Month: February 2025

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES

Mass times this week are:  Monday at 10:00am, Tuesday- No Mass

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30am

LENT 2025

Ash Wednesday 5 March

10:30am – Mass at St. John Fisher School

12:15pm – Mass at St. Edmund’s

7:30pm – Mass at St. Edmund’s

Ashes will be imposed at all Masses.

LENT EVENTS AND TALKS

Monday 10 March 7:30pm – Talk – The Leadbeater Assisted Suicide Bill. Katherine Hampton is our speaker from SPUC in the Church Hall.

Sunday 16 March 3pm – Divine Mercy Prayer in the Church Hall.

Monday 31 March 7:30pm – Talk – Why go to Confession?  A talk by Fr. Adrian on the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Church Hall.

Sunday 6 April 4pm – An hour of Ignatian meditation and prayer in the Church Hall.

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

We will next be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on  Sunday, 2nd March and holding a practice 7 to 8pm on Monday, 24th February.Please do your best to come to the practice as well as the Mass; at our last practice, it was quite lonely in the choir loft with just a few of us there! It’ s also important as we practice a new psalm as well as the hymns being sung at the Mass. We know we can rely on you!

We warmly welcome any new singers or musicians in our Parish who may consider joining us – just come along!

ST EDMUND LIFE GROUP MEETING

The next meeting takes place in the upper room (The Retreat) of the Parish Centre on Monday 3rd March 7.15 – 8.45pm. Please keep this date in your diary.

Any questions please ring Paul 07861032174.

ST EDMUND LIFE GROUP

You are warmly invited and friends to a Lent talk by Katherine Hampton from SPUC on

10 March, 7.30-9 pm in the Church Hall on:

The Leadbeater Assisted Suicide Bill.What’s happening and What can we still do?

Refreshments available. Please keep this meeting in your prayers and bring friends.

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ST EDMUND’S YOUNG ADULTS MEETING!

Are you 18-35 and looking to connect with other young adults in our Catholic community? St. Edmund’s Young Adults is launching, and we want you to be part of it!

CHURCH CLEAN

There will be a church clean next Thursday 27th February at 10:00am following the morning mass. Please come and help if you are able.

BAPTISMS

If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St. Edmund of Canterbury please could you kindly contact your parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 12.30pm

Our first gathering will be a chance to meet fellow young adults, share ideas, and shape what this group will become. Whether you’re looking for faith discussions, social events, or service opportunities, this is your chance to have a say!

📅 Sunday, March 23rd
⏰ 5:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 St. Edmund’s Parish

Come for good conversation, new friendships, and a welcoming space to grow in faith together. We’d love to
see you there!

REPOSITORY

The new Sunday missals ( The order of the mass for Sundays) are now on sale for £20 from the repository at the back of the church.

A DAY WITH MARY

is taking place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 1 March 2025 (9.45am to 5.00pm). Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/  or https://eventcatholic.com/

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, James Wright, Pamela Gibson, Geraldine Stains, Linda Moriarty, Victoria Leahy, Jean Collins, Barbara Searl,

       Lyn Povey, Mason Family and all our loved ones who are unwell.

JOB VACANCIES

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Teacher of French, Full time, Easter 2025

Teacher of Science, Part time, Easter or September 2025

Teacher of Music, Part time, Easter 2025

Please visit the school’s website https://www.tchs.org.uk/about-us/employment/ for further job information. 

HEADTEACHER – ST PETER’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, ROMFORD

Our current Head, Mrs Waterfield, is retiring after 20 years. The Governors are seeking to appoint a Headteacher to begin in September to continue the excellent work at this caring, friendly and diverse two form entry primary school. Visits from prospective applicants are warmly encouraged, and can be arranged at a time to suit you.

Full details: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education/vacancies/school-vacancies/.

Salary Group 3 L18-24a (depending on experience). Closing date for applications: Monday 17th March

CARITAS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

This new role within the Diocese will help develop and strengthen our charitable action and ministry. Working alongside the Director of Caritas, the successful applicant will have excellent digital media, organisation and presentation skills, and a heart for Catholic Social Teaching, helping to share this valuable work in schools and parishes, supporting existing volunteers. £24,000 – £27,000pa depending on experience. Full time, including some evenings and weekends. Closing date 31st March at noon. More information and application details: caritas@dioceseofbrentwood.org

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES

Week Starting 10thFeb-  Mon 9:30am, Tues 9:30am Wed 9:30am, Thur 9:30am & Friday 9:30am

Week starting 17th Feb  Mon 9:30am, Tues 9:30am Wed 9:30am, Thur 9:30am & Friday 9:30am

2ND COLLECTION’S LISTED

LOURDES SICK & HELPERS PILGRIMAGE FUND 

There will be a second collection after all the masses this weekend 8-9th February, 2025

 RACIAL JUSTICE 

There will be a second collection after all the masses 15th-16th February, 2025

REPOSITORY

The new sunday missals ( The order of the mass for Sundays) are now on sale for £20 from the r

epository at the back of the church. 

COFFEE & CAKE SALE- 9th FEBRUARY, 2025

‘7th Epping Forest Beavers, Cubs & Scouts will be hosting a tea, coffee & cake sale in the church hall after both morning masses on Sunday 9th February. Please do come along and enjoy some delicious homemade cakes and support our forthcoming international camp to Belgium in July 2025!

We are also collecting unwanted Euros – if you have a handful of change leftover from holidays then we would welcome the donation!’

“CANON JOHN HARVEY’S 70th BIRTHDAY”

Saturday 15th February 2025.

Fr. John will celebrate the Vigil Mass at 6.30pm at Brentwood Cathedral. Followed immediately by a Birthday Reception in the Parish Hall. You will all be most welcome to attend. 

God Bless,  

Fr. John xx

NOTE FOR OUR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

We will next be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 2nd March and holding a practice 7 to 8pm on Monday, 24th February.

Please do your best to come to the practice as well as the Mass; at our last practice, it was quite lonely in the choir loft with just a few of us there! It’ s also important as we practice a new psalm as well as the hymns being sung at the Mass. We know we can rely on you! We warmly welcome any new singers or musicians in our Parish who may consider joining us – just come along!

A DAY WITH MARY

is taking place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 1 March 2025 (9.45am to 5.00pm). Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/  or https://eventcatholic.com/

BAPTISMS

If there are parents wishing to have their children baptised at St. Edmund of Canterbury please could you kindly contact your parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe as soon as possible. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 12.30pm

ALTAR SOCIETY

We need new members to join our Altar Society Group. If you can assist please contact Sharon 07854919207 or shazzafitzm@aol.com

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION NEWS

Dear Parents

This was in the newsletter at the start of the school year last September, but we are  printing it again now as a reminder.

It is wonderful that families in our parish our always enthusiastic about their children making their First Holy Communion.  I am sure that many of us remember our own experience of First Communion; how special it is to receive Jesus into our lives in this unique and profound way.  It is, of course, part of our own ongoing growth as Christians, as Children of God, and is the beginning of a lifetime of Communions – of being united with Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Saviour.  

After a time of prayer and discernment, of accompanying our children in this parish and in others, and after speaking with our catechists, it has become apparent that our children would be better able to participate in this important time in their lives if we wait a year, making the time of formation year 4 (ages 8/9).  The important thing we all need to learn as disciples is that Jesus calls us into a deep, loving friendship with him and that Holy Communion is something that helps that friendship grow.  Current thinking is that waiting a year , allowing maturity to develop, will help that understanding of friendship  and discipleship and will help our young people in the long term in their relationship with Christ.

The Communion programme will pause for a year and a new set of sessions will be developed to commence in September 2025/2026 for children aged 8 years and upwards.  This will take the form of six sessions around the theme of ‘meetings with Jesus.’  As always, families will be encouraged to supplement this by sharing their faith with their children at home.  Resources will be made available to families to help with this.

With every blessing

Fr. Adrian

Parish Priest

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, James Wright, Pamela Gibson, Geraldine Stains, Linda Moriarty, Victoria Leahy, Jean Collins, Barbara Searl, Amelia Burns, 

         Lyn Povey, Mason Family and all our loved ones who are unwell.

JOB VACANCIES

The Trustees of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Multi Academy Trust wish to appoint for the following vacancies within the Trust.

Position

Closing Date

School

Starting Date

Interview Date

Site Manager (Full-Time -37hpw)

Monday 24th February 2025

St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton

ASAP

TBC

HLTA

Monday 24th February 2025

St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton

ASAP

TBC

KS2 Teacher (ECT applications welcome)

Sunday 23rd February 2025

St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton

September 2025

Catering Manager (Maternity Cover)

Monday 24th February 2025

St John Fisher Catholic Primary, Loughton

Mar/April 2025

EYFS Practitioner

Sunday 23rd February 2025

St Luke’s/St Alban’s Catholic Academy, Harlow

ASAP

Thursday 27th February 2025

Midday Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Monday 24th February 2025

St Luke’s Catholic Academy

April 2025

TBC

For further details please visit www.ourladyoffatimatrust.essex.sch.uk or alternatively call Mrs Irene Nelson, H.R. Manager on 01279 425383. 

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES

Weekday Masses this week are celebrated at 9:30am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. 

CRIB OFFERINGS (BCCS) COLLECTION ON  2nd FEBRUARY, 2025

There will be a collection after all the masses. 

PEACE DISPLAY

Please take a moment to have a look at the peace display in the foyer of the church, next to the library. It has been brilliantly created by school children from the Our Lady of Fatima Trust, including from our own St. John Fisher. It uses a number of different media and materials. We thank and congratulate our children add our prayers to theirs for peace.

REPOSITORY

The New Sunday Missals ( The order of the mass for Sundays) are now on sale for £20 from the Repository at the back of the church. 

COFFEE & CAKE SALE- 9th FEBRUARY, 2025

‘7th Epping Forest Beavers, Cubs & Scouts will be hosting a tea, coffee & cake sale in the church hall after both morning masses on Sunday 9th February. Please do come along and enjoy some delicious homemade cakes and support our forthcoming international camp to Belgium in July 2025!

We are also collecting unwanted Euros – if you have a handful of change leftover from holidays then we would welcome the donation!’

“CANON JOHN HARVEY’S 70th BIRTHDAY”

Saturday 15th February 2025

Fr. John will celebrate the Vigil Mass at 6.30pm at Brentwood Cathedral. Followed immediately by a Birthday Reception in the Parish Hall. You will all be most welcome to attend. 

God Bless,  

Fr. John xx

PARISH PRO LIFE GROUP MEETING

The next meeting takes place in the upper room (The Retreat) of the Parish Centre on Monday 3rd February 7.15- 8.45pm. Please keep this date in your diary. 

Any questions please ring Paul 07861032174.

JUBILEE YEAR

The Holy Father has decided that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee, something which happens every 25 years.   In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year’ was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis.

The Jubilee of Hope will begin in December 2024 with Pope Francis opening the ‘holy door’ in St. Peter’s Basilica, offering the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence and a year of special graces. The Jubilee of Hope will end on the feast of the Epiphany in 2026.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has produced a number of Jubilee resources for parishes: Living the Jubilee in our churches – Catholic Bishops’ Conference

For more on the Jubilee go to: Unpacking the Jubilee – Catholic Bishops’ Conference

For more information on the Vatican’s Jubilee Year go to: www.giubileo-2025.it/en

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2025:

Join Bishop Alan in Lourdes from Friday 18 to Friday 25 July.  We can support those with medical needs.  For further information, please ‘phone Tangney Tours on 01732 886 666 or book online: Brentwood Lourdes Pilgrimage – Tangney Tours

Of course, you may wish to make your own travel and hotel arrangements for your parish.  You are most welcome to do this and still participate fully in the program of the diocesan pilgrimage. If so, please tell me and I shall make sure you are able to join as much of the diocesan program as you would like.

Fr Paul Keane

Director of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK

Margaret Baldwin, Evelyn Bearne, Karl Britz, Brenda Bryant, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, John McKernan, Remy, Geraldine Taylor, James Wright, Pamela Gibson, Geraldine Stains, Linda Moriarty, Victoria Leahy, Jean Collins, Barbara Searl, Amelia Burns, 

         Lyn Povey, Mason Family and all our loved ones who are unwell.