THIRTIETH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
27th October 2019
Dear Parishioner,
The main theme of today's Gospel is that true humility and repentance for our sins must be the hallmark of our
prayers. However, the central focus of today's parable is not on prayer itself, but rather on the evil of pride,
the need for true humility and the role of God's grace in our salvation.
The first reading is one striking image from Sirach, the writer declares "the prayer of the lowly, pierces the
clouds to reach the unseen throne of God". Such prayers are heard because they come from the hearts of people
who know how much they need God.
In the second reading, the former Pharisee Paul, like the publican in the Gospel parable, humbly acknowledges, his work
as accomplished by the grace of God, and he thanks God for enabling him to fight a good battle - to run a good race
while keeping his Faith intact and proclaiming it.
In today's Gospel parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus reminds us that God hears the prayers of
those who approach Him in humility with a repentant heart. God did not hear the prayer of this Pharisee because he
exalted himself. The tax collector's prayer, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner," was heard
because he humbled himself, acknowledging his sins and requesting God's mercy.
So Let us evict the Pharisee and revive the publican in each of us by acknowledging our total dependence on God and His
grace for all our achievements and blessings. Let us pray every day: "Be merciful to me, a sinner."
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
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Work Day on Saturday 26 October from 10am to 12noon at St Augustine's Please come along and help
if you can even if it is only for an hour. Thank you all for your support.
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AUGUSTINIAN We are working on the next edition of the Augustinian and would welcome articles. If you
have anything to contribute (almost anything welcome), please contact Chris Thompson (click here to
Email). Items with pictures particularly welcome.
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Advance Notice of Annual Parish Dinner at Channels, 4th January 2020. More info to follow.
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Red Box Appeal Ms Catherine Scott wishes to thank everyone in the parish for our welcome last
weekend. If you didn't get a chance to take a Red Box and you wish to do so, or if you would like to find out
more about Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries, please speak to Fr Sabu. You can find more information of set up a
Direct Debit online at www.missio.org.uk/about-apf.
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Sunday Mass Intentions Sunday is a very popular day for Mass intentions to be requested. I would
just like to point out that Sundays are currently allocated through to the February 2020, so if you would like to
switch yours to a weekday rather than wait, please let the parish secretary know by phone or the parish email. Many
thanks.
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Climate Change - No Planet B! The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre warmly invite you to a
presentation by Jack Wakefield, Campaigner at Tearfund Action, at St John Payne Parish Hall, Colchester CO4 3QD on
Sat 30 November, 2pm for 2.15pm start, finishing with tea and Evening Prayer to mark the beginning of Advent (end
time 5.30pm). Bookings on 01206-867296 0r click here to Email.
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Insight to Palestine The Caritas Jerusalem group at Gidea Park invite you to 'Insight to
Palestine', an information evening, from 7 pm on Tuesday 26 November at Christ the Eternal High Priest Church,
Gidea Park (RM2 6DH), about the situation of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. Heba Zaphiriou-Zarifi, a
Palestinian psychologist, will speak to us about the impact of living under occupation. Q&A session and light
supper of Middle Eastern food concluding with a period of prayer. For catering purposes, please book by clicking
here to Email
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Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre: Annual Mass for the Dead in the Chapel at New Hall on Saturday 2nd
November (All Souls' Day) at 2pm. We are celebrating the Annual Mass for our deceased relatives and friends, in
particular those buried in our Cemetery and including anyone else who has died and for whom you wish to pray. You
would be most welcome to join the Community that afternoon and there will be an opportunity to go to the Cemetery if
you wish.
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Spirituality Morning - Saturday 16 November 10.30am-12noon, Cathedral House, Brentwood CM15 8AT.
Topic: Preparing for the Advent Journey. with Bishop Alan Williams,sm, Tel. 01277 265285 click here to Email
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Mass of Remembrance and Commemoration of loved ones, Sunday 10 November, 2.30pm, Walsingham House.
If you are the friend or family member of someone who is remembered at Abbotswick, you are very welcome to this Mass.
More info from 01277 373959 or
click here to Email.
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The Scriptures in Advent - Fr Nicholas King Sj, part of 'Year of the God who Speaks'
promoted by the Bishops of England and Wales, will be a study day on 'The Scriptures in Advent', with
renowned biblical scholar, Fr Nicholas King SJ, at the RC Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park RM2
6DH 10.30am - 3pm, Sat 23 Nov. Admission free, but do reserve your place at 01708 449914 or click here to Email. Refreshments
available but please bring packed lunch.
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Catechists Training and Resources Day, 10am - 3:30pm Saturday 9th November at Sacred Heart of Mary School,
Upminster for Confirmation and First Holy Communion Catechists, Children's Liturgy providers and Youth
Leaders from across the Diocese. There will be an afternoon session specifically for young catechists, aged 16-19,
who wish to develop their faith further post-Confirmation. Free of charge, thanks to National Youth Sunday
contributions. Full info at www.bcys.net/events or
click here to Email
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St Peter's Catholic Primary School Billericay seeks Receptionist/Administration Assistant. More
info at www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/Support. Closing date for applications is 6th November.
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BCYS seeks an Events and Pilgrimages co-ordinator to cover maternity leave for 16 hours/week from
January to October 2020. Full details at www.bcys.net/cover.
Closing date: 28th October at midday.
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The Bereavement Group invite you to attend the annual Candlelit service which will be during the
Mass for the Holy Souls on Saturday 2nd November at 7.30pm. This is a beautiful reflective time when you will have
the opportunity to light a candle for a loved one and hang a personal message on a memory tree which will remain on
the Alter during the month of November. We invite you stay after Mass for refreshments and cake of course!
Parish Cream Tea
Many thanks to everyone who helped set up, serve and clear up the Parish Cream Tea and a special thank you to Helen
Payne who made all the beautiful cakes and scones - they were delicious! Thanks to all who came and enjoyed demolishing
them! The event was a huge success with many asking when the next one would be - work in progress! We raised an amazing
£400.50.
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: Derek McElligott
Monday: James Coyne
Tuesday: Fr George Steadman, Fr Stephen Wyatt, Fr William Loveland
Wednesday: Canon Thomas Bishop
Thursday: Canon Richard Gay
Next Sunday: THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF YEAR C
First Reading: Wisdom 11:22-12:2
You are merciful to all because you love all that exists.
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2
The name of Christ will be glorified in you and you in him.
Gospel: Luke 19:1-10
The Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.
