TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR A
2nd/3rd September 2017
Dear Parishioner,
We are on the twenty-second Sunday of the year. On this Sunday we reflect on the sacrifices we will have to make in
following the way of the Lord. Starting with prophet Jeremiah in the first reading, who says he was seduced by the
Lord. He continues to say that the word of the Lord is a source of insult and derision to him. Even then, the fire
burning in his heart doesn't allow him to stop preaching the word of God and move away from the way of the Lord.
In the second reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans, he reminds the Romans to offer their bodies as a
living sacrifice to the lord. This is something each one of us has to do because of the great mercy we all have
received from our Lord. And this becomes our obligation as thinking beings.
In the gospel we see Jesus preparing himself and his disciples mentally, in order to accept the fact of his own
passion, death and resurrection. At that point we see the different obstacles put forward on his way, starting with
Peter, who tries to stop him from moving on in the way the Lord has marked out for Jesus.
So on this day let us all be reminded of the fact that there is a way marked out by the Lord for each and everyone of
us. We are supposed to follow that way. But however the allurements of this world can always be a stumbling block in
our effort to follow the way of the Lord. But Jesus reminds us, "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him
renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me". The gospel ends with a reminder to the disciples and to us
that, "He will reward each one according to his behaviour". So let us all follow Christ in the way God has
marked out for us and receive the right rewards that await us.
"SEND 0 LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH"
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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FLORA NORONHA RIP Please remember in your prayers Flora who died last weekend. Please pray for her
family and friends and all who mourn her loss. Her body will be received in St Augustine's at 4.30pm on Monday 18
Sept and the Funeral Mass will take place at llam on Tuesday 19 Sept. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful
departed rest in peace. Amen.
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SVP AFTERNON TEA PARTY FOR PENSIONERS at St Augustine's on Sat. 9th Sept 2.30-4pm. There
will be music from our wonderful singer Trevor, who will be performing Disney songs this time! It is open to everyone
who would like to attend, the more the merrier! If anyone requires transport, I can be contacted on 07796 393131. We
are also always grateful for anyone who can come and help chatting to the guests, providing lifts, making tea or
washing up! Jenny Clayton.
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200 CLUB (186 Club this year in fact!) Congratulations to Anne Reynolds, winner of the recent draw.
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DATE FOR THE DIARY - SVP QUIZ, 7 OCTOBER at St Augustine's. Details to follow.
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RENEWAL AND RESTRUCTURING OF THE DIOCESE I hope you have all been able to read and pray about the
recent proposal for the future of our diocese. If not, it can be accessed at this link http://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/news/diocese-asks-parishes-comment-restructuring-renewal-proposals/.
If you require a hard copy, there are some available to be shared, so please ask Father Sabu or Deacon Kevin to see a
copy. It is important that everyone involves themselves in this process of change and development and, with this in
mind, you are warmly invited to a Parish meeting on Tuesday 12th September at St Augustine's at 8:00pm to share
your ideas and discuss responses to the proposal as requested by the questions found at the end of the document.
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STEWARD OF THE GOSPEL REQUIRED Thank you to Steven Webb our current Steward of the Gospel for
representing our parish and guiding us through the process of renewal and restructuring. The time has come for us to
appoint a new Steward of the Gospel to continue this work. I am seeking a volunteer who would be prepared to serve
our parish community as Steward of the Gospel moving forward. This role involves meeting with our Bishop, members of
the clergy and other Stewards of the Gospel and providing a two way channel of communication between the Diocese and
our parish. There will be a meeting of the stewards at the Brentwood Ursuline on Saturday 30th September. At this
meeting you will be able to represent the views of our parish regarding the recent proposal and aired at our parish
meeting on 12th September.
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A DIOCESAN DAY OF CELEBRATION AND WITNESS will take place in Brentwood Cathedral on Saturday 4th
November from 1O.30am to 5.00pm. Speakers will be Bishop Alan, Bishop Thomas, emeritus Bishop of Brentwood and
Michelle Moran, Present of International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services.
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WORLD YOUTH DAY, PANAMA, JANUARY 2019. If you will be in year 12, or aged 17-27, in January
2019, then join the BCYS group travelling to Costa Rica and Panama for an encounter with 2 million young people from
all over the world, and the Pope. For more information, visit www.bcys.net or click here
to Email by 15th Sept 2017.
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BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY LADIES' TEA at The Rayleigh Club, Hulbridge at 2pm on
Thurs 21 st Sept. Tickets cost £20 per person and as numbers are limited, we would recommend reserving your
place as soon as possible. Contact Libby on 01268 784544/ click here to Email.
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PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND 10-17 MAY 2018 In The Footsteps of Christ & the Holy Family with
Our Lady of Canvey & the English Martyrs. Cost will be £1,415. If you are interested or for further
information please contact Cathy on 07885 577 342.
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NEW HALL SCHOOL VACANCIES for:
Minibus driver. Closing date 15.09.17
For details, please see www.newhallschool.co.uk/Job-Opportunities
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died:
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Patrick Cavanagh
Friday: Mgr Canon Michael Wilson
Next Sunday - TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9
If you do not speak to the wicked man, I will hold you responsible for his death.
Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10
Love is the answer to every one of the commandments.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
