Newsletters
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- Written by Parish Office
FR DAVID WRITES
It was a pleasure for us to celebrate the ‘Welcome Mass’ with children and staff from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School on Friday as they marked the start of the new academic year. We also hope that everyone was able to spend some time, in whatever way was most appropriate, to mark the funeral of the Queen and the end of the time of mourning and reflection, as the King’s reign begins. Wherever we find ourselves in life, there is always richness in giving thanks to God for what has been, and in praying to God for the new blessings and opportunities that lie ahead of us. Have a great week and God bless you all.
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- Written by Edoardo Albert
FR DAVID WRITES
This weekend, as throughout the week, the country is preparing for the Funeral of the Queen. At the Mass in Westminster Cathedral, Cardinal Nichols said that during this time our role is to pray. The Catholic people have an innate instinct to pray for the dead, and we are also called to pray for one another and the whole country. Perhaps during this weekend and especially on Monday we can give ourselves—and each other—the time and space to pray and reflect. The diocese have sent prayer cards which are available in the church porch. The Cardinal will be present at the State Funeral, and the Pope will be represented by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States. The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, and also Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be with the Catholic Children’s Society on Tuesday and then back working here on Wednesday. Please bear this in mind, and save any parish business till Thursday and Friday. Thank you and God bless you all.
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- Written by Edoardo Albert
FR DAVID WRITES
On Thursday we all received the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In these coming days we will join spiritually with people throughout the country, the commonwealth and the whole world as we pray for the happy repose of Her Late Majesty’s noble soul. We also pray for the King, the Queen and the all the members of the late Queen’s family who mourn her. The 10am Mass today (Sunday) will be a Requiem Mass, in accordance with the communications we have received from the diocese.
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FR DAVID WRITES
Welcome back to everyone after the summer holidays. This week is the start of term for many of our children, young people and parishioners who study or work in schools and colleges. We send you all our best wishes and prayers for the new term and the new academic year. We also welcome back, this morning, our choirs and musicians after their summer break.
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- Written by Edoardo Albert
FR DAVID WRITES
Welcome back to parishioners who have been away—I hope everyone has enjoyed a good summer whether at home or away. Congratulations to our young people who have received their exam results over the last few weeks. We have been praying for you all. We send best wishes to everyone for the end of the summer break and the day ahead.
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- Written by Edoardo Albert
CONGRATULATIONS FR JOHNSON
2022 has been a big year for Fr Johnson. Earlier this year, he marked 30 years since his ordination to the priesthood, and last Wednesday was also his sixtieth birthday. The whole parish joins in wishing Fr Johnson many happy returns on his birthday and we send him good wishes and prayers. The auxiliary bishop of Fr Johnson’s home diocese will visit him next week, and a Mass for the parish to celebrate with Father Johnson will be arranged in due course.
FR DAVID WRITES
I have returned from my much–needed break! It is lovely to be back among you. I spent some time with my parents and family, including my little nephew. Everyone at home is doing well and send their love and best wishes to you all. It was especially nice to celebrate Mass in my home parish. Thank you to Fathers Jerome, Johnson and Michael for looking after everything during my break. I hope everyone has been enjoying a pleasant and relaxing summer, even in this heat! X
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THE RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE—WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
For the first time in history the relics of St Bernadette will be touring England.
This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the gifts and charisms of Lourdes, in a church or cathedral near you. I would like to invite you and your parish to visit Westminster Cathedral for this special event on the weekend of 3-5 September.
The veneration of the relics will start on Saturday 3 September at 1 pm and will last all through the two days and nights until Monday 5 September at 6 am. There is no need for advance booking. The visitors are invited to come at a time suitable for them and join the queue on the Piazza for entry via the West Doors. Be advised that at peak times, especially before or after liturgies, we expect long queues. Wheelchair access will be available at all times without the need for queuing. Please see the poster on the notice board or take a flyer from the back of the Church for the timetable of the visit—and check out the website www.stbernadette.org.uk for details of the rest of the tour.
ANNOINTING OF THE SICK MASS AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
During the Visit, there will be Mass for Anointing of the Sick at 2.30 pm on Saturday 3rd September. This is the only event that will be admission by ticket only. Please email the Office if you would like to attend. All places are limited—if you need to bring a wheelchair please state that on your email.
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BERNADETTE CLUB OUTING TO SOUTHEND
Our coach trip to Southend will go ahead as planned leaving from outside the church at 10 am on Thursday 18 August. There are a few spare seats. Any parishioners or friends who would like to join the trip please text or call Jackie on 07956 809152.
PARISH OFFICE THIS WEEK
Please note that the Parish Office is open on Monday, Thursday and Friday only of this coming week. Emails and recorded phone messages will be dealt with on these days only. Thank you!
- Details
- Written by Parish Office
THE RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE—WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
For the first time in history the relics of St Bernadette will be touring England.
This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the gifts and charisms of Lourdes, in a church or cathedral near you. I would like to invite you and your parish to visit Westminster Cathedral for this special event on the weekend of 3-5 September.
The veneration of the relics will start on Saturday 3 September at 1 pm and will last all through the two days and nights until Monday 5 September at 6 am. There is no need for advance booking. The visitors are invited to come at a time suitable for them and join the queue on the Piazza for entry via the West Doors. Be advised that at peak times, especially before or after liturgies, we expect long queues. Wheelchair access will be available at all times without the need for queuing. Please see the poster on the notice board or take a flyer from the back of the Church for the timetable of the visit—and check out the website www.stbernadette.org.uk for details of the rest of the tour.
- Details
- Written by Parish Office
HOLIDAY SEASON
Please keep an eye on the Newsletter for Parish Office opening days over the holidays.
Mass times continue as normal. For all those who are going away for their holiday, we wish you all a very happy and peaceful break.
PARISH CENTRE & HALL
We are planning to have the parish centre redecorated, and the kitchen repaired, during the summer break. This work will begin on Monday 1 August and may take up to four weeks. Please note that the halls will be completely out of action during this time, which will mean a suspension of all groups. We have specifically aimed to do this work during the summer holiday to cause minimal disruption to the normal programme. Thank you.
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- Written by Parish Office
FR DAVID WRITES
This week we welcome Fr Michael who will be with us for a couple of weeks during his summer holidays. Fr Michael will also be able help Fr Jerome and Fr Johnson while I am away. I am looking forward to celebrating the wedding of Consiglia and Daniel this Friday, after which I will leave for my break. I want to send my best wishes to all the children and families of Year 6 who are moving on from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Please remember: you are always part of the parish family! I wish you all a very happy summer holidays and look forward to seeing you—hopefully all refreshed!