THIRTIETH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
28th/29th October 2017
Dear Parishioners,
Today's Gospel reading from Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus is described as being asked to say which of the many rules and
regulations of the people was the most important one. His questioners are trying to catch him out. No matter how he
answered, they presumed that he would be opposing those who held a different point of view. Jesus simply replied that
they were to 'love God' and 'love your neighbour as yourself'. The
two are linked together. We cannot love God without loving our neighbour as well. May each of us strive to love God and
to love our neighbour daily in our Christian lives and witness.
To separate the two great commandments is a tragedy and goes contrary to the Gospel. Yet sadly this often happens.
Those who have faith often have no love, and those who love often have no faith. Thus the Gospel has been torn in two.
Jesus spoke of two great commandments. The first - that we should love God. The second - that we should love our
neighbour. He didn't say that they were the same thing, but that they are like two sides of the one coin. If we
want the total Gospel we must have both. He himself showed us how to do this. May we see Christ in our neighbour.
Please note that on Wednesday we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints which is a holyday of obligation. We have Mass
at Saint Augustine's at 3.30pm and 7.30 pm. On All Souls Day we have Mass at 9.30 am.
You are in my prayers daily and please pray for me.
God bless
Deacon Kevin
"SEND O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH"
Notices:
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PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP This group meets regularly to guide and support our parish as it
seeks to fulfil our Parish Vision which is that we are:
- a dynamic worshipping community - where people come for the first time and immediately sense the presence of
God
- a community where everyone is growing in their understanding of the Catholic Faith
- a community where everyone is growing in the life of prayer and their relationship with God
- a community where pastoral, spiritual and practical care is given to those in need
- a community where more people are actively involved in the Mission of the Church
We are seeking a young person aged between 14 and 25 to represent the views and interests of younger parishioners.
Anyone interested in playing this role can find out more from Christine Webb click here to Email
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SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Bishop Alan Williams will be making a visitation to our parish on
Wednesday 25th April 2018 and will be administering the Sacrament of Confirmation during the evening Mass at St
Augustine's on that day. All those wishing to prepare to receive the sacrament should write to Fr Sabu click here to Email
requesting to be enrolled on the programme of preparation. Preparation will take place on Saturday mornings following
morning Mass and will be scheduled from January to April. Details will follow soon from Christine Webb and Tom Coen
who will be the Catechists.
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YOUTH WORK AT ST AUGUSTINE'S We are looking at setting up a group to work with the young people
on our doorstep, if you could volunteer or offer any support we would be very grateful. Please contact Jenny Clayton,
by phone/text 07796393131 or click here to Email
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HEALING MASS: Fr Eamonn Power's first Healing Mass at St Mary Immaculate and the Holy Archangels
in Kelvedon Friday, November 3rd at 3pm. Divine Mercy Chaplet followed by Mass and Sacrament of the Sick. Bus stop 30
mts from the church and train station (Kelvedon) less than a mile away. Parking available on streets around the
church. Refreshments available after Mass. More info from Angie Hart on 07719-577923 or click here to Email. All welcome!
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THE PARISH DINNER will take place on Friday, 8th December at Saint Augustine's 7 for 7.30 pm. It
will be a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and a vegetarian option. Cost will be approx. £23
per head. Please bring your own drink. Full menu details will be available on Sunday l9th November.
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PARISH BEREAVEMENT GROUP will be holding a Requiem Mass on Friday 3 November at 7.30pm at St
Augustine's. There will be an opportunity to light a candle and/or hang a card on the memory tree, which will
remain on the altar for the month of November, in memory of a loved one.
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CHRISTMAS GRAND DRAW We are looking for Prizes for the Draw. If you can help it would be much
appreciated. This is our main Fundraising event of the year. God bless you all, Cath Lyons, Promoter.
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CANONESSES OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE: Annual Mass for the Dead at New Hall Chapel Saturday 4th Nov, 2pm.
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FROM BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE (BCYS)
Summer Lourdes 2018, 22nd - 29th July 2018 Applications now open until 31 st January 2018. After
this date places will be allocated to ensure young people from as many schools and parishes as possible are able to
enjoy this magnificent pilgrimage. More info and prices at www.bcys.net. All applications must be made online. The pilgrimage is open to all those
currently in school year 10 and above.
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Goodbye Walsingham House, Canvey Island and thanks for the memories! Saturday 9th December at Walsingham
House 12-4pm
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Advent Retreat, 1st-3rd December, Walsingham House Our Walsingham House team will be running an
Advent Retreat for those in years 11-13. This will be our last retreat at Canvey Island so will be an extra special
way to start the Advent season. We are also now taking applications online for this event, please visit the web site
www.bcys.net/events for more details.
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PRIESTS AND PEOPLE REVUE St John Payne School, Fri 3 Nov 7.30pm. Tickets: £5 per Adult,
£1 per child Please book by clicking here to Email. All
proceeds to fund the training of priests in our diocese.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr George Steadman, Fr Stephen Wyatt, Fr William Loveland
Monday: Fr Thomas Bishop
Tuesday: Fr Richard Gay
Saturday: Dr Lieutenant Peter William Geddes
Next Sunday - THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading: Malachi 1:14-2:2,8-10
You have strayed from the way, you have caused many to stumble by your teaching.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9,13
We were eager to hand over to you not only the Good News but our lives as well.
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
They do not practise what they preach.
