Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

A New Year’s Blessing From Your Priests. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.

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Holy Day of Obligation. This Tuesday, 6th January, is designated as a Holy Day of Obligation marking the Epiphany of the Lord. Accordingly, Mass will be celebrated at: 8:30am; 9:30am (School Mass); 6:00pm; 7:00pm (Mass in Polish)

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Eucharistic Ministers/Lectors. Please note that the new rota is available in the Sacristy and on the Parish Website.

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Margaret Keating RIP. The family of Margaret Keating – a longstanding parishioner until recent years – have advised that sadly Margaret passed away last Tuesday. Details of funeral arrangements to follow in due course.

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Offertory. If you have arranged for a weekend Mass and would like to present the gifts at the offertory, please speak to one of the stewards before Mass.

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Meetings. Finance Committee: 7:00pm on Monday 19th January / Parish Council: 7:30pm on Monday 19th January. The Parish Council meeting will discuss the Bazaar and all interested parishioners – particularly stall-holders – are encouraged to attend to provide input.

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Confirmation Retreat. Takes place at Walsingham House on Saturday 10th January. Please bring a packed lunch!

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La Salette Primary School is seeking to appoint a maternity cover teacher and a midday assistant. The positions are listed on Havering JobsGoPublic, or contact the school office for more information.

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Hornchurch is seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Head Teacher from April 2026. Closing date: Friday 9th January 2026 at 5pm. Interview Date: Friday 23rd January 2026. Enquiries: email admin@stmcps.co.uk, or phone 01708 448430.

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Applications for Reception Class 2026 at La Salette School. For all families whose child is due to start school in September 2026, a reminder that applications must be submitted by 15th January.

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St Francis Hospice – Christmas Tree Recycling. If you have a real Christmas tree and wish to recycle it while helping the hospice, please register by tomorrow 5th January 2026. For a voluntary donation, our team of collectors will be out between 8th – 11th January. All you need to do is leave your tree outside your home between these dates. To register and donate go to: www.sfh.org.uk/recycle-your-christmas-tree.

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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 – further information can be found on the website.

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Used Stamps – St Francis Hospice. Please keep any stamps from cards you have received through the post and bring them for St. Francis Hospice. There is a box for them in the porch. If you could kindly trim an inch or so around the stamp that would be greatly appreciated.

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Mass Intentions. There are a number of opportunities to request a Mass Intention on weekdays and Sundays in the coming weeks. Please speak to any of the Priests to arrange for a Mass intention.

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Support our parish youth online. Visit our ‘shop’ to donate. We don’t sell or ship anything. After choosing the amount, click “personal collection” in the basket. Then pay to transfer your donation to our youth fund. Visit <THIS LINK>. Thanks for investing in our parish’s future.

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Join Our Chess Classes! Elite Chess Academy invites children aged 4-16 and adults to join our chess classes. It’s a great opportunity to learn chess, develop logical thinking, and have fun! Classes are held on Mondays and Saturdays. If you’re interested, please contact us: contact@elitechessacademy.co.uk 🖥️ www.elitechessacademy.co.uk 📞 07858975335

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Offertory Collection. Please help us to minimise cash handling by setting up a standing order. Forms are available in the porch. Please also consider Gift Aiding your offering if you are a taxpayer. Non-Gift Aid donations can also be made using your contactless card on the machine in the porch.

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REGISTERING AT THE PARISH: It’s always important to have details of all of our parishioners. There are Parish Registration Forms in the Porch of the Church. Please complete and return to the Presbytery.

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Please pray for the Sick members of our Parish, at home or in hospital: Derek Capon, David Kowalski, Sheila Miller. May they feel the presence of the Lord with them at all times.

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Visiting the Sick. Visits take place on the first Friday of each month. If you, or a member of your family, would like a visit, we are happy to arrange this. Please let one of our priests know.

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