SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
(Bible Sunday)
9th December 2018
Dear Parishioner
On this second Sunday of Advent, today's liturgy tells of the lonely but insistent voice of John the Baptist urging
us to 'prepare a way for the Lord'.
The prophet Baruch delivers a comforting message to Sion (first reading). Her sorrows are ended and her children will
be restored to her from exile. God will level a highway to facilitate their return, and bring about a great
restoration. Even though the actual return from exile fell far short of the picture painted it did point the way to the
messianic era.
In the Gospel Luke introduces us to the Messiah and his herald, John the Baptist. To underline the universality of
salvation, Luke sets the event within the framework of world history. In the manner of an Old Testament prophet, John
undertakes to prepare the people for the coming of the Saviour by calling them to repentance. We have a Reconciliation
Service on Thursday 20th at 7.00 pm in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne Avenue,
Chelmsford.
The Second Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians deals with the final coming of Christ. In his love
for his fellow Christians, Paul urges them to prepare for the Second Coming by pure and blameless lives.
Our Bishop Alan urges us to pray for vocations. He says "we give thanks that in the last year two priests have
been ordained to secular priesthood and one to the religious priesthood. Also two men have been ordained to the
permanent diaconate and one as a deacon." Please pray for those discerning vocation. May the Holy Season of Advent
continue to bring us and our families closer to Christ.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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VISION DOCUMENT: SHAPING OUR FUTURE Last weekend marked a key milestone in the Steward of the Gospel
process as the Vision Document: Shaping Our Future was published and distributed. I hope you have had a chance to
read the booklet. You can find out more on the Diocesan website where Bishop Alan has recorded a video message to all
parishioners - please view by clicking on the News button. Please take time to watch and listen to this message in
the coming days. In the News section you will also find a link to the Vision Document: Shaping Our Future.
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The Vision Document: Shaping Our Future is designed as an online resource in line with our early
commitment to making better use of technology and it has links through to other websites and documents. Viewing the
document on line enables it be read in large print and some people have access to read aloud functions. Wherever
possible we would urge you to read the document online but in the parish we have hard copies of the booklets for
those who cannot access the online version.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING Please remember that all church collections over Christmas are your personal gift
to Fr Sabu. This forms an important part of his income for the year. If you give by standing order or use the weekly
envelopes please use the envelope marked 'Christmas' for your Christmas Day offering. Many thanks. Rowena,
secretary to the Finance Committee.
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CATHY HARRISON RIP You will be sorry to hear that Cathy died on Sunday. Please pray for the repose
of her soul, for her husband, John, her family and all who mourn her loss. Funeral details are not yet known. May she
rest in peace.
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URSULA FURZE RIP The Requiem Mass for Ursula will be held on Wednesday 12th December in New Hall
Chapel at 9.30 am.
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ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE will be held at 7pm on Thursday 20 December at Blessed Sacrament
Church, Melbourne.
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ANNUAL PARISH DINNER 12 JANUARY 2019 A reminder that this will take place at Channels next year.
They have informed me that they are in the process of revamping their winter menus as soon as I have concrete info I
will let you know! Thank you. Karin Seeman
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SVP GIVING TREE If you didn't manage to collect a tag and would like one please click here to Email and we will
be able to allocate you one. Many thanks for your support.
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ST JOHN PAYNE ADVENT CAROL SERVICE You are warmly invited to attend our Advent Carol Service, which
will take place on Thursday 20th December at 6.00pm in Aquinas Hall. This always festive and creative service will be
followed by refreshments and a time to socialise. If you have any queries, please contact Hannah Kelly, School
Chaplain on 01245 256030, otherwise please just turn up and join in.
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ST JOHN PAYNE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY VACANCIES Please see the church noticeboard or www.sjp.essex.sch.uk/about-us/governors/ for
more information about these posts.
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NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS SERVICE on Sunday 23rd December at 4.00 p.m. in the
Cathedral. Main celebrant, Bishop Alan Williams. A service of readings, carols and beautiful choral music from the
Cathedral choir. The perfect way to reflect on the radiant meaning of Christmas. All welcome.
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FULLY ESCORTED PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE, IRELAND, 27th May 2019. £649.00 per person sharing.
Price includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, all taxes, luxury transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with full
Irish Breakfast each morning and 4 Course Dinner each evening. All entertainment, excursions/guided tours included.
Groups and Individual bookings welcome. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or click here to Email.
Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.
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HEAD OF SPANISH REQUIRED AT ST THOMAS MORE HIGH SCHOOL, Westcliff. Closing date 11 January 2019. See
www.st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk
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FROM YOUR DEANERY CATHOLIC COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL St John Payne Catholic School is a proud Teacher
Training Partnership School to Billericay Education Consortium and West Essex Teacher Training School Alliance,
please contact us if you are interested in a career in teaching and/or work experience with us at SJP.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Cathy Harrison, Ursula Furze
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr John Lane
Wednesday: Fr Geoffrey Pye, Fr Eamonn Magrath
Thursday: Fr George Carolan, Fr William Evers, Fr Francis Kerrigan
Next Sunday - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
First Reading: Zepheniah 3:14-18
The Lord will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
The Lord is very near.
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
What must we do?