THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
26/27th January 2008
Fr Frank writes:
Last week we celebrated Peace Sunday and Education Sunday. It's so important to be reminded of our obligations, in this case to pray for and promote peace in our own families and communities, and to pray for our schools, colleges and universities as well as supporting all who are engaged in the important work of educating our young people.
We have so many 'special' Sundays it comes of something of a surprise when we have an 'un-themed' Sunday as this week. Like all Sundays it is special, however. Special because we gather to celebrate the Day of Resurrection.
Next Sunday we remember the Unemployed at all our Masses - Sunday 4A is a Day for the Unemployed.
May the God of love, peace, joy and hope fill your lives with every good gift.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 27th January: Church of Our Saviour (Anglican/Free) (Rev Ann Mackenzie and Rev Jon Sermon)
- 3rd February: Society of Friends (Anne Olding)
A Lourdes Prayer Book for the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions in Lourdes: Illustrated with full colour pictures taken at Lourdes, this booklet brings together many of the most popular Marian prayers of the Church - antiphons, litanies etc - as well as prayers and devotions most associated with Lourdes and Saint Bernadette. The collection of prayers to Our Lady will inspire and support personal prayer or parish devotions. The booklets are £4.50 payable on receipt. Please give Fr Frank a note of your order with your name and address by 2nd February.
Parish News:
- John Glynn and Aquila in Concert this evening 7.30pm at St Augustine's: featuring music from the CDs "May the Lord Bless You" and "Open the Door" and including the world famous "I Watch the Sunrise". Doors open 7pm. Admission free with a collection in the interval. CDs and songbooks on sale.
- Kingdom Come - the Life of Christ, 1st March 7.30pm at St Augustine's: talented actor, Eric Petrossian, presents a one-man dramatisation of the gospel playing over 30 parts. A wonderful opportunity to focus on Christ's life as part of our Lenten journey. Critics have hailed his performance as brilliant, mesmerising, impressive, excellent and dignified - come and judge for yourselves! Tickets £6 from Karin Seeman 466167.
- Mothers' Prayer Group: meets at St Augustine's on the first Friday of the month from 1.45 - 2.45pm to pray for our children and the wider family of the world. All welcome.
- National Shrine of St Jude Faversham in Kent: one of our parishioners is a regular visitor to this National Shrine and has offered to take any petitions you would like to make. These should be handed to Fr Frank in a sealed envelope. No money offering necessary.
- Irish Night - Saturday 15th March: Doors open at 19.30 for a night of music, dance and entertainment in St John Payne School, Upper School Hall licensed bar applied for until 23.30. Tickets £6 each.
From the Diocese:
- Living in Multi-Faith Britain, 10am - 3.30 pm Sat. 16th February: at Cathedral Parish Hall, Brentwood with guest speakers Fr Michael Barnes SJ, Director of Studies, Heythrop College, and Harjinder Singh, Sikh chaplain and writer. Lunch included. More info from Elisabeth Abbott on 01277 285236
- Brentwood Catholic Children's Society: is holding the following events to support the
new 24 Hour Helpline (more info on all the following from 01268 784544):
- Fun Casino Night Thursday 31st January 8pm: at Ashwells in Brentwood. £20 per ticket. Over 18s only.
- Charity Irish Night Friday 14th March 7.30pm: Halfway House Marquee A127/ Herongate (Adults £40, children aged 10+ £20 per ticket)
- Brentwood Fun Run and Half Marathon Sunday 9th March: Sponsorship forms available.
- Company sponsorship for young people - can you help?: The Youth Service will take about 250 young people abroad this year, to Lourdes and Australia (World Youth Day). We would love to put your company logo on our sleeves / chest for a reasonable sponsorship. All money would help young people who need financial support to travel. Contact frdominic@bcys.net or call Fr Dominic on 01268 696610. Thank you.
- Party on the Thames!: Anyone aged 18+ is invited to join other young adult Catholics and friends for a Thames cruise with live music and DJ on Saturday 23rd February, 7.30 - 11.30pm. For details call 01277 265286 and leave your address, or email Suzanne@bcys.net. Tickets cost £18 - all money raised will support young people travelling to World Youth Day. Tickets limited - book soon.
- Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions & Jubilee Year. Sat. 26th July to Fri 1st August 2008. Travel by air from Stansted. Full board from £572. More info from Mrs Cathy O'Connor, on 01206 501146.
Other News:
- Catholic Singles: is an organization which helps single Catholics meet up, either one to one or through social events. For more information please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk
Advertisements:
- Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green requires Chaplain: for a full-time position from March 2008 due to the retirement of the present incumbent. Full details from Ann Corry
Sunday Smile:
Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused painkillers during a root canal? His goal: Transcend Dental Medication.
Items for the Newsletter:
Your views are always welcome. Please deliver your contributions to the Presbytery before noon on the preceding Wednesday.
Parish Weekly Income:
Grateful thanks for your continued generosity.