FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
(Expectant Mothers)
23rd December 2018
Dear Parishioner
Today's readings remind us that Jesus is reborn every day in ordinary people living ordinary lives, who have the
willingness to respond to God's call and the openness to do God's will. They suggest that Christmas should
inspire us to carry out God's word as Mary and Jesus did, in perfect obedience to His will, in cheerful kindness
and unselfish generosity.
In the Gospel, Luke tells us how two seemingly insignificant women met to celebrate the kindness and fidelity of God.
It shows us how sensitive Mary was to the needs of Elizabeth, her older cousin who had miraculously become pregnant in
her old age. For Luke, discipleship consists in listening to God's word and then carrying it out, and Mary does
both, to become the most perfect disciple. So let us carry Jesus to others as Mary did.
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
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.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no 7.30pm Mass on Wednesday 2 January.
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SVP GIVING TREE SUCCESS! We are very grateful to all of the parishioners who took tags and bought a
present for the children we support. This has allowed us to provide each of the 31 children with 2 gifts! For some of
these families money is so tight they are unable to buy their children anything for Christmas so this will make such
a difference. Merry Christmas and many thanks!
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200 CLUB Congratulations to Cladis Manson, winner of the December draw.
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HOW WOULD YOU COPE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY FOR A SHORT SPELL? UK Power Networks looks after the
electricity network in your parish (no matter who you pay your energy bill to) and also runs a free Priority Services
Register for people with medical needs, families with babies and the elderly. This gives you free access during a
power cut to services including a welcome pack with useful advice about preparing for a power cut, a home visit by
our staff or the British Red Cross and a 24-hour priority phone number. To join the Priority Services Register call:
0800 169 9970, click
here to Email, visit: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority
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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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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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NEW HALL VACANCIES See www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities
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: Bp Brian Foley
Tuesday: Canon Wilfred Thompson
Wednesday: Fr Francis Greenan
Thursday: Fr Francis Wilson
Sunday: Canon John Byrne
Next Sunday - THE HOLY FAMILY (C)
First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:20-22,24-28
Samuel is made over to the Lord for the whole of his life.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
We are called God's children, and that is what we are.
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Jesus is found by his parents sitting among the doctors.
