Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

Our Christmas Bazaar is taking place next Saturday from 1pm. Please plan to come and support if you can. Once again, we must say a big “thank you” to all who have already generously donated items and cash. If you have not yet done so and would like to help, we still need the following items for the Stalls: Bottles, chocolates and chocolate bars, new toiletries, toys and games, unwanted or unused gifts. Please note that only items in unused condition should be donated. We would also be grateful for donations of books for the book stall. Please leave items in the designated area of the porch or with one of the stewards. We still have raffle tickets available in the porch for the main draw. Please be sure to return counterfoils ahead of the Bazaar. The Lucky Square draw and all other raffles will be drawn at the Bazaar. Funds raised from this year’s bazaar will be used to refurbish the toilets in the church porch and sacristy.

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Raffle Tickets for a marvellous Children’s Hamper are  still available this weekend, priced at £1 per strip

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Bishop Emeritus Thomas McMahon RIP. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop Emeritus of Brentwood Diocese, who died last Monday, 24th November. His body will be received into the Cathedral on Monday, 15th December where Vespers will be sung at 5 pm. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 16th at 11.30 am. Cardinal Nichols will preside. It will be livestreamed at: www.shealolin.co.uk/bishop-thomas / May he rest in peace.

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Second Collection for Lepra Next Weekend. Today 475 people will be diagnosed with leprosy, more than 25 of these will be children. For over 100 years Lepra’s research has led to new and innovative approaches to healthcare programmes. Lepra seeks to provide better detection, treatment and support mechanisms, to advocate for those without a voice, to challenge prejudice wherever it exists, to strengthen local health systems and to help provide sustainable healthcare in partnership with local communities for a future free from the terrible impact of this disease. With your help we can find, diagnose and treat more people affected by leprosy so that they will have a brighter future, full of hope.

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Eucharistic Ministers. Joan will be taking over the Eucharistic ministers rota in the new year. To assist with rota planning, she has prepared a preference form, which is available in the sacristy. Please take a moment to indicate your preferences on the form so that she can finalise the rota for distribution next month.

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Repository. We have a good selection of cards, Advent Calendars, candles, diaries, etc., for Christmas. Mass cards are also available if you wish to book a Mass as a Christmas gift. Weekly Missals ordered are now in stock. Please call in to see what is on offer.

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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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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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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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Divine Mercy Advent Reflection. To be held on Saturday, 20th December from 1:00pm - 4:30 pm at St Mary Mother of God, Hornchurch. The Retreat will include teachings on the Message of Mercy, Stations of the Cross, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All are welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.

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CAFOD World Gifts for Christmas and the New Year. If you are interested in supporting CAFOD and in this way of gifting, please take a catalogue from the porch.

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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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