St. Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR B:
15th November 2009
Day of prayer for prisoners and their dependents

Fr Frank writes:

From the weekend of Advent Sunday (i.e. 28th/29th November), there will be a change to the times of our Sunday Parish Masses. Instead of the 12noon Mass at the Church of Christ Our Saviour, Chelmer Village, there will be a weekly Vigil Mass on Saturday at 5.00pm. This will mean that, from those attending, we will be looking for volunteers to set up the church immediately prior to the Saturday evening Mass. If you are willing to help could you please let Deacon Kevin or Cath or Anne know. The Mass at New Hall will begin at 10.45am from Sunday 29th.

Please make a note of these changes.

If anyone experiences any difficulties as a result of these changes, please let me know. Volunteers will be only too happy to offer lifts etc.

May God richly bless you all.

Father Frank

Parish News:

Vandalism and Damage at St Augustine's: There have been a number of small fires at St Augustine's over the past couple of months, and after the rain on Sunday 1st November, we noticed some leaks. On investigation it was discovered that lead had been stripped from the roof. If you are out and about in the evening, perhaps you could have a quick look at the church to see if anything is amiss. Please do not confront anyone, but if there are signs of 'criminal damage' taking place (fires, people on the roof etc) please ring 999 and let me know. Many thanks, Fr Frank.
Annual Parish Dinner: will take place on Saturday 5th December at Channels. Come along for a good night out with excellent food and convivial company. Everyone is welcome whether new to the parish or an old hand! Please call Karin me for tickets on 466167. Closing date will be 22nd November. Thank you. Karin Seeman.
World Gifts: some of you may have already 'received' a goat, or chickens, or a latrine, or some such for Christmas. These gifts, and many more similar ones, will not be delivered to your door. Rather they will go to hard-pressed communities in one of the under-developed countries of the world. If you haven't sent a World Gift before, why not try it this year? Booklets advertising these are available from the back of church.
St John Payne School Mass for the Deceased: St John Payne would like you to join us at our Mass for all Deceased members of the St. John Payne Community on Friday 20th November at 8.00 p.m. in the Middle School Hall'.
2008/09 Gift Aid Donation letters: have been distributed after Masses for the last few weeks. If you are a member of the scheme, please look out for your letter after Mass. We are required to give you a letter about your donations for the last financial year and if we have to post all the letters it would cost us £60! Many thanks.

From the Deanery:

Diocesan Deaf Service Signed Mass: at 5.30pm on Sunday 13th December at the Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Square, South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5FG. Rev Paul Fox will be the celebrant and people who are deaf will sign the readings. All are welcome, hearing, hard of hearing and deaf. More info from Sister Margaret Duffy on 0208 504 0406 or by Email

From the Diocese:

Heavenly Classics, a concert of choral masterpieces: at 5pm on Sunday 22nd November, performed by Brentwood Cathedral Choir at and in honour of the Centenary of Sacred Heart Church, Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea. Tickets £5. For more info please call 07866 243926
Advent 2009: (info from 01277 265219 or by Email)
- Welcoming Christ into our hearts through the Liturgy for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, led by Mgr David Manson, VG on Tuesday 17th November, 7.30pm in the Cathedral Conference Centre
- Listen! Preparing spiritually for Christmas: 3 sessions offering the opportunity to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas at the Cathedral Conference Centre:
  - Monday 30th November with Bishop John Crowley
  - Monday 7th December with Fr David Clemens
  - Monday 14th December with Sister Magdalen Lawler, SND.

Other: