FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (B)
23rd/24th December 2017
Dear Parishioner
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, as the birth of a child draws near, attention focuses on the mother. Since we are
nearing the celebration of the birth of Christ we find that Mary is at the centre of today's Gospel. Mary's
only concern was to do the will of God. She will help us to do it also.
Now that David was king of a united country, with Jerusalem as the capital, he set about building a house (temple) for
the Lord in the first reading. But the Lord pre-empted David's plan. Instead it is the Lord who will build a
dynasty for David, a dynasty that will last forever. When Jerusalem was destroyed in 587 BC it seemed that the promise
would not be fulfilled. Still, the hope remained that a Messiah would come from the house of David.
The expectation was fulfilled when Gabriel announced to Mary that she was be the mother of the Redeemer, who, through
Joseph, would be of the line of David.
In the Second Reading Paul says that the promises made in Old Testament times have been fulfilled in the person and
life of Jesus.
On behalf of Father Sabu, Cath and myself we wish everyone a very happy, holy and peaceful Christmas.
God bless you all.
Deacon Kevin.
OUR LADY OF THE EVENING
The Ephesus sun sinks deep in the West. In these days of fragility and quiet wonder, I ponder and remember.
LOVE IS BORN.
Especially, that night when Joseph, knowing and unknowing led me gently to that stark place the unyielding fulfilment
of the angel's request. LOVE IS BORN.
And Simeon telling me (in no uncertain terms) that a sword would pierce my heart. I loved the Nazareth years. Not then
perceiving that his loving spirit would kindle my dowry in England. All those pilgrims in that centenary summer walking
the holy mile in silent prayer. LOVE IS BORN.
And Lourdes, pledging my renewed protection to that portion of my Son's vineyard. I can cherish the words of
Beruadette. "Oh yes, I saw her." The evening shadows gather. I think of Simeon, and my risen Lord whom I
kindle in the new day's Eucharist. LOVE IS BORN.
Notices:
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JIM MCEVOY RIP You will be sorry to hear that Jim died very suddenly on Monday. He will be hugely
missed by so many in the parish and beyond, as well as by his dear family. Please pray for the repose of his soul and
for Jane, Hugh, Helen and Frances. May he rest in peace.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING Please remember that all church collections over Christmas are your personal gift
to Fr Sabu. This forms an important part of his income for the year. If you give by standing order or use the weekly
envelopes please use the envelope marked 'Christmas' for your Christmas Day offering. Many thanks. Rowena,
secretary to the Finance Committee.
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186 CLUB Congratulations to Oliver McCaffery winner of the recent draw.
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CRIB COLLECTION The Crib scene depicting the Nativity helps us to focus on the Incarnation of Christ
and His love for humanity. The crib collection will be in aid of Brentwood Catholic Children's Society. Many
thanks and God bless, Kevin
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ST JOHN PAYNE SCHOOL SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING
With the recent opening of our new sixth form centre, we are especially pleased to invite prospective Sixth Form
students along with parents & carers to attend our information evening on Wednesday 10th January 2018 from 5.00pm
- 8.00pm. The evening offers the opportunity to attend a presentation about our sixth form at either 5.00pm or
7.35pm. There is the opportunity between these times to visit subject leaders to learn about the array of courses we
offer. Our prospectus is available in the Sixth Form area of the school website, providing a wealth information to
inform your visit.
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RESTRUCTURING OF THE DIOCESE Parishioners are encouraged to be familiar with the First Formal
Proposal for Renewal & Restructuring of our Diocese. The document can be accessed via a link on the parish
website. As an accompaniment to document and also available on the web site, Bishop Alan has recorded a short address
which we hope to share with parishioners prior to a parish meeting mid January, where we will be invited to share
observations and present queries arising from our reading and prayer. If time permits, a subsequent meeting of
parishioners from St Augustine's, Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady Immaculate & Holy Name will offer the
opportunity of shared feedback prior to the meeting at the Diocese on 24th February. I encourage us all to talk and
to pray so that together we can shape the future of our parish and Diocese at this exciting time.
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MASS FOR VOCATIONS A Mass for those enquiring or discerning a vocation to the priesthood will be at
Our day of Lourdes at Leigh on Sea at 12:00pm on the feast of St. Thomas Becket, the 29th December 2017. All are
welcome to come and pray for vocations and to meet our seminarians.
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"CHOSEN" 29 DEC - 1 JAN is a 4 day retreat for young people aged 16-35 run by Youth 2000
at St Bonaventure's school, Forest Gate. Dynamic talks, creative workshops, friendship, adoration and worship,
reconciliation and healing. More info at www.youth2000.org
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CARETAKER FOR ST HELEN'S CATHOLIC INFANT SCHOOL, Brentwood. Applications are invited for the
post full-time caretaker (37 hours per week/ split shift) 6.45am to 1O.45am and 2.30pm to 6.00pm. More info from
01277 215626 or the web site www.st-helens-inf.essex.sch.uk. Closing date 4pm 17.01.18.
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NEW HALL SCHOOL JOB VACANCIES New Hall School currently has a variety of vacancies to fill. Please
see www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Jim McEvoy, Canon Tony McKentey, Mary Braun
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Wilfrid Thompson
Tuesday: Fr Francis Greenan
Wednesday: Fr Francis Wilson
Thursday: Eric Pearson
Saturday: Fr John Byrne
Sunday: Fr Brian Reeves
