NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A
9th August 2020
Dear Parishioner,
In the first reading from the book of Kings, fleeing for his life, the prophet Elijah takes refuge in a cave where he
encounters God. In the second reading from the letter to the Romans (9:1-5), St. Paul tells us about the sorrow and anguish
he suffers because his fellow Jews refused to accept Christ as the Messiah.
In today's Gospel reading Jesus said to Peter and his disciples "there is no need to be afraid". We too
have often set out confidently across the waters of life. However, as soon as the winds of trouble rise against us and the
waves of adversity begin to buffet us, we lose our nerve and begin to sink. Lord, when our faith falters, as it often does,
may we hear your gentle voice saying to us, 'Courage! Do not be afraid.' In that moment, Lord, may your divine
power uphold us, calm our fears, steady our nerves, and enable us to steer our little boat to a place of safety and peace,
beyond the wind and the waves.
Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr. Please pray for me that I may carry out the
ministry of the Diaconate faithfully and be of service to the parish.
With God's blessings,
Deacon Kevin.
Notices:
- Face Coverings Face coverings will be mandatory in Places of Worship from Saturday 8th August 2020.
All those who are attending churches must wear a face covering unless they are exempt from doing so. This is for the good
of all who gather in the Church for Mass as it is an enclosed public space where there are people from differing
households who they do not normally meet. So please consider this as your personal responsibility and social
commitment.
Care should be taken by people in unlooping their face covering for the reception of Holy Communion and replacing the
covering afterwards. This is to prevent contamination of the covering by the hands. However, the risk is regarded as
minimal providing there is no hand-to-hand contact between the minister of Communion and the communicant.
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Michael Barwick - Diaconate Ordination I am pleased to say that I have a date for my ordination to the
diaconate. On Saturday 15 August at 11am in Leigh-on-Sea I will be ordained by Bishop Alan. Unfortunately, due to the
current pandemic, I am limited to the number of people who can attend. The Mass will be livestreamed via Our Lady of
Lourdes, Leigh-on-Sea YouTube channel (the link is on the website https://lourdesleigh.org/) so please do join me virtually. On Sunday 16 August I will Deacon Mass for the
first time and I will be at the Masses for the days after. Please do keep me in your prayers as I prepare to be
ordained and know that I pray for you. God bless, Michael.
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SVP Outing Appeal Many of us have experienced being stuck at home for long periods this year, so can
sympathise with some of the families we support who often don't get to get out much due to the cost and lack of
transport. We are hoping to send the 25 families to the beach or a country park, with a picnic and money for ice
creams. If you can help support this please do - perhaps you could sponsor: £15 for a picnic, £30 for a
picnic and ice creams, £45 for a taxi via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/svpspringfield
Or if you'd like to choose what you give, our wish list is available to purchase buckets, spades and toys to make
their outings even more enjoyable https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/A9RDZTP42HDP…
Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
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Lourdes in your Living Room. Someone who watched last week's pilgrimage said, "I feel
like I have been in Lourdes for the last five days. Thank you. I even bought croissants for breakfast!".
For pilgrims of all ages the week had a great impact, and if you have missed it, or want to watch and pray again, it is
all on YouTube - turn a Staycation into a pilgrimage! You'll find everything at www.youtube.com/c/brentwoodcys. If you have comments or
questions, simply click here to Email or phone
01277373959. The 18 hour challenge has so far raised over £5,250, to be split
between Cafod and the BCYS. Congratulations to all who took part, and thank you to everyone who has donated. More
details www.bcys.net.
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Sycamore Vacancy: Mission Development Manager An exciting opportunity to be involved in the mission of
Sycamore. The role involves promoting the use of Sycamore nationally and globally; supporting current Sycamore leaders;
developing new relationships with dioceses, parishes and chaplaincies; and implementing our strategic development plan.
For full job description, requirements and more information please visit: https://www.sycamore.fm/sycamore-vacancy-mission-development-manager/. Deadline: 22 August, Interviews 8/9
September, Start date 1 October or asap.
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Caritas Development Co-ordinator. The Diocese is diverse, vibrant, and full of dedicated volunteers
running projects which bring to life the Gospel mandate to recognise and serve Christ in the poor and those on the
edges. If you have a heart for such work, and the skills to develop and strengthen it, this could be your perfect job!
Deadline 2nd October 2020; Start January 2021. Full details https://www.caritasbrentwood.org/news/developmentcoordinator/
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Ann Catherine Fahey
Years Mind:
Sunday: Frederick Westhorp
Tuesday: Fr David Papworth
Friday: Fr Stephen Keane
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS - Assumption of the BVM
First Reading: Revelations 11:19;12:1-6,10
A woman adorned with the sun, standing on the moon.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
Christ as the first fruits and then, those who belong to him.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
The Almighty has done great things for me, he has exalted up the lowly.
