TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
18th August 2019
Dear Parishioner,
This weekend our readings remind us of the love, forgiveness and embrace that God wants to give us. At first glance
they may seem difficult to read but when we look a little closer God is offering us so much more. The second reading
reminds of us our sinfulness but that isn't a bad thing because we are also reminded and encouraged that God wants
us to receive forgiveness through Him so we are united with Him. He is there always waiting for us to give everything
to Him.
In the psalm we read "Lord, come to my aid!" This verse is prayed every day by those who pray the divine
office, the universal prayer of the Church. This is a wonderful prayer that each of us can use every day when we need
the strength of God in our day to day tasks.
In the Gospel today Jesus talks of division as the message He gives isn't always an easy one to accept and follow.
This is true of our own time, we have our catholic faith and a lot of people in the world will reject this. We are
Christ's witnesses in the world and in moments of trial or difficulty in our own work places or homes, let us pray
to God and ask for strength, "Lord, come to my aid"
At the end of the month I shall return to seminary to enter into my 5th year of formation. During this year I shall
begin my dissertation, continue my studies and deepen my prayer life as I prepare to be ordained a deacon in June 2020.
Time has gone by very quickly but know that I am always so grateful for the support and prayers that you all give me.
I will continue to pray for you as a parish and keep up the wonderful work and service that you do for each other.
God bless,
Michael
Notices:
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PARISH BARBEQUE FROM 1PM SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER in the Presbytery garden. Please bring your own food and
drink. We do have a parish Barbie but would welcome one or two more on the day - please let a member of the Social
committee know if you can bring one. Thank you. The Social Committee.
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FORMATION EVENTS:
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MICHAEL DOPP - EVANGELISATION WHY/WHAT/HOW? Friday 4th October, Workshop 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm
& Presentation: 6.30 pm - 9 pm; Location: Cathedral Hall, Brentwood. Sign up: Eventbrite:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evangelisation-whywhathow-michael-dopp-tickets-66879385041 or click
here to Email. Michael Dopp is dedicated to evangelization and mission projects all over the
world. He has presented to 18 Diocese and over 50 parishes, he has led presentations for priests, deacons,
university students, prayer groups, RCIA, sacramental preparation groups, adult faith formation, and more.
Please bring a packed lunch, refreshments will be provided. We ask for a donation of £5 per person
for one or both sessions.
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COMMUNICATION - PLAYING MY PART IN THE CHANGING CHURCH Saturday 19th October 10 am - 3 pm.
Location: English Martyrs, 240 Alma Ave, Hornchurch, RM12 6BJ. Free event. Sign up: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formation-course-communication-tickets-66996742059 or click
here to Email. This day will help you: learn the basic skills of discernment; understand better the
challenges that we face in times of change, develop some practical strategies for more effective communication
and better collaboration. Ruth Holgate & Fr David Smolira, Jesuits from Farm Street will lead the
day. Please bring a packed lunch, refreshments will be provided.
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CAFÉ FORMATION DAY - LET IT BE Saturday 23 November 10am - 3pm. Location: The
Blessed Sacrament, 116 Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, CM1 2DU. Free event with offering to cover expenses.
One place will be reserved for each parish until the 30.09.19. Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cafe-formation-day-tickets-66323010911 or click
here to Email. With David Payne, Director of Catholic Faith Exploration. For Deacons, Catechists,
Evangelisation and Ongoing Formation Teams, and those who want to grow in faith.
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BCYS YOUTH GATHER, MERSEA ISLAND, 26-27 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.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 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. https://www.rafbf.org/join-the-search-change-a-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 (Mass beforehand at 19.30). All
are welcome.
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CALAIS LIGHT CONVOYS DETAILS - 13-15 Sept, 22 Nov - 24 Nov and new date Jan 31-2 Feb, volunteer to
work for the weekend in Calais at: the Refugee Community Kitchen (Sept) & Care4Calais (Nov). More info and
sign up at www.calaislight.com or on the Facebook Page.
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: Canon Peter Prendergast
Monday: Canon Vincent Hurley, Fr Andrew Hurley
Thursday: Fr George Gresley, Fr Sean Sheils
Friday: Frank Hyland, Canon Vincent Cameron
Sunday: Tony Cornish, Mr Anthony Saloman Saad
Next Sunday: TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR C
First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21
They will bring all your brothers from all the nations.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13
The Lord trains the one that he loves.
Gospel: Luke 13:22-30
Men from the east and west will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
