St. Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
20th July 2008

Fr Frank writes:

The holiday season is almost upon us. Whether you are going away or staying at home, I wish you all a happy, peaceful and spirit-filled summer.

I shall be away from 14th August to 3rd September, and the joyous responsibility of celebrating our parish Masses during that period will rest with Fr Charles, returning to the parish for his sixth visit. I know you will take care of him; welcoming him into your homes and taking him out-and-about.

May God, who is our Peace and our Joy, fill you with every blessing.

Fr Frank

Churches Together in Chelmsford cycle of prayer:

Week beginning:
20th July: Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne (Fr Niall Harrington)
27th July: Broomfield Road Evangelical Church (James Hepworth)

Parish News:

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill: has been postponed until autumn. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children believes the government's decision was influenced by the marvellous opposition of courageous church leaders, churchgoers and supporters to this profoundly unethical Bill, for which SPUC is enormously grateful. More help is now needed to campaign against the bill over the summer. Please phone SPUC on 020 7091 7091 or click here to email to offer your assistance.
Youth Group: One of our leaders will be leaving at the end of this term and we are looking for a replacement. We have four leaders at present and extra leaders will ensure that we have enough to cover for absences and keep the workload on Group evenings to a reasonable level. If you are interested in helping with this important (and enjoyable) work, please contact Chris Thompson (on 469161 or by email) to have a chat about what is involved (leave a message and allow time for holidays for a response if necessary).
Pantomime: You will have seen that we are producing a Parish Pantomime after Christmas. We have a core team to work on it but, at the moment, we do not have anyone to lead on scenery. The production will be in the large and small halls at St Augusitne's, so we are looking for small and portable sets which are imaginatively designed. If you can help, please contact Chris Thompson (on 469161 or by email) to have a chat about what is involved (leave a message and allow time for holidays for a response if necessary).
The Augustinian: We are looking for an 'Advertising Manager' to join the team. This will involve contacting local businesses, negotiating rates etc. If you are interested, please contact Fr Frank.
Day pilgrimage to Walsingham October 11th: £15 per head. If you are interested in joining the pilgrimage please add your name to the list as soon as possible - we need at least 40 participants to make the trip viable. The coach will need to be booked by the middle of July!
I Believe Course, St Augustine's Thurs 24th July 10.15am: Session 4 'The Holy Spirit and the Church'. Presented by David Payne of the Catholic Evangelisation Services and talking to Sr Mara Natella, a Dominican sister whose main work is with the evangelisation of young people. Do come along and enjoy any of the sessions you can manage to get to.

Walsingham House Catering Supervisor: Are you able to cook for groups of 40-50 people? Do you like working with young people in a friendly and supportive environment? Available to work evenings and weekends in term time with most school holidays free? Salary £10,500 pa for a 23 hour week. Based at Walsingham House, Canvey Island. Details from Fr Dominic Howarth 01268 696610 or by email. Closing date 10th August, interview 22nd August.
Too busy to tend to your garden?: I have recently retired and can help out with grass cutting, hedge trimming etc. Honest, reliable and reasonable rates. Phone Joe on 461203.

Sunday Smile:

When a Scottish parish priest was visiting a local family he asked wee Donald what his cat's name was. Ben Hur, Father. When the priest remarked that it was an unusual name for a cat, the wee boy replied, Well, Father, we used to call him Ben but then he had kittens.