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

Dates for your Diary

Monday 3rd November Journey in Faith (RCIA) 8pm Parish Centre

Thursday 6th November Parish Requiem 7pm

Thursday 27th-Saturday 29th November—Forty Hours’ Prayer

Sunday 7th December—Christmas Bazaar 8am to 1pm

Friday 19th December—Annual Carol Service

Saturday 16th May 10.30am—First Holy Communion Mass

Sunday 7th June—Corpus Christi Procession 4pm

November—Month of the Holy Souls

How to obtain a Plenary Indulgence for the Souls in Purgatory this November
Every year between 1–8 November the Church grants a plenary indulgence that can be applied only to the souls in purgatory. The faithful can receive this indulgence each of the eight days to apply to a particular soul — a parent, spouse, relative, friend, or anyone even unknown.

1) Pray At a Cemetery or in our Memorial Garden

The Church asks the faithful to visit a cemetery and pray for the deceased, even if only mentally. Some suggested prayers include the Prayer of St. Gertrude or the Eternal Rest prayer.

2) Go to Confession and receive Holy Communion

In order for one to obtain a plenary indulgence, whether it be for the poor souls or for oneself, the person must detach oneself from all sin. If the soul is not detached, a partial indulgence will be applied.

However, for the sick, elderly, homebound, or those who cannot go out due to coronavirus restrictions, they can “unite themselves spiritually to other members of the faithful.”

The Church encourages this prayer “before an image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary, reciting pious prayers for the deceased, for example, Lauds and Vespers of the Office of the Dead, the Marian Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, other prayers for the deceased dearest to the faithful, or occupy themselves in considered reading of one of the Gospel passages proposed by the liturgy of the deceased, or perform a work of mercy by offering to God the sorrows and hardships of their own lives.”

The individual must also have “the intention of complying as soon as possible,” to the three conditions (sacramental confession, holy communion, and praying for the Holy Father).

3) Pray for the Pope

The Church suggests that the faithful pray one ‘Our Father’ and one ‘Hail Mary’ for the Holy Father.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace. Amen.

Holy Souls Box
During November we customarily keep the memories of our Beloved Dead in our prayers. Their names will be placed under the Altar by using one of the envelopes at the back of church (please add your Gift Aid number) and placing it in the box provided, including an offering if you can, for Holy Souls Masses. In this way, we present them to God in the Masses and Offices during this month of the Holy Souls.

Young Vincentians All Saints Evening

The Leigh on Sea Young Vincentians invite you to an All Saints Evening for families.

Date: Friday, 14th November
Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Parish Centre
Entry: £1 per family

Please bring your own food/nibbles and drink. Children are invited to dress up as Saints and there will be some young entertainment!

All money raised will go to support those in need and will be given to the St Vincent De Paul Society.

New Balance and Strength Training Class for Seniors

Join our new Exercise class on Tuesday mornings, 10-11.00 am in the Parish Centre for a seated/ standing exercise class. The class is designed for seniors to improve balance and core strength and to help prevent falls, and is done to music.

It will be run by Val Herron who has already run a couple of classes for the Lourdes Ladies Group, so will be known to some of you. She will charge £6 per session and provides any equipment that is needed.

Our first class will be on Tuesday 4th November.

Please contact Jo 01702 474062,  or email   mcronan@btinternet.com if you are interested.

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 pick up at 3 points: 9.45 am at the Bus Stop opposite the Church, Approx.9.50 Bus Stop near Westleigh Schools and approx 9.55 am at Thames Drive.

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.

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.

Journey of Faith—RCIA

This continues 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.

Repository

We have some new stock including beautiful Rosaries, a selection of Children’s Rosary bracelets and a large selection of cards. Of particular interest we have a Statue of Saint Anne with the child Mary plus a large Statue of Saint Padre Pio. The latter might be of interest to Schools as Saint Pio is said to be very popular with young people. In the next week or so we should have Christmas cards and some Calendars for sale.  The Repository is open after all Masses at weekends only.   

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

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

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!

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.

Midday Play Assistant Vacancy
The Local Governing Committee of Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Primary School is looking to appoint a Midday Play Assistant to oversee the children eating lunch and to encourage play activities with them so that their lunchtime is an enjoyable, sociable, learning experience. You will be required to work for 8.75 hours per week (11.30am-1.15pm each lunchtime) to be paid on Point 2 (approx £12.26 per hour) during term time.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This appointment is subject to satisfactory references, medical and enhanced DBS checks.

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

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Liturgy:
Preface of Sunday 8
The Nicene Creed

Saturday 25
Saturday Memorial of the BVM
5.30pm Mass Joseph Pallis, RIP (NL)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
26 October
8am Mass The People of the Parish
9.30am Mass Holy Souls
11.30am Mass Roseleen Armstrong, RIP (Anniv) (JA)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

Monday 27
Feria
NO 9am Mass
11am Requiem Mass Alan Ward, RIP

Tuesday 28
SS Simon and Jude, App
9am Mass Jim & Lilian Fegan, RIP (JC)

Wednesday 29
Feria
9am Mass John Butler, RIP (Anniv) (LS)

Thursday 30
Feria
9am Mass Pauline Godfrey, RIP (Anniv) (MI)

Friday 31
Feria
 12Noon Mass Ivor Duggan, RIP (AS)

Saturday 1 November
Saturday Memorial of the BVM
10am Mass Paul Watts, RIP (DW)
10.30—11.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession

5.30pm Mass Maria Keen, RIP (DL)
6.30-7.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confession

ALL SAINTS
2 November
8am Mass Intentions of All Saints Catholic School , Dagenham (AMcC)
9.30am Mass Seamus Connolly, RIP (MI)
11.30am Mass The People of the Parish
4pm Mass John Smith, RIP & Carol Smith, Ints (CS)
5.30pm Vespers & Benediction

We Pray for the Dead on their Anniversaries

Fr George Steadman, Fr Stephen Wyatt, Fr William Loveland, Canon Thomas Bishop, Canon Richard Gay, David Scott-Frame, James Scott, Jeremiah Brennan, John Goodwin-Self, Angelo Nikolla, Maria Micheler Lena, Jack North,Gilbert Blanch, Joan sullivan, Karin Chipperfield, Yvonne Ashwell-rivens, Gwendoline Greiner, Patrick Landers, Maureen Coghlan, Helen Williams, Noel Hayter,Mauteen gooding, Stanley Watson, John Butler, Olivia chesney, Alice conway, Joyce Jones, HelenLesley, Doris Payne, Mar Russell, Pauline Godfrey, William Upsher,Walter Kilman, Edward Hullett, Margaret Convey, Anna Hinbest, D’Janet cheshire, Patricia Bower, Mary Elizabeth Peomore, Eileen Clark, Philip Modica, Mick Burke, Andrew Mitchelmore & Marie Hale.