TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
20th September 2009
Home Mission Day
Fr Frank writes:
I write this having just returned from a wonderful parish pilgrimage to Wales - taking in the Shrines of Our Lady at
Glastonbury, Pen-rhys, and Cardigan; the Cathedral and chapel of St Non at St Davids; The Shrine of Our Lady at Bala, and
St Winifred's Shrine at Holywell. At each of these holy places we celebrated Mass. These occasions also include some
fun, and I am grateful for the good natured, as well as the prayerful company of those making this year's pilgrimage. I
am especially grateful to our pilgrimage organiser, Tony Cornish, whose planning and great care make it such a memorable
and happy event.
I am also grateful to Deacon Kevin and our Eucharistic Ministers who administered services of Holy Communion in my
absence.
Our 2010 pilgrimage will be to Bavaria, including the passion play at Oberammergau. If you are interested in joining us,
please let me know as soon as possible.
On a personal note, thank you from Anne and me for all the good wishes on the birth of our second grandchild, Regan
Eleanor Katherine Foy.
With every blessing:
Fr Frank
Parish News:
- John Glynn and Aquila perform at St Augustine's tonight!: Come and enjoy an evening of uplifting
music from 7pm - admission free.
- The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA): teaching sessions for adults wishing to be
received into the Church at Easter 2010 begin at 8pm on Friday 23rd October at St Augustine's. If you would like to
be enrolled on the course, please speak to either Fr Frank or Deacon Kevin.
- Feed the Nurses … please!: I am looking for volunteers to help to provide lunch for 300 new
student nurses arriving at the University on 1st October. More details to follow but please let me know if you are able
to help. Many thanks. Fr Frank.
- Knights of St Columba Annual Lecture: Wed 14th October at St Augustine's with BBC religious
programmes' producer and Director of the Churches' Media Council, Andrew Greystone, will talk on "Too Much
Information?". How to survive the digital revolution - of interest to all generations! Details from Chris Thompson
(469161) or any Knight.
- "The Nativity" at Chelmsford Cathedral, 4 performances from 1st-3rd October: from Creation
to the Birth of Christ, this is a compilation of the York, Wakefield and Coventry Mystery Plays and a revival of the
medieval tradition of plays in Chelmsford. Cast members are drawn from the various Churches of Chelmsford including St
Augustine's. Tickets are going fast from the Borough Council Box Office on 606505.
- Relics of St Therese of Lisieux: will be in Walsingham soon. There will be a coach (£15 per
person) leaving from St Augustine's at 9.30am on 6th October. This pilgrimage includes Mass and a chance to venerate
the relics. More info about the relics can be viewed on www.catholicrelics.co.uk.
- St John Payne meeting for parents of Year 6 children for 2010 entry: Thursday 24th September from
7.30pm.
- St John Payne Open Evening parents and children for 2010 entry: from 6pm on Thursday 8th
October.
- New Hall School Open Day Saturday 26th September 9am - 12.30pm: Presentations from the Principal and current students
10.30am and 11.30am. Each year 11+ and 13+ boarding and day Scholarships are offered specifically for Catholic students
coming from both state and independent schools. More info at www.newhallschool.co.uk.
- Annual Parish Dinner - date for your diary: Saturday 5th December. More details to follow.
From the Deanery:
- Holy Name Catholic Women's League Fashion Show: Friday 23rd Oct 7.30 for 8pm at Margaretting
Village Hall. Tickets £5 with glass of wine or soft drink from Chris Bennett on 01245 357189. Clothes from
factories who supply leading High Street stores. Proceeds to BCCS and Margaretting Village Hall. Early booking
recommended.
- St John Payne Reunion in celebration of its 50th Anniversary: Ex pupils and past staff members are
warmly invited to a reunion on Saturday 3rd October in the school's Upper School Hall. More info on www.sjp.essex.sch.uk. A special commemorative book can be ordered
through the school office.
From the Diocese:
- BRES Spirituality Evening 'The Spirituality of St Thomas More': at 7.30pm on 29th September
at Cathedral Conference Centre with Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood. £5 waged, £3 unwaged. Please
book on 01277 265285.
- An event for Catechists at the Conference Centre, Brentwood: Sat 26th Sept 9.30am - 2.45pm.
'Valuing Difference' with Elizabeth O'Brien, Special Needs Adviser, Archdiocese of Birmingham. Further info
from Sr Nuala on 01277 265219.
- Lection Divina - Praying with Scripture, Tues 14th Oct 7.30pm: at Cathedral Conference Centre with
Fr Gervase Holdaway OSB, a monk from Douai Abbey. A chance for all parishioners to learn more about praying with
Scripture or how to lead a group in the parish. More info from Sr Nuala on 01277 265219.
- CAFOD is seeking volunteers: to visit primary and secondary schools in your area. If you are
interested please contact Joanna Jarvis on 0208 502 9722 or by Email
- BCYS Youth Gather 10/11th October at Mersea Outdoors: Young people of school year 9 (age 14+) and
above are invited to a weekend of outdoor pursuits, art, drama and music, times of reflection and listening to
challenging speakers, whilst meeting other young people and celebrating Mass together. Costs are £45 without
transport or £55 including organized transport from Brentwood. More info from 01277 265286 or by Email or visit www.bcys.net for photos from previous years.
Advertisements:
- Piano Teacher: If you or a member of your family is looking for piano lessons then one of our
parishioners, Nigel Chapman, can help! Contact him on 07769 702405.
- Sanctuary Care is looking for volunteers: to spend some time with residents at Lyons Court
Residential Home for the frail and elderly. If you can help, please contact Bernadette McDonnell on 01245 451254.
Sunday Smile:
A gentle thought on growing old:
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra!