SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR B):
8th March 2009
Fr Frank writes:
I'm still reeling from the Parish Panto - it was quite an experience. We were very ambitious, but can all feel rightly proud of our performances. Many thanks are due to so many who worked incredibly hard, and with great commitment and good humour. Special thanks, however, must go to our Director, Maria Webb' who, on top of her schoolwork and a starring role in 'Oliver', managed so successfully to hold the whole thing together. Many congratulations to all my fellow thespians, to set designers and builders, to back-stage and front of house staff, to our sound and lighting technicians, and to all those who turned up to cheer us on. I will let you know how much we've managed to raise for Mhlumayo and St Mary's, Hoima as soon as I am able.
If you haven't already done so, it's not too late to resolve to deepen your faith by attending one of the special weekday services to mark this holy season of Lent, and/or to buy the 2009 edition of 'My Day by Day' or 'Walk with Me'. Don't let Lent pass you by!
May the God of all good things fill you with every blessing.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 8th March: St Andrews, Sandon (Rev Keith Plaister)
- 15th March: St Augustine's A/FC (Revv Jane Anderson & David Faulkner)
Parish News:
- Sr Mary Stephen's Stations of the Cross and Ressurection will be at:
- Chelmsford Cathedral 11th - 12th March. On 11th March the Cathedral will be open and there are moments of prayer 1.30 - 2.30pm and a reflective evening service at 8pm. On 12th March the Cathedral will be open from 9.30am with prayer at 12.45pm to close at 1.30pm
- Brentwood Cathedral 31st March - 1st April. On 31st March from 3pm - 7.30pm followed by the Reflective Evening Service and on 1st April from 10am - 3pm.
- Last year's First Communion children: Cath Lyons is organising a refresher course on Reconciliation to take place at St Augustine's on Monday 10th and 30th March from 4pm - 5pm.
- Brentwood Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (20- 26th July 2009): If you would like to join a group from our parish please contact Eileen Hyland (Tel: 258341). Age, disability or ill health should not prevent you from traveling with us, as there is an excellent team of doctors, nurses and helpers. Approx cost £680.
- Lourdes 2009: If you are interested in joining a group from Chelmsford as part of the Ampleforth Pilgrimage in July 2009 - either as a helper or as a Hospital Pilgrim - please contact Sisters Margaret or Moira on 01245 604108.
- Quiz Night in aid of the SVP: Saturday 28th March at 7pm in St Augustine's Church Hall. Tickets £6 including fish and chip supper. Please contact James McEvoy for tickets on 256754.
- Flower Arrangers: We desperately need help with flower arranging at St Augustine's. If you are willing (training can be given) please let me know. Fr Frank.
- 120 Club: We will be running the Club again this year - annual subscriptions £10. The monthly prize depends on the number of members. See Cath Lyons after Mass.
From the Deanery:
- St John Payne 50th Anniversary: St John Payne School are planning to celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 2009/2010 and hope to produce a book to mark the anniversary. In this respect there will be a meeting at St John Payne Upper School in the Chaplaincy at 8pm on Wednesday 25th March - all are welcome.
- Praise and Worship at Our Lady Immaculate Church: (not Holy Name as previously advertised) on Wednesday 11th March 8pm. Guest speaker Wendy Thomas who writes daily devotionals for UCB Radio and Booklets. The theme is the Father Heart of God - God's love for us. All welcome. For more details please contact Jane Parker on 01245 473652.
From the Diocese:
- Fr Stan Fortuna: an inspirational speaker for young people and Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from the Bronx comes to Brentwood Cathedral next Sunday afternoon 15th March. Events from 4.30pm onwards. Full details on www.bcys.net/frstan or from 01277 265286.
- Visit the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux at:
- National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham NR22 6AL on Tuesday 6th October, tel 01328 820217, www.walsingham.org.uk
- Westminster Cathedral, London, SW1P 1QH on Monday 12th October, tel. 0207 798 9055, www.westminstercathedral.org.uk
Sunday Smile:
A parish priest said to a precocious six-year old boy, so your mother says your prayers for you each night. Very commendable. What does she say? The little boy replied, Thank God he's in bed!
Parish Weekly Income:
Grateful thanks for your continued generosity.