Kevin Hale
Christmas Message
Kevin Hale
Christmas Message
Kevin Hale
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear friends in Christ

As we enter the final days of Advent, our thoughts inevitably turn towards the events which led to the birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Kevin Hale
Third Sunday of Advent—Gaudete

Dear friends in Christ

Joy and hope are the characteristics of the Advent season, and this is expressed in the opening words of the Mass from the Introit: Gaudete—Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice…the Lord is at hand!

Third Sunday of Advent—Gaudete
Kevin Hale
Second Sunday of Advent

Dear friends in Christ

The figure of Saint John the Baptist permeates Advent like a water mark.

Second Sunday of Advent

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
Link to: The sick of our parish

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

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.

OLOL Ladies Group

Would Ladies please note that our Meeting for Thursday 6th November will not take place as usual.

Cambridge Coach trip: For those of you who have booked and paid for this day out, please note the following:
On Thursday 6th November the Coach will go from the Bus Stop opposite the Church. It will leave promptly at 9.45am and then pick up at Thames Drive approximately 9.55am. On route you will be given a copy of Cambridge City map.  On arrival in Cambridge you will have plenty of free time to enjoy the sights or indulge in some early Christmas shopping.  The Coach will leave Cambridge promptly at 3.45 pmfor the return journey. Any queries please contact Cynthia 07783 094312 or Jan on 07775 620890.

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.

Repository

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.

Celebrate our Faith Together

Celebrate your faith

This year our parish mission enlivened our faith and in September we celebrated 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!

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

Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal 2025

Operation Christmas Child—make your donations through CWL Westcliff! Donate by 10th November!  

As last year, we are not collecting shoeboxes etc at church—CWL Westcliff are willing to fill the shoeboxes online from your donations. The cost per box is £25, so if that is too much in these difficult times you can make a donation of any amount and we will fill the shoeboxes for you up to the amount raised. You can donate, however small or big the amount, and make the payment direct to our section account. If you would like to make a donation please pay to:
Catholic Women's League CIO Westcliff section;  Sort code 30-98-90; account number 18096960; Reference Shoebox.  

Thank you for your support and remember what a difference this makes to the children receiving these boxes all over the world.

Here is the link if you would like to donate directly https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online

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!

Journey of Faith—RCIA

RCIA will re-commence on Monday, 3rd November 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.

Headteacher Vacancy

Headteacher vacancy at Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Benfleet, Essex, required for April 2026 – Due to the current headteacher taking the decision to retire from the post, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an inspirational, ambitious and innovative Headteacher to join the team at Holy Family Catholic Primary School.  Further information and application documents can be found on the following websites – HFCPS Website - Job Vacancies and Vacancies – Assisi Catholic Trust.

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

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