News

Monica Jacobs, our very talented leader of the Senior Parish Art Group has kindly allowed us to share a painting that she created for Holy week – beautiful.. Thank you Monica.

Photo GJ

Wintershall Livestream 10 April 2020 The Passion of Jesus and One Good Friday story will be available online on Good Friday 10 April 2020 at 12 and 3pm. Due to being unable to perform live in Trafalgar Square Wintershall will livestream, through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Wintershallplay Filmed without an audience, the recording will also include […]

Dear Residents, We are living through a unique event in our history. Great St Mary’s Parish Church and the Evangelical Congregational Church are together mobilising in response. We are working with the endorsement of Sawbridgeworth Town Council (details on www.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk from Monday 23rd March). We know there will be challenges ahead if self-isolation continues for […]

  Click on https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=xUtiinT2ZMB

Pope Francis has produced a video message to Christians around the world for Holy Week which this year we will celebrate in an unusual manner due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. He prays especially for those suffering and for all the families whose lives have been upset in this difficult time. The following is the […]

Please scroll down as there are two videos on this page….     How to make a Palm Sunday Cross out of Paper ready for Palm Sunday

Please also see our Stations of the Cross Reflection Page written by scripture scholar Nicholas King SJ  which is a really interesting read…   In this one hour video the voice and visuals open up new ways of thinking about Jesus’ journey and demonstrate how the passion story, in all its savagery, continues in our […]

This week we received an update video from Sister Angela in Zambia. Drilling had already started on a bore hole to source water for the school population of 1490 pupils and  following a further donation sent via the parish this has now helped to fund the installation of water pipes and a tank. See below […]

What is the Veil Removed? The Veil Removed is a short film that reveals the coming together of heaven and earth at Mass, as seen by saints and mystics, revealed by scripture and in the catechism of the Catholic Church.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Canon Edward (“Eddie”) Matthews died this morning (01.04.20) at 5am.  Photo courtesy of John Wright Canon Eddie was a much loved Parish Priest here at St Joseph’s and retired just 8 years ago to be succeeded by Fr Peter Harris. May God welcome this gentle soul […]

Each morning Fr Peter always lights a candle in the Lady Chapel for his intentions. At this time he now lights a second one, which is for all our parishioners who are not able to be in the church personally. Fr Peter told those attending our morning Mass today by streaming that the sun was […]

Please scroll further down this page to read the Extraordinary moment of prayer presided over by Pope Francis EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT OF PRAYER PRESIDED OVER BY POPE FRANCIS Sagrato of St Peter’s Basilica, Friday, 27 March 2020 “When evening had come” (Mk 4:35). The Gospel passage we have just heard begins like this. For weeks now […]

Following the Prime Minister’s historic announcement last night (23 March) strengthening restrictions in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19, Catholic Churches are closed to the public at this time. Cardinal Vincent Nichols stresses that we must all play our part to safeguard the NHS and to save ‘precious lives’. “We’re going to play […]

Pope Francis Says Talk to God Your Father & Ask Forgiveness In his morning homily at Mass on Friday (20th March) the Holy Father, Pope Francis spoke as follows: I know that many of you go to Confession for Easter to meet with God again. However, many will say to me today: “But, Father, where […]

We have created a twitter account to help to keep you all updated.. https://twitter.com/@rcstortford

4th Sunday of Lent Dear Parishioners and friends further afield, These are strange times! They would have been hard to imagine even only a month or so ago, but here we are. As a Catholic community we have much to offer at this time. We can begin with the words of the Risen Christ, who, […]

This is our opportunity to remind our wonderful Priests that they also are not alone and that we stand together united with them and each other in spirit via the Livestream as they celebrate mass without their ‘physical congregation’ being present. Please feel free to comment on the homily, readings, prayers and what the service […]

Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary on the granting of special Indulgences to the faithful in the current pandemic, 20.03.2020 The gift of special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from COVID-19 disease, commonly known as Coronavirus, as well as to health care workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through […]

Please be  aware that we have a whole page on this web site with lots of really interesting links dedicated to resources that you may find helpful whilst Mass has been suspended.. either click below on  ‘ continue reading’ or go straight to the page itself located to the left of this article, just below […]

In light of the government’s advice asking for social distancing and reducing the number of public gatherings, the following letter was issued on 18th March by the President and Vice-President, on behalf of all the Bishops of the Conference. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of […]

In light of the uncertainty over the Coronavirus, it is understandable that we want to ensure our kitchen cupboards are well stocked. However, we must not forget that this can leave foodbanks struggling. Hundreds of people rely on generous donations from our parishioners. This includes the need for hygiene items, toilet paper, sanitary products etc, […]

Please remember that if you are not able to attend Mass due to illness or self isolation due to the current  COVID-19, please join us via our Live streaming at St Joseph and the English Martyrs. Our camera is always on 24/7 wherever you happen to be in the world. You will assured of a […]

All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK are required by the government to apply through its Settlement Scheme to continue living, working and accessing services here. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021. Details and links to the application process can be found at: www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus Please bring this to the attention […]