FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR A:
1st/2nd April 2017
Dear Parishioners,
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (Year A) John 11: 1 - 45.
The theme of resurrection continues in the Gospel reading today with the account of the raising of Lazarus from the
dead. This account begins with the dialogue between Martha and Jesus which culminates with Jesus announcing,
'I am the resurrection' and Martha's profession of faith, 'I believe that you are the
Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.' There follows the raising of Lazarus who was
already four days in the tomb. The words of Jesus, 'Lazarus, and come out!' are words spoken
by Christ to every believer who is buried with him in baptism and who comes forth into new life. These are also the
words spoken to each one of us at the end of our earthly lives so that we might enter into the place prepared for us in
the house of the Father.
As we approach Easter we have the chance to be at peace with our lives through the sacrament of reconciliation. We have
the opportunity through attending a special Reconciliation service at the church of the Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne,
on Tuesday 4th April at 7.30 pm. Priests will be available for Confession. Our Holy Father Pope
Francis reminds us there is no sin God cannot forgive. Let us not be closed to the newness that God wants to bring into
our lives! Are we often weary, disheartened and sad? Do we feel weighted down by our sins? Do we think that we
won't be able to cope? Let us not close our hearts, let us not lose confidence, and let us never give up: there are
no situations which God cannot change, there is no sin which he cannot forgive if only we open ourselves to him. (Pope
Francis March 4, 2004). May God give us all the courage to be reconciled to the Lord. Amen.
The Paschal Triduum - This is the Three Days of the Christian paschal celebration. Christ,
redeemed mankind and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: by dying he destroyed our death
and by rising he restored our life. The Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of
the entire liturgical year.
Our services, all at St. Augustine's, are:
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Thursday 13 April
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8.15pm
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Mass of the Lord's Supper
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Good Friday14 April
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11am
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Children's Stations
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3pm
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The Passion of the Lord
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Holy Saturday
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8pm
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The Easter Vigil
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Wishing you all a holy Lent and praying that we will be reconciled to the Lord through the grace of the sacrament.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
The Holy Father's Prayer intentions for 2017 in April.
(Young people)
That young people may respond generously to their vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to God in the
priesthood, diaconate or consecrated life.
Notices:
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MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL BARWICK This weekend (2nd April) I will receive my first ministry as I journey
towards (God willing) ordination to the priesthood. This ministry is when the church states that I am able to share
and proclaim the Word of God to others. Please keep me in your prayers as I receive this important ministry and know
that I pray for you all daily. God bless, Michael
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MESSAGE TO MICHAEL! Congratulations and prayers to Michael Barwick on receiving the
ministry of Lector.
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LEAFLET DROP A very big thank you to those parishioners who have already shared in our mission to
reach out to those locally and to make them aware of and welcome to our parish family. The new housing area in
Beaulieu Park has now been covered together with some areas of the existing housing. If you are able to distribute
some cards giving details of our Easter Services there will be cards and allocated areas available after Masses this
weekend. There are also cards available if you would like to take some to share with your immediate neighbours,
giving you an opportunity to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
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SECRETARY WANTED The Parish Pastoral Council is seeking a parishioner to join the group as
secretary. This role involves assisting with the preparation of agendas and working group reports together with
taking and distributing minutes of meetings which take place every three months. If you would like to volunteer for
this role please contact Christine Webb who chairs the group on 07585331615.
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STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL Our parish is required to submit the responses to the Questionnaire to our
Diocese before Easter. The draft is awaiting your approval on our website and we also have a few hard copy versions
available only for families who cannot access the website (to avoid printing). If you have any suggested amendments
to make to it please notify Steven Webb: click here to Email or phone 07718
271229. This is your last chance to have a say before our representations about the future of our parish are made and
the consultations move on to the next stage. Steven will deliver the final version on Wednesday 12th April.
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WELCOME PARTY FOR FATHER SABU A party will be held on Saturday 8 April 7pm-10pm to welcome
Father Sabu to our parish. There will be a food list to fill in after all Masses so please ensure that your name is
on it if you are coming. It is envisaged that we will set up after the Saturday morning Mass and the church will need
to be made ready for Sunday Mass after the event. All welcome! Thank you.
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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 23 April The Billericay Padre Pio Prayer Group invite you to a Day of Devotion
to The Divine Mercy at Abbotswick House of Prayer, Brentwood, CM14 5SH. Arrival 10.30am for 11.00am start. Confession
available. Mass 3.30pm. Refreshments available - please bring a packed lunch. For more information, call Claire
Wallis 01277 658783. ALL ARE WELCOME.
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BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY EVENT An evening of classical music in the beautiful
surroundings of Ingatestone Hall, Sat 6 May7.30pm. Tickets £25 include prosecco and nibbles. For tickets or
further info, please call Libby Phillips on 01268 784544 or click here to Email
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BROTHER GUY CONSOLMAGNO SJ TO SPEAK AT GIDEA PARK
Brother Guy is Director of the Vatican Observatory, and well known to readers of 'The Tablet'. He will lead a
study day entitled 'God and the Cosmos', in which he will explore how looking at the immensity of creation
leads us to become more familiar with who God is and how God loves us. The day will take place on Saturday 10th June
from 11am until 3pm (coffee from 10.30 am) at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, RM2
6DH. Admission free, tea and coffee provided, but please bring a packed lunch. Ample free parking at the church,
which is 3 minutes walk from Gidea Park Station. Booking essential (early booking advised) and this should be done by
clicking here to Email
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr Ronald Roberts, Fr Charles Loughran
Friday: Deacon Geoffrey Piper
Sunday: Fr Thomas Adkins
Next Sunday - Palm Sunday Year A
First Reading Isiah 50:4-7
I did not cover my face against insult - I know I shall not be ashamed.
Second Reading Philippians 2:6-11
He humbled himself, but God raised him high.
Gospel Matthew 26:14-27:66
The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ
