Newsletter 5th April 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 5th April 2026 - Easter Sunday. The Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

First Reading: Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4 or First Corinthians 5: 6b-8
Alleluia: First Corinthians 5: 7b-8a
Gospel: John 20: 1-9 or Matthew 28: 1-10 or, at an afternoon or evening Mass, Luke 24: 13-35

EASTER MESSAGE: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Christ is risen! Alleluia! With hearts full of joy, we celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. Easter is not simply a day, but a season of grace. A time when the Church rejoices in the victory won for us through Christ. Having walked together through the solemn days of Holy Week, we now stand in the radiant light of the empty tomb. The suffering of the Cross has given way to the joy of the Resurrection. This is the foundation of our faith: that Jesus, who died for our sins, has risen to new life, opening for us the path to eternal life. The Resurrection is a call to renewal. It invites each of us to rise with Christ. For us to leave behind what weighs us down, to turn away from sin, and to embrace the new life He offers. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb, so too are we called to let God remove the obstacles that keep us from fully living in His love. Easter reminds us that no darkness is too great for God’s light, no sorrow too deep for His consolation. In our daily lives here in Chelmsford and beyond, we are called to be witnesses of this hope to carry the joy of the Resurrection into our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. A kind word, a generous act, a forgiving heart these become signs that Christ is truly alive among us. As we celebrate this Holy season, let us not forget that the Risen Lord walks with us always. He meets us in the Eucharist, strengthens us in prayer, and calls us to trust in His promises. Christ is risen, and this truth transforms everything. May we live as people renewed by His Resurrection, carrying His light into the world. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Easter. May the peace and light of the Risen Christ fill your hearts and remain with you always. Alleluia! Yours in Christ, A blessed Easter to all. Fr Bartolomeu Blaj

LOURDES WITH OUR DIOCESE: Join Bishop Alan and pilgrims from across our diocese in Lourdes this summer: Friday 17th - Friday 24th July 2026. Bookings open at https://www.tangney-tours.com/ brentwood

LIBRARY BIBLES / CTS BOOKLETS: We are happy to see that parish is making use of the books in the library! Please do remember to return library books and CTS booklets when you are finished with them so that others can read them. Many thanks!

DEVOTIONS IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE CHURCH: On Fridays at 2:40pm each week parishioners lead the Divine Mercy devotions. All are warmly invited to join them in prayer.

MARRIAGE SUPPORT: From relationships that are 'Just in a Rut', needing some refreshment or more serious issues - If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get their relationship back on track as they rediscovered hope and trust in the marriage. To find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk +44 797 338 0443

MARRIAGE CARE RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLOR: Interested in training and volunteering as a Relationship Counsellor? Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation specialising in relationship support and we are currently looking for those who are empathetic, understanding and have an enthusiasm for supporting adult relationships, to train on our Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) and volunteer with us. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to couples and families. To find out more please visit: www.marriagecare.org.uk

THE SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: The SVP provides practical help to those in need. If you or someone you know could use support, call us on 07936 579230, or contact the Parish Office.

THE LEGION OF MARY: Meet every Tuesday at 10am in OLI Parish Hall. If you would like to pray and put your faith in action, then why not come along and give us a try and help us spread the faith through local ministry and community outreach. All warmly welcome.

MESSAGE FROM FR BARTO - EASTER COLLECTION : The Christmas and Easter collections form a significant part of the personal income of the priests in our parish, and Frs Michael, Paul and I are very grateful for your generosity. As many parishioners now give by standing order, it would be helpful for audit purposes if you could let the parish office know whether you wish two weeks of your annual standing order to be counted as your Christmas and Easter offerings. A brief email or note to the office (office@chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk) would be sufficient. If you prefer, you may also make a separate one-off contribution by BACS marked “Easter” (including your Gift Aid number if applicable), use a marked envelope, or give in the collection at the Christmas Masses. Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

ST PETER'S PARISH DAGENHAM (RM9 6UR), is holding Divine Mercy Devotion on Divine Mercy Sunday on 12th April 2026 starting with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration at 2.00pm, continuing with Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00pm, and finishing with refreshments in the Liturgy Room. Confessions available from 2.15pm. All are welcome.

ROSARY AND ADORATION takes place at 9:50am before the 10:30am Mass on Saturdays. The First Saturday Devotions - Adoration, Rosary and Fatima prayers are prayed at 9:50am before the 10:30am Mass on the First Saturdays of the month.

ST JOHN BOSCO CHILDREN'S CAMP, SUMMER 2026: Applications are now open for children currently in school year 5 – 7 (i.e. aged 9-12 in August 2026) to spend a week at camp. 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. Activities include archery, fishing, AquaPark visit, football, kayaking and much more. The camp is especially for children who may not otherwise have a summer holiday. Suggested donation £200, but full bursaries are available. All application details are at https:// boscocamp.co.uk. Places are likely to go quickly – early applications are encouraged.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN.
Jane MCEVOY (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 24th April at 11.00am in Church of St Augustine of Canterbury.Nigel MAGUIRE (RIP) Requiem Mass to be confirmed in Our Lady Immaculate Church

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.)
Susan Ager, Helen Bastian, Annie Blake, Maureen Byrne, Marie Callahan, S.Casimir OSM, Valerie Cummins, Doreen Cornish, Antonia Dias, Victoria Docherty, Peter Dodson, Madeleine East, Troy Erickson, Marta Fevola, Mary Fletcher, Teresa Foster, Moreen Healy. Michael Hoare,  Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, Peter Hamilton, Connor Hickey, , Gary Iliffe,  Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas,  Anne Lowden, Kevin Lyons, Jim Machin,  Maura Magee,  Shelia Mayo, Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Donny McColl, Anne Newland, Ann McDonald, Margaret O'Sullivan, Christine Staines, Maureen Sullivan, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Paddy Westrip, Gayle Williams.