St. Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C):
28/29th November 2009

Fr Frank writes:

Advent is a time of preparation - and not just buying food, presents and sending cards - it is a time of spiritual preparation too. Part of this preparation involves the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession as it is sometimes known). In order to help you in this, there will be a number of special Advent Reconciliation Services in our Deanery:

14th December: Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne: 7.30pm
16th December St Augustine, Springfield: 8.00pm
17th Holy Name, Mousham Lodge: 7.30pm
21st Holy Family and All Saints, Witham: 7.30pm
21st Our Lady Immaculate, Chelmsford: 8.00pm
22nd Holy Trinity, South Woodham Ferrers: 8.00pm

Please do come along to one of these, and prepare yourself to welcome Christ.

May God richly bless you.

Father Frank

Parish News:

Tuesday's Mass this week will be at 10.30am. Mass will be followed by tea/coffee and social time. Everyone welcome.
Holy Hour will take place this Friday at St Augustine's, beginning at 3.00pm. This is a lovely meditative service (essentially silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Monstrance on the Altar). Quiet prayer is followed by simple Benediction. It is a wonderfully refreshing service (a real holiday away from normal rush and pressures). Why not resolve to join us during Advent? You won't regret it!
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.
New Altar Servers: There will be training sessions at St Augustine's on 5th,12th and 19th December beginning at 3.30pm for anyone who would like to serve at the altar; whether at St Augustine's, New Hall, or Christ Our Savour. To qualify you must have already made your First Holy Communion.
New Mass Times: from this weekend the Mass at The Church of Christ Our Saviour, Chelmer Village will be a (Saturday) Vigil Mass beginning at 5.00pm. Attendance at this Mass fulfils Sunday obligation. Please come along early and help to prepare the church for our celebration.
World Challenge Madagascar Quiz Night: Andrew Webb is organizing a quiz to be held at St Augustine's on Saturday 30th January to raise funds for his expedition to Madagascar. Please put the date in your diary!
Saint John Payne Road Show: As part of a tour of eleven church primary schools in mid Essex in celebration of the school's 50th anniversary, Saint John Payne will be bringing a Road Show of Witness, involving 20 pupils (including several from our Parish), to The Bishops' School on Friday, 4th December. This uplifting and joyous event will be taking place in St Augustine's Church at 9.00 am and, whilst targeted at the children from Bishops', is open to all parishioners and everyone is warmly invited.
Church of Our Saviour seeks Church Cleaner and Bookings Secretary: This is a paid post which could be taken over by one person or shared between a team of 2 or 3 people. If you would be interested please contact Fr Frank.
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.

From the Diocese:

Ecumenical Study Day on the Gospel of St Luke: at Brentwood Cathedral Hall on Saturday 12th December from 10.30am to 3pm, led by Mr Ian Boxall, Senior Tutor in New Testament at St Stephen's House at the University of Oxford. Buffet lunch provided. Please book your place on 01277 265289 or by Email
Special Youth Mass and Gathering at The Most Holy Redeemer, Billericay: at 8pm on Friday 8th January in the Parish Pastoral Centre, Laindon Road, Billericay. The Mass is being said to mark the start of the Parish's Centenary celebrations for 2010. All the Youth of the Brentwood Diocese in Year 8 and above are invited. If you are planning to attend please click here to Email for calculation of catering numbers. Thank you.

Other:

Oxfam Sunday Opening Hours: From Sunday 25th Oct until Christmas, The Oxfam Book and Music shop in the High Street will be opening from 10.30 am - 3.30 pm on Sundays in addition to their normal Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm working hours.

Sunday Smile: