THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
16th August 2020
Dear parishioners,
Thank you for all your support and prayers leading up to my ordination to the Diaconate. It was a very blessed day and
knowing that you were there virtually meant so much to me. The parish is wonderful and throughout my whole time in
formation I have felt so blessed by your encouragement.
Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady is crowned Queen of all heaven and earth and
through her intercession she presents our prayers to her Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Her "yes" to the will of
God changed history forever. Each one of us has our own "yes" within our lives and we should take courage to hear
the voice of God. I know for me personally, it took some time until I was able to listen to what God was calling me to.
Spending time at the Grotto and spending time in Adoration I was able to discern what God wanted me to do. If you are
making a decision whatever this may be, present to Our Lady and know that she will bring it to her Son.
I'm grateful for all your prayers and know that I pray for you daily. I now go into my final year and please
continue to pray for me as I prepare to be ordained a priest.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Michael (Barwick)
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.
-
Fr Tom Jordan, RIP. After 31 years as a priest of Brentwood Diocese, serving in Grays, Leigh on Sea,
Basildon and Romford, Fr Tom sadly passed away on Wednesday 5th August. His funeral will take place at 11am on
Wednesday 19th August; however due to Covid-19 restrictions this is by invitation only. The funeral Mass will be
livestreamed, and there is also the opportunity for people to come to the parish church of St Edward the Confessor, 5
Park End Road, Romford RM1 4AT between 6pm and 9pm on Tuesday 18th August, for prayer. On Wednesday 19th everyone is
warmly invited to line Park End Road as the cortege leaves the church at 12.30pm. Full information, including the link
to the Mass, is at www.stedwards-romford.org.uk.
- Recent deaths You will be sorry to hear of the deaths of Leon Stelmaszyk whose
funeral will take place on Thursday 20th August and Andrew Perrot whose funeral will take place on
Thursday 3rd September. Please pray for the repose of their souls, for their families and all who mourn their loss.
-
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.
-
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.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died: Leon Stelmaszyk, Andrew Perrott
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Canon Peter Prendergast
Wednesday: Canon Vincent Hurley, Fr Andrew Hurley
Saturday: Fr George Gresley, Fr Sean Sheils
Sunday: Canon Vincent Cameron, Frank Hyland
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS - 21st Sunday Year A
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
I place the key of the House of David upon his shoulder.
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him.
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
You are Peter, and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
