FOURTEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
3rd July 2022
Dear Parishioner
Today's Scriptures remind us that announcing the Good News of the Kingdom by words, deeds and life is not the task
of only a few. Rather, it is a task for all baptized Christians.
In the first reading, Isaiah sees the city of Jerusalem as the prototype of the rejoicing Church - the Church who
comforts her children, "as a mother comforts her baby son". He assures his listeners that they live in the
certainty of Yahweh's promises of love, protection, prosperity and salvation. In today's second reading (Galatians
6:14-18), Paul clearly teaches that it was Jesus' death on the cross which brings one salvation and not a Jewish
heritage. He reminds us that every Christian is called to be a "new creature", and that the mission of each
member of the Church is to bear witness to the saving power of the cross of Christ through a life of sacrificial,
self-giving service.
Today's Gospel, taken from the Gospel of Luke, describes, in Jesus' commissioning of 72 disciples to preach the
Gospel in towns and villages in preparation for his visit, the fulfilment of the prophetic promise made by Isaiah. They
must be walking witnesses of God's providence by relying on the hospitality of others, living very simple lives,
preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Today's Gospel reminds us that every Christian has the same mission of
evangelisation.
We need to continue the preaching mission as faithful Christians. We are invited to extend our faith to others by
leading exemplary lives. This is our vocation and our responsibility. We need to avoid giving the counter-witness to our
faith by following and accepting in faith the teachings authority of the Church magisterium. Let us begin by evangelizing
our own families by our own exemplary Christian lives, by loving and respecting each other, by bringing up children in the
spirit of obedience and service, by teaching them to forgive and be persistent in prayer and bless others at all times.
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/Marriage Enquiries: Kindly make use of the parish email (click
here) for any request. Please ensure that you give us your contact number/email address for further communication.
Please do come to the Thursday 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.
- Prayer for AGM: Come Holy Spirit, consecrate the people of God through ministry and the Sacraments.
Grant us Your special gifts in the exercise of the Christian apostolate to build up the whole Body, the Church in
charity. Help us to use them in the Church and in the world for the good of human beings. Fill every void, uncertainties,
pain and sorrows created by the pandemic in our life with Your all-pervading love. Prompt us in our endeavour to build
the community at St. Augustine in unity, peace, joy and freedom. Amen.
- Prayer for Ukraine: Daily recite three Hail Mary's at 6.30pm, thus interceding with mother Mary
for the people of Ukraine.
- RECEIVING COMMUNION Please consume the Body of Christ in front of the Priest or Minister of
Communion NOT in your seat.
- "BUY A TILE" You may remember the leaks that occurred in the Winter through the old parts
of our roof. Over the years we have had a number of repairs carried out but now it really needs to be renewed at a cost
of at least £13,500 for which we unfortunately do not have sufficient funds. We are lucky to have received some
donations and further donations would be welcome. However we would also like parishioners to consider "buying a
tile". The suggested price of these is £10 each. If would like to participate, please send your donation to
the Parish bank account (sort code 40-13-22 account number 91082884) reference "buy a tile" or put your
donation in an envelope marked "buy a tile" into the collection baskets or through the Presbytery's
letterbox. Please remember to also add your Gift Aid number so the parish can reclaim the Gift Aid. Many thanks for your
generosity and support.
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ADVENTURE IN FAITH FOR 17-27 YEAR OLDS - journey towards World Youth Day, Porto and Lisbon, July 26th - August
9th 2023. An amazing opportunity for anyone who will be aged 17 - 27 in August 2023. See https://bcys.net/events/wyd23/. Click here to Email to
express your interest. Only 40 places.
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022/2023
As you can appreciate forward planning is essential for the First Holy Communion Programme. I enclose herewith our
annual guidelines for this Sacramental Programme commencing in the autumn.
- That you are a practicing Catholic (attending Mass on a weekly basis)
- That your child has been attending the Springfield Parish for at least the past year.
- That your child is eligible (8 years of age by 31st August 2023)
- If you have been attending another parish, that you obtain a letter of reference from the Parish Priest.
- This is a serious commitment by parents and children. If these guidelines have been observed, please arrange for
an interview with Father Jijo and pick up an enrolment form from him. Fr. Jijo has a surgery every Thursday from
5.30pm to 6.30pm. Please return all forms by the 22nd July 2022. These are the general guidelines
adopted by parishes in our Diocese. If you have any problems please discuss them with Father Jijo. Thank you
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GAP YEAR VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AT WALSINGHAM HOUSE 2022/23 - 4 places available. A tremendous
opportunity for any young adult (aged 18-22) committed to discovering more about their Catholic faith, and living that
faith in an environment of community, service to young people, retreat leadership, energy and joy. The year offers
practical and social skills, and is often a pathway to chaplaincy, teaching, or further avenues of Youth Ministry
within the Church. Info at: https://bcys.net/applications-for-the-walsingham-house-team-2022-23-now-open/.
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SHARING THE CHURCH'S STORY CONFERENCE aims to bring people together for an experience of profound
personal renewal and to be equipped for mission. With world-class speakers, including Bishop Robert Barron, panels, and
moments of powerful prayer and worship, we are excited for what God will do through this event. The Conference takes
place on Saturday 17th September in London, to find out more about this important conference and to book go to www.sharingthechurchsstory.com.
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BCYS YOUTH MASS 7 JULY at Brentwood Cathedral - join us for Pizza in the Parish Hall at 6pm, followed
by a Music Workshop in the Cathedral. Mass will begin in the Cathedral at 7:30pm, celebrated by Fr Damien Wade. See
full info at www.bcys.net/events.
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GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY FROM SEPT 2022 at Walsingham House for 18-22 year olds. Details on www.bcys.net.
- 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.
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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 contact Antoinette
click here to Email.
Please remember to pray for:
Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Monday: Fr Patrick Curran
Tuesday: Fr Patrick Carthy
Wednesday: Canon Thomas Barrett
Friday: Fr Peter Brady
Saturday: Canon Francis Gilbert
Sunday: Fr Walter Walsh
