CHRISTMAS DAY:
24th/25th December 2016
Dear Parishioners,
The Solemnity of the Birth Jesus the Lord (December 25th)
In the first centuries of Christianity, the birth of Jesus was celebrated within the context of the manifestation of
Christ's divinity to the world. In the East this happened on the feast of the Epiphany. It was in the fourth
century that the feast of Christmas appeared in the west as a celebration of the birth of Christ. In celebrating this
feast, the Christian community confesses God's humble presence among the poor and those in need throughout the
world. May each one of us continue to do this.
God bless you
Deacon Kevin
Deacon Kevin and Cath
would like to wish all parishioners a very Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas and many blessings for 2017.
Thank you all very much for your continued support, love and prayers.
Notices:
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FEAST OF ST STEPHEN, MONDAY 26 DECEMBER there will be a Mass for our Altar Servers at 10am at St.
Augustine's.
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WORLD MISSION DAY The Association for the Propogation of the Faith wish to pass on their thanks for
your generous donation of £369.69. It is much appreciated.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING: We have received advice from the Diocese that, since it is customary for the
Christmas offering to be given as a "thank you" to the parish priest for their ministry throughout the
year, this year's offering will be given to Fr Nick to thank him for his work this year.
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CRIB OFFERINGS Our Crib offerings go to Brentwood Catholic Children's Society who work to care
for and support children, young people and their families in need across our diocese - this covers all of Essex
and East London. It is your children's society for your Diocese. Please give generously and remember all involved
in this work in your prayers.
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ECUMENICAL COUNCIL We are hoping to start again The Ecumenical Council in the New Year. This is a
wonderful opportunity to work with our friends from other communities. Anyone interested please contact Karen Seeman.
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THE AUGUSTINIAN We are preparing the next edition of "The Augustinian" for publication
early in the New Year. We will welcome any contributions for it, fact or fiction, serious or frivolous, short or
long. Please send them to Chris Thompson click here to
Email
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MASS FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD Thursday 29 December (Feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Patron
Saint of Pastoral Clergy) 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 161 Leigh Rd, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1NG. All are
welcome.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Wilfrid Thompson
Monday: Fr Francis Greenan
Tuesday: Fr Francis Wilson
Wednesday: Eric Pearson
Friday: Fr John Byrne
Saturday: Fr Brian Reeves