TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR C:
9th September 2007
Racial Justice Sunday
Fr Frank writes:
I had hoped, like you no doubt, that our new parish church would be completed before the end of August. The situation as I write is that the floor has dried out on the south side, but not on the north. This means that the flooring contractors cannot lay the parquet flooring. I'm just praying that all will be ready by the 4th October when we welcome the bishops of Brentwood and Chelmsford together with many other friends and dignitaries for the church blessing. This is an important day in the life of our church here in Springfield, so please do remember to put the date in your diary.
I am greatly indebted to Fr Charles and Deacon Kevin for looking after the liturgical life of the parish during my absence. You will not be surprised to hear that we will be collecting for Fr Charles and his people in Uganda after our Sunday Masses for the next few weeks. I know that you will give generously.
May God richly bless you.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 9th September. Christ Church URC (Rev John Cox)
- 16th September. Elim Christian centre (Mike Sherwood)
Parish News:
- Les Moore RIP: you will be sorry to hear of the death of Les Moore. Les and his wife Marjorie have a long association with the parish and were, until 5 years ago, faithful in attending Mass at New Hall - they had worked for the CRSS Community since the 1950's. In more recent years they received holy communion in their home in Boreham owing to the generosity of our Eucharistic Ministers. In the last year Les and Marjorie moved to Hampshire to be near their son. Should you wish to send your condolences, Marjorie's address is available in the newsletter. May he rest in peace, and rise to glory. Fr Frank.
- Work day at St Augustine's 15th September: it doesn't look as if we will be in a position to relocate the sacristies on the 15th as we had hoped. Nevertheless there is plenty to do. The car park needs clearing and the hedges pruning, the outside paintwork on the church halls needs attention, and we have a new garden to plant out. Please come along with your gardening equipment and, if you can, with some smallish low maintenance shrubs or plants for the new garden. Many thanks Fr Frank.
- LEP Ecumenical Festival: takes place at St Augustine's between 2.30 and 4.30pm on 22nd. Fr John Glynn will be returning to the parish to speak and lead our worship. Please do come along to what promises to be an inspiring celebration. For all the family. Bring and share tea.
- Blessing of St Augustine's church: The Bishop of Brentwood will be blessing the new church at a special service on 4th October, beginning at 7.30pm and followed by refreshments. In keeping with our ecumenical status, the preacher will be the Bishop of Chelmsford and the intercessions will be lead by Chair of the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District. This is a hugely significant occasion for our parish - do put the date in your diary now.
Other News:
- Bible Study Course: Mondays 1.45 - 3.45pm at Canon Wilson Hall, Lucas Avenue, Chelmsford from 17th September studying the Gospel of St Matthew with Angela Morris CRSS. Suggested offering £3 per session. Further info from 01206 867296.
- Richard Turner Memorial Walk in aid of Farleigh Hospice, Sat. 15th Sept: the KSC will be participating in this walk around Great Easton starting with Mass in Dunmow and finishing with lunch. Any gentlemen interested in joining the walk should contact Charles Revell on 01245 441743. A collection for the Hospice will be taken after all Masses that weekend.
- Youth Gather, 13th - 14th October 2007: at Mersea Island. More info to follow.
- Run for a Child and raise funds to help children in our diocese: The BCCS is holding this run on 22nd September at 10am in Hastingwood near Harlow. The run is open to all. Please contact Stuart McNab on 01268 784544, stuartmcnab@childcarebccs.plus.com before 14th Sept. to register and obtain more info.
- Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Annual Golf Classic 14th September: at Ilford Golf Club. Please contact John Buckley 01708 455887.
- Brentwood Branch (CWL) Housing Association Ltd offers: sheltered accommodation for the elderly (60+). Single flats available for rent. Ground and 1st floor (lifts available) in Stifford Clays, Grays and Leigh On Sea, Essex. Please apply for an application pack on 01702 510523.
- Pilgrimage of Love and Peace to Medjugorje 22 - 29th October 2007: led by Fr Joseph Whisstock. Cost £400 exc. insurance with a deposit of £50 per person. Please call 01206 866317 or Carmen on 01277 821886 or 07754 1563007 for info.
- Are you over 16 years old and thinking about the Priesthood? Find out more at an evening at Abbotswick House of Prayer on Friday 14th September from 6.30pm. There will be a light supper at 7pm followed by discussion, questions and prayer. More info from Fr Joseph Silver on 01268 453968 or bdvocations@aol.com.
- A Pan-African Annual Mass: to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade will be held on Sunday 16th September at 3pm at St George's Catholic Church, 132 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow E17 9HU. The mass will be presided by Bishop Thomas McMahon and will be followed by a Reception in the Parish Hall. All welcome. Further info from Deacon Joseph on 020-8521 2359; africath@clara.co.uk
- 'Open University' style study to broaden your faith: The Maryvale Institute in Birmingham offers various programmes of distance learning study teaching orthodox Catholic theology and practice. The primary focus is the BA (Divinity) but many other courses are available. More info from 0121 360 8118 or www.maryvale.ac.uk
Sunday Smile:
A little girl became restless as the parish priest's sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, Mummy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?
Items for the Newsletter:
Your news and views are always welcome. Any items for inclusion need to be at the Presbytery by Wednesday noon.
Parish Weekly Income:
Grateful thanks for your continued generosity.