THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (B)
14th/15th April 2018
Dear Parishioner
The common theme of today's readings is the challenge to adjust our lives to the living presence of the risen Lord
as we grow daily more aware of God's presence within us and all around us as the Holy Spirit. This awareness should
strengthen our hope in His promises, bring us to true repentance for our sins and the renewal of our lives, and lead us
to bear witness to Christ by our works of charity. The readings also remind us that the purpose of the suffering, death
and Resurrection of Jesus was to save us from our sins.
The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, gives us Peter's second sermon addressing the Jewish
assembly at the Portico of Solomon in Jerusalem. Peter forcefully declares how the messianic prophecies have been
fulfilled in the crucified and risen Jesus and challenges the Jews to turn toward God so that their sins may be wiped
away.
In the second reading, John answers doubts raised by the heretics of his time, asserting the fundamental Christian
doctrine that Jesus' death was a sacrifice offered as expiation for our sins.
Today's Gospel describes Jesus' appearance on the evening of His Resurrection to his apostles who were in the
locked Upper Room of the Cenacle. We see Jesus clears the doubts of his apostles about his Resurrection by inviting
them to touch him and by eating a piece of cooked fish. Jesus explains to them how the prophecies had been fulfilled in
him. Then he commissions them to bear witness to him and preach "repentance and forgiveness of sins in his
name" after receiving the Holy Spirit.
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Notices:
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AGNES QUINLAN RIP You will be sorry to hear that Agnes, who lived at Lyons Court and was visited by
our Eucharistic ministers, passed away last Tuesday 3 April aged 97. Her funeral will be at Chelmsford Crematorium on
11 May at 2.30pm. May she rest in peace.
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PARISH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP - PERSON(S) WANTED This group is responsible for maintaining and
improving the different media used by the parish, such as the noticeboard, parish magazine, website and Facebook. We
are looking for a person/persons to join us who is/are experienced in the use of Publisher and social media including
Facebook and Twitter and interested in improving the parish use of different media. If you have such experience and
would like to get involved, please contact Roger Sclater on 01245469458/click here to Email or Chris
Thompson on 01245 469161/click here to
Email.
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SEMINAR FOR OLDER PEOPLE, CARERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS on Saturday 21st April 7pm to 8.30 pm at St
Augustine Church Hall, Springfield. If you are an older person above the age of 65 or if you are a carer for an older
person you are invited to attend this Seminar to learn more about your eligibility and right to receive help and
support from the Local Authority. There will be a presentation and an opportunity to ask any questions on various
aspects of the Care Act including Assessment & Eligibility Criteria, Care & Support Planning, Financial
Contributions, Carer's assessment etc. The Seminar will be led by Tomy Sebastian, Social Worker.
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BCCS ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY at The Rayleigh Golf and Country Club, Hullbridge on Monday 11 June.
Tickets £55 per person and include bacon rolls & tea/coffee on arrival, 18 Hole Stableford Competition and
a Golfers' Lunch. For tickets and further information, please contact: Julie Abbott 01268 784544 / 07912277413 /
click here to Email
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PARISHIONERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT the Diocesan website and the Facebook links below (accessible
on the Parish website newsletter) to read about the Pre-Synod Meeting on Young People, The Faith and Vocational
Discernment: https://www.facebook.com/notes/catholic-bishops-conference-england-and-wales/youth-synod-blog-young-people-and-old-people-will-dream-what-pope-francis-said-t/1825028297520811/
https://www.facebook.com/CYMFed/photos/a.153434198087983.30389.151049561659780/1579032868861435/?type=3&theater
It is inspirational reading, with Pope Francis embracing youth and age as vital for the furtherance of our faith,
uniting the ages in shared devotion.
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THE NEW EVANGELISATION SUMMIT 4 - 5 MAY, SION COMMUNITY As part of my work with the Home Mission
Office we are hosting the New Evangelisation Summit in Brentwood for people to connect, be inspired and engage with
others who want to share the good news. More info at https://www.newevangelization.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/1464820453646502/. Online booking is now open at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NES-booking. If
you can attend, it would be a pleasure to bless you for the good work you do. It would also be lovely to see some of
your colleagues and volunteers. All are welcome. Bookings need to be in by Thursday 19th April. Teresa Carvalho.
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2018/19 GIFT AID BOXES The new tax year Gift Aid Envelopes are here! If you or your partner are a
tax payer please do join the scheme as we can recover the tax at no extra cost to you. And if you are a higher rate
tax payer you can personally recover the higher rate tax element. We don't need information about your income
other than confirmation that you pay tax.
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MASS FOR MIGRANTS, MONDAY 7 MAY (Bank Holiday Monday), 11am, Southwark Cathedral. celebrating the
international diversity of our congregations. Celebrated by the Archbishop of Southwark, with our own Bishop Alan,
and many priests and people from across London, Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire, this Mass is full of joy. All are
welcome.
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CARETAKER REQUIRED St. Helen's Catholic Infant School, Brentwood. Applications are invited for
the post of full-time caretaker. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced criminal records check
and satisfactory references. More info from 01277 215626, click
here to Email or www.st-helens-inf.essex.sch.uk
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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EDUCATION) sought by the Catholic Education Service. Full details at www.catholiceducation.org.uk Closing date Fri 4 May.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr William Donellan, Fr George Duckett
Monday: Stephen Bedell
Wednesday: Frank McElligott
Saturday: Fr Arthur Ryan, Fr Michael Enright
Next Sunday - 4th Sunday of Easter (B)
First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
This is the only name by which we can be saved.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
We shall see God as he really is.
Gospel: John 10:11-18
The good shepherd is the one who lays down his life for his sheep.
