FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)
6th February 2022
Dear Parishioner
Jesus is a wonderful teacher and healer. When multitudes of people gather, he is moved by compassion, he provides for
their material and spiritual hunger. He multiplies bread and then he heals those who were brought to Him. In today's
gospel Jesus moves stealthily towards Peter, and in the pretext of being pressed by the people, he asks for a simple
favour; to have Peter's boat moved a little further into the lake. Peter along with his companions begin to engage in
the eloquent discourse of this amazing teacher, little aware what was going to happen. Peter was moved by the compassionate
words that flowed from Jesus mouth. Jesus provides a miracle just for Peter-not to heal him of some infirmity, but to
demonstrate Christ's overflowing love for him. He immediately realised how unworthy he was to receive such a grace of
compassion, when they stood empty handed and without hope. Therefore Peter writes "Cast all your anxiety on him,
because he cares for you." Jesus says loudly through the miraculous catch that He cares for you and me. Whether
through want or abundance, health or infirmity, am I able to discern Our Lord's lessons for me in my life? Am I open to
his lessons of love?
Our Lord when dealing with Peter had great hopes for him. Jesus tests Peter's generosity by asking for a small
favour to make use of Peter's boat for the proclamation of the kingdom of God. Then, Jesus led Peter to make an act of
faith: he asked him to set out into the deep and drop his nets at a time when it didn't appear opportune to fish. Peter
obliges and miracle happens, this enables Peter for the next big task, to be a fisher for men. Only by the grace of Christ
is God able to redeem what humanly seems unsalvageable.
The greatest lesson for any sinner is God's infinite Mercy. This transforms Peter. Peter confesses his lack of faith
despite his "obedience" to Our Lord's command to cast out into the deep. Our Lord taught Peter a great lesson
of mercy when he blessed Peter's feeble and miserable faith with a contrastingly abundant catch of fish. Does my faith
in God show in my actions? Am I willing to respond generously to the work of the New Evangelization?
Fr Jijo George
Notices:
-
Cashless giving: In response to requests from parishioners and to keep up with the times QR codes have
been provided by the Diocese to enable cashless giving. These have been placed at the doors of our church. Please scan
the amount you want to donate and the money will automatically go into the parish bank account. The Donate link has
also been set up by the diocese to pay in directly to the parish account http://stream.seccomgroup.com/donations/saoc. Thank
you for your continued generosity.
- Priest Surgery: There will be Parish Priest surgery on Thursdays 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Please in order to
book a baptism date for your child, please attend the weekly Parish Surgery.
-
Baptism Enquiries: Kindly use the parish email (click
here) for any request. Please ensure that you give us your contact number/email address for further communication.
Kindly do not leave your contact number via the phone answering machine. Please do come to the Thursday parish priest
Surgery.
- Baptism Preparation: If you have booked in for a Baptism, you are asked to take part in a Baptism
Preparation Course. The course will be conducted by the Parish priest on first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm or by
appointment. The Parents and God-parents are expected to attend the course. The baptism dates will be available on first
and third Saturdays of every month and the time for Baptism would be at 12 noon.
- RECEIVING COMMUNION Please consume the Body of Christ in front of the Priest or Minister of
Communion NOT in your seat.
- THANKS FROM KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA The Knights of St Colomba wish to thank those parishioners that
participated or helped in any way for their cake fund raiser. It was very much appreciated.
- SATURDAY VIGIL MASS FROM 12TH FEBRUARY Following the recent survey of preferences regarding an extra
weekend Mass, we will be initiating a 5pm Mass on Saturdays at St Augustine's from the 12th
February. I hope this is welcome and look forward to seeing a good turnout! Fr Jijo.
- ADVANCE NOTICE: DATE FOR YOUR DIARY! Sunday 5th June Platinum Jubilee celebratory lunch. This will
be a joint celebration with our friends in the Anglican / Free Church at St Augustine's, in honour of Queen
Elizabeth's 70 year reign. There will be a 'platinum Jubilee' pudding/cake competition to mark the occasion.
Please save the date! More details to follow nearer the time. Karin and the Social Group.
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THRESHOLDS OF HOPE QUESTION: What does it mean to talk about a woman as Mother of God and Mother of the
Church? Input from Fr Martin Hardy, parish priest of St Thomas of Canterbury, Grays today, Sunday 6th
February. To join this Zoom meeting simply
click here to forward a contact email. For more information go to www.thresholdsofhope.co.uk.
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SEMINAR, 28 FEBRUARY, 7.30-8.45PM: Leaving Something on the Table - How Money Doesn't Make the World Go
Round. A conversation with Dr David Ko and Richard Busellato, authors of 'An Unsustainable Truth'
(2020). Hosted by Westminster Justice & Peace on behalf of the Southern Dioceses Environment Network. Register in
advance with Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/241047458437 This seminar will deal with some of the financial aspects of
climate justice, notably investments. All are welcome.
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SPONSORED SLEEPOUT Caritas Diocese of Brentwood are inviting people from the night of April 8th to the
morning of April 9th, to join the 2022 Sponsored Sleepout; Raising awareness and money to help our local homeless
charities and the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service. All information can be found at www.caritasbrentwood.org/sleepout or by clicking here to
Email.
- ALMSHOUSE VACANCY INGATESTONE A vacancy has arisen at the Almshouses situated along the High St in
Ingatestone. One-bedroom property for single persons. Candidates must be over 50 years of age and in need. Preference may
be given to Roman Catholics. Please apply to Mike Falcone, Trustee, Ginge Petre Trust on 07935 959388.
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DIOCESAN SCHOOL VACANCIES can be viewed at https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/education/vacancies/school-vacancies/.
Positions currently available include:
Catholic Schools Executive Leader (CSEL), Our Lady of Grace Trust, Newham applications close 11th
February, required for September 2022
Headteacher, Holy Cross Academy, Harlow, applications close 21st February, required for September
2022
Deputy Headteacher, St Vincent's, Dagenham, applications close 31st January, required from April
2022
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VACANCY: FACILITIES COORDINATOR Brentwood Cathedral Parish 5 hours per week, £12.50 per hour,
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 14th February 2022. Full details at: https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/diocese/working-for-us/.
- PARISH INCOME - If you do not pay by standing order and are not able to get to Church, you can pay
directly to "Catholic Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury Springfield" on account 91082884 at sort code
40-13-22. Envelopes can be dropped through the Presbytery letterbox.
- HOSPITAL VISITS: If you go into hospital or a member of your family, inform the Parish Office so
that the priest can visit you in hospital.
-
DBS CHECKS: It is a legal requirement for those working with children and vulnerable adults within the
Church to be DBS checked, these checks are now carried out every three years, this must be adhered to. Our Parish
Safeguarding representative is Christina Coen or for info from the Diocese please
click here to Email Antoinette.
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 Francis Richardson
Tuesday: Fr Alan Wilcox
Wednesday: Canon Bernard Manning
Thursday: Pope Pius XI
Friday: Fr Donald Mills
Saturday: Fr John Garrett
Sunday: Fr Charles Snell