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14th Feb 2010

SIXTH SUNDAY OF YEAR C 14^th FEBRUARY 2010

LENT

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT will be held in Church on the Fridays of Lent from 9.15 am to 10.15 am and from 10.45 am to 12 noon, as well as the usual times on Tuesdays and Saturdays. We need to have someone present in the Church during these times. Please put your name on the rota in Church if you can offer half an hour on Friday. Mass will be celebrated at 10.15 am and at 7.30pm with Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of Lent. Stations of the Cross & Mass on Fridays at 7.30 pm.

THE RITE OF ELECTION for adults going forward to Baptism, Reception into the Church, or Holy Communion and Confirmation will be celebrated at Brentwood Cathedral next Sunday at 3.00pm. This year Kelly Brown, Hayley and Mark Dear, Josephine Saunders and Nicola Walker will be presented to Bishop Thomas, with candidates from other parishes in our Diocese. May the Lord bless them and all who are on their faith journey.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY is 26^th February. This year is the 50th anniversary of Lent Fast Day and we’re asking you to give it up! Most of us usually give up something for Lent like biscuits, wine, etc. on a Friday. This year why not create some amazing changes for people who live in the developing world by giving the money saved to CAFOD? This money, for example, could go towards a bicycle to help a health volunteer take food to orphaned children. You can read more about the impact our Lenten sacrifices could have in the CAFOD Fast Day leaflets that will be distributed next weekend with the envelopes for your offerings. If you would like to know more about the history of Fast Day, pick up one of the leaflets - "50 years of giving at Lent". See posters on the CAFOD Notice Board or visit: http://www.cafod.org.uk/get-involved/give-it-up

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time C 7^th February 2010

Dear Friends,

“Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked…. whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who ponders his law day and night” (Ps.1). This first psalm calls people to follow God and trust in him by listening to and responding to his word, and it contains a promise of happiness and blessings for those who choose to live close to him. The Prophet Jeremiah reflects and repeats the sentiments of Psalm 1 that there will be a “blessing for the man who puts his trust in the Lord. He is like a tree that thrusts its roots in the waters” (17:5-8). These blessings or happiness that come to people are spelled out in St. Luke’s account of the Beatitudes (6:17-26) in which Christ promises that God will always be close to those who are in some suffering, pain or impoverishment. In that sense, we can see that they are the people who share most closely with Christ his life’s journey on earth.

Christ made many journeys during his life, but in the course of the forty days of Lent, which we start this week on Ash Wednesday. We remember and go with him into the desert; to the mountain of transfiguration; on his entry to Jerusalem, and on the Way of the Cross. He was led into the desert by the Spirit after his Baptism, where he was alone for forty days, and was tempted by the devil when he was weak and hungry. He calls us to accompany him for the forty days of Lent by leaving aside some of our preoccupations and busyness so as to draw close to him in prayer. He calls us to draw near to God with him by going up to the mountain of transfiguration with him and his disciples, where our circumstances and situations will be changed by praying with him in the presence of God. He invites us to go with him in triumph to the Holy City, Jerusalem, and proclaim him the Messiah and Saviour of God’s people, and lay down our lives before him in humility and love. He calls us to walk and stumble with him on the Way of the Cross, so that we may share in his triumph over suffering and death and come to the glory of his resurrection.

In Lent there are many opportunities in our Parish and Church to draw closer to God. I hope you will make special efforts to attend Mass not only on Sundays but if possible on a weekday. There are the times of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings. We can also nourish our life with a little spiritual reading each day, and there is an excellent choice of booklets in the Church porch for that purpose. A key part of Lent in the Parish this year will be our two-week Mission. Finally, the Church calls us to pray in Lent for the good of our souls, to fast for the good of our bodies and give alms for the good of those in need.

May we listen and respond to Christ’s call during Lent. Father John

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, George & Julia Pritchard, Denzil Reeves, Michael Glavin, Jim Sullivan, Maureen Tall, David Sheridan, Dorothy Robertson, Bridget Edwards, Patricia Nicholson, Barbara Flynn, Jean Fernando, Pauline Wallace, Aileen Fleetwood, Jessie Routledge, Isabel Jasinska, Maureen Phillips, Kirsti Dennett, Marie Bristow & Regina Barnes, Maureen Travers, Jim & Diane Bowen, Jean French, Elizabeth Smith, Marlene Hawkins, Debbie Dowds, Julie Halstead, Isabella Butler, Lilian Cox, 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, Michael Pierce, Bryce Smith, Jamie Taylor, Tony Wilkinson, Philip Parks, Tommy Campbell, Francis Monk, Lyle Wheeler, Erroll Newman. Clergy: Bishop Michael Rowland, Fr David Papworth, Fr Dick Ashton, Fr Conrad Smith, Mgr Chris Brooks, Revd Warner Pidgeon. Children: Helen Slattery, Daisy Locker, Savannah & Cayde Lewis, Annie Boon 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. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 26^th February at 12 noon in the Cathedral. May he rest in peace.

MRS ROSE WALMSLEY RIP, who died on Wednesday, 10^th February, in Basildon Hospital. Her body will be received into our Church at 4.30pm on Monday, 22^nd February. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 23^rd, at 10.30 am, followed by committal at Chelmsford Crematorium. May she rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES: Siobhan Phillips, Patrick Jordan, Johanna Lidlow, Walter Pinnington, Frank Finnigan, Tommy Mains, , Charles Hand and Iset Harper. Clergy: Frs. John Joyce, Thomas O’Connor, & Archibald O’Brien

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

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

OFFERINGS We thank you for your very generous Offerings of £1593.76 last weekend, and £1146.23 for the Comboni Missionaries.

THE 100 CLUB DRAW was won by Mr. D. Mullen who received a cheque for £100 and a further £100 has been donated to “Children of the Andes”, a charity that cares for handicapped and vulnerable children in Colombia, some of whom have been abandoned. This Centenary Year would be a very apt time to join the 100 Club. Phone Joan Keane for details – 01277 651773.

PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP will not meet on Thursday, 18^th February.

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.

STUDENTS FROM CHAUVIGNY Accommodation is needed either separately or together for two young men from Chauvigny, who are students at the Agricultural College in the town and will be undertaking work experience at Stockbrook Country Club from 24 April to 22^nd of May this year. Payment is arranged through the Agricultural College and arrangements about meals are flexible. If you can help, please contact Patricia or David Clark on 01277 625448 or patriciaclark37@talktalk.net.

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.

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.

THE FORGOTTEN FAITHFUL: The Arab Church in Palestine. A CTB presentation at The United Reformed Church on Wednesday 10^th March at 7.45pm. See Ecumenical notice board in Church porch for details.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

HELP NEEDED We are in need of volunteers to help serve breakfast after the Mission Masses every weekday from Monday 22^nd March to Friday 26^th March.  The Masses are at 7am and a light breakfast of bacon rolls, toast, etc. needs to be prepared for after Mass at 7.30am.  The majority of our refreshments team are mums with young children who will busy on the school run in the morning, so are unable to help. This would be a wonderful opportunity for you to support the Parish and the Mission in our Centenary year by feeding the hungry! Any offers would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Alison Golder on 654385 / 07501455439 / arg.cardoness@gmail.com.

HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Meeting on Thursday 25th February at 8pm in Room 3 of the Pastoral Centre. Everyone welcome.

ESSEX RECUSANT SOCIETY will visit to St. Patrick’s Church, Soho on Saturday 20^th February - meet outside at 2pm. This is an opportunity to see the Church before it closes for restoration work. Fr. Alexander Sherbrooke will show vestments and items of interest not usually on view to the public.

PE TEACHER required by The Ursuline Preparatory School in Warley. See notice board for details or telephone 01277 227152.

MHR 2010 CENTENARY NEWS

- Tonight (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. A running order of the programme can be found on the BBC 2 website via www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qs4b7

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

- 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!

- 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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

ADORATION & EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

TUESDAY & FRIDAY 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 6^th week of year

and Week 4 from Ash Wednesday.

MASS ATTENDANCE on 7^th February 2010 (previous week)

Total 865 (849): 6pm Mass 178 (173) 9am Mass 245 (232),

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

BOOKLETS FOR LENT ON SALE IN THE CHURCH PORCH

Bible Alive which gives daily Gospel reflections for Lent, price £1.95

Walk with Me – A Lenten Journey of Prayer, price £1

My Day by Day which gives daily Bible texts for Lent, price £1