CHRIST THE KING (A)
25th/26th November 2017
(Youth Day)
Dear Parishioners,
Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. When we think of a king we think of someone who is very remote from
his people and who lords it over them. But Christ is not like that. He lives among us and came not to rule but to
serve. The best way to show our loyalty to him is by serving one another.
'The Lord is my shepherd' is the most quoted and well known of all the psalms and it gives the
theme in today's readings. In the reading from Ezekiel the Lord takes the title upon himself - the shepherd who
watches over the sheep and cares for them - especially the weak.
As we come to the end of the Church's year we give thanks for the blessings we have received both within the parish
and our homes.
I ask you to pray for Rev. David Thomas Pearce who will be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Bishop Alan on Saturday
2nd December. By the Blessed Sacrament at St. Augustine's we light a candle daily for vocations to the Priesthood,
Diaconate and Religious life.
Father PG leaves us on the 2nd December. We thank him most sincerely in supplying for Fr. Sabu and above all his sense
of humour. We wish him a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming him back again.
The Lord is my Shepherd
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
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.'
Notices:
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PAM DE KEYSER RIP Pam's funeral Mass will take place on Monday 11 December at 1 pm at The Holy
Family and All Saints Church, Guithavon St, Witham followed by burial in the churchyard at All Saints Church in
Stock.
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MANY THANKS TO PAUL MEAR AND MICHAEL HOARE You may have noticed the great improvement of the
lighting around the Church for security reasons. A very special thanks goes to Paul and Michael who have spent many
hours of their own time checking and adjusting that all was in order and attending to other maintenance jobs.
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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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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 FRI 8 DECEMBER 7 FOR 7.30PM at St Augustine's. Please let Karin Seeman have
your menu choices today and your payment by Sunday 3 December. There's still time to sign up! 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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ADVENT SERVICE OF REFLECTION SUN 17 DECEMBER 7PM led by the Community at Blessed Sacrament Parish,
Melbourne and lasting about 40 minutes in the Parish church. It will be followed by some light festive refreshments.
All are welcome. Thank you. Sisters Moira & Margaret
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TODAY IS NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY the day particularly dedicated by the Church in England and Wales to
pray for and encourage our young people. Please see www.nationalyouthsunday.org.uk for more info. Young people of all ages are warmly invited to share their
views with Pope Francis in preparation for the Synod on Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment, taking place in
September 2018, by visiting www.youth.synod2018.va which
includes an online questionnaire - deadline for responses is November 30th 2017. For everything going on in the
Diocese look at www.bcys.net where online applications for our
Advent Retreat 2017 and Summer Lourdes 2018 are open.
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UNDERSTANDING THE CREED On Wednesdays 24 and 31 January from 7pm until 8.30pm Fr Adrian Graffy will
lead an exploration of the Nicene Creed recited at Sunday Mass. These 'Gidea Park Faith Evenings' will take
place in the hall at Gidea Park Catholic Church (410 Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH). Please book by clicking here to Email. Refreshments
provided. Admission free.
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WALSINGHAM HOUSE AT ABBOTSWICK - FUNDRAISING APPEAL Thank you for your great generosity to the
appeal; so far over £60,000 has been raised from parish collections, individuals, and donations from Religious
Orders and Companies, to add to the £125,000 raised before the Diocesan Appeal began. However there is still a
long way to go to reach the £430,000 total needed, so if you are able to donate please visit www.bcys.net/abbotswick or send a cheque payable to
"Abbotswick Funding" to Fr Dominic Howarth, Abbotswick, Navestock Side, Brentwood, Essex CMl4 5SH. There
will be an open afteruoon on Saturday 13th January 2018 for anyone who would like to visit and see the completed
refurbishments.
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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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INAUGURAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, IRELAND 28 May 2018. Led by Bishop Alan Williams. For
full details see last week's Newsletter or contact 01268762278 or click here to Email.
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MASS FOR TRAVELLERS ON AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL on Saturday 24 February at 2.30pm. This special Mass
will be celebrated by Bishop Paul McAleenan for members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities. For more
information please contact Fr Dan Mason, the National Catholic Chaplain for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers on 01277
624891.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Pam De Keyser
Years Mind:
Sunday Fr Anthony Robson
Monday: Fr John Aydon
Tuesday: Fr Patrick Bennett
Wednesday: Fr Francis Branney
Friday: Fr Bartholomew (Bart) Lynch
Saturday: Fr James (Pat) Hannon
Next Sunday - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (B)
First Reading: Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:3-8
Oh, that you would tear the heavens open and come down.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
We are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37
Stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming.