Author: Jacky

Join Bishop Alan in Lourdes from Monday 24 to Saturday 29 July.  For further     information, please ‘phone Tangey Tours on 01732 886 666 or book online:     Brentwood Lourdes – Lourdes – Tangney Tours (tangney-tours.com)

Well what a great Easter it was this year, celebrated in our two churches. Maundy Thursday at St G’s, lovely service to start Easter and the first time to take wine from the chalice since Covid.  Three services on Good Friday, especially enjoying the children’s own version of the Stations of the Cross, the children reading was very moving.  Easter Vigil at St W’s; starting in our hall by candle light, then outside around the new fire, blessing the two Easter Candles for both churches, then into the church for the rest of the special service.   Easter Sunday at both churches were very well attended.  At St Wilfrid’s many young families attended; the future of our church.  A great turnout in our hall after for Easter refreshments/Grand Easter Raffle.  We had so many willing people helping out, a big thank you to all of you.  Without your willing help these special occasions would not be possible.  Most of all we have to thank Fr Rory, without him and Deacon John all the lovely services for Easter would not be possible.  Thank you to everyone who helped in anyway to make our Easter Services really wonderful and fulfilling.

You will find our new DIGITAL COLLECTION PLATE, contactless terminal in the church.

Just use your contactless debit/credit card or smart phone/ device to make a donation.

Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and hold your card onto the reader.

You can also opt-in for Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%.

If you are a UK taxpayer then donating with Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 received.

Contactless donations are simple to administer, secure and convenient.

A great thanks be to God for Holy Week and Easter,

 and the great sense of grace that it brought to us. 

One special  moment was the children’s Stations of the Cross.

Now we look forward to Pentecost. 

That it may be a fresh beginning for a new life of faith in our parish communities.  Some very important work has been done.

It is with great sadness that Ron, Kay & Staff will be serving us for the last time this Easter Saturday morning.  They have given great opportunities for the young people with learning difficulties and such a shame this will come to an end.  We wish them both well in their retirement.

Despite the weather we all agreed we had a great day out.  Our driver Nick looked after us all so well, lending a helping hand when needed.  Tables were reserved in the café and the staff were most patient with us all.  It was       decided to have another trip to Emmaus in the    summer when the weather is more settled.  Please God, the sun will shine and we can enjoy the ex-convents beautiful gardens.  Our next date will be Tue 9th May, usual time and of cost of £15.  Please contact Joan 07873390944 if you are interested

We wish all our “hard workers” in the parish A VERY HAPPY AND HOLY EASTER from us all, especially all of you who helped make our over 50’s afternoon such a special occasion (28 attended).  Thank you all.

Our next afternoon tea will be Thursday 27th April, 2pm.  The theme for this will be Red for St George.  All the usual fun for £5

Parish Outing to The Bluebell Walk:  Mon 24th April, details and cost in next weeks newsletter.  Charity for that day is “Demelza Hospice Care for Children”.  Also in June we hope to go to Headcorn Aerodrome, this will be on a Saturday, as this is when interesting displays etc. are arranged.  More details to follow.

A quick reminder that all children attending the liturgy group without a responsible adult must have a parental consent form completed for the group and also a consent for safe use of images form.   These are available from myself, Annette, Teresa or Angie.  All under fives must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

We really love having so many children taking part in our groups but want to ensure they have a happy and safe experience.  To this end we need some more people to be the extra pairs of eyes and ears to help keep the children safe.  This doesn’t need to be a commitment for every week but shared on a rota basis.  Please let us know if you could help with this.  Thank you, Maria (Safeguarding Rep).

Don’t forget after Mass today, whilst the children will be looking everywhere for their eggs on their “Easter Egg Hunt” we will be in our hall anxiously awaiting to see if we are lucky to “win a prize”.  As we only had two donations, Teresa & Joan will be spending money on the many prizes.  Unless more people buy raffle tickets we will be unable to contribute to the parish pot.