ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
16th/17th June 2018
Day for Life
Dear Parishioner
Today's readings are about the birth and growth of the reign or rule of the Kingdom of God, in human lives and
about the gigantic growth of the Church from very humble beginnings. Both growths are slow and mysterious, guided by
the power of the Holy Spirit.
The first reading, taken from Ez 17:22-24, is a Messianic prophecy. Ezekiel tells us how the Lord God of Israel will
send a descendant of King David as His Messiah and the Saviour of the world. In contrast with the parable of tiny
mustard seed in today's Gospel, Ezekiel sees the Messiah originating in a royal family.
In the second reading, St. Paul teaches the Corinthian Christians that they are to advance the growth of God's
Kingdom and His rule in their lives by doing His will so that they may be amply rewarded in the final judgment.
In today's Gospel, Jesus compares the growth of the Kingdom of God to the germination of a wheat seed and that of a
tiny mustard seed. Both have very small beginnings. The wheat seeds, by gradual but steady growth, give the farmer a
bumper crop. In the same way, the life principle in a tiny mustard seed enables it to grow into a large bush. The reign
of God in human hearts and the growth of the Church in the world also have small beginnings. But the Source of all
life, God the Holy Spirit, gives to both a steady, persistent and gigantic growth, provided we cooperate with His
grace.
So let us pray for that grace to cooperate in the growth of God's Kingdom. Let us not be discouraged or put down if
it is not a fast growth or an expected growth. In the right moment we will grow into what God wants us to be.
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Notices:
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UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS RAFFLE This will take place on the 24th June and 1st July. Tickets on sale
after Mass at £1.00 a strip.
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SUMMER SPIRITUALITY TALK Saturday 30 June 10.30am-12.00noon at Cathedral House Brentwood CM15 8AT.
Title: Eucharistic Spirituality. Speaker: Mgr David Manson. Further info from: Tel. 01277 265285 or
click here to
Email.
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PARISH QUIZ AT ST AUGUSTINE'S with David Kimberlin, on Saturday 7 July at 7.30pm in aid of
church funds. Tickets £5. Please bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets available after the 9am Sunday Mass
from the Social Group. Thank you.
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UPCOMING DATES AT ST JOHN PAYNE SCHOOL
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New intake & primary liaison. We look forward to welcoming Y6 students from our Catholic
feeder schools for our new intake day on Monday 25th June, followed by an information evening for parents and
carers on Thursday 28thJune from 7.30 p.m. We also look forward to meeting those Year 5 students who will attend
our taster day on Wednesday 25th June, and also parents and carers able to attend the information evening from
7.00-8.00 p.m. These events present the opportunity to strengthen the three way partnership between the home,
school and parish that underpins all that we do. We are hugely appreciative of the wonderful formation students
receive from their primary schools and parishes, and are excited at the prospect of working together with parents
and carers to continue this provision and support their children towards their God given potential. We would love
to see you, and can assure you of a warm welcome.
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Prizegiving: Aquinas Hall - Thursday 12th July We look forward to welcoming parents and carers
to this wonderful occasion where we celebrate and affirm students' academic success and engagement in the
life of the school. They truly are our greatest ambassadors, and we are proud of the wonderful contributions they
make to our community.
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SVP BOSCO HOLIDAY CAMP The SVP will be sending a number of young people (age 8-13), who otherwise
might not get a holiday, off to camp again this year. If you know of anyone who might be eligible to apply, please do
pass them my details (Jenny 07796 393131 or click here to Email).
The second collection on 16th/17th June will be to cover the SVP camp costs and outings for siblings
whilst they are away. Please use one of your spare Gift aid envelopes to donate if you have them.
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WELCOMING AND FLOWERS ROTAS Please do consider helping on one of the rotas. Cath or Kevin Lyons will
let you know what's involved. Many thanks.
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YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULTS WEEKEND 7-9 SEPT Theme: "Tell others the truth that sets you free"
(Pope Benedict XVI), at Douai Abbey featuring Fr. Lawrence Lew O.P. and Canon Poucin. The weekend will be full-board.
YCA will be running the weekend with the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge who will be holding Gregorian Chant
workshops. There will also be a Marian Procession, Rosaries, Sung Masses, Confession, talks and socials.
More info at http://youngcatholicadults-latestnews.blogspot.co.uk/.
Please book by 17.08.18 at https://bookwhen.com/youngcatholicadults-douai2018
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2018/2019
As you can appreciate forward planning is essential for the First Holy Communion Programme. I enclose herewith our
annual guidelines for this Sacramental Programme commencing in the autumn.
- That you are a practising Catholic (attending Mass on a weekly basis)
- That your child has been attending the Springfield Parish for at least the past year.
- That your child is eligible (8 years of age by 31st August 2019)
- If you have been attending another parish, that you obtain a letter of reference from the Parish Priest.
- This is a serious commitment by parents and children. If these guidelines have been observed please pick up an
enrolment form from Cath.Lyons and return forms to Fr. Sabu by the 28th July 2018. These are the general guidelines
adopted by parishes in our Diocese. If you have any problems please discuss them with Father Sabu. Thank you.
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ST URSULA'S CATHOLIC FEDERATION ROMFORD RM3 7JS require Deputy Head Teacher (KS2) for September
2018. Closing date Fri 29 June, Interviews Mon 11 July. More info from 01708 343170.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Monday: Bp Bernard Patrick Wall
Wednesday: Fr Vincent Dutton
Saturday: Fr Edward Thomas
Next Sunday - NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
I will make you the light of the nations.
Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26
Jesus, whose coming was heralded by John.
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66,80
His name is John.
