SIXTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
Racial Justice Day
11th/12th February 2017
Dear Parishioners,
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (Year A)
MATTHEW 5: 17 - 37
Jesus proposes new standards of goodness for his disciples in today's Gospel reading. Murder and adultery are born
in the heart. Jesus reinterprets the fifth commandment so that it embraces those angry feelings and emotions which may
lead up to murder. And he reinterprets the sixth commandment so that it embraces lustful thoughts and desires which may
lead to sexual sin and infidelity.
Jesus said, 'If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the
kingdom of heaven.' That statement must have surprised his hearers. And it must have greatly angered the Scribes
and Pharisees, who liked to think of themselves as truly virtuous people. Jesus shattered their complacent belief in
their own goodness and virtue. He declared that their virtue was superficial, their goodness was skin-deep. His
disciples would have to do better. We too can apply that to ourselves. Our daily lives can so easily be superficial and
on face level only.
We can't avoid getting angry, but we can avoid acting out our anger. Jesus tells us that we have to seek to be
reconciled to the Lord. The sacrament of reconciliation gives us that grace to ask for a true forgiveness of our sins.
A small example could be a man had a row with his wife before going to work in the morning. Halfway through the morning
it was still bothering him, so he rang his wife and apologised for his part in it. Later he said to a friend, 'I
didn't want her to carry that all day.' He didn't do himself any harm either.
Today is Racial Justice Sunday.
God of Light, God of Change, you fashion each of us in your image, reflecting the presence of your Spirit and fullness
of your grace. You call us into being as whole persons; you call us into community to be one in you. Yet too often we
choose to see others as less than ourselves because of the colour of their skin.
Light of God transfigure us that we may live as one.
Open our hearts and lives to your transforming light. Open our mouths to speak the truth on behalf of people of colour
who continue to be marginalized by the many facets of racism.
Light of God transfigure us from one degree of glory to another.
God of Light, God of Change open our hearts and minds to embrace equality and justice for all people around the world.
Create in us the desire to bring change in our world. Unveil our hearts so that your light may shine through us.
Light of God transfigure us! There is yet more of your light and truth to break forth from among us.
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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GWEN AND BERNARD STORKEY 60 YEARS! Congratulations and blessings to Gwen and Bernard who celebrated
their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 9 February.
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DATES FOR THE DIARY:
Saturday 18th February: First Holy Communion Class - 10am - 11am.
Saturday 4th March: Work Day at St. Augustine's - 10am - 12noon.
Many hands make light work.
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BRENTWOOD DIOCESCAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM Saturday 22nd July. This year being the centenary of
the diocese, Bishop Alan will be leading a special celebration from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm 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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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. More info from Eileen Hyland 01245 258341
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VACANCY - DIOCESAN PROPERTY CONSULTANT working out of Cathedral House in Brentwood.
Full-time role. If you, or any of your family/friends, are interested in applying, please
click here to Email for a 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. Closing date for CVs/applications is 19.00 on Tuesday 28th February 2017. Interviews week commencing 6th March
2017
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VITALITY LONDON 10K RUN 29 MAY Brentwood Catholic Children's Society has several charity places
for this May bank holiday event which takes in many of London's iconic landmarks, finishing in front of
Buckingham Palace with all the event facilities, food and entertainment close by in Green Park. For each place, we
ask for a registration fee of £30 and a pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £200. If you have your
own place in the race, we would love to have you on our team; we won't set a sponsorship target, but any funds
you can raise for us would be hugely appreciated. Further info from 07912 277413 or click here to Email.
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GOVERNOR TRAINING Cathedral House, Brentwood CHANGE OF DATE for the Summer Term Governor Training:
Saturday, 20 May 10.30am-12noon The Autumn Term date is: Saturday 4th November,
2017- 10.30am-12noon led by Mr Chris Birtles Headteacher of St Thomas of Canterbury School, Grays.
Further info from: 01277 265285 or click here to Email
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NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK: In this week where we keep all married couples in our prayers, please
consider if you might be able volunteer for one of the organisations promoting marriage in our diocese. Marriage Care
is looking for people who can help deliver marriage preparation programmes or train as relationship counsellors.
Explore, which runs workshops in schools, is looking for couples to talk to young people about marriage and answer
their questions. Click here to
Email for more info or follow the new twitter account to find out how else you can support or live out the
vocation to marriage: BrentwoodMandFL.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Gerard King, Heather Wiseman, Kay Knight (sister of Fr Leslie Knight)
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Charles Snell
Friday: Fr John Joyce
Sunday: Jean Pearson, Fr Thomas O'Connor, Fr Archibald O'Brien
Next Sunday - Seventh Sunday of Year A
First Reading Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 15:15-20
You must love your neighbour, as yourself.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
All are your servants, but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
Gospel Matthew 5:38-48
Love your enemies.
