The God who speaks

Parish Webmaster • September 30, 2019

The Year of the God Who Speaks will be formally opened by Bishop Alan Williams

The Year of the God Who Speaks will be formally opened by Bishop Alan Williams sm on 12 October, at the first of a series of study days at Gidea Park. The Year marks the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Biblical Federation, the worldwide organisation set up after Vatican II to promote understanding and love of the Bible (www.c-b-f.org/ ) as well as the 1600th anniversary of the death of St Jerome, who produced the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible.


Fr Adrian Graffy, a Scripture scholar and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, is organising a range of events in our diocese for the special year. He says: “Everyone is welcome to come and learn more about the Bible and listen to our distinguished speakers, who include: Fr Nicholas King SJ (Campion Hall, Oxford), Prof Nuria Calduch Benages (Pontifical Biblical Institute, Pontifical Biblical Commission) and Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP (Blackfriars, Oxford). In the first study day – ‘Beginning with Genesis’ – I will be taking a fresh look at the stories of Adam and Eve, and the expulsion from the Garden of Eden.”

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION

By Webmaster • March 20, 2026
Wednesday, 29th April – Do this in memory of me - Children only in the Meeting Room 5.15 – 6.30pm. Sunday, 3rd May – 11.00am – Mass in the church [arrive in church by 10.45am].

GIFT AID ENVELOPES 2026/27

By Webmaster • March 20, 2026
These are available at the back of the church in alphabetical order by surname. If for any reason you no longer require envelopes [i.e. because you are now using the new Dona terminals and using the gift function] please hand them to me and they will be cancelled for next year. However, the boxes do have envelopes for the occasional special collections. Joining the scheme costs nothing as the parish simply claims back from the Inland Revenue the tax you pay on what you already give in the collection. If you would like to join the scheme please have a word with me after Mass.

MANDATUM [Washing of the feet]

By Webmaster • March 20, 2026
Maundy Thursday, 2nd April at 7.30pm. We need twelve volunteers (women & men) for this important ceremony. Please sign up on the list at the back of the church.

Good Friday Walk of Witness

By Webmaster • March 20, 2026
Good Friday meet at the magistrates’ court at 9.30am and walk to the square for the service.

Recollection For Women

By Webmaster • March 6, 2026
New location, new time. St Thersa's Church on Saturday, 21 st March, 12.30 to 2pm . The Recollection comprises of a priest led meditation, examination of conscience, rosary, opportunity for confession, spiritual reading, 2 nd meditation followed by benediction. Tea/coffee and biscuits after the Recollection. St Theresa's Church, Brook Road, Newbury Park, IG2 7JA

YOUTH HALL UPDATE

By Webmaster • March 6, 2026
Phase one of the repairs has now been completed. The tenders have gone out for phase two and the same company has been retained to finish the job. It has taken a long time to reach this stage but we are in the hands of the loss adjustor and the insurance company and cannot interfere in the process.

March- Children's colouring book

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026
View the March bulletin here

CAFOD

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026
CAFOD Family Fast Day Collection - 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 or call 0303 303 3030. Text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. Retiring collection after Mass this weekend.

February- Children's colouring book

By Webmaster • January 30, 2026
View the February bulletin here

Relics of St. Gerard Majella

By Webmaster • January 19, 2026
BRENTWOOD DIOCESE will be hosting the relics of St. Gerard Majella as part of the celebrations of his 300th anniversary. Dates are: - 19th January (Basildon); 21st January (Colchester); 22nd January (Walthamstow); 23rd January (Forest Gate). See Poster in Porch for further details.