Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

WEEKDAY TIMES 19th OCTOBER- 23rd OCTOBER  2026

 26th     October   Monday           9:30am  Morning Mass

 26th     October   Monday          12:30pm Funeral Service-Mr Shaun Marchant-RIP ✞

 27th     October   Tuesday          No Morning Mass

 26th     October   Wednesday     9:30am Service of the Word and Holy Communion

 27th     October   Thursday        9:30am Mass

 28th     October    Friday            9:30am Mass

Children’s Liturgy Volunteers Needed

We are looking for volunteers to join the children’s Liturgy group. 

We are groups of mums, who take it in turns to lead the children’s sessions at 11am mass on Sundays. Several pairs have had to step down, as our children are older and now have other commitments. 

We work in pairs, and any volunteers will be added to an existing pair while they learn the ropes. 

If you are interested, or have any questions please get in touch with either Sam 07946 138307 or Danielle 07725646861 

The Call to Be Human

 Is love all you need? A talk to be given by Fr Martin Boland. Wednesday 28th October 7.00 – 8.00 p.m. in the parish centre of Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead. All welcome.www.ourladyoflourdes.com

Contemporary Music Group

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

There will be a practice on Monday 26th October from 7-8pm in the choir loft. 

We welcome new singers or musicians who may consider joining our group -simply come along!

SVP Community Cuppa 

All are welcome! The St Edmunds SVP Group warmly invites you to join us for a cup of tea or coffee at our new SVP Community Cuppa. Our first gathering will be on 

Saturday 7th November, from 10am in St Edmunds Church Hall

Some months will feature a specific theme whilst others will be just a social cuppa. 

Our first theme will be Technology Life Skills, offering an opportunity to learn foundational skills in email, apps, social media, for those who find it a bit of a challenge.

Please come along and bring your parents, friends or anyone who would enjoy a warm welcome and a friendly cuppa. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact Shaun de Souza Brady or Father Adrian  0208 5083492.

Abortion Time Reduction

Please petition the Prime Minister to reduce the abortion time limit. Recent abortion figures show abortion numbers in Britain  stand at 300, 000 for ONE year, 2023. It only takes 30 seconds to sign the petition using this simple tool https://righttolife.org.uk/prw2

Please share this with a friend, and please keep this intention in your prayers. Thank you.

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.

Anniversary Witness of 1967 Abortion Act 

 Please join the MARCH4LIFE witness on Tuesday 27 October between 12-2 pm in Parliament Square. Bring a friend. Please keep this important event in your prayers. Thank you.

A Celtic Christmas – A Performance of Music and Wonder

Join soprano Caitlin Downie on 6 December at Redbridge Drama Centre for a beautiful celebration of Celtic Christmas music. Through cherished carols, traditional instruments and exquisite harmonies, let yourself be drawn into the wonder and mystery of Christ’s birth. Staged by candlelight, this uplifting concert evokes the peace, hope and joy of the Nativity, inviting us to pause amid the hectic pace of December and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

A heartwarming musical experience for the whole family, celebrating the timeless beauty of Christmas and the light of Christ shining in our world.

Performances are at 2:30pm and 6pm on 6 December 2026. 

Bookings can be made here:  https://caitlindownie.com/a-celtic-christmas#upcoming

First Holy Communion Preparation – Important Dates

Preparing for First Holy Communion is a very special part of a child’s journey of faith. As the children get ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we trust that the Lord will help them grow in their love for him and discover more deeply the joy of having him as their friend.

We look forward to sharing this journey with the children and their families.

Please keep the following dates in your diary

  • Wednesday 18 November, 7.30 pm – Parents’ Evening
  • Sunday 22 November, 10.00 am – Who Do You Say I Am?
  • Sunday 13 December, 10.00 am – I Am the Good Shepherd
  • Sunday 17 January, 10.00 am – I Am the Light of the World
  • Sunday 7 February, 10.00 am – I Am the Vine
  • Sunday 14 March, 10.00 am – I Am the Resurrection and the Life
  • Saturday 17 April, 10.00 am – Mass in the Woods
  • Sunday 25 April, 10.00 am – I Am the Bread of Life
  • Saturday 15 May, 11.00 am – Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

First Holy Communion Masses

  • Saturday 22 May, 12 noon
  • Sunday 23 May, 1.00 pm
  • Sunday 30 May, 11.00am Thanksgiving and Going Forth Mass

A gentle note for parents: We kindly ask parents to attend the Parents’ Evening on 18 November, as this is an essential part of the preparation programme. We also ask that children attend all the preparation classes, as each session helps them to grow in their faith and deepen their friendship with Jesus.

We encourage all parents to bring their children to Sunday Mass every week from now on. Coming to Mass together is a wonderful way to help children grow in their faith and feel part of our parish family as they prepare to receive Jesus in Holy Communion.

Thank you for your support and for walking alongside your child on this important journey of faith. 

A list of the sick and housebound can be found on the outside noticeboard of the church.

If you would like your child to make their First Holy Communion at a different parish Sunday Mass from the dates listed above, please speak with Fr Adrian.

Please keep all the children and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this very special moment in their lives.

Job Vacancies

PA to the Parish Priest- Our Lady of Lourdes- Wanstead

A vacancy has arisen for a PA to the Parish Priest.

To role is to provide administrative support to the Parish Priest by implementing and maintaining office systems, processes and procedures and delivering a welcoming, appropriate service to those making enquiries or attending the parish office. 

All applicants should have good administrative, social and technical skills.

The post will be part-time working 30 hours per week – (working pattern tbc).

The salary is £15.45 per hour

The closing date for applications is 10th November 2026, and suitable applicants will be invited to attend an interview on 18th November.

If you have any queries or if you would like to apply, please send your CV to wanstead@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 Phone: 01992 572516, 

or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green Phone: 020 8504 1688.