FIFTH SUNDAY YEAR B
3rd/4th February 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today's readings challenge us to avoid Job's pessimistic and cynical view of life as a chain of pain and
sufferings and to accept life with hope and optimism as a precious gift from God, using it to do good for others and
spending our time, talents and lives for others as Jesus did and as St. Paul did.
The first reading details Job's attitude in striking contrast: Job complains of the tedium and futility of life and
the miseries of human existence. But eventually Job surrenders himself, his suffering, his work and everything he had
had and lost to the greater wisdom of God (Job 42:1-6).
In today's Responsorial Psalm (Ps 147), the Psalmist sings praises to God because He is busy full-time in
gathering Israel from their captivity, in healing the broken hearted and bandaging their
wounds, in controlling the universe, in sustaining the lowly and in punishing the wicked.
The second reading reveals Paul to us as a true and dynamic follower of Jesus, ready to do something extra for his Lord
by preaching the Gospel without recompense or remuneration and obeying the Lord like a slave.
Today's Gospel presents Jesus enthusiastically living out his Sabbath day of preaching and healing ministry. During
the Sabbath day, Jesus took part in the synagogue worship, taught with authority, exorcised a demon, healed Simon's
mother-in-law and, after sundown, "cured many who were sick with various diseases, and drove out many
demons." Thus, Jesus spent himself and most of his time ministering to the needs of others, giving healing,
forgiveness and a new beginning to many. Yet, Jesus rose early the next morning and went off "to a deserted
place" to pray, in order to assess his work before God his Father and to recharge his spiritual batteries.
So let us be instruments for Jesus' healing work and live our life for others as Jesus did. But let us not forget
to recharge our batteries with prayer.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE The Diocese requires every parish to have a safeguarding representative
as a matter of good practice and to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable people in the parish. If you feel you could
help with this and would like to know more about what it involves, please talk to Fr Sabu or Deacon Kevin. Many
thanks.
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ALTAR SERVERS We are having new altar servers enrolled in the Guild of Saint Stephen this Sunday. If
anyone wishes to become an altar server please ask either Fr. Sabu or Deacon Kevin. We are very privileged to have
excellent group of altar serves at St. Augustine's and New Hall. They are very dedicated in their ministry.
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JUST PARTY LTD will be at St. Augustine's Church on Saturday 25th February from 10.30am - 1.00pm
selling a large selection of First Holy Communion Dresses, Shoes, Veils etc. Please come along and have a look. Thank
you.
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186 CLUB Congratulations to Simon Cook, winner of the recent draw.
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THE AUGUSTINIAN We are preparing an edition of "The Augustinian" for the end of Lent. Any
articles welcome, ideally (but not essentially) with pictures Please send them to Chris Thompson click here to
Email. If sending in hard copy, could you please type it neatly so that it can be scanned easily? Many thanks.
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JIM MCEVOY RIP Jim's funeral will take place at St Augustine's on Thursday 8 February at
10am. The Reception of the body will be on Wednesday 7 February at 4.30pm. The family have requested no flowers
except the immediate family. Instead all donations to be given to the SVP. There will be a collecting box in the
church.
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'HOPE IN TIMES OF VULNERABILITY' 2PM 18 FEBRUARY The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre invite
you to this talk at Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, Melbourne, Chelmsford at 2pm for 2.15pm. The talk will be
delivered by Dr Lea Verstricht, a Belgian theologian. To book a place please visit: http://www.canonesses.co.uk/event-bookings/ or call
01206-867296.
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EXHIBITION ON THE SHROUD OF TURIN 5TH-11TH MARCH OLI
An exhibition about the Shroud of Turin, with full sized replica of the Shroud, will take place at Our Lady
immaculate Church, Chelmsford from 5-11 March, opening with Mass at 7.30pm on Monday 5 March. Each day there are
confessions, Stations of the Cross and Mass with church open from 7am-8pm. The week culminates with Mass at 12noon on
Sat 10 March. The exhibition will remain in place on Sunday 11 March. More info from 01245 352898, or simply come
along. All very welcome.
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HEALING MASS Fr Eammon's Healing Mass resumes on Friday February 16 at 2pm. St Mary Immaculate
and the Holy Archangels, Kelvedon. More info from Angie Hart click here to Email
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SCHOOL OFFICE MANAGER, LEYTON St Joseph's Catholic Infant School, Leyton E10 7BL. Applications
and more info from www.stjosephsinfantleyton.co.uk or
click here to Email or call 0208 539 3000. Closing date: Noon on Thursday 15 February Interview date: Thursday 22
February.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Francis Richard Dodsley, Jim McEvoy
Years Mind:
Sunday: Bonnie Geddes
Monday: Jean Francois Kerfone
Tuesday: Fr Francis Richardson
Thursday: Fr Alan Wilcox
Friday: Fr Bernard Manning
Saturday: Pope Pius XI
Next Sunday - SIXTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
First Reading: Lev 13:1-2, 44-46
The leper must live apart he must live outside the camp.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
Take me for your model, as I take Christ.
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
The leprosy left him at once and he was cured.
