TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR C
25th August 2019
Dear Parishioner,
On this twenty-first Sunday, the gospel from Luke (13: 22 - 30) presents the wide extent of God's loving plan.
Jesus said that there are two roads we can follow. The first is wide and easy to travel. It is downhill most of the
way. It is the way of comfort and ease, pleasure and self-seeking. Many are fooled and travel down this road. But in
the long run it leads them nowhere. They die in the desert. The second road is narrow and difficult. It is uphill a lot
of the way. It is the way of struggle and sacrifice. Few take this road. But they are the lucky ones. This road leads
to the Promised Land.
Michael Barwick reminded us last week of praying for vocations to the priesthood. Eternal Father, your Holy Catholic
Church is in need of priests to offer themselves in the sacrificial service of the Gospel through lives of dedicated
love. Open the hearts of your sons. Give them the gift of understanding to discern your invitation. Give the gift of
courage to follow your divine call. May they have the spirit of young Samuel who responded with the words, "Speak
Lord, for your servant is listening". We ask this humble petition through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
Amen.
God bless you all,
Deacon Kevin
Notices:
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ANNUAL MISSION APPEAL Next Sunday 1 September, we will welcome Sr Jyoto Kujur from the Medical
Mission Sisters on behalf of all the major missionary institutes of women religious of England and Wales. The focus
of the appeal is "the mission for us all today here and overseas". Please do give generously.
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YVONNE ABOU-NADER RIP You will be sorry to hear of the death of Yvonne Abou-Nader. Please pray for
the repose of her soul, for her family and all who mourn her loss. May she rest in peace.
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PARISH AGM All parishioners are warmly invited and encouraged to attend our Parish Annual General
Meeting which will take place on Wednesday 11th September at 8pm at St Augustine's following our evening Mass.
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THANKS FROM SVP THANK YOU so much! A huge thank you for your generosity towards the food bank
collections and the summer activities. The Food Bank has very high demand during the summer and were very grateful
for the food and toiletries that you donated. And our families are thoroughly enjoying their trips. The John Boscoe
camps have been such a great experience for the children that we were able to send and the rest of the families have
had at least a day out while 3 families were able to have a much needed break away together as a whole family. We
couldn't do it without your wonderful support. If you are interested in joining us - why not come along to an SVP
meeting in September?
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YVONNE ABOU-NADER RIP Please pray for the repose of the soul of Yvonne Abou-Nader, the sister of
Cladis Manson. Yvonne died on 19th August. Please pray for Cladis, her family and all who mourn her loss. May she
rest in peace. Amen.
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KNIGHTS OF ST. COLUMBA CENTENARY EVENTS - ALL WELCOME!
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Our Annual Lecture "Faith and Action: The SVP mission in today's world" will be
given by Helen O'Shea, national SVP President, at St. Augustine's on Wed 2 Oct at 8.15pm (following
7.30pm Mass). Do take the chance to hear this prestigious speaker.
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Songs of Praise Friday 4 October at 19.30, at Our Lady Immaculate Church. A range of guests,
representing the connections which the Knights have in the Church and community, will choose hymns of particular
significance to them which will be sung together. Please park in George Street car park.
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Walking Quiz in Maldon 22 September, 2pm start Our late summer social event is always good fun,
suitable for school age children and needs no knowledge of Maldon. Meet at 14.00 at Dinner afterwards is optional
but needs to be booked (contact click here to
Email).
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GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW Tickets will be distributed on Sunday 22nd Sept. This is our main Fund Raising
event of the year. We are looking for prizes for the draw. We thank you all for your continued support. God bless you
all. Cath
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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.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Yvonne Abou-Nader
Years Mind:
Wednesday: Fr Bernard Collings
Friday: Canon John Sloane
Sunday: Canon John Walsh
Next Sunday: TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR C
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:17-20,28-29
Behave humbly, and then you will find favour with the Lord.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24
You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God.
Gospel: Luke 14:1,7-14
Everyone who exalts himself will be humble, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.
