TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR B
25th/26th August 2018
Dear Parishioner
The First Reading today deals with a covenant-renewal ceremony that took place at Shechem shortly after the people had
entered the Promised Land. Joshua called upon them to make a choice: to serve the God of their fathers or to served
other gods. All the tribes of Israel declared, 'We will serve the lord'.
In a similar way Jesus called upon the people who had listened to his discourse on the Bread of Life to make up their
minds. Sadly, apart from the Twelve, many deserted him. Even among the Twelve a traitor lurked. Do we betray Jesus in
our everyday lives or do we make a strong effort to give witness of our faith.
Please pray for me as I pray for you.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
A MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL BARWICK:
It has been wonderful to be back home in the parish during the summer break from seminary. Thank you all for your kind
words, your prayers and your support to me, I really do appreciate it!
I'm often asked "how are things going?" and "how many years do you have left?" so hopefully
this will help answer those questions. I've recently finished my 3rd year of studies and I have completed my first
degree in Catholic Theology and Philosophy. As I enter into my 4th year of formation, I will be serving the people of
Billericay starting in September and finishing in January. This will give me an opportunity to experience many pastoral
situations, live in the presbytery and discern God's call to the priesthood. Please do continue to pray for me as I
enter into this important year of my discernment.
I will then return to Oscott to go to the Holy Land as part of my scripture course and then I will continue my studies.
I am in a very good place and things are moving in the right direction. I take each day and stay faithful in prayer for
the Lord to guide me on my journey. I will keep you all in my prayers and I look forward to chatting more with you when
I'm in the parish.
God bless, Michael
Notices:
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KERALA FLOODS As we all know Kerala, India has been shattered by a huge flood, mudslides and heavy
rains. Many are dead, lost all their belongings, livelihood and houses. We are trying to reach our less fortunate
brothers and sisters. We will be holding:
- A retiring collection next weekend (1/2 September)
- A collection of immediately useful items like school supplies eg bags, pens, pencils, slippers, which can be
placed in the church porch at St Augustine's.
All the funds and items collected will be entrusted to the Registered Charity of the Rogationist Fathers at Kerala,
India (www.rcjindia.org) who is actively involved in the
forefront of flood relief. If you are a member of the Gift Aid scheme, please do use one of your spare envelopes or
come armed with your Gift Aid no. so that we can pass on the addition in our donation. Many, many thanks for your
generosity. Fr Sabu.
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NEWSLETTER HOLIDAY: The Parish Secretary is on annual leave in September so there will be no
Newsletters on Sun 16 and 23 Sept - the 9 Sept edition will show Mass times and intentions for the following weeks
but if you want a news item in before then please ensure it gets to the Presbytery asap and no later than Wed 5 Sept.
Thank you.
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FIRE AT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR We are sorry to have to report that there was a fire at the church in
Chelmer Village in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The initial inspection seems to suggest that it is mostly
smoke damage. There will be no Saturday vigil Mass this weekend but we will do our utmost to accommodate it the
following week if at all possible - please look out for further notice on this.
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FROM REV JANE ANDERSON Rev Jane & John would like to thank you for your lovely card and kind
gift. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you for nearly 19 years. Many thanks to those who came along to
support my 'farewell' service, it was good to see you there. Love and prayers Jane and John.
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MANY THANKS TO ANNETTE POST who raised an impressive £70 from the sale of her honey -
everyone's a winner! With £30 raised from coffee donations, Annette brought in £100 for parish funds.
Many thanks. Don't forget the Plant Sale on the 30th September. Any plants you can grow for us will earn more
funds for St. Augustine's. Everybody loves herbs, hostas, fuchsias, indoor plants etc. If it will root we will
love it. Annette 01371 499 333.
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KSC RACE NIGHT 22 Sept at St. Augustine's. Doors open 7pm, first race 7.30pm. Admission by race
card, available from next weekend (1 Sept), price £1. Even if you can't be there please buy a race card to
help us in our work and promote our advertisers. There is still one race available to sponsor.
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BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY is inviting supporters from all over the diocese to come
and take part in the Barleylands Fun Walk on Sunday 2 Sept. This is a great fun, family event with a choice of walks
on the Barleylands site in Billericay, the longest no more than 3 miles and a shorter one suitable for children &
toddlers. This community event starts with a BBQ at 12.00 with walks from 1pm, finishing around 2pm. For a
sponsorship form and more information, please go to www.bccs.org.uk or contact Alison click here to
Email.
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APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA INVITES YOU TO A MASS in honour of patron Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the
Sea. Come pray for our work and for seafarers on Thurs 20 September at 915am in the Cathedral of St Mary & St
Helen, Brentwood. Bishop Alan Williams will celebrate Mass, followed by a reception. All invited. Please RSVP by
clicking
here to Email
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PARISH BBQ SUNDAY 9 SEPT FROM 2PM in the presbytery garden. Please bring your own food and drink and
come and enjoy yourselves and help make this another great parish event. The Social Group
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A DAY OF REFELCTION FOR READERS Sat 20 October at The Becket Centre, Woodford Green led by Dr Marian
Tolley from Shrewsbury Diocese. 10 am - 4pm Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee will be available. Book your
place at https://doodle.com/poll/h49mzkv7hxxqu8tw, click
here to Email, contact Bernadette click here to
Email or phone 01206 385 881.
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE EUROPEAN PROJECT STUDY DAY Sat 6 October, 11am - 3pm Church of Christ
the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH The speaker will be Fr Ashley Beck, priest of the archdiocese of
Southwark, and Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Ministry at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Admission free,
refreshments provided. Please bring your own lunch. Please make your booking by clicking here to Email
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Pauline Hepworth
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr Bernard Collings
Thursday: Fr John Sloane
Saturday: Fr John Walsh
Sunday: Fr Cyril Shepherd
Next Sunday - TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR B
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
Add nothing to what I command you, keep the commandments of the Lord.
Second Reading: James 1:17-18,21-22,27
You must do what the word tells you.
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.
