THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A
18th/19th November 2017
Dear Parishioners,
"Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it". (David Starr
Jordan)
As we are approaching to the end of the Liturgical Year, the Holy mother Church invites us not only to be wise and
watchful, but challenges us even to be resourceful and responsible (virtuous) in our life journey.
The First Reading from the Book of Proverbs suggests that we should be as diligent and industrious as a loyal and
faithful wife. A perfect wife, it says, "is far beyond the price of pearls." She is hardworking, mainly for
her family, but she also "reaches out her hand to the poor and extends her arms to the needy." In the Second
Reading from his Letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds the Christians at Thessalonica of the unexpected but
certain coming of the day of the Lord. He exhorts the Thessalonians to stay awake and sober.
The 'Parable of the Talents' in today's Gospel is an explicit exhortation for us neither to bury
nor to keep our talents aloof, instead, Jesus demands us to toil with it resourcefully. Acceptance or non-acceptance to
Father's eternal joy depends on the resourcefulness of given talents. Remember, the settling of accounts upon the
master's return is inevitable to his followers and no excuses will work out if we have not used it efficiently.
"Send 0 Lord, Holy Apostles into your Church"
Fr. PG Varghese RCJ
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.'
World Day of the Poor Pope Francis has declared this Sunday to be the World Day of the Poor. You can
read Pope Francis's message on the Vatican web site at:
https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20170613_messaggio-i-giornatamondiale-poveri-2017.html
Notices:
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PAM DE KEYSER You will be sorry to hear that Pam died peacefully in the care of Farleigh Hospice on
Tuesday evening. She will be hugely missed by her many friends and the family she was devoted to. Please pray for the
repose of her soul and for Fr Nick, John, Cat and Hendrik, Tom and Yasmin. May she rest in peace.
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FROM MICHAEL BARWICK Today (Sunday 19th November) I receive the ministry of Acolyte on my journey
towards ordination. This means that I am instituted as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the whole
Church. As I continue in my formation, I ask for your prayers on this special occasion and know that I will keep you
all in mine. May God bless you all, Michae1. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Pray for Us!
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- Sun 26 November: Second collection for the Youth Service.
- Sun 3 December: Second collection for flowers for Christmas
- Sun 10 December: Ecumenical Advent Service at 6pm followed by tea and cake. Please try to join with our friends
as we seek to rebuild our bond with the Anglican community.
- Wed 13 December: Reconciliation Service 7.30pm at the church of the Holy Name
- Sun 17 December Second collection for Sudan, SVP
- Sun 17 December Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols at Brentwood Cathedral, 4pm
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UNDERSTANDING WHY CATHOLICS PRAY FOR THE DECEASED Following the success of the talk and discussion
about the Rosary in October we now present a second session to help us to enrich and deepen our faith. On Wednesday
22 November there will be a short talk given by Fr PG which will help us to deepen our understanding of the Catholic
practice of praying for those who have died. There will be an opportunity for discussion and a time of prayer
together. Everyone is welcome to attend in the church at St Augustine's following the 7:30pm Mass.
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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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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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INAUGURAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, IRELAND 28 May 2018. Led by Bishop Alan Williams.
£699.00 per person sharing, includes flights from London Stansted with 15kg checked in bag, all taxes,
transfers, 5 nights in newly refurbished Knock House Hotel, in the grounds of the shrine, with full Irish Breakfast
each morning, light lunch and 4 Course Dinner. Excellent programme of prayer time, masses, liturgies, excursions and
evening activities and visits to Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Westport and other famous sights in Co. Mayo.
Contact 01268 762278 or click here to Email.
Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613
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FR EAMONN'S HEALING MASS 2PM AT KELVEDON, St Mary Immaculate and The Holy Archangels, Church
Street on Friday 1 December. Refreshments available after Mass. All welcome! More info from Angie Hart on
07719-577923 or click here to
Email.
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MEETING THE LIVING GOD AUTUMN SEMINAR 25 NOVEMBER 1O.30am-12noon at Cathedral House conference
centre. Topic: The Advent Journey, speaker: Bishop Alan Williams,sm. 01277 265285 click here to Email
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ESSEX RECUSANT SOCIETY (Brentwood Diocesan Historical Society), next meeting 2.30pm, Saturday 2
December at The Grange, 93 Queens Road, Brentwood CMl4 4EY. Tony Galcius (Chairman of the Society) will speak on
'The Holy Graffiti in the Tower of London.' All are welcome.
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NEW HALL SENIOR SCHOOL REQUIRES Evening Boarding/Sports Assitant (Mon-Thurs, 5.30pm-8.30pm, Fri
4.30pm-8.30pm term time only) 1 year fixed term maternity cover) Closing date midday Nov 29, interview 5 Dec. 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:
Sunday: Fr John Harden
Monday: Fr James Lindburgh
Tuesday: Brian Lynch
Thursday: Mgr Edward Watson, Fr Martin Hancock
Friday: Valentine & Nazera Nasser
Saturday: Christopher Michael Rees
Sunday Fr Anthony Robson
Next Sunday - CHRIST THE KING (A)
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17
As for you, my sheep, I will judge between sheep and sheep.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28
He will hand over the kingdom of God the Father, so that God may be all in all.
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
He will take his seat on his throne of glory, and he will separate men one from another.