FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (B)
28th/29th April 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today's Scripture selections emphasize the need for Christians to abide in Christ as a condition for producing
fruits of kindness, mercy, charity and holiness.
The first reading, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, testifies to the abundance of spiritual fruits yielded by the
apostles because of their close bond with the risen Lord. The reading tells us how the Lord pruned the former Pharisee,
Saul of Tarsus, a fanatic who had persecuted the Church, to produce a fruit-bearing branch called Paul, the zealous
Apostle to the Gentiles, entirely dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel.
In the second reading, John, in his first letter to the Church, explains that only if we remain united to Christ by
putting our Faith in him and drawing our spiritual strength from him, will we be able to obey God's commandments,
especially the commandment of love.
In the Gospel, taken from the Last Supper discourse, Jesus uses his favourite image of the vine and branches to help
his disciples understand the closeness of their relationship with him and the necessity of their maintaining it. They
are not simply rabbi and disciples. Their lives are mutually dependent - as close as a vine and its branches. In fact,
in using this image, Jesus is explaining to them and to us what our relationship with him should be like.
So let us reflect if ever we need pruning in our Christian life. Cutting out of our lives everything that is contrary
to the spirit of Jesus and renewing our commitment to Christian ideals in our lives. Do we abide in Christ and let
Christ abide in us: The four Gospels teach us how to become true disciples of Jesus and how to abide in him as branches
abide in the main trunk of the vine, drawing their life from it. So let us be united with our Lord to bear and produce
the right fruit in our lives.
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Notices:
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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO TOM COEN on his appointment as Headteacher of St John Payne Catholic School,
effective from 1st September 2018. Mike Frost, Chair of Governors, said: "We are hugely excited at the prospect
of Thomas leading us to the next stage in our school's development. We are inspired by his strong Catholic ethos,
his rigorous professional ambition and his determination to lead us to become an outstanding school".
Congratulations from the parish.
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CONFIRMATION Many thanks to our catechists who prepared our young people for Confirmation and to all
those who set up the Church and got everything ready for this very special occasion.
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SECOND COLLECTION FOR VOCATIONS next weekend 5/6th May.
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THANK YOU TO TOMY SEBASTIAN for his excellent and hugely informative talk for older people, carers
and family members last Saturday. Also thanks to those who came along to the meeting which was of great benefit to
all.
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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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OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2020 Date 6th September 2020, 5 days in Austrian Lake District, half board
1 day and 1 night in Oberammergau £1,239. Cost includes Flights, 4 tours in Austria, Passion Play, 3 course
meal in the interval. Bookings made through Lee Robinson 01277 652358. All details of this tour can be found on
www.tailored-travel.co.uk quote mhrp201
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MASS FOR MIGRANTS, MONDAY 7TH MAY (BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY), 11am, St George's Catholic Cathedral,
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HY. For decades the Church has welcomed people from many shores, and this Mass
celebrates 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 welcome.
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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. All you have to do is to pledge to pray between May
10-20. More info and resources will be available in the weeks approaching the event. In the meantime you can log into
https://www.thykingdomcome.global for more info.
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CATHOLICS AND THE BIBLE study day at Christ the Eternal High Priest Church, Gidea Park Sat 26 May
11am - 3pm. The speaker will be Hungarian biblical scholar Fr Levente Balazs Martos, member of the Pontifical
Biblical Commission. The day will commemorate 75 years since the promulgation of the encyclical of Pius XII, Divino
Afflante Spiritu, on the Church and the Bible. The afternoon will be dedicated to a panel discussion with Fr Levente,
Fr Adrian Graffy and Fleur Dorrell from the Catholic Bishops' Conference. The event is free of charge. Please
book by clicking here to Email
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MARCH FOR LIFE/LIFEFEST18, SATURDAY 5 MAY
See https://www.marchforlife.co.uk/lifefest-18/ for info
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ST PETERS PRIMARY SCHOOL DAGENHAM require Deputy Head Teacher from September 2018. Please contact
school for application pack on Tel. 0208 270 6524. Closing date 11 May 2018. www.st-peter.bardaglea.org.uk.
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NEW HALL VACANCIES for Sports Assistants, Housemistress and Junior Housemistress. Please see
www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities for full details and how to apply.
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 Brian O'Higgins
Wednesday: Fr John Kennedy
Friday: Fr Thomas Norris, Fr Feargus Saurin, Fr Andrew Dorricott
Saturday: Fr Basil Booker, Fr John O'Callaghan
Next Sunday - 6th Sunday of Easter (B)
First Reading: Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48
The Holy Spirit has been poured out on the pagans too.
Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-10
God is love.
Gospel: John 15:9-17
A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.
