To celebrate this historic event our Parish is holding a series of spiritual and social events throughout 2010.  These started with Mass at 11am on Saturday 2nd January 2010 and will conclude with the Parish Carol Service and Social on Sunday 19th December 2010.

To view the full MHR 2010 Timetable

(which is naturally subject to alteration at late notice) please CLICK BELOW ->

MHR2010Timetable(3rdApril2010).doc

Next MHR 2010 Events:

Latest MHR 2010 News (as at 4th September 2010):

The opening times for the Centenary Exhibition (10th to 19th September) are:-

Friday 10th September:  Opening at 9pm (following the Centenary Lecture)

Weekdays:                      10am-12 Noon & 7pm-9pm (after the 2010 Mass on 13th)

Saturdays:                      12 Noon to 5:30pm

Sundays:                         An hour after each Mass (finishes at 1pm on 19th)

Tickets for the Centenary Ball are now on sale via application forms in the Church porch

Please note that the date for the Westminster Cathedral Mass is Saturday 25th September at 6pm.  CLICK HERE for more details

If you have not received your copy of the Centenary Brochure please contact the Parish Office.

There are plenty of Centenary Prayer Cards available at the back of Church - please take one for all your family

The following MHR 2010 souvenirs are on sale in the Repository:-

2010 Centenary CDs           £5

2010 Candles                      £10

2010 Mugs                           £6

2010 Key rings                    £2.50

2010 Centenary Postcards   30p each or 4 for £1

The highlights of our Centenary year so far

Saturday 2nd January The First Centenary Mass was said by Fr John at 11am when 200 parishioners, including 20 altar servers and 45 members of the Parish Choir, braved the cold morning to be present for the start of our special year.  The Mass started with the first singing of the The MHR Centenary Hymn by all present.  The MHR Centenary Prayer Card was distributed to all attendees (and throughout the weekend) and the prayer was said at the Bidding Prayers.  Four Altar Servers received their medals after the Homily.  The MHR Centenary Anthem was sung for the first time by the Parish Choir.  Afterwards many parishioners enjoyed refreshments and a chat about old times in the Large Hall.  Throughout the weekend the Centenary Prayer and Hymn were said/sung at all Masses.  Overall, a wonderful start to the Centenary Year!

CLICK HERE to see photos from 2nd January

Friday 8th January  A Diocesan Youth Mass was said at 8pm.  Yet again the 60 attendees of young people (including former young MHR parishioners!) and some adults had to brave arctic conditions to attend this Mass which was held in the Large Hall.  But it was a wonderful occasion led by the BCYS Chaplain Fr Dominic Howarth and assisted by the MHR Youth Mass organisers Mark Nuttall and Jenny Atkins.  The Youth Music Group was directed for the first time by Tom Rodgers and played superbly.  Fr Dominic gave an inspirational sermon to the young people.  Generally everyone enjoyed the Mass in the more informal setting that included the use of glo-sticks to illustrate the light of the world.  Afterwards there were refreshments plus some live music from local band Bulletproof.

CLICK HERE to see photos from 8th January

Friday 5th February  The first of our Centenary First Friday Masses was held in our Church at 7:30pm.  Around 30 parishioners (including nine altar servers!) attended this lovely quiet Mass that was organised by the Justice & Peace Group. 

Sunday 14th February  The Parish Choir was broadcast at 8:30pm on the BBC Radio 2 Sunday Half Hour programme.  The choir sang four pieces (that were recorded last November), "A new commandment", "No greater love", "O the love of my Lord is the essence" and "My soul is sad".  Sixty Choir members & their families gathered along with Fr John in the Large Hall to socialise and listen to the broadcast together. 

CLICK HERE to see photos from the Parish Choir Social on 14th February

18th - 21st February  The MHR Choir Centenary Tour to Brussels took place.  The tour party, which comprised thirty-two members, had to make last-minute changes to its travel itinerary due to the recent train crash in Brussels.  In the end a coach was hired for the duration of the Tour and all proceded smoothly, masterminded by Tour Organiser John Kelk.  On the Friday evening the Choir, directed as usual by Kathy Underhill, performed a wonderful and popular concert (for which it received a standing ovation) entitled "From Tallis to Tavener" in the L’Eglise St Dominique.  The varied programme included works by Kathy Underhill and Arthur Sparke plus an organ solo by the Tour Organist James Devor.  The next day the Choir sang within the Dutch Mass in the magnificent Brussels Cathedral.  Finally on the Sunday it sang within the French Mass in the Church of St Jean et St Etienne des Minimes.  Overall another wonderful experience for the Choir.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the MHR Choir Centenary Tour to Brussels

Friday 5th March  The second of our Centenary First Friday Masses was held in our Church at 7:30pm.  Around 50 parishioners of all ages attended this Mass that was organised by the Outreach Group.  At the start of Mass Fr John led the Stations of the Cross as per normal on a Lenten Friday.  The music, including the MHR 2010 Centenary Hymn, was led by organist Tom Rodgers.

13th - 26th March   The Parish Mission led by the Redemptorists (and organised by the Pastoral Development Group) was the most marvellous spiritual renewal for our Parish.  The first week was a mixture of lectures by the Mission Priests Fr Tim Buckley and Fr Ralph Heskett; school visits by the Missioners; and morning Masses, all of which were well attended.  The second week centred on our Church with attendences at the early morning 7am Commuters’ Mass starting at the beginning of the week at 70 parishioners (of all ages) and building steadily towards a maginificent 128 (including 20+ servers!) by the Friday.  Midday Masses were also held in the second week and evening Services focussing on Reconciliation, Healing, Marriage & Family and Living the Gospel.  The Mission ended with a Sending Forth Mass attended by around 200 parishioners followed by a lovely celebratory Parish Party in the Pastoral Centre.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the Mission

 Sunday 28th March  Our Parish enjoyed two broadcasts on BBC radio stations.  Early in the day (at 7:10am!) Fr John and Mark Nuttall were interviewed live by Ian Wyatt on the BBC Essex Sunday Breakfast show.  In addition to discussing the Centenary events Fr John gave wonderful answers to some searching questions on the present situation that the Catholic Church finds itself in.  Mark was able to describe various aspects of MHR 2010 and publicise some of the events ahead.  The Centenary Hymn was played at the start of the interview and Fr John concluded by reading the lovely Parish Centenary Prayer that he composed for 2010.

Later at 8:30pm the Parish Choir was again the featured choir on the BBC Radio 2 Sunday Half Hour programme.  As per 14th February the choir sang four (different) pieces, "Hosanna to the Son of David", "The Servant King", "Chosen people of the Lord" and "Thanks be to God".  These were recorded in November 2009 in our Church.  To see details of the complete programme tracklisting please CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the BBC Essex Studio

Saturday 17th April   The AWSOM 10th Anniversary Organ Recital was played in our Church by Andrew Wright, the Brentwood Diocese Master of Music.  It was held to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the death of Arthur Sparke, Choirmaster and organist in our Church for over fifty years.  This was always going to be one of the music highlights of 2010 and the eighty people attending were not disappointed.  Andrew tested the Makin Westmorland organ to its full capacity with a brilliant performance of popular organ pieces.  The programme included Crown Imperial (William Walton), Passacaglia & Fugue in C minor, BWV 582 (J.S.Bach), Choral No 3 in A minor (César Franck), Le banquet céleste and Transports de joie (Olivier Messiaen), Le Cygne and Fantaisie in E-flat (Camille Saint-Saëns) and Sortie in E-flat (Louis James Albert Lefébure-Wély).  For his encore Andrew played the ever popular Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No.5 before taking his well-deserved bow at the front of the church to a very appreciative audience.  Andrew then joined everyone in the Pastoral Centre for refreshments and a chat.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the AWSOM 10th Anniversary Organ Recital

24th/25th April  The Most Holy Redeemer 2010 Centenary CD went on sale at all Masses.  The CD, comprising sixteen tracks of hymns and spiritual pieces, was recorded by our own Parish Choir in the Church and includes a special African track from St.Peter’s School Choir.  With each CD costing only £5 it is hoped that much money will be raised for the Centenary Fund.  CDs are now being sold from the Repository.

4th to 7th May  Forty Hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place in the Church from 8:30am to 8pm each day.  At least two parishioners were present at all times for this traditional form of worship of the Blessed Sacrament.

Friday 7th May  The third of our Centenary First Friday Masses was held in our Church at 7:30pm.  It was organised by the Society of St Vincent de Paul Conference in our Parish and was attended by 30 members and parishioners.  At the end of Mass Fr John presented a small gift to Mary Field (CLICK HERE) in recognition of her fifteen years as President of the Billericay SVP Conference.

Saturday 15th May The MHR Centenary Parish Summer Cabaret took place in the Pastoral Centre.  Once again the Large Hall was packed to capacity to see "that funny man" Mr Mark Shillaker returning after an absence of five years to compere a highly entertaining aray of talent from our Parish including the diva Miss Isabella Valentini; Tom Rodgers and Ricky Childs on flute; a barber shop quartet (comprising Pip Sparke, Claudio Valentini and the Rodgers brothers); Alison Connolly & Jack Matthews giving a wonderful & colourful preview of the Parish production of The King and I; and finally Claudio Valentini providing a definite variety to the evening!  Accompaniment was provided by Kathy Underhill on the keyboard.  Wonderful food was provided by the Refreshment Committee (plus an army of helpers!) and a thoroughly entertaining evening (that was organised by the AWSOM Committee) was enjoyed by all.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the MHR Centenary Parish Summer Cabaret

Monday 17th May  A Special Centenary Mass was said by The Right Revd Graham Rose, Bishop of Dundee in South Africa.  About 130 parishioners including the Parish Choir and St Peter’s School Choir (both directed by Kathy Underhill) attended this evening Mass in the Church.  During the day Bishop Graham had visited St Peter’s as part of its African week and was pleasantly surprised to find Zulus also visiting the school! He (together with teacher Angela Moreton) was interviewed for BBC Essex and this was played on that station’s early evening "Drive Time" show.  During the Bishop’s Homily at the Mass he spoke about our twinning with the Sacred Heart Parish, Blaauwbosch in his Diocese and also about church unity.  At the Offertory he was presented with a cheque from the weekend special collection for Blaauwbosch.  After Communion the School Choir sang the African piece "Thulanya" (Peace be still), to which Bishop Graham responded by giving the congregation a Zulu blessing at the end of Mass.  Just before that Bishop Graham presented Fr John with a Papal blessing for the Parish Centenary that had arrived from Pope Benedict in Rome.  After Mass at the Parish Social the MHR 2010 Centenary Committee Chairman Mark Nuttall presented the Bishop with some Centenary gifts (Brochure, candle and CD) and Fr John gave him some local books.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the Special Centenary Mass said by The Right Revd Graham Rose, Bishop of Dundee in South Africa

22nd - 29th May   MHR 2010 Centenary Trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play.  A party of 25 parishioners and friends organised by Lee Robinson and accompanied by Fr John and Fr James Hawes travelled to Germany to watch this unique event that takes place during the summer every ten years.  Incredibly 2,500 of Oberammergau’s 5,800 residents are taking part in the play that is being staged five times a week between May and October in a large open-ended hall seating 4,700 people.  Some of the crowd scenes include 800 participants!  Overall this was a most enjoyable trip for all involved.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the MHR 2010 Centenary Trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play

CLICK HERE to see photos of from the official the Oberammergau Passion Play website

Friday 4th June  The fourth of our Centenary First Friday Masses was held in our Church at 7:30pm.  It was organised by our Eucharistic Mininsters, Readers and Choirs (through the Worship & Prayer Group) and was well attended by 80 parishioners.  During the Mass eleven new Eucharistic Ministers were commissioned by Fr John, who thanked all the Ministers for their service to our Parish.  The music was led by a number of members of the Parish Choir accompanied by the MHR Director of Music, Kathy Underhill.

Saturday 5th June A Family Fun Day to was held at St.Peter’s School.  This lovely event (organised by Kim Brand and an army of helpers) took place on one of the warmest days of the year so far.  It was a relaxing and fun afternoon on the school fields (thanks to St Peter’s) as attendees of all ages took part in various activities such as country dancing (led by Mr Peoples and some of his pupils), an egg & spoon race, sack racing and the good old Mr & Mrs three legged race!  Over 100 people attended the event that was enjoyed by all.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the Family Fun Day

Friday 2nd July  The fifth of our Centenary First Friday Masses was held in our Church at 7:30pm.  It was organised by our Uniformed Organisations and was well attended by over 100 parishioners including over 30 Brownies/Guides and their leaders.  This was a joyous sung Mass (accompanied by Marie Slee on the keyboard) to celebrate the Centenaries of both Girl Guiding and our Parish that occur during this special year.  The Parish Uniformed organisations were honoured by the presence of Division Commisioner Chris Linehan, Yvonne Passola, President of the Essex Trefoil Guild and the Girl Guide County Flag, something that is not on display that often!

CLICK HERE to see photos from 2nd July First Friday Mass

Friday 15th - 16th July  The King & I  Our Parish Centenary Production took place across the road in the fine setting of the Emmanuel Church.  A wonderful cast virtually all chosen (through open auditons) from our own parishioners worked for months to put on a very professional version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical.  Over two nights more than five hundred people saw our thespians of all ages go through their paces, led by the very able Production Team of Margaret Goldstone (Director & Executive Producer), Kathy Underhill (Musical Director)and Lisa Jobson (Assistant Producer & Choreographer).  They were supported by a superb band comprising strings, woodwind, keyboard and percussion.  There were several other parishioners both Front of House and Backstage that assisted the performers in many ways in order to make this event a huge success and indeed a real highlight of MHR 2010. There will be a feature on The King & I in the MHR 2010 Centenary Exhibition

To see photos from various aspects of The King & I CLICK HERE

Sunday 18th July The Parish Choir were broadcast once again on the BBC Radio 2 Sunday Half Hour programme.  This particular show started at 8pm and lasted for an hour as it celebrated the 70th anniversary of the ever popular programme.  The recording had taken place in the splendid Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, the setting of the first ever religious broadcast by the BBC on 6th January 1924.  Our thirty choir members constituted a quarter of the Massed Choir, something that was warmly acknowledged by the Programme Producer, Janet McLarty.  Nine pieces were recorded by the Choir, who were joined by the superb choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields together with organ and brass section.  Prior to the recording, MHR Parish Choir members were able to meet presenter Fr Brian D’Arcy, who was later presented with an MHR Centenary Brochure.  Later the choir chatted with former Sunday Half Hour presenter Canon Roger Royle.

To see photos from the Sunday Half Hour 70th Anniversary programme recording CLICK HERE

Sunday 25th July The CAFOD Centenary Garden Party was held on a gloriously sunny afternoon in the wonderful gardens of Mountain Ash in London Road, Billericay.  Fr John plus 140 parishioners, families and friends came along to enjoy a lovely relaxing Sunday afternoon of food, drink and song, a number of them dressing in period costume to reflect the Centenary of our Parish.  After some excellent accordion playing by Josepehine Abela, some singers from the Catenians (plus a friend!) led the attendees in singing a number of well-known songs from yesteryear.  Towards the end of the afternoon the local CAFOD raffle and the latest 100 Club Draw were made.  Overall CAFOD was yet again the winner from this most enjoyable annual fundraising event.

Please CLICK HERE to see photos from the CAFOD Centenary Garden Party

23rd-27th August  Centenary Holiday Bible Club - News and photos from this most popular event in the Pastoral Centre will appear here shortly

Some of the events still to come... 

Further First Friday Masses will be held at 7:30pm on the evenings of 1st October, 5th November and 3rd December

Friday 10th September             MHR 2010 Centenary Lecture delivered Fr Stewart Foster, Diocesan Historian and Archivist

10th-19th September                MHR 2010 Centenary Exhibition in the Small Hall

Monday 13th September           Main Centenary Mass with Bishop McMahon concelebrating with past and present MHR clergy.  This will be followed by a Parish Social in the Hall

Saturday 25th September         Parish Choir sing the 6pm Mass in Westminster Cathedral 

Saturday 16th October              MHR 2010 Centenary Ball at Crondon Park G.C.

Saturday 13th November          Scratch Requiem sung in the Church

Sunday 19th December             MHR Parish Carol Service ends the Centenary year.  This will be followed by a Parish Social in the Hall

How can you participate this year?

Each Centenary event is open to all parishioners.  Indeed we would encourage everyone to participate fully.

Great care has been taken to put together the programme for this year so that the Parish celebrates this special time in an appropriate manner, hence the balance between spiritual and social events.

MHR 2010 Contacts:-

Parish Office 01277 624891

Mark Nuttall (MHR 2010 Centenary Cttee Chairman) via email at mhr2010@mostholyredeemer.org.uk

MHR Centenary Charities

Some of the Centenary events held during 2010 will be fundraising affairs.  The MHR Centenary Committee has thought long and hard about how surplus funds arising from these events should be distributed.  It decided that they should be divided evenly between a local and external cause.

Naturally the amount to be distributed will depend on success of the Centenary events and so you are asked to be as generous as possible.

The charitable causes chosen are as follows:-

1. Local Charity

During 2011 the Parish will be looking to bring the Mass into sick or elderly parishioners’ homes via a webcam link.  This would hopefully bring about the possibility of such parishioners receiving Holy Communion from extraordinary ministers who they have seen receiving the Blessed Sacrament from the Parish Priest during Mass.  Naturally the quality of this link will depend on the funds available following the conclusion of 2010.  But with technological advances in recent years being so swift and becoming cheaper, it is hoped that such links could be introduced via a computer-based system in a number of houses.

2. External Charity

Over a number of years our Parish has established excellent links with its twin parish of Blaauwbosch in South Africa.  2010 would be an excellent time to raise funds to help this village in a specific way, both spiritually and materially.  Accordingly, the wonderful work done by the late Ron Dowden R.I.P. in bringing our Parishes closer together will be continued by Terry Plumbe and Angela Moreton.  More details to follow...

Please pray for the success of our Centenary