Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0HA
THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY
Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0HA
01279 434203
www.catholicchurchoftheassumption.co.uk
email: [email protected]
The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
8th February 2026
Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0HA
01279 434203
www.catholicchurchoftheassumption.co.uk
email: [email protected]
The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
8th February 2026
FLAME 2027.
Following the huge success of Flame 2025 — with over 1,000 young people from our Diocese joining 10,000 others at Wembley Arena — we’re excited to be preparing for Flame 2027. This event is ideal for young people in Years 10–13 (ages 15–18).
Flame 2027 takes place on Saturday 6th March 2027, 11am - 6pm, at Wembley Arena, built around the theme “Take Courage, I have overcome the World”
Tickets are expected to be in high demand. BCYS will purchase a block of early-bird tickets (£30 each, saving £8) so groups can sit together in a prime area near the front. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To confirm your booking, we’ll ask for a £10 deposit per ticket at this stage. Please complete the ticket request form by 30th January 2026. We’ll then send an invoice for the deposit, which must be paid immediately to secure your tickets. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. Full payment will be due by 30th September 2026.
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LOURDES FUND APPEAL
Next weekend we will have the annual collection for the diocesan Lourdes Fund, in honour of the patroness of our diocese whose feast we celebrate on Wednesday.
This collection makes it possible for people to go on pilgrimage who would be unable to spend this time in Lourdes without support from our team of doctors, nurses and helpers, or without financial assistance.
Your support is much appreciated.
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM – 23RD MAY 2026:
Join Bishop Alan and other parishes around the Diocese of Brentwood 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. If you would like to come please contact your Parish Priest
PROGRAM
- 10am Arrive to the RC Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham.
- 12.00 Holy Mass
- 2.15pm Procession to Walsingham Abbey.
- 3.30pm Vespers and Benediction
- 4.30pm Conclusion and departures.
MASS TIMES THIS WEEK
Sunday 8th Feb 10:00 Solemn Mass – 5th Sunday Before Lent – Year A. Helen Sheils – RIP
18:00 Solemn Mass – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A.
People of the Parish
Tuesday 10th 10:00 Mass – St Scholastica, V.
Wednesday 11th 10:00 Mass – Our Lady of Lourdes, Sheila Walters – RIP
Principle Patroness of the Diocese.
Sunday 15th Feb 10:00 Solemn Mass – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A.
(World Day for the Sick)
18:00 Solemn Mass – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A.
People of the Parish
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GOSPEL REFLECTION
“You are the light of the world.”
Today, the Gospel clearly urges us to become witness to Christ. And it invites us in two different ways, which, apparently, may look contradictory: the salt and the light.
The salt cannot be seen but can be perceived; it can be tasted, relished. There are many persons that “can hardly be perceived”, as they are like “little ants” working and doing good all the time. At their side one can savour peace, serenity and joy. As it is said at present, their “radiations” are good.
Light, instead, cannot be hidden. There are persons that “can be seen from afar”: Mother Therese of Calcutta, the Pope, a parish's rector. They hold important positions because of their natural leadership or because of their concrete priesthood. They are “brought into the limelight”. As today's Gospel says, «on top of a mountain» or on a “lamp stand” (cf. Mt 5:14-15).
We are all called to be salt and light. For over 30 years of His hidden life in Nazareth, Jesus Himself was also “salt”. It is being said that, once, while he was playing, someone asked St. Aloysius Gonzaga what he would do if he knew that within a few minutes he would die. “I would keep on playing”, he answered. He would go on carrying out his normal every- day's life, and making life pleasant for his play pals.
It may be we are called to be light. We are quite clearly so when we avow our own faith in difficult moments. Martyrs are great luminaries. And in certain environments, today, the mere fact of attending Mass may be the subject of jokes and general mockery. Going to Mass is already being “light”. And light is always detected and seen, no matter how small it may be. A little light may change the night.
Let us pray to the Lord for one another that we always know how to be salt. And how to be light, if need be. That our daily chores are carried out in such a way that through our good deeds people may praise our Father who is in Heaven (cf. Mt 5:16).
Fr. Josep FONT i Gallart(Getafe, Spain)
Courtesy of Evangeli
This Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Dioceses policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is Anne Marie Taylor, and may be contacted at: [email protected] Alternatively, the Diocesan Safeguarding team may be contacted on Tel: 01277 265234 or by Email: [email protected] should you have any concern.
www.catholicchurchoftheassumption.co.uk
01279 434203
