THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C):
20th/21st February 2010
Fr Frank writes:
We continue our series of meditations on 'Home is a Holy Place':
It is not only erroneous, but a heresy, to hold that life in the home is incompatible with devotion. Purely contemplative, monastic devotion cannot be practised in these callings; yet, these are not the only kinds of devotion; there are many others suitable for those who live in the world. St Francis de Sales
Read more at www.homeisaholyplace.org.uk
It's good to be back with you after the half-term break. We are now in the season of Lent. Don't let this time of spiritual preparation pass you by. Why not come to an additional (weekday) Mass, or to Stations of the Cross, or to our Lent Course: Home is a Holy Place? The rewards are great. Don't pass them by.
May the God of peace fill you with every good gift.
Fr Frank
Parish News:
- Albert Sullivan RIP: You will be sorry to hear of the the death of Albert Sullivan in Broomfield Hospital on Saturday 13th February. Pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace. Pray also for Mary and all the family. Albert's Funeral Mass will take place at St Augustine's on Tuesday 23rd February at 11.30am.
- Reconciliation classes: for the children who made their First Holy Communion in May 2009, will be held on the following Mondays - March 1st, 8th and 15th at St Augustine's from 4pm - 5pm. This is a refresher course. Please let Fr Frank know if your child will be attending the course. Thank you Cath Lyons.
- Easter Lilies: Each year we ask for donations for Easter Lilies to decorate the Church for our Easter Celebrations. If you would like to make a donation (a suggested donation of £3) in memory of a deceased loved one, please place your offering in an envelope marked "Easter Lilies" and pass it to Cath Lyons. Many thanks for your generosity
- Palm Crosses: the tradition is that we hand in last year's palm crosses at the beginning of the following Lent for them to be turned into ash for use on Ash Wednesday. Would you please bring your old Palm Crosses and hand them in at church sometime during Lent so that my ash making factory can spring into action ready for Ash Wednesday 2011. Many thanks, Fr Frank.
From the Deanery:
- St John Payne School - Saturday 27th Feb, General Knowledge Quiz: Following huge disappointment after cancellation of the quiz, we have managed to secure our quizmaster for this new date. Teams of up to 8. Arrive 7.15pm for 7.30pm sharp start. Tickets £5. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Raffle prizes very welcome. Great fun for all the family and a wonderful way to support our school.
- A Mid Essex Deanery Pilgrimage to celebrate the Year of the Priest: to Ars and Paray Le Monial from Mon 12th-Thurs 15th April with Pax Travel. Cost £499 inc travel, 3 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast & dinner, full prog of Devotions and guided tours. Travel from Ashford by train. Full info from Karin Seeman on 466167
Other News:
- 'Thinking Faith' a holiday and study week 24th-30th July 2010: for Catholic students and young professionals at Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7NH. Talks and discussions, Prayer and Liturgy, trips and activities, social and spiritual opportunities. Cost inc. full board £240 (£190 students). More info from www.boarbankhall.org.uk or by Email
- Accommodation wanted: A single woman, a teacher, in her 30s, is looking for accommodation - a bedroom with bathroom facilities in a Christian home. She is a former New Hall student. If anyone might be able to help & would like to have more details, please contact Sister Margaret - 01245 604108. Thank you.
Advertisements:
- Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School: requires Reception class teacher from September 2010. Please contact the School Office (01245 353755) to arrange a visit and to obtain application details. Closing date 22.02.2010
Sunday Smile:
Cocktail Lounge, Norway: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar
Doctors Office, Rome: Specialist in women and other diseases
In a Nairobi Restaurant: Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager
In a London Restaurant: Open seven days a week and weekends