NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
11th August 2019
Dear Parishioner,
Jesus' instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue in the stories and sayings found in
today's Gospel. We are not to be like the greedy rich man in last Sunday's Gospel who planned to store his
great harvest in barns rather than share it. We are, rather, to share our wealth with those in need. Our treasure will
be in heaven where it will not wear out or be destroyed.
The other major way to be ready for the coming judgment is to be watchful. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable
about watchfulness to begin making this point. We must be like servants waiting for the master's return from a
wedding banquet. This is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like.
Peter asks if this parable is meant for the apostles or for the large crowd that has gathered to listen to Jesus.
Without answering Peter's question, Jesus responds with another parable about servants awaiting the return of their
master. This parable adds to the theme of watchfulness; it explains how to wait and reminds us of the reward for the
faithful follower at the heavenly banquet after the judgment.
The parables remind us that we should be found doing our jobs when the master arrives. If we are doing our jobs, our
reward will be great. But if we relax, neglect our duties, and begin to act like the greedy rich man-eating, drinking,
and making merry - we will not have a place in the kingdom. Watchfulness means living in such a consistently moral and
obedient way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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SHAPING OUR FUTURE See this month's bulletin detailing the latest developments and initiatives
inspired by the Vision Document (hard copies available at the back of church) by visiting our website or at the link
below:
https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development/stewards-of-the-gospel/current-e-bulletin/
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PARISH BARBEQUE FROM 1PM SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Please put this date in your diaries now! Father Sabu
has kindly made his garden available for this event. Please bring your own food and drink. We do have a parish Barbie
but would welcome one or two more on the day. If you can bring your own please let a member of the Social committee
know in advance. Thank you. The Social Committee.
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BCYS YOUTH GATHER, MERSEA ISLAND, 26TH-27TH OCTOBER 2019 (half term weekend). The Youth Gather is
for anyone in school year 9-13. It includes a mix of inspiring speakers, reflection and prayer, together with outward
bound activities like zip wires, high ropes and climbing walls. The cost of £50 includes coach from Stratford,
Romford, Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford or Southend, and all meals and activities. More info and booking at https://bcys.net/events/youth-gather-2019/
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SILENT WEEKEND RETREAT 'SILENCE & THE SCRIPTURES' Fri 11 - Sun 13 October Led by Canon
David Oakley, Rector of Oscott Seminary. Venue: Sion Community, Brentwood. Our theme flows from the Bishops of
England and Wales announcing 2020 as a year of celebrating, living and sharing God's word in celebration of two
important anniversaries in the life of the Church this coming year. This silent weekend retreat offers us the
opportunity to spend time with the Lord in quiet prayer and reflection. 40 hours of continuous adoration, guidance
& ministry. For more info or to book, click here to Email or
click here to
Email, or call 07903 648639 or 01277 215011.
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RAF BENEVOLENT FUND'S CENTENARY CAMPAIGN The RAFBF's centenary campaign https://www.rafbf.org/join-the-search-change-a-life aims to double the number of RAF Family members they
support to 100,000 by 2021. They are calling on the public to reach out to those who served as regulars or reservists
or did their National Service in the RAF and who urgently need their help. The simple message: if you know any RAF
veterans or their families who may need support, visit rafbf.org or
call 0300 102 1919. If you know anyone who served in the RAF, and anyone who may know someone, please let them know
that the RAFBF might be able to help them in ways they may not have considered.
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THE CRASH COURSE Catholic sexual morality explained to young people. Course starting October 2019,
go to www.crashcourse.org.uk for full details and free
registration. Come and be surprised at the beauty of our Catholic Faith in some of the most challenging areas of
life!
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KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBA CENTENARY SONGS OF PRAISE KSC are arranging a Songs of Praise at Our Lady
Immaculate on Friday 4 October, at 19.30. All are welcome, please put the date in your diaries.
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KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBA ANNUAL LECTURE, 2 OCTOBER from Helen O'Shea, the national President of
SVP, speaking at St. Augustine's, Springfield, on Wednesday 2 October, at 20.15 (there will be
Mass beforehand at 19.30). As well as the essential local works of mercy, SVP have a national presence and she will
be speaking about the range of their activity. All are welcome.
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DEPUTY HEADTEACHER REQUIRED for St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanford-Le-Hope. Please
apply/enquire through the Christus Catholic Trust, click here to Email. Closing
date 16.09.19.
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CALAIS LIGHT CONVOYS DETAILS - 13-15 Sept, 22 Nov - 24 Nov and new date Jan 31-2 Feb, the
car-sharing Refugee action convoy which takes a bunch of like-minded, friendly volunteers to Calais to work for the
weekend with refugee charities! We're going to Refugee Community Kitchen (Sept) & Care4Calais (Nov). Come
with us! Sign up now at www.calaislight.com or on our
facebook Page. Choose Love!
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr David Papworth
Wednesday: Fr Stephen Keane
Sunday: Canon Peter Prendergast
Next Sunday: TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6,8-10
You have borne me to be a man of dissension for all the land.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4
We shall keep running steadily in the race we have started.
Gospel: Luke 12:49-53
I am not here to bring peace, but rather division.
