FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
4th/5th February 2017
Dear Parishioners,
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (Year A)
The Gospel reading is taken from Matthew 5: 13 - 16. Christian discipleship is not simply a private matter: being a
disciple of Christ, which we all are through our Baptism, means making a difference in the love we show to our family,
among friends and in the world. There is a long history of people taking on great projects under the motivation of
their Christian beliefs, but a living faith will always have its roots in the stuff of everyday life. The light must
first shine in the house, before it will light up the world.
Let your light shine
The most important thing about each of us is our capacity for goodness. We can be a source of light. We have hands that
can care, eyes that can see, ears that can hear, tongues that can speak, feet that can walk, and above all hearts that
can love. Unfortunately, through laziness, selfishness, and cowardice, our light can be dimmed, so that we become
shadows of the people we could be. Lord, help us to believe in our own goodness, and to let the light of that goodness
shine. On seeing this light, others find their way, and you will be glorified.
Saturday 11th February is a world day of prayer for the sick. Our Holy Father Pope Francis reminds us the theme this
year is "Amazement at what God has accomplished": 'The Almighty has done great things for me…'
Luke 1: 49. It was instituted by Saint John Paul II in 1992, and first celebrated at Lourdes on 11 February 1993. This
Day is an opportunity to reflect in particular on the needs of the sick and, more generally, of all those who suffer.
We give thanks to all who assist the sick, beginning with family members, parishioners, health workers, Eucharistic
Ministers and volunteers. If you know of anyone who needs a visit please let Deacon Kevin know. We shall be having a
Holy Hour from 9.30 to 10.30 am.
I encourage you to attend the Parish Meeting on Wednesday 8th February at 8.00 pm when Stephen Webb, our Steward of the
Gospel, will be speaking.
Last Sunday evening the glass doors into the main hall from the chapel end were severely broken. My first reaction was
of extreme anger. The question arises what causes people to do these things? Whenever you are around the Church please
observe to see if any damage has been done and report it immediately.
I offer my support and prayers to you all.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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THE HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTION for February, comfort for the afflicted: 'That all those
who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our
communities.'
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PARISH MEETING WEDNESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 8pm Everyone is invited to participate in a discussion about
the future of our parish and our diocese. There are very big questions to tackle as our parish and our diocese
changes and your contribution would be really appreciated.
How can we sustain and increase the number of people worshipping with us in the future?
How would you feel if the only way to ensure a flourishing future was to become a part of a new parish
community?
Please come and help us to discern the way forward for us all.
Steven Webb Steward of the Gospel, click here to Email,
http://www.staugustine-springfield.com/docs/SOTG%20UpDated%20Response%20following%20meetings.pdf
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THANKS FROM KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA to parishioners for their generous donations of toiletries and
especially warm socks for the homeless, looked after by Providence Row, as well as the clothing donated to Farleigh
Hospice charity shops.
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WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - FRIDAY 3 MARCH 2017 The Women's World Day of Prayer is an
interdenominational service held annually on the first Friday in March. This year it will be held at 10am on 3rd
March at Our Lady Immaculate Church and all are welcome to attend, not just women!! The theme this year is "Am I
been unfair to you" organised by praying for the Philippines.
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BRENTWOOD DIOCESCAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM Saturday 22nd July. Bishop Alan will be leading a
special celebration from 12noon to 3pm ending with Mass. This will be a concelebrated Mass with the clergy of the
diocese. Authorisation has been given by the Bishop that all attending the Pilgrimage will fulfil their Sunday
obligation. We have booked a coach leaving St. Augustine's at 8am and returning at 5pm. The cost will be
£15. If you are interested in going please put your name down on the list.
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A DONATION TO PARISH FUNDS FROM THE TAXMAN If you or your partner are a taxpayer - please do
join our Gift Aid scheme. By using a gift aid number we can reclaim a further 25% on all your donations. We don't
need any information about your income. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can personally claim further tax relief
on the difference between the basic and higher rates in your annual tax return. You can use the weekly collection
envelopes or pay by standing order. Please contact Kevin or Dee Davey (Parish Gift Aid Organiser - click here to Email or 01245 353657). Thank
you if you are already a member of the scheme. Please do remember to quote your envelope number on all donations
including contributions for flowers, mass intentions etc. We've already recovered £13,885.25 in respect of
the 2015/16 tax year.
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES SUN 23 - FRI 28 JULY led by Bishop Alan. Experienced medical team
and plenty of help for those with mobility needs. The pilgrimage is suitable for couples, individuals, and groups of
friends; all are welcome. There is a full programme to opt in and out of. More info from Eileen Hyland 01245 258341.
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BCCS ANNUAL CHARITY BALL at The Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge on Saturday 4th March 2017. Tickets
£55 per person to include a drinks reception, three-course dinner, tea & coffee, dancing &
entertainment. For tickets offers of raffle or auction prizes from Julie 01268 784544 / 07912277413 / click here to Email
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ST. HELEN'S CATHOLIC INFANT SCHOOL, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood seeks Teacher Foundation
Stage/KS1,Fulltime, permanent post. The Summer Term 2017 is likely to be in EYFS and from September 2017 EYFS/KS1.
Required 18th April 2017. For further information and application forms and/or to arrange visits, please contact the
school office on 01277 215626 or click here
to Email Closing Date: 4p.m. Monday 6th February 2017.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Gerard King, Heather Wiseman, Patricia Grainger, Kay Knight (sister of
Fr Leslie Knight)
Years Mind:
Sunday: Jean Francois Kerforne
Monday: Fr Francis Richardson
Wednesday: Fr Alan Wilcox
Thursday: Fr Bernard Manning
Friday: Pope Pius XI
Saturday: Fr Donald Mills
Next Sunday - Sixth Sunday of Year A
First Reading Ecclesiastes 15:15-20
He never commanded anyone to be godless.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
God predestined wisdom to be for our glory before the ages began.
Gospel Matthew 5:17-37
You have learnt how it was said to your ancestors; but I say this to you.