SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)
(Bible Sunday)
8th December 2019
Dear Parishioner,
The first reading describes how God will reform the lives of His Chosen People by sending the Messiah. Because of the
bad example of the unfaithful successors of King David, the Chosen People were wavering in their loyalty to Yahweh.
Hence, in the first reading, the Lord God, through His prophet, Isaiah, tries to dispel their fears and to stir up
hope among His people with His promise of a new Davidic King who will establish peace and a glorious Kingdom
of justice on earth.
In the second reading, Paul is praying for the reformation of the Jewish Christians of Rome and instructing them to
draw endurance and encouragement from the Old Testament books. They are to live in harmony with Gentile Christians,
accepting them as equal, brothers and sisters, while they wait together for the second coming of Jesus.
In today's Gospel, John the Baptizer urges the Pharisees and Sadducees to give evidence that they mean to reform
their lives so as to recognize and be ready to meet and accept the promised Messiah. On the one hand, salvation is
God's doing, and we cannot earn His blessings. We are saved by His grace. On the other hand, we must cooperate with
God's grace because God cannot force his bounty upon us. John challenges them to repentance, conversion and
renewal. Let us start this process by spiritually preparing for the annual celebration of Christmas, the Lord's
first coming, as we reform and renew our lives by repentance and works of charity.
SEND, O LORD: HOLY APOSTLES INTO YOUR CHURCH
Fr Sabu Pariyadan RCJ
Notices:
ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE FOR CHELMSFORD PARISHES
Thurs 12 Dec 7.30pm
at Blessed Sacrament church in Melbourne.
Please do take the opportunity to benefit from this important sacrament in Advent.
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From the Religious Community in Melbourne Our Advent Reflection Evening will take place on Sunday
15th December from 7pm and will last about 45 minutes. It will conclude with 'Seasonal Refreshments' in the
atrium. All are, of course, welcome.
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Advent Reconciliation Service, The Parish of English Martyrs, Hornchurch Tuesday 17th December at
7.30pm at 240 Alma Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6BJ. All welcome.
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Parish Renewal - Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life
today. It gives space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and think about questions that really
matter. Each session involves a short film, time for discussion and some food. LAST SESSION FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER at
St Augustine's at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) the title is THE POWER OF PRAYER. Everyone is welcome and each session
stands alone; so if you missed the previous sessions do, please, still come along.
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Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, led by Bishop Alan Williams. 25th May 2020. £649.00
per person sharing. Price includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, all transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with
breakfast and dinner. All entertainment and excursions included. Lunches on days out. Single supp £100. Contact
Patricia on 01268 762 278, 07740 175557 or click here to Email.
Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.
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Carols by Candlelight Sunday 15 December 6.30pm. Come and join our Anglican friends to listen to the
story of Christmas and enjoy some traditional carols. Mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.
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Chelmsford Community Sponsorship It is now quite popular to make a Charity donation in place of
Christmas cards or as presents. If you wish to use this way of giving, Chelmsford Community Sponsorship, the project
to settle a refugee family, can benefit. For details of how, find the Chelmsford Community Sponsorship envelope on
the repository stand, or click
here to Email.
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Advent Service St John Payne School Thursday 19 December 6pm in Aquinas Hall. The whole community is
warmly invited to celebrate this most wonderful time of preparation and prayer. Light refreshments will be offered
after the service. With a record number of pupils participating, we hope the evening will promote youth in our
community giving a visual display of our shared faith.
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Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Crib Donations; Advent week 1 - Hope
Thousands of years ago, the faithful held fast to the prophecies that the Messiah would arrive, and they ardently
hoped that God would fulfil His promises to them. The first week of Advent honours that longing. We are encouraged to
contemplate His coming and to reach out to Him knowing that He will lead us through the darkness. With your support
the BCCS offers hope by providing fully trained dedicated professionals to guide, support, help, listen and nurture
children and young people through difficult times.
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Vocations evening The next "Enquirers' Evening" for those considering or interested in
a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 3rd December at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton. For further
information please contact Fr Mark Swires - click here to
Email.
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SVP GIVING TREE If you have taken a tag from the tree we would be very grateful if you could bring
your gift (around £10 in value) unwrapped with the tag, to one of the Masses on Sunday 8th or 15th December.
Thank you.
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REDISCOVER YOUR MARRIAGE - Retrouvaille simply means 'rediscovery'. The programme offers the
chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage. 10s of 1000s headed for
divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. There is no group therapy
or group work. For confidential information about 'Retrouvaille' or to register for the programme commencing
with a residential weekend on 28th Feb - 1st March 2020. Call or text 0788 7296983 or 0797 3380443, click here to Email
- or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk.
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Learning Support Assistant required at St Peter's School, Billericay Full info at: http://www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/Details.aspx?VacancyId=56330
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Rita Fletcher
Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Bernard Pownall
Monday: Fr John Lane, Canon Anthony McKeney
Thursday: Fr Geoffrey Pye, Fr Eamonn McGrath
Friday: Fr George Carolan, Fr William Evers, Fr Francis Kerrigan
Saturday: Fr Gerard Kerr
Next Sunday: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a,10
God himself is coming to save you.
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Do not lose heart for the Lord's coming will be soon.
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?