Newsletter 25th May 2025

First Reading: Acts 15:1-2 22-29

Responsorial Psalm 67 "2-3,5,6,8 "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you."

Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

Gospel: John 14:23-39

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK: Is for World Communications' Day. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

UPDATE ON THE PRESYBTERY AT ST AUGUSTINE: During our recent Finance Committee meeting, we discussed the future of the Presbytery, and this note is to keep you all in the picture. We agreed to put together a business plan, to go to the Diocese, to consider the options of selling or letting. Adam Fahey is using his presentation to the open meeting as the basis for the business case and we hope to put it to the Diocese by the end of the month.
We should remember that, although the Diocese cannot oblige the Parish to sell the Presbytery, we would need their consent to spend the amount that we would need to to make it suitable for letting, and also to enter into a rental agreement. There are a number of reasons why they might decline to give consent. Also, if we were to be given the go-ahead to let the Presbytery, we would need to do work to bring it up to a suitable standard, so we would be be looking for volunteers, and would also need to raise some money in the immediate short term. We will keep you all updated. Any questions please do speak with Fr Martin or a member of the finance committee.

DEANERY PILGRIMAGE TO ROME: This winter between Monday the 24th - Friday 28th November we have planed a pilgrimage to Rome, flying from Stansted Airport. For itinerary details and to book please see https://www.chelmsfordcatholic.... The travel company are looking at confirming places shortly, so if you are interested in going please directly contact them or contact the Parish Office.

ST AUGUSTINE CHURCH CAKES TO SUPPORT THE SVP CHILDREN'S CAMP: help to give a child a special summer break. Calling all parishioners and their children! Please bake your favourite cake(s) during half-term and bring them to St Augustine’s before Mass on Sunday 1st June. We will offer your cakes for sale after Mass in the small hall so remember to bring some change! Please note if you bake a cake as a donation to provide a list of ingredients with your contribution.

THANK YOU: From Madeleine for all the support she has received from our churches with her cake sales to support her costs with upcoming trip with HCPT this summer. You generosity has been so appreciated.

MASS INTENTIONS: As many will realise, approaching the office for a Mass intention to remember a loved one, the delay can be significant. It is helpful that some Mass intentions can be said by other priests working outside the Parish, for instance Fr Michael at the Marillac Hospital. However it is understandable that loved ones close to our parishioners are remembered in the newsletter. In order to shorten the waiting time for named Mass intentions I would intend for none personal intentions to be celebrated outside the Parish in order to prioritise named intentions. Thank you for your understanding, Fr Martin.

"We Believe” – National Festival of Catholic Life: July 25th – 28th 2025, Oscott College, near Birmingham organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. Celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope with Catholics from across the country and a wide range of inspiring speakers. Day tickets available, or come and camp for the long weekend, or stay nearby. Currently a significant “Earlybird” booking discount is still available. All the details are at www.webelievefestival.com

Caprice Wind Orchestra Concert 7 June - in aid of SVP Furniture Bank Project: Please come and enjoy the Caprice Wind Orchestra (including Cook and Padbury family members) 7:30 on Sat. 7 June at St Andrew's Church, Chignal Road, CM1 2JB. The orchestra are kindly supporting our SVP Furniture Bank project. Tickets £15 (primary aged children free). Tickets available after Mass or from Margaret Cook or one of the SVP team.

SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND: From 6pm Friday 13th June to 2pm Sunday 15th June 2025 Theme: 'Moving in the Anointing’. This weekend is a great follow-up to 'Life in the Spirit' seminars and is especially aimed at those wishing to grow in the Charisms and Gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn to exercise them with more confidence. To book a place or for more information, visit https://sioncommunity.churchsu...

BAPTISMS THIS WEEK: We pray for and welcome Samuel Tomy as the newest member of our Catholic community.

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 confidentially at 0207 7033030, 07936 579230, or contact the Parish Office. For furniture project donations or assistance, call the furniture bank on 0330 0436474.

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

Emilia KUBOVICOVA (RIP) Requiem Mass on Wednesday 28th May at 10:30am in Our Lady Immaculate Church
Stephen BARHAM (RIP) Requiem Mass on Tuesday 3rd June at 1pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church
Anthony CURTIS (RIP) Requiem Mass on Wednesday 4th June at 10:30am in Our Lady Immaculate Church
John REES (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 6th June at 1:30pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church
Anne Ehigie Igbineweka (RIP) Funeral Service on Saturday 7th June at 2pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church
Winifred MCTERNAN (RIP) Funeral Service on Friday 20th June at 2pm in Chelmsford Crematorium

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND OF OUR PARISHES, (AND ALL WHO ARE SICK.) Susan Ager, Annie Blake, Maureen Byrne, Marie Callahan, Valerie Cummins, Doreen Cornish, Madeleine East, Troy Erickson, Marta Fevola, Mary Fletcher, Michael Hoare, Mike Healy, Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, Connor Hickey, Cathy Ingram, Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas, Margaret Lowrey, Anne Lowden, Maura Magee, Barry & Shelia Mayo, Sarah & Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Donny McColl, Margaret O'Sullivan, Grazia Paola, George Paola, Christine Staines, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Gayle Williams, Shirley Willis.