Catholic Parish of
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Springfield

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
(Divine Mercy Sunday)
22nd/23rd April 2017

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Dear Parishioners,

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER - Gospel John 20: 19 - 31.

I hope and pray that each one of you had a very happy and holy Easter. Very special thanks to Fr. Sabu for celebrating and guiding us through the Easter liturgies.

Today we meet in the Gospel 'doubting Thomas'. Each of us has something in common with Thomas because at times we too are troubled by doubts about our own faith. It is so easy to push or ignore them as if nothing was wrong. Instead of denying our doubts and worries let us bring them to the Lord. In his love for us, the Lord will help us to turn our doubts into faith.

Some people think that if you have enough faith life will be plain sailing for you. But this is not so. The fact that we can swim doesn't prevent us from being knocked about by the waves. In the same way faith doesn't prevent us from being knocked about by the waves. Nor does faith shield us from the hard knocks of life or death.

What, then, does faith do? It gives us bearings and thus enables us to live in a topsy-turvy world without getting lost or giving in to despair. Just as swimmers trust that if they don't panic, and if they do a few simple things, then the power of the sea will uphold them, so believers entrust their lives to a power greater than themselves, a power than us all. This power is the power of God, who brought his Son, Jesus, back from the dead.

May God bless you all

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.

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Notices:

• WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE, 22 JULY. If you have put your name down for this pilgrimage, I would appreciate your payment as soon as possible. Thank you, Cath Lyons.
• SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY PROJECT Pope Francis is encouraging parishes to take in and support a refugee family from Syria. A small team drawn from Chelmsford's Catholic parishes has started to make this happen in Chelmsford but we need YOUR help please. If you would you like to learn more about the scheme, which is regulated by the government, and find out how you can help to make a refugee family welcome here in our midst, please contact one of us below.
  • Chris Thompson; click here to Email, Telephone 01245 469161
  • Mike Hiom; click here to Email, Telephone 01245 265159
  • Peter Whitington; click here to Email, Telephone 01245 441736
  • Tim Gallagher; click here to Email, Telephone 01245 353302
  Meanwhile please keep this project in your prayers and watch this space - as they say!
• BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY EVENT An evening of classical music in the beautiful surroundings of Ingatestone Hall, Sat 6 May 7.30pm. Tickets £25 include prosecco and nibbles. For tickets or further info, please call Libby Phillips on 01268 784544 or click here to Email
• 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

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Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died

Years Mind:
Sunday: Saloman and Zady Saad
Monday: Fr Simon Sullivan
Tuesday: Fr Myles O'Reilly
Saturday: Fr Brian O'Higgins

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Next Sunday - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)

First Reading Acts 2:14, 22-33
It was impossible for him to be held in the power of Hades

Second Reading 1 Peter 1:17-21
Your ransom was paid in the precious blood of a lamb without spot or stain, namely, Christ.

Gospel Luke 24:13-35
They recognised him at the breaking of the bread.

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