THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR B):
15th March 2009
Fr Frank writes:
Lent is a time of repentance and an essential part of our Lenten observance is making use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To make this easier, our Deanery puts on special Reconciliation services during Lent. Please take this wonderful opportunity to approach Easter with a clean heart.
Reconciliation services in our Deanery are as follows:
- 30th March: Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne at 7.30pm
- 1st April: St Augustine, Springfield at 8pm
- 2nd April: Holy Name, Moulsham Lodge at 7.30pm
- 2nd April: English Martyrs, Danbury at 8pm
- 6th April: Holy Family and All Saints, Witham at 7.30pm
- 6th April: Our Lady Immaculate, Chelmsford at 8pm
May the God of Love and Forgiveness bless you always.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 15th March: St Augustine's A/FC (Revv Jane Anderson & David Faulkner)
- 22nd March: St Augustine's Catholic Community (Revv Frank Jackson & Kevin Lyons)
Parish News:
- Easter Lilies: Each year we ask for special donations for Easter Lilies to decorate St Augustine's for our celebrations. If you would like to make a donation (a suggested donation of £3) in memory of a deceased loved one, please place your offering in an envelope marked 'for Easter Lilies' and pass it to Cath Lyons. Many thanks for your generosity.
- New Hall organist: On Saturday 7th March the Chelmsford and District Organists' Association held their first competition on the newly restored organ at New Hall. Congratulations to Diane Wong, a New Hall student, who not only won her class, but was presented with a trophy for gaining the highest mark in the entire competition. Diane regularly plays at the 10.30am Mass.
- Sr Mary Stephen's Stations of the Cross and Ressurection will be at: Brentwood Cathedral 31st March - 1st April. On 31st March from 3pm - 7.30pm followed by a Reflective Evening Service and on 1st April from 10am - 3pm.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
From the Diocese:
- Healing Mass at Abbotswick House of Prayer: Please join us on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30pm for this Healing Mass which will be celebrated by Fr John Glynn. For further details and directions visit www.abbotswick.org or call 01277 373959.
- 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
Advertisements:
- Cleaner wanted in Springfield area from Easter: 5 hours per week 9.30 - 12.00 over 2 days. £6 per hour. Duties to include hovering, dusting, cleaning bathroom, washing kitchen floor etc. Please contact Don Cruickshank on 01245 267741 if you can help.
Sunday Smile:
During the homily one Sunday there was a loud whistle from one of the back seats. Gary's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, Gary, whatever made you do such a thing? Gary answered, soberly, I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!
Parish Weekly Income:
Grateful thanks for your continued generosity.