Parish of Our Lady of La Salette, Rainham

Fr Augustyn (Gus) Hamielec MS RIP. We sadly announce that Fr Gus, who was Parish Priest at La Salette (1991-94), passed away on 26th April at 12.50 (Warsaw time) in Our Seminary in Krakow, aged 83. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

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Pope Francis RIP. Please remember Pope Francis in your prayers. Bishop Alan will say Mass for the repose of his soul at the Cathedral this Sunday, 27th April at 11:30am.

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

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Divine Mercy Sunday: 27th 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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Revised Parish Mass Book. As you are aware, readings at Mass changed to the new translation last year. 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 before – at the cost of £5 per book. Donors’ names will be entered into each book sponsored. Once again, your continued support is very much appreciated.

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Sacrament of Reconciliation. As part of our Parish activities within this special Jubilee Year, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is made available 15 minutes before Sunday Mass, in addition to the usual times on Saturdays. All Parishioners are encouraged to avail of this opportunity.

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Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 24th May 2025. We are invited to join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope 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. Bishop Alan has asked that this be the main event for the Diocesan celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope and we would like to go as a Parish Community if possible. If sufficient parishioners are interested we will hire a coach. If you would like to come, please speak to Fr Kris.

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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 is fretful during Mass, you are encouraged to avail of the Side Chapel where you may find it easier to calm them.

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A new way to support our youth. 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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Gift Aid 2025-26. 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 Slorak or pass your details to any of the Priests.

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Brentwood Catholic Youth Service – Monthly Youth Mass. On the first Thursday of each month, the BCYS invites young people, Youth Groups, Confirmation Groups and School Groups to celebrate Mass together with other young Catholics from all around the Diocese. The evening begins at 6pm with pizza and refreshments in the Parish Hall, followed by around an hour of input before celebrating Mass together at 7:30pm. The whole evening finishes around 8:30pm. There is no need to book and no cost for this - please feel very welcome to come along and simply find out more about the BCYS and what they offer!

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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: David Kowalski, Sheila Miller, 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, we are happy to arrange this. Please let one of our priests know.

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