NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
23rd/24th June 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today we celebrate the solemnity feast of Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Born six months before Our Lord, St. John
the Baptist was the son of St. Zechariah and St. Elizabeth. He was the last and greatest of the prophets and, as the
forerunner of the Saviour, he prepared for the coming of Christ. The celebration of his earthly birthday marks the
coming of the new dispensation.
The first reading from Isaiah (49:1-6) is the second of the four 'servant oracles'. It is not clear whether the
prophet is speaking about the Emmanuel figure he envisions or the prophet himself. Many of the images in this reading
mirror the gospel account of John and preaching and baptising at the Jordan. The Responsorial Psalm 138 celebrates the
delicate care with which God creates the human body and the profound and intimate relationship between God and his
faithful, from the moment of an individual's conception through his or her journey through time. This image of God
'knows' us 'in (our) mother's womb' is a central theme in the readings for this solemnity of the
birth of John the Baptist. In the second reading from the Acts, we see Paul's first address to the people of
Antioch. He begins his discourse on Jesus with John the Baptist, who heralded Jesus' coming with his preaching of a
'baptism of repentance'.
In the Gospel today Zechariah is asked what he wishes to name his newborn. Zachariah writes on a tablet, 'His name
is John'.
Please pray for me as I pray for you.
God bless
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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FUNDRAISING PLANT SALE AT NEW HALL Sunday, 30th September. We hope to have a plant sale during
coffee time at New Hall, to raise funds for St Augustine's. When you are working hard in the garden this Summer
dividing your plants or taking cuttings it would be wonderful if you could reserve a few plants to donate to our
sale. Hostas, strawberries, herbs, rhubarb, fuchsias, geraniums, anything that will sell. Nearer September we will
remind you again. Annette 01371 499 333 for any queries.
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PHIL PERRIER'S TOMBOLA in aid of the work of the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban, South Africa
(http://www.denishurleycentre.org/) will be held at
Christ Our Saviour on Sat 7 July, St Augustine's Sun 8 July and New Hall on Sun 15 July. Tickets are £1
each and every ticket wins a prize.
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THE ST JOHN BOSCO CHILDRENS SUMMER CAMP at Aldham Essex. This is an activities camp with a Catholic
ethos that runs as follows:-
- Week One Saturday 21st July to 28th July 2018 for Boys
- Week Two Saturday 28th July to 4th August 2018 for Boys
- Week Three Saturday 4th August to 11th August 2018 for Girls
It is for children aged 8 to 13 and costs £145 per week.
More info and application form at http://svpboscocamp.org.uk
or click here
to Email enquiries to the boys camp, or click here to
Email enquiries to the girls camp.
More information can be found on the poster at the back of the church.
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'THE PASSAGE' CHARITY FOR THE HOMELESS GARDEN PARTY Please support the excellent work which
The Passage does for homeless people in central London, by attending The Passage Annual Garden Party in the beautiful
and historic College Garden, Westminster Abbey on Friday 13 July 2018, from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Tickets at £45
each, include wine, soft drinks, buffet supper and live music. There will be a raffle and charity auction. Tickets
are available from Eventbrite passage-garden-party-2018.eventbrite.co.uk or call The Passage 020 7592 1856. It will not be possible to
purchase tickets at the Abbey. All proceeds in aid of The Passage.
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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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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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UPCOMING DATES AT ST JOHN PAYNE SCHOOL
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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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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.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr James Dacey
Friday: Fr James Hawes
Next Sunday - THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR B
First Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15
It was the devil's envy that brought death into the world.
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15
In giving relief to others, balance what happens to be your surplus now against their present need.
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
Little girl, I tell you to get up.
