THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (A)
12th January 2020
Dear Parishioner,
Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. Jesus, the Sinless One, joined the queue of sinners, and was baptised by his
cousin, John, in the waters of the Jordan. He did so in order that he might free us from the power of sin.
We are reminded of our own Baptism. We are baptised by all that happens to us in life. We are baptised by hardship; in
its turbulent waters we are purified of all that is false and useless. We are baptised by suffering; in its murky
waters we grow in humility and compassion. We are baptised by joy; in its gurgling waters we experience the goodness of
life. We are baptised by love; in its singing waters we blossom like flowers in the sun.
Baptism is like the planting of a seed. It will take a lifetime for this seed to grow and ripen. May we continue to be
faithful to our Baptismal promises.
Today we welcome Fr. Luke who will celebrate our Sunday Masses during Fr. Sabu's absence.
God bless.
Deacon Kevin.
Notices:
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Fr Sabu 10th Anniversary Mass and celebration On Saturday 22nd February Fr Sabu will celebrate the
10th anniversary of his priesthood. There will be Mass at 12noon followed by a shared lunch. We do hope you will be
able to join us on this day. A list will appear at the back of church in the next week - please add your name to it
if you are coming and indicate what you are bringing with you. It promises to be a joyous event! Thank you - The Social
Committee.
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From the SVP Thank you very much to everyone who so generously supported the SVP Giving Tree this
Christmas. We managed to provide 46 children with 2 Christmas presents each, up from 31 children last year as we have
increased the number of families we work with this year. If anyone would like to know more about our work with
families or knows anyone in need of our support please contact Jenny on 07796 393131 or click here to
Email.
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'Just Party' at St. Augustine's on Saturday 25th January 10.30am - 1pm. They will be
selling First Holy Communion Dresses, Shoes, Veils, Headdresses and other accessories. They are only making one visit
to the Chelmsford area this year. Please do come along and see what they have to offer.
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Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage Bishop Alan, supported by our Youth Service, will lead a pilgrimage to
Lourdes from 26 - 31 July, flying from Southend Airport. This is a wonderful opportunity, including for the frail and
those with needs, to pray at the Grotto, grow in faith, and enjoy the company of fellow pilgrims. Some brochures and
booking forms are available in the parish or you can contact the tour operator, Tangney Tours, directly: www.tangney-tours.com/brentwood or 01732 886885.
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Annual Lourdes Mass Brentwood Cathedral Sunday 16 February 3pm. An opportunity to give thanks for
graces received in Lourdes and to seek prayers for the sick. During the Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the
Sick will be celebrated.
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The Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Annual Charity Ball Saturday 7th March from 7pm at The
Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge. Tickets on sale now, £55 per person, to include drinks reception and 3 course dinner
with a full evening of entertainment. Guests will be seated on tables of 12, making it the perfect opportunity to get
together with friends, family or colleagues, have a fantastic night out whilst at the same time raising vital funds
for bccs. As tickets for this event sell out quickly, please contact Julie asap to avoid disappointment: 01268 784544
/ 07912277413 / click here to Email
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Charity Cycle Ride #FrDominic5000at50. Fr Dominic is turning 50 in September, and to mark the moment
he is solo cycling 5000km between now and then - all without leaving Walsingham House at Abbotswick - to raise money
for the BCCS, Help Refugees, HCPT and Walsingham House. Full details and donations at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/frdominic5000at50 or by cheque to "Fr D Howarth" to
FrDominic5000at50, Walsingham House at Abbotswick, Navestock Side, Essex CM14 5SH.
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Spirituality Morning - Saturday 18th January 10.30am-12.00noon, Cathedral House, Brentwood CM15 8AT.
Topic: The Spirituality of St John Henry Newman. Speaker: Msgr David Manson Contact: 01277 265285
click here to
Email
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St Peter's Catholic Primary School Billericay are seeking to appoint an LSA. More details can be
found on the Essex School Jobs website www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies. Closing date noon on 17th January 2020.
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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.
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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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Pilgrimage to Rome 1st-6th June 2020. Staying in central Rome. Cost £795 in shared
accommodation; £895 for single rooms inc transfers from from/to Chingford and Rome, return flights, B&B
accom and some other meals, fully escorted itinerary inc daily Mass & 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.
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: Canon Francis Dobson
Thursday: Fr Gilbert Basil Pearson, Fr Neville Banks
Friday: Josephine Everett, Fr Kenneth Green
Saturday: Canon Charles Kuypers
Sunday: Jacqueline Post
Next Sunday: SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR A
First Reading: Isaiah 49:3,5-6
I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.
Gospel: John 1:29-34
Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
