Newsletter 

3rd Sunday of Advent  ( Year A ) 

GAUDETE SUNDAY

14th December 2025

Newsletter

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Christmas,as Mass Times update

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Pope Leo XIV said that the church, “perhaps especially in our time, still wounded by old and new forms of poverty, hopes to be ‘a mother of the poor, a place of welcome and justice’ [“Dilexi Te,” No. 39].” This invitation is particularly urgent when we consider the realities faced by rough sleepers and families in temporary accommodation within our own local areas. As Catholics, we are called to action and many of our Parishes are providing safe spaces this winter, food packages and resources. Please share with us what is happening in your communities so we can provide effective signposting. 

Caritas Brentwood would like to highlight the following: (There is a link to each item)

• NEW YOUTH RESOURCE: In collaboration with Your Place Anchor House, we have created a resource designed to raise awareness of the experiences of people facing homelessness. It can be used for a Secondary School Assembly, form-time reflection or a Parish Youth Group session. We hope this supports young people in deepening their understanding and recognising their role in responding with faith and action.
• NEW IN-PERSON EVENT: Responding to Homelessness with Caritas Brentwood, January 24^th 2026 (10am-12:30pm) at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Parish Hall. This event will offer practical support, shared insights, and meaningful discussion with local organisations working on the frontline of homelessness. All are warmly invited to join and strengthen our collective response as a Diocese.
• ADVENT RESOURCES: Reverse Advent Calendar, supporting local foodbanks and community projects and an Advent Action List, encouraging individuals and families of all ages to put their faith into action throughout the season.

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Baptism

Infant Baptism Preparation Courses:  The last Course date for 2025 is:  Wednesday 3^rd December. The 2026 Course dates are: Wednesday 11^th February, Wednesday 15^th April, Wednesday 10^th June, Wednesday 12^th August and Wednesday 14^thOctober.  Please contact Fr. Anthony as soon as you can to register & arrange for a baptism preparation course.  Courses are held in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Tilbury 7.30 p.m.

Baptism dates for 2026:    All baptisms begin at 4.00 p.m. on Saturday in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Tilbury and after 11.00 a.m. Sunday Mass in Our Lady and St. Joseph, Stanford-le-Hope.  The date are: , Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th February, Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th April, Saturday 30^th and Sunday 31^st May, Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th June.  Please Note there are no Baptisms during the Advent and Lenten seasons.

Confirmation

Enrolment Mass will be on Sunday 23^rd November at 11.00 a.m. in Our Lady and St. Joseph Church, Stanford-le-Hope.

The first session will be on Wednesday 3^rd December at 7.00 p.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Tilbury.

BCYS – just keep the monthly Mass in Brentwood

Pilgrimages

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Pilgrimage to Medjugorje  27^th April to 2^nd May 2026.  Cost is £620.00 shared basis and £690.00 single room.  Can be paid in instalments. Inc return flight, half board.  Every day English Mass, Rosary and adoration.  Fly to Croatia followed by coach to Bosnia, Medjugorje where our Blessed Mother invites you to visit her.  For more information contact Claire Chandler at Gold Star Pilgrimages on 07980 481845.  Fr. Anthony is promoting this pilgrimage for Easter 2026.  Please contact Claire to book your place or find out more about this pilgrimage.

:https://vimeo.com/1115554004/a2a29b6d82.

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