TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
27th September 2009
The Harvest
Deacon Kevin writes:
The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux are now being taken to various places within England and Wales. We, as a parish, will be going to Our Lady's Shrine Walsingham, on 6th October, to venerate the relics with prayers. St. Thérèse has left us an autobiography of her life, the Story of a Soul. She was asked by her superior to write down an account of her childhood memories, life in the Carmel and about her religious life. She entered at a very young age following three of her sisters. She died on 30th September 1897. Thérèse devoted her life for the salvation of the souls and for the spreading of the faith in the missions. She is a patron saint for missionaries.
In this 'Year of the Priest' the clergy of the Mid-Essex deanery will be concelebrating Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, on Tuesday 29th September at 10.30 a.m. It is an opportunity for parishioners to attend and pray for our priests and for vocations to the priesthood.
Deacon Kevin
Parish News:
- Feed the Nurses … please!: I am looking for volunteers to help serve lunch and provide a warm welcome for 300 new student nurses arriving at the University on 1st October. We will meet at the university at 12 noon. If you would like to contribute food, but cannot come along on the day, your offerings can be left at the Presbytery between 10.30 and 11.30 that morning (other times by appointment). We are looking for bread, cake, crisps, pasta dishes, salad, bottled water, soft drinks - in short anything that can be served cold. Paper plates, serviettes, plastic forks etc are also most welcome. Please let me know if you are able to help. Many thanks. Fr Frank.
- The Bishops' School is looking for volunteers to help with their Reading Club: each morning to support children who need extra practice to read well - training is given and it is a great opportunity to be a really important part of a child's learning. Children who can read better grow in confidence and learning in almost all other areas of the school curriculum. If you are interested in helping on any or every morning from 8.30am 'til 9.00 please let Mrs. Forte in the school office know. The only qualifications are enthusiasm, time and patience. We are also looking for some regular helpers for an Art afternoon each Thursday from 1-3pm with our youngest children - same qualifications apply. I am afraid we do have to check the identity and do a CRB check on all regular helpers in school - but it is very worthwhile. Please help us if you feel this is right for you. Thank you. Mr. Greg Waters, Head Teacher.
- Christmas Draw Tickets: On Sunday 4th October I will be handing out our annual Christmas Draw tickets. 15 books of tickets will be given to each family to sell at £1 per book. Please return any unsold books. This is our main fundraising event of the year. I am also looking for donations of raffle prizes. Many thanks for your continued support. Cath Lyons.
- 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.
- St John Payne Open Evening parents and children for 2010 entry: from 6pm on Thursday 8th October.
- Annual Parish Dinner - date for your diary: Saturday 5th December. More details to follow.
From the Deanery:
- 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:
- "I'd say yes Lord, if I knew what you wanted": A weekend retreat on 23-25 October 2009 for young adults aged 18-38 on Ignatian rules of discernment; directed by Fr. Dave Stuart SJ, leader of the Young Adult Ministry at Farm Street. The retreat will be held at Abbotswick House of Prayer in the Essex countryside. For further details visit www.free2become.org or call 01277 373848.
- CAFOD Harvest Fast Day: Friday 2nd October 2009: This Harvest, CAFOD is appealing for our urgent help to support millions of people who are being pushed deeper and deeper into poverty. The World Bank estimates that the financial crisis will force 46 million more people to survive on less than $1.25 a day. The human cost of this crisis is immense. Across the world, children as young as 6 are leaving school to look for work. Families are surviving on one or two basic meals a day, and healthcare has become a luxury that few can afford. Time is running out - now more than ever we need your support. Your donation will help avert tragedy. CAFOD's Fast Day collection envelopes are available in church this week and will be collected next weekend. Don't forget to fill in your Gift Aid details.
- A time of prayer for young adults with the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: As part of the visit of the relics of St. Thérèse, there will be a special liturgy for young adults at 7.30pm on Wed. 14th October at Westminster Cathedral, with Mgr. John Armitage. This inspiring journey through the life of St. Thérèse will be followed by an All Night Vigil in the presence of the relics and in the prayerful atmosphere of Westminster Cathedral by night. All welcome to this unique opportunity - please reserve your free ticket by Email. More details online at www.bcys.net/loveattheheart
- 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.
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.