THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR B):
10th May 2009
Rite of Election for Confirmation Candidates today
Fr Frank writes:
We are now well into the month of May: the month of Our Lady, Queen of the May. One beautiful reminder of this is the abundance of Our Lady's Lace lining our quieter roads (the more vulgar name for this being Cow Parsley!).
To mark this month we have begun to sing the Regina Caeli at the end of our weekday Masses, and on Sunday's by almost invariably finishing Mass with a hymn to Our Lady.
As the time for Confirmation draws near please do pray for our Confirmation Candidates, who are elected at our 9am Mass today.
May Our Lady, Queen of the May, pray for you, and may God richly bless you.
Fr Frank
Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:
- Week beginning:
- 10th May: Christian Aid Committee (Robin Stevens - chair)
- 17th May: St Paul's, Great Baddow
Parish News:
- The Bishop's Visitation to our parish takes place on 24th May, when he will confirm 20 of our young people at the 12 noon Mass at The Church of Our Saviour. The Mass will be followed by a short reception. The church at Chelmer Village will inevitably be very crowded on this day - those who normally attend the Mass there clearly need to be aware of this. You may like to attend Mass at either 9am or 10.30am on that day to avoid the crush.
- Sue Cruickshank RIP. Sue's Funeral Mass will take place at St Augustine's on Friday May 15th at 12noon. May she rest in peace and rise to glory. Parishioners are warmly encouraged to attend.
- Fr Brian O'Higgins RIP: Memorial Requiem Masses will be held for Fr Brian O'Higgins at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th May at St Michael's, East Ham and at 7.30pm on Friday 22nd May at Our Lady Immaculate, Chelmsford.
- Oxfam Live in Chelmsford, 28th May 7.30 - 8pm at Central Baptist Church: Farhana Hafiz, an Oxfam worker in Bangladesh, will be speaking about development issues in general, and women's issue and climate change in particular. All welcome - free admission. Fairtrade refreshments available.
- Peggy Manton RIP: Peggy Manton died on 17th April. Peggy and her husband John were the first caretaker and keyholder of St Augustine's. Her funeral is 12th May at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Blackheath at 10.40am. May she rest in peace. Amen
- Help supply rice to third world countries: by visiting United Nations sponsored website www.freerice.com. You can choose a subject that interests you and, for every correct answer to the multiple choice questions, the UN will donate 10 grains of rice to third world countries. A fun and easy way to offer your support!
- Sr Philomena Purcell: would dearly appreciate your sponsorship for her participation in the Great Baddow Charity Race on Sunday 17th May, to raise funds for the Marfan Research Foundation. Marfan syndrome is a hereditary condition affecting skeleton, eyes, nervous system, skin, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
- Diocesan Deaf Service Signed Mass at Church of Our Saviour: Chelmer Village on May 31st, the feast of Pentecost at noon. Fr Frank will be the celebrant and people who are deaf will sign the readings. All welcome - hearing, hard of hearing and deaf.
- KSC sponsored walk for BCCS - like to participate?: on Saturday 23rd May the BCCS 25th Anniversary sponsored walk will start after 9am Mass at OLI in London Road, going to Brentwood via Ingatestone. More walkers would be very welcome! Please contact Chris Lewington on 01245 463728 for entry and sponsorship forms
- Pentecost Sunday: 31st May: On Pentecost Sunday the readings at all three Masses will be in a language other than English. We are still looking for one reader for the 10.30am Mass at New Hall. Please let Fr Frank know as soon as possible if you are able or willing to help. Thank you, Fr Frank
- Christian Aid Week 10-16 May 2009: I could weep. Based on envelopes taken so far we may expect to raise around £2,200. Recently we have raised around £3,800 annually. Consequently about 300 families in the poorest parts of Africa or South America will continue to struggle to survive without Christian Aid's help. Please take some envelopes and go collecting next week, putting your Christian faith into action - it's as easy as that. Thank you. Maureen Henes 01245 469933
- The SVP St John Bosco Camp: is a brilliant holiday opportunity for boys and girls aged
8-13. Boys' camps are 18- 25 July; 25 July-1 August and 1st -8 August, and girls' is 8-15 August. The
camp site is 40 acres with many sporting activities, plus canoeing, archery and much more. Accommodation is in
tents; all food and sporting equipment is provided. The full cost is £130, but any family in financial
need should speak to the Parish SVP representative Jim McEvoy (tel. 256754) to see what financial assistance is
available. Forms and more details can be found on www.bcys.net/bosco.
Volunteer helpers are also needed for the camp - you must be aged 16+. It is commitment from volunteers that is essential to the running of the camp - you will make a difference and have a great time. Details again on the website www.bcys.net/bosco
From the Deanery:
- An exhibition of Sr Mary Stephen's art work: at Blessed Sacrament Church on Friday 15th May from 12.30 - 8.30pm. All very welcome.
Advertisements:
- Teachers required for September 2009 at St Ursula's, Romford: St Ursula's Catholic Infant School, Romford requires a Deputy Head Teacher L8-12, Learning Support Leader TLR2a and Phase Leader (KS1 initially) TLR2a. Further information from Mrs Noel McNab, Head Teacher on 01708 345200 or by Email
Sunday Smile:
(this is true - or so I'm assured):
BEG, BORROW OR STEAL (BBC 2)
Jamie Theakston: Where do you think Cambridge University is?
Contestant: Geography isn't my strong point.
Theakston: There's a clue in the title.
Contestant: Leicester.