THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
(Gaudete Sunday)
16th December 2018
Dear Parishioner
On this third Sunday of Advent there is a clear note of rejoicing. It is known as 'Gaudete'
Sunday which means rejoice. The basis for this rejoicing is the nearness of the Lord.
The prophet Zephaniah, writing in the seventh century BC, bids Jerusalem to rejoice because salvation is near (First
Reading). God stands in her midst and will deliver her from her enemies. God is portrayed, not only as a king and
warrior, but also as a loving bridegroom, who steadfastly loves his unworthy and unfaithful bride.
The theme joy is even more emphatic in the Second Reading. Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice because the Lord is
near. He was thinking of the Second Coming, which he believed was near. We are urged to pray for joy and peace that
God's will be done in our lives.
There is a clear note of joy in today's liturgy. Joy is a blend of laughter and tears. It consists in having a love
affair with life. It is having a heart aglow with warmth for all one's companions and friends on the road of life.
It is looking for the happiness that comes in small packages. It is making the most of the present, enjoying what is at
hand right now. Joy is love bubbling over into life. Joy is the flag we fly when Christ, the Prince of Peace, has taken
up residence in our hearts.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Today we welcome back Fr. Sabu. Please pray for our children preparing for Holy Communion next year. Today they are
looking at the subject of 'Listening'. May each one of us not only listen to the spoken word of God but live
our Christian lives by what it is saying to us.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
CHRISTMAS MASSES AT ST AUGUSTINE'S
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MONDAY 24 DECEMBER Christmas Eve
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FIRST MASS OF CHRISTMAS
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St Augustine
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8.00pm
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Carols followed by
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8.30pm
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Vigil Mass
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TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER Christmas Day
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St Augustine
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9.00am
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Solemn Mass
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Notices:
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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 The Requiem Mass for Cathy will be held on Wednesday 2nd January in New Hall
Chapel at 1pm, followed by cremation at Chelmsford Crematorium South Chapel at 2.30pm.
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CHRISTMAS CAKE RAFFLE A big thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets. We raised £165
for church funds and the lucky winner was Mike Cornish.
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CHRISTMAS RAFFLE Congratulations to Kath Walker who won the first prize and Lyn Greener who won the
3rd prize. The winner of the 2nd prize was down as St Augustine of Canterbury! Many thanks to everyone who bought
tickets - this is such an important fundraiser for the parish. £1200 profit was raised for church funds.
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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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CHELMSFORD COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP This is just a quick note to say thank you to all who responded to
our appeal on 3 - 4 November. It has taken a little while to finalise our figures but the collection raised
£5,300, of which £1,035 was contributed by parishioners in Springfield. We have other donations which
take our total to almost £7,000 and several offers of fundraising activities. We also have a list of over 120
names of people who want to help in various ways, so we are off to a good start. Thank you to all who have
contributed, offered help or helped with the weekend and, of course, our priests, whose support made it possible. We
should have been in touch with all those who have offered help but, if you offered help and have not heard from us,
please ring Chris on 469161.
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ANNUAL PARISH DINNER 12 JANUARY 2019 Our annual parish dinner will be held at Channels on the 12th
of January 7pm for 7.30pm. Menus available this Sunday at the 9am.Mass. Please make your choices and let.me have them
plus £29.00 per person. Thank you. Karin Seeman
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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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PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2019 Bank Holiday 27 May - Friday 31 May. Flying from Southend airport.
Staying at the 4* Hotel Grande Moderne on full board basis. Price £545 per adult, based on two sharing a twin
room. Children under 12 £420. Full spiritual direction under Fr. Alex Poblador. Further details from Sue on
07979 746707.
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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: Lydia Kalil
Tuesday: Jim McEvoy
Thursday: Fr William Guinevan
Saturday Fr Arthur Cowd
Sunday: Bp Brian Foley
Next Sunday - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4
Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over Israel.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Here I am! I am coming to obey your will.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord!
