CORPUS CHRISTI (B)
2nd/3rd June 2018
Dear Parishioner
The last two precious gifts given to us by Jesus are the Holy Eucharist as our spiritual food on Holy Thursday and
Jesus' mother Mary as our spiritual mother on Good Friday. Corpus Christi is the celebration of
the abiding presence of a loving God as Emmanuel - God with us - in order to give collective thanks to our
Lord for his living with us in the Eucharist. The feast also gives us an occasion to learn more about the importance
and value of the "Real Presence" so that we may appreciate the Sacrament better and receive maximum benefit
from the Eucharist.
This year's readings for the Feast of the BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST emphasize the theme of Covenant
blood because the ancient peoples sealed Covenants with the blood of ritually sacrificed animals, and Jesus sealed his
New Covenant with his own Blood shed on Calvary.
Today's first reading describes how Moses, by sprinkling the blood of a sacrificed animal on the altar and on the
people, accepted the Covenant Yahweh proposed and made with His People.
In the second reading, St. Paul affirms that Jesus sealed the New Covenant with his own Blood, thereby putting an end
to animal sacrifices.
Today's Gospel details how Jesus converted this ancient ritual into a Sacrament and sacrifice. Instead of the
lamb's blood, Jesus offered his own Divine/human Body and Blood, and instead of sprinkling us with blood, Jesus put
it into our hands as food and drink: "Take … eat … this IS my Body which will be given up
for you" (He did not say "This represents my body"), and "Take … drink
… This is … my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal Covenant, which will be poured out for you and for
many …." (nor did He say, "This represents my blood…").
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Notices:
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200 CLUB We made it to 200! Many thanks to those who took extra shares. Congratulations to Judith
Wiseman, winner of this month's draw.
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VENUE CHANGE - BRENTWOOD CARITAS MEETING (YOUTH) Saturday 7 July from 10.30am-3.30pm. Please
note: this meeting will now be held at Brentwood Ursuline Convent High. If you wish to attend, please see
Tom Coen after Mass for a form.
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WELCOMING AND FLOWERS ROTAS We are urgently looking for people to help welcome people into church
and to make the church look beautiful for our services. If you are skilled in the friendly smile or flower arranging
department, please do have a chat with Cath or Kevin Lyons and they'll let you know what's involved. Many
thanks.
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THE GOSPEL OF MARK On Wednesdays 20th and 27th June at 7 pm Fr Adrian Graffy will lead an
exploration of the Gospel of Mark, the gospel being read on Sundays in 2018. These 'Gidea Park Faith
Evenings' will take place in the hall at Gidea Park Catholic Church (410 Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH).
Please book by clicking here to
Email. Refreshments provided. Admission free.
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A DAY OF REFLECTION FOR SINGLE MEN AGED 35-55 who wish to explore if they have a calling to the
priesthood. Saturday 9th June 9.30am - 3.30pm. St. John's Seminary, Wonersh, Guildford, GU5 0QX. For more details
contact the Fr. Graham Smith on 01702 465720 or click here to Email.
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SION COMMUNITY, BRENTWOOD - WORK AND PRAY We invite you to come and join us for a few days between
18th - 29th June at our centre in Brentwood (Essex, CM15 9BX) and take the opportunity to spend some time with us in
prayer and experience living in our Community, as well as helping us by doing a variety of manual jobs around the
building and gardens. It would be great if you could come along, please contact: Mary click here to Email /
01277 215011.
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CATHOLIC WALKS
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Tues 5th June 6pm - meet at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, Southwark SE1 1TA to explore
the varied and fascinating history of the City of London - the Square Mile from its ancient origins, as a
Catholic capital, to the Reformation and beyond.
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Sunday 10th June 3pm A royal walk - Queen's Birthday special through Westminster, full of
royal celebration and Catholic History. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral.
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ST ANTONY'S CHURCH FOREST GATE RESTORATION AND DECORATION We are looking for coloured pictures
that anyone may have from celebrations held in St Antony's Church, (weddings, baptisms, First Holy Communion etc)
before the refurbishment took place (pre 1968). The architect would be very interested in any pictures you have
(please ask family and friends who lived in the parish). Please contact Marie Browne on 020 8472 043 or click
here to Email if you can help. Thank you.
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THE ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY in Brentwood Diocese is seeking a voluntary Treasurer at regional
level to serve on their Central Council. The Treasurer would not have to undertake visits or any other aspect of
Society work,but would be responsible for maintaining the Council accounts, overseeing Gift Aid and filing a
quarterly report to National Office. Meetings of the Central Council take place quarterly in Brentwood. If anyone is
interested in giving some of their time in this way and would like further information, please email Elaine Heyworth
click here to Email by latest Sunday 10th
June 2018
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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 17th 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: Emile Saad, Fr Jerome Deady
Friday: Fr Edmund Tyler
Sunday: Fr Gerard Butcher
Next Sunday - TENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B