Newsletter 11th January 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 11th January 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 29: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10
Second Reading: Acts 10: 34-38
Alleluia: Mark 9: 7
Gospel: Matthew 3: 13-17

Dear Parishioners,
As I begin my ministry among you here in Chelmsford, I want to thank you for the warmth and kindness of your welcome. I come with an open heart, a missionary spirit, and a deep desire to serve, guided always by the Holy Spirit.
First and foremost, I am a servant of Christ. Everything I hope to do among you flows from that calling: to remain close to Him, to be faithful to the Gospel, and to help foster a parish life rooted in communion and participation. I ask for your prayers, that I may be a good shepherd, attentive to the needs of God’s people and responsive to the promptings of the Spirit.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Fr Martin for his faithful service to this parish and for the generosity with which he has welcomed me. I am very grateful for the care he has shown to this community and for the foundation he has laid, and I thank him for his kindness and support at this time of transition.
When I arrived in England in September 2020, it was a great privilege to come to the UK and to serve the Church here. My years in South Woodford shaped me deeply, and I remain very grateful for that time. To now be appointed Parish Priest in Chelmsford, after more than five years of ministry, is a further privilege for which I thank God.

I am very much looking forward to working closely with our linked parishes, building up the Catholic community together in a spirit of communion and participation. It is my hope not only to serve here, but to make my home among you, walking with you in faith and sharing fully in the life of this parish community.

I look forward to getting to know you, to sharing both joys and challenges, and to discovering together what the Lord is asking of us in this time and place.

Be Holy, Be Blessed, Be Joyful, Do Good and Smile Always,

Fr Barto

UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS: A box will be left at the back of OLI church for any unwanted  Christmas gifts that you might like to donate to this year’s Christmas Fayre.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

PARISH SYNODAL GROUP: A small group of parishioners from across the Chelmsford Catholic community meets for prayer, reflection, and Conversations in the Spirit. All are welcome to join our next meeting on Monday 12th January at 4.00 pm at St Augustine Church - please note change of venue from previously published.We look forward to welcoming new voices as we continue discerning how a synodal approach can enrich the life and mission of our parishes.

Christmas Donations for SVP Chelmsford's Beneficiaries: Many thanks to all those who donated gifts, foods or who made a monetary contribution. The families and individuals we support were overwhelmed by your generosity. Enquiries for either regular or one - off donations should be directed to SecretarySVPChelmsford@svp.org.uk.

SVP Coffee Morning in OLI: There will be tea, coffee, cakes, and savoury items in the Church Hall after 9.00 and 12.00 Masses today.

ST JOHN BOSCO CHILDREN'S CAMP – an amazing volunteer opportunity for this summer. If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. 
The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website.

PARISH BANQUET: New Hall will be hosting a Parish Banquet for the Chelmsford parishes (and friends) on 25th April 2026. This is an ideal opportunity for all the Chelmsford parishes to come together socially and there are now only 17 places left before people will be placed on a waiting list. Could those who have already booked a place please confirm their menu choices and payment with Paul by the end of February. Full details are on the poster on the church noticeboards, or e-mail paulcrittell@icloud.com for more information.

Holy Name ladies group quiz night: Saturday 31st of January start time 7.30 pm. Tickets £5. Bring your own refreshments. Tickets will be on sale from next weekend.

THE CANONESSES OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE INVITE YOU TO A TALK AT NEW HALL SCHOOL: Becoming Beacons of Hope in a crazy, confusing world – Rev Dr Liam Hayes. In a world engulfed by crises and confusion, that sow the seeds of division and despair, let us listen anew to the wisdom and young voices of hope that awaken us to the horizon of another possible world.

Join us for a participative exploration of hope in our world today. New Hall School (CM3 3HS), 7.30 pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026 Refreshments will be served from 7pm  All are welcome. For more details and to book your place please see the link via our home page www.canonesses.co.uk

Message from Deacon Kevin and Cath: We would like to thank you all for the many Christmas cards and gifts we received.  It was so kind of you all . Thank you also for your prayers, love and support shown to us over a difficult 2025. God bless you all.

VACANCIES ACROSS DIOCESE: For more information about the education vacancies please see previous newsletters and  https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education/vacancies/school-vacancies/ New this week:  
Headteacher – The Bishops’ C of E and Catholic School, Chelmsford. Deadline for applications: 12 noon 16/1/26.
Headteacher - Holy Family Primary School, Benfleet. Deadline for applications: 09:00, Wednesday 28th January 2026
Headteacher - St Francis Primary School, Braintree. Deadline for applications: 23:59 Sunday 1st February 2026

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: Support many through their prayer and in person ministry across the Parish. They meet in OLI Hall on Tuesdays at 10am and Holy Name Canon Wilson Hall on Thursdays at 7pm. New members always welcome.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN.

Sheelagh HILL (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 16th January at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church. 
John MURPHY (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 23rd January at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church.
Hazel PARRY (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 29th January at 11:15am in Our Lady Immaculate Church.
John CORBY (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 29th January at 1pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church 
Ben WILLIAMS (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 5th February at 11am in St Augustine 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, 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, Connor Hickey, Cathy Ingram, Gary Iliffe,  Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas, Margaret Lowrey, 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.