TWELFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
24th/25th June 2017
Dear Parishioner,
Twelfth Sunday of the Year (A) - Gospel: Matthew 10: 26-33.
Jesus asks us to be his witnesses in the world. However, we often lack the courage to witness openly to our faith. But
Jesus says to us what he said to his first disciples, 'Do not be afraid.' So let us bring our fears
and worries to him, and seek his help in overcoming them. 'Persecution and challenges', though perhaps more
subtle and insidious than in former times, come the way of every Christian. Marginalisation in social life and the
caricaturing of our faith and values are cases in point. Today's Gospel reminds us that despite any appearances to
the contrary, God is the sovereign Lord of all and nothing happens that is beyond his grasp. Through faith we see
beyond the surface of this world. We are buoyed up with hope and freedom, above all freedom from fear.
A Celtic Prayer
I rise today with God's strength to direct me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eyes to look before me,
God's ears to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to uphold me, God's pathway before me,
God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me - from temptations, from one man or many that seek to
destroy me. Amen.
Dates to Remember:
The Walsingham Pilgrimage - 22nd July. The coach leaves St. Augustine's at 8am. Please bring
your packed lunches and you are advised to bring a waterproof in case of rain.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 23rd to 28th July.
Please pray for me as I pray for you all.
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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MARY SULLIVAN RIP, FUNERAL DETAILS AT ST AUGUSTINE'S
Reception of Body: Wednesday 5 July at 6.30pm
Funeral Mass: Thursday 6 July at 9am
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PARISH EVENING SAT 15 JULY STARTING AT 7PM Everyone is invited to a parish evening with Indian food
on 15 July, sitting down at 7pm. The price for this delicious 3 course meal is £15 per adult and £5 for
under lOs. Feel free to bring your own drink - bottled water and squash will be provided. There will be a raffle.
The purpose of this evening is twofold:
- to have a convivial get together and
- to raise money for our church and for the Familia Children's home in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) - you
can find out about their inspiring work at https://www.familiaindia.org/the-background
Tickets available after the 9am Mass at St Augustine's from next Sunday 3 July.
This Sunday we will be taking names of anyone interested in coming. Please contact either Tomy on 07766 655697 or
Karin on 01245 466167 for more info.
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CHARITY TOMBOLA Phil Perrier will be holding her tombola draw for charity on Sunday 2 July at New
Hall. 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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30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT ABBOTSWICK Diocesan House of Prayer, Brentwood 11.30am - 4.30pm
on Saturday 8 July. Please join us for this wonderful event. A Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated at 2pm by Bishop
Alan Williams and Bishop Emeritus Thomas McMahon. You are invited to bring a packed lunch. Cake and refreshments will
be provided. For further information please call 373959 or visit our website www.abbotswick.org
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MEETING THE LIVING GOD SEMINAR SERIES 2017 - all at Conference Hall, Brentwood Cathedral,
10.30am-12noon. Further info from 01277 265285 or click here to Email
- Seminar 6: Saturday 15 July "Contemplative Prayer - is it for me?" Bishop Alan Williams, SM,
Bishop of Brentwood.
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DIOCESAN CENTENARY LECTURES WEDNESDAYS AT 7.30PM at Cathedral Hall, Brentwood-Admission Free,
Bookstall available
28 June: Dr Paul Doherty, Headmaster, Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green: 'The Patron Saints of the
Diocese of Brentwood'
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NEW HALL JOB OPPORTUNITIES New Hall has vacancies for a full or part-time SENCo starting Sept
2017 or Jan 2018, a full- or part-time teacher of Learning Support starting Sept 2017 or Jan 2018 and a
Teacher of Science (Chemistry) starting Sept 2017. Closing date is 29.06.17 with interviews 02.07.17. Please see
www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities for full details.
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ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, UPMINSTER. Class Teacher required for September. This post
would be suitable for a newly qualified teacher. Please contact the school office on 01708 220277 for more
information. Full advert on www.jobsgopublic.com
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PLEASE PRAY FOR Jessica Smith, from St Joseph's Parish, Upminster, has been selected for the
Great Britain athletics squad to take part in the International Catholic Student Games (FISEC) near Venice, Italy in
July; this will be 15-year-old Jessica's first International Games. Jessica will be competing in the 100m
hurdles and 300m hurdles as well as being part of the 100m relay team comprising athletes from across the nation. The
FISEC Games is one of two world competitions for school based sport and this competition which follows international
rules is recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Please keep Jessica, the GB team and all of those
children competing in the Games in your prayers. Many thanks, Lisa Gunther, Education Dept, Diocese of Brentwood.
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CATHOLIC SINGLES is an organisation which helps single Catholics of all ages (over 18 years) meet
other single Catholics, either one to one or through social events. For further information visit www.catholicsingles.org.uk or tel. 0161 941 3498
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Mary Sullivan
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr James Dacey
Thursday: Fr James Hawes
Sunday: Fr James Edward Littleton
Next Sunday - THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading 2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16
This is a holy man of God, let him rest there.
Second Reading Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11
When we were baptised we went into the tomb with Christ, so that we too might live a new life.
Gospel Matthew 10:37-42
Anyone who does not take his cross is not worthy of me. Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me.
