Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

31st Sunday of the Year (C):
29th/30th October 2016

Deacon Kevin writes:

The clergy of the diocese met recently to discuss the working of the Stewards of the Gospel within our parishes. We met in groups to discuss the subject and the programme before returning to put forward our suggestions and ideas. One of the groups spoke very prominently, firmly stating their belief that the foremost concern must be ways of promoting an environment of vocations for our diocese, with the Priesthood as top priority. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has said "when it comes to promoting vocations in the Church it all begins with an encounter with God - and that pastoral ministry in the area should focus on listening to youth and being there to answer their questions". The Pope went on to recall his gratitude and thanks for they way in which he strongly felt the call to the Lord.

As a parish do we give the time to listen to our young or are we too caught up in our own affairs? What do we do to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life? Before every Mass and Communion Service, we light our candle for vocations which is situated by the Tabernacle at St. Augustine's. Standing by the side is the Prayer for vocations.

Bishop Alan has commented that we have some excellent seminarians including Michael Barwick. Vocational ministry, Pope Francis says, "means learning the style of Jesus who went to the places of daily life, stopped without rushing and, looking upon his brothers and sisters with mercy, led them to an encounter with God the father."

All of us have a duty to foster and pray for vocations.

Prayer for Vocations

God Our Father, you sent your Son Jesus into the world and he in turn, through the Holy Spirit, sent the Apostles and their successors to continue your work as teacher, Priest and Shepherd.
We ask you to choose from among us in our diocese Priests, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters who will willingly give their lives in your service and seek to make you better known and loved.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Deacon Kevin

Notices:

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS (1 NOVEMBER) This is a holy day of obligation. The Solemnity of All Saints celebrates all those who are in Heaven, in the light of God's face - both those recognised by the Church as saints and those known only to the Lord. We ask for their intercession and we strive to follow their example, so that we too can fulfil our calling to be saints. Mass will be at St. Augustine's at 10.30 am and 7.30 pm.
ALL SOULS DAY (2 NOVEMBER) The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed. This is the commemoration of all those who have died in Christ, which falls on the day after the feast of All Saints. In the Church's Eucharistic celebration, Eastern and Western Christians we remember our faithful, members of our family and parish who have returned to the Father. Mass will be at St. Augustine's at 8.30am and 7.30pm.
THE SVP WISHES TO THANK all parishioners who took part in our annual quiz at the beginning of the month. You will be delighted to hear that we raised £460 which has allowed us to send £1,000 to the Sudan, to support the baby feeding project. Many thanks for your amazing support. Elaine Heyworth, President.
THE NEWLY FORMED PARISH BEREAVEMENT GROUP would like to invite all parishioners, especially recently bereaved families, to a Requiem Mass at St Augustine's on Friday 18 November at 7.30pm, when there will be an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one. We look forward to seeing you all at the Mass and for light refreshments afterwards.
"THE CHRISTMAS STORY" - SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2-3.30PM at St Augustine's will be hosted by the Social Group. This event is intended for the children of the Parish but, of course, all parishioners are invited. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The afternoon will commence with "The Christmas Story" and Christmas Carols in the Church followed by a light tea and party games in the small hall. Donations of party food will be gratefully received; watch this space for further information. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further info - thank you, Bernadette Curtis - 01245 450938 or click here to Email.
THE ST BARNABAS SOCIETY On the weekend of 12/13 November a representative from the St Barnabas Society will be speaking about the work of the Society at the end of each of the Masses, and there will be a 2nd collection. The St Barnabas Society welcomes and assists clergy and religious from other Christian traditions who are led by faith and conscience to come into the full communion of the Catholic Church. The St Barnabas Society supported Pam and me financially and in other ways after I left the Church of England, for which we are extremely grateful. Without that support we would not have been able to leave the Church of England for the Catholic Church to which God was calling us. Please give generously to the 2nd collection.
VACANCY - FINANCE ASSISTANT required to support the Finance Office at Cathedral House, Brentwood, part-time, 4 days a week (28 hours). Please click here to Email for job description and person specification. You should then send in your CV, with a covering letter demonstrating how your experience and skills match the essential requirements and attributes of the role as per the job description and person specification. Closing date Fri 11 November. Interviews week commencing 21 November.

Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Damian de Souza

Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Thomas Bishop
Monday: Fr Richard Gay
Friday: Peter Geddes

For Reflection …

You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord

Next Sunday - 32nd Sunday of the Year (C)

First Reading 2 Maccabees 7:1-2. 9-14
A mother and her seven sons suffer martyrdom because of loyalty to God's law and belief in the resurrection of the dead.

Second Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5
Paul urges his friends to find comfort and hope in the love that Father and Son have shown them.