Newsletter 8th February 2026

Mass Readings for Sunday, 8th February 2026

First Reading: Isaiah 58: 7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 112: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: First Corinthians 2: 1-5
Alleluia: John 8: 12
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16

ROSARY IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE: The Rosary will be prayed each week in Our Lady Immaculate before the Lunchtime Mass on Tuesdays starting at shortly after Noon. All welcome.

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: For the Lourdes Sick and Helpers Pilgrimage fund. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

THE PARISHIONER MAGAZINE:  Our next edition of the The Parishioner Parish magazine comes out on Easter Sunday. We would be very grateful for any contributions you might like to make, especially items of parish news, from yourself, our schools, parish organisations or any suitable articles, obituaries etc. All articles should be with the editor at theparishioner@hotmail.co.uk by the 8th March. With many thanks.

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE: During the Sundays of Lent there will be a new altar server course between 10:30am-11:30am on Sundays with the new servers serving for the first time on Easter Sunday. Please see Mick or Vince at Mass for further information.

LENTEN TALKS AT NEW HALL: Fr Andrew Robinson will be leading a series of Wednesday evening talks on the Passion according to St Matthew. Each session runs from 7.30–8.30pm in the chapel at New Hall School, The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford CM3 3HS. The upcoming dates are the 25th February, 4th March, 11th March and 18th March. 
All are warmly invited. 

LENTEN LECTURES AT BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL: Will take place at Brentwood Cathedral Parish Hall commencing Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 7.30pm.The theme this year is:  “What does it truly mean to be Catholic?” This invitation is to the whole Diocese of Brentwood. All Welcome!
Talk 1. Wednesday 25th February. Abbot Hugh Allan, O Praem.    “I Believe…” Living and Proclaiming the Catholic Faith.
Talk 2. Wednesday 4th March. Rev Msgr Kevin W Hale, VG.     Being Catholic and the call to holiness as seen in the lives of some recently canonised saints.   Talk 3. Wednesday 11th March.  Mr Mauro Iannicelli.    Prayer as the Foundation of our Catholic Life. 7.30pm
Talk 4. Wednesday 18th March.  Rev Msgr John Armitage.    The uniqueness of Catholicism for British Society. 7.30pm

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION IN OUR LADY IMMACULATE CHURCH: On Fridays at 2:45pm each week parishioners will lead the Divine mercy devotions. All are warmly invited to join them in prayer.

HOLY NAME LADIES GROUP: thank everyone who came to the Quiz Night, and those who supported us with donations of raffle prizes. A total amount of £483 was raised. All monies raised will go to help the Youth of the Parish, and help with the redecoration of Canon Wilson Hall. Many thanks.

PARISH SYNODAL GROUP: We continue to meet for prayer and discussion about ways in which a synodal approach can enhance Communion, Participation and Mission in our Chelmsford Churches.  The next meeting will take place in the hall at St Augustine’s at 7:30pm on Thursday 12th February.  We look forward to Fr Barto joining the discussion and sharing his experiences of working synodally in the UK and abroad.  Everyone is welcome.

SVP CHELMSFORD COFFEE MORNING: Many thanks to all those who continue to support us so generously in our fundraising activities. This Sunday, 8th February there will be tea, coffee, delicious homemade cakes, and savoury items served in the Church Hall after 9.00 and 12.00 masses. Come in, meet your fellow parishioners and find out about our March fundraiser. All welcome.

THANK YOU: Patricia Burton and the family of Sheelagh Hill would like to thank everyone for their kindness, prayers, and support following Sheelagh’s death. They are deeply grateful for the many messages of sympathy and the compassion shown to them at this difficult time, which has been a great comfort.

LENT 2026 ONLINE BIBLE STUDY – A free six-week online Lent course led by Mauro Iannicelli (Come & See Catholic Formation Ministries), exploring each of the Lenten Sunday Gospels to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures and the Mass. Tuesdays from 17th February 2026, 7.00–8.15pm (UK time). Info and registration: comeandsee.org/lent26. See posters in church for more information.

CURIOUS ABOUT THE CAMINO? This Friday, 13th February, 7-8pm. Clodagh and Luke Benning, experienced Camino pilgrims, will join Fr Dominic (who walked from Fatima to Santiago last summer) for an hour of information, memories, tips and hints. Ideal if you are a Camino walker who wants to reminisce, or if you are thinking of walking the Camino in the future. St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 5 Park End Road, Romford RM1 4AT.

MENS FOOTBALL CLUB AT NEW HALL: A new football club for men of all abilities is starting in New Hall on Monday evenings in term time from Monday 23rd February, promoting men's mental health.

It will take place at New Hall School, 3G Astro North Gate Entrance, CM1 6FU. For further information please see the posters in church or email r.schreiber@newhallschool.co.uk

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.
Ben WILLIAMS (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 5th February at 11am in St Augustine Church.

Ann ARAIN (RIP) Requiem Mass on Thursday 12th February at 2pm 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, Moreen Healy. Michael Hoare,  Shelia Hughes, John Grainger, Robert Godfrey, Peter Hamilton, Connor Hickey, Cathy Ingram, Gary Iliffe,  Maureen Leatherdale, Stuart Lucas,  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.