THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR B
4th November 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today's Scripture readings remind us of one of the greatest truths in the Bible, namely, that there are really only
two commandments. The first is to love God, and the second is to love our neighbour. In the first reading (Deut 6:2 -
6) to love God means to keep his commandments, especially the great commandment of love. In the second reading (Heb 7:
23 - 28) the reading shows the superiority of Christ over the priests of the Old Testament. In the Gospel (Mark 12: 28
- 34) Jesus tells us what the two most important of God's commandments are.
By rabbinical count, 'the Law' consisted of some 613 commandments. The Scribe's question as to which
commandment was the greatest was one frequently discussed among the rabbis. Jesus was asked to name one, but responded
by naming two. Both are found in the Old Testament; the first in Deuteronomy 6:4 and second in Leviticus 29:18. What
Jesus did was put the two together, thus emphasising the essential relatedness of them. No rabbi had previously done
this. The emphasis on love became for Christians the identifying characteristic of their religion.
During the month of November we pray and remember the deceased members of our families and parish. At the foot of the
altar the names are placed.
Please pray for me as I pray for you.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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MASSES IN NOVEMBER Unfortunately we have only been able to get cover for Sunday Masses while Fr Sabu
is away. We can, therefore, only schedule in two mass offerings each week during this period. This does mean that
there is likely to be quite a long wait for some of the Mass intentions that people have requested - at the moment
Sunday Masses are all allocated until the New Year. We do understand how disappointing this can be and appreciate
your patience.
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DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER while Fr. Sabu and Deacon Kevin are away if you require a priest,
please contact either Abbot Hugh Allan O. Praem. or Fr Stephen Morrison O. Praem on 01245 352898. God bless Deacon
Kevin.
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SVP QUIZ A big thank you to all who came along to the SVP Quiz in October. We raised a net profit of
£624 for Sudan.
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GRAND DRAW Thanks to those who have taken tickets to sell for our biggest fundraiser of the year. We
would very much welcome any raffle prizes you are able to donate! Many thanks.
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ST JOHN PAYNE MASS FOR THE DECEASED On Thur 8 November, we are holding our annual Mass for those who
have died in our community, at 7.30pm in Medici Hall, followed by refreshments. You are most warmly invited to
attend. If you would like a loved one's name put in our Book of Remembrance, to be prayed for in the mass, please
click here to Email Mrs Hannah
Kelly or call 01245 256030.
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THE BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY will be hosting their very popular Ladies'
Christmas Luncheon on Friday 7th December 12 for 12.30pm at the Rayleigh Golf Club, Hullbridge. Ladies will be
treated to a delicious two course lunch with tea & coffee in the luxurious surroundings of a private room
over-looking the golf course at this exclusive club. Tickets cost £25.00 per person. To reserve your place,
please call Libby on 01268 784544 / click here to Email
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WALSINGHAM HOUSE AT ABBOTSWICK - service to commemorate loved ones in the month of November. Those
with relatives and friends commemorated at Abbotswick are warmly invited to a service of prayer on Thurs 29 November
at 6pm. The names of the remembered will be read out during the service, which will include hymns and scripture
readings - followed by tea and cakes. Please simply turn up on the evening or click here
to Email or telephone 01277 373959 for more info.
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BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE If you are in school year 10 or above, come and join the Brentwood
Catholic Youth Service on our hugely popular Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage. We travel alongside the Diocese to assist the
elderly and infirm on their annual pilgrimage, particularly those in wheelchairs. Included in this we also run a
retreat, daily Masses and excursions for the young people, as well as experiencing the Lourdes Torchlight Procession
and Blessed Sacrament Procession. Applications will be open from the evening of Sunday 21st October
and will remain open until 31st January 2019. Applications at www.bcys.net/events where you will also find more information about the trip. Likely travel dates will
be 20th - 27th July 2019.
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HEALING SERVICE AT ENGLISH MARTYRS, HORNCHURCH If you are feeling stressed, anxious,
emotionally/psychologically broken or generally struggling with life, you are warmly invited to attend the English
Martyrs' Healing Service from 6-8pm, Sat 1 December for emotional, psychological and spiritual
healing. To register your attendance please click
here to Email or call 0780 1470 516. English Martyrs Catholic Church, 240 Alma Ave, Hornchurch RM12 6BJ.
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GOOD COUNSEL'S PRO-LIFE BALL IS BACK! Saturday 10th November 2018. Come and join us for a night
of fun, food and dancing! The evening starts at 6pm at The Palace Suite, The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High
Street, London, W8 4PT. Dress: Black Tie. Tickets: £95 per person. Tables of 10 cost £900. To book
tickets, please click here to Email or call
07886000882 please mention any dietary requirements.
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VACANCY FOR KEY STAGE 2 TEACHER - St Joachim's Catholic Primary School, Shipman Road Custom House London
E16 3DT an 'Outstanding', small and friendly primary school that is in the process of expansion to 2
forms of entry, and is part of a growing Catholic Academy Trust. The school is looking for an enthusiastic,
hardworking and inspiring teacher who would relish the chance to develop his/her career with new and exciting
opportunities. Applications are welcome from all primary teachers, who will fully support the Catholic ethos and aims
of our school. Salary: MPS Inner London/TLR - Start: January 2019. Closing Friday 16th November. Application forms
http://www.cesew.org.uk/recruitment-process/item/1000042-application-forms to return click here to
Email. School telephone: 02074761658.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: John Simpson, Margaret McGhee, Jenny Tait
Years Mind:
Sunday: Dr Lieutenant Peter William Geddes
Wednesday: Cardinal John Carmel Heenan
Thursday: Fr William Philpot, Deacon Norman Wiseman
Sunday: Canon Denis Petry
Next Sunday - THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR B
First Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16
The widow made a little scone from her meal and brought it to Elijah.
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28
Christ offers himself only once to take the faults of many on himself.
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44
This poor widow has put in more than all.
