Flower & Craft Festival Saturday 6th July 2024

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

Organ Loft Cleaner Required

Would you be able to spare an hour a week between 10am and 1pm, to help clean our organ loft? Whichever day suits you, and it doesn’t have to be the same day every week!

If you can help, please contact the Parish office on 01702 478078 or email office@lourdesleigh.org.

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School

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

olol.co.uk

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.

St Bernard's High School—Exam Invigilators required as soon as possible

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.

Loving Leigh

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 - Apologies for the last minute cancellation of the proposed Fairtrade stall last weekend. It was due to illness of the stall holder. A new date will be organised as soon as possible.

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.

Missio Red Box Holders

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

2024 Caritas Networking Day

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>

Catholic Parish Summit

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

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School and Nursery - Vacancy

Learning Support Assistant
Required for Summer Term Start 2024

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School has a friendly, dedicated team where everyone belongs. Our children are well behaved and enjoy coming to school.
We are looking for a learning support assistant and we hope to find someone who has experience of working, understanding and supporting children and who knows that teaching and learning is really important. Because of the demands of the 2014 curriculum, we need someone with excellent English and mathematics skills. We need someone who will be committed to our school and will be able to work with our team. We need someone who will thrive when working with children and be ready to do any reasonable task and be prepared to learn a range of new skills.

We need staff who are reliable, flexible and hard working. Ideally you will have experience in supporting children or you are able to demonstrate your commitment and skills to support our learners.
We would like you:

●  To have experience or a range of skills that will enable you to support our learners

●  To be able to liaise with leaders, teachers and the SENCo to provide the best level of support for

our pupils

●  Be able to work well with our team and be able to think on your feet

●  Know that high expectations lead to good outcomes for our pupils

●  Be positive to ensure that everyone can achieve

●  Have a good level of literacy and mathematics (GCSE A-C)

●  Know that you are here to assist in teaching and learning

●  Be calm and patient whilst setting a high standard for behaviour

An NVQ Level 2 in learning support/early years, NNEB or other equivalent qualification would be desirable.

Scale point 4

The position will be from 08.30-15.30, with a half-hour lunch break Monday to Friday, term time only.

All our applicants need to be supportive of the school’s Catholic ethos, however, we invite applications from both Catholic and non-Catholic staff

Headteacher: Mrs Sally Nutman

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed by appointment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to support this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All applications must be completed using the Catholic Education Service Application Form.

Please contact the school office via email at finance@ourladyoflourdes.southend.sch.uk or call on 01702 475689 for an application pack.

Closing Date: 25th March 2024

Interview Date: 28th March 2024

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Liturgy:
Readings of Year B
The Apostles’ Creed
Preface of Fifth Sunday of Lent

Saturday 16

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

10am Mass Rev John O'Neill (FM)

10.30am-11.00am: 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 & Confession

Sunday 17 March
Fifth Sunday of Lent
8am Mass Eric Newman, RIP (Anniv) (VA)
9.30am Mass Bernadette Lane, RIP (MR)
11.30am Mass Mervyn Calton, RIP (RC)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

Monday 18
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
9am Mass John, Pat & Peter Moon, RIP (SM)

Tuesday 19

ST JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
9am Mass Intentions of the Speirs Family (DS)

Wednesday 20
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
9am Mass Intentions of Pat Lambert (CB)

10.45 Requiem Mass Michael Lucey RIP
7pm Lenten Evening of Reflection

Thursday 21
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
9am Mass Sofia Todryk, RIP (FO’B)

Friday 22
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
10.00 Requiem Mass Isabel Coombs
7pm Way of the Cross and Benediction

Saturday 23
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
10am Mass Bernadette Lane, RIP (S&NH)
10.30am-11.30am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

5.30pm Vigil Mass Frank & Moira Keenan, RIP (Anniversary) (FK)
6.30-7.30pm: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions

Sunday 24 March
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Gabrielle Eileen Kaiser, RIO (Anniversary) (MH)
11.30am Mass Aida do Carmo Lourenco (SC)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries

Fr Donal Donegal, Fr Sidney Williams, Canon Arthur Holmes, Rev John O’Neill, Fr Justin Dawson, Fr James Earley, Fr Henry Peace, Alfred Marshall, Dolores Cutter, John Flynn, Gabrielle Haiser, Henry de Souza, Andrew Shanahan, John Moon, Guy Bragard, Eric Newman, Doreen Wall, Margaret Foster, Mary Blundell, Dorothy Burke, Lesley Dorey, Edmund Easterly, Francis Spratt, Francis Joseph Foley, Edward Hance, Edward Agues, Catherine Davis, Ann Whiteley, John Fowler, Denis Reid, Nora McLeod, Imelda Maguire, Bernard Cody, Violet Day, Fred Hopkins, Ted Wheeler, Katerina Deyanovitch, John Archer, Paul Reid, Maud Phyllis King, Marie Nichols, Peter Gough, John Rombaut, Boleslaw Bendkowski, Mary Hardy & Nancy Mallif.

We pray for our sick

The Sick List is available on the website main menu, under Worship.

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.”

— Roman Missal: For relatives and friends

Sanctuary Lamp

This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of the Harris family.

Please pray for the repose of the souls of

MICHAEL COLMAN LUCEY who died on Wednesday, 14th February. His Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday, 20th March at 10.45am followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.

ISABEL COOMBS who died on Wednesday, 17th January. Her body will be received into the church on Thursday, 21st March at 4.30pm and her Requiem Mass will be on Friday, 22nd March at 10am followed by committal at Southend Crematorium.

GEORGINA CORNWELL who died on Monday 19th February. Her Requiem Mass will be on Monday, 25th March at 11am followed by committal at Sutton Road Cemetery.

MARGARET BARTLE who died on 4th March. Her body will be received into church on Wednesday, 3rd April at 4.30pm and her Requiem Mass will be on Thursday, 4th April at 1.30pm followed by committal at Sutton Road Cemetery.

Requiescant in pace

Dates for your Diary

Monday 18th March—Journey in Faith (RCIA) continues—8pm St Clement Room

Wednesday: March 20th;
Lenten Evenings of Reflection—7-8.30pm

Thursday: March 21st—'The Chosen’ 7pm Parish Centre

Saturdays 11th & 18th May—First Holy Communion Masses

Sunday 19th May—Sacrament of Confirmation

Saturday 6th July—Flower Festival

Monday 22nd—Friday 26th July 2024—Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes

LENTEN EVENING OF REFLECTION

Wednesday, March 20th—Fr Stephen Morrison OPræm PP Peckham: The Kingship of Christ in the Passion

To include a preached meditation by a guest speaker, Eucharistic Adoration, Compline, Benediction and Confessions. These will be held in the church from 7–8pm followed by refreshments and a bookstall in the Parish Centre.

Vacancies - St. Helen's Catholic Primary School

St. Helen’s Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint 2 teachers, one permanent full-time and one to cover maternity starting in September 2024.

Full details and forms are available on our website htts://st-helens.southend.sch.uk/about-us/our-school/staff-vacancies

The closing date is Thursday, 28th March 2024.

Visits to the school are welcome, please contact Mrs Sears on 01702 343823.

Sally Sears

Finance / Clerical Assistant

Rosemary Bragard - 90th Birthday

Rosemary will be having a small celebration in the Parish Centre on Sunday 21st April 2pm - 4pm. She would love to see her friends from church there. If you would like to join us in her celebration please RSVP Larry or Laura by 15th April on 07843 012467/07921 929483. We look forward to seeing many of you then.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School and Nursery - Vacancy

Learning Support Assistant
Required for Summer Term Start 2024

Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School has a friendly, dedicated team where everyone belongs. Our children are well behaved and enjoy coming to school.
We are looking for a learning support assistant and we hope to find someone who has experience of working, understanding and supporting children and who knows that teaching and learning is really important. Because of the demands of the 2014 curriculum, we need someone with excellent English and mathematics skills. We need someone who will be committed to our school and will be able to work with our team. We need someone who will thrive when working with children and be ready to do any reasonable task and be prepared to learn a range of new skills.

We need staff who are reliable, flexible and hard working. Ideally you will have experience in supporting children or you are able to demonstrate your commitment and skills to support our learners.
We would like you:

●  To have experience or a range of skills that will enable you to support our learners

●  To be able to liaise with leaders, teachers and the SENCo to provide the best level of support for

our pupils

●  Be able to work well with our team and be able to think on your feet

●  Know that high expectations lead to good outcomes for our pupils

●  Be positive to ensure that everyone can achieve

●  Have a good level of literacy and mathematics (GCSE A-C)

●  Know that you are here to assist in teaching and learning

●  Be calm and patient whilst setting a high standard for behaviour

An NVQ Level 2 in learning support/early years, NNEB or other equivalent qualification would be desirable.

Scale point 4

The position will be from 08.30-15.30, with a half-hour lunch break Monday to Friday, term time only.

All our applicants need to be supportive of the school’s Catholic ethos, however, we invite applications from both Catholic and non-Catholic staff

Headteacher: Mrs Sally Nutman

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed by appointment.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to support this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All applications must be completed using the Catholic Education Service Application Form.

Please contact the school office via email at finance@ourladyoflourdes.southend.sch.uk or call on 01702 475689 for an application pack.

Closing Date: 25th March 2024

Interview Date: 28th March 2024