.uk or call her on 07912 277413. Guests will be seated at tables of 12.
EVENING CARETAKER
Part-time (15 hours per week, 6.00pm – 9.00pm, Monday to Friday)
Scale 14 - £27,334 (pro-rata actual salary £11,081)
Provisional start date: 8 April 2024
Closing Date: 18 March 2024, 9.00am
Interviews: Friday 22 March 2024
Are you a team player who is flexible, can prioritise and be proactive? We are looking to recruit an Evening Caretaker to become part of our busy Premises team.
The role will be challenging at times so you will need to be organised and adaptable to issues that might arise. You will be required to secure the school site at the end of the evening, deal with lettings, clear up after use of our facilities, carry out general maintenance, and ensure the site is kept clean and safe at all times.
The successful candidate must have a proven track record in a suitable maintenance role ideally working within a School or similar environment.
If you would like more information about the role please see our website (www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk under About Us/Vacancies). If you are interested in applying please complete the Support Staff Application Form found on the Vacancies webpage and email it to recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk.
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.
We will be sharing a coach with Sacred Heart Parish. If you would like to book a seat please leave your name and contact details with the Parish office.
40 days for life is a witness to human life praying and peacefully offering help to vulnerable women and girls. Southend City On Sea Marie Stopes International is an Abortion DIY Pills provider. Join us over the Lenten period till Friday 22nd March. Contact Mary Connolly 07478765010 Madrecasita8@gmail.com
Liturgy:
Readings of Year B
The Apostles’ Creed
Preface of Fourth Sunday of Lent
Saturday 9
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
5.30pm Vigil Mass Bernardette Lane, RIP (MH)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 10 March
Fourth Sunday of Lent—Lætare
8am Mass Maria Horlock, RIP (Anniv) (M&RMcC)
9.30am Mass Tom O'Callaghan, RIP (Anniv) (JA)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 11
Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
9am Mass Intentions of Pat Lambert (MI)
Tuesday 12
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
9am Mass Madeliene Lloyd, RIP (SH)
Wednesday 13
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
9am Mass Michael Saunders, RIP (MC)
7pm Lenten Evening of Reflection
Thursday 14
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
9am Mass Violet Gray, RIP
Friday 15
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
12noon Mass Tom O'Callaghan, RIP (RO’C)
7pm Way of the Cross and Benediction
Saturday 16
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
10am Mass Rev John O'Neill (FM)
10.30am-11.30am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
11am First Confessions
5.30pm Vigil Mass The People of the Parish
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
Sunday 17 March
Fifth Sunday of Lent
8am Mass Eric Newman, RIP (Anniv) VA)
9.30am Mass Bernardette Lane, RIP (MR)
11.30am Mass Mervyn Calton, RIP (Anniv) (RC)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Fr William Luby, Canon Martin Horkan, Rev Edmund Meyer, Fr Maurice Roche, Therese Ketterer, Joseph Collins, Lionel Clarke, Richard Young, Margaret Houston, Benjamin Dawson, Leo King, Edith Smith, Eileen Greaves, George Burnham, Lydia Upton, Maura Harley, Eric Wilding, Stefan Gyms, Frank Keenan (Sir), Philip Hale, Eleanor Hayes, June Hazel White, Bridget Morris, Nora Thompson, David McGowan, George Conway, James Kennedy, Kathleen Hosford Julian Felix Asselberghs, Catherine Isabel Jago, Anthony Slattery, Mary Russell, Henry McIlwee & Nina Clarke.
“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.”
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of the family of Theresa Ofulue, RIP (20th Anniversary).
