Newsletter 18th October 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 18th October 2026 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

First Reading: Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
Second Reading: First Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
Alleluia: Philippians 2: 15d, 16a
Gospel: Matthew 22: 15-21

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2026: “One in Christ, United in Mission” On Sunday, 18 October 2026, we celebrate the 100th World Mission Sunday under the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “One in Christ, United in Mission.” The Holy Father reminds us that every Christian shares in the Church’s mission to proclaim Christ’s love through prayer, unity and practical charity. We warmly invite everyone to support missionaries and communities around the world, especially those serving the poorest and most vulnerable. Let us contribute spiritually through our prayers for missionaries and new vocations, and financially through our generous offerings for the Church’s missionary work. Every gift, however small, makes a difference in spreading the Gospel and bringing hope to those in need. As Pope Leo XIV encourages us, may we work together in communion, allowing Christ’s love to unite us and inspire our service to others. Together, let us be one in Christ and united in mission, sharing God’s faithful love with the whole world.

OUR LADY IMMACULATE CHURCH, CHELMSFORD 160 YEARS SINCE CONSECRATION — 1866–2026 Preparing for 180 Years Since Opening — 1847–2027 On 20 October 2026, we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the consecration of our beloved church on New London Road, Chelmsford. Our journey began with the acquisition of the site in 1840 and the establishment of the Catholic mission in 1845. Designed by the renowned Catholic architect Joseph John Scoles and built by Messrs Curtis of Stratford, the church was opened on 21 October 1847 by Bishop Nicholas Wiseman, then Vicar Apostolic of the London District. Originally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it was consecrated on 20 October 1866 by Archbishop Henry Manning. In 1982, its dedication was changed to Our Lady Immaculate, the name by which we cherish our church today. As we give thanks for 160 years since its consecration, we also begin preparing for another important milestone: the 180th anniversary of the church’s opening on 21 October 2027. We warmly invite parishioners, former parishioners, friends and benefactors to join us for Holy Mass on 20 October 2026 at 12:30, giving thanks for our history, remembering all who have served and supported this sacred place, and praying for its future. May Our Lady Immaculate continue to protect our parish and guide us in faith, hope and love as we prepare to celebrate 180 years of worship and Christian witness in Chelmsford.

SECOND COLLECTION: Second Collection this weekend for ‘World Mission Day’

BISHOP TIMOTHY MENEZES IS TO BE NEW BISHOP OF BRENTWOOD: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Timothy Menezes as the new Bishop of Brentwood. Bishop Timothy’s Mass of Episcopal Installation as the eighth Bishop of Brentwood will take place at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen, Brentwood, on Thursday, 3 December, the memorial of St Francis Xavier.

NOVEMBER LISTS OF THE DEAD: During the month of November, Masses are offered for the repose of the souls whose names are placed on the sanctuary during the month of November. Envelopes and lists are available at the back of the churches, please return to a Priest, Sacristan or Parish Office.

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. Donations of toiletries, new items, lovely bric a brac, jewellery, Christmas food, bottles for the bottle stall, toys, etc will be very much appreciated and can be left in the boxes at the back of the Churches. Thank you in advance for your generosity supporting this very enjoyable event, which raises much needed funds.

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 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 drop in signing sessions in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Hall between 5-7pm. Secondary applications: 21st October, 5–7pm Primary applications: 9th December, 5–7pm

THE BETHLEHEM NATIVITY GROUP: A missionary from Bethlehem, The Holy Land, will visit ( OLI & HN ) on the weekend of 31st October - 1st November to briefly talk about the Holy Land and sell religious articles made out of Olive Wood to help and support the poor Christian families,

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.

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.

170TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR HISTORY OF ST EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, ROMFORD: This New Booklet Is Full Of Facts And Insights About One Of The Oldest Parish Churches In The Diocese. The Cost Is £7 Including Postage. If You Would Like A Copy Please Email Romford@Brcdt.Org

200 CLUB MEMBERS: The Bank Account Is No Longer On Hold. Therefore All Standing Orders For The Account Will Be Reinstated. Apologies That This Has Taken So Long To Reinstate. Unfortunately, The Process Was Hampered By The Bank's Technical Issues.Thank You For Your Patience. Cheques For Winners During This Period Will Be Posted Out Shortly. Ursula Reilly Reillyursula@Gmail.Com

Please see below the list of 200 club winners:

51  M Sheppard         5th July

21  I Doherty             12th July

88  M Gladwin          19th July

83  I Feniczek-Ward 26th July

49  M Innes                2nd August

1    C Bowen-Davies  9th August

96  A Jones                16th August

23  M Healy                23rd August

23  M Healy               6th September

104 A Welsh-Smyth  13th September

32  J Grainger           20th September

89  M Fleming           27th September

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED RECENTLY AND ALL FAMILIES WHO MOURN:  
Rita Lysaght who passed aware recently.  Her Requiem mass is at 11:15am at OLI followed by Burial at Great Baddow Cemetery.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.) 
John Coggins, Margaret O'Sullivan, 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, 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,