TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C:
23rd September 2007
The Harvest
Fr Frank writes:
By the time you read this we should have moved into our new church at St Augustine's. I hope you think the long wait worthwhile. The building we have been provided with is both functional and beautiful, but not yet complete as the seating is only temporary. Our hope is that eventually we might have new seating - wooden chairs with cushioned fabric on the seat and back : chairs both attractive and comfortable. We have, so far, received donations as part of our 'Buy a Chair' scheme which will enable us to buy 30 chairs, so there is still some way to go. If you would like to donate a chair in memory of a loved one, please pick up a form from the back of church and return it to me as soon as possible.
Today we celebrate the harvest. We must always be thankful for the good things we enjoy and never forget to pray for and support in other ways those with less. To mark this festival, our retiring collection today (as for the previous Sundays this month) will go to Fr Charles and the people of St Mary's parish, Hoima, Uganda.
May God bless you all.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 23rd September. Christian Growth Centre (Paul Gutteridge)
- 30th September. WHCM Sycamore (Lorinada Ferguson - Director)
Parish News:
- URGENT: Feed the Nurses: Once more our parish will be responsible for providing lunch for 300 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 (Mildmay Sports Hall on the new Rivermead Campus at the top of New Street/Rectory Lane). You can drive up to the Sports Hall to drop off food and you will be directed to the parking area. 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
- Human Tissue and Embryology Bill new draft: you will find a letter to Simon Burns enclosed in the Newsletter which, I believe, represents widespread concern within our community and others about the nature of this draft bill and other issues raised in the process. Please add your voice to this protest by forwarding the letter to Mr Burns. Fr Frank.
- Eucharistic Ministers' Training Session: a short training session will be held in St Augustine's for all who minister at both weekday and Sunday Masses. The session will begin at 8pm. If you cannot make it, please let me know. Thank you. 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.
- New Hall School Open Day Saturday 29th September: 9.30am - 12.30 & 2 - 4pm. Presentations from the Principal and current students at 10.30am, 11.30am and 3pm. The co-educational Preparatory takes pupils from age 3-11. The Senior School offers single-sex teaching for girls and boys aged 11 -16 and a co-educational Sixth Form. Students may board from age 8. 11+ and 13+ boarding and day scholarships for Catholic students from state and independent schools are offered each year. More info from www.newhallschool.co.uk
- St John Payne Secondary school liaison evening: for current Year 6 students in our parish, at 7.30pm on Thursday 27th September (or Wednesday 26th if you cannot make the Thursday). 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: There is a training meeting for anyone wishing to help on the Alpha course on Sunday 30th September at the Church of Our Saviour from 6pm - 8pm.
- KSC shopping trip to Cité d'Europe 9th November: there are still a few places left. Fare £25, lunch extra. More info from Rod Essery on 01245 283683.
From the Diocese:
- 'Take and Read' weekend 16 - 18th November at Abbotswick: the diocesan Commission for Evangelisation and Formation is holding a weekend to get to know the Bible better, to explore Catholic teaching on the Bible and to learn how to nurture Bible groups in parishes. The weekend runs from Friday evening and finishes with lunch on the Sunday. It is led by Fr Adrian Graffy and Mrs Anne Dixon. Cost £150. Enquiries and bookings to the Commission secretary, Clive Thomas, at Cathedral House - 01277 265289 or clive@dioceseofbrentwood.org
Advertisements:
- Sanwa electric sewing machine for sale £25: Approx 20 years old but in perfect condition and barely used. No manual so may suit experienced machinist. Proceeds to the church. Please contact phil@philmanson.com if you are interested.
Sunday Smile:
As we drove through a neighbouring village, something struck my 8-year-old son as odd.
Hey, he shouted, pointing out of the window, we have a St James's Church in our town
too.
It must be a chain, replied his 10-year-old brother.
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.