St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

 2nd to 6th Feb Weekday Masses  Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am  

Sunday 8th February -Divine Mercy Devotions- 3:00pm 

Racial Justice Sunday- Second Collection 

There will be a 2nd Collection after the masses on the weekend of the 31st & 1st Feb for Racial Justice Sunday. 

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 1st February 

and holding a practice beforehand 7 to 8pm on Monday, 26th January.

Please try to come to the practice as well as the Mass – we will be going through the psalm and Mass setting music – practice really does help!

New singers and musicians in the Parish who may consider joining our group will be made most welcome. Thank you.

Hat & Socks Donation

Following last year’s success in collecting second hand coats we are asking for donations of hats and socks which will be given to The Whitechapel Mission in East London. The items don’t have to be new but in a good and usable condition. If you can donate there will be a box in the entrance of the Church. Many thanks in advance for any donations given and your support. 

CAFOD 

Join CAFOD to find out about our work in Ukraine and the 2026 Lent Fast Day appeal. Josie O’Reilly will talk about CAFOD’s Ukraine Emergency Programme Jane Crone from CAFOD in Brentwood will talk about the Lent Appeal

On: Saturday 14 February 2026

Time: Coffee from 10.45 am, starting at 11 am, finishing around 1pm.

At: The Beckett Centre St Thomas of Canterbury Church 557-559 High Rd, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 0SG plenty of parking.  All Welcome

St John Bosco Children’s Camp  An amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness: For more information and to register for free go to:  

www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Food Bank Donations

The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). We currently need toiletries. (deodorant, shower gel, soaps, shampoo etc.) 

Thank you very much for all your donations.

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

Please Pray for those who are Sick: 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, Ben Lewis, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes, 

Steve Aylmer, Tony Bryant and all our loved ones who are unwell.

In Cases of Emergency

If there is no answer from the parish phone and you are seeking a priest in an emergency, please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping Phone: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green Phone: 020 8504 1688.

Emergency In the Church

Please follow instructions given by The Priest and/or Stewards.

For fires at the back of the church we will exit via the sacristy into the hall or side exit.

For fires at the front of the church we will exit by front doors.

For fires in the middle of the church use the safest exit.

Fire extinguishers are to be used by competent trained persons only

Mass Intentions are listed on the website, Back of the Church notice board, and in the outside display case

Job Vacancies

Trinity Catholic High School    

• Teacher of Geography, Full time, Permanent, ASAP or Easter 2026
• DT Technician, Part Time, Permanent, ASAP
• Vacancy – Exam Invigilator to start March/April

Seasonal £15.19 per hour  

Application form on https://www.tchs.org.uk/about-us/employment/

Headteacher – St Francis Primary School, Braintree
Deadline for applications: 23:59 Sunday 1st February 2026

Parish Administrator- Our Lady of Compassion- Upton Park

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Administrator to work alongside our experienced 

Parish Administrator, to provide administrative support services to the Parish Office and a welcoming, appropriate service to those attending the parish office.

The post will be part-time working 10 hours per week –

 (10-12pm Monday- Friday).

The salary is £13.85 per hour 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on 31st January 2026 and we will then invite suitable applicants to interview.

If you have any queries or if you would like to apply, please send your CV by email to uptonpark@brcdt.org

Parish Finance Administrator- Southend

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Finance Administrator. All applicants should have good administrative and finance skills, although training will be given.

The post will be part-time working 6 hours per week – (working pattern tbc).

The salary is £12.60 per hour 

The closing date for applications is 9th February 2026, 

and suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

If you have any queries or if you would like to apply, please send your CV to southend@brcdt.org 

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School-Hornchurch RM12 4TL

FoThe Governors of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Hornchurch, are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head Teacher. Closing date: Friday 6th March 2026 at 5pm / Interview Date: Friday 20th March 2026. Enquiries can be made by email to admin@stmcps.co.uk, or phone 01708 448430.

26th to 30th Jan Weekday Masses: Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 10:00am, Friday 9:30am  

Church Cleaning Thursday 29th January after the morning mass there will be a cleaning of the church. Please come along and help if you are able. 

2nd to 6th Feb Weekday Masses  Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am  

Sunday 8th February -Divine Mercy Devotions- 3:00pm 

Racial Justice Sunday- Second Collection 

There will be a 2nd Collection after the masses on the weekend of the 31st & 1st Feb for Racial Justice Sunday. 

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 1st February 

and holding a practice beforehand 7 to 8pm on Monday, 26th January.

Please try to come to the practice as well as the Mass – we will be going through the psalm and Mass setting music – practice really does help!

New singers and musicians in the Parish who may consider joining our group will be made most welcome. Thank you.

Hat & Socks Donation

Following last year’s success in collecting second hand coats we are asking for donations of hats and socks which will be given to The Whitechapel Mission in East London. The items don’t have to be new but in a good and usable condition. If you can donate there will be a box in the entrance of the Church. Many thanks in advance for any donations given and your support. 

CAFOD 

Join CAFOD to find out about our work in Ukraine and the 2026 Lent Fast Day appeal. Josie O’Reilly will talk about CAFOD’s Ukraine Emergency Programme Jane Crone from CAFOD in Brentwood will talk about the Lent Appeal

On: Saturday 14 February 2026

Time: Coffee from 10.45 am, starting at 11 am, finishing around 1pm.

At: The Beckett Centre St Thomas of Canterbury Church 557-559 High Rd, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 0SG plenty of parking.  All Welcome

St John Bosco Children’s Camp  An amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness: For more information and to register for free go to:  

www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Food Bank Donations

The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). We currently need toiletries. (deodorant, shower gel, soaps, shampoo etc.) 

Thank you very much for all your donations.

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

Please Pray for those who are Sick: 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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes, 

Steve Aylmer, Tony Bryant and all our loved ones who are unwell.

26th to 30th Jan Weekday Masses: Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 10:00am, Friday 9:30am  

Church Cleaning Thursday 29th January after the morning mass there will be a cleaning of the church. Please come along and help if you are able. 

2nd to 6th Feb Weekday Masses  Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am  

Sunday 8th February -Divine Mercy Devotions- 3:00pm 

Racial Justice Sunday- Second Collection 

There will be a 2nd Collection after the masses on the weekend of the 31st & 1st Feb for Racial Justice Sunday. 

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 1st February 

and holding a practice beforehand 7 to 8pm on Monday, 26th January.

Please try to come to the practice as well as the Mass – we will be going through the psalm and Mass setting music – practice really does help!

New singers and musicians in the Parish who may consider joining our group will be made most welcome. Thank you.

Hat & Socks Donation

Following last year’s success in collecting second hand coats we are asking for donations of hats and socks which will be given to The Whitechapel Mission in East London. The items don’t have to be new but in a good and usable condition. If you can donate there will be a box in the entrance of the Church. Many thanks in advance for any donations given and your support. 

CAFOD 

Join CAFOD to find out about our work in Ukraine and the 2026 Lent Fast Day appeal. Josie O’Reilly will talk about CAFOD’s Ukraine Emergency Programme Jane Crone from CAFOD in Brentwood will talk about the Lent Appeal

On: Saturday 14 February 2026

Time: Coffee from 10.45 am, starting at 11 am, finishing around 1pm.

At: The Beckett Centre St Thomas of Canterbury Church 557-559 High Rd, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 0SG plenty of parking.  All Welcome

St John Bosco Children’s Camp  An amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness: For more information and to register for free go to:  

www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Food Bank Donations

The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). We currently need toiletries. (deodorant, shower gel, soaps, shampoo etc.) 

Thank you very much for all your donations.

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

Please Pray for those who are Sick: 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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes, 

Steve Aylmer, Tony Bryant and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Weekday Masses : Monday 9:30am , Tuesday No Mass, Wednesday 9:00am,

Thursday 1:30pm Funeral Mass for Margaret Cole, Friday 9:30am,

Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm

Sunday 18th January:  6:00pm Sung Evening Prayer for the week of Christian Unity

Pax Christi -World Peace Day: There will be a second collection after all the masses this weekend for World Peace Day-Pax Christi.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Please pray especially during this time that all Christian denominations will be one. 

On Sunday 18th January at 6:00pm there will be a sung evening prayer here at St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More. Please come and share some time in prayer with our Christian sisters and brothers from around the town.

Crib Offering BCCS Second Collection: There will be a 2nd Collection after the masses on the weekend of the  31st & 1st Feb for the BCCS Crib Offering Collection.  

Leadbeater Thank You

A big thank you to all parishioners who responded to Fr Adrian’s appeal, supported by our bishops, and collected letters to send to peers at all the Masses last weekend, urging Lords to vote against the Leadbeater Assisted Dying Bill. Please let the Life Group know, if possible, what the peers responses were. It is brilliant that you took the time to write about this real danger posed to so many lives by this bill, which is contrary to the Church’s teaching, which values every human life from the moment of conception to natural death.

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be playing and singing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 1st February and holding a practice beforehand 7 to 8pm on Monday, 26th January.

Please try to come to the practice as well as the Mass – we will be going through the psalm and Mass setting music – practice really does help!

New singers and musicians in the Parish who may consider joining our group will be made most welcome. Thank you.

Hats & Socks Donation

Following last year’s success in collecting second hand coats we are asking for donations of hats and socks which will be given to The Whitechapel Mission in East London. The items don’t have to be new but in a good and usable condition. If you can donate there will be a box in the entrance of the Church. Many thanks in advance for any donations given and your support. 

St John Bosco Children’s Camp – an amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). NoThe event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness: For more information and to register for free go to:  

www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Food Bank Donations

The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). We currently need toiletries. (deodorant, shower gel, soaps, shampoo etc.) Thank you very much for all your donations.

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes, 

Steve Aylmer and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Contemporary Music Group

We will next be playing and singing at the

11:00am Mass on Sunday, 1st February

and holding a practice beforehand

7:00 to 8:00pm on Monday, 26th January.

Please try to come to the practice as well as the Mass – we will be going through the psalm and Mass setting music – practice really does help!

New singers and musicians in the Parish who may consider joining our group will be made most welcome. 

Weekday Masses : Monday NO MASS, Tuesday 9:30am, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am , Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm

Sunday 11th January          

10:00am First Holy Communion Class                                         

3:00pm Divine Mercy Devotions Join us in this beautiful prayer for 20 minutes. Confessions are available after.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Margaret Cole who died recently and that her family will feel the comfort of God’s love as he looks tenderly upon them.

Pax Christi -World Peace Day – There will be a second collection after all the masses next weekend for World Peace Day which is on the 18th January 2026.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The annual week of prayer for Christian Unity begins on Sunday 18 January.  Please pray especially during this time that all Christian denominations will be one. On Sunday 18th January at 6:00pm there will be Evening Prayer here at St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More. Please come and share some time in prayer with our Christian sisters and brothers from around the town.

Hats & Socks Donation

Following last year’s success in collecting second hand coats we are asking for donations of hats and socks which will be given to The Whitechapel Mission in East London. The items don’t have to be new but in a good and usable condition.  If you can donate there will be a box in the entrance of the Church. Many thanks in advance for any donations given and your support. 

Leadbeater Parish Letter to the Lords

A Bill to allow adults who are terminally ill to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life has its vote in the House of Lords of 26 January.  Please take time to send a copy of the Parish letter which is available at the back of the church to a peer. The Catholic Church opposes this bill.  Every letter can help stop this bill which is contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and the Church.  

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

St John Bosco Children’s Camp – an amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness. For more information and to register for free, go to: www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Baptisms

If you are parents of new infants and you wish to have your child baptised, please can you kindly contact your parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe 0208 5083492 as soon as possible regarding the Baptism of your child at St Edmund’s. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 12.30pm

Gift Aid Notice

We have a quite a few gift aid envelope boxes that have not been collected. Please can you check the boxes at the back of the church and kindly notify us if you would still like to receive envelopes for this year. Contact our Gift Aid Coordinator (Abbie) at the following giftaid-loughton@brcdt.org or the presbytery office 020850833492 to inform us. Thank you.

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Job Vacancies

Headteacher – The Bishops’ Church of England and Catholic School, Chelmsford
Deadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Friday 16th January 2026

Start Date 1st September 2026

Headteacher – Holy Family Primary School, Benfleet
Deadline for applications: 09:00, Wednesday 28th January 2026

Headteacher – St Francis Primary School, Braintree
Deadline for applications: 23:59 Sunday 1st February 2026

Parish Administrator- Our Lady of Compassion- Upton Park

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Administrator to work alongside our experienced Parish Administrator, to provide administrative support services to the Parish Office and a welcoming, appropriate service to those attending the parish office.

The post will be part-time working 10 hours per week –

 (10-12pm Monday- Friday).

The salary is £13.85 per hour 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on 31st January 2026 and we will then invite suitable applicants to interview.

If you have any queries or if you would like to apply, please send your CV by email to uptonpark@brcdt.org

Trinity Catholic High School

• Teacher of Geography, Full time, Permanent, ASAP or Easter 2026
• DT Technician, Part Time, Permanent, ASAP

Weekday Masses : Monday 9:00am, Tuesday Holy Day 12:15pm & 7:30pm, 

Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am         

Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm.

Sunday 11th January          

10:00am First Holy Communion Class                                         

3:00pm Divine Mercy Devotions Join us in this beautiful prayer for 20 minutes. Confessions are available after.

Thank  You!   

Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas service’s beautiful and prayerful, and the church looked really spectacular. Thank you, also, for the many expressions of kindness, cards and gifts that you gave to the clergy this Christmas. They are much appreciated.  

With good wishes for the New Year.  

God bless, Fr. Adrian 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The annual week of prayer for Christian Unity begins on Sunday 18 January.  Please pray especially during this time that all Christian denominations will be one. On Sunday 18th January, there will be Evening Prayer here at St. Edmund of Canterbury and St. Thomas More. Please come and share some time in prayer with our Christian sisters and brothers from around the town.

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group 

We will  be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4th January, which is the 2nd Sunday after the Nativity. As it’s still in the Christmas season, some carols will be sung, so kindly make it your first New Year resolution to be there! Thank you and God bless you and your families at this holy time.

Responding to Homelessness

“You are invited to join Caritas Brentwood at our upcoming ‘Responding to Homelessness’ event on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). The event will be hosted by St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Stratford. It will offer practical support, shared insights and meaningful discussions with local organisations, including Your Place Anchor House, Rainham Foodbank and the Basildon Night Shelter, who are all working on the frontline of homelessness. For more information and to register for free, go to: www.caritasbrentwood.org/events

Christmas Offerings

Your offering at Christmas Masses is your gift to the Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, and forms a major part of his annual salary for the year. Please use your Christmas Offering envelopes or if paying online the banking details are: HSBC Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton 

Lourdes With Our Diocese  Join Bishop Alan and pilgrims from across our diocese in Lourdes next summer: Friday 17th – Friday 24th July 2026. Booking details will be available in the new year.

Announcement His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has  appointed the Right Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, as Archbishop of Westminster.

We keep Archbishop-elect Moth in our prayers as he prepares to take up his new appointment.

Account Number:  11019651  Sort Code # 40-13-22  

Please be sure to type in the Reference: ‘Christmas Offering’ along with your gift aid number if you have one. 

Any additional donations given at Christmas (or  Easter Saturday and Sunday) will be used to support the priests of the diocese. Every penny specifically donated at these times, (together with any Gift Aid on qualifying donations) will be used to support your local priest/s. 

Please note, that personal gifts to Priests cannot be gift aided.

St John Bosco Children’s Camp – an amazing volunteer opportunity for this Summer. 

If you are in school year 12 or student age (or any age over 17!) you are very welcome to apply at www.boscocamp.co.uk. The application process includes references and a DBS check, which we can help with, as well as a training and support before and during Camp. The Camp provides over 100 children a week with a summer holiday – for many their only holiday. As a volunteer you use your skills in assisting with different sporting and fun activities, as well as the practical aspects of camp life. Volunteer for 25th July – 1st August or 1st – 8th August. The Camp is a special work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, and also seeks financial donations – all information on the website. 

Baptisms

If you are parents of new infants and you wish to have your child baptised, please can you kindly contact your parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe 0208 5083492 as soon as possible regarding the Baptism of your child at St Edmund’s. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 12.30pm

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes and all our loved ones who are unwell.

New Job Vacancies

Headteacher – St Peter’s Primary School, Romford
Deadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Tuesday 6th January 2026

Headteacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Hornchurch
Deadline for applications: 17:00, Friday 9th January 2026

Headteacher – The Bishops’ Church of England and Catholic School, Chelmsford
Deadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Friday 16th January 2026

Headteacher – Holy Family Primary School, Benfleet
Deadline for applications: 09:00, Wednesday 28th January 2026

Parish Administrator- Our Lady of Compassion- Upton Park

A vacancy has arisen for a Parish Administrator to work alongside our experienced Parish Administrator, to provide administrative support services to the Parish Office and a welcoming, appropriate service to those attending the parish office.

The post will be part-time working 10 hours per week –

 (10-12pm Monday- Friday).

The salary is £13.85 per hour 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on 31st January 2026 and we will then invite suitable applicants to interview.

If you have any queries or if you would like to apply, please send your CV by email to uptonpark@brcdt.org

In Cases of Emergency

If there is no answer from the parish phone and you are seeking a priest in an emergency, please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688.

Emergency In the Church

Please follow instructions given by The Priest and/or Stewards.

For fires at the back of the church we will exit via the sacristy into the hall or side exit.

For fires at the front of the church we will exit by front doors.

For fires in the middle of the church use the safest exit.

Fire extinguishers are to be used by competent trained persons only

Mass Intentions are listed on the website, Back of the Church notice board, and in the outside display case

Christmas Eve

Wednesday 24th December 2025

9:30am Weekday Mass

5:00pm Family Mass with Children’s Nativity

7:00pm Vigil Mass of Christmas

9:30pm Carols before Mass

10:00pm Mass during the night

Christmas Day

Thursday 25th December 2025

9:00am & 11:00am Mass

St Stephen’s Day 26th December 2025

11:00am Mass (All Altar Servers Welcome)

New Year’s Day Thursday 1st January 2026

11:00am Mass 

. 

Week Starting 23rd  December: Monday 9:30am, Tuesday 9:00am, Wednesday 9:30am, Weekday Mass, 5:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:00pm, Thursday 9:00am & 11:00am, Friday 11:00am

Week Starting 29th December: Monday 9:30am, Tuesday 9:00am, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 11:00am, Friday 9:30am Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm.

Message from Fr Adrian  Fr. Christopher and myself wish you and your families a very happy and holy Christmas. With my prayers that your Christmas will be full of the Light of Christ,

Fr. Adrian

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) on Monday 22nd December at 7:30pm

There will be several priests available for Confession at St. Edmunds from 7:30pm. 

Please consider making use of this beautiful sacrament to prepare for Christmas.

                                                 Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December 2025                                9:30am Weekday Mass

5:00pm Family Mass with Children’s Nativity

7:00pm Vigil Mass of Christmas

9:30pm Carols before Mass

10:00pm Mass during the night

Christmas Day Thursday 25th December 2025                                 9:00am & 11:00am Mass              

St Stephens Day 26th December 2025                  11:00am Mass (All Altar Servers Welcome)  

St. Stephens Day – the Mass at 11am is traditionally when we celebrate the ministry if Altar Server.  All altar servers are warmly encouraged to attend this Mass and serve.  

Christmas Offerings

Your offering at Christmas Masses is your gift to the Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, and forms a major part of his annual salary for the year. Please use your Christmas Offering envelopes or if paying online the banking details are: HSBC Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton 

Account Number:  11019651  Sort Code # 40-13-22  

Please be sure to type in the Reference: ‘Christmas Offering’ along with your gift aid number if you have one. 

Christmas Carols, Coffee Morning & Hamper Raffle 

Sunday 21st December 2025 at 12:00 Noon 🎶 The choir will be performing Christmas carols in church right after the 11am Mass. Afterwards, join us for our festive Christmas carols, coffee  and the hamper raffle. We’d love to see you there! Raffle tickets will be on sale at weekend mass and online. All proceeds go back into our parish. Thank you for your kind support. 

Christmas Nativity  Christmas Nativity rehearsals are this weekend 21st December after the 11:00am mass in preparation for the 5:00pm Christmas Eve mass. The rehearsals generally last no longer than 30 minutes. Should you have any queries please contact us on 07946 138307 Sam & Danielle.

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group                       

To all our singers and musicians, wishing you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and with many thanks for your involvement over the past year.

We’ll next be singing and playing at the 11am Mass on Sunday, 4th January, which is the 2nd Sunday after the Nativity. As it’s still in the Christmas season, some carols will be sung, so kindly make it your first New Year resolution to be there! Thank you and God bless you and your families at this holy time.

SVP  The SVP thank you very much for the contributions to the second collection last Sunday. We raised over £500. Your generosity is unsurpassed. Thank you.

“Christmas Church Clean” There will be a Christmas church clean on 

Tuesday 23rd December 2025 following the 9:00am Morning Mass. Please come and help if you are able and join us for mince pies and coffee after the cleaning. Thank you.  

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Job vacancies

Headteacher – St Peter’s Primary School, Romford
Deadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Tuesday 6th January 2026

Headteacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Hornchurch
Deadline for applications: 17:00, Friday 9th January 2026

Headteacher – The Bishops’ Church of England and Catholic School, Chelmsford
Deadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Friday 16th January 2026

Headteacher – Holy Family Primary School, Benfleet
Deadline for applications: 09:00, Wednesday 28th January 2026

Monday No Morning Mass, Tuesday 8:45am, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday 9:30am , Sunday 14th December at 10:00am First Holy Communion Class

Sunday 14th at 3pm Divine Mercy Devotions Join us in this beautiful prayer for 20 minutes. 

Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm

2nd Collection  There will be a second collection following all the masses this weekend for the St Vincent de Paul Society. 

                                                 Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December 2025

5:00pm Family Mass with a Nativity Tableaux

7:00pm Vigil Mass

9:30pm Carols before Mass

10:00pm Mass during the night

Christmas Day Thursday 25th December 2025

9:00am & 11:00am Mass              

St Stephens Day 26th December 2025                                                  

                                                              11:00am Mass

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) on  Monday 22nd December at 7:30pm

There will be several priests available for Confession at St. Edmunds from 7:30pm. 

Please consider making use of this beautiful sacrament to prepare for Christmas.

Bishop Thomas McMahon-RIP

Bishop Thomas’s Requiem Mass funeral will be celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster & Metropolitan on Tuesday 16 December at 11:30am at Brentwood Cathedral. Due to large numbers attending this is a ticketed service only. 

The funeral will be livestreamed at: https://www.shealolin.co.uk/bishop-thomas and the  broadcast will begin approximately 10 minutes before the start of the service and will be available on demand until 16th January 2026. The QR code for mobiles is 

Christmas Offerings

Your offering at Christmas Masses is your gift to the Parish Priest, Fr Adrian, and forms a major part of his annual salary for the year. Please use your Christmas Offering envelopes or if paying online the banking details are:

HSBC 

Account Name: Catholic Church Loughton 

Account Number:  11019651

Sort Code # 40-13-22

Please be sure to type in the Reference: ‘Christmas Offering’ along with your gift aid number if you have one. 

Christmas Coffee Morning & Hamper Raffle -Sunday 21st December 2025 at 12:00 Noon

🎶 The choir will be singing Christmas carols after the 11am Mass. Please join us in the hall for our festive Christmas coffee morning and raffle. All are welcome. 

Donation boxes are in the porch and by Father Adrian’s door — we’d love festive goodies like wine, biscuits, chocolates, jams, mince pies, or vouchers. Theatre and restaurant vouchers have been a lovely addition in past years. Raffle tickets will be on sale at weekend mass and online.

All proceeds go back into our parish.
Thank you for your kind support. 

Christmas Nativity  Christmas Nativity rehearsals are this weekend 14th December after the 11:00am mass in preparation for the 5:00pm Christmas Eve mass. The next date for the rehearsal  will be the 21st  of December again straight after the 11:00am mass. The rehearsals generally last no longer than 30 minutes. Should you have any queries please contact us on 

07946 138307 Sam & Danielle.

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, 

Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Monday 9:00am,Tuesday No Morning Mass, Wednesday 9:30am, Thursday 9:00am, Friday 9:30am , Sunday 14th December at 10:00am- First Holy Communion Class

Confessions are available on Saturday 5:00-5:45pm

2nd Collection  There will be a second collection following all the masses the weekend of the 

13th / 

14th December 2025 for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Bishop Thomas McMahon-RIP

Sadly, Bishop Thomas McMahon died last week aged 89 years. He was the Bishop of Brentwood for 34 years before our present Bishop Alan. We pray for the happy repose of his soul.

Bishop Thomas’s funeral will be on Tuesday 16 December at 11:30am at Brentwood Cathedral. Due to the large number of people attending, the Requiem Mass will be ticketed – each parish has been allocated two spaces. If you would like to go then please let Fr. Adrian know by Saturday 13 December (please email or phone our parish office) and two names will be selected at random. Please keep the soul of Bishop Thomas in your prayers.  

Thank you, Fr. Adrian

Bishop Thomas’s-RIP  Funeral

Please be advised that Bishop Thomas’s funeral on Tuesday 16 Dec at 11.30am will be livestreamed from the Cathedral:
 at: https://www.shealolin.co.uk/bishop-thomas                

Christmas Coffee Morning & Hamper Raffle  

Sunday 21st December 2025 at 12:00 Noon 

Join us for coffee & cake in the parish hall, for our annual Christmas Hamper Raffle.

Donation boxes are in the porch and by Father Adrian’s door — we’d love festive goodies like wine, biscuits, chocolates, jams, mince pies, or vouchers. Theatre and restaurant vouchers have been a lovely addition in past years. Raffle tickets will be on sale at weekend mass and online. 

All proceeds go back into our parish.
Thank you for your kind support. 

Christmas Nativity  We will be starting the Christmas Nativity rehearsals this weekend 7th December after the 11:00am mass in preparation for the 5:00pm Christmas Eve mass. Please note other the dates for the rehearsal’s will be the 14th  & 21st December again straight after the 11:00am mass. These generally last no longer than 30 minutes. Should you have any queries please contact us on 07946 138307 Sam & Danielle

Christmas Book Sponsorship Help 

Each Christmas, the children at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School receive a special book from Santa as a gift, that brings joy, warmth, and the spirit of Christmas. 

If you own a business and can help sponsor this year’s books, we would be truly grateful. It’s a meaningful way to support the children and share in the season of goodwill.

Please get in touch Committeesjfpta@gmail.com if you’re able to help. Thank you.

Lourdes With Our Diocese  Join Bishop Alan and pilgrims from across our diocese in Lourdes next summer: Friday 17th – Friday 24th July 2026. Booking details will be available in the new year.

Food Bank Donations

The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). We currently need toiletries. (deodorant, shower gel, soaps, shampoo etc.) Thank you very much for all your donations.

Baptisms

If you are parents of new infants and you wish to have your child baptised, please can you kindly contact your parish priest Fr Adrian Lowe 0208 5083492 as soon as possible regarding the Baptism of your child at St Edmund’s. For first time parents there is a Baptismal Programme run by Mrs Sharon Chalk. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 12.30pm.

Please Pray for those who are Sick  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, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes and all our loved ones who are unwell.

Sunday 21st December 2025 at 12:00 Noon

Join us for coffee & cake in the parish hall, for our annual Christmas Hamper Raffle.

Donation boxes are in the porch and by Father Adrian’s door — we’d love festive goodies like wine, biscuits, chocolates, jams, mince pies, or vouchers. Theatre and restaurant vouchers have been a lovely addition in past years. Raffle tickets will be on sale at weekend mass and online.

All proceeds go back into our parish.

Thank you for your kind support.