Newsletter 7th September 2025

First Reading: Wisdom 9: 13-18b
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17
Second Reading: Philemon 1: 9-10, 12-17
Alleluia: Psalms 119: 135
Gospel: Luke 14: 25-33

WELCOME FR MICHAEL: This weekend we welcome Fr Michael as our new assistant Parish Priest for our Linked Parish Community. Please keep him in your prayers and give him a warm Chelmsford welcome as he begins his ministry with us.

FR BRIAN MCWILLIAMS (RIP): Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Brian McWilliams, who was died last Saturday. Fr Brian McWilliams was born in Belfast in 1930 and as a small child came to Ilford, where his father worked as a dentist. He was educated at SS Peter & Paul School and Clark’s College, Ilford, and after National Service in the Royal Air Force was accepted by Bishop Beck as a student for the priesthood. His training for the priesthood took place at St Edmund’s College, Ware, and Fr McWilliams was ordained by Bishop Wall in Brentwood Cathedral on 31 May 1958. As parish priest he served across the Diocese including Holy Name, Chelmsford (1990-1995). Details of his funeral will be available once arrangements have been made. May he rest in peace.

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

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.

HALL OF GAMES: Saturday 20th September in St Augustine of Canterbury Church at 7p.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.

PARISH UPDATE MEETING: At 7p.m. on the 11th September in Holy Name Church Canon Wilson Hall. This will be an opportunity 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 on our website for those unable to attend.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND: Is for the for the Catholic Education Service. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

SVP CHELMSFORD FUNDRAISING: Next Sunday, 14th September we will be holding our Coffee Morning in Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall. We will be serving coffee, tea and soft drinks, as well as delicious home- baked cakes and sausage rolls after 9.00 am and 12.00 am masses. Thank you for your continued support; your donations are greatly appreciated. Tickets for the Hall of Games event in aid of SVP South Sudan will be on sale during the Coffee Morning. All are warmly welcome.

ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL: Archbishop John Sherrington has issued a statement about the new bill on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. "As the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is being considered at length in the House of Lords, we reiterate our firm opposition to the bill in principle and in practice. Despite being described by proponents as the safest of its kind, the bill remains unworkable. It puts the safety of our healthcare institutions, professionals, and patients at risk...We continue to call for prayer and action. I urge you to contact members of the House of Lords and in particular share your personal or professional experience on this important matter." Read the statement in full at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/state...

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER: For our relationship with all of creation. "Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect."

CSAN celebration for the Jubilee of Social Justice: Join the Caritas Social Action Network as we celebrate the Jubilee of Social Justice at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This event is open to all, beginning with Mass at 12:00pm, followed by lunch and an exhibition showcasing various social action-focused organisations.

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.

Mary RUANE (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 18th September 2025 at 1pm in Our Lady Immaculate Church.
Noreen SMITH (RIP) Requiem Mass to be arranged in Our Lady Immaculate 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, 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.