SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C):
8/9th May 2010
Fr Frank writes:
One of the many wonderful things about our parish is the twinning arrangement we have with the Mhlumayo Catholic Mission in South Africa. Our links include some correspondence between Fr Musa and a number of parishioners, and the regular sending of financial contributions to help fund their work. As well as, of course, regular support through prayer.
Sadly, we don't have much chance for face-to-face contact with our brothers and sisters from our twin diocese. However, there is an opportunity to meet the new Bishop of Dundee, Rt Rev Graham Rose, at the Cathedral on 18th May when he will be concelebrating Mass with Bishop Thomas. The Mass begins and 8.00pm and offers a wonderful opportunity for us to not only meet Bishop Graham, but also to find out some more about the work going on in South Africa. Do come along if you can. If you would like to come, but are stuck for a lift, do let me know.
May God richly bless you.
Father Frank
Parish News:
- Annual Mid Essex Deanery Sponsored Walk: for Childcare - Brentwood Catholic Children's Society, Saturday 22nd May. Starting with Mass at 9am at Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne Avenue, followed by registration at 9.30am with the walk setting off at 10am. The final destination is Brentwood Cathedral Social Centre. If you would like to take part, please talk to our Parish representative Chris Lewington on 01245 463728
- Christian Aid Week 9-15 May: In these difficult financial times, the world's poorest people need our time, prayers and financial support more than ever. Christian Aid Week helps us give people the opportunity to be generous. It is wonderfully rewarding to be the bridge between communities. Do join us! Maureen Henes (01245 469933).
From the Deanery:
- Praise and Worship Evening: Wednesday 12th May 8pm in the hall behind Our Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road, Chelmsford. Mike Shelbourne will give a talk on Pentecost. Refreshments and an opportunity for prayer ministry. More info from Jane Parker on 01245 473652. All welcome.
- St John Payne School 50th Anniversary celebrations 21st - 26th June: Events in the marquee will include a concelebrated Youth Mass and HCPT reunion at 7.30pm on Thursday 24th June. Celebrations on Saturday 26th June will begin at 11am with a concelebrated Mass with Bishop Thomas followed by the school fete and dog show. Other attractions on the day will include Sister Mary Stephen's Art Exhibition, a Flower Festival, a photographic display from the school's archives and the Rosary. The day will end with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction in the school grounds.
From the Diocese:
- Brentwood Catholic Youth Service London Treasure Hunt: Sunday 6th June, for those in school years 6, 7 and 8. Teams must have 6 young people and be accompanied by 2 responsible adults. For an entry form, and more details, please click here to Email or contact the youth office on 01277 265286.
- BRES Summer Lecture entitled Light in the Dark: how meditation as 'pure prayer' leads us through the dark nights of the soul and deepens our faith. The lecture will be given by Fr Laurence Freeman, OSB on Thursday 13th May 2010 and will take place in Cathedral House Conference Centre at 7.30pm - cost £5 waged, £3 unwaged.
- Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 19th - 25th July: There are still places available on this year's pilgrimage. Travel from Stansted, stay full board in a choice of hotels, full programme of liturgies. Further details from Cathy O'Connor 01206 501146 or Tangney Tours 01732 886666
- The Essex Recusant Society: next meeting Saturday 15th May 2.30 pm at The Grange, 93 Queens Road, Brentwood. Fr. Paul Keane will be speaking about the martyr paintings at the Venerable English College in Rome. He has recently published a book on the subject entitled 'The Martyr's Crown'. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the day. To join the Society or for more information please contact the Hon. Secretary, Miss Isobel Parks on 01268 289678.
Other News:
- Bringing Hope Conference - engaging Christians in ending domestic abuse: With one in four women in the UK experiencing domestic abuse, we all need to have a good understanding of the subject and how to help those suffering. This conference will enable you and your Church to offer more effective help. Outstanding speakers (including Dr Elaine Storkey and Dr Catherine Clark Kroeger), music performances and an award winning theatre production. The event takes place at Charter Hall, Colchester, Essex CO1 1YH on Saturday 26th June 9am - 5pm. Prices from £20 for bookings made before 22nd May. Please visit www.faithandfreedom.webs.com/conference.htm for more info.
Advertisements:
- Voluntary Committee Secretary: required for Churches Together in Chelmsford (2 hours per week on average). If you have good administrative, word processing and emailing skills and are interested in making connections with Christians across Chelmsford, they this could be the job for you! Please call Rev'd Susan Iskander for more info on 07710 646297
- Need help with your garden?: Ring Joe on 01245 461203 - grass cutting, weeding hedge cutting, small tree lopping. Joe looks after the gardens at St Augustine's and comes with my personal recommendation. Fr Frank.
- School Chaplain sought for All Saints School, Dagenham: Three days/week. This is an exciting opportunity to help the faith development of pupils in the school, in a supportive and friendly environment. For full details contact Mrs Adams, Deputy Head, on 0208 270 4242 or click here to Email
Sunday Smile:
Two men stayed up all night wondering where the sun had gone.
Finally it dawned on them!