This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the deceased members of the Keep & Lawford Families.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of
FATHER GEORGE TOWLER who died on Thursday, 4th April at Frimley Park Hospital near Ascot. Details of his funeral will follow once arrangements have been made.
HENRY CRAWFORD HILL who died on Thursday, 28th March. His Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday, 15th May at 11.30 am followed by committal at Southend Cemetery.
FR DEREK POWNEY who died recently.
RAYMOND CHARLES SIMKINS who died recently.
Requiescant in pace
Dates for your Diary
Saturdays 11th & 18th May—First Holy Communion Masses, 10.30am
Sunday 19th May—Sacrament of Confirmation, 11.30 Mass
Sunday 2nd June—Corpus Christi Procession, 4pm
Saturday 8th June—Silver Jubilee Mass, Fr Jean-Claude Selvini, 12 noon
Sunday 23rd June—Fortieth Anniversary Mass of Fr Kevin Hale 11.30am
Saturday 6th July—Flower Festival
Monday 22nd—Friday 26th July 2024—Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Saturday 15th—Friday 21st March 2025—Parish Mission led by the Redemptorists
Responsorial Psalm at 11.30am Mass
Prelude: Hosanna Filio David—Jeanne Demessieux (1921-68)
Postlude: Pièce d'Orgue BWV 572—J S Bach (1685-1750)
Baptisms
We congratulate the parents of Noah Hart who was Baptised recently at Our Lady of Lourdes. May God bless him and his family as he grows in His knowledge and love.
First Holy Communion Breakfast
After First Holy Communions on Saturdays 11th and 18th May, cold drinks, tea and sandwiches will be served for the children and their parents in the Parish Centre.
We are now looking for volunteers to help lay the food out and clean up afterwards. If you would be willing to help, please contact Sue Lawford on 07816 141492.
Counters Needed
Some more counters are needed for the weekly collection which is normally done on Monday morning. If you have an hour or so you could offer to help with this work as part of a team, please give your name to the Parish Office.
OLL Ladies Group
Our next Meeting is on Thursday 9th May from 10am in the Parish Centre. As usual subs are just £1, with no extra charge for refreshments. We like to keep our popular Raffle going but we are in need of some donations of prizes. If any of you ladies can help, please bring your gifts to the next Meeting.
So………..next week we have a welcome return of one of our ‘Show and Tell’ sessions, so please don’t be shy, you may have a story to tell, ie about your life, your career etc. or a favourite book , picture, antique, the list is endless so we are looking forward to an interesting and fun packed morning!!
Vocations Evening for Enquirers
The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 7th May at Brentwood Cathedral. The speaker will be Fr Patrick Daly.
For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires: vocprom@brcdt.org
Companionship Care for the Elderly
Would you be able to spare some time to help with emotional support, companionship, engagement in activities, assistance with daily tasks?
Simply put, supporting the overall health and well-being of seniors, making their life joyful with social connection and engagement.
If so, please contact me on 07707470006—Monika Magda.
APF Missio
On behalf of Missio I wish to thank all the Parishioners who donated to Missio during the year 2023 either by the Red Box or direct giving. Our Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Joseph donated £4490. 52 ( £1964.25 via the Red Boxes and by direct giving £2526.27). Please see Thank you poster at the back of the Church. Joan Caunce Secretary.
Fairtrade
A Fairtrade stall will be in the Parish Centre this Sunday 5th May 8.30—11.30am. Please come and see us before or after Mass to buy your teas, coffees and more while supporting our brothers and sisters in the developing world.
Also come and join fellow parishioners for tea and biscuits at the same time.
Our Lady of Ransom Catholic School
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly-motivated class teacher in KS1/2 to join our friendly and dedicated team. The post would suit an experienced or newly qualified teacher who is either a practising Catholic or willing to support the strong Catholic ethos of our school.
The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 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: Thursday 9th May 2024 (4pm)
Interview date: tbc
We reserve the right to call for interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
Repository Notice
We are open after all Masses at the weekend so do come along and browse.
We have a new stock of Holy Communion gifts and cards, plus cards for Confirmation and other special occasions. We also have a selection of Statues and Rosaries, plus a few new books for children.
If you do not see what you are looking for please ask one of the volunteers.
Walsingham House Vacancies
Retreat Manager for Walsingham House at Abbotswick: Walsingham House are seeking to appoint a Retreat Manager for Walsingham House. The Retreat Manager will work to ensure the smooth and efficient running of retreats and leading the volunteer team. This is a live in position and ideal for someone with previous experience in youth ministry. Full details, including background information and how to apply, can found at www.bcys.net/news/vacancies/ The closing date is Friday 24th May.
Programme Leader for Walsingham House at Abbotswick: Walsingham Hosue are seeking to appoint a Programme Leader. The successful applicant will work alongside the Retreat Manager helping to lead retreats for the schools and parishes of our diocese. Full details, including background information and how to apply, can be found at www.bcys.net/news/vacancies/ The closing date is Friday 24th May.
St Vincents Centre, Southend
At St Vincent Centre Southend, we are dedicated to providing trauma-informed, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to the vulnerable and those in need in our community. A significant number of the individuals and families we assist are facing homelessness, living in supported housing, isolated, or experiencing poverty.
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School & Nursery Site Assistant Vacancy
Please follow the link below for details.
Cleaner Required
Would you be able to spare an hour a week between 10am and 1pm, to help clean our church ? 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.
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
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 25th May 2024
Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham on Saturday 25th May.
Sacred Heart are running a coach leaving the Sacred Heart Church at 7am, picking up in the lay-by at St John Fisher at 7.10am, and outside Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh at 7.30am.
You will arrive in time for Confessions, the open-air Mass, lunch, the procession to the Abbey Grounds where Benediction will take place. You should arrive back in the Southend area at approximately 8pm.
The price is £20 per Adult and children 15 or younger free of charge. Please contact the parish office on 01702 478078 to book your seats on the coach.