Newsletter 4th January 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 4th January 2026

First Reading: Sirach 24: 1-2, 8-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20 r12a
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18
Alleluia: 1 Timothy 3:16
Gospel: John 1:1-18

FR MARTIN WRITES: As I prepare to leave Chelmsford after more than three years among you, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be entrusted with a parish, not as a possession, but as a responsibility held for a season.

In my years of ordained ministry, I have come to see that the Gospel is most fully revealed not in grand words, but in quiet, faithful living. In your kindness during bereavements, your gentleness when I faltered, your patience with one another in times of struggle and care, and your faithful presence week after week, I have witnessed faith made tangible. You have shown me what it means to be Church, not perfect, but present; not without struggle, but never giving up on one another.

I leave you in the care of Fr Barto, confident that you will welcome him with the same warmth and generosity you have shown me. In him, you will find a shepherd attentive to your needs and a companion in faith.

It has been a privilege and a joy to serve among you. You have left a lasting mark upon me, and I will carry you in my prayers always. May you continue to dwell in God’s mercy and hope, living the promise of the psalmist’s words: “The Lord is good to all; his mercy is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:9), allowing that mercy to shape your lives and sustain one another.

Prayerful best wishes, 

Fr Martin

GOODBYE FR MARTIN : Fr Martin will celebrate his final Sunday Mass today in the parish at 7pm on Sunday 4th January. All are warmly invited to come along afterwards to the Parish Hall at Our Lady Immaculate for a farewell gathering and light refreshments to thank him for his ministry and wish him well in his new role as Dean of Norwich Cathedral. Envelopes for his leaving collection are available in the back of the churches.

CARITAS EVENT: You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming 'Responding to Homelessness' event on Saturday, January 24th 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness. 
For more information and to register for free, go to: www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

BCYS YOUTH MASS: On Thursday 8th January 2026 the regular monthly Youth Mass will be celebrated at Brentwood Cathedral, all young people around the Diocese are very welcome to join. See info@bcys.net for more information.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: Please note the Mass Time changes on Tuesday for Epiphany which is a Holy Day of obligation.

THANK YOU: Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make our Christmas celebrations and Masses so beautiful and prayerful. From music and flowers to welcoming, serving, cleaning, organising, and all the unseen work in between, your generosity of time and care helped make Christmas truly joyful for our parish community. We are deeply grateful to you all.

PARISH SYNODAL GROUP: A small group of parishioners from across the Chelmsford Catholic community meets for prayer, reflection, and Conversations in the Spirit. All are welcome to join our next meeting on Monday 12th January at 4.00 pm, in the Parish Office near St Augustine Church.We look forward to welcoming new voices as we continue discerning how a synodal approach can enrich the life and mission of our parishes.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY: There are forms available in the back of the Church and online at https://www.chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk/sacraments/fhc2026 for this years First Holy Communion Programme with Fr Michael. The course is for children in Yr 3 and above. Applications close on Friday 9th January.  

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.

VACANCIES ACROSS DIOCESE: For moreinformation about the education vacancies please see previous newsletters and  https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education/vacancies/school-vacancies/ 
Parish Administrator - Wickford Our Lady of Good Counsel, 16 Hours a week, Deadline for applications: 12Noon on 9th January 2026. For information about the post please see details at: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/diocese/working-for-us/

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.

Sheelagh HILL (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 16th January at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church. 
John MURPHY (RIP) Requiem Mass on Friday 23rd January at 11am in Our Lady Immaculate Church.
Ben WILLIAMS (RIP) Requiem Mass to be arranged 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.