Newsletter 11th October 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 11th October 2026 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Second Reading: Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20
Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 22: 1-14

SECOND COLLECTION: Second Collection this weekend for ‘Prisoner Sunday’. Next week will be for ‘World Mission Day’

NEW DONA SYSTEM: All three churches now have a credit/debit card machine called 'Dona' which gives parishioners the chance to donate to the weekly offertory and second collections by card. These machines can be found at the back of each church.

HEALTH & SAFETY COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER NEEDED: We are looking for a volunteer who could support the linked parishes of Chelmsford with the Health and Safety. Please contact Fr Barto or Parish Office if you are interested.

PARISH CHRISTMAS FAYRE - SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER: We are now starting to collect items for our forthcoming Parish Christmas Fayre, which will be at 10am in OLI school hall on Sunday 22nd November.

THE FUTURE OF OUR CHRISTMAS FAYRE FROM 2027 ONWARDS: A meeting is being called in OLI Parish hall at 7pm on Monday 26th October for those of you who might be interested in forming a team to continue this well loved social occasion and important fund raiser, from 2027 onwards. Please do come along if you can or ring Anne on (01245) 257463 for further information.

CERTIFICATE OF CATHOLIC PRACTICE – SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Parents applying for Catholic school places must obtain a Certificate of Catholic Practice. This is issued to parishioners who regularly attend Mass as practising Catholics. Fr Barto the Parish Priest will be available for two signing sessions in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall between 5-7pm. These are drop in sessions and Certificate of Catholic Practice forms will be provided. You will need to bring your child's baptism certificate with you. Secondary applications: 21st October, 5–7pm Primary applications: 9th December, 5–7pm

CATECHIST TRAINING & RESOURCES DAY: Saturday 7th November: from 10am–3pm. Brentwood Ursuline High School - Free event. This is for Catechists for First Holy Communion, Confirmation and RCIA from across the Diocese. 

HOLY NAME CLEANING ROTA: Next rota out soon , meanwhile would like to mention how lucky we are to have such a reliable and dedicated group. If you would like to help with the clean as some of us are getting on a bit , please contact Noreen on 01245 265159 . Many thanks . 

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.

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC STUDENTS: Fr Barto celebrates Mass every Friday 12:15pm at MAB118 at Anglia Ruskin Chelmsford Campus during Term time. You are most welcome. SCHOOL FRIENDS ASSOCIATION: The SFA are fundraising to replace the storage shed for the school's events as the current shed is old and unsafe. Any donations greatly appreciated. Please speak to the school office for further information.

CHELMSFORD CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS GROUP (CCYA) Dates for your diary – the CCYA will be taking place every two weeks on a Friday in the Blessed Sacrament Hall from 7pm till 8.30pm. The next date is 16th October Anyone aged between 18 and 35 are warmly welcomed.

DEDICATION OF OUR LADY IMMACULATE CHURCH: On Tuesday 20th October at 12:30pm there will be a celebration of 160 Years after the Dedication of Our Lady of Our Lady Immaculate Church. More details to follow.

ROSARY DURING OCTOBER: The Rosary will be prayed before all weekend Masses in OLI and Holy Name churches for the month of October. It will start 25 minutes before each Mass. All most welcome.

BRENTWOOD URSULINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL VACANCY: We are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual to join our warm and high-achieving Catholic independent preparatory school as Bursar. Please see advert back of church. Closing date of 23/10/26

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE: The BCYS offers retreats, events and pilgrimages for young people throughout the Diocese of Brentwood. If you’d like to get involved, you can find out more at www.bcys.net or follow @BrentwoodCYS on social media.

A DAY WITH MARY: Taking place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 7 November 2026 (9.45am to 5.00pm). The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster will be the Celebrant & Preacher at 10.30am Cathedral Mass on that day. Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/

THE CALL TO BE HUMAN: What has religion to do with morality? A talk to be given by Fr Martin Boland. Wednesday 14th October 7.00 – 8.00 p.m. in the parish centre of Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead. All welcome. www.ourladyoflourdes.com.

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

Michelina Amelia Brittain. Michelina sadly died on 19th September. Funeral service at Chelmsford crematorium on Thursday 15th October at 13:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.)
John Coggins, 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, Martin Fox. Moreen Healy, Michael Hoare, Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, 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,Christine Staines, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh Smyth, Thomas Welsh-Smyth, Paddy Westrip, Gayle Williams, Mary and Rodney Jefferies, Xi and Donald, Charles, Susie and Irene.