Newsletter 18th January 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 18th January 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
Second Reading: First Corinthians 1: 1-3
Alleluia: John 1: 14a, 12a
Gospel: John 1: 29-34

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION 2025. This is now open to all in Yr 10 and above. Application forms are available at the back of the Churches and at https://www.chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk/sacraments/confirmation The deadline for applications to the Parish office is Monday 2nd February.

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. 
Holy Name ladies group quiz night: Saturday 31st  January start time 7.30 pm. Tickets £5. Bring your own refreshments. Tickets will be on sale this weekend, please see a member of the Holy Name ladies group after Mass.

HEALING AND EVANGELISATION SERVICE: With Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries is holding an event in Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich B70 7JW on the 24th January between 9am and 4pm. Guest speakers include Abbot Hugh Allan o.praem. For more information see posters and flyers at the back of the churches or contact Job on 07345161047. There is a coach available from Witham on the day of the convention that he can book you a place on.

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

A THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM FR MARTIN: Thank you very much for the many kindnesses, cards and gifts I have received. They have meant a great deal to me. I will shortly be undergoing surgery for bowel cancer, followed by further treatment. The prognosis is good, though I will need some time to recover. Chelmsford will always be in my prayers, and I am very grateful if you would keep me in yours.

PARISH OFFICE: Please note the parish office will be closed to visitors on Tuesday 20th January.

PARISH PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: We are pleased to say that Mondays, 9.00am-11.00am during term time in the parish hall remains a firm favourite. If you haven’t been along yet, or know of someone who would like to attend, then you’d be most welcome. A small donation on arrival is appreciated which goes towards refreshments for both the children and adults and also to the parish to cover energy costs. There are various activities for the children, including art, craft, dressing up, construction, reading, listening to stories and active singing, as well as a chance to meet other parents and grandparents. Please note this is a Parent and toddler group. It is important that you stay with your child during the session.

HELP NEEDED – LENTEN FOOD BANK RUNS: Every Lent, our linked parishes donate generously to the local Food Bank, and we’d love to keep that good tradition rolling this year. We’re looking for a few volunteers to help take the donated food from our churches to the Food Bank warehouse in Galleywood on Monday mornings during Lent (six Mondays in total). The wonderful parishioners who have done this in previous years are now stepping down, so it’s time for some new heroes to take the wheel. Don’t worry, we’ll get you fully up to speed. All you need is a car with a decent-sized boot and a willingness to do something quietly brilliant for the local community. If you can help, even once or twice, please contact Tim via the Parish Office. It would be lovely to have volunteers from across all our churches. Small effort. Big difference. No cape required.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY: Sunday 25th January marks World Leprosy Day, which aims to raise awareness of a disease that many people think no longer exists.  Each year, 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy and there are millions more who are living with the damaging consequences of delayed leprosy treatment because of the stigma that still surrounds the disease. St Francis Leprosy Guild (SFLG), which is the UK’s only Catholic leprosy charity, has been caring for people with leprosy for 130 years. Our aim is to find and treat people with leprosy before they develop disabilities. Please consider supporting this vital work and keep people affected by leprosy in your prayers. www.stfrancisleprosy.org

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.
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.