Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

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

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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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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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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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Brentwood Catholic Youth Service – Upcoming Events / Monthly Youth Mass: 5th February 2026 - Less than 2 weeks before we begin the season of Lent, the SVP will join us to help us begin to think, reflect and prepare with their new resources. / 5th March 2026 - Join us for Stations of the Cross during Lent – a simple, meaningful way to slow down, reflect, and journey with Jesus through real-life struggles and hope.

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Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage (18-25 Jul 2026). Applications are open online for this years’ Lourdes pilgrimage for those in year 10 and above. You can find all information and the link to apply at: www.bcys.net / As always, there is funding available for which we can provide advice and support. We hope to have as many different schools and parishes represented as possible so if there is any support we can give, please do get in touch.

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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham (23 May 2026). A day pilgrimage of prayer with Mass, picnic, the Holy Mile walk and Vespers/Benediction at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham with opportunities for young people to serve and an optional overnight at Walsingham House beforehand.

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Pax Christi. Next Sunday is designated as “World Peace Day”. A second collection will be taken up to support the work of Pax Christi, which is the International Catholic Movement for Peace. The work of Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ – is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form.

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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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