THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
6th/7th January 2018
Dear Parishioner
This weekend we celebrate the feast of EPIPHANY. The Greek word Epiphany
(επιφανεια), means appearance or manifestation.
First, the angels revealed Jesus to the shepherds. In the Western Church, the Feast of the Epiphany celebrates
Jesus' first appearance to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, while in the Eastern Church, the feast is the
commemoration of the baptism of Christ where the Father and the Holy Spirit gave combined testimony to Jesus'
identity as Son of God. Later, in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus revealed himself as the promised Messiah, and at
Cana he revealed his Divinity by transforming water into wine. These multiple revelations are all suggested by the
Feast of the Epiphany.
Today's Gospel teaches us how Christ enriches those who bring him their hearts. The adoration of the Magi fulfills
the oracle of Isaiah (first reading), prophesying that the nations of the world would travel to the Holy City following
a brilliant light, bringing gold and incense to contribute to the worship of God.
Today's Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72) includes a verse about kings coming from foreign lands to pay homage to a just
king in Israel. Paul's letter to the Church of Ephesus (today's second reading), expresses God's secret
plan in clear terms: "the Gentiles are … copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the
Gospel."
Today's Gospel reminds us that if God permitted the Magi - foreigners and pagans - to recognize and give Jesus
proper respect as the King of Jews, we should know that there is nothing in our sinful lives that would keep God from
bringing us to Jesus.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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MESSAGE FROM KEVIN AND CATH We would like to thank all parishioners who have given us Christmas
gifts and sent us cards. We wish you all a very happy and holy New Year and assure you our daily prayers.
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CHURCH DOORS After the problems we had in the Chnrch last weekend many parishioners asked why we
could not have more secure doors. The Joint Management Committee have looked into the cost of doors and the cheapest
was £14000. Neither the Joint Management Committee or the Parish has this sort of money. If you would like to
support us in raising funds all donations no matter how small would be gratefully received. Thank you.
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CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2018 Please note that the programme for sacramental preparation will begin on
Satnrday 13th January 2018 in the small hall at St Augustine's between lO:OOam and 12:00am. Parents or guardians
are required to be present for the first 20 minutes of the session. Anyone who has not yet requested to be a part of
the programme should make contact with Father Sabu asap.
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KSC COLLECTION OF GOODS FOR PROVIDENCE ROW/FARLEIGH HOSPICE - Weekend 27/28 January - We will be
making onr annual collection of goods for these two charities, active in our diocese, at all Masses on the last
weekend of January. We are looking please for your kind donations of toiletries and warm
socks for distribution, via Providence Row, to the homeless and needy in East London and also
clothing to pass to Farleigh Hospice for sale in their local charity shops. An ideal opportunity for
a post Christmas declutter of your home! Please bring your donations along to Mass in clearly labelled bags, separate
ones for each charity. Any queries, to Peter Whitington (441736) or Chris Thompson (469161). Thank you.
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MEETING RE PARISH RESTRUCTURING & RENEWAL Wednesday 10th January 8pm. This will be an
opportunity for parishioners to share observations prior to the meeting at the Diocese on 24th February. Please be
familiar with the document and accompanying address from Bishop Alan that are available on the web site www.staugustine-springfield.com
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ESSEX RECUSANT SOCIETY (Brentwood Diocesan Historical Society): next meeting at the The Grange, 93
Queens Road, Brentwood CMl4 4EY Saturday 27 January at 2.30pm. Speaker: Rev. Dr Ken Carleton (Permanent Deacon, Elm
Park) on 'Cardinal Pole and the Progress of the Catholic Reformation.' All are welcome.
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MASS FOR THE SICK Our Lady of Lourdes is both the patroness of our diocese and the sick. At 3pm on
Sunday 4 February, Bishop Alan will celebrate Mass in her honour at Brentwood Cathedral. This is a diocesan
celebration; all are invited. During the Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be given to those who
are unwell. This Mass is also an opportunity for those who attended the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2017 to
give thanks for graces received.
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CANONESSES OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE (www.canonesses.co.uk) The trustees are looking for a flexible part time Bookkeeper and Financial
Administrator for their Charity to be based at the Colchester address and required to work 3 short days a week
(flexible but totalling around 60 hours a month). Salary in line with bookkeeping norms. Click here to Email for more info.
Closing date 18 Jan, shortlisting 19 Jan, interviews 30 Jan, start date beginning of March.
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VACANCY - BOOKKEEPER (Sage Accounts experience essential) required to support the Finance Office at
Cathedral House, Brentwood. Part-time, working two days a week (14 hours). For a copy of the job description and
person specification please
click here to Email. CV, with a covering letter demonstrating how your experience and skills match the
requirements of the role should then be submitted. Closing date Friday 12 January. Interviews week commencing 22nd
January 2018.
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VACANCY - DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE MEDAILLE TRUST in Brentwood. Do you want to be part of
the Church's fight against Modern Slavery? Could you help us raise awareness of Human Trafficking in our midst?
Want to be part of a growing Catholic charity? We are now looking for Diocesan Representatives with good people
skills, the ability to make presentations in schools and churches, plus sympathy with a charity such as ours. It is
an enjoyable and flexible people-facing fundraising role that would suit a range of individuals. For an application
pack, please visit the website www.medaille-trust.org.uk, or click
here to Email.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Canon Tony McKentey, Mary Braun, Sabina d'Souza
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr John Bloomfield
Friday: Fr Francis Dobson
Sunday: Fr John King
Next Sunday - SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR B
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3-10,19
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20
Your bodies are members making up the body of Christ.
Gospel: John 1:35-42
They saw where he lived, and stayed with him.