Please pray for the response of the soul of Peter Wright who died last Monday. We keep his family in our prayers as well.
First Holy Communion Programme Registration Forms
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. 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).
Registration forms for First Holy Communion are now available with a closing date of 30 September 2025 for children in year 4 and above (minimum age 8). Please take a form and return it to the parish office by this date. There will be a meeting for parents in November, and the formation sessions will start in Advent. Please be ready to provide a copy of your child’s baptism certificate with your form.
We are looking forward to the programme this year and to helping guide our young people in their relationship with the Lord. As a preparation over the coming months, you may wish to start to speak with your children about Jesus’s presence in the Eucharist and begin to share your own stories and memories of your First Holy Communion. You could also speak with them about what the Eucharist means to you today.
If you have any questions, then please contact Fr. Adrian.
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London
We are holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kent on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August 2025 from 10:30 am to 4pm.The reflection day will include teachings on the Message of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus.
All welcome. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
Coaches from Ealing Broadway and Victoria.
March For Life
SATURDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2025
Please witness for life from conception to natural death and join us at Marsham Street SW1P 3NT (by Westminster Abbey. The event starts at 10:00am with a 10:30am Mass in Westminster Cathedral. The March starts at 2:00pm.
Celebrating Vatican II
As the sixtieth anniversary of the conclusion of Vatican II approaches Fr Adrian Graffy will lead a study day entitled ‘Vatican II and its Popes’.
The event will take place at the Catholic parish of Christ the Eternal High Priest in Gidea Park (RM2 6DH) on Saturday 20th September from 10.30. Entrance is free, and a recording of the talk will be available subsequently on www.whatgoodnews.org
Brentwood Catholic Youth Service – Youth Gather, 25th – 26th October
Youth Gather is a weekend of faith, fun and friendship – with speakers, workshops, prayer and outdoor activities, meeting friends old and new, and all while sharing in and celebrating our Catholic faith. There will be coaches offering transport from around the Diocese included in the cost, as well as all meals, cabin accommodation and activities. This event is for year 9 and above. Apply now at www.bcys.net/events
Baptisms
The Church has always advocated that infants should be baptised as soon as possible after birth. 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.
Food Bank Donations
Over the summer when all children stay at home, the costs of food are felt even more by families that are just about managing, or for those that work, the continuing need of childcare with the costs incurred. Many rely on Free School Meals during term time and are left without anything in the holidays- a stark reality that many families rely on those meals for their children’s main meal of the day. 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 all your donations.
Many parents enjoy using the room at the back of the church if children become restless. There are toys and children’s books to keep children occupied as well as a speaker so that the Mass can still be heard and followed.
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, Ian Johnson
and all our loved ones who are unwell.
ST EDMUNDS of CANTERBURY CATHOLIC PARISH (Financial Accounts Summary for Fiscal Year 2023 to 2024)
Overall, the parish statement of income and expenditure for the financial year ended 2023-2024 showed a deficit of £1.3k, which is a significant improvement on the previous year deficit of £60.4k [which, of course, included some significant exceptional repair costs to the Church]. The target for the current financial year 2024-2025 is to achieve a positive surplus of £25.4k.
The parish income including second collections for 2023-2024 [£157k] was broadly in line with the previous year [£164k] and is expected to increase to over £200k for the current year. This is mainly attributed to an increase in the gift aid monies of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, which are expected to be received in this current year collectively, and a 3% increase in the offertory collection channels.
Budgeted Expenditure has increased in total from £158k to £176k for the year 2023-2024. The reason for the increase are extraordinary costs such as ordination costs.
Note that in the previous financial year 2023-2024, we had a fire audit and a health and safety audit, which have led to the expected additional repair costs in the 2024-2025 financial year. We can confirm at this stage of the current financial year that, except for the fire audit, all recommendations have been implemented, accounted for and passed on re-inspection.
For queries or questions about the accounts, please contact loughton@brcdt.org
John Fitzmaurice, Chairperson Parish Finance Group