FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (B)
(World Day of Prayer for Vocations)
21st/22nd April 2018
Dear Parishioner
Good Shepherd Sunday
Today's first reading is from Acts (4:8-12). In Chapter 3 (last Sunday's reading), Peter and John cure a
crippled man in the temple precincts and Peter explains to the witnessing crowd who Jesus is and that this man was
healed in His name. In today's reading, the two are quickly hauled before an angry Sanhedrin who demands an
explanation for their ranting about the resurrection of the executed Jesus. Peter responds that, in healing the man in
the name of Jesus, God manifests the same power he revealed in raising Jesus from the dead. The healing of the crippled
man is a sign of God's salvation of all who believe.
The responsorial Psalm 118 is a thanksgiving for God's great love manifested in raising Jesus from the dead.
The second reading from 1 John 3:1-2 teaches us that to 'acknowledge' God is to love one another as he loves us
as his sons and daughters. To 'acknowledge' God's love makes us more than just faithful adherents and
transforms us into 'children' of the God that Jesus revealed as 'Father'.
In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus cared for his flock, knowing that it would cost him his life. He continues to
shepherd us. It behoves us to listen to his voice and to come to know him as well as he knows us. Jesus lays down his
life for the sheep. The hired hand will run away at the first sign of danger. The result of his running away is that
the sheep are scattered. As we consider this in our day, we can see that many Christians have been scattered. As we
listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd and come to him, we will be reunited.
Today is world day of prayer for vocations. In our diocese we have eight seminarians, including Michael Barwick,
studying for the priesthood as well as students studying for the diaconate. As I look back on my own calling, 33 years
ago, it was a priest friend who suggested had I ever thought of the diaconate. My first reaction was to say
'no'. However on reflecting, praying about it and discussing it with my family I was accepted by Bishop Thomas
and so began my training. I thank God for the gift of that vocation.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
Prayer for vocations
Lord, You call us by name with the words first spoken on the shore of Galilee, "Follow me." Breathe deep
within us the gifts of your Holy Spirit and help us to have the wisdom to hear your call, the courage to answer it and
the faith to live it. May we continue to pray for vocations daily to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life
within our diocese. In the chapel at St. Augustine's we light a candle daily for vocations.
Please pray for our Confirmation candidates: Laura, Isabel, Adam, James, Christian and Sebi who will be confirmed by
Bishop Alan on Wednesday April 25th at the 7.30 pm Mass. All of you will have a chance to meet the Bishop after Mass.
Notices:
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SVP QUARTERLY UPDATE Over the last 3 months, the SVP have:
- Held a Tea party for the Elderly, hosting over 70 guests - up from around 40 previously. This was due to flyers
distributed at the Roundtables Christmas Dinner. We have had lovely feedback from the guests.
- Invited Springfield Youth Group to assist with serving tea at the Party, they were wonderful and have kindly
agreed to assist at the next party on 9th June.
- Visited the elderly & needy families a total of 73 visits.
- Welcomed a new SVP member who is already visiting the elderly.
- Re-established our link with the Foodbank to ensure we have vouchers available to issue to those in need - we
have issued 1 to a family in need already and visited the Foodbank with them.
- Supported a Family struggling to put food on the table and heat their home due to taking time off for ill
health and bought them a washing machine as theirs was broken beyond repair.
- Contacted all Headteachers of schools within the parish to make them aware of the summer camps we provided free
for disadvantaged children aged 8-13. District representative for Youth SVP visited one of our meetings to discuss
setting up SVP groups in Schools or in the Parish for children from age 8 upwards. We have contacted Bishops and St
John Payne regarding this and spoken to the PPC about potentially setting up a Parish based group.
- Phoned elderly tea party guests during the snowy spell to check they were ok.
If you know anyone in need, would like more information or to join the SVP please click here to Email or contact
Jenny on 07796 393131.
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DIOCESAN PILGRAMAGE TO WALSINGHAM Saturday May 26th. We are booking a coach. It is a wonderful
prayerful and spiritual place to visit. If you have never been before please think about it. There is a list at the
back of the Church to put your name on. God Bless you. Cath Lyons.
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES SUN 23 - FRI 28 JULY led by Bishop Alan. Experienced medical team and
plenty of help for those with mobility needs. The pilgrimage is suitable for couples, individuals, and groups of
friends; all are welcome. More info from Eileen Hyland 01245 258341
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200 CLUB Chris is away for a couple of weekends but if you want to pay for your 200 Club shares,
Cath Lyons is happy to accept money. Can you put it in an envelope with your name on it so that I know whose money it
is. You can still pay it directly into our bank, but please put your name and "200 Club" on the reference,
and email me so that I can confirm your numbers. You can add to your shares if you wish. Thank you.
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THY KINGDOM COME: The Vicariate of Evangelisation are joining in with THY KINGDOM COME 2018, a
global wave of prayer for the renewal of the Christian faith. It could not be easier for everyone, of all ages and
levels of business, to help our own families, friends, parish, Diocese and the nation to renew their friendship with
Jesus. All you have to do is to pledge to pray between May 10-20. More information and resources will be made
available during the weeks coming up to the event. In the meantime you can log into https://www.thykingdomcome.global for more information
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GOVERNOR TRAINING Cathedral House Ingrave Road Brentwood CMI5 8AT - Saturday 28th April
10.30am-12.00noon. Topics: Core Skills, behaviours & Expectations for Governors. Speaker:
Maureen Smith, Governing Body Support Service Manager, Havering. Contact details: Tel. 01277265285 click here to Email
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ST PETER'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, BILLERICAY REQUIRE
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Cleaning operative: Mon-Fri 3.30-5.30pm Available now.
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Site Caretaker/Cleaning operative: Mon-Fri 7am-10.30am and 1.30pm-6pm Available 20 July 2018.
Full job specs and further info from Joanne Daniels on 07912 732632
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 Thomas Smith
Monday: Saloman and Zady Saad
Tuesday: Fr Simon Sullivan
Wednesday: Fr Myles O'Reilly
Friday: Mgr George Stokes
Sunday: Fr Brian O'Higgins
Next Sunday - 5th Sunday of Easter (B)
First Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Barnabas explained how the Lord had appeared to Saul on his journey.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24
His commandments are these: that we believe in his Son and that we love one another.
Gospel: John 15:1-8
Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty.
