EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
30th/31st July 2011
Fr Frank writes:
As I write I am preparing for my annual leave - well, I shall be away for the month of August, but part of that will involve leading, what I hope will be a very enjoyable and profitable parish pilgrimage to France. For the remainder of the month, Anne and I will be visiting family and taking a welcome holiday in Cornwall.
During August I shall be entrusting the parish into the caring and capable hands of Fr Charles Kakooza. Fr Charles is an old friend to many of you, having been a visitor to our parish each summer for the nine years I have been privileged to serve as your priest. I am grateful to him and to Deacon Kevin for their diligence.
Newsletters in August will have been prepared in advance and will contain the usual parish information and Mass Schedule, but no news or advertisements. Towards the end of the month the Parish Events Diary will make a re-appearance - I know you will take note of it.
May our loving God keep you in his special care.
Fr Frank
From the Parish:
- Tuesday's Mass is at 10.30am. This will be followed by tea/coffee and social time. Everyone welcome.
- Electing a new Bishop: the process of electing a replacement for Bishop Thomas has begun. Individuals, should they wish, may write direct to the Nuncio with their comments. Group letters (e.g. from SVP or KSC etc), however, may not be sent to the Nuncio, but should be directed to the College of Consulters who have the responsibility of submitting the Terna (i.e. the list of three names to go to Rome). Such group letters, which should contain consideration of the needs of the diocese, and may contain name(s) of favoured candidate(s) should be forwarded via the Parish Pastoral Council. You can do this by dropping off your report in a suitably annotated and sealed envelope at the Presbytery. If you have any concerns or questions please speak to me. Thank you. Fr Frank
- Web Page Revamp: We are in the process of making improvements to our website. Among other things, we are including more photographs. On the whole photos taken during Mass will be from the back, although faces of servers, Eucharistic Ministers and readers may appear. Names will not be assigned to those whose photographs appear on the website. If you have any objection to this process, please let me know. Many thanks. Fr Frank.
- Youth Group: We have had several changes in our Youth Group leadership this summer, but we are still looking to find a couple of new leaders. We meet roughly fortnightly on Friday evenings with a mixture of meetings at St Augustine's and outside events. We have had a successful appeal earlier this year, so I can promise that you will not have to be available for every meeting. If you want to know more contact Chris Thompson on 469161 or click here to Email.
- Financial help from Springfield United Charities: may be available to those in need, hardship or distress and living in the original parish of Springfield (includes the parishes of All Saints, Holy Trinity, St Augustine's and Our Saviour). Grants and donations may be offered for specific items, services or facilities for those demonstrating their eligibility. Please contact Roger Shilling on 01245 460786 for more information
- SVP Quiz night for the Sudan, Saturday 24th September: Tickets £8.50 including fish and chips. Tickets from Kerry on 451963, James on 256754, or click here to Email.
From the Deanery:
- Ecumenical Praise and Worship: Wednesday 10th August 8pm at Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall. Karen Parker will be the speaker. Refreshments and prayer ministry follow. All welcome.
- The Grief Journey: This free 6 week programme offers guidance to help to cope with the grief journey. Next course starts Thursday 15th September, 5.45-7.30pm in the Anne Knight Room of the Quaker Meeting House, Rainsford Rd, Chelmsford. People of all faiths, and none, are most welcome. Led by Paul McNamara, qualified counsellor and member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Further info and booking through Paul J King Funeral Directors on 01245 264411.
From the Diocese:
- Sion Community October Weekend Retreat: 6pm Friday 21st October to Sunday 23rd October with the theme 'Walking in the Spirit'. A mixture of teachings and workshops. Cost £95 residential, £65 non-residential. Please book early to avoid disappointment. More info from 01277 215011 or click here to Email
Other:
- Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium Open Day: Saturday 10th September 10am - 4pm. There will be seminars throughout the day on organ donation (NHS), Dealing with Probate (Birkett Long), Writing a Will (Birkett Long), Coping with Bereavement (CRUSE) Representatives from local funeral directors will be present to answer any questions. Exhibition stands will include coffin manufacturers, florists, providers of funeral teas and much more. Visitors will have the opportunity to search for relatives in existing burial and cremation records. Demonstrations of headstone safety testing, memorial inscribing, calligraphy in the Book of Remembrance and gem stone cutting for memorial jewellery. A special Memorial Service will be held in the South Chapel at 12.30pm. Further info from the Crematorium office on 01245 605630 or www.chelmsford.gov.uk/crematorium
Advertisements:
- Room required for single parishioner (professional male): near to Springfield hospital or in Springfield area, possibly in a flat or in a shared house. Expected rent £300-£350 per month. Please contact Gibin John on 0757 6283193 or click here to Email.
- Flat in Greenwich available to rent from September to December 2011: located close to railway station. Further details from Chris Thompson on 469161.
- St George's Catholic Primary School, Shoeburyness seeks Headteacher: from January 2012, for Group 2 School L15-L21. The Governors seek to appoint a practising Catholic to lead and inspire this very successful V.A. school. Application pack available and visits arranged through the school on 01702 293522. Closing date 1st September 2011.
Sunday Smile:
Odd quiz answers:
PHIL WOOD SHOW (BBC GMR)
Phil Wood: What 'K' could be described as the Islamic Bible?
Contestant: Er…
Phil Wood: It's got two syllables…Kor…
Contestant: Blimey?
Phil Wood: Ha ha ha, no. The past participle of run…
Contestant: (silence)
Phil wood: OK, try it another way. Today I run, yesterday I…
Contestant: Walked?