THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (YEAR C)
9th/10th January 2010
White Flower Appeal
Fr Frank writes:
We continue our series of meditations on 'Home is a Holy Place':
God entrusted the world's garden to a family, so that life, justice and peace could grow there. In loving others the family makes the compassion of Christ real in the world. Rooted in Jesus Christ, the family is called to transform the world: to recognise God in every moment and in every thing; to contemplate God in every person; to seek God's will in all that happens. It is in the rhythm of daily life that families humbly but radically change the world, as they seek to follow Jesus, Day by day, through simple gestures that brighten the lives of others, they bring to the heart of the world the Christian values of generosity and love. (from the Bishops of the Americas).
Read more at www.homeisaholyplace.org.uk
I shall be away on retreat from Monday until Thursday. My thanks to Deacon Kevin and to our Eucharistic Ministers for holding services of Holy Communion in my absence.
May the God of peace continue to bless you throughout 2010.
Fr Frank
Parish News:
- Thank you. A big thank you for your good wishes, cards, generous Christmas Offering and gifts over the Christmas and New Year season. You are very generous, and we feel greatly loved. Fr Frank and Anne
- Kevin and Cath: would like to say a big thank you to all the parishioners who sent them Christmas cards and for the many gifts, including bottles, chocolates and biscuits received. Assuring of a very special remembrance in our prayers. God Bless you all.
- Michael McIntosh RIP: You will be sorry to hear of Michael's death in Broomfield Hospital last Sunday night. May he rest in peace. Please also pray for Cath and Henry who have lost three sons over the past five years.
- Exchange of Pulpits: next weekend we celebrate our annual Exchange of Pulpits. We welcome Rev Ann Mackenzie as preacher at our Saturday Vigil Mass, and Rev Jane Anderson to our 9.00am Mass.
- The Augustinian: we are looking for articles (about 500 words) for the February edition of our parish magazine. All contributions welcome. Please email offerings to Nigel Gardener, or to me. Many thanks, Fr Frank
- Parish Quiz: Andrew Webb, one of our faithful team of Altar Servers, is going on a world challenge expedition to Madagascar in June. To help finance Andrew we are holding a Quiz Night at St Augustine's on Saturday 30th January, beginning at 7.30pm. I am hoping that this will be a wonderful social event and fundraiser. Tickets are now on sale at £4.00 each. Be there or be ■. Fr Frank
- Providence Row and Farleigh Hospice collection: On the weekend of January 23/24 KSC will be collecting Toiletries (i.e. soap, shower gel, shampoo, shaving, tooth brushes and tooth paste etc) for the rough sleepers of Providence Row, East London as well as good quality used clothing for Farleigh Hospice Shops (raising much needed money for our local Hospice). Please keep items for Providence Row and Farleigh Hospice separate and clearly labelled. Many thanks in anticipation.
- Priest and People Revue, Friday 22nd January 7.30 p.m: at St. John Payne School in aid of The H.C.P.T. and the School's Jubilee Celebrations. Tickets are available from the School Office at a cost of £5.00 on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope, cheques should be made payable to 'St. John Payne School'.
- Ecumenical Praise and Worship: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8pm at Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall. Speaker this month, on 13th January, is Ruth Sermon from Church of Our Saviour. All welcome. Refreshments to follow.
From the Deanery:
- Scripture Course on the Christology of the New Testament starts on Monday 18th January, from 1.45pm to 3.45pm at Canon Wilson Hall, Lucas Avenue, Chelmsford. Everyone Welcome! For more information contact Ray Savage on 01245 362986.
From the Diocese:
- CJSR - Marriage and Family Life event 16th January: Today, both marriage and family life seem to be under constant threat. If you share this concern and want to know how you can help support Marriage and Family in your parish please book a place on our special day at the Parish Pastoral Centre, Wanstead, E11 2PR, Saturday 16th January 2010 from 10.00 until 3.30. To book your place please call Phil Butcher 01277 265290 or by Email
- Essex Recusant Society next meeting Saturday 30th January: at 2.30 p.m. at The Grange, 93, Queens Road, Brentwood. The speaker, Br. Rupert Allen, O.Praem will talk about his research on 'The Premonstratensian Order in Essex: Great Parndon, Beeleigh and Chelmsford'. For further information or to join the Society, please contact the Secretary, Miss Isobel Parks on 01268 289678.
- Dangerous Candlelight: The Forbidden Music - A Gathering of Recusants": an evening of music at Ingatestone Hall on Saturday 6th March 2010. The event is described as an evening of sacred motets and music for the Mass, such as may have been experienced by 16th and 17th century recusants. Numbers are strictly limited and tickets must be pre-ordered. Tickets cost £12.50 and can be purchased from Jane Farrell (5 Oaten Hill, Canterbury, CT1 3HP. Tel: 01227 766301 or by Email
- Understanding Priesthood: Sharing In The Priesthood Of Christ. An Ecumenical Study Day on this theme will be given Fr John Farrell OP, Provincial of the English Dominicans, on Saturday 20th February at Brentwood Cathedral Hall from 10.30 until 3pm. The event is free and a buffet lunch will be provided. Please book your place by phoning 01277 265289 or by Email
Sunday Smile:
Mildred was the church gossip.
She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old car parked
outside the town's only pub one afternoon.
She emphatically pointed this out to George (and many others too). George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment
and quietly walked away.
Later that evening, George quietly parked his old car in front of Mildred's house…
walked home…
and left it there all night!