Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

Advent is here! This Sunday we begin using our lectionaries with the new translation. “The word of God, proclaimed in the sacred Scripture, enlightens our minds and hearts. When the Scriptures are read in the liturgical assembly, God speaks to us and calls us to respond in faith and love.”  This weekend marks the beginning of the Season of Advent and the start of a new liturgical year. We are delighted to be introducing the new Mass books donated by our Parish community and would ask that they be used with care so that they remain in good condition for years ahead. Thank you to all whose donations made this possible. Fr Kris.

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Repository. A good selection of cards, calendars, candles, etc., for Christmas is in stock. Mass cards are also available if you wish to book a Mass as a Christmas gift. Please call in and take a look at what is on offer.

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Rosary. The Rosary will be said after Mass every Wednesday morning, praying for new vocations to the priestly and religious life from our Parish.

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Catherine Finlay RIP. Requiem Mass on Friday 6th December at 1:15pm.

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Chess class in Rainham. We’re thrilled to invite you to a FREE interactive chess class for kids aged 4-16. Chess is a great and proven tool that teaches how to think analytically, improves memory and focus, builds confidence, and strengthens problem-solving skills. We have over 15 years of experience working with children and teaching them chess. During this time we developed our strategy of the most efficient way of teaching children using modern methods. Come for our free session and experience hands-on approach that makes learning chess fun and easy to absorb for kids and adults alike. Class Date: 📅 Saturday, 7 December 2024, Location: Rainham. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all up to date information. Spaces for are limited. If you are interested please sign up for the desired time on our facebook page under event to reserve your child’s space and discover the benefits of chess with us. Useful links: Website: www.elitechessacademy.co.uk / Instagram: elite.chess.academy / Facebook: Elite Chess Academy / Email: contact@elitechessacademy.co.uk or call 07858975335.

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Mary’s Meals. In the run up to Christmas, all donations made to the “Double The Love” appeal are being matched, up to £900,000. Thanks to a group of generous supporters, your kindness can have double the impact and give more children a chance for a brighter future. In a world of uncertainty and insecurity, our nutritious school meals are needed more now than ever before. For details, and to donate, please visit: www.marysmeals.org.uk

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Raffles. Many thanks for your support of last week’s raffle. The winners are: Cath Houston – claimed / Ngozi Ugwu – 606-610 / Rose Umana – 616-620 / Sarah Pitt – claimed. There will be a post-bazaar raffle next weekend with prizes including: A Horse and Carriage Ride for 4 / A Hamper of Rice / A Bottle of Whisky / A Box of Cheese Crackers.

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Primary School Applications. Certificate of Practice. Fr. Kris will be issuing Certificates on Thursday, 12th December, from 6 pm to 7 pm and Monday, 16th December, from 5 pm to 6 pm. More details about the requirements and who can receive the certificate will be provided in next week's newsletter.

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Parish Hall. Our hall may be hired for certain functions by parishioners as well as trusted friends and relations of parishioners. If you are interested in booking the hall, please talk to Fr Kris directly rather than enquiring via phone or email.

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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: Theresa Anatole, David Kowalski, Sheila Miller, Harry O’Connor, Mary Ponting, Jean Shaw. May they feel the presence of the Lord with them at all times.

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Visiting of the Sick. If you, or a member of your family, would like a visit, please let one of our priests know. 

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Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. St Joseph’s, Upminster is organising a pilgrimage for the jubilee year, departing Sunday 26th October 2025 for 5 nights. For more information, brochure and booking form please visit https://www.tailored-travel.co.uk/stjosephs_rome_2025. To book, please print and complete the booking form and return to: Rome Pilgrimage, St Joseph’s Presbytery, Champion Road, Upminster RM14 2SY, with your deposit (payable to the agent) as soon as possible.

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