Newsletter 25th December 2025

Dear friends,

Christmas is here, and something astonishing has happened. God has come to live among us, not in grandeur or spectacle, but in the tiny, vulnerable cry of a newborn. In Bethlehem, heaven touches earth, and the world is changed for ever. This child, born in a stable, brings a message louder than any trumpet. God is near, God is for us, and nothing, not even the darkest night, can put out His light.

The angels announced it to the shepherds: do not be afraid, for there is good news that will bring great joy to all people. Today, in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. In this child we see God’s promise fulfilled, hope made flesh, and joy entering the world, a joy that we are called to share in our homes, our parish, and beyond.

This is the heart of Christian hope. It is not polite optimism or a quiet wish. It is the life-changing truth that God is with us. God is for us. Even amid uncertainty, struggle and sorrow, the birth of Christ tells us that darkness will never have the final word. It calls us to see the miraculous in the everyday and to rejoice even when life feels fragile.

Hope in Christ is alive, demanding and exhilarating. It invites us to forgive when it is hard, to love when it costs, and to shine brightly when the world seems dim. Nourished by the Eucharist, strengthened by prayer and encouraged by one another, we are called to carry Christ’s light into our homes, our parish, and our wider communities. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every gesture of love echoes the promise of that first Christmas night.

Faith is never meant to be lived alone. Here in Chelmsford, we are blessed to share in worship, to support one another, and to celebrate the milestones of life together. We rejoice in the laughter of children at Sunday Mass, the quiet dedication of volunteers, the friendships formed over coffee mornings, and the way we come together to care for those in need. The Lord who lay in the manger continues to meet us in the Word, in the Sacrament, and in one another. Together we glimpse the wonder of God’s presence in ordinary moments: a smile, a helping hand, a shared prayer, a quiet act of generosity.

So let's rejoice. Lift up our hearts, open our eyes and let the wonder of Christmas fill us. May our faith be deepened, our hope renewed, and our love set alight. May the peace of Christ dwell richly in our homes, our hearts, and our relationships, and may His light shine through us all, into a world longing for joy, healing and goodness.

Wishing you a truly blessed and joyous Christmas,

Frs Martin, Michael and Paul

Mass Readings for Christmas 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12a, 12b-13b.13cd. R. Luke 2:11
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Alleluia: Luke 2:10-11
Gospel: Luke 2: 10-11

CHRISTMAS PERIOD MASS TIMES:

On Christmas Eve (24th Dec) there will be Carols beginning half an hour before the Vigil Masses in our churches.

5:00pm Carols in Holy Name, 5:30pm Mass
6:30pm Carols in Our Lady Immaculate, 7pm Mass
8:00pm Carols in St Augustine, 8:30pm Mass
11:30pm Carols in Our Lady Immaculate, Midnight Mass.

Please note additional Mass time changes on the 25th and  26th of December, altering from the usual schedule.

CONFESSIONS: There will be additional availability for
confessions in Our Lady Immaculate Church on:
Tuesday 23rd December between 11:30AM - 12:15PM
Wednesday 24th December between 8:30AM -9:15AM

NEW YEARS EVE VIGIL AND MASS AT MIDNIGHT: Join us at Our Lady Immaculate for an evening filled with prayer, and silent time with Our Lord ushering in the sacred presence of Jesus into the New Year. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament commences at 11pm. At midnight we will celebrate together the first Mass of 2026.

MESSAGE FROM FR MARTIN - CHRISTMAS COLLECTION : The Christmas and Easter collections form a significant part of the personal income of the priests in our parish, and Fr Michael, Paul and I are very grateful for your generosity, especially in these difficult times. As many parishioners now give by standing order, it would be helpful for audit purposes if you could let the parish office know whether you wish two weeks of your annual standing order to be counted as your Christmas and Easter offerings. A brief email or note to the office (office@chelmsfordcatholic.co.uk) would be sufficient. If you prefer, you may also make a separate one-off contribution by BACS marked “Christmas” (including your Gift Aid number if applicable), use a marked envelope, or give in the collection at the Christmas Masses. Thank you for your continued generosity and support

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 to be arranged.

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,  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.