Home Newsletters 2007 Newsletters 15 April 2007

15 April 2007

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) 15^th APRIL 2007

LETTER FROM FR GERALDO, Parish Priest of Blaauwbosch,

“Thank you and your parishioners, very much for your generous support. You really are making a big difference to us, especially in helping to run The Project in our parish.

We are presently providing:

• Food for the children

• Payment of school fees

• Formation of Catechists

• Formation of young people

• Food parcels for the poor

We have now stopped supporting people with funeral expenses, though sometimes we do help with special cases. We now see it as being much more important to provide food for the living”.

Next weekend we will have a retiring collection after all Masses to assist our twin Parish, at the Sacred Heart Church at Blaauwbosch, in Dundee Diocese in South Africa.

SECOND (Divine Mercy) SUNDAY IN EASTER (C) 15^th April 2007

My dear People,

Jesus said: “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain they are retained” (John 20:19-31). Today many people do not believe there is such a thing as sin, but we need to recognise and repent of our sins so that God can forgive us. Christ came into the world to save people from sin and death, and bring us into right relationship with God. He calls people to turn away from sin and believe in the Good News of God’s mercy and forgiveness for all who repent. Today, designated by Pope John Paul II as Divine Mercy Sunday, shows Jesus giving the apostles and their successors power to forgive or retain sins. Whilst it is wonderful consolation to have one’s sins forgiven, it is a dreadful handicap to be spiritually blind to our sins and our need for forgiveness from God. Jesus speaks in The Beatitudes of blessings, for those who know their need of God’s mercy and forgiveness; “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt.5:1).

In Catholic tradition, it is essential for us to confess and receive forgiveness from God for our sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and receive Holy Communion between Ash Wednesday and Holy Trinity Sunday. This reflects the process of reconciliation presented to us by Jesus in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The son, who returned home to his father, confessed that he had sinned against God and against his people. He expressed his sorrow and unworthiness and his father embraced him in love and forgiveness. The father then celebrated and sealed his return to family life and good relationship with a meal. We could see that as a model for us to confess and repent of our sins, to receive forgiveness from God, and then enter into Holy Communion with Christ our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

Pope John Paul told us that Jesus appeals for and gives the mercy of God to people, in his crucifixion and resurrection. He makes reparation for people’s sins, springing from the supreme love of the Father for mankind. The divine dimension of redemption is put into effect not only by bringing justice to bear upon sin, but by restoring to love that creative power in mankind, so that once more we have access to the fullnness of life and holiness, which comes to us as a gift from God (Dives Misericordia – Rich in Mercy).

I thank you for your greetings and very generous Easter offerings. I wish you and your families continued blessings and joy in this Easter season. Fr John

CHILDREN’S STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Stations of the Cross by the children at St Peter’s School are on display in the Church. We congratulate them on their lovely work.

WE PRAY FOR OUR SICK AT HOME & IN HOSPITALS:

Frances Bundock, Linda O’Boyle, Ann Talbot, Sally Goodman, Sarah Stewart, Bridget Stevens, Stephanie Dore, Barbara Flynn, Julia Buckley, Isabel Jasinska, Jean Fernando, Helen Butler, John Spink, Jim, Joan & Diane Bowen, Jimmy Perkins, George Perry, Philip Parks, Jill Field Theresa Bolton, Simon De Freitas, Vera Gilbertson, Patricia Nicholson, Pauline Wallace, Sheila Mortner, Lilian Cox, Ruth Gillespie, Louise & Denzil Reeves, Maureen Travers, Rose Walmsley, Julie Bouchel, Julie Halstead, Beryl Barclay, Maureen Tall, Richard Norton, Marie Norton, Dorothy Robertson, Betty Page, Debbie Dowds, Margaret Sefton, Anne Cannon, Nora Sheridan, Jackie Dodd, Ron Morton, John Andrews, Calixto Velez, Daniel Guppy, George Deverill, Lyle Wheeler, Kirsti Dennett, Joanne Hayes, Fr Brian O’Higgins, Bishop Michael Rowland, children Luke Boy, Thomas Durell and Daisy Locker.

May the healing power of the Holy Spirit come down upon them.

WE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED RELATIVES & PARISHIONERS:

MRS MARIE GAMBLE RIP, who died on Good Friday the 6^th April at Basildon Hospital. Her body will be received into our Church on Tuesday, 17^th April at 5pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 18^th April at 2 pm, and will be followed by committal at Chelmsford Crematorium.

MR JOHN DUNN RIP, father of Mrs Pat Griffiths, who died on 9^th April in Basildon Hospital. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Therese’s Church, Florence Way, Laindon, at 12.30am on Friday 20^th of April and will be followed by burial at Stanford-le-Hope Cemetery.

REVEREND DEACON GEOFFREY PIPER RIP of Romford Parish died on Holy Saturday, the 7^th April. His body will be received into St Edward’s Church, Romford on Wednesday 18th April at 5 pm and Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 19th April at 10.30 a.m.  

Anniversaries: Bob Candler, Ann Perry and Evelyn Wynn.

May they rest in peace and rise in glory. and may the Holy Spirit, the

Comforter, console their bereaved families and friends at this time.

OUR CHURCH’S WAR MEMORIAL commemorates Catholic men of our parish who died in the First World War. A parishioner has offered to provide a memorial to men of our parish who died in the Second World War. Since, we do not have a record of their names, we need any names anyone can provide in this regard. If you can help, please contact the Priest’s House.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) 15th April 2007
12.30pm		Baptism: Patrick Harvey
MONDAY	Mustard Seeds Yoga Club 10 am (Small Hall)
	Brownies 6 pm Guides 7.30 pm
TUESDAY	Reception Mrs Marie Gamble’s body into Church 5pm
	Brownies 6 pm
	SVP 9 pm (Lounge)
WEDNESDAY	Requiem Mass for Mrs Marie Gamble 2 pm
	Life in the Spirit Prayer Group 8pm (Room 2)
THURSDAY	Church Cleaners 9.45 am
	Padre Pio Prayer Group 11 am (Lounge)
	Youth SVP 5 pm (Lounge)
	Mustard Seeds Yoga Club 6 - 9.30 pm (Small Hall)
	Justice & Peace 8pm (Room 3)
	Choir Practice: 7pm: 11am choir 8pm: 9am choir
FRIDAY	Mothers’ Prayer Group 9.45 am (Room 2)
	Wedding of Paul Lewis & Clare Kingsley 12.30pm
SATURDAY	First Holy Communion preparation 9.20am
	Sacrament of Penance 5.00 – 5.30pm None in the morning
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) 22nd April 2007
12.30	Baptism: Lois Jean Bennett
	Confirmation preparation 2.30 – 4.45 pm (Room 3)

EASTER PARISH NEWS

All Catholic homes should have received our Parish News at Easter and a copy of our new Parish Directory with details of Parish organisations etc. If you have not received your copy, please contact the Parish Office on 01277-624891 so that we can check our parish database. If you have not registered your present address in the parish or moved recently, please complete a Parish Registration form. These forms are in the Church porch.

MY DAY BY DAY A booklet with the Daily Scripture readings in the porch.

BIBLE ALIVE a reflection on the Scripture readings used at daily Mass.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

SPIRITUAL:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Would ministers please ensure that they discard any old rotas so that only those names of Ministers on the current list are contacted.

TALKS ON THE CATHOLIC FAITH We invite people who are interested in finding out about our faith, becoming Catholic or returning to the practice of their faith to a series of talks on Monday evenings. If you are interested contact Fr John

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES Monday 23^rd – Saturday 28^th July 2007, led by Bishop Thomas. Travel by air from Stansted. Full board from £530 (travelling by train – cost £480). For details from the Pilgrimage Administrator, Mrs Cathy O’Connor on 01206 501146.

DIOCESAN YOUTH MASS The Youth Mass will resume on the first Wednesday of each month as usual, starting on Wednesday 2^nd May at 8pm in the Cathedral House Conference Room.  All welcome - full details on www.bcys.net

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 13^th - 19^th May. Volunteers are needed to deliver or collect envelopes. Please contact Susan Phillips on 01277 651863.

CHRISTIAN AID SPONSORED WALK takes place on Saturday 12^th May. There are two walks to choose from, the Church Link walk of approximately 9 miles or a shorter ramble of about 4 miles. If you would like to take part please contact Phil Hammond on 01277 622793.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE STUDY DAY at Chigwell Convent on Thursday the 17^th May 10 am – 3.30 pm. Full details on Church notice board.

’SINGLE FOR LIFE’ A presentation by Ms Rosamund Connor for young adults aged 18-38 considering their calling in life. In the Hinsley Room (half way down

Morpeth Terrace, at Westminster Cathedral) on Friday 27th April at 7.30pm.

For details call 01277 373848 or visit www.vocationsgroup.org.uk

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS will be on Sunday 29^th April. We pray for those already in the priesthood and consecrated life in the Catholic Church and all who will be called by God to these wonderful vocations.

MEETINGS, SOCIAL & OTHER MATTERS

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL AGM will be held on Monday 14^th May in the Small Hall.  Nominations are requested for two parishioners who will serve as “Elected Members” on the Parish Pastoral Council. This position requires attendance at Council meetings, which are held every two months.  Nominations can be either sent via email office@mostholyredeemer.org.uk  to the Parish Office or addressed “Parish Pastoral Council Nomination” and posted though the Presbytery letter box.  If more than two people are nominated then there will be an election held at all Masses on the weekend of 28^th/29^th April.

FLOWER LADIES Coffee Morning Thursday 19^th April at 65 Chestnut Avenue at 10 am – Telephone 652573. Please let me know the dates you are unavailable if you are not able to attend the coffee morning. New members are very welcome. Teresa Hinder.

CAFOD need more “Speakers”. If you have a talent for speaking and would like to help CAFOD raise awareness about issues affecting millions of people in the developing world, we need you! We don’t expect you to know everything about CAFOD already as you will have an opportunity to attend an “Understanding CAFOD” day followed by a training day to help you know your audience. Understanding CAFOD days are being held on Saturday 28th April and Friday 11th May in our Brixton office. For details contact Jackie, Joanna or Denise on 020 8502 9722 or email: brentwood@cafod.org.uk

JUSTICE & PEACE group will meet this Thursday 19^th April in Room 3 of the Pastoral Centre at 8pm.

THE LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF THE MARILLAC will be holding their first BOOT SALE for 2007 in the grounds at the Marillac hospital, Eagle Way, Brentwood on Saturday 21^st April from 7am. Car £8, Commerical £10. Please note no cars on the field before 7am. Free parking in Ford’s car park. Your support is greatly appreciated

THE CREIGHTON METHOD OF FAMILY PLANNING A presentation will be given at the Parish Pastoral Centre on Saturday 28^th April from 10.15am until 12 noon, by Nicole Parker, a Fertility Awareness Practitioner. If you would like to use a holistic system that works naturally, or if you are planning a family, come along. All welcome.  Refreshments provided. Places cost £5.  Contact Susan on 01277 889279 or go to www.mostholyredeemer.org.uk  and click on the Events &Talks.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

SATURDAY	6.00 pm		Charles Sproul RIP (Catenians)
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) Divine Mercy Sunday
15th April 2007		9.00 am	John Hasson RIP (Anniv)
	11.00 am		Intentions of the Padre Pio Group
	5.00 pm		The People of our Parish
MONDAY	9.15 am		Bernard Tayler RIP
TUESDAY	10.15 am		Joyce Cannon RIP (M’Clintock)
WEDNESDAY	2.00pm		Mrs Marie Gamble RIP Requiem Mass
THURSDAY	9.15 am		Mrs Ann Perry RIP (Anniv)
FRIDAY	9.15 am		Mrs. Elizabeth Cadman RIP (Truman)
SATURDAY Sacrament of Penance 11 to 11.45am & 5 to 5.30pm
	6.00 pm		Norman Pearce RIP (Anniv)
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (C)
15th April 2007		9.00 am	Arthur Sparke RIP (Anniv)
		11.00 am	The People of our Parish
		5.00 pm	Intentions of Patrick Nally (Fisher)

MASS ATTENDANCE on Easter Sunday 8^th April 2007 (previous week)

Total 901 (796): 8pm Mass 100 (151), 9am Mass 350 (248),

11am Mass 365 (254), 5pm Mass 86 (143).

ADORATION & EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

TUESDAY 9.30am to 10.15am & 10.45am to 11.15am

SATURDAY 11 – 11.45 am & 5 – 5.30 pm

PRAY FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI who will be eighty on Monday the 16^th of April. Thursday, the 19^th April, will be the second anniversary of his election as Pope and successor to St Peter as Bishop of Rome. We pray for the Holy Father during this week, that God may bless him with the wisdom and strength necessary to carry out the heavy burdens of his sacred office.