St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Second Sunday of Advent

23rd to 27th February Weekday Masses Monday 9:30am,

Tuesday No Mass

Wednesday 9:00am

Thursday 9:00am

Friday 9:30am Mass & 7:30pm Stations of the Cross

LENT- Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm on 27th February 2026

Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Friday in Lent at a different time each week to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. Please think about coming to at least one of these, it is a chance to pray together with others this beautiful and ancient devotion.

Walk with me Books- A journey of prayer for Lent 2026 are available at the Repository at the back of the Church for cost £1.50. This is an amazing companion to help you through your Lent journey!

SPUC White Flower Appeal 2nd Collection This weekend will be a second collection for the SPUC. It exists to transform culture so that abortion is not only abolished but becomes unthinkable. The Society is actively leading the fight in courts, classrooms and culture to achieve this mission. Your support means everything to us. Please be as generous as you can to help SPUC at this critical time for our Country.

Confirmation 2026

The sacrament of Confirmation, receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their fullness, will be offered to young people aged 16 and over this year at Pentecost (24th May). If you are interested in taking this important step, please come to a meeting in the Church Hall after the

11:00am Mass on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Rachels Vineyard Lent Talk Wednesday 4 March 7:30-9:00pm by Rachel McKenzie, Director of Rachels Vineyard in Britain. Rachels Vineyard offers healing ministry retreats for those suffering from the trauma of abortion, or have been closely connected to anyone who is affected because they recognise how abortion impacts the wider family and community. Rachels Vineyard also supports those who have worked in the abortion industry and are now experiencing regret. The retreats offer unique sensory based treatment which integrates emotional, psychological, spiritual dimensions; group activity; all rooted in biblical principles. Rachels Vineyard unique programme provides a safe and effective recovery process for anyone suffering after an abortion experience, regardless of religious or personal views.

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be singing and playing at the 11:00am Mass on Sunday, 1st March

If any of our parishioners are interested in joining our happy group, please come to the Mass and you would be made most welcome! Thank you.

CAFOD Family Fast Day Collection Weekend of the 28th Feb & 1st March

Please take an envelope home to return next week.

This Lent, live out the Gospel call to love your neighbour. By fasting and giving what you save, you join in Christ’s compassion and help another family put food on the table. Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions-such as on flood-resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope to bless others with your support, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope.

SVP and CAFOD Work Experience

The St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD are working together to offer a week of free residential work experience for 20 young adults in England and Wales. The experience will run from 21st – 26th June in London. Candidates must be aged 18-25 years old, but priority will be given to those in their first or second year at university. Apply here Applications close on the 6th April. For any queries, please contact KeziaH@svp.org.uk

Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage

Would you like to join our Bishop and parishioners and clergy from around the diocese on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes this Summer? The dates are Friday 17th – Friday 24th July 2026. Please visit https://tangney-tours.com/brentwood for further information and to book, or contact Deirdre Pembroke, lourdes@brcdt.org if you have any questions. Paper booking forms to follow.

Kathleen Pampellonne’s Funeral Mass will be on 5 March 2026 at 11:00am.

We pray for the happy repose of her soul and all our beloved dead.

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, 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

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/

SENDI Teaching Assistant, P/T, Permanent, March 2026
Midday Supervisor – P/T, Fixed Term, March 2026

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

The 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.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

16th to 20th February Weekday Masses Monday 9:30am,

Tuesday No Mass,

Ash Wednesday 12:15pm & 7:30pm,

Thursday 9:30am,

Friday 9:30am Mass & 10:00am Stations of the Cross

LENT begins on 18 February with Ash Wednesday.

Masses will be at 12:15pm and 7:30pm – ashes will be imposed at both Masses.

On Friday 20 February, Stations of the Cross will be at 10:00am. Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Friday in Lent at a different time each week to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. Please think about coming to at least one of these, it is a chance to pray together with others this beautiful and ancient devotion.

Lourdes Fund Appeal 2nd Collection

This weekend 14th & 15th February we will have the annual collection for the Diocesan Lourdes Fund. This collection makes it possible for people to go on pilgrimage who would be unable to spend this time in Lourdes without the support from our team of doctors, nurses and helpers, or without financial assistance. Your support is much appreciated.

Note For Our Contemporary Music Group

We will next be singing and playing at the 11:00am Mass on Sunday, 1st March and holding a practice beforehand 7:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, 16th February ( please note that the practice is one week before our usual practice evening).

As always, it would be good to see as many of you as possible at the practice as well as the Mass itself- our informal and short rehearsal sessions really do make a difference!

If any of our parishioners are interested in joining our happy group, simply come to the practice if you can or the Mass and you would be made most welcome! Thank you.

SPUC White Flower Appeal 2nd Collection will be held the weekend of 21-22 February 2026. Please support their great mission.

Confirmation 2026

11:00am Mass on Sunday 1 March 2026.

Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage

SVP and CAFOD Work Experience

The Book of Genesis – Lenten talk

On Thursday 12th March at 7 p.m. in the hall at Christ the Eternal High Priest Catholic Church, 410 Brentwood Road, in Gidea Park (RM2 6DH) Fr Adrian Graffy will be giving a talk on the Book of Genesis, a book which in different ways figures prominently during Lent. The talk will be preceded by light refreshments from 6.30 p.m. This free, in-person event is also available via live stream at www.whatgoodnews.org

Food Bank Donations The box for food donations is in the parent and baby room (to the left as you enter the church). Thank you very much for your donations.

Please Pray for those who are Sick:

In Cases of Emergency

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/

SENDI Teaching Assistant, P/T, Permanent, March 2026

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

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time to First Sunday of Lent

Sunday 8th February

10:00am First Communion Class

3:00pm Divine Mercy Devotions – Join us in this beautiful prayer for 20 minutes

9th to 13th February Weekday Masses Monday 9:30am, Tuesday 9:30am,

Wednesday 9:00am, Thursday 9:30am, Friday No Mass

16th to 20th February Weekday Masses Monday 9:30am, Tuesday No Mass,

Ash Wednesday 12:15pm & 7:30pm, Thursday 9:30am,

Friday 9:30am Mass & 10:00am Stations of the Cross

Kathleen Pampellonne’s funeral Mass will be on 5 March at 11:00am.

We pray for the happy repose of her soul and all our beloved dead.

Lent begins on 18 February with Ash Wednesday.

Masses will be at 12:15pm and 7:30pm – ashes will be imposed at both Masses.

On Friday 20 February, Stations of the Cross will be at 10am. Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Friday in Lent at a different time each week to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. Please think about coming to at least one of these, it is a chance to pray together with others this beautiful and ancient devotion.

Lourdes Fund Appeal 2nd Collection The weekend of 14th & 15th February we will have the annual collection for the diocesan Lourdes Fund. This collection makes it possible for people to go on pilgrimage who would be unable to spend this time in Lourdes without support from our team of doctors, nurses and helpers, or without financial assistance.

Your support is much appreciated.

Christmas Raffle This year our Christmas raffle raised £2398.50. This money will go towards many of the important projects in the parish that we have been working on, like our new sound system which was installed before Christmas and the newly re-ordered confessional which was also completed last year. A sincere thank you to all who organized the raffle and coffee morning this year, those who donated gifts for the hampers and everyone who took part in any way and came along. Events like this support our parish, help our church and liturgy to be as beautiful as possible, and builds community with each other.

God bless and thank you again, Fr. Adrian

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

National Marriage Week from 7th-14th February

Please pray for all those living out the vocation to marriage and couples preparing to marry. Support is available for those who need it, and your parish priest can point you in the right direction. If you are celebrating a significant anniversary this year, please let your parish know so that you can be invited to the Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral on Saturday 11th July.

Marriage Care – marriage preparation and counselling https://www.marriagecare.org.uk/

Retrouvaille – a programme dedicated to healing and renewing marriages in difficulty. https://retrouvaille.org.uk/

Gift Aid Notice

Please 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:

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/

SENDI Teaching Assistant, P/T, Permanent, March 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

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

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Sunday of the Word of God

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

CAFOD

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.

Responding to Homelessness

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

Mason Family, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes,

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

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) Sunday of the Word of God

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

CAFOD

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.

Responding to Homelessness

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

Mason Family, Ben Lewis, Kathleen Pampellonne, Adam Piotrowski, Bernard Hughes,

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

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

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.

The Baptism of the Lord

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

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

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

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

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

The Baptism of the Lord

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

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

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 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 Stephen’s Day 26th December 2025

11:00am Mass (All Altar Servers Welcome)

New Year’s Day Thursday 1st January 2026

11:00am Mass