THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (YEAR C):
15/16th May 2010
Fr Frank writes:
Next week we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost - the end of the 50 days of Easter and the day on which we celebrate what some call the 'birthday' of the Church, which is, more properly, the Church's coming of age. On this day we pray for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our parish and Church.
Some people ask me why I choose to have readings in languages other than English on Pentecost Sunday. If we read the account of that first Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles we note that the Apostles spoke in tongues understandable to everyone - including foreign visitors to Jerusalem. Today the Gospel is proclaimed throughout the world in many languages. It is good to reflect on this. And that is why I ask for volunteers to read in their own first language. A gift to them, and to us.
May the risen, ascended and glorified Christ bless you now and always.
Father Frank
Parish News:
- Many thanks for your generous contributions to La Posadita, Peru: on Sunday. It was gratefully appreciated especially by the Nuns and Camille who is trying to make their dwelling a little more comfortable while out there. Many thanks again and God Bless you all. Noreen
- Christian Aid Week 9-15 May: Many thanks to everyone who helped to collect for, and those who donated to, Christian Aid this year. If you enjoy counting money, do come along to the Church of Our Saviour on Monday 17th May any time between 9am and noon. I hope to let you know what we have achieved on Saturday 22nd May.
- 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
From the Deanery:
- Closer to God Conference, Saturday 5th June 9.30 - 4.30pm: in the Hall behind Our Lady Immaculate Church, New London Road. The theme is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Speaker Karen Parker and Praise and Worship with live music. £3 per person of £5 per couple, refreshments included, please bring a packed lunch. Contact: Jane Parker 01245 473652
- 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:
- New Summer Open Retreat for young people in school years 7, 8 & 9: at Walsingham House 9-11 July - only £45. Come for a weekend of fun, faith and friendship. We'll play games, eat good food, and pray together, with drama, art and music and the opportunity to make new friends. Come along and have some fun. Forms available from www.walsinghamhouse.org or by Email
- 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
Other News:
- 8th National Grandparents' Pilgrimage: at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham on Saturday July 24th. Mass at 12 noon followed by Children's Liturgy, Bouncy Castle, funfair, games and lots more. The purpose of this Pilgrimage is to give honour and thanks to St Joachim and St Anne, Parents of Mary, Grandparents of Jesus and all the Grandparents in the world today, for all they have done for us down through the ages particularly in the Transmission of the Faith.
- 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, then 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.
Sunday Smile:
Somebody said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, Good morning, Lord. And there are those who wake in the morning and say, Good Lord, it's morning.