THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR A
11th/12th November 2017
Dear Parishioner,
Today's Gospel reading from Matthew 25:1-13 is a story which urges us to stay awake because we do not know the day
nor the hour of the Lord's coming. Every Christian is meant to be a lamp-carrier - a bearer of the light of Christ
to a darkened world. But like the foolish bridesmaids in today's Gospel, we sometimes allow the precious light of
Christ to grow dim, or even to go out altogether.
The foolish have no oil in their lamps. They burn themselves out through a life of self-seeking and dedication to
worldly cares and vanities. They do not even think of the Lord, much less wait for his coming. The wise, on the other
hand, have oil in their lamps. They are detached from themselves and from the cares of the world, and are full of
charity. They are waiting for the Lord and desire nothing else but his coming. Let us keep our minds alight with faith,
our souls alight with hope, and our hearts alight with love, as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour
Jesus Christ.
Today is Remembrance Sunday when we remember in our prayers those who made and continue to make heroic efforts,
achievements and sacrifices in wars past and present.
Please pray for Fr. Sabu, Fr Varghese (Fr P. G.) and myself.
Your servant in Christ,
Kevin
Parish Deacon.
Prayer for Priests
Please say a prayer for all priests daily. For our parish priests and assistants, the priests who hear our confessions
and the priest who give us Holy Communion.
"Send 0 Lord, Holy Apostles into your Church"
A Daily Prayer for November
'May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He gives us a safe lodging, and a holy rest
and peace at the last.'
TEACHING ON THE SACRAMENT OF THE SICK The anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Catholic
sacraments. According to Catholic doctrine, this sacrament serves as a channel for special graces from God that comfort
and heal, physically and spiritually, people who are seriously ill and danger of death. In the essential rite of the
sacrament a priest lays his hands on the sick person's head. Then he anoints the sick person on the forehead and
palms of the hands with the oil of the sick, a holy oil that been blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass. During the
anointing the priest says the words 'Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with
grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.'
Notices:
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WELCOME TO FR VARGHESE RCJ who will be with us for the month of November while Fr Sabu is away. Fr
Varghese is happy to be known as Fr P.G. as he is conscious that this might be easier to pronounce!
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GRAND DRAW Just a reminder to please return your raffle tickets as soon as possible to make sure
they're included in the draw. This is our biggest fundraising event of the year so your participation is much
appreciated. Many thanks.
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ABBOTSWICK - MASS FOR THE HOLY SOULS In particular remembrance of those whose ashes are interred and
those who are remembered with plaques and memorials at Abbotswick, Mass will be offered at 2.30pm on Sunday
19th Nov, in our "building works chapel" in the coach house at Abbotswick (Navestock Side, CMl4
5SH). The Mass will be followed by tea and cakes. All are welcome, and if you would like to stroll the grounds before
Mass, please feel welcome to arrive any time from 1 pm. You can just turn up, but it will help to know if you are
coming: please call Fr Dominic on 01277 373959 or click here
to Email
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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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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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LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2-7 APRIL (5 NIGHTS/6 DAYS) with St Helen's Parish Westcliff-on-Sea, flying
from Heathrow airport RA. with luxury coach transfer to 4* Hotel. Price includes 23kilos luggage allowance. We
welcome pilgrims from any parish to join us, you will be made most welcome. Price is £630 per Adult based on
two Adults sharing double room. Generous discounts for children. Full board basis. If you prefer to go direct to the
airport we can meet you there!! Under the spirit direction of Fr. Joseph Whisstock. Further details please contact
Sue on 07979 746707 or Parish office mornings on 01702 342324.
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ELGAR'S DREAM OF GERONTIUS Waltham Singers will perform Elgar's masterpiece, The Dream of
Gerontius, on Saturday l8th Nov 7.30pm in Chelmsford Cathedral. They are conducted by Andrew Fardell and joined by
Ensemble OrQuesta and soloists Rebecca Afonwy-Jones, Joshua Ellicott and Jeremy White. Ticket prices
£18-£5: see www.walthamsingers.org.uk for
further info and to book.
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ST PETER'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY IN DAGENHAM are urgently seeking a teacher for our 12 place ARP. We
have 12 fabulous children from Rec to Y6 with communication difficulties but who integrate in main school in the
afternoons. Please call me if you are remotely interested in a January start. Salary negotiable according to
experience. Daniel Craft HT 020 8270 6524.
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NOVEMBER THE MONTH TO REMEMBER www.artofdyingwell.org During the month of November, we particularly remember and pray for the
dead. On the Art of Dying Well's Instagram memorial page, you can submit names/photos and or memories of people
you have known who have died. By tagging @ArtofDyingWell with #RememberThem, the photos/names will be shared with
five convents and abbeys who will remember and pray for those featured. The Carmelites of Notting Hill speak about
#RememberThem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSbRNHEjOIM Visit http://www.artofdyingwell.org/november-month-remember/ for more info.
Please remember to pray for:
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Terry Proudfoot, Fr Terence Howes
Wednesday: Fr James Allis
Friday: Frank and Louise Stratham, Fr (Dick) Richard Ashton
Sunday: Fr John Harden
Next Sunday - THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31
A perfect wife - who can find her?
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Let not the Day of the Lord overtake you like a thief.
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
You have been faithful in small things; come and join in your master's happiness.