FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C):
24/25th April 2010
Fr Frank writes:
Today, as we continue our celebration of Christ's resurrection, our Gospel reading is that of the Good Shepherd. In this reading Jesus tells his listeners that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him; this includes us today as members of His Church. Today is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Each one of us has a vocation, but we are being asked to pray today for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated life. We are invited to join with the Universal Church in praying for these particular vocations.
May many people hear the Lord's call and respond with complete openness and trust in Him.
May Christ the Good Shepherd be your constant guide.
Father Frank
Parish News:
- Sheila Hennessy RIP: You will be sorry to hear that Sheila (mother of Margaret Bridge) died on Tuesday morning. Her Funeral Mass will take place at Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday (28th) at 11am. May she rest in peace.
- The Augustinian: We are planning an edition to come out at the end of May. We would welcome any contributions (seasonal [summer?] recipes, in particular, would be welcome as we don't seem to have had these for some time). It's best if these could be emailed to me as a Word attachment but any format welcomed. Many thanks, Fr Frank.
- APF Red Box Collection: the next collection/emptying of Red Boxes will be after Masses on 16/17th October. However, if anyone wishes their box to be emptied before that date then please bring it to any Mass or contact me and I will arrange collection. If you would like to take a Red Box home then see me after Mass (I'm usually at the 9am Mass) or give me a ring/email. Thank you. Bernadette Güler.
- Christian Aid Week 9-15 May: Last May worshippers at Church of Our Saviour, Chelmer Village raised our highest ever total of £3,946 for Christian Aid to use in setting many hundreds of people on the path out of poverty into a better future. As one of our amazing Christian community, would YOU consider reserving a few hours in the week beginning 9th May to be a house-to-house collector (47% of last year's envelopes were returned filled)? If you could manage just one hour, would you like to be one of a pair of collectors with buckets at the door of our local ASDA on Friday 14th May. Failing that, donations large and small are always welcomed! Please contact Maureen Henes (01245 469933) 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
From the Diocese:
- Marriage Preparation Survey: Are you or is someone you know getting married in the Catholic church this year? The Bishops' Committee for Marriage and Family Life are gathering information on marriage preparation in 2010 and want to hear from anyone involved and especially couples to learn more about their experiences. If you can help please visit www.catholicmarriage.org.uk where you can find information about the initiative and access the brief online surveys.
- SVP St John Bosco Camp: offers children aged 8-13 a sports and activity based holiday on a campsite in the Essex countryside. Run with a Catholic ethos, the camp is especially for children who may not have any other holiday this year. For all the details, including possible financial support, contact Fr Frank. Helpers for the Camp are also needed; it is a brilliant experience and just a week of your time could make a massive difference. Helpers aged 16+ are welcome; helpers aged 18+ are especially needed. For more details and for application forms log onto www.svpboscocamp.org.uk
- Vocations Support in Brentwood Diocese: If you are considering a vocation to the Priesthood or are just curious about what such a vocation could look like, log onto www.brentwoodvocations.org. The site includes the Priests' blog - 14 Priests sharing aspects of their daily life and ministry - as well as lots of useful resources. Also www.invocation.org.uk gives news of a weekend in July with tremendous speakers and other input for men and women aged 18-35 considering vocation. If you would like a deeper conversation do talk to your own parish priest or contact Mgr John Armitage or Fr Dominic Howarth - details on the vocations website.
- 'Ever Ancient, Ever New' Friday 14th (eve) - Sun 16th May: A weekend for young adults aged 18-38, inviting them to consider the beauty of a call to the religious life in the 21st century, with the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham. For further details visit www.walsinghamcommunity.org/events or call Sr Camilla on 01277 373959/848.
- Brentwood Catholic Youth Service Alumni Mass and picnic- Sat 29th May: Everyone who has ever been involved with Walsingham House (either years ago in Chingford or more recently at Canvey Island), or been on pilgrimage to Lourdes, World Youth Day or other destinations with the Diocesan Youth Service, is very welcome to come and bring their families to a Reunion Mass on Saturday 29th May at midday at Walsingham House, Lionel Road, Canvey Island, SS8 9DE. For more info click here to Email or telephone the youth office on 01277 265286. Please don't forget to bring a picnic!
- Sponsorship for BCYS please…: Adele Moggan has kindly agreed to run the London Marathon on behalf of the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service (BCYS) - if you would like to support her efforts, please go to the following website www.justgiving.com/londonmarathon-bcys or 01277 265286. Many thanks.
Sunday Smile:
A preacher was completing a sermon on temperance. With great passion he said, If I had all the beer in the world,
I'd take it and throw it into the river!
If I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river too!
And if I had all the whisky in the world, I'd take that and throw it into the river!
The people clapped and said, AMEN.
The choir master then stood up and said with a smile, For our closing hymn we'll sing No. 365: Shall We Gather at
the River.