Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

Fr Kris and Fr Edward would like to thank all parishioners for their generous Easter Offering

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Divine Mercy Sunday: 12th April. St John Paul II designated the Second Sunday after Easter as “Divine Mercy Sunday.” The title is rooted in the apparitions of Sister Maria Faustina who lived from 1905 to 1938. Jesus revealed to her his great desire to show mercy to all humanity, a mercy especially tied to the traditional hour of his death, the three o’clock hour. St John Paul II desired to formally recognize elements of St. Faustina’s experience in the form of a plenary indulgence. The pope alone had the authority to do this. A plenary indulgence is a “full” remission of the punishment and suffering due to forgiven sin in the afterlife. The decree stated that the indulgence is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope) to the faithful who, on Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit completely detached from the affection for a sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, the Creed, the Chaplet to Divine Mercy and a prayer for the Pope shall receive a plenary indulgence. Accordingly, today there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our Church between 2.30-3.30pm. At 3pm we will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in different languages. Confession will be available.

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Mary’s Meals. There will be an appeal next weekend in support of Mary’s Meals.

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Gift Aid 2026-27. Please note that envelopes for the new financial year are now available for collection in the porch. If you are a tax-payer not yet enrolled in the Parish Gift Aid scheme, we would encourage you to consider joining, as this is a most effective way of donating. We are able to claim an additional 25% on these donations at no cost to you. We have sets of envelopes available for new joiners. Please see Anne Slorach or pass your details to any of the Priests.

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Revised Parish Mass Book. From the First Sunday of Pentecost we will need to have the next edition of new Mass Books in place. We are inviting parishioners to sponsor books – as we did last year – at the cost of £5 per book. We can accept donations from this weekend. Donors’ names will again be entered into each book sponsored. Once again, your continued support is very much appreciated as we continue to replace those books which have the old translation.

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Coffee Morning. Wednesday, after Rosary following Morning Mass. Please join us in the Meeting Room – all are welcome!

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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 23rd May 2026: Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood in 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. If you would like to come please speak to Fr Kris.

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The Legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi. As we mark 800 years since the death of St Francis (3rd October 1226), Fr Alban McCoy OFM Con will speak about how Francis changed the Church of his day, and can help us to renew the Church in our own times. The event will take place in the hall at the Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park (RM2 6DH) from 11am until 1pm on Saturday 2nd May. Refreshments available from 10.30. Everyone is welcome to this free event, which is also available by live stream on www.whatgoodnews.org / No booking necessary.

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A Day With Mary Pilgrimages. Pilgrimage to Fatima (8th July to 15th July 2026): Closing date 28th April 2026 / Pilgrimage to Italy (1st September to 10th September 2026): Closing date 23rd June 2026. Further information is available at: https://www.adaywithmary.org/

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Maranatha. The next session of Maranatha will be in the parish of St. Thomas of Canterbury, 16 East Thurrock Road, Grays, RM17 6SR on Thursday 16th April at 7pm Led by Fr. Paschal Uche.  Join us for a joyful evening of praise and worship followed by Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  Everyone is welcome.  There will be refreshments afterwards.

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The Campion School. Would like to warmly invite parents/carers and year 5 boys to an Open Evening on Thursday, 25th June from 4.30 pm to 7 pm. The Headteacher's talk will be at 4.30 pm and repeated at 6.30 pm. Please visit the school website for more details: www.thecampionschool.org.uk

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Side Chapel. We are very fortunate to have a Chapel so close to the Sanctuary, which provides a unique view of the liturgy. If your young child becomes restless during Mass, you are encouraged to avail of the Side Chapel where you may find it easier to calm them.

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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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