FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A):
26th/27th November 2016
Dear Parishioners
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - YEAR A
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day the Sunday nearest 30 November, the feast of St. Andrew. We
begin the Church's liturgical year. This gives us an opportunity to make a fresh start spiritually. It is not a
time for sleep and can be so easy to think just about Christmas and what we shall buy for our family and friends. We
must not push aside these days of Advent.
Yes, the chief function of this holy season is to prepare for Christmas. However, to understand Christmas we have to
start at the beginning with the history of salvation.
God's plan for salvation is centred in Christ and realised through him. Advent looks back at the promise of his
first coming when that plan was announced. It also looks forward to his second coming (Parousia) when that plan will
reach its fulfilment.
As we prepare for the great celebration, I strongly recommend you all to make a note in your diary to attend the
Reconciliation Service at the church of Our Lady Immaculate, London Road, Chelmsford on Tuesday 13 December at
7.30pm. If you are unable to attend they have the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday morning from 11am
to 12 noon.
During Advent we have the lighting of the ADVENT Candles on the Sundays. We light the first candle as a symbol of the
prophets who renew our faith and remind us what they may be.
Today we warmly welcome Fr. Stewart Foster who will celebrate the Vigil Mass and the 9am Mass. The Mass at New Hall
will be said by Fr. John Wisdom, O. Praem. who is home for a week from the Falkland Islands.
So as we begin the new Church's year, we have in our parish a period of time for reflection, prayer and looking
forward with hope. Bishop Alan is unable at present to send us a parish priest. I ask you all to pray for vocations for
our diocese especially for the priesthood and for our diocesan seminarians for the grace of perseverance.
Secondly I ask for your prayers and support. I am always available for any pastoral needs and promise you all of a
remembrance in my prayers.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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FR NICK & PAM thank you all for the most generous leaving collection and good wishes for our
future, for the personal gifts and for your support and prayers over the last four years. Many thanks also to
Christine for her kind words on your behalf. It has been a privilege to be your parish priest, and we are grateful
for your faithfulness and commitment to the ongoing life and growth of the parish. We hope to welcome you to our new
home in the future and assure you of our prayers.
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FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS Sunday Masses continue as normal (inc Vigil Mass) but there will no daily Mass
due to shortage of clergy. There will be some kind of daily worship in the form of Morning or Evening Prayer,
Exposition, Rosary. Mass times at local churches are: Blessed Sacrament Tues-Fri 9.15am.
Holy Name Mon 7.30pm, OLI Tues, Wed, Thurs 12.30pm, Fri 9.30am, Sat 9.00am
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ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE 13 DECEMBER OLI 7.30pm
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FORTHCOMING SECOND COLLECTIONS:
3rd/4th December - Flowers for Christmas.
10th/11th December - S.V.P. SUDAN APPEAL
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MASS INTENTIONS Please note that we can only have two Mass intentions each Sunday. The third one is
always said for 'the people of the parish'. If you wish to have Masses said elsewhere Kevin can arrange for
this to be done. Some priests have few Mass intentions.
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ABBOT HUGH ALLAN, O PRAEM We offer our congratulations and prayers to Abbot Hugh Allan, O. Praem.
who has been appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Prefecture of the Falkland Islands and Ecclesial Superior
of the Mission of the islands of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. In recognition of this appointment he
has been elevated to the title of 'Titular Abbot of Beeleigh' by the Abbot General of the Norbertine Order.
He will still carry out his duties as Dean of Mid-Essex Deanery and parish priest of Our Lady Immaculate. To
celebrate this appointment there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday 8th December (the Solemnity of
the Immaculate Conception) at 7.30pm at Our Lady Immaculate.
- ADVENT MESSAGE FROM THE KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA: The Knights of St Columba have provided Christmas Posters and Keep
Christ in Christmas stickers. Please take them with you as you leave mass. Remember to ask at the Post Office for
Religious stamps to use through the Advent season.
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"THE CHRISTMAS STORY" - SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2-3.30PM, at St Augustine's, hosted
by the Social Group. Primarily for children (must be accompanied by an adult) but all parishioners welcome. "The
Christmas Story" and Christmas Carols in the Church will be followed by a light tea and party games in the small
hall. Please see a member of the Social Group if your child would like to attend. Offers of party food contributions
gratefully received! Please contact Bernadette for more info click here to Email or 01245
450938.
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ST JOHN PAYNE ADVENT SERVICE 2016 Tuesday 20 December 7.30pm in Aquinas Hall. The dynamic service,
created by staff and students, is a great opportunity to come together to prepare for the Christmas season with
prayer, readings, animation and, of course, some carols! Please do come along and join us. Refreshments will be
served following the service.
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SERVICE OF LIGHT and the inauguration of Advent at Brentwood Cathedral with Bishop Alan and the
Cathedral choir will take place at 4pm Sunday 27th November. This is a beautiful service of prayer and music with the
solemn lighting of the Advent wreath. Everyone is welcome.
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CHAPLAIN-MATERNITY COVER AT ST JOHN PAYNE SCHOOL From January 2017. Details and application forms on
www.sjp.essex.sch.uk, or by clicking here to Email.
Applicants must be practising Catholics and be fully supported by a Priest. Deadline for applications Mon 5 December
Interview date to be advised.
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ST. HELEN'S CATHOLIC INFANT SCHOOL, BRENTWOOD require Teacher Foundation Stage from 1 January
2017, Fulltime, Temporary 2 terms (Spring Term '17 and Summer Term '17) post with the possibility of a
permanent post in EYFS/KS1. Further info from 01277 215626 or click here
to Email. Closing Date: 12pm Wednesday 7 December 2016.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr John Aydon
Monday: Fr Patrick Bennett
Tuesday: Fr Francis Branney
Thursday: Fr Bart Lynch
Friday: Fr James (Pat) Hannon
Next Sunday - Second Sunday of Advent (A)
First Reading Isaiah 11:1-10
Second Reading Romans 15:4-9
Gospel Matthew 3:1-12