TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C:
16th September 2007
Home Mission Day
Fr Frank writes:
So often people speak to me about their desire to pray more deeply and their need to be helped in this. Another thing which is often mentioned is the wish to find out more about the faith. The latter, I believe, will be met soon when the Alpha course begins in November. This course is being jointly run by our Catholic Community and the Anglican/Free Church Community at Chelmer Village (see notice below). I ask that you seriously and prayerfully consider the opportunity which this offers. The former will be addressed to some degree when our new church is finally 'handed over'. As before, it will be open during the day providing a haven of peace and an opportunity to pray. It is also planned to reintroduce Holy Hour at 3pm on the first Friday of the month and at 10am on the third Saturday.
May God fill you with every good gift.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 16th September. Elim Christian centre (Mike Sherwood)
- 23rd September. Christian Growth Centre (Paul Gutteridge)
Parish News:
- Work day at St Augustine's: Many thanks to all those who came along to help. Things are gradually getting back into shape. Fr Frank.
- LEP Ecumenical Festival: takes place at St Augustine's between 2 and 4pm 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. Suitable for all the family. A bring and share tea will round off the afternoon. For more information see the posters in church.
- Feed the Nurses: Once more our parish will be responsible for providing lunch for new student nurses arriving at the University on 27th September. I am looking for volunteers to help to serve the food and provide a warm welcome. We will meet at the university at 12 noon (precise details to follow). If you would like to contribute food, but cannot come along on the day, your offerings can be left at the Presbytery between 10.30 and 11.30 that morning (other times by appointment). We are looking for bread, cake, crisps, pasta dishes, salad, bottled water, soft drinks - in short anything that can be served cold. Paper plates, serviettes, plastic forks etc are also most welcome. This is always an enjoyable and worthwhile event in our parish calendar. If you haven't done it in the past, why not give a try this year? Many thanks in advance. Fr Frank
- 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.
- The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA): teaching sessions for adults wishing to be received into the Church at Easter 2008 begin at 8pm on Friday 19th October at St Augustine's. If you would like to be enrolled on the course, please speak to either Fr Frank or Deacon Kevin.
- St John Payne Secondary school liaison evening: for current Year 6 students in our parish, at 7.30pm on Thursday 27th September. This will be followed by an Open Evening for all Year 6 students from 6pm on Thursday 11th October.
- Quiz Night 7pm 27th October at St Augustine's Church Hall: organised by and in aid of the SVP. A fun night with brain teasing questions and a fish and chip supper - all for just £6. Tickets from Angela on 0770 289 1475 or any SVP member.
- Alpha: We will be running an Alpha course with our friends in the Anglican/Free Church Community at Chelmer Village from 4th November for 5 weeks, then continuing after the Christmas break. Holy Spirit Away day Sat 12th January. The urgent need at present is to recruit a support team. Please call Janet Hoare on 346900 if you are willing to help in any way. We require: small group leaders, catering helpers, washing up helpers, prayer support, practical help with setting up, clearing up, running the book stall, looking after finances; and participants! Alpha works well for those interested in finding out more about Christianity, those new to faith and those keen to 'brush up on the basics'. Team training is at 6pm on Sunday 30th September at COS.
Other News:
- Kolbe's Gift, a play by David Gooderson: an inspiring play to be performed at Holy Name Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday 26th September to mark the 25th anniversary of the canonisation of Maximilian Kolbe. Tickets £5 on the door or call 01245 441208. More information from www.tentenproductions.co.uk.
- 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: members of the KSC participated in this walk yesterday and will be making a collection , after Mass.
- Youth Gather, 13th - 14th October 2007: Anyone aged 14 - 18 (school year 9 - 13) is invited to Youth Gather to hear from great speakers and participate in your choice from a wide range of activities such as abseiling, song writing, drama and dance. Hear from young people just back from Ethiopia and India, and enjoy socialising with other young Catholics. Youth Gather is run by the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service and takes place at Mersea Island, near Colchester. Cost £40 for the weekend including food and simple accommodation, or £50 if you come by coach - coaches from Stratford, Romford, Brentwood and Southend. Full details and forms at www.bcys.net or call 01277 265286 and leave your address.
Sunday Smile:
Notice on the church notice board: when you go up to receive Holy Communion do not leave your personal things unattended lest someone assumes that these are the answers to their prayers.
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.