Home Newsletters 7th Feb 2010

7th Feb 2010

FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C 7^th FEBRUARY 2010

CAFOD HAITI APPEAL UPDATE

CAFOD’s sister agencies plan to work directly in 20 camps, but also distribute aid through its contacts with priests and religious groups working in 32 parishes. CAFOD’s Head of Humanitarian Aid Matthew Carter said:

"We have been talking and listening to staff on the ground who are responding swiftly using their country expertise and Church networks to ensure that vital aid gets through to those most in need.

This money will support the scale of humanitarian relief efforts, not just in Port au Prince but in areas outside of the capital like Leogane, where 80 per cent of buildings were damaged by the earthquake."

Despite all the logistical problems aid is reaching people and saving lives. CAFOD’s humanitarian team will also support our partners in developing longer term plans for the reconstruction needs of the Haitian people."

The people of Haiti ask that you continue to remember them in your prayers.

A cheque for £3,000 has been sent to CAFOD for the Haiti Appeal. We thank you for your tremendous generosity and donations for Haiti, which have been placed in the CAFOD box in the Church Porch.

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time C 7^th February 2010

Dear Friends,

“Put out into the deep and pay out your nets for a catch”(Luke 5:1-11). The words of Jesus to Peter, “Put out into the deep”, is the title of our Diocesan Vision document, copies of which are in the Church porch. They call us to trust Christ and have faith in his word. Many find it hard to have faith in God unless they can see, touch or hear. They want some personal experience to justify faith. Peter and the apostles had been fishing all night but caught nothing; for them there were no fish. They then trusted in Jesus and his word, and because of that faith they caught a huge haul of fish. Many people trust all sorts of people or things (even the internet which requires lots of trust), but they do not trust or have faith in God and his infallible word. Yet, lack of faith in God and his word is a problem, for it limits peoples’ vision and relationship with God and others. It can deprive people of what is best in life, security and love, and it closes down areas of life and relationships, where faith and trust are required to go forward with faith and openness to another.

The prophet Isaiah, like many very holy people who have been called by God, had a profound sense of his unworthiness and sinfulness. He considered, “I am in a wretched state. I am a lost, for I am a man of unclean lips living amongst a people of unclean lips”(Is.6:1-8). The Lord sent his angel to purify his lips, so that he would be made worthy to proclaim God’s word to the people. At Mass, the priest prays this prayer at the altar, before proclaiming the Gospel, and asking the Lord to “purify my heart and my lips so that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel”. We should not judge how God sees us, based on our own opinion or the opinion of others. Today’s scriptures encourage us, when we see God choosing people we might deem unsuitable, to speak his word to others. In the past, God spoke his word in and through sinful people; today he does the same to people who are similarly sinful. That is why it is important for us to listen to God’s call and his word, if we want to know his will and speak his word and show his love to others.

We thank all who organised and attended the Mass for Messengers last Tuesday, and all Messengers and Volunteers who deliver the Parish News and have extended invitations to our Parish Mission. This is a very important work in reaching out to others by keeping them in contact with the Church and sharing a little of God’s word with them.

May the Lord enable us to listen to and speak his Word with faith. Fr John

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

OFFERINGS We thank you for your very generous Offerings of £1630.81 last weekend, and £282.95 for the Haiti Appeal. Donations in the CAFOD Box will now revert to our parish project for CAFOD in Africa.

PRIESTS’ RETREAT This week the Brentwood Diocese Priests’ Retreat will be held at Chigwell Convent. I will be away on Retreat from Monday evening until Friday afternoon. I will very much remember you in prayer and particularly those in our parish, who are ill. Fr John

MISSION APPEAL This weekend we welcome Fr Paul Felix who will make an appeal for the Comboni (Verona) Fathers missions. Cheques are payable to Catholic Church Billericay and gift aid envelopes may be used.

CHILD PROTECTION & VULNERABLE ADULTS A reminder that anyone whose work in the parish brings them into contact with children or vulnerable adults must complete the CRB process if they have not already done so. Also would Group Leaders whose work falls into this category, please send a current list of volunteers to Liz Killeen e-mail liz.killeen@herbertsmith.com (Tel: 01277 633842) or alternatively send to office@mostholyredeemer.org.uk.

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.

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. Following Confirmation last year, some young people wanted to join the Youth SVP and continue these visits. We need adults to drive and chaperone young people on their visits. This would be a great service to young and retired parishioners. Please contact Fr. John on 624891 or Gail Childs on 650503 or email: gailchilds@hotmail.com.

CATHOLIC HANDICAPPED FELLOWSHIP Annual Mass with Bishop Thomas for all those with special needs at Brentwood Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday 14^th February.   Refreshments afterwards.  All welcome.

UNDERSTANDING PRIESTHOOD: Sharing in the Priesthood of Christ An Ecumenical Study Day will be given Fr John Farrell OP, Provincial of the English Dominicans and well-known theologian and speaker, on Saturday 20^th February at Brentwood Cathedral Hall. This study day will explain how the understanding of Christ as the Great High Priest underpins both the ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church and the priesthood of the faithful. It is designed to help Catholics and other Christians explore Catholic understanding of these issues. The event begins at 10.30 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.  Please book your place for this free event (sandwich lunch and refreshments provided) by e-mail to  cef@dioceseofbrentwood.org or telephone 01277 265289. 

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME from 15^th to 18^th of April 2010, led by Fr John Hayes from St Mary’s Parish, Hornchurch. Staying at Villa Palazzola, the English College’s summer residence. Anyone wishing to join this visit please call Siobhan Frecker from Parker Travel for details. Tel: 07932 634 589.

SHRINES OF NORTHERN FRANCE organised by St. Joseph’s Parish Hutton, led by Fr. Leslie. Also visiting Rouen and Chartres Cathedrals. October 11^th–16^th. £500. Please contact Michael Wild on 01277 222304.

A Day of inspiration for Catholics working with Young People Come and hear some of the finest speakers share knowledge about working with young people. Bob & Maggie McCarty from the Youth Ministry in the United States; Fr Timothy Radcliffe, well known Dominican author, Abbot Christopher Jamison (from BBC series, The Monastery), and Archbishop Vincent Nichols. February 27^th - London –details www.cymfed.org/congress.html Tickets £14.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

HALL KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT will take place 12^th – 19^th February. If you have any items in the cupboards please take them out, before the clear out and refurbishment begins. Any queries call Maria Dev on 01277 631805.

PRE-SCHOOL GARDEN If you are an enthusiastic gardener who could spare some time to help with the maintenance of the borders around the new garden on an occasional basis, please call Angela Mullen on 07980 411925.

ST. PETER’S SCHOOL This year it is 40years since our school was opened. We would be very grateful to receive memorabilia from parishioners who were part of the first intake. Please send items into the school office. This week the Key Stage 2 children took part in a Roadshow looking at ways in which we can be more active and which can lead to an increased feeling of well-being. The children thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the part where they had to get up and be active themselves! They also enjoyed a musical performance by the Ursuline students, including 2 past pupils, who came to school to play their musical instruments. It is hoped that this will ’sow the seeds of interest’ in our own pupils so that they are inspired to take up instruments and we hope reach the level of expertise these girls have attained. We thank the girls for their time and the wonderful enjoyment they brought to the school.

MHR 2010 CENTENARY NEWS

- A date to make an early note of in your diaries - Saturday 16th October - The Centenary Parish Ball at Crondon Park Golf Club.  Tickets for this unique event (which will be limited to 150 due to the size of the venue) will be on sale in May but please reserve this date now!

- Next Sunday (14^th) please remember to tune in to BBC Radio 2 at 8:30pm to listen tour own Parish Choir sing on the Sunday Half Hour programme.

- Members of the Parish Choir - please do not forget the Sunday Half Hour Social in the Large Hall next Sunday (14^th) starting at 7:45pm.

- MHR 2010 memorabilia are available in the Church Repository. There are some great gifts including Candles, Mugs, Key rings and Centenary post cards.

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

WE PRAY FOR OUR SICK AT HOME & IN HOSPITAL:

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

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

WE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED RELATIVES & PARISHIONERS:

MONSIGNOR DAVID DONNELLY RIP, who died on Wednesday 13th January, served in the parishes of Aveley, Hainault, Upminster, Witham, Brentwood and Frinton. He was a Vicar General and Chairman of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 26^th February at 12 noon in the Cathedral. May he rest in peace.

FATHER JACK CLIFFORD RIP, who died on Friday, 29^th January, was Parish Priest of St Mary & Erconwald, Ilford, and served for a time as St Basil’s in Basildon. His body will be received into St Mary & Erconwald’s Church, Ilford Lane, at 7pm on Wednesday 10^th February followed by Mass at 7.30 pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 11^th, February at 11am, followed by burial at St Patricks Cemetery Leytonstone.

BARRY PRITCHARD RIP, son of George & Julia Pritchard, who died on Sunday, 31 January in Spain. His Funeral was celebrated last Wednesday.

ANNIVERSARIES: Alivera White, Jan Pawlowski, Lisa Ann Sharpe, Thomas Delaney, Edna Etherington, Gisela Trinnaman, Joseph Aldorino. Clergy: Fr Alan Wilcox, Fr William Smith, Canon Bernard Manning,

Fr Charles Snell.

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

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 1 for 5^th week of year

MASS ATTENDANCE on 31^st January 2010 (previous week)

Total 849 (839): 6pm Mass 175 (173) 9am Mass 232 (192),

11am Mass 295 (286), 5pm Mass 147 (188).