THIRD SUNDAY OF YEAR A
(Sunday of the Word of God)
26th January 2020
Dear Parishioner,
God tells us in the Bible, "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31: 3). It does not matter
how far you try to run from Him, he loves you and wants to forgive you where you've gone wrong. He created you and
cares about you.
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew (4: 12 - 23) Jesus began his ministry with a message of repentance and of
the nearness of the kingdom. Lord, thank you for the gift of repentance, the chance to change, turn over a new leaf and
renounce ways of thinking and acting which hurt and harm me. Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is close at hand!
Today we welcome Fr. Luke who will be celebrating our Sunday Masses over the next few weeks while Fr. Sabu is away.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
Notices:
-
KSC Collection of Goods for Farleigh Hospice/Providence Row/CHESS - Sunday 2 February The annual
collection of goods for these three charities, which operate in our city and our diocese, will take place at the
Masses on the first Sunday in February. We are looking please for your kind donations of clothing to
pass to Farleigh Hospice for sale in their local charity shops and toiletries and warm socks for
distribution, via Providence Row and CHESS, to the homeless in Chelmsford and East London. An ideal opportunity for a
post Christmas declutter of your home! Please bring your donations along to Mass in bags, separated between clothes
and toiletries/socks. Any queries, please contact Peter Whitington (441736) or Chris Thompson (469161). Thank you.
-
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.
-
Year Of The God Who Speaks Third Study Day 10.30am-3pm, Sat 29 February, Church of Christ the
Eternal High Priest, Brentwood Road, Gidea Park RM2 6DH. Fr Victor Darlington, lecturer on John's Gospel at St
John's Seminary, Wonersh, will give two talks entitled 'John Among the Gospels', providing a fresh
reading of the Fourth Gospel. Admission free. Please book by phone 01708 449914 or click here to Email. 'Revised New
Jerusalem Bible' at the discounted price of £30 (RRP £39.99) on sale. Refreshments but please bring
your own packed lunch. Ample free parking at the church, 3 minutes' walk from Gidea Park station.
-
St John Payne 60 Year Anniversary Events, Sat 20th June - Save the Date! The day will begin with
Mass in the school followed by a sports festival, musical performances, an array of food and drinks and the coming
together of our local and extended communities. Please do put the date in your diaries!
-
Youth Mass, Wednesday 5 Feb 8pm, Brentwood Cathedral. Anyone age 14+ is very welcome; includes a
live interview with Rob Green, a former Campion pupil who, using his own resources, went to Greece last summer and
worked in a refugee camp for a month. Hear his fascinating story, and be inspired about some unusual Lenten
resolutions. More details www.bcys.net.
-
Lenten Reflection and Revision Retreat, Walsingham House at Abbotswick, 27-29 March. In school year
11-13? Struggling to find a quiet space to study for GCSEs, BTEC or A-levels? This weekend retreat will include
reflective prayer, generous time for personal study, and relaxed social time, and will conclude with Mass. 8pm Friday
27th - 3pm Sunday 29th. Meals included. Cost £35.
-
Sponsored Sleepout, Fri 3rd - Sat 4th April, in the grounds of Walsingham House at Abbotswick.
Beginning at 8pm with a film and talk; or arrive at 11pm for Mass. Sleepout midnight - 7am. In this freezing weather,
it is very difficult for those who are sleeping on the streets. The Sleepout is a powerful way to understand how it
feels to sleep outside, while raising money for homeless charities. To register: Groups click here
to Email; individuals on www.bcys.net. Open to anyone aged
15-105 (those aged 15-18 must be part of a group, and have parental consent).
-
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.
-
Adult Quiet Retreat 5pm Friday 7 - 11am Monday 10 August. Enjoy the peace, prayer and stillness of
Walsingham House at Abbotswick for a long weekend this summer. Optional programme including Mass, Adoration,
Reconciliation and social time; accommodation and all meals provided; single ensuite £225; twin ensuite
£150 per person. Bursary for anyone in financial hardship. Full details
click here to Email, and www.bcys.net. Maximum of 18 people.
-
The Brentwood Catholic Children's Society Annual Charity Ball Saturday 7th March from 7pm at The
Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge, raising funds for bccs. Tickets £55 per person, with drinks reception and 3 course
and entertainment. Tickets sell out fast so please contact Julie asap: 01268 784544 / 07912277413 / click here to Email.
-
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.
-
Lay Chaplain required for St Benedict's Catholic College Closing date Fri 21.02.20, Interviews
Tues 10.03.20. Please see full details at https://www.stbenedicts.essex.sch.uk/recruitment/vacancies/lay-chaplain/
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: Fr Alfred Field, Bp Patrick Casey
Monday: Fr John Meehan
Wednesday:Fr John (Jack) Clifford
Thursday: Terri Dubois, Alick Kalil
Saturday: Fr Joseph Burns
Next Sunday: THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
The Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple.
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
It was essential that he should in this way become completely like his brothers.
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
My eyes have seen your salvation.
