THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (C)
13th January 2019
Dear Parishioner,
Jesus' baptism by John was a very important event in the life of Jesus. First it was a moment of identification
with us sinners. Sinless, Jesus received the baptism of repentance to identify himself with his people who realized for
the first time that they were sinners. Second, it was a moment of conviction about his identity and mission: that He is
the Son of God and His mission was to preach the Good News of God's love and salvation to Israel, and eventually to
us, and to atone for our sins by becoming the "suffering servant". Third, it was a moment of
equipment. The Holy Spirit equipped Jesus by descending on him in the form of dove, giving him the power of preaching
and healing. Fourth, it was a moment of decision to begin public ministry at the most opportune time after receiving
the approval of his Heavenly Father as His beloved Son.
On this day let us remember and renew our baptismal promises. Let us be reminded of the fact that we are God's
children through our baptism.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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MEETING FOR ALL PARISHIONERS There will be a meeting in St Augustine's Hall for all parishioners
on Wednesday 23rd January at 8pm following the 7:30pm Mass. The focus of the meeting will be the latest vision
document issued by Bishop Alan at the beginning of Advent 2018 and entitled Shaping our Future. Some
parishioners were given a hard copy of this document (the blue booklet) but many will have accessed it online
Development - Brentwood
Diocese. The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the future of our parish within the Diocese and the
opportunities for renewal and reorganisation outlined in the vision document. If you are unable to attend the meeting
but would like your ideas/comments to be shared please send them in writing to Christine Webb (Chair of the PPC) in
advance of the meeting or click here to Email.
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VISION DOCUMENT: SHAPING OUR FUTURE is also on the Diocesan website ny clicking on the Vision
Document 1 link at: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development/. If you would like a copy of the document,
please let Fr Sabu or Deacon Kevin know.
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NEXT PPC MEETING in the Presbytery on Tuesday 15th January 2019 at 8pm.
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BCYS SUMMER LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 20 - 27 JULY 2019 Join the Brentwood Catholic Youth
Service in Lourdes this Summer as we travel together with the Diocese, assisting the elderly and infirm on
their annual pilgrimage. Alongside this we run a retreat, daily Masses and excursions for the young people, as well
as experiencing the Lourdes Torchlight Procession and Blessed Sacrament Procession. Places will be allocated to
ensure as many parishes and schools as possible from the Diocese are represented. Applications will remain open until
31 January 2019.
Where we receive a large number from one school or parish, places will be allocated on a "first come, first
served" basis. Please be aware, this event is always heavily oversubscribed. The pilgrimage is open to anyone
currently in school year 10 and above and the cost will be around £570 (TBC). For all information and the
chance to apply, please visit www.bcys.net/events. Queries:
click here to Email
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SERVICE OF HEALING, HORNCHURCH 26 JANUARY 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 Saturday 26th January for emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. To
register your attendance please click
here to Email or contact Mandy on 0780 1470 516. English Martyrs RC Church, 240 Alma Ave, Hornchurch RM12 6BJ.
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THE GOSPEL OF LUKE On Wednesdays 23rd and 30th January at 7pm Fr Adrian Graffy will lead an
exploration of the Gospel of Luke, the gospel being read on Sundays in 2019. These 'Gidea Park Faith
Evenings' will take place in the hall at Gidea Park Catholic Church (410 Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH).
Please book by clicking here to
Email. Refreshments provided. Admission free.
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SPRING SPIRITUALITY TALK Mgr David Manson will be giving a talk on The Spirituality of Pope
Francis - Saturday 19th January, 10.30am-12noon at Cathedral House Conference Centre, Brentwood. Contact
details: click
here to Email, Tel. 01277 265285.
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GOVERNOR TRAINING Saturday 26th January, 10.30am-12noon at Cathedral House Conference Centre,
Brentwood. The topics are: Preparing for OFSTED and Section 48 Inspections - led by Debbi Botham
Diocesan Coordinator for Governance and Derek Kelly Educational consultant and Section 48 Inspector. Contact details:
click
here to Email, Tel. 01277 265284.
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NEW HALL VACANCIES Various - please see www.newhallschool.co.uk/job-opportunities
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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
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr John King
Wednesday: Fr Gilbert Pearson, Fr Neville Banks
Thursday: Josephine Everett, Fr Kenneth Green
Friday: Canon Charles Kuypers
Saturday: Jacqueline Post, Mgr Canon David Donnell
Sunday: Fr John Meehan
Next Sunday - SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR C
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
The bridegroom rejoices in his bride.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
One and the same Spirit, who distributes gifts to different people just as he chooses.
Gospel: John 2:1-11
This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee.
