SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B
24th/25th February 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today's first reading from the book of Genesis is a preview of the Easter Vigil: the story of Abraham and Isaac is
the second of the Old Testament readings assigned for the night watch of Jesus' resurrection.
In the Responsorial Psalm one can hear the relieved Abraham. Even in the midst of his anguish and suffering, at a time
when his faith was tested to the limit, the psalmist continues to trust in the Lord. The psalmist recommits himself to
the service of the God who has saved him and will fulfil his 'vow': his public offering of thanksgiving for the
saving work of God in his life.
The second reading from Paul's letter to the Romans is his great treatise on baptism. It is a hymn celebrating the
great love of God who 'did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all'.
Today's gospel is Mark's account of the transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus often went into the hills to pray. He
preached his most famous sermon from a hilltop. He was transfigured on Mount Tabor, died on Mount Calvary, and ascended
to heaven from Mount Olivet. It seems that he loved hills and mountains. Why was this? Was it because he grew up among
the hills of Galilee? Or was it because heights enlarge our vision and cause our spirit to soar? Lift us up, strong Son
of God, that we may see further. Strengthen our faith that we may see beyond the horizon. And when the valley closes us
in, help us to remember the view from the hilltop.
If you are like me already you have failed in your Lenten resolutions. Don't worry but start again and pray for
perseverance as we look forward to the Easter celebrations.
Ever remember you in my prayers and God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Notices:
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EUCHARISTIC MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION In every celebration of the Eucharist there should be a
sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner.
Bishops, priests and deacons by virtue of their office are the ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion can assist after sufficient training under the guidance given by the
diocesan Bishop. All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by
their demeanour, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine. We have in our
parish very dedicated Eucharistic Ministers who take Holy Communion on Sundays after the 9.00 am Mass to the sick and
housebound. This is much appreciated and, on behalf of Fr. Sabu and Deacon Kevin, we thank you.
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EASTER LILIES Each year we ask for special donations for Easter Lilies to decorate the Church for
our Easter celebrations. If you would like to make a donation (a suggested donation of £4) in
memory of a deceased loved one, please place your offering in an envelope and write for Easter
Lilies and pass it to Cath Lyons. Many thanks for your generosity.
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COULD YOU BE A BEEKEEPER? Our little cuddly friends need help. The National Trust at Grange barn
will train you and kit you out. No age limit. It's a fascinating hobby. Ask Annette Post 01371 499 333 you
won't regret it.
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THE AUGUSTINIAN - TIME'S ROLLING ON! Get your articles in for the next edition at the end of
Lent - pictures welcome! Chris is preparing a first draft so please send your contribution click here to
Email ASAP. Many thanks.
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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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EASTER TRIDUUM RETREAT FOR THOSE AGED 19-27. Experience the Holy Week liturgies in the tranquil and
beautiful setting of Walsingham House at Abbotswick. From the stillness of Adoration on Holy Thursday evening to an
Easter Vigil finishing with champagne and chocolates. £30 covers meals and accommodation 7.30pm Thurs 29 March
- 9am Easter Sunday morning. Limited places. Full info at www.bcys.net
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CATHOLIC PURPOSE, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP Presenter: Jonathan Doyle, author and international
speaker. Thursday 1 March Time: 10am-3pm (lunch included) Cost: £100 * £75 early bird Venue: St
Bonaventure's School, Boleyn Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 9QD To register: http://www.stbons.org/register-for-training
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SION COMMUNITY CHARISMATIC TEACHING WEEKEND Fri 13 - Sun 15 April in Brentwood, theme 'Moving in
the Anointing' Walking in the Spirit, guest speaker Fr Pat Collins. Residential £110, Non Residential
£80. More info/booking at 01277 215011 or click here to Email.
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BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY has several charity places for The Vitality London 10K run
on Monday 28 May. This May bank holiday event takes in many of London's iconic landmarks, finishing in front of
Buckingham Palace. Registration fee £30 and minimum sponsorship pledge of £200. If you have your own
place, we would love to have you on our team; we won't set a sponsorship target, but any funds you can raise for
us would be hugely appreciated. For further information, please contact Julie at 07912 277413 or click here to Email.
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EXPERTISE IN SOCIAL/HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION OR BUSINESS/ MANAGEMENT, OR RELEVANT LIFE SKILLS to help
oversee a thriving charity (c £21m turnover and 650 staff) on the Herts/Essex border. A rewarding opportunity
to contribute to the Catholic community. More info at www.stelizabeths.org.uk
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VACANCY: HEADTEACHER, ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL. Please see www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk or click here to Email
for more info and application pack. Closing date: Thurs 1st March, Noon.
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: Fr Jules van Meenen, Fr Clifford Beecroft
Tuesday: Fr David Chapman
Wednesday: Fr John Wall
Sunday: Mgr Patrick O'Donnell, Fr Brian Galvin, Fr Francis Hastings
Next Sunday - THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (B)
First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17
The Law was given through Moses.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Here we are preaching a crucified Christ, an obstacle to men, but to those who are called, the wisdom of God.
Gospel: John 2:13-25
Destroy this sanctuary, and raise it up.
NEXT WEEK
THE BILLERICAY PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP invite you to a Day of Devotion to the Divine
Mercy at the former Diocesan House of Prayer, now known as Walsingham House at Abbotswick, Navestock Side,
near Brentwood, CM14 5SH, on Mercy Sunday, 8th April 2018. Arrival from 10.30 am for 11 am start. Confession available.
Mass 3.30pm. Tea and coffee will be available but please bring a packed lunch. Ring Claire Wallis 01277 658783 for more
information. ALL ARE WELCOME.