THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (A)
5th January 2020
Dear Parishioner,
Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord. The Magi were led to Christ by the light of a star. But
they saw the star only because they were not afraid to travel in the dark. The fact is we cannot see the stars in the
bright light of day, but only in the darkness of night; and the darker the night, the brighter they shine. In a sense,
all of us are night-time travellers. However, we need no longer fear the darkness, because with the coming of Christ a
light has come into the world, a light that shines in the dark, a light that no darkness can overpower.
Our crib offerings go towards the support of the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society. They provide a counselling
service for children with emotional and behavioural problems. This work is carried out mainly in schools, Catholic and
non-Catholic, where teachers and support staff are ideally placed to spot when a child has a problem and they quickly
respond to a particular child's need. This will remain open until February 2nd. Please give your support and thank
you for your generosity.
On behalf of Fr. Sabu, Cathy and myself we wish you a very happy and holy New Year.
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Kevin.
Notices:
-
Thanks from Kevin and Cath We would like to thank all the Parishioners who sent Christmas cards and
for the many gifts and bottles we received. You are all very kind and we really appreciate it. Thank you for all your
support throughout the year. Wishing you all many blessings for 2020 and assuring you of a special remembrance in our
prayers. God bless you all.
-
Year of the God Who Speaks - The Gospel of Matthew Fr Adrian Graffy will lead an exploration of the
Gospel of Matthew, the lectionary gospel for Sundays in 2020, from 7pm until 8.30pm on Wednesday 15th (changed from
22nd) January, and Wednesday 29th January at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park.
Admission is free, but please book your place by clicking here to Email. Copies of the
recently published 'Revised New Jerusalem Bible' will be on sale for £30 (reduced from the normal price
of £39.99). Full details and video of earlier talks available on www.whatgoodnews.org.
-
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! BCYS Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage Applications CLOSE at midnight on Friday 10th
January. The pilgrimage is a wonderful way to experience Lourdes in the company of other young people, serving the
ill and elderly, and with tremendous experiences of prayer, reflection and social time. The cost is £600, with
bursary funds available. To apply go online to www.bcys.net, create
a free account, then register for Summer Lourdes. Places will be allocated on 15th January. Any questions, please
click here to Email.
-
Divine Mercy Retreat with the Apostolate of Marian on:
Saturday - 18 January 2020, 11:00 am - 4:30 pm at St Joseph RC Church, 68 Grange Park Road,Leyton,
London E10 5ES
and
Saturday - 25 January 2020, 11:00 am - 4:30 pm at St George's Cathedral, Lambeth Road,
Southwark, London SE1 6HR
All welcome - No advance booking or registration is required
-
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.
-
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.
-
Pilgrimage to Rome 1st-6th June 2020. Staying in central Rome. Cost £795 in shared
accommodation; £895 for single rooms includes transfers 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.
-
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'.
-
Calais Light are taking volunteer bookings now for our next Convoy - January 31st-2nd February 2020.
We're the car-sharing Refugee action convoy which takes a bunch of like-minded, friendly volunteers to Calais to
work for the weekend with refugee charities! Make it your New Year's Resolution to volunteer! Come with us! Sign
up now at www.calaislight.com or on our 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: Florence Westhorp, Fr Francis Heenan
Tuesday: Canon John Bloomfield
Sunday: Canon Francis Dobson
Next Sunday: THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (A)
First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
Here is my servant in whom my servant delights.
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
God anointed him with the Holy Spirit.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
As soon as Jesus was baptised he saw theSpirit of God coming down on him.
