NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C
7th August 2022
We are often so preoccupied and anxious about the things of this world that we forget about pursuing the treasure of the
next, "an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy". In working so hard, we fall
into another trap of pursuing every little entertainment and escapism to compensate such dedication. All the while, we
easily forget about our real purpose and the real relationship we ought to be fostering each day with God our Father who
loves us and "is pleased to give you the kingdom". What are the best excuses I use that prevent me from having a
deeper committed relationship with God? Do I give as much dedication, money, and time to loving God and serving my
neighbour as I do to pursuing entertainments?
Am I convinced God is genuinely "pleased to give you the kingdom", that he loves me and is interested in me?
Why don't I always want what God wants for me? What things and activities in my life are emptying me and distracting me
from developing a better relationship with Christ? To maintain a healthy spiritual life, we must often reassess our
attitudes and change our priorities so as to safeguard our hearts from being swindled and robbed of our true treasure,
which is God. Do my priorities and decisions reflect to those around me that Christ is the true love of my heart, my true
treasure?
Once upon a time, Satan called an end-of-the-fiscal-year meeting to go over the year's results. He was not
pleased, and he demanded to know what new strategies he could employ to guarantee success in moving men's hearts away
from their Creator. Sending men distractions in prayer and contemplation came just ahead of tempting men to greed and lust.
Infiltrating and corrupting the music industry increased the numbers. Developing the multibillion-dollar pornography
industry brought in great results. Yet, Satan was still not satisfied. Then one suggestion was brought to his attention:
"We must convince the men of earth that they have a lot of time!" We all tend to think we will continue in this
earthly life for many years to come. This may not be the case, for we know not the day or the hour. We must awake from our
slumber, for "blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival".
God bless you all.
Fr Jijo George
Notices:
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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.
- RECEIVING COMMUNION Please consume the Body of Christ in front of the Priest or Minister of
Communion NOT in your seat.
- LITTLE FREE PANTRY: On every first Sunday of the month (this weekend) there will be a collection of
food for the Little Free Pantry. If you are able to help, we would welcome donations of dry goods, tins, baby milk and
toiletries. We try to avoid anything in glass bottles/jars. We know that the Pantry is being well used and demand is
getting higher, so thank you for any help you are able to give.
- "BUY A TILE" Please consider buying a tile (or two! Suggested donation £10 each) to
help towards the £13,500 needed to meet the costs of essential repairs to the church roof. See full payment info on
website. Many thanks for your generosity and support.
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WALSINGHAM HOUSE GAP YEAR OPPORTUITIES Just finished A-levels or Uni? Aged 18-22? Interested in
working with young people? Join the Walsingham House Team 2022/23 for an amazing Gap Year opportunity starting
September 2022. You'll find information at https://bcys.net/applications-for-the-walsingham-house-team-2022-23-now-open/ or click
here to Email
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TRANSYLVANIA: RELIGION, HISTORY & CULTURE Fr Eduard Fartan from Holy Family in Benfleet is
organising a Pilgrimage to Transylvania from 18th - 25th October 2022. Cost will start be £850 for one place in a
double room, with an additional charge of £165 for single occupancy. Flights, half board at 3 and 4 star hotels,
travel in Romania and tour guides are included in the price. Click here to
Email for more info and expression of interest. Closing date for registration is the 20th August 2022.
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MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE: BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND: If you have suffered a divorce, separation
or the death of your partner, a residential weekend to help you to heal will be held from 14th to 16th October 2022 at
the Sion Community, Brentwood, Essex. If you would like more details, please ring Freda 01322-838415 or Maura
07795-498445 or click
here to Email.
- 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 Henry Tilley, Fr David Coghlan, Fr Verity
Thursday: Fr David Papworth
Sunday: Fr Stephen Keane