SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR A):
27th April 2008
Fr Frank writes:
We have just begun an important venture in the form of our parish course on the creed: Believe.
The first part of the course addressed the question: Why believe? Subsequent sessions will analyse the various sections of the creed. It is so easy to recite this powerful statement of belief without really concentrating on, or even understanding, the words and concepts involved. Those on the course will find their recitation of the creed far more powerful as a result of this six-week-long course. Not everyone can attend the Friday evening sessions, and for this reason another course will be offered sometime in the future - perhaps during the day.
We now have a new head for our Parish School (Bishops'). Mr Greg Waters is currently head of Feering Primary and comes very well recommended. We look forward to welcoming him in September, and working with him in the years to come.
My thanks to everyone who turned up to help at yesterday's work-day. Hard work, but well worth it.
May our good and gracious Lord bless you now and always.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 27th April: St Michael & All Angels, Galleywood (Rev Andy Griffiths)
- 4th May: St Paul, Great Baddow (Tudor and Tricia Roberts)
Parish News:
- Next Tuesday's Mass (6th May): will be at 10.30am, followed by tea/coffee and social time. Everyone welcome.
- Parish Party Saturday July 5th from 6pm: Date for the diary - more details to follow!
- Thank you from Mekele, Ethiopia: Over £940 (around 18,000 Ethiopian Birr!) was raised by the retiring collection the week before last, with some donations still coming in. Sr Medhin, the Daughters of Charity Coordinator for Tigray, wrote, "God bless your generosity, we are all so grateful of your prayers, kindness and donations. It means so much to us to know people in England think of us and the money will be put to very good use. Thank you people of Chelmsford, and Abba Frank". Sr Medhin will keep us posted of how she uses the donations to provide for the 'poorest of the poor' in Tigray. More info about the Daughters of Charity can be found at www.ethiopia07.org.uk
- Red Mission boxes: Many thanks to all who brought in their boxes recently - you raised a total of £196.38. If you would like to know what your individual contribution was please ask Bernadette after Mass or call her on 01245 450138. There will be a further collection in October for anyone who might have missed this one.
- Christian Aid Week 11-17 May 2008: Christian Aid helps people to find their own lasting solutions to poverty, so we work through more than 600 local organisations in almost 50 countries. We challenge those with power to change things, like climate change and international trade rules, that have an adverse effect on poor communities. Please contact Maureen Henes on 01245 469933 to offer your help.
From the Diocese:
- Vocation Enquiry evening at Abbotswick House of Prayer, Brentwood: for those thinking about a call to the Priesthood. Friday 2nd May, 6.45pm (light supper at 7pm) - 9.30pm. A presentation on some aspect of the Priesthood and discernment followed by questions, discussion and prayer. Please contact Fr Joseph Silver by email or on 020 8590 7222 if you will be attending.
- BRES Spirituality Evening - 6th May 7.30pm: at Cathedral House Conference Centre, Brentwood. Bishop Thomas will be leading this term's BRES Spirituality Evening and his topic will be 'Ways of Praying'. Admission £5 waged, £3 unwaged. Contact details Tel: 01277 265285.
- Pastoral Leadership short course 6th - 10th June 2008: at Abbotswick House of Prayer. The course is designed to provide each participant with a pastoral leadership assessment of strengths and weaknesses with professional applications that will empower and renew them so that they can return to their pastoral work renewed and invigorated. Cost of the course is £215 per person including CPI test. The full programme for the week and application form can be accessed at www.abbotswick.org.
Other News:
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill: The House of Lords All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group is organising a mass lobby at the Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, Westminster, London SW1 from 12.30pm until the time Parliament rises in the evening on 14th May. We are hoping that churches will have at least one representative willing to attend. Lobbyists should contact their MPs for appointments requesting a time. Public support has made a tremendous impact and your continued support is vital. Yours very sincerely Lord Alton of Liverpool, Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe MP, Jim Dobbin MP.
Advertisements:
- Full-time Youth Ministry Coordinator required in Otley near Leeds: Our Lady and All Saints Parish in Otley require a full-time Youth Ministry Coordinator to take the lead with the youth in our Parish and to work closely with the Parish Schools. Closing date Friday 16th May. For an application pack tel. 07522 644429
- Director of Retreats for 10 - 18 year olds at Walsingham House: An ideal role for someone with experience in planning and delivering engaging retreats to young people, rooted in the Catholic faith, and with experience in forming a team of volunteers. Full job advert available at www.walsinghamhouse.org or call Fr Dominic Howarth on 01268 696610 or email him. Closing date 5th May.
Sunday Smile:
Ten Commandments of Marriage for Men:
- Marriages are made in heaven. But so are thunder and lightening
- If you want your wife to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say; talk in your sleep
- Marriage is grand - and divorce is about 100 grand!
(more 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.