THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)
('Gaudete' Sunday)
15th December 2019
Dear Parishioner,
As we approach Christmas, the pace of things speeds up. We spend our time looking for presents for our loved ones and
friends. Naturally we think about what we need in our homes. All this is good but the spiritual side tends to get lost.
In the gospel today we reflect that John the Baptist was no reed swaying in the wind. A reed swaying in the wind is a
symbol of those who are easily influenced, who go along with whatever is popular, and who have no convictions of their
own. But the humble reed can teach us something.
The fact that it is light means that it is at the mercy of every wind that blows. But it has great strength too. The
greatest storm cannot uproot it. Even when giant oaks come crashing down; the slender reed will still stand secure.
Lord, teach us that there is strength in weakness and suppleness, and give us the wisdom to know when to bend and when
to stand firm.
God bless you all and pray for me,
Deacon Kevin.
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CHRISTMAS MASSES AT ST AUGUSTINE'S
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TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER Christmas Eve
FIRST MASS OF CHRISTMAS
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St Augustine
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8.00pm
8.30pm
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Carols followed by
Vigil Mass
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WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER Christmas Day
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St Augustine
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9.00am
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Solemn Mass
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Notices:
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Annual Parish Dinner, Channels 4 January 7pm for 7.30pm Menus available from Karin Seeman after 9am
Sunday Mass - all menu choices required before Christmas please! It's always a pleasurable and light-hearted
occasion. Thank you, Karin Seeman 01245 466167 or click here to Email
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Winner of the Christmas Cake Raffle was Madeleine Padbury. Thanks as always to Maura McNamara for
producing the beautiful cake. The raffle made £162.
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Christmas Decorations Sale made £463.25. Thank you to all Parishioners for their generosity.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR FR SABU
Please remember that all church collections over Christmas are your personal gift to Fr Sabu. This forms an
important part of his income for the year.
If you give by standing order, or use the weekly envelopes, please use the envelope marked 'Christmas'
for your Christmas Day offering.
Many thanks. Rowena, secretary to the Finance Committee.
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Advent Service St John Payne School Thursday 19 December 6pm in Aquinas Hall. All are warmly invited
to celebrate this most wonderful time of preparation and prayer. Light refreshments will be offered after the
service.
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Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, led by Bishop Alan Williams. 25th May 2020. £649.00 per person
sharing, includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, all transfers, 4 nights in Knock House Hotel with breakfast and
dinner, all entertainment and excursions. 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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Grand Draw. Fr. Sabu would like to thank all the parishioners who bought and sold Raffle tickets. A
special thank you goes to Anna Doube and Chris Thompson who sold £200 worth between them. A profit of
£1400 was made. This was up on last year. We are most grateful for your continued support. Here are the winning
ticket numbers: (1) 3596(2) 1163 (3 ) 3575 (4) 0111 (5) 1256 (6) 1215 (7) 3983 (8) 2882 (9) 2028 (10) 1088 (11) 3051
(12) 1074 (13) 0267 (14) 3644 (15) 1855 (16) 3688 (17) 1941 (18) 3601 (19) 2137 (20) 3924 (21) 3260 (22) 2486 (23)
1793 (24) 1871 (25) 3049 (26) 1738 (27) 1109 (28) 3988.
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Brentwood Catholic Children's Society offers therapeutic support to children, adolescents and
families from Essex and East London through our highly experienced counselling team on a 1:1 basis or with the whole
family. We help children with a range of issues including anxiety, emotional health, bereavement, behaviour,
bullying, family separation and illness. Sessions take place during the day or after school at our counselling suites
at our offices in Rayleigh. Sessional charge but support may be available. If you feel your child may benefit or you
would like more information, please contact Sarah D'Lima - click here to Email or 01268 947061.
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Pilgrimage to Rome 1st-6th June 2020. Staying in central Rome. Cost £795 in shared
accommodation; £895 for single rooms includes transfers from from/to Chingford and Rome, return flights,
B&B accommodation and some other meals, a fully escorted itinerary including Mass each day and tickets for an
audience with the Holy Father, and all Mass offerings and tips. More info from Siobhan on 07932634589 or click here to Email.
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Year of the God who Speaks study day videos now available. Both Fr Adrian's day 'Beginning
with Genesis', which opened the series, and the day given more recently by Fr Nicholas King SJ on 'The
Scriptures in Advent' are free to view on www.whatgoodnews.org. Just go to the home page and click on 'Watch latest event'.
- Learning Mentor and Pastoral Support Vacancy St Joachim's Catholic Primary School Part of Our Lady
of Grace Catholic Academy Trust Shipman Road, Custom House, London E16 3DT. For full details see www.st-joachims.newham.sch.uk/jobs
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Monday: Lydia Kalil
Wednesday: Jim McEvoy
Friday: Fr William Guinevan
Sunday: Fr Arthur Cowd
Next Sunday: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
The maiden is with child.
Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7
Jesus Christ, descendant of David, Son of God.
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
Jesus is born of Mary who was betrothed to Joseph, son of David.
