Newsletter 31st August 2025

First Reading: Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 68: 4-5, 6-7, 10-11
Second Reading: Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 29ab
Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14

GOODBYE FR DAMIEN : After three joyful years serving as our assistant priest, Fr Damien will be leaving Chelmsford this weekend. Bishop Alan has appointed him as the new Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford.

We are deeply grateful for his energy, kindness and faith, which have shaped our parish life. Although we are sad to see him go, we send him with our prayers and warmest good wishes as he begins this next chapter of ministry.
Travel well, Fr Damien – you will be greatly missed.

WELCOME FR MICHAEL: Next weekend we welcome Fr Michael Barwick, who joins us from Walthamstow. Please keep him in your prayers and give him a warm Chelmsford welcome as he begins his ministry among us.

FUNDRAISING INDIAN DINNER 6th SEPTEMBER IN ST AUGUSTINE: Come and enjoy a delicious Indian meal on Saturday 6th September at 5pm here at St Augustine. All are welcome. Donations for the event are gratefully received as it is to help raise funds for St Augustine Church.
To help plan for numbers if you are intending to come, please speak to Ramona after Mass or contact the parish office.

YOUTH GATHER WITH BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE MERSEA ISLAND: 25th – 26th October. Youth Gather is a weekend of faith, fun and friendship – with speakers, workshops, prayer and outdoor activities, meeting friends old and new, and all while sharing in and celebrating our Catholic faith. There will be coaches offering transport from around the Diocese included in the cost, as well as all meals, cabin accommodation and activities. This event is for year 9 and above. Apply now at www.bcys.net/events

HALL OF GAMES: Saturday 20th September - St Augustine's at 7 p.m. in aid of SVP South Sudan. Tickets now on sale from SVP members or phone Dee 07951 661072. Bring a team of up to 8 or come and join a team.

MARCH FOR LIFE: on Saturday 6th September in London. The theme for this year is "Human rights for all humans." find out more at marchforlife.co.uk

LEGION OF MARY: The Legion of Mary, who do such vital work across our parishes, are starting an evening group for those unable to meet on Tuesday mornings. Legionaries will be available after Masses this weekend at Our Lady Immaculate and Holy Name – do stop and have a chat to find out more.
Everyone is warmly invited to a welcome meeting with light refreshments on Friday 12th September at 7pm in Our Lady Immaculate Hall. Come along and see how you might be part of this active lay ministry.

RCIA 25/26: Our RCIA programme for those seeking reception into our Catholic faith will begin this autumn. If you are interested or know people who would be interested please contact the Parish Office or speak with Fr Martin.
RCIA can also be a great way of refreshing our knowledge of the Faith, please get in touch if you would like to join this group for 2025-26.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING PROGRAMME AT BLESSED SACRAMENT: A qualified health coordinator will be running a free Health Support Programme in the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, depression, diet, stress and anxiety. Everyone is welcome, and you are encouraged to bring family and friends.
Each session begins at 10am and lasts around an hour to an hour and a half. First confirmed date: Saturday 6th September.

PARISH UPDATE MEETING: At 7p.m. on the 11th of September in Holy Name Church Canon Wilson Hall. This will be in opportunity for our parish communities to come together to discuss updates on Parish accommodation, and initiatives across our parish communities. The meeting notes will be available online after the meeting for those unable to attend.

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 directly on 0330 0436474.

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

Elsie SCOTT (RIP) Funeral service on Thursday 4th September at 12:30pm in Chelmsford Crematorium
Roy DIAS (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 5th September at 11:30am in Holy Name 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, Simon Docherty, Peter Dodson, Madeleine East, Troy Erickson, Marta Fevola, Mary Fletcher, Teresa Foster, Michael Hoare, Mike Healy, Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, Connor Hickey, Cathy Ingram, Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas, Margaret Lowrey, Anne Lowden, Jim Machin, Maura Magee, Barry & Shelia Mayo, Henry McKeon, Monica McShane, Donny McColl, Patricia Nutton, Margaret O'Sullivan, Grazia Paola, Christine Staines, Maureen Sullivan, Patrick Waters, Anja Welsh-Smyth, Gayle Williams, Shirley Willis.