THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C):
17/18th April 2010
Fr Frank writes:
Our celebration of the Easter Triduum was very moving - my thanks to Deacon Kevin, our servers, musicians and readers. After celebrating those events, liturgical life can seem rather ordinary and predictable. But our encounter with the Lord each time we celebrate Mass is never ordinary, but rather always extraordinary. We must strive to never let what is familiar become ordinary. If we come expecting little, then we mustn't be surprised if we experience little. But if we are truly expectant, then our Eucharist will become a true meeting with Christ.
Pentecost Sunday falls on 23rd May this year, and, once again, my plan is to mark out this day when, among other things, we celebrate the many languages of the Church, by having our readings at our Masses in languages other than English. If you can help with this, particularly if your first language is not English, then please let me know as soon as possible. Further information below.
May the Risen, Ascended and Glorified Christ bless you now and always.
Father Frank
Parish News:
- Many thanks from Fr Frank and Anne for the many cards and gifts received over Easter, and for the very generous Easter offering. You are a wonderful, loving and supportive community and we are truly grateful.
- Saturday Vigil Mass: we are looking for volunteers to read at the 5pm evening Mass at the Church of Our Saviour, Chelmer Village. Please contact Fr Frank if you can help.
- Pentecost Sunday: 23rd May: On Pentecost Sunday I am again hoping that the readings at all our Masses will be in a language other than English. If you are able and willing to read at one of the Masses on that day (particularly if your first language is not English) I would like to hear from you as soon as possible. As in the past, I shall 'sign' the Eucharistic Prayer - so we have the language of the Deaf Community included in all our Masses that Sunday as well. Thank you, Fr Frank
- Quiz Night 24th April, 7.30pm: Katie Wiseman is organizing this quiz night to raise funds for her World Challenge Trip to Uganda. Why not get a team together and come along and support her? Tickets £4 each.
- New Hall Voluntary Service Riding for the Disabled Masked Ball: Friday 7th May 7pm - 12.30am at Pontlands Park, Great Baddow. Tickets £50 include welcome cocktail, 3 course meal and. table wine Black tie, masks optional. Please contact Donna Barber on 07720 850047 or by Email for tickets.
From the Deanery:
- Irish Ceili Night at Our Lady Immaculate School: New London Road, Chelmsford on Saturday 8th May from 7.30pm (dancing 8pm -11pm). Great family fun night out. Enjoy the craic and dance to the lively sounds of the Gasra na Gael Ceili Band. All dances will be called so get your dancing shoes on! If you play an instrument bring it along for a short informal session of music around the piano during the break. Licensed bar, raffle. Price £6 adults, £3 children. No ticket, no entry. Tickets from Elaine Finn Davies on 0783 777 3886 or Rose Keely on 0776 035 1154
From the Diocese:
- Praise and Worship Evening at the Sion Community: Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood on Sunday 25th April 7.30pm - 9pm. Everyone welcome.
Other News:
- Workers' Memorial Day, Central Park, Chelmsford 28th April 1pm: this is a day, celebrated throughout the world, when we mourn those killed at work and campaign for the living by trying to get better safety conditions in the workplace. All welcome to attend.
Advertisements:
- Headteacher Vacancy: Applications are invited for the post of Headteacher of St Philomena's Catholic School in Frinton-on-Sea. This is an Independent School catering for pupils of all denominations, aged 3-11. Starting date January 2011. Further information and an application pack can be obtained from Paul Barnett, School Administrator on 01255 674492 or by Email
- Looking for a new job? The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre are looking for a Partnership Worker - an opportunity to work with us as we deepen and extend our vision of community (Full time- salary IRO £20 - £25K or pro rata). We are based in Essex and East London. Info from www.canonesses.co.uk and for application forms, click here to Email. Closing date 25th April.
Sunday Smile:
Strange facts:
- A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
- A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
- Almonds are a member of the peach family.
- Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches two to six years of age.
- Cats have over 100 vocal sounds. Dogs have about 10.
- 'Dreamt' is the only English word that ends in 'mt'.
- In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.