FOURTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
3rd February 2008
Day for the Unemployed
Fr Frank writes:
Christmas hardly seems over as Lent begins. Details of our Ash Wednesday Masses are given in the Mass Schedule. This is an important day, and three Masses will be offered. I hope and pray that all of you will be able to attend one of these.
The whole of Lent provides us with a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith. To help this process there are copies of the Lent edition of Bible Alive for sale after Mass. In addition, I have also ordered Walk with Me: A Lenten Journey of Prayer, also on sale after Mass.
During Lent we will walk the Stations of the Cross each Friday, and on Sunday will hold the prayerful service of Exposition, Stations and Benediction.
Please make full use of the opportunities on offer.
May Christ the Servant King fill you with every good gift.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 3rd February: Society of Friends (Anne Olding)
- 10th February: Springfield Park Baptist (Rev Roger Stark)
Parish News:
- Tuesday Mass: will be at 10.30am this week, followed by tea/coffee and social time. Everyone welcome.
- Parish Pilgrimage to Padua and Venice 21st - 27th September 2008: led by Fr Frank, staying in Padua - City of Anthony and visiting Venice - City of St Mark, Verona and the Venetian Islands. The price of £699 includes return flights + taxes, half board accommodation, guided tours, boat trips and entrance fees. Further info from Tony Cornish on 264821 or tonycornish@talktalk.net
- First Reconciliation Programme: If your child was on last year's First Holy Communion Programme, it is now time to enrol them on to the Reconciliation Programme. This will consist of 2 one hour sessions on Monday 25th February and 10th March from 4pm - 5.15pm. I look forward to seeing you on the 25th Feb. Cath Lyons.
- The Catenian Association Bursary Fund: exists to help any young Catholic aged 16 - 24 prepared to work, unpaid, anywhere in the world, to help under-privileged people. It can usually help with a contribution towards the cost of fares, subsistence, injections and special clothing. More info from Paul Newman on 01245 355451.
- Re:fresh Chelmsford Christian Festival 2008: In the run up to the Festival Boo Hewerdine
and Andy Thornton will be in concert at the Central Baptist Church, Victoria Road South in Chelmsford at 7.30
on Saturday 23rd February. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) from rachelhorn@centralbaptist.f9.co.uk.
The Re:fresh website can be found at www.refresh08.com. - Rugby Outing - Sunday 16th March: London Irish v Wasps at Reading on Sunday 16th March. Coach departs SJP School at 10am returning to SJP School at approx 8pm. Kick off at 3pm - plenty of time to and enjoy the pre and post match entertainment and visit the team shop. Adults £35 and Concs. (Children, Students and over 60's) £20 each including return coach travel.
- 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.
- 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
- "Search For The Hero" - All night vigil for young people: school year 10+ (age15+). Palm Sunday weekend, 10.30pm Saturday 15th March - 7.00am Sunday 16th March. The vigil will include active sessions of drama, art, multimedia and music, plus reflective times in the atmosphere of Brentwood Cathedral by night. Also included are Mass and breakfast. For a unique and powerful experience, please book online via www.bcys.net or call 01277 265286. Parental consent needed for those under 18. £5 per person to cover costs. Any questions please email sarah@bcys.net
- 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:
- Sheltered accommodation for the elderly (60+): A single, 1 bedroom self contained 1st floor flat is available for rent at St Margaret's, Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh on Sea. Stairlift available. Gas central heating, very good modern internal decoration. £102.96 (inclusive of charges) per week. Warden and Careline assisted. Very close to shops and buses. Health Centre, hospital and church all nearby. Call 01702 510523 for more information.
- ALIVE - A Resurrection Musical: by the Youth of Light Theatre Group at St Charles Hall, Holland Road, Clacton on Friday 14th March at 7.30pm, Saturday 15th March at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Sunday 16th March at 2.30pm. Tickets £4 (£3 children and concessions) from 01255 420344.
Sunday Smile:
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. But why? they asked. Because, he said, I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.
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.