SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
(Day of Prayer for Human Work)
20th/21st May 2017
Dear Parishioner,
We are on the sixth Sunday of Easter. The fifty days of Easter is an awaiting period for the promised gift of the Holy
Spirit. Today's first readings tells us the amazing work of the Holy Spirit through the person of Philip, which
moved the Samaritan people to believe in Christ. And as a follow up they received the Holy Spirit through the laying of
hands by Peter and John. And the result was a great rejoicing in the town. Because faith in Christ was a solution to
all their problems. We are believers in Christ and we have received the promised Holy Spirit. Are we able to rejoice in
Christ and in his Spirit? Are we able to find solutions to our daily problems in Christ?
In the second reading St. Peter reminds us to live a life worthy of the HOPE that we have in Christ. Because Christ was
put to death in body but was raised to life in spirit. And this faith in eternal life with the promised gift of the
Holy Spirit is the source of our Christian HOPE. So living a good and exemplar life must be our answer to those who
slander us for our life of faith. He adds, and if it is the will of God that you should suffer, he encourages us, to
suffer by doing good rather than to suffer by doing bad. So this gives us a positive outlook to our sufferings in life,
especially those for our faith in Christ.
In the Gospel of John we see Jesus' discourse to his disciples. The one and only way to love Jesus
is given to his disciples. Jesus reminds us, if you love me, keep my commandments. If we live a life
loving Christ and following his commandments, he will ask his father for the gift of Holy Spirit on those who love him.
So Jesus assures us in the gospel that anyone who receives his commandments and keeps them will be one who loves Him
and anyone who loves Jesus will be loved by the father and he will be loved by Jesus as well.
So let us ask the lord for his grace to be someone who loves HIM and to be loved by HIM and HIS father so that
we may be prepared to receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Send O Lord, holy apostles into your Church.
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
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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FR CHARLES KAKOOZA Many of you will remember Fr Charles and will be interested to know he celebrates
30 years of priesthood in June. He hasn't had a holiday for 3 years and would like to go on a dedicated retreat
for one month in Uganda. The cost of the retreat is £2,300 and he has paid £700 towards it. If anyone
would like to contribute to this, please place a donation in an envelope marked Fr Charles with your Gift Aid no. if
appropriate. Thank you for you support. Deacon Kevin.
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STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL PARISH MEETING DATE CHANGE Please note this meeting will now take place at St
Augustine's on 14th 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.
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MEETING OF THE PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE: The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 24 May at 8pm in
the church hall.
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OUR CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAYERS FOR Hannah Louise BROOKES and Daniel Adrian CLARK on their wedding
on 27th May at St. Augustine's at 12.45 pm. May their marriage bring them many blessings and much happiness.
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CHARITY TOMBOLA Phil Perrier will be holding her tombola draw for charity on Sunday 11 June at St
Augustine's Church. Tickets are £1 and every ticket wins a prize. The proceeds will go towards the work of
the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban, South Africa.
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MISSION APPEAL AT MASSES ON 3 & 4 JUNE: We are fortunate to have Sister Michela Pirra of the
Comboni Missionary Sisters coming to talk at all Masses about the inspiring work of Sisters, particularly in Africa.
Please give what you can to support this worthwhile work in this time of great need. Many thanks in advance for your
generosity.
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MASS INTENTIONS Now that we are fortunate enough to have Fr Sabu with us, we are able to offer Mass
Intentions on weekday Masses without the long delays we were previously having. Please pop any Mass requests through
the Presbytery door or give to anyone on the door on Sunday.
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A STUDY DAY ON THE DEACON IN THE CHURCH will be held at the Church of the English Martyrs, Alma
Avenue, Homchurch, RMl2 6BJ on Saturday 3rd June 2017 from 9.30 to 1.00 (preceded by Mass at 9.00). It will consider
the history of the diaconate from the ordination of the first deacons (Acts 6) to the present day, with a special
focus on the restoration of the permanent diaconate by the Second Vatican Council and the life and ministry of
deacons in today's Church. Aimed at all those with an interest in the breadth of ministries in the Church in
changing times, and those who have seen a deacon in action but would like to find out more, there will also be an
opportunity to hear about the formation of candidates for the permanent diaconate, and to meet with some of our
diocesan deacons and their wives. All are welcome.
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LADIES' ASCOT DAY LUNCHEON FRIDAY 23 JUNE hosted by Brentwood Catholic Children's Society at
the Rayleigh Golf & Country Club to coincide with Royal Ascot week. Ladies are encouraged to dust off their best
hats and enter into the spirit of a 'Day at the Races'. Tickets £25.00 each for a delicious two course
luncheon with tea & coffee served in our own private dining room, with plenty of time to enjoy some racing from
Ascot before the school-run. Please contact Libby for more information & to book tickets on 01268 784544 /
click here to Email
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2017 PRUDENTIAL RIDE LONDON - SURREY 100 Sunday 30th July Due to a last minute injury The BCCS
has ONE charity place available. You must be able to complete the 100 mile route in less than 9
hours and commit to raise a minimum sponsorship of £750. Deadline for registration on this event is 26th May so
if you would like the place please contact Julie Abbott immediately on 01268 784544 / 07912277413 / click here to Email
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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
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Mgr George Stokes
Years Mind:
Sunday: Mgr William O'Grady
Monday: Dory Pearson
Tuesday: Fr Henry Peace
Wednesday: Fr Charles Carless, Fr Austin Thorburn
Next Sunday - THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (A)
First Reading Acts 1: 1-11
He was lifted up while they looked on.
Second Reading Ephesians 1:17-23
He made him sit at his right hand in heaven.
Gospel Matthew 27: 16-20
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.