FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR A):
13th April 2008
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Fr Frank writes:
We will be beginning a course on the Creed on 18th April (see details below). This course contains important teaching and gives us the opportunity to expand our understanding and appreciation of our Christian Faith. If you would like to join the course (even if you cannot attend all six sessions), please let me know so I can order the correct number of accompanying books. The course and the books are free of charge.
I shall be away on retreat from Tuesday of this week. My thanks to Deacon Kevin and our Eucharistic Ministers for providing services of Holy Communion in my absence.
May our good and gracious God bless you all.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 13th April: St Mary's Broomfield (Rev Peter Ball)
- 20th April: St Mary's Great Baddow (Revv Alistair McGregor & Roger Matthews)
Parish News:
- May MacIsaac RIP: You will be sorry to hear that May died on 26th March. Her funeral took place in Slough on 3rd April. The family, however, are keen that her friends in Springfield are not excluded, and a Memorial Mass has been arranged at St Augustine's on 3rd May at 2pm. Members of the family will be present at the Mass: an opportunity for us to remember May and commend her to God's loving care. Please put this date in your diary.
- Believe - Reflections on the Creed: Fr Frank will be hosting a six-part series, based on a DVD each week, exploring the treasures of our faith as expressed in the Nicene Creed. The DVDs are presented in various locations including the Holy Land, Nicaea, Rome, Oxford, Cambridge and London and feature interviews with prominent men and women of the faith and testimonies from lay people, including Cardinal Arinze, Jean Vanier, Delia Smith, Fr Cantalmessa, Nicky Gumbel, Abbot of Worth, Archbishop Coleridge, Lord Alton and others. The sessions will run on six consecutive Fridays from 7.30 - 8.30pm beginning on Friday 18th April and concluding on Friday May 23rd. If you would like to take part in this inspiring course, please let Fr Frank know.
- Parish Pilgrimage to Padua and Venice (21st - 27th September): there are only 2 places remaining on this pilgrimage. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Contact Tony Cornish on 264821 or by email.
- Pentecost Sunday: falls on 11th May and, once again, I would like the readings at the Sunday Masses at St Augustine's and the Church of Our Saviour to be in a language other than English. If you would like to read at one of these Masses (particularly if your first language is not English), I would like to hear from you. Thank you. Fr Frank.
- The Augustinian: my thanks to Stephen Wilkinson who has volunteered to edit our Parish magazine. Stephen works as a sub-editor on the Essex Chronicle and, together with his wife Kenia and son Adam, is a relatively new member of our parish community. Fr Frank
From the Deanery:
- Prayer and Praise Evening, Wednesday 16th April: Our Lady Immaculate, London Road from 7.30pm. All welcome. This is a call for all Christians to worship and praise God. These evenings will continue to be held once a month.
- The Passion Play April 10th 2009: The Joint Churches of South Woodham Ferrers want to arrange a performance of the Passion Play on Good Friday April 10th 2009. The production needs people for the roles of: actors, backstage, stewards, health and safety, musicians and counsellors. There will be an open meeting on Tuesday 29th April at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church for anyone wishing to take part - everyone is welcome! Further info from Julie Hardy on 01245 325234 or Fr Paul Fox on 324138.
From the Diocese:
- World Youth Day: 2 places have become available on the trip to Sydney from 8th - 23rd July. Open to young people aged 17+ in the summer. If you are interested please contact Fr Dominic on 01268 696610 or by email no later than 25th April. The fully inclusive cost is £1,750.
- Summer Lourdes Trip for those aged 15 - 18 (school year 10+): from 24th July to 2nd August. Just 20 places left. All details and application forms from www.bcys.net. Fully inclusive cost £450.
Other News:
- Little Havens 10th Birthday 13th June: To mark this birthday Little Havens Children's Hospice is inviting you to take part in a cake event! If you can bake, sell or eat cake you can participate by running a cake competition, coffee morning with cake sale, cake auction, guess the weight of the cake - the possibilities are endless! To claim your free fundraising pack for this excellent cause please call 01702 220350 or visit littlehavens.org.uk/birthdayinvite.
Advertisements:
- Headteacher required for St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Dagenham: from September 2008. Group 2 ISR L18-24. The Governors wish to appoint a committed practising Catholic with a strong personal faith and a clear vision of Catholic education. Please contact Chidi Okwesilieze on 0208 2273013 or by email for information pack and application form. Closing date 21.04.08, shortlisting 22.04.08, interviews 28.04.08.
- Deputy Headteacher - St Alban's Primary School, Hornchurch: due to promotion, Governors wish to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Catholic Deputy Headteacher for September 2008. For further info please contact the school office on 01708 555644. Closing date 25.04.08.
Sunday Smile:
From church notice boards/newsletters (honest!):
- The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
- Potluck supper Sunday at 5.00pm - prayer and medication to follow.
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.