Ingatestone Parish of St John the Evangelist & St Erconwald
News
Parish AGM
7th Jul 2018
Parish AGM will be on Sunday 18th November immediately after 11.00am Mass. Please keep this date free.
Feedback to diocesan letter
7th Jul 2018
Dear Parishioners - Please see below two paragraphs from the diocesan letter relating to our feedback to the renewal and restructuring agenda. The full letter sent to all parishes, giving feedback and sharing next steps, will be posted on the parish website as soon as we can make that possible. A hard copy will be available for parishioners to view at the back of the church. We are planning on using one of the church noticeboards to display communications from the diocese, parish council minutes and any communications and posters the stewards of the gospel receive. This will enable those without internet access to be kept informed and to hopefully get involved. You are most welcome to approach Father Anthony, myself, Patricia Barry, Ross Townsend or David Berry if you have any questions about the diocesan renewal and restructuring agenda. God Bless, Jan Myers Chair of the PPC
Issues specific to our Parish:
We have noted your enthusiasm for Renewal and your concern to “catch them young”. That is clearly a sound principle and please do not think that the use of the relationship between parishes, hospital and secondary schools in any way suggest we undervalue the importance of the primary level. Far from it.
We have interested by your comments about the proposal to link small rural parishes. While it is not the case that no consideration was given to the things you list we have taken heed of your comments. I am afraid that we can already say that it is unlikely that your preferred link with the Cathedral will come about but a refined linking with other parishes may be possible more along the lines you have suggested.
Summer BBQ was a roaring success!
1st Jul 2018
Thank you to everyone who helped support our annual BBQ last weekend and also those that helped out, especially the cooks who had to grill in the barmy heat! We managed to raise £299 for the Church.
Social Theology on Tap Sessions (SToTS)
1st Jul 2018
The first session will be on Wednesday 18th July 7.30pm at The Cricketers, Fryerning. Please share this information with those who come to our parish for Masses. Everyone is welcome. We pray together in Church and we also balance at play to keep the ‘spirits’ high. Looking forward to seeing many of you party animals then.
Pastoral Visits
1st Jul 2018
There are many new faces and families at Masses over the past weeks. If you and your family have just moved to the area, please register and fill out a pastoral visit form and we can arrange a visit and have your new home blessed. If you are an old boy/girl in the parish and want to help me avoid idleness, please arrange for a pastoral visit too.
Greta Boons RIP
1st Jul 2018
Greta’s funeral will be on Friday 20th July at Bentley Crematorium at 10.30am, immediately followed by Memorial Mass at 11.30am in our Parish Church.
Peter’s Pence
1st Jul 2018
This weekend there will be a retiring collection for Peter’s Pence. Your offerings to the Holy Father are destined to Church needs, to humanitarian initiatives and social promotion projects, as well as to the support of the Holy See. The Pope, being Pastor of the whole Church, is attentive to the material needs of poor dioceses, religious institutes and of faithful in grave difficulties (the poor, children, the elderly, those marginalised and the victims of war or natural disasters; concrete aid to Bishops or dioceses in need, Catholic education, assistance to refugees and immigrants, etc.).
Ingatestone 100 Club
24th Jun 2018
Subscription form for the year 2018/19 is available on the table at the back of the Church. Please complete the subscription form as soon as possible.
Fire Marshall Training
17th Jun 2018
This free course will be held on Tuesday 3rd July 7.30 p.m. at Billericay Parish. Attendance is compulsory for all those who volunteered to be Fire Marshalls. Please contact Trevor Rhodes 079688 68357 to book your place before 26th June.
Day for Life
17th Jun 2018
Day for Life is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition. The Church teaches that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death. This year’s Day for Life is celebrated on Sunday, 17 June 2018 and there will be a retiring collection for this worthy cause.
Day for Life is celebrated annually by the Catholic Church in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The proceeds of the Day for Life collection to be held in parishes in England and Wales assists the work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other life-related activities supported by the Church.
Prayer for Day for Life We pray for the victims of human trafficking that they may be helped to rebuild their lives after the traumatic experiences they have gone through. AMEN
Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018
10th Jun 2018
If you have any Intentions/Petitions for Fr. Anthony to take to Our Lady’s Shrine in Lourdes in July please place them in an envelope marked ‘Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018’ and hand to Fr. Anthony or post in the green letterbox no later than Sunday 22nd July.
London Marathon 2018 - WELL DONE PHILIPPA
6th May 2018
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the parishioners who kindly sponsored me to run the London Marathon. As it was the hottest to date, I was a lot slower than I’d hoped for but managed to get round in 5 hours 29 mins. I have subsequently raised in the region of £2,000 for Dementia UK and will be collecting any outstanding money over the next few weeks or if people prefer they can donate online via my Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Philippa-Webb
WELL DONE PHILIPPA!
Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2018
5th May 2018
Patrick Bourbery will be representing our Parish and working with BCYS assisting sick pilgrims. He is trying to raise funds for his fare and if you would like to sponsor his pilgrimage. Kindly send your donation to Fr. Anthony marking envelope ‘Patrick’s Lourdes Pilgrimage’. Many thanks.
Parish Maintenance Fund
15th Apr 2018
There is a container at the back of the Church if you would like to contribute to this Fund. If you are in the gift aid scheme please make sure you use your gift aid envelope which is in your gift aid pack of envelopes. This is a monthly contribution. Please do not put empty gift aid envelopes in the offertory collection.
Sponsor a Rose Bush
15th Apr 2018
You may have noticed that the ground has been cleared along the pavement and behind the bench as we are hoping to plant rose bushes each side of the entrance to the church grounds. If you would like to sponsor a rose bush or two the cost is £20 per bush. Please complete a ‘Sponsor a Rose Bush’ form at the back of the Church.
Office of the Hours (Easter Triduum)
24th Mar 2018
Parishioners are encouraged to come for Night Prayer at 11.45pm on Holy Thursday after Keeping Watch and then to come for Morning Prayer on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday at 9.30am.
Good Friday is a day of Fasting and Abstinence
24th Mar 2018
All able bodied children and adults under the age of 65 must Fast on Good Friday.
Parish Quiz Night
18th Mar 2018
Thanks to everyone who came and supported the Quiz Night on Friday which raised £500 for our Parish. Congratulations to the winning team, who were made up the Sankeys', the O'Connors' and Anne Bryne, who not only won the main quiz with a score of 74.5/90 but also the marathon round!
It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all so particular thanks go to Liz and Richard Higgins for organising their 14th Parish Quiz, Jane who booked the hall and made teas throughout and Joan Gibson who put together the prizes and helped organise the raffle with Jane.
Baptismal Certificates required
18th Mar 2018
Would all parents whose children were baptised between May 2007 and August 2016 please let me have a copy of their child’s Baptismal Certificate. If you have mislaid the Certificate please write a letter stating the full name of your child(ren), date of birth, date of baptism, names of Godparents and officiating minister.
Please let me have this information before Monday 30thApril.
Our Baptismal Register is missing and under Canon Law I need to enter this information into a new Register. Many thanks for your kind co-operation and apologies for any inconvenience caused. Fr. Anthony
Church Cleaning for Easter
17th Mar 2018
On Thursday 29th March 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon come and spring clean the Church for Easter. There will be coffee, tea and hot cross buns. Many hands make light work so please come along if you can. All welcome.
Easter Raffle Tickets
17th Mar 2018
The ICW are selling Easter raffle tickets. First prize a large chocolate Easter egg; tickets will be on sale after Masses, until the draw, which will take place on the 25 March. Please do support us in our fundraising as proceeds go to Church funds.
Thank you very much for your support for last weekend’s cake sale.
Thank you very much for your support for last weekend’s cake sale.
Easter Flowers
17th Mar 2018
There will be a collection for flowers to decorate our Church during Easter next weekend. There are envelopes at the back of the Church and if you have a gift aid number please include it on the envelope. Thank you.
Grass Cutting
16th Mar 2018
Can you offer some time once a month to cut the grass around the Church and garden. Please contact Fr. Anthony if you can help. Thank you.
First Children's Mass of 2018
11th Mar 2018
The children enjoyed taking part in the first Children's Mass of 2018, helping out with the readings, bidding prayers, collection and offertory procession. Congratulations to all the children that took part.
If your child would like to take part in the next mass on 25th March, please contact Helen Walsh or Patricia Barry and let them know your child's name, age and what they might prefer to do.
Bishop Alan goes #SiLent!
10th Mar 2018
For 12 hours, from 8am to 8pm, on Tuesday 27th March, the Tuesday of Holy Week, Bishop Alan will be completely silent (except for occasional communication with his cat, Delia). This is part of a national initiative, “Million Minutes,” adopted this year by the BCYS, to encourage all of us to (re)discover the peace, tranquility and value of silence: within the stillness, God speaks. Every minute of silence can also be sponsored, raising money for projects led by young people in our Diocese.
For more details, and all the resources, www.millionminutes.org/Brentwood https://be.wonderful.org/bishop.alan/2018/staysilent
To sponsor Bishop Alan and to find out more about all our opportunities for young people go to www.bcys.net
Empowering Vulnerable Children ( EVC ) Uganda Appeal 10 / 11 March 2018
3rd Mar 2018
Next weekend there will be a collection for this that works with some of the poorest children in the world in order to take them out of hopeless poverty and provide them with real hope for the future through education. On the weekend of 10 and 11 March Judi Fawcett, a Trustee, will talk briefly after all the Masses about the work.
Please look at their website at www.evcuganda.org
Sunday Children’s Masses
1st Mar 2018
Fr. Anthony will focus the Readings and his Homily on children and their families. These liturgies will be celebrated at 11.am on 25th March Palm Sunday Procession (please assemble in the car park by 10.45am weather permitting), 13th May, 8th July, 30th September, 25th November Youth Sunday.
The Season of Lent
28th Feb 2018
The Season of Lent began last Wednesday and Fr. Anthony will be leading faith and scripture sharing and Lenten Catechesis on Fridays: 2nd March, 9th March and 23rd March 7.30 - 9.00pm in the Parish Room. The sign-up sheet is available at the back of the Church.
Women’s World Day of Prayer
22nd Feb 2018
Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday 2nd March at 10.00 a.m. at St. Edmund and St. Mary’s Church. All are welcome including men, and refreshments will be served. Surinam is the country represented this year.
JONNIERCON’VIVIA
20th Feb 2018
Chinese New Year celebrations last week went well and everyone had a
great time. The raffle raised £186 for parish funds. Thank you for coming along. Our next social
meal to celebrate Pentecost will be on Thursday, 24th May.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 26th May 2018
18th Feb 2018
Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in Walsingham as we honour Our Lady of Walsingham. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica before walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey to celebrate Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House. Let Fr. Anthony know if you are interested in going. See poster at back of Church.
First Holy Communion
18th Feb 2018
The next session is Saturday 24th February 9.00 – 10.30am. Children must attend this session but not parents. Session 9, Saturday 10th March – Mothering Sunday celebration (parents and child must attend).
siLENT from Million Minutes In the Diocese of Brentwood
16th Feb 2018
You are reminded that we should strictly observe silence in the Church, not just during Lent, but before and after all Masses in our Parish Church. Please visit the website www.millionminutes.org/brentwood to stay silent - get sponsored and raise money to celebrate young children which gives grants to support them to change their lives and their world. Million Minutes supported ‘Field of Dreams’ in Basildon, a holiday programme run by volunteers from BCYS.
Steward's of the Gospel recent questionnaire
11th Feb 2018
The Committee would like to thank everyone for participating in the recent questionnaire.
The Stewards of the Gospel have collated the information received and will be reporting at the
Diocese meeting on 24th February.
The Mass Explained
10th Feb 2018
Bishop Thomas will give a talk in the Conference Room, Cathedral House, Brentwood on 10th February at 10.30am. The talk will give something of the history and meaning of the different parts of the Mass to help us to a greater understanding of our Sunday celebration.
SiLent - an evening for young people at Brentwood Cathedral
3rd Feb 2018
An evening for young people aged 14-25, with Barry and Margaret Mizen speaking at 6.30pm, then the BCYS monthly Youth Mass at 8.00pm. Come and hear a story of amazing forgiveness and hope. Come and be introduced to SiLent. Come and enjoy the company of young people from across the Diocese. Pizza and drinks provided. If you are bringing a group please email gabriellafusi@dioceseofbrentwood.org. If you want to know more about SiLent please visit www.millionminutes.org/brentwood
Racial Justice Sunday
26th Jan 2018
This weekend there will be a retiring collection for Racial Justice Sunday.
Peace Sunday
11th Jan 2018
There will be a retiring collection this weekend for Pax Christi. In his 2017 World Peace Day message Pope Francis reminded us that we are all artisans for peace with others through simple actions sustained by prayer. Over the past year Pax Christi has seen an increased demand for its wide ranging advocacy and campaigning resources.
JONNIERCON’VIVIA
7th Jan 2018
The first of our three social meals will be held on Thursday 8th February at Izumi in Warley at 7.30pm to celebrate Chinese New Year of the Dog Reunion Dinner. There is a sign-up sheet at the back of the Church – closing date for signing up is Sunday 4th February.
BCCS Crib Donations
7th Jan 2018
The proceeds of the Crib Collection are donated each year to the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society to support those children and families who need their help. We would like to ask you to take a moment to pray for those children and families for whom Christmas may be a difficult time. On behalf of the trustees, staff and the children and families who we are privileged to help, we thank you for your support and wish you a very Happy New Year. The Crib this year will again be displayed until 2nd February.
Friars of the Renewals
26th Nov 2017
During Advent we will be collecting the following items for those less fortunate than ourselves: Clothing (dark items), pants, vests, T-shirts , trousers and track suits, socks, Beany hats, gloves, scarves, jumpers and heavy jacket. Foodstuffs: sugar, instant coffee, canned chopped tomatoes, squash (orange, lemon, and blackcurrant) onion and garlic. Household items: toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, cling film, foil, heavy duty bin bags, orange recycling bags, disposable gloves and toilet cleaning items. All items will be collected until w/e 17th December.
Ride And Stride Ingatestone 2017
15th Nov 2017
We have received a cheque for £535 from the Friends of Essex Churches. This is half the total collected and will go to parish funds. The organiser’s comment was ‘Congratulations on another fine effort.’ Fr. Anthony and I would like to reinforce this and thanks again all the Riders, Striders and those who welcome visitors to both the Almshouses and St. John’s and a huge thankyou to the sponsors. Helen
Animal Blessing 2017
8th Oct 2017
All creatures great and small were blessed on Sunday 8th October at St John the Evangelist and St Erconwald Catholic Church by Father Anthony Cho as part of the celebration to commemorate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, who is the Patron Saint of ecology and creation.
Cats, dogs and 'Doogle' the hamster gathered to mark the love and companionship which the Ingatestone community have for their beloved pets. Father Anthony's two black "boradores" Raffles and Oreo, who have white 'dog collar" markings on their chest were also blessed.
Ftr Anthony said at the pet's blessing service that "We praise and thank God for our pets who provide much joy and all animals should be treated with the utmost respect".
Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
24th Sep 2017
The following parishioners have been trained and commissioned by Fr. Anthony as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They have received spiritual, theological and practical preparation to fulfil this ministry in the Parish of Ingatestone and Bishop Alan has officially given them faculties for the next five years as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
David Pearce, Augusta Udo, Barbara Appleby, Michael Falcone, John Codling, Patrick Hinchin, Rosemary Toye, Helen Shaw, Beryl O’Brien, Georgina Townsend, Lucy Jack, Darryl Sankey, Aileen Donnelly, Jacinta Whitfield, Ross Townsend, Patricia Barry, Imelda Bevans, Rachel Grainger, Merryl Gargan, Tony Townsend, Davina Bolt and Anne Byrne.
Stewards of the Gospel
7th Sep 2017
The next important stage of the Stewards of the Gospel discernment process is upon us! A document setting out a vision and strategy to take our diocese forward was published at http://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/news/
There are two hard copies of the document at the back of the Church. Please return if you take away to read so others have the chance to look at the document.
Good Friday Walk of Witness
19th Apr 2017
Over 50 people from the four village churches took part in the walk of witness on Good Friday after Stations of the Cross as St John's. Some of our wonderful young people helped to carry the cross as we walked up to the Anglican Parish Church stopping at the Elim and URC churches for prayer on the way.
ICW Supports Local Charity- Kids Inspire
21st Feb 2017
The ICW holds a variety of fund raising events throughout the year donating proceeds to Church funds. Each year the ladies also select a worthy cause from the local area to whom they make a smaller contribution. This year’s chosen charity is Kids Inspire: http://kidsinspire.org.uk.
Kids Inspire support young people across Essex who are at an educational, social or economic disadvantage, for example, they might be experiencing relationship abuse, anxiety or be subject to bullying. The Charity mainly supports those recovering from trauma or dealing with emerging mental health issues. Their goal is to ensure no child is left without the love, support and healing they need to live full and happy lives.
We were moved to hear the stories of neglect, suffering and deprivation and delighted to be able to support the work done by Kids Inspire who achieve such remarkable results.
Pictured, Chairwoman Sue Parulis, together with members of the ICW, hands over a cheque for £200 to Kids Inspires’ Paula Ashfield.
Kids Inspire support young people across Essex who are at an educational, social or economic disadvantage, for example, they might be experiencing relationship abuse, anxiety or be subject to bullying. The Charity mainly supports those recovering from trauma or dealing with emerging mental health issues. Their goal is to ensure no child is left without the love, support and healing they need to live full and happy lives.
We were moved to hear the stories of neglect, suffering and deprivation and delighted to be able to support the work done by Kids Inspire who achieve such remarkable results.
Pictured, Chairwoman Sue Parulis, together with members of the ICW, hands over a cheque for £200 to Kids Inspires’ Paula Ashfield.
Parish Dinner - Lunar New Year: 25-January 2017
25th Jan 2017
43 parishioners were delighted to join Fr Anthony in celebrating the Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner at Izumi on Wednesday 25 January. Fr Anthony was going home for a visit and wanted to celebrate with us before he left. We all learnt something new; whether it was chatting to a parishioner we hadn’t previously spoken to or listening to Fr Anthony explain the tradition of giving red envelopes – these are usually given with money in them but Fr Anthony’s gift to us were red envelopes containing all a list of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Further photos of this wonderful event can be seen on the Gallery Page.
Recent Baptisms
15th Jan 2017
Sienna, Bernie & Joseph - 3 of the newest members of our parish. These infants were baptised on 7th & 8th January 2017. They were presented to the rest of our congregation and they also received their baptism certificates on the 15th January at the 11am mass.
Steward of the Gospel Meeting for Youth - Cancelled
12th Jan 2017
The 12th January Steward of the Gospel Meeting for Youth has been cancelled due to snow making it dangerous for everyone to travel to. A new meeting date will be arranged shortly.
Art Competition
24th Dec 2016
Our Children have taken part in an art competition to depict what Advent and Christmas mean to them and their families. Their wonderful creations can be seen here and prizes will be given at the First Mass of Christmas on 24-Dec (6pm).
St John’s ICW Grand Christmas Draw
11th Dec 2016
The annual ICW Christmas raffle draw took place after 11am Mass on Rejoice Sunday (11-December) whilst supporting parishioners enjoyed tea and cake provided by the Children’s Liturgy Group. Our Pastoral Assistant John McCormack drew the raffle and the lucky winners of the top five prizes were as follows:
- £500 Cash: Lucy Jack
- Dinner for Two at the Cuckoo: Margaret Planel
- Luxury M&S Hamper: Pat Chandler
- M&S Hamper: Margaret Wood
- Citizen Watch: D Wood
A huge thanks goes to the ICW for their hard work in organising this vital fundraising initiative. An amazing and much needed £1450 was raised for Parish funds!
