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!
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.
Dear friends in Christ
This weekend we have a break in the liturgy from the Sundays in Ordinary Time to celebrate the Triumph of the Cross, which is celebrated each year on 14th September and which replaces the normal Sunday liturgy.
Dear friends in Christ
The Gospel of Mass this Sunday speaks of the requirements Jesus makes for following Him.
Liturgy:
Preface of Sunday 3
The Nicene Creed
Saturday 20
St Andrew Kim-Tae-gǒn, Paul Chǒng Ha-sang and Companions, Mm
5.30pm Mass Andrea & Pamela Uglietti, RIP (LM)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
21 September
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass James Fogarty, RIP (FM)
11.30am Mass John Butler, RIP (RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Monday 22
Feria
9am Mass Valerie Griggs & Dec'd Members of the Moon Family
Tuesday 23
St Pius of Pietrelcina, Pr
9am Mass Deceased of the Young, Hall & Bush Families, RIP (Anniv) (LY)
Wednesday 24
Our Lady of Walsingham
9am Mass Margaret Philomena Forde, RIP (FM)
Thursday 25
Feria
9am Mass Dec’d members of the Chantilly & Holland Families (LC)
Friday 26
Ss Cosmos and Damian, Mm
9am Mass Intentions of Anna Ferguson's Family
Saturday 27
St Vincent de Paul, Pr
10am Mass Charles & Alice Whitefield, RIP (FM)
10.30—11.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
5.30pm Mass Intentions of Anita Lupton
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
28 September
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Rebecca Clarke, RIP (Anniv) (IR)
11.30am Mass John Butler, RIP (RB)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction
Fr John Ryan, Pope John Paul I, Helen Bainbridge, James Fogarty, Charles Osborne, Marie Hall, Mary Byrne, José Costan, Joyce Mary Wright, James Perry, Henry Bennett, Ethel Bubel, Kathleen Young, Mary de Souza, Peter Wilkinson, Robert Swainson, Douglas Hair, Fred Cornell, Catherine Major, Alfred Gardener, Jane Catherine Lacey, John Houlihan, Andres Louis Hinbest, Mrs Emily Bailey, Pat MacHaughton, Moira Stuart, Violet Shrimpton, Stephen McGough, Doreen Reynolds, Eileen Scott, Christopher James, Bridget Clinton, Elizabeth Butler, Elizabeth Fresh, Patrick Quinlan, Rebecca Clarke, Marion McNamara & Theresa O’Riordan.
“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.”
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.
MICHAEL PATRICK SATELLE who died on Monday, 8th September. His body will be received into the church on Thursday, 1st October at 4.30pm and his Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, 2nd October at 10am, followed by burial at Sutton Road Cemetery..
LAKSHMAN PERREIRA who died on Wednesday, 10th September.
ALAN WARD who died on Thursday, 18th September, Funeral details to follow.
ANNA PUCINO who died recently. Funeral details to follow.
Requiescant in pace
This week the Sanctuary Lamp burns for the intentions of Margaret Holland.
We congratulate the parents of Daisy Joslin, Freddie Tilbury, Sidney Cole, Emile Norton, Grace Garland & Léonie Holland who were Baptised recently at Our Lady of Lourdes. May God bless them and their families as they grow in His knowledge and love.
Monday 22nd September Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre
Thursday 6th November Parish Requiem 7pm
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.
We meet again on Thursday 25th September in the Parish Centre for a prompt start at 10am. This week we are delighted to welcome Margaret, who will be giving a talk on the joys and hazards of Beekeeping, which promises to be an interesting presentation.
We hope to give Margaret a very warm welcome (many of you may know her from the Sea of Voices Choir). As usual subs are just;£1 00 plus a Raffle and . Refreshments.
Some new stock has arrived, including Olive Wood Crucifixes, a selection of beautiful Rosaries and some small statues. We have a few Mantillas left in stock and 1 or 2 copies of the new Sunday Missals.
Please come and browse, the Volunteers are happy to help with any queries if you don’t see what you are looking for. Please note the Repository is open after all Masses at the weekend. On weekdays Mass cards can be purchased from the Parish Office.
The next meeting for the Young Vincentians will take place in the Parish Centre this Monday, 22nd September from 5.15pm. Young Vincentian Committee.
I have received the Autumn 2025 Missio magazines. If you have not been given one by me personally please take one from the back of the Church (in the usual place). If you have boxes that need empyting please let me have them ASAP. Thank you. Joan Caunce, Secretary
The Parish St. Vincent de Paul's Conference is recommencing fortnightly meetings, following a summer recess. These take place on Wednesday evenings, in the Parish Centre. If you would like to know more about the SVP and the activities we undertake, please contact Sallie Pollock 07450 277956
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
After 27 years the organisation for former pupils and staff members of St Thomas More High School in Westcliff has decided to hold one last Annual Dinner. It will take place in the school on Saturday 11th October. Guest Speaker will be Tony McDonald (headteacher 1981-85) and the cost for a four-course meal will be £30. Full details are available on the Alumni website: www.stmalumni.co.uk
Monday 29 September to Thursday 2 October, Monday 6 October, Wednesday 8 October and Thursday 9 October from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Invitation by appointments only, please contact the school reception to book Office@stbernards.southend.sch.uk
Tel: 01702 343583 www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk
Please follow the link to find resources to help support married couples in faithfully living their vocation of marriage within the family.
Exam Invigilators – September 2025
Hourly rate: £12.50
The School is looking to recruit Exam Invigilators to join its bank of staff who oversee examinations in the School. Full training will be provided.
We welcome applications from all denominations or none.
Please complete a non-teaching application form which can be found at the bottom of our Vacancies page and email it to recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk.
Note: CVs will not be accepted.
Please contact recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk for more information.
