FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
13th/14th May 2017
Dear Parishioners,
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER: Gospel John 14:1-12
In the Gospel reading today Jesus consoles his friends who are distressed over his words that he is going away. There
come times in our lives when things seem to get very dark. It's at such times that we really need strong faith and
trust in the Lord.
So when things are bad, may we hear the gentle words of Jesus: 'believe in God, and believe also in me.' The
Lord gently questions us about our own life-story in order that, through the scriptures, we might see his death and
resurrection at the heart of it. When his word has pierced our hearts we are ready to discover his living presence in a
new and deeper way in the Eucharistic breaking of bread.
The month of May has been dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, and it is the occasion for a "moving tribute of faith and
love which Catholics in every part of the world pray to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians offer up to
Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the
benefits of God's mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance" (Paul VI).
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
The Holy Father's Prayer intentions for 2017 in May.
Christians in Africa
That Christians in Africa, in imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice,
and peace.
Notices:
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FIRST HOLYCOMMUNION Congratulations to the following children who are making their First Holy
Communion at the 9.00 am Mass this Sunday. Heidi Coen, Ophelia Farrell,
James Hayes and Ben Pope. Jo Biju will be making his in India in
the summer. Please keep the children and their parents in your prayers.
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PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday 16 May 8pm at 6 Springfield Green.
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WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE 22 JULY I would be grateful if those who have signed up for this could let me
have their payment as soon as possible. Thank you, Cath Lyons.
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KSC ANNUAL CHARITY WALK IN AID OF BCCS - retiring collection next weekend, 20/21 May - Your
local branch of the Knights ofSt Columba (KSC) held their annual charity walk on Saturday 6 May when a group from
Chelmsford walked about 14 miles around Canvey Island and in support of this a retiring collection in aid of
Brentwood Catholic Children's Society (BCCS) will be held after all Masses next weekend. Thank you in
anticipation for your generous support.
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HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS AT OLl CHELMSFORD Please come and join us to pray for vocations to the
priesthood and religious life at a special Holy Hour on Wednesday 31st May at 7:00pm at Our Lady Immaculate Church in
Chelmsford with Fr. Hugh sharing his vocation story.
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THE ESSEX RECUSANT SOCIETY (Brentwood Diocesan Historical Society) invites you to join its visit to
Chelsea Old Church, 64 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5TT on Sat 27 May, meeting at the Church at 1 pm. The Church was
rebuilt by St Thomas More in 1528 and later restored following its destruction by a landmine in 1941. Now an Anglican
church, it is very much part of our Catholic Heritage. Afterwards there will be a visit to Allen Hall, the
Westminster Diocesan Seminary in nearby Beaufort Street (built on the site of St Thomas More's house) to view the
famous Mulberry Tree.
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STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL PARISH MEETING at St Augustine's on 7th June after evening Mass. This
will be an opportunity for all parishioners to explore some of the ideas that are coming out of the Stewards of the
Gospel process. More information to follow but please put the date in your diary.
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200 CLUB We are relaunching our popular 200 Club. Tickets will be £10 each and there will be
10 draws each year starting in June. If we can reach 200 participants, it will raise £1,000 for the Parish. We
will be collecting money or giving payment instructions next week and for several weeks afterwards until we do the
first draw. More info from Chris Thompson click here to
Email
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VACANCY - BOOKKEEPER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT required to support the Finance Office and parishes at
Cathedral House, Brentwood. The role is part-time, 4 days a week (28 hours). If you - or any of your family
or friends - are interested, please first
click here to Email for a job description and person spec. Please then send in your CV, with a covering letter
demonstrating how your experience and skills match the specified essential requirements and attributes of the role.
Please only apply if you can provide evidence of your bookkeeping experience. Closing date for CVs/applications is
Friday 19 May; interviews and tests Thurs 25 May.
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BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL CHOIR HAS COMMISSIONED a new Missa Brevis, for choir and organ, from the
composer Diana Burrell, for the Diocesan Centenary. Diana Burrell is a parishioner at the church of Our Lady, Queen
of Heaven, Harwich, and her most recent commission was for the BBC Symphony Orchestra at London's Barbican
Centre. The first performance will be at the 11.30 am Mass in Brentwood Cathedral on Sun 18 June.
All parishioners very welcome.
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GOVERNOR TRAINING SATURDAY 20 MAY 10.30am-12.00pm in the Conference Hall, Cathedral House
Brentwood - Topics: Introduction to governance. General Governance Matters: What do Governors need to know? Core
functions. Governor visits. Participating in meetings. Challenge and support. SMSC, British Values,
Safeguarding/Prevent. Speaker: Mr Chris Birtles, Headteacher. Contact details: click here to Email.
Tel: 01277 265285
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FROM THE GOOD COUNSEL NETWORK This year sees the 50th anniversary of abortion being legalised in
Great Britain, over 8 million babies' lives have been lost since 1967. We all need to make some extra sacrifice
this year. Please attend the "March for Life" in Birmingham on Saturday the 20th May. Three English Bishops
will be attending the March - come and support their witness. For coaches from London and elsewhere please see:
www.goodcounselnetwork.com or phone 020 7723 1740
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Mgr George Stokes
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr James (Jim) McCormack
Wednesday: Fr John William Hayes
Friday: Fr Thomas Clarke
Saturday: Fr Michael Fitzpatrick, Fr Brendan Sheppard
Sunday: Mgr William O'Grady
Next Sunday - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
First Reading Acts 8:5-8,14-17
They laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Second Reading 1 Peter 3: 15-18
In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
Gospel John 14: 15-21
I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate.
