ST. JAMES
THE LESS AND ST. HELEN

CATHOLIC CHURCH, Colchester

with

Mersea, Mile End and Monkwick

Fr
Joseph Whisstock

Fr
Brett
Adams

Fr
Philip Willenbrock

51 Priory
Street , Colchester, Essex,
CO1 2QB

Tel:
01206 866317;   Fax  01206 791213

E-Mail      [email-masked]

www.stjamesthelessandsthelen.org

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE
YEAR  [B]

February 8th 2009 A.D.

Dear
Friends

Preaching is very much at the heart of the New
Testament readings that we hear today.
Jesus sums up his whole mission by explaining that he came to preach.  However, we would be mistaken if we
thought Jesus’ preaching was like a sermon delivered from a pulpit. We
know that the Gospels are not merely records of what Jesus said; they also
include what he did, who he was and is, and what he was and is about.  In the same way, Jesus’
preaching doesn’t just mean what he said: it too embraces everything he
did.  He doesn’t explain
Job’s suffering to him, or remove it, but
Jesus’ words and actions offer a way through it; he heals Simon
Peter’s mother-in-law.  By
physically reaching out to the suffering and rejected, Jesus preached a
powerful message about caring and valuing people who are less able and more
vulnerable than most.  Paul speaks
of the great responsibility of being able to offer people the Good News.  Although he had his own difficulties
and weaknesses, he was so convinced of the truth of Christ’s message
that he dedicated his whole life to preaching it.  And for this he wanted no reward: it
was enough to be able to freely and simply tell people of the marvellous wonders of Jesus Christ. Paul did this by
meeting people where they were, speaking as openly and widely as he could,
being all things to all people for a chance to share the blessings of the
Gospel.

As Christians, we too share that same responsibility.  Many of us don’t think of
ourselves as preachers, but perhaps we should.  In whatever way, no matter how small,
let’s be encouraged to continue trying to witness in our lives to the
faith we speak with our lips.
When we do this we are preaching, giving testimony with our whole life
to the fact that the gospel can be lived and shared with integrity.
God bless

EVENTS THIS WEEK  [Check for any changes]

Monday 9th            7:30pm       Baptism
Course [2 of 2-see below] Crypt

“
“
7:30pm       Mercy
Associates Meeting [see below]

Wednesday 11th     6:45pm
Scripture
Course                              Crypt

“
11th-17th
[Second WRAP Session – see below]
Hall

Thursday 12th        7:30pm       RCIA
Session
Presbytery

“
“
7:45 for 8pm   UCM Meeting [see below]
Crypt

HOMELESS
SUNDAY:  As detailed in last week’s
Newsletter, a second collection will be taken up today to support Anchor
House, the Diocesan Centre for the Homeless in Canning Town.    Thank you.                 Fr
Joseph

BAPTISM COURSE:   The second session of the
current Course takes place tomorrow, Monday, 9th February at 7:30pm in the Crypt. This Course
was for all those wishing to have a child [of up to the age of 6years] baptised
before June. Anyone who wishes a child of 7 and above baptised, then please
make yourself known to one of the priests after Sunday Mass.

RECENTLY
DECEASED:  Please pray for the repose of the soul
of Carol Bennett and Irene Breen who have recently died.  May they rest in peace.

MERCY
ASSOCIATES meet next on Monday 9 February at 7.30pm at Christ Church Court (tel.763049).

NIGHTSHELTER - Winter Reserve Accommodation Project
(WRAP). Our turn comes round again from the 11th to
the 17th February inclusive. The last few days fall in the half-term holiday.
If you work in education, or if you are taking time off during half-term,
this is your chance to help. We still need more volunteers. For information
telephone Mike and Anne Sheehan on 01206 854934 or 07717 414554.

UCM MEETING:
The next meeting of the
Union of Catholic Mothers  takes
place on Thursday, 12th February,  in the Crypt 7:45pm for 8pm.

ANNIVERSARY
RUN FOR A CHILD: As
Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society  celebrates 25 years of serving
children in our Diocese we are looking for individuals to represent the
parish and take part in ‘ Run for a Child’.  This is
a 5K run taking place on Saturday 28th February at
11.00am , Westley
Heights Country
Park, Basildon, with the support of Pitsea Running Club.  All runners MUST pre-register
for the event and  under 16 must be accompanied
by and adult.  Do something amazing and help us continue our work for
the next 25 years – register today. Contact Claire on 01268
784544 [email-masked]

YOUTH NEWS:  Young Adult trip to the Holy Land -
final chance to book by this
Thursday.  In October the Youth Service are running a trip which

includes four nights in Bethlehem, and three nights by Lake Galilee.
It will

offer great insights into the places
where Jesus walked and prayed. The trip is open to anyone aged 17 to
young adult. Deposits and forms are required no later than 12th
February - full details are at www.bcys.net/holyland
or call 01277 265286.

Fr
Stan Fortuna is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal based in the Bronx, New York. He is an
internationally renowned speaker to young people: his style includes a mix of
rap and song, and there is a rare opportunity to hear him speak in our
Diocese on SUNDAY MARCH 15th from 4.30pm.
Open to all aged 15+. For full information visit www.bcys.net/frstan
or see poster in the porch or see Andrew Johnson.

PILGRIMAGE
TO MEDJUGORJE:   March 1st-8th.  H/B accommodation.  Full details from Carmen Blackett on 01277 821886; 07754 163007; 07738 595534.

ST
PATRICK’S EVENT:  Saturday March 14th in the
Cardinal Bourne Hall. Live music, dancing, singing, Irish stew, breads etc.,
Tickets: Adults £8, Children £4.  Family ticket £20.  The next meeting of the Social Committee
is on Sunday 15h February at mid-day in the Priests’ House.  All Social Committee members plus
those interested in helping are most welcome.  Thank you.  Frances and Friends.

BARN
DANCE/SQUARE DANCE:  The SVP are holding a
Barn Dance/Square Dance in the Cardinal Bourne Hall on Saturday 25th
April at 7pm.  Tickets [including
supper]: Adults £7.50, children under 14 £3.  Over 80’s
free. Bar available and Raffle.

St
Clare's RC Primary School, Cloes Lane, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO16 8AG  Tel:
01255 425344.
Headteacher required for 1st September 2009 for
this Group 3 Primary School (ISR 18 - 24). Governors are looking to
appoint an experienced leader who is a committed practising
Catholic and who will support the distinctive ethos of the school. For further
details please contact the school.

SICK PARISHIONERS:   Philomena Dwyer, Mary Pink, Peggy Wilding.

If you have
family or friends who have been admitted to hospital and who would like a
visit, please let one of the priests know. Because of the Data Protection Act
we are not otherwise advised.

DAILY:                 8:35am; Rosary &Divine
Mercy  [Wednesdays 11:30am]

EVENING
PRAYER:
Monday
to Friday 5:45pm in the
Church

PRAYER
GROUP:                                           Mondays  at 8pm in the Crypt

MEDITATION
GROUP:
Tuesdays
@ 8pm @ 48 Priory Street

EXPOSITION:
Saturdays
@ 9:45am – 10:30am

IF YOU ARE
NEW TO THE PARISH: please introduce yourself to one of the priests after Mass. A registration
form will need to be completed.
If you are moving within or out of the parish, please let the Parish
Office know.

THE PARISH
WEB SITE:  For all contact, inclusions etc, please
contact Donald Clarke.  His email address is [email-masked]

LITURGY FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY
OF THE YEAR [B]

February 8th  2009
A.D. [Education Day]

The first Mass of Sunday
is on Saturday Evening at Priory
Street

Saturday  February 7th

Sunday    February 8th

6:15
pm

8:00
am

10:30 am

2:00
pm

3:30
pm

5:00
pm

6:30
pm

Mr P Lowes-Cole RIP

Joe McGuiness RIP

Intentions of Sr Helen

POLISH MASS

SIGNED MASS

HOLY HOUR

Ian Archard RIP

West Mersea

8:30
am

Intentions of Maureen Went

Mile
End

9:15
am

Parishioners

Monkwick

10:15 am

Vivienne Wright RIP & Patricia Green RIP

Monday 9th

Feria

Church      9:15 am  Deceased relatives of the Betts Family

Ray Gardiner RIP

Tuesday 10th

St Scolastica,
V.

Church      9:15 am   Intentions of Mary
Rand

Intentions of Clare Adams [I & A N]

Wednesday
11th

N.B.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Church     11:45 am   REQUIEM – IRENE BREEN RIP

Thursday 12th

Feria

Church      9:15
am   Poor Souls RIP

Friday 13th

Feria

Church      9:15 am   Mrs F E Dyer
RIP

Canon Patrick Smee RIP

Saturday 14th       Ss CYRIL, Monk, &
METHODIUS, Bp, Co-Patrons of Europe

Church       9:15
am   Sarah Nee RIP

LITURGY FOR THE SIXTH
SUNDAY OF THE YEAR [B]

February 15th  2009 A.D.

Saturday   February 14th

Sunday      February 15th

6:15
pm

8:00 am

10:30
am

6:30 pm

Matthews O’Toole RIP

Alan Walker RIP

Herbert Ray RIP

D/Rels:Herbert&Richards
Families RIP

West Mersea

8:30
am

Henry Johnson RIP

Mile End

9:15
am

Thomas Moynihan RIP

Monkwick

10:15
am

Parishioners

SACRAMENT
OF RECONCILIATION  Saturday 9:45-10:30am  and 5:30-6.00pm

SACRAMENT
OF BAPTISM                 Baptismal
Courses arranged as per Newsletter

SACRAMENT
OF MARRIAGE             At least six months
notice is required

SCHOOLS
St Thomas More       Head:
Bridget Harris   [865722]

St
Benedict’s            Head: John O’Hara     [549222]

www.marriagecare.org.uk   or 0800 389 3801.
www.brentwoodvocations.org

The Brentwood
Diocesan Trust – Registered Charity No. 234092