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17th January 2010

SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR C 17^th JANUARY 2010

MHR 2010 CENTENARY NEWS

This week’s Billericay Gazette included a special Centenary-focussed interview with Fr John and a lovely photograph of our young people at the recent Diocesan Youth Mass held in our Parish.

Congratulations to the Parish Choir on recording its final tracks for the Centenary CD on Thursday. There is still much production work to be done but it is envisaged that the CDs (that will also include a track recorded by St Peter’s) will be on sale from 24th April, priced only £5 each.

The cast list for the Parish production of The King & I is on the Church notice board and our website.

THE 2010 memorabilia are available from the Repository. Candles £10, Mugs £6 and Key rings £2.50, all tastefully decorated with our MHR 2010 logo

For information on MHR 2010 or offers of assistance with Centenary events, please contact the Parish Office on 01277 624891 or Mark Nuttall via mhr2010@mostholyredeemer.org.uk

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time C 17^th January 2010

Dear Friends,

“Do whatever he tells you” Mary, the Mother of Jesus, told the servants (John 2:1-12). Pope John Paul II in giving us the Mysteries of Light in the Rosary, included our Lord’s first miracle at wedding feast in Cana. St John’s Gospel tells us Jesus was at a wedding feast with his mother and disciples, and she noticed that they were about to run out of wine. To save the couple’s embarrassment, Mary brought their needs to Jesus with faith, believing he would provide for them. Then she said to those serving, “Do whatever he tells you”. In Mary, we have the perfect model of faith in Christ as Saviour. She turned to her Son and Lord with faith and hope, and advised others to listen to him and obey his word. She had confidence that God had chosen him and given him the power to change things for people and to save them in time of need.

In the Gospels, Jesus was constantly dealing with people in relationship and family situations. His first miracle was in the context of a wedding, and for a couple at the beginning of their married life. For them, at the request of his mother, he changed water into wine, the ordinary and life-giving into the extraordinary and celebratory. This Gospel, which is often read at Christian Weddings, tells us “Christ is present to a couple in their marriage and blesses and enriches their love”. In our age people do not always understand that marriage has a sacred dimension, which is the blessing of God, and the presence of Christ in Christian marriage.

Mary appeared as a Mother caring for the needs of her children, at the wedding in Cana. She is the Mother of the Church and a mother to all people and brings our needs to her son. Jesus was a Saviour to the couple in difficulty at the beginning of married life. Many couples go through difficulties in marriage, and just as Christ was present to them in making their marriage vows, he is also there as a Saviour for all who turn to him with faith and hope in time of need. But do we believe that by doing what he tells us, our situations will be blessed and changed?

We welcome Fr Tim Buckley this weekend, to prepare for our Parish Mission in March. Fr Tim will speak about the Mission at all Masses and there will be a meeting in the Hall, on Sunday evening at 6.15pm, so that parishioners can have an input to the Mission and raise issues which might be dealt with in the course of our Mission. We will have a special Mass and meeting for the Messengers on the 2^nd February.

May the Lord helps us grow strong in faith and love. Fr John

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

OFFERINGS We thank you for your very generous Offerings of £1384.77 last weekend, and £7.20 for our CAFOD Parish Project.

White Flower Appeal Thank you for your donations of £381.65. Without them it would be impossible for The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children to do all it does to defend the right to life of unborn children and vulnerable people whose lives are endangered by unjust laws and policies.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is most grateful for your generous support at our Annual Collection in December. Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Homelessness Sunday There is a retiring collection next weekend 23^rd/24^th January for Anchor House’s work for the homeless. Cheques are payable to “Catholic Church Billericay” and gift aid envelopes may be used.

SPIRITUAL LIFE & WORSHIP

TALKS ON THE CATHOLIC FAITH We invite anyone 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 at 8pm in the Pastoral Centre. If you are interested, please contact Fr John or see details in the porch.

MESSENGER MASS All messengers will be receiving an invitation to attend a special Mass for Messengers on Tuesday 2^nd February at 8pm. Please make a note of this date in your diary. We urgently need more messengers, particularly in the Noak Bridge area and also near Froden Brook and Selworthy Close. If you can help to deliver the Parish News 4 times a year, please telephone the Parish Office on 624891.

JUSTICE & PEACE Once a year at this time we send messages of goodwill and solidarity to people all over the world: prisoners of conscience, people under the sentence of death, human rights defenders under threat because of their work, and many others at risk.  This weekend, 16/17^th January members of our Parish J & P Group will be in the Church porch with greeting cards for people to sign and send messages. The cost of postage is required.

YOUTH MASS Thanks to everyone, both our young people and adult helpers, who made the Diocesan Youth Mass such a special occasion on Friday last. Despite cold weather, 60 people from our Parish and beyond attended the Mass in the Hall, celebrated by Fr Dominic Howarth, the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service Chaplain. Our young people were complimented by BCYS for their great talents and organisation of this special Centenary Mass. Photos from the Mass are on the website. Our next Parish Youth Mass will be on Sunday 21st March at 5pm as part of the Parish Mission. Details to follow.

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE in the Take & Read series (Repository £8). We are now reading St Luke’s Gospel on Sundays. This book gives prayers, reflections and a greater understanding of St Luke’s Gospel.

BRES Annual Spirituality Morning, Saturday 30^th January 9.30 –12 noon at Cathedral House Brentwood. Theme: “Keeping our compass right”. In St Luke’s Gospel we have the central teaching of loving God and neighbour illustrated by the ‘Good Samaritan’ and ‘Martha and Mary’. Fr Christopher O’Donnell O.Carm. will tease out the implications of these in our retreat morning. Cost: £5  Booking on 01277 265285 and details on the noticeboard.

OASIS OF PEACE (MEDJUGORJE) DAY on Saturday January 30th at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Church Hill, Epping, from 10.30 am to 4 pm. Led by Canon Seamus Keenan.  Details on the noticeboard.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BILLERICAY UNITED SERVICE Sunday 17^th January at 6.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. The preacher will be the Revd Alasdair Macleod from the Baptist Church. For parking, Waitrose Car Park be used without restriction after 5.00pm.

ST. PETER’S SCHOOL This week has been full of many exciting activities for the children. Key Stage 2 children were treated to a performance of a play, which taught them many maths concepts in an exciting and memorable manner. On Friday pupils from St. John Payne School came in with their delightful Roadshow. Through song, dance and drama the children explored their faith and the wonder of God. Elsewhere in school the children are beginning the new R.E. theme for this term which is “Journeys”.  They are also researching the history of the Most Holy Redeemer parish as we enjoy its centenary year. 

YOGA & RELAXATION CLASSES resume on 18^th January. A brand new beginners class starts on Thursday, 21^st January from 10.30 – 11.30 am. Please come and join us. Any enquiries please telephone Mhairi on 654124.

YOUTH SVP Recruits & Adult Helpers needed. Over a year ago our Youth St. Vincent de Paul Group stopped meeting and visiting senior and housebound parishioners in their homes. We thank the adults who helped young people meet and make visits after school on Thursday evenings. Following last year’s Confirmation some young people expressed a wish to join the Youth SVP and continue these visits. We would like to hear from adults who could drive and chaperone young people on visits. This would be a real service to young, and retired parishioners. Please contact Fr. John on 01277 624891 or Gail Childs on 01277 650503 or email: gailchilds@hotmail.com.

BROWNIES Please note that there are no places anticipated in either Brownie Pack until Easter. Parents can put their daughter’s name on the list at any point, but in order to start at age 7, they need to be on the list before they are 5. Contact Jacki Butcher on 07970 401108 or jacki_butcher@hotmail.com

FRIENDS OF CHAUVIGNY Quiz Sat January 23rd 7.30-10.30pm in the Hall. Contact: Patricia 625448 or email: patriciaclark37@talktalk.net

“PINKFIZZ” CHARITY BALL in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and in memory of Joanne Hayes on Saturday 20^th February, at Crondon Park in Stock. Tickets £45 per person, include a drinks reception, 3 course meal, half bottle of wine, coffee & mints, auction & raffle, DJ & dancing! Mention it to friends, as tables are for up to 10 people. Contact Becky Mann on 07871 664998 for tickets, or email pinkfizzball@googlemail.com. If you are unable to attend, but could give a raffle prize or donation, we would be delighted to hear from you!

WE PRAY FOR OUR SICK AT HOME & IN HOSPITAL:

Ian Glen, Peter Bion, Michael Cannon, Tony Foley, Irene Yarrow, Maura Stone, Pam De Keyser, Sarah Stewart, Nick Hogg, Denzil Reeves, Michael Glavin, Jill Field, Jim Sullivan, Emil Lanier, David Sheridan, Barbara Flynn, Patricia Nicholson, Jean Fernando, Bryce Smith, Pauline Wallace, Maureen Phillips, Aileen Fleetwood, Jean French, Maureen Tall, Ken Brook, Brian Mardle, Tony Wilkinson, Jessie Routledge, Marie Bristow & Regina Barnes, Dorothy Robertson, Jim & Diane Bowen, Maureen Travers, Kirsti Dennett, Julie Halstead, Marlene Hawkins, Isabel Jasinska, Isabella Butler, Elizabeth Smith, Mary Shane, Clare Donlon, Rose Walmsley, Debbie Dowds, Ruth Gillespie, Lilian Cox, Beryl Barclay, Elsie Jackson, Margaret Sefton, Gertie Walsh, Julie Bouchel, Nora Sheridan, Mary Keilthy, Mavis Reed, Anne Cannon, Pierce & Marie Norton, Jamie Taylor, Tommy Campbell, Bridget Stevens, Michael Pierce, Lyle Wheeler, Anthony Aitkin, Erroll Newman, Francis Monk, Philip Parks. Clergy: Fr Conrad Smith, Bishop Michael Rowland, Revd Warner Pidgeon, Mgr Chris Brooks, Children: Helen Slattery, Savannah & Cayde Lewis, Daisy Locker, Annie Boon and Grace.

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

WE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED RELATIVES & PARISHIONERS:

MICHAEL ENRIGHT RIP, husband of Mavis, who died at home on Wednesday, 6^th January. His body will be received into our Church on Thursday, 28^th January. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, 29^th January, followed by burial at Great Burstead Cemetery. We offer our sympathy and prayers to his family. May he rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES: May Glen, Bridget Lydon, Molly Chambers, Gerry O’Shaughnessy, Jeannie Vincent. Clergy: Bishop Bernard Ward (first Bishop of Brentwood), Bishop Arthur Doubleday (second Bishop of Brentwood), Fr Kenneth Green, Canon Charles Kuypers and Fr Christopher Quirke.

May they rest in peace and rise in glory, and may the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, console their bereaved families and friends.

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HAITI APPEAL The terrible earthquake which has afflicted the people of Haiti, has shocked people throughout the world. Donations for the Haiti Disaster Appeal can be placed in the CAFOD box in our Church porch, over the next three weeks. Parishioners, who are taxpayers, can use their Gift Aid envelopes for donations to this appeal for Haiti. Cheques are payable to CATHOLIC CHURCH BILLERICAY.

THE ALPHA COURSE meetings take place weekly at Emmanuel Church. Full details on our Church notice board.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

ADORATION & EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

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

SATURDAY 11 – 12 noon & 5 – 5.30 pm

PSALMS IN THE DIVINE OFFICE are from Week 2 for 2^nd week of year

MASS ATTENDANCE on 10^th January 2010 (previous week)

Total 658 (750): 6pm Mass 86 (164) 9am Mass 176 (184),

11am Mass 291 (281), 5pm Mass 105 (121).

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Children who were not presented with their Bibles last weekend, please collect them from the sacristy.