18th March 2018

 

Mass Times

Monday – Friday 09.30am    /   Saturday 10.00am / 7.00pm

Sunday 09.00am / 11.30am / 1.00pm (Polish) / 6.00pm

Eucharistic Adoration

       Tuesday 7.30pm – 8:30pm and after Friday Morning Mass

Every Friday 8.00pm – 9:30pm (Polish)

 Confession Saturday 10:30 am – 11:00 am & 6:15 pm – 6:40 pm

 

 

DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD

The First Formal Proposal for the Renewal and restructuring of our Diocese

A DISCUSSION of the Renewal of our Diocese will take place on Monday 19 March 2018 at 7.00PM in the church. A copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocese of Brentwood website: www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development.

 

GIFT AID 2018-2019. Boxes for the new financial year are available to collect at all Masses.

 

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS every Thursday after morning Mass and Friday evening at 7 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT SUNDAY, 25^th March, clocks go forward.

 

 

 

BISHOP ALAN GOES #SILENT! For 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm, on Tuesday 27^th March, the Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Alan will be completely silent (except for occasional communication with his cat, Delia). This is part of a national initiative, “Million Minutes,” adopted this year by the BCYS, to encourage all of us to (re)discover the peace, tranquility and value of silence: within the stillness, God speaks. Every minute of silence can also be sponsored, raising money for projects led by young people in our Diocese. For more details, and all the resources, look at www.millionminutes.org/Brentwood. To sponsor Bishop Alan go to https://be.wonderful.org/bishop.alan/2018/staysilent. To find out more about all our opportunities for young people go to www.bcys.net

 

St John’s RC Special School, Woodford Bridge is recruiting full time Class Assistants to work with students aged 5-25 with a wide range of special needs. Hours 9.00am to 3.30pm, term time only, experience preferred. Immediate and September starts available. For an application pack please contact the school office on 020 8504 1818 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , closing date 16^th April. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. www.stjohnsrcschool.co.uk

 

 

EASTER TRIDUUM RETREAT FOR THOSE AGED 19-27. Experience the Holy Week liturgies in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Walsingham House at Abbotswick, with a program that will weave reflection and prayer with a deeper understanding of each liturgy, in the company of other young adults. From the stillness of Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to an Easter Vigil finishing with champagne and chocolates, we hope this will be a Triduum celebration to live in the heart and mind for the year ahead. £30 covers meals and accommodation 7.30pm Thursday 29^th March – 9.00am Easter Sunday morning. Maximum 35 places – apply soon. Full details & online application at www.bcys.net

 

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND – led by Fr Eamonn Power.  The Parish of Our Lady of Canvey & the English Martyrs (Canvey Island) invites you to join their parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land – In The Footsteps of Christ & the Holy Family.  (Travel dates: Thursday 10^th May to Thursday 17^th May 2018).  This pilgrimage is organised and coordinated by Anam Cara Travel. Cost is £1,370.  This includes 4* Hotels on a half board basis, flights, gratuities and all excursions. If you are interested or require further information, please contact Cathy on 07885 577 342 – by 31^st March 2018.  *LAST PLACES REMAINING.

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATIFICATION OF BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI ·ON SATURDAY 7^th APRIL 2018 at 12.30pm at St. Francis Catholic Church, Grove Crescent Road, Stratford, LONDON, E15 4HT.  For further info, please call Mother Maria on 07940143545 or Sir Joe Duke on 07956274279.

 

 

SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND.   From 6pm Friday 13th April to 2pm Sunday 15th April 2018. Theme: ’Moving in the Anointing' - Learning to walk in the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to grow in faith and be a blessing to others. This weekend is a great follow-up to 'Life in the Spirit' seminars. Guest Speaker: Fr Pat Collins. Cost: £110 residential, £80 non-residential. Book early as we have limited spaces. For more information call 01277 215011 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  . 

 

DIVINE MERCY- every Wednesday at 4pm in the Church.

 

LEGION OF MARY meetings are held each Thursday after Mass at 10:15 am.  If anyone is interested in what we do you are very welcome to attend. For more information come and meet us.

 

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO MASS? The church offers a service called Mass Link.  At 6pm Sunday Mass, via Skype, we call people who want to listen to the Mass and broadcast the Mass to them over their phones. This service is available for anyone who can't make it to Mass if you are ill or housebound.  If you would like this service, please give your number to the Parish Office and we will ring you every Sunday at 6pm to listen in!

 

 

 

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BLESSING SOMEONE YOU DON’T LIKE by Julia Attaway.  My stomach was in a knot. There’d been a major plot twist in a complicated (and delicate) project I’m working on, and fear was sitting on my chest and twisting my innards. I’d crafted and then drafted a written response but held off on sending it. Something wasn’t sitting right with me. As soon as my kids were out the door, I headed to the chapel up the street. It was empty first thing in the day. I knelt and mentally brought in each of the people I was working with (and against). That made the little space a bit crowded.  Then I stammered out blessings, one person at a time. “Blessed be God in the life of _____. May Your name be glorified through her words and actions today. Grant her the grace and wisdom she needs to do Your will.” It was a bit awkward, because my heart wasn’t 100% into wishing some of these folks well. Still, my fear had me stuck, and since it was my fear in my heart, I knew I needed to address this. I repeated the prayer more than once for each person I didn’t like. I repeated it until my heart let go of resentment and anger, and the words came out honestly. Not surprisingly, the more progress I made on this, the more the fear that gripped me faded. Then, when my heart was full of genuine blessing, I sat quietly for a while.  “Thank you, Lord. Thank you for each of these people in my life,” I finally said, and I meant it. As I gathered my coat and bag, the subtle tweak needed in the email I’d drafted became obvious. I went home and changed a few words, and sent it off with a peaceful heart.

11th March 2018

 

Mass Times

Monday – Friday 09.30am    /   Saturday 10.00am / 7.00pm

Sunday 09.00am / 11.30am / 1.00pm (Polish) / 6.00pm

Eucharistic Adoration

       Tuesday 7.30pm – 8:30pm and after Friday Morning Mass

Every Friday 8.00pm – 9:30pm (Polish)

 Confession Saturday 10:30 am – 11:00 am & 6:15 pm – 6:40 pm

 

 

DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD

The First Formal Proposal for the Renewal and restructuring of our Diocese

A DISCUSSION of the Renewal of our Diocese will take place on Monday 19 March 2018 at 7.00PM in the church. A copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocese of Brentwood website: www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development.

 

CAFOD SECOND COLLECTION amounted to £1.022.33.  Thank you all for your generosity.

 

PLEASE SUPPORT THE RAFFLE to raise money for St.Joseph’s convent of Bethlehem at all Masses this Sunday. Raffle to be drawn at the social on St.Patrick’s Day.

 

FAITH IN ACTION meeting on Thursday, 15th March - 7pm at the Presbytery.

 

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SOCIAL SATURDAY 17^th MARCH. Everyone is invited to a social evening on Saturday 17^th March after evening Mass in St. Patrick Hall. Donations of food and drink welcomed. Please sign the list in the porch.

Volunteers are needed to help during the evening.

 

 

† Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Ruby Cruz RIP who died recently. Ruby’s funeral Mass will take place here on Friday 16^th March at 10 am.  This will be the only Mass in this day.  May she rest in peace.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS every Thursday after morning Mass and Friday evening at 7 pm.

 

 

 

GIFT AID 2018-2019. Boxes for the new financial year are available to collect at all Masses. Envelope numbers 1-400 are available in the church. Number 401 and above will be available next week.

 

 

BISHOP ALAN GOES #SILENT! For 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm, on Tuesday 27^th March, the Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Alan will be completely silent (except for occasional communication with his cat, Delia). This is part of a national initiative, “Million Minutes,” adopted this year by the BCYS, to encourage all of us to (re)discover the peace, tranquility and value of silence: within the stillness, God speaks. Every minute of silence can also be sponsored, raising money for projects led by young people in our Diocese. For more details, and all the resources, look at www.millionminutes.org/Brentwood. To sponsor Bishop Alan go to https://be.wonderful.org/bishop.alan/2018/staysilent. To find out more about all our opportunities for young people go to www.bcys.net

 

EASTER TRIDUUM RETREAT FOR THOSE AGED 19-27. Experience the Holy Week liturgies in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Walsingham House at Abbotswick, with a program that will weave reflection and prayer with a deeper understanding of each liturgy, in the company of other young adults. From the stillness of Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to an Easter Vigil finishing with champagne and chocolates, we hope this will be a Triduum celebration to live in the heart and mind for the year ahead. £30 covers meals and accommodation 7.30pm Thursday 29^th March – 9.00am Easter Sunday morning. Maximum 35 places – apply soon. Full details & online application at www.bcys.net

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND – led by Fr Eamonn Power.  The Parish of Our Lady of Canvey & the English Martyrs (Canvey Island) invites you to join their parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land – In The Footsteps of Christ & the Holy Family.  (Travel dates: Thursday 10^th May to Thursday 17^th May 2018).  This pilgrimage is organised and coordinated by Anam Cara Travel. Cost is £1,370.  This includes 4* Hotels on a half board basis, flights, gratuities and all excursions. If you are interested or require further information, please contact Cathy on 07885 577 342 – by 31^st March 2018.  *LAST PLACES REMAINING.

 

SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND.   From 6pm Friday 13th April to 2pm Sunday 15th April 2018. Theme: ’Moving in the Anointing' - Learning to walk in the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to grow in faith and be a blessing to others. This weekend is a great follow-up to 'Life in the Spirit' seminars. Guest Speaker: Fr Pat Collins. Cost: £110 residential, £80 non-residential. Book early as we have limited spaces. For more information call 01277 215011 or email   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  .

 

DIVINE MERCY- every Wednesday at 4pm in the Church.

 

LEGION OF MARY meetings are held each Thursday after Mass at 10:15 am.  If anyone is interested in what we do you are very welcome to attend. For more information come and meet us.

 

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO MASS? The church offers a service called Mass Link.  At 6pm Sunday Mass, via Skype, we call people who want to listen to the Mass and broadcast the Mass to them over their phones. This service is available for anyone who can't make it to Mass if you are ill or housebound.  If you would like this service, please give your number to the Parish Office and we will ring you every Sunday at 6pm to listen in!

 

NEW TO THE PARISH? Please register in the parish office during office hours.

 

 

 

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A MUM'S LIFE.   Take your plate into the kitchen, please. Take it downstairs when you go. Don't leave it there, take it upstairs. Is that yours? Don't hit your brother. I'm talking to you. Just a minute, please, can't you see I'm talking? I said, Don't interrupt. Did you brush your teeth? What are you doing out of bed? Go back to bed. You can't watch in the afternoon. What do you mean, there's nothing to do? Go outside. Read a book. Turn it down. Get off the phone. Tell your friend you'll call her back. Right now! Hello. No, she's not home. She'll call you when she gets home. Take a jacket. Take a jumper. Take one anyway. Someone left his shoes in front of the TV. Get the toys out of the hall. Get the boys out of the bathtub. Get the toys off the stairs. Do you realize that could kill someone? Hurry up. Hurry up. Everyone's waiting. I'll count to ten and then we're going without you. Did you go to the bathroom? If you don't go, you're not going. I mean it. Why didn't you go before you left? Can you hold it? What's going on back there? Stop it. I said, Stop it! I don't want to hear about it. Stop it or I'm taking you home right now. That's it. We're going home. Give me a kiss. I need a hug. Make your bed. Clean up your room. Set the table. I need you to set the table! Don't tell me it's not your turn. Please move your chair in to the table. Sit up. Just try a little. You don't have to eat the whole thing. Stop playing and eat. Would you watch what you're doing? Move your glass. It's too close to the edge. Watch it! More, what? More, please. That's better. Just eat one bite of salad. You don't always get what you want. That's life. Don't argue with me. I'm not discussing this anymore. Go to your room. No, ten minutes are not up. One more minute. How many times have I told you, don't do that. Where did the cookies go? Eat the old fruit before you eat the new fruit. I'm not giving you mushrooms. I've taken all the mushrooms out. See? Is your homework done? Stop yelling. If you want to ask me something, come here STOP YELLING. IF YOU WANT TO ASK ME SOMETHING, COME HERE. I'll think about it. Not now. Ask your father. We'll see. Don't sit so close to the television, it's bad for your eyes. Calm down. Calm down and start over. Is that the truth? Fasten your seat belt. Did everyone fasten their seat belts? I'm sorry, that's the rule. I'm sorry, that's the rule. I'm sorry, that's the rule. By Delia Ephron.  Who can relate?  Happy Mother’s Day to all!

4th March 2018

 

Mass Times

Monday – Friday 09.30am    /   Saturday 10.00am / 7.00pm

Sunday 09.00am / 11.30am / 1.00pm (Polish) / 6.00pm

Eucharistic Adoration

       Tuesday 7.30pm – 8:30pm and after Friday Morning Mass

Every Friday 8.00pm – 9:30pm (Polish)

 Confession Saturday 10:30 am – 11:00 am & 6:15 pm – 6:40 pm

 

 

DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD

The First Formal Proposal for the Renewal and restructuring of our Diocese

A DISCUSSION of the Renewal of our Diocese will take place on Monday 19 March 2018 at 7.00PM in the church. A copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocese of Brentwood website: www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development.

 

CAFOD SECOND COLLECTION last weekend amounted to £922.33.  Thank you all for your generosity.

 

GIFT AID 2018-2019. Boxes for the new financial year are available to collect at all Masses. Envelope numbers 1-400 are available in the church. Number 401 and above will be available next week.

 

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SOCIAL SATURDAY 17^th MARCH. Everyone is invited to a social evening on Saturday 17^th March after evening Mass in St. Patrick Hall. Donations of food and drink welcomed. Please sign the list in the porch. Volunteers are needed to help during the evening.

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS every Thursday after morning Mass and Friday evening at 7 pm.

 

 

DIOCESAN GUILD MASS FOR DECEASED ALTAR SERVERS AT ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, Becontree on Saturday 10th March 2018 at 11am (please arrive by 10.30am. Vesting and entrance procession will be from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, Burnside Rd, Dagenham, Essex RM8 2JN). Please bring your own alb / cassocks and cottas. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided after Mass. Great opportunity to meet your fellow Altars Servers in the Diocese.  Everyone is welcome. Please reply to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 28th February if you wish to attend and if your Parish Priest would like to concelebrate.

 

ST. PATRICK’S NURSERY:  Nursery applications for admission in September 2018 are available from the school office.  We are anticipating the opening of our brand new nursery by June 15^th 2018.   If you would like your child to start in the June intake, please see Miss Allen when you submit your nursery application form.  The final date to submit your application forms for the Nursery June and September intakes is Thursday 29th March 2018.  Practising Catholics:  When applying for a school place, please ask your priest for verification of practice (signing date will be announced soon in the parish bulletin), which is only available from your church. You will not be able to get this from the school.

 

ST. PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL are looking for books for their library.  It can be of any Genre- Classic, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poems etc.  Please contact the school on 020 8509 4321.

 

EASTER TRIDUUM RETREAT FOR THOSE AGED 19-27. Experience the Holy Week liturgies in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Walsingham House at Abbotswick, with a program that will weave reflection and prayer with a deeper understanding of each liturgy, in the company of other young adults. From the stillness of Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to an Easter Vigil finishing with champagne and chocolates, we hope this will be a Triduum celebration to live in the heart and mind for the year ahead. £30 covers meals and accommodation 7.30pm Thursday 29^th March – 9.00am Easter Sunday morning. Maximum 35 places – apply soon. Full details & online application at www.bcys.net

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND – led by Fr Eamonn Power.  The Parish of Our Lady of Canvey & the English Martyrs (Canvey Island) invites you to join their parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land – In The Footsteps of Christ & the Holy Family.  (Travel dates: Thursday 10^th May to Thursday 17^th May 2018).  This pilgrimage is organised and coordinated by Anam Cara Travel. Cost is £1,370.  This includes 4* Hotels on a half board basis, flights, gratuities and all excursions. If you are interested or require further information, please contact Cathy on 07885 577 342 – by 31^st March 2018.  *LAST PLACES REMAINING.

DIVINE MERCY- every Wednesday at 4pm in the Church.

 

SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND.   From 6pm Friday 13th April to 2pm Sunday 15th April 2018. Theme: ’Moving in the Anointing' - Learning to walk in the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to grow in faith and be a blessing to others. This weekend is a great follow-up to 'Life in the Spirit' seminars. Guest Speaker: Fr Pat Collins. Cost: £110 residential, £80 non-residential. Book early as we have limited spaces. For more information call 01277 215011 or email   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  .

 

LEGION OF MARY meetings are held each Thursday after Mass at 10:15 am.  If anyone is interested in what we do you are very welcome to attend. For more information come and meet us.

 

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO MASS? The church offers a service called Mass Link.  At 6pm Sunday Mass, via Skype, we call people who want to listen to the Mass and broadcast the Mass to them over their phones. This service is available for anyone who can't make it to Mass if you are ill or housebound.  If you would like this service, please give your number to the Parish Office and we will ring you every Sunday at 6pm to listen in!

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PRAY BIG PRAYERS.  The key to praying big prayers is understanding and believing that God is able to answer our prayers.  The words I most remembered from this past Sunday’s sermon to prepare us for the Lenten season were “Pray big prayers.” I asked myself later, Why is it that we don’t pray big prayers? Are we trying to play it safe? Could it be that we think that we know how to fix our problems?  I am rather amused when people pray and tell God how to solve their problems. When I pray, I trust God to do his will in my life. I am kidding myself if I think for one minute that I can manipulate the results with my prayers.  The purpose of the Lenten season is to draw closer to God. Most times we think of giving up something like chocolate or sweets. That would not be hard for me. What would really be a challenge is finding more time to practice the disciplines of repentance, prayer and fasting. One of my big prayers is asking God to help me eliminate doing things that are not absolutely necessary. If I can find more time for the next 40 days, then I am on a journey that can only help transform my life. Prayer is transformative and when done consistently helps guide my behaviour.  We are encouraged by the Scriptures to pray big prayers: “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The key to praying big prayers is understanding and believing that God is able to answer our prayers. For me, praying has more to do with what I think about God than anything else.  What I want for Lent is to have more time to pray so that my image of God expands. I want my heart and head to agree. I will start this season with a repentant heart. A heart that asks God to forgive me for not always seeing him as I should, according to his word. I don’t have to wonder who he is because the Bible declares it for me. I only have to believe and expect him to be true to himself.  My prayer point and challenge for you: Study the Bible and believe that God is who he says he is, and pray big prayers during the 40 days of Lent. It will become a habit. Watch what God will do. By Peola Hicks

25th February 2018

 

Mass Times

Monday – Friday 09.30am    /   Saturday 10.00am / 7.00pm

Sunday 09.00am / 11.30am / 1.00pm (Polish) / 6.00pm

Eucharistic Adoration

       Tuesday 7.30pm – 8:30pm and after Friday Morning Mass

Every Friday 8.00pm – 9:30pm (Polish)

 Confession Saturday 10:30 am – 11:00 am & 6:15 pm – 6:40 pm

 

 

DIOCESE OF BRENTWOOD

The First Formal Proposal for the Renewal and restructuring of our Diocese

A DISCUSSION of the Renewal of our Diocese will take place on Monday 19 March 2018 at 7.00PM in the church. A copy of the document can be accessed on the Diocese of Brentwood website: www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development.

 

CAFOD SECOND COLLECTION this weekend 24^th and 25^th February, at all Masses. This Lent, if you donate to CAFOD's Lent Appeal, your gift will be matched by the UK Government. This will fund new project to combat malnutrition and hunger.  Whether it’s a pound gained in weight or a pound donated to CAFOD, every pound is vital for a malnourished child.  For each pound you give to our Lent Appeal, the UK Government will also give a pound to our nutrition work.  So your generosity will grow. Help God’s children grow healthy and strong.  For more information visit cafod.org.uk/lent. Please use CAFOD envelopes. 

 

NURSERY SIGNING.  Fr. Kevin will be offering Certificates of Catholic Practice on Thursday 1^st March from 3.30 – 6pm in the Presbytery. Practice is estimated on your weekend Mass attendance. When the Priest has evidence that the Parent’s statement is true he will present them with a “Certificate of Catholic Practice”. APPLICATION FORMS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN AFTER WEEKEND MASSES AND NOT FROM THE PARISH OFFICE. Completed forms must be RETURNED by Monday 26^th February.  

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS every Thursday after morning Mass and Friday evening at 7 pm.

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SOCIAL SATURDAY 17^th MARCH. Everyone is invited to a social evening on Saturday 17^th March after evening Mass in St. Patrick Hall. Donations of food and drink welcomed. Please sign the list in the porch. Volunteers are needed to help during the evening.

 

 

DIOCESAN GUILD MASS FOR DECEASED ALTAR SERVERS AT ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, Becontree on Saturday 10th March 2018 at 11am (please arrive by 10.30am. Vesting and entrance procession will be from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, Burnside Rd, Dagenham, Essex RM8 2JN). Please bring your own alb / cassocks and cottas. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided after Mass. Great opportunity to meet your fellow Altars Servers in the Diocese.  Everyone is welcome. Please reply to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 28th February if you wish to attend and if your Parish Priest would like to concelebrate.

 

ST. PATRICK’S NURSERY:  Nursery applications for admission in September 2018 are available from the school office.  We are anticipating the opening of our brand new nursery by June 15^th 2018.   If you would like your child to start in the June intake, please see Miss Allen when you submit your nursery application form.  The final date to submit your application forms for the Nursery June and September intakes is Thursday 29th March 2018.  Practising Catholics:  When applying for a school place, please ask your priest for verification of practice (signing date will be announced soon in the parish bulletin), which is only available from your church. You will not be able to get this from the school.

 

ST. PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL are looking for books for their library.  It can be of any Genre- Classic, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poems etc.  Please contact the school on 020 8509 4321.

 

EASTER TRIDUUM RETREAT FOR THOSE AGED 19-27. Experience the Holy Week liturgies in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Walsingham House at Abbotswick, with a program that will weave reflection and prayer with a deeper understanding of each liturgy, in the company of other young adults. From the stillness of Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to an Easter Vigil finishing with champagne and chocolates, we hope this will be a Triduum celebration to live in the heart and mind for the year ahead. £30 covers meals and accommodation 7.30pm Thursday 29^th March – 9.00am Easter Sunday morning. Maximum 35 places – apply soon. Full details & online application at www.bcys.net

 

LEGION OF MARY meetings are held each Thursday after Mass at 10:15 am.  If anyone is interested in what we do you are very welcome to attend. For more information come and meet us.

 

DIVINE MERCY- every Wednesday at 4pm in the Church.

SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND.   From 6pm Friday 13th April to 2pm Sunday 15th April 2018. Theme: ’Moving in the Anointing' - Learning to walk in the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to grow in faith and be a blessing to others. This weekend is a great follow-up to 'Life in the Spirit' seminars. Guest Speaker: Fr Pat Collins. Cost: £110 residential, £80 non-residential. Book early as we have limited spaces. For more information call 01277 215011 or email   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  .

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND – led by Fr Eamonn Power.  The Parish of Our Lady of Canvey & the English Martyrs (Canvey Island) invites you to join their parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land – In The Footsteps of Christ & the Holy Family.  (Travel dates: Thursday 10^th May to Thursday 17^th May 2018).  This pilgrimage is organised and coordinated by Anam Cara Travel. Cost is £1,370.  This includes 4* Hotels on a half board basis, flights, gratuities and all excursions. If you are interested or require further information, please contact Cathy on 07885 577 342 – by 31^st March 2018.  *LAST PLACES REMAINING.

 

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO MASS? The church offers a service called Mass Link.  At 6pm Sunday Mass, via Skype, we call people who want to listen to the Mass and broadcast the Mass to them over their phones. This service is available for anyone who can't make it to Mass if you are ill or housebound.  If you would like this service, please give your number to the Parish Office and we will ring you every Sunday at 6pm to listen in!

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HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS LENT?  This Lent, remember that reaching for the good, trying for it, is just part of our faith. And so is trusting that God forgives when we fail.  How are you doing with whatever you promised to do for Lent? I ran into a friend at the gym and asked him that question while he was adjusting weights. He laughed, “I don’t think I lasted for a day.” “Yeah,” I said, “but are you still trying?”  Isn’t that the part that really matters? As the Psalmist says, “Our sins are stronger than we are, but you will blot them out” (Psalm 65:3). Reaching for the good, trying for it, is just part of our faith. Trusting that God forgives when we fail.  I’ve been doing a casual survey of what people are doing for Lent, not just those who have given up candy or chocolate or cheese (my older son did that one year), but “I gave up gossip,” one friend said. “I can’t tell you how hard that is. Every day, maybe every hour, I have to stop myself in the middle of a story or edit myself or just tell myself to be quiet. It’s hard. But I’m glad I’m doing it. It’s made me aware of how often I do it.”  A business colleague confessed, “I pledged that I would be nice to one person a day, one person who normally drives me insane.”  “How is that going?”  She laughed. “I’ll get an email in the middle of the day and want to scream or email back, ‘Really? Enough already. Would you please leave me alone!’ OK, so I wouldn’t normally say that out loud, but I’m now a little bit more conscious. I don’t rush out to complain so quickly. There’s a mum at the kids’ school who usually drives me nuts. At least I’ve been able to think of her a little differently now and pray for her. It’s an exercise in selflessness.”  An exercise in selflessness. That sounds good to me. For anything you take on or give up at Lent. I still believe the trying is the doing, “To try to pray is to pray. You can’t fail at it.”  By Rick Hamlin.