FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B
17th/18th February 2018
Dear Parishioner
The primary purpose of Lent is to prepare us for the celebration of Jesus' death and Resurrection. The Church tries
to achieve this goal, leading her children to metanoia or true "repentance" by the
reordering of their priorities and the changing of their values, ideals and ambitions, through fasting, prayer and
self-control. Since by Baptism we share the death and Resurrection of Jesus.
The first reading tells us how man irrevocably broke the original covenant God had made with Adam and Eve and
how the merciful God selected Noah and his family to renew the covenant. Noah's rescue from the flood symbolizes
how we are saved through the water of Baptism which cleanses us of sin and makes us one with Christ.
In the second reading, St. Peter shows us how Noah's episode prefigured Baptism. He reminds us that as Noah and his
family were saved from the waters of the deluge, we are saved through the waters of Baptism. Baptism is an outward sign
of the New Covenant that God made with his people. It makes us adopted children of God, heirs of Heaven, and temples of
the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel, we are told that Jesus faced and defeated the tempter by his forty days of prayer and penance in the
desert immediately after his baptism. It also tells us how Jesus started preaching his Messianic mission, "The
time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent. Believe in the Gospel."
So let us convert this Lent into a time for spiritual growth and Christian maturity. Let us conquer our temptations as
Jesus did, using the methods Jesus employed. So that we will be able to fight daily against the evil within us and
around us.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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READERS In proclaiming the word, readers exercise their responsibility in mediating the presence of
Christ. God speaks to the assembly through them, and, the impact of God's message will depend significantly on
their conviction, their preparation, and their delivery. The reader has responsibility for not simply reading the
word, but assisting the assembly to hear the word. This will require the reader to be attentive to the assembly and
careful to allow for times of pause and silence as the assembly prepares to listen and, once the reading has been
proclaimed, as it takes the word of God to heart. It also requires that the diction of the reader is such that he or
she can be readily understood by the assembly to whom they minister. We are very fortunate to have excellent readers
in the parish. If anyone would like to become a reader at any of the Masses we have on Saturday and Sunday please let
Fr. Sabu or Deacon Kevin know.
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SUNDAY MASS INTENTIONS Apologies to those who may be waiting a long time to hear a Mass said that
they had requested for a Sunday. The Sunday Masses are much in demand for intentions and are currently booked out
until the middle of April. One Mass each Sunday is required to be offered for the 'People of the Parish'.
Please do indicate if you don't mind a weekday in the event of a long wait. Many thanks.
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM - 26 MAY 2018: Date for your diary - more info to follow
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SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE The Diocese requires every parish to have a safeguarding representative
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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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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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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REFRAME, A CATHOLIC VOICES INITIATIVE, is an inspiring and practical experience of applying the
wisdom and genius of the heart of the Gospel to current, often controversial, issues. They will be running a day
workshop with speakers sharing the Church's story in the media at St John Payne School Sat 28 April 10am-3pm.
More info at https://doodle.com/poll/xcatfin63p9e57d4 or www.CatholicVoices.org.uk
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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 CANCELLED on Friday February 16 at 2pm. St Mary Immaculate and the Holy Archangels,
Kelvedon. Apologies.
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SACRED JOURNEYS PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & ASSISI Tues 16 - Sun 21 October 2018. Full and
comprehensive programme including general audience with Pope Francis in St Peter's Square & special visits to
The Madonna of Divine Amore Rome. Price includes flights, transfers and full board £760 per person. More info
from 01702 432458 Salvatore or Patricia Burzottta.
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VACANCY: HEADTEACHER, ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL. The retirement of our existing Headteacher
after 9 years has created an exciting opportunity for a suitable Catholic leader who has the vision and drive to take
us to our next stage of improvement and development. Please see www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk or click here to Email
for more info and application pack. Please also include a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Closing date: Thurs 1st March, Noon. More info or to arrange a visit please contact Gemma Daly on 01245 256030. The
school's website, currently being redesigned, can be found at www.sjp.essex.sch.uk
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EVENING SUPERVISOR/COVER CARETAKER required for St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Billericay.
Hours of work for the supervisor role are 3.30pm - 6pm Mon to Fri @ £8.75 per hour. The cover caretaker role
will be discussed further at interview stage but will entail full cover of caretaker hours for any period needed.
More info from Joanne Daniels on 07912 732632, 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: Thérèse Alam
Years Mind:
Monday: Jean Pearson, Fr Thomas O'Connor, Fr Archibald O'Brien
Wednesday: Deacon Sidney Lewis
Saturday: Fr Aloysius Roche, Fr Gerard Murphy
Next Sunday - Second SUNDAY OF LENT (B)
First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18
The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith.
Second Reading: Romans 8:31-34
God did not spare his own Son.
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
This is my Son, the Beloved.
