Newsletter 30th August 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 30th August 2026 - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2
Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 16: 21-27

THANK YOU FR PAUL AND FR MICHAEL - This weekend we say a fond farewell to Fr Paul and Fr Michael, with deep gratitude for all they have given to our parishes through their ministry and service. Fr Michael leaves us to become Parish Priest of Braintree, while Fr Paul takes up his new ministry as Priest Chaplain at HMP Chelmsford. We assure them both of our prayers as they begin these new chapters. May the Lord bless Fr Paul and Fr Michael, guide them in their new ministries, and bless those who come among us. Lord, keep us all united in faith, hope and love. Amen. 

FR MICHAEL LEAVING PARTY: Fr Michael will be having his leaving party at OLI Parish hall on Friday 4th September at 7:30pm. Please come along to say farewell and thank him for all he has done for the parishes during his time here in Chelmsford. Please bring Donations of Food and Drink. 

CATECHISTS WANTED: If you would like to join the catechist teams for First Holy Communion, RCIA or Conformation please contact the Parish office. We are particularly looking for Catechists from OLI. 

RCIA CATECHIST MEETING: If you are interested in becoming a Catechist for RCIA, a meeting is being held in the Parish Office on 18th September at 7pm. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 26/27: Help your child take their next step in a lifelong friendship with Jesus. Enrolment is now open for our parish preparation programme for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Enrolment form—available at the back of the church and online and return it to Fr Barto or the Parish Office 2nd October at 7pm - Parents Meeting, 1st Session 10th October 9:30am SA. Deadline for applications - Friday, 27th September 2026 

CONFIRMATION 26/27: Are you ready to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and deepen your baptismal grace? We invite candidates to enrol in our upcoming Confirmation preparation programme. To take this beautiful step in spiritual maturity, please complete an enrolment form—available at the back of the church and online and return it to Fr Barto or the Parish Office. 1st Session 4th October - 3pm OLI. Deadline for applications 20 September 2026 

RCIA 25/26 GET TOGETHER: Those that took part in the RCIA programmed last year (25/26) we are inviting you to a get together on 22nd September at 7pm in The Holy Name Parish Hall. We look forward to seeing you there. 

RCIA 26/27 PROGRAMME: Are you or someone you know seeking to draw closer to Christ and explore the beauty of the Catholic faith? The new RCIA programme begins on Wednesday 7th October at 7:3pm in the Our Lady Immaculate (OLI) parish hall. Whether you are seeking Baptism, looking to enter into full communion with the Church, or simply wishing to deepen your spiritual journey, you are most welcome. To register your interest, please complete an RCIA Enrolment Form and return it directly to Fr Barto or the Parish Office. 

SAFEGUARDING MEETING: For all involved with work across our Parishes. Date for your diary - Wednesday 16th September at 7:30pm a meeting for all in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall. 

PARISH READERS: If you are interested in becoming a reader in Church, please contact the parish office. On Wednesday 30th September there will be a retreat evening in Our Lady Immaculate Church at 6:30pm for all current and prospective readers from across our Parishes. 

PARISH PICNIC: Join us for our first Parish Picnic on Sunday, 6 September 2026, 1pm to 4pm at the Holy Name Church Grounds. A great opportunity to gather together and meet our new Assistant Priests, Fr Janos and Fr Shajin Jose! Please bring your own picnic lunch, chairs, blankets & outdoor games. 

THE PARISHIONER MAGAZINE: Our next edition of the Parishioner Parish magazine comes out on Sunday 20th September. We would be very grateful for any contributions you might like to make, especially items of parish news. All articles should be with the editor at theparishioner@hotmail.co.uk by the 30th August. 

NEW OLI HALL CHARGES: Following a recent parish finance meeting, OLI parish hall hire rates and guidelines have been updated due to a loss of hall income and recent property damages. Available exclusively to OLI parishioners, the hall can now be reserved for private events like parties and baptisms at a rate of £25 per hour Monday to Thursday, and £30 per hour Friday to Saturday, with Sundays remaining closed for private hire. Existing bookings will be fully honoured at their original rates, and essential parish ministries like the SVP and Legion of Mary will continue to use the space free of charge. To secure a new date, please collect a booking form from the back of the church or download it online, and submit it along with a £50 non-refundable deposit plus a £100 security deposit (fully refundable if the hall is left immaculate), with the remaining balance due six weeks before your event. 

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 come along and help us spread the faith through local ministry and community outreach. All warmly welcome. 

WALK FOR BCCS: The Knights of St Columba will be doing a Walk to raise funds for BCCS. We will start from the Viper, Mill Green (CM4 0PT), at 10.00 on Saturday, 12 September. Please e-mail John Holland ( john_l_holland@icloud.com). On Wednesday, 7 October at 20.00, Chelmsford Knights of St. Columba Annual Lecture “Why Youth Ministry”. The speaker Fr. Michael Barwick, location St. Augustine’s Church, Springfield (CM1 6GQ) 

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY: If you are a Catholic studying at Anglia Ruskin University from this September, please get in touch with Fr Bartolomeu in person or via the Parish Office. 

BYCS EVENTS: Youth Mass – First Thursday of Each Month - Cathedral at 7:30pm. 

BCYS Rooted 2026 – Years 7–9 / Years 10-13 Saturday 24th October for years 7-9 / Sunday 25th October for years 10-13.Catechist Training & Resources Day – Saturday 7th November: from 10am–3pm. Free event. 

FLAME 2027 – Saturday 6th March: Open to young people in Year 9 and above, from £30.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN: Kathleen Wade (Dolly), Funeral Service will be held at Chelmsford Crematorium on 3rd September at 1pm. Bridget Donald Requiem Mass will be held at Our Lady Immaculate on 8th September at 10:30am. Margaret Kirkham Requiem Mass will be held at Our Lady Immaculate on 9th September at 11am, her body will be received in 4:30pm 8th September

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.) 

Thomas Welsh-Smyth, James Patient, Susan Ager, Helen Bastian, Annie Blake, Maureen Byrne, Marie Callahan, S.Casimir OSM, Valerie Cummins, Doreen Cornish, Antonia Dias, Victoria Docherty, Madeleine East, Troy Erickson, Marta Fevola, 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, Donny McColl, Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Anne Newland, Ann McDonald, Margaret O'Sullivan, Christine Staines, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Paddy Westrip, Gayle Williams, Mary and Rodney Jefferies, Xi and Donald, Charles, Susie and Irene, Martin Fox.