THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR A
4th/5th November 2017
Dear Parishioners,
The central theme of today's readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent,
committed and loving service to others in the community without expecting honor or rewards. Today's Gospel is a
warning against hypocrisy and status-seeking, given to the early Church and to our own Church communities.
In the first reading, the prophet Malachi condemns the irresponsible, proud and lazy priests of his day. In the second
reading, St. Paul presents himself as an ideal example of servant leadership in a serving Christian community. In
today's Gospel, Jesus offers a word of judgment against contemporary religious leaders who are more concerned about
self-promotion than service to others. Christ-like leadership calls for integrity and honesty from all those in
authority, whether priests, parents, teachers or politicians. There should be no double standards in leaders. Rather,
there should grow a deep sense of equality with, and mutual respect between, leaders and those they rule. Each should
seek to serve the other. Service, not status, is the mark of this new community, and true humility is the only position
its members should seek.
So on this Sunday let us pray for that grace to render our selfless service for our communities. So that whatever we do
may be rewarded by the lord and we may not seek perishable rewards of praise and attention from our fellow beings.
"SEND O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH"
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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A MESSAGE FROM SIMON COOK I would like to thank everyone for their kind birthday wishes for my
recent 30th birthday and the lovely presents I received. I am very grateful for the generosity of the parish. Special
thanks also to my fellow altar servers for their very thoughtful gifts. They are a wonderful group of young people.
It is a pleasure to serve the parish as MC and it was such a surprise to have the Mass for my intentions and all the
kind wishes I received.
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THE PARISH DINNER (UPDATE) will take place on Friday 8th December at Saint Augustine's 7 for
7.30 pm. Please sign up after Mass at Christ Our Saviour, St Augustine's, or New Hall in the next 2 weeks. It
will be a traditional Christmas dinner with Cream of Vegetable Soup or Fruit Juice, Roast Turkey or Nut Roast with
all the trimmings including seasonal veg, Christmas Pudding, Fresh Fruit Salad or Trifle. Cost £22.80 per head.
Please bring your own drink.
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186 CLUB Congratulations to David Hitchen, winner of the recent draw.
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BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL INVITES YOU TO A SPECIAL MISSION and an opportunity to renew your faith. Mon
20th-Fri 24th November at 7.30pm in the Cathedral every weekday evening. More info at www.cathedral-brentwood.org. Everybody welcome.
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GOVERNOR TRAINING - SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 1O.30am-12.00noon at Cathedral House, Ingrave Road,
Brentwood CMl5 8AT. Topic: Effective Governance: Governor Responsibilities. Speaker: Mr Chris Birtles, Executive
Headteacher. Contact details: click her to Email
Telephone 01277 265285
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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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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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NEW HALL SENIOR SCHOOL REQUIRES Teacher of English (1 year fixed term maternity cover) Closing date
midday Nov 16, interview 23 Nov. Further details at www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Cardinal John Carmel Heenan
Wednesday: Fr William Philpot, Deacon Norman Wiseman
Saturday: Fr Denis Petry
Next Sunday - THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16
Wisdom is found by those who look for her.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
God will bring with him those who have died in Jesus.
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.
