THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
(World Day for Consecrated Life)
2nd February 2020
Dear Parishioner,
Today we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The feast reminds us that forty days
after the birth of her firstborn son, Mary took the infant Jesus to the Temple to offer him to the Father with a
sacrifice of two turtledoves or pigeons, in accordance with the Law of Moses.
This fulfilment of the Law is also Jesus' first official encounter with his people, in the person of the elderly
Simeon and Anna. For this reason the Orthodox churches also call today's feast the feast of the Lord's Holy
Meeting. It is a meeting and a manifestation, because Mary enters the Temple 'to reveal to the world the one who
gave the Law and fulfils it', and to accompany the Son in his first act of offering to the Father.
Today is World day for Consecrated Life. We are asked to pray for all those in the religious life.
God bless,
Deacon Kevin.
Notices:
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Bernard Storkey RIP You will be sorry to hear that Bernard died in the early hours of Monday
morning. Bernard was a stalwart of the parish of St Augustine's and will be greatly missed by his family, friends
and the whole community. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his wife, Gwen, their children, David, Simon,
Mark, Sarah and Richard and their families who mourn his loss. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
May he rest in peace.
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Fiona McIntosh RIP You will be sorry to hear that Henry McIntosh's granddaughter, Fiona, died on
Wednesday night. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for Henry and all the family who mourn her loss. May she
rest in peace.
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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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205 CLUB Congratulations to Tomy Sebastian, winner of the January draw.
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Vocations evening The next "Enquirers' Evening" for those considering or interested in
a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 4th February at St Edmund of Canterbury Church in Loughton. For further
information please contact Fr Mark Swires - click here to
Email
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Trustees sought for the board of The Brentwood Catholic Children's Society bccs is an
established children's charity delivering vital mental health services in schools throughout the diocese.
Currently we are seeking to appoint trustees to our board to help guide and develop our work. Further information
available on our website www.bccs.org.uk or click here to Email Bernadette, our Director.
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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 clicking here to Email or by phone 01708
449914. Refreshments but please bring your own packed lunch.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Adult Quiet Retreat 5pm Friday 7th - 11am Monday 10th 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 from www.bcys.net or
click here to Email. Maximum of 18 people.
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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: Bernard Storkey, Fiona McIntosh
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Eric Bindloss Smith
Tuesday: Bonnie Geddes
Wednesday: Jean Francois Kerforne
Thursday: Fr Francis Richardson
Saturday: Fr Alan Wilcox
Sunday: Canon Bernard Manning
Next Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Year A
First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10
Then will your light shine like the dawn.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus as the crucified Christ.
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
You are the light of the world.
