TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR C
28th August 2022
The common theme of today's readings is the need for true humility which leads to a generous and blessed sharing
with the needy. The readings also warn us against all forms of pride and self-glorification. They present humility not only
as a virtue but also as a means of opening our hearts, our minds, and our hands to the poor, the needy, the disadvantaged,
and the marginalized people in our society - a personal responsibility for every authentic Christian. Today's Gospel
teaches us that we must act with humility and see ourselves as the servants of the community rather than those whom the
community might feel honoured to serve.
The first reading, taken from the book of Sirach, reminds us that if we are humble, we will find favour with God, and
others will love us. The second reading, taken from Hebrews, gives another reason for us to be humble. Jesus, the Incarnate
Son of God humbled Himself, taking on human flesh and living our lives that he might die to save us. He invites his
followers to learn how to live from him because he is "meek and humble of heart". Paul reminds us that Jesus was
lowly, particularly in his suffering and death for our salvation (Heb 2:5-18), so we should be like him in order to be
exalted with him at the resurrection of the righteous. Paul also seems to imply that we need to follow Christ's example
of humility in our relationships with the less fortunate members of our society. In today's Gospel, Jesus explains the
practical benefits of humility, connecting it with the common wisdom about dining etiquette. Jesus advises the guests to go
to the lowest place instead of seeking places of honour, so that the host may give them the place they really deserve.
Jesus' words concerning the seating of guests at a wedding banquet should prompt us to honour those whom others ignore,
because if we are generous and just in our dealings with those in need, we can be confident of the Lord's
blessings.
We need to practise humility in personal and social life: Humility is based on the psychological awareness that
everything I have is a gift from God and, therefore, I have no reason to elevate myself above others. On the contrary, I
must use these God-given gifts to help others. True humility requires us neither to overestimate nor to underestimate our
worth. We must admit the truths that we are sinners, that we do not know everything, and that we do not always act
properly. Nevertheless, we must also recognize that we are made in the image and likeness of God, and that we are called to
help build the kingdom of God with our God-given gifts. We are of value, not because of those gifts, but because we are
loved by God as His children, redeemed by the precious blood of His son Jesus. The quality of humility that Jesus is
talking about also has a sociological dimension because Jesus is inviting us to associate with the so-called "lower
classes" of the society - even the outcasts. Jesus invites us to change our social patterns in such a way that we
connect with and serve the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, and the impoverished - the "street people" of
the world - with agápe love.
God bless you all
Fr. Jijo George
Notices:
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Cashless giving: In response to requests from parishioners and to keep up with the times QR codes have
been provided by the Diocese to enable cashless giving. These have been placed at the doors of our church. Please scan
the amount you want to donate and the money will automatically go into the parish bank account. The Donate link has
also been set up by the diocese to pay in directly to the parish account http://stream.seccomgroup.com/donations/saoc. Thank
you for your continued generosity.
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Baptism/Marriage Enquiries: Kindly make use of the parish email (click
here) for any request. Please ensure that you give us your contact number/email address for further communication.
Please do come to the Thursday priest Surgery.
- RECEIVING COMMUNION Please consume the Body of Christ in front of the Priest or Minister of
Communion NOT in your seat.
- LITTLE FREE PANTRY: Next Sunday there will be a collection of food for the Little Free Pantry. If
you are able to help, we would welcome donations of dry goods, tins, baby milk and toiletries. We try to avoid anything
in glass bottles/jars. We know that the Pantry is being well used and demand is getting higher, so thank you for any help
you are able to give.
- KSC RACE NIGHT, FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER FROM 7PM Tickets only £1, buy a horse for £5 (the
winning horse will win a small prize) - horses for the last race will be sold by auction. More info from with Chris
Thompson on 01245 469161.
- "BUY A TILE" Please consider buying a tile (or two! Suggested donation £10 each) to
help towards the £13,500 needed to meet the costs of essential repairs to the church roof. See full payment info on
website. Many thanks for your generosity and support.
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WORLD YOUTH DAY Adventure in Faith - journey towards World Youth Day, Porto and Lisbon, July 26th - August 9th
2023. This amazing opportunity is for anyone who will be aged 17 - 27 in August 2023. See https://bcys.net/events/wyd23/. Only 40 places available. Click here to email to
express your interest.
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RELICS OF ST BERNADETTE will be visiting Brentwood Cathedral on 16/17 October and Our Lady of Lourdes,
Wanstead on 18 October. Those wishing to attend should register through the tour website in order to manage numbers
safely: https://stbernadette.org.uk/registration/. A promotional video is available at: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/news/are-you-going-to-visit/.
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VOCATIONS ENQUIRERS EVENING Tuesday 6 September at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton. The
speaker will be Bishop Alan. For further information please contact Fr Mark Swires click here to
email.
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MASS FOR THE SEASON OF CREATION Saturday 3 Sept 4pm, Farm Street Church, W1K 3AH (nearest tube Green
Park). More info: click here
to email
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THE PARABLES OF LUKE LIVESTREAM FAITH TALK from Gidea park, Wednesday 21st September from 7 pm. Our
distinguished speaker, Deacon Sean Loone, well-known in the diocese of Birmingham for his work in education and in
evangelisation, will speak about the parables in the Gospel of Luke, which we shall be hearing at Sunday Mass as we
continue through Year C of the lectionary. To listen to the presentation live simply go to www.whatgoodnews.org There is no charge and no booking is needed.
The recording of the talk will be available on the same website in due course.
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FREE DRAW: WIN A TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE with the Irish Centre Enter at www.med-irishcentre.com. More info from 00353 1443 4510 click here to
email.
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LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT required for St Peter's Catholic primary school, Billericay. Full info
at: http://www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/Details.aspx?VacancyId=78751. Closes 07.09.22 midday.
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COOK & KITCHEN SUPERVISOR REQUIRED AT WALSINGHAM HOUSE at Abbotswick (15 -20 hours/week, 39 weeks
- hours will be a mix of mid-week and weekend work (Wed-Fri and/or Sat-Sun), and mainly term time only starting as soon
as possible. Full info at www.bcys.net or click
here to email. Closing 23rd Sept, although applications will be reviewed as they arrive.
- PARISH INCOME - If you do not pay by standing order and are not able to get to Church, you can pay
directly to "Catholic Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury Springfield" on account 91082884 at sort code
40-13-22. Envelopes can be dropped through the Presbytery letterbox.
- HOSPITAL VISITS: If you go into hospital or a member of your family, inform the Parish Office so
that the priest can visit you in hospital.
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DBS CHECKS: It is a legal requirement for those working with children and vulnerable adults within the
Church to be DBS checked, these checks are now carried out every three years, this must be adhered to. Our Parish
Safeguarding representative is Christina Coen or for info from the Diocese please contact Antoinette
click here to Email.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Bernard Collings
Tuesday: Canon John Sloane
Thursday: Canon John Walsh
Friday: Canon Cyril Shepherd
Sunday: Fr Patrick Cavanagh