St. Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B:
4th/5th February 2012
Education Sunday

Fr Frank writes:

On Saturday of this week we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - the principal patroness of our Diocese. This feast is noteworthy as Our Lady of Lourdes is our patroness, but also because Lourdes has a very special place in the hearts of many Catholics. As that day is also the World Day for the Sick and as Lourdes is a place of healing, I will administer the Sacrament of the Sick at the 9.30am Mass; which will, therefore, become a Healing Mass. This Sacrament will be available for anyone who feels they may benefit from it, remembering that sickness comes in many forms.

May our gracious God bless you

Fr Frank

From the Parish:

Reverence at Mass: The General Instruction to the Roman Missal makes it clear that we should make a reverence before receiving Holy Communion - it doesn't specify what form this should take, although the traditional sign of reverence before the Blessed Sacrament has always been genuflection. The Bishop expressed the view the other week that too many communicants genuflecting could impede the flow of those approaching the priest. This is not to say that the Bishop prohibits genuflection, in fact he said that many at the Cathedral do so. To my mind, what matters is not so much the speed at which Holy Communion is administered, but what we find helpful as an aid to reflection and as a sign of devotion and respect. I shall be continuing to genuflect myself. Some even find it helpful to receive the Body and Blood of Christ from a kneeling position - and I am not opposed to that either. In short, do whatever you feel is helpful to you - what really matters is that we show proper respect for the Blessed Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding. Fr Frank
Tuesday Mass will be at 10.30am. This Mass will be followed by tea/coffee and social time. Everyone welcome.
Helping Hands Essex: is a charity dealing with homelessness and alcoholism. It is setting up a house in Chelmsford, with Council approval, to help people recovering from alcoholism. We are looking for volunteers for this project and will be holding a volunteers meeting on Saturday 25th and Monday 27th February at 2pm at Trinity Methodist Church, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford (opposite the County Hotel). Do come along, under no obligation, to hear about our project. More details from Anne Winder on 01245 475660.
Singing Workshop, All Saints Church, Springfield, Sunday 12th February: 12 noon to 6pm, led by Edward Allen from Christ Church URC with pianist Edward Preston. Suggested donation £4 - bring your own lunch and drink. More info from Emmelia van der Walt on 01376 516565 or 07940 512407
Hall for hire: Do you need a party venue? Do you run a club or society? St Augustine's halls are available at certain times during the week. For further information contact Cathy Lyons on 460783.
National Youth Congress 2012 'Fanning the Spirit into a Flame 2Tim 1:6-8': St John Payne is organising a trip to the Flame Congress at Wembley Arena 24th March 2012. This is a gathering of thousand of young Catholics in Years 10-13. Any young person who would like to attend should contact Christine Webb in school and secure their place before Thursday 2nd February. More info at www.cymfed.org/flame2012
Joint Management Committee work day at St Augustine's Sat. 3rd March 10am - 1pm: Many hands make light work! Please can you give an hour or two to help with the cleaning of the windows (both inside and out), clearing the gutters, tidying the car park and flower-beds and helping with any other jobs which may occur. Your time and help will be very much appreciated.

From the Deanery:

Ecumenical Praise and Worship, Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall Wed. 8th February: from 8pm with refreshments after worship. The speaker will be the Revd. Roger Stark 'Persevering in Faith'. Worship led by Jane Parker.

From the Diocese:

Annual Diocesan Catholic Fellowship Mass for people with special needs: and their Carers, at the Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday 12th February. Please encourage any families with special needs to attend. Everyone very welcome. Refreshments afterwards in the Cathedral Hall.
Abseil or ride your bike for CAFOD!: In celebration of 50 years of helping others, CAFOD Brentwood is aiming for 50 people from across the diocese to take part in the 120ft abseil down Harlow Water Tower on Sunday 6th May and also for 50 riders to take part in the Lee Valley Bike Ride (10 miles family ride or longer 19 mile ride) on Saturday 27th May. (Abseilers must be over 16 years, no upper age limit!). More details from 020 8502 9722 or click here to Email
Weekend retreat for Men at SION Community 24 - 26th February: 'As Iron Sharpens Iron' is a weekend retreat providing a opportunity for sharing, challenge, ministry and fellowship in a relaxed and prayerful setting; helping men to grow in their faith and take their place in the world. Cost £95 waged, £65 unwaged.

Outstanding Applicants wanted for an 'Outstanding' School: St Elizabeth's School in Much Hadham, Herts is a Catholic residential/day school providing high quality education, care and health services for young people with epilepsy, autism and complex needs. We are seeking to recruit a School Principal to start in September 2012. Closing date for applications is 15 Februarys. Please see www.stelizabeths.org.uk or www.tes.co.uk for further details. St Elizabeth's School is administered by the Daughters of the Cross of Liège.

Sunday Smile:

Museum Administrator: That's a 500 year old statue you have broken.
Visitor: Thank goodness. I thought it was a new one.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B:
4th/5th February 2012
Education Sunday

Fr Frank writes:

From the Parish:

From the Deanery:

From the Diocese:

Advertisements:

Sunday Smile:

Previous Year's Weekly News Letters:

FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B: 4th/5th February 2012 Education Sunday

Fr Frank writes:

From the Parish:

From the Deanery:

From the Diocese:

Advertisements:

Sunday Smile:

Previous Year's Weekly News Letters:

FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B:
4th/5th February 2012
Education Sunday