PENTECOST SUNDAY (B)
19th/20th May 2018
(Day of Prayer for the Church)
Dear Parishioner
In the first reading today from the Acts 20:19-23 we reflect on the feast of Pentecost.
The feast of Pentecost is the celebration of the Spirit of God's compassion, peace, and forgiveness: the
Spirit of God that gave meaning and authority to the Law and the Prophets, now 'breathes' in the young
church's universal mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Each one of us through our Baptism receives the gift of the
Holy Spirit to proclaim God's word in our homes, parish, and work environment and wherever we are called to carry
out God's mission.
The Responsorial Psalm Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth invokes many
images of the creation story from Genesis.
The second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians appeals for unity among the badly splintered
community. Paul reminds the church there that the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst should bring together the
different gifts that each of them possess. No one has merited such gifts; they are all derived from the same source:
the goodness and compassion of God. God gives these charisms to individuals for the good of the entire 'body',
the people of God.
The Gospel reading from John is the Easter night appearance of the risen Jesus before his disciples. In a room darkened
by fear, Jesus appears, risen from the dead, bringing his peace, his joy and his forgiveness. These gifts are for us,
but only for ourselves: by breathing the Holy Spirit into us, Jesus refashions us so that we too may become bearers of
peace, joy and forgiveness.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
At the end of Paschal tide the Easter Candle is removed from the ambo and placed in the Baptistery to be lit during
Baptism so that the baptismal candles may be lit from it. At Baptism the minister says receive the light of
Christ as he gives the Baptismal candle to the parents and godparents of the newly baptised child.
During Ordinary Time (summer) i.e. up to September, we are asked to pray for these intentions: a deeper understanding
between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of Human rights; Europe; Human Life
and Seafarers
Notices:
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TO THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THE PARISH, ESPECIALLY THE RECENTLY CONFIRMED: Bishop Alan would like to
invite you to a meeting of the Brentwood Caritas, focussing on Social Justice, on Saturday 7th July from
10.30am-3.30pm. A key element of the work of the Brentwood Caritas is engagement of young adults; therefore this
invitation comes with the very strong encouragement that you invite others of a different generation. It takes place
at the Sacred Heart School, Upminster. Please give your contact details to Christine Webb, if you are interested in
attending, as these need to be passed on to the organisers of the event.
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200 CLUB LAST CHANCE We will be drawing the first 200 Club next week but still need a dozen or so
shares to get to 200. If you have not yet renewed, don't have shares yet or can take another one, contact Chris
Thompson click here to
Email to pay directly.
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DEANERY VOCATIONS HOLY HOUR: OUR LADY IMMACULATE Wednesday 30 May 7.30pm. This year the Vocations
office have planned to host a Holy Hour in all twelve deaneries within the Diocese, one for every month in 2018. All
are welcome, whether you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or want to pray for those who are. This event
will include a vocations testimony from Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem, the parish priest of Our Lady Immaculate and
Titular Abbot of Beeleigh.
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STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL: UP-DATE ON THE PROCESS Bishop Alan has recorded a video message to us all
and it is now available on the diocesan website by clicking anywhere on the Home page.
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CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION SUNDAY 27 MAY 3PM This Mid Essex Deanery Procession starts at Our Lady
Immaculate School and does a circuit down London Rd and up Moulsham Street finishing with Benediction at OLI Church.
Refreshments to follow. The procession will follow the Holy Eucharist carried in a processional monstrance by Abbot
Hugh. A marching band will accompany the hymns. Please see notice board for more details.
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JUSTICE AND PEACE CONCERT Saturday 2 June 2pm-5pm at the Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, Melbourne
Avenue with the Fleeting Shadows playing Shadows hits from the Sixties. ADMISSION FREE. All donations are welcome and
will go to the Syrian Refugees and CHESS Chelmsford homeless. There will be a raffle and you will need to bring your
own food and drinks. Don't forget your dancing shoes!
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DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 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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BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY LADIES' DAY luncheon, Thursday 21 June, Rayleigh Golf
& Country Club to coincide with Royal Ascot Ladies' Day. Ladies are encouraged to dust off their best hats
and enter into the spirit of a 'Day at the Races'. Tickets £25.00 each for two course luncheon with tea
& coffee served in our own private dining room, with plenty of time to enjoy some racing from Ascot before the
school-run.
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TANDEM SKYDIVE FOR BCCS Brentwood Catholic Children's Society has secured Tandem Skydiving
places on Saturday 7th July 2018 at Headcorn Airfield in Kent and is inviting applications from
adventurous who can commit to raising £500 for bccs. More info from Julie Abbott 07912 277413 / click here to Email
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FULL-TIME CARETAKER REQUIRED at St Helen's Catholic Infant School, Brentwood. The post is
subject to an enhanced criminal records check and satisfactory references. Closing date : 12noon on Tuesday 5th June
2018. Further info from the 01277 215626, click
here to Email or www.st-helens-inf.essex.sch.uk
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SCHOOL CHAPLAIN REQUIRED for Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green IG8 0TP. Part time
position (24 hours per week).Closing date: Sunday 3rd June 2018. More info at http://fc.tchs.uk.net/vacancies.shtml
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Paul Newman
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Michael Fitzpatrick, Fr Brendan Sheppard
Monday: Fr William O'Grady
Tuesday: Dory Pearson
Wednesday: Fr Henry Peace
Thursday: Fr Charles Carless, Fr Austin Thorburn
Next Sunday - THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (B)
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-24,39-40
The Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other.
Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17
You received the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, 'Abba, Father!'
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.