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 TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF
THE YEAR

- August 17th 2008 -

Dear Friends,

Have a care for justice and cling to the Lord’s covenant, Isaiah tells us. Have
a care for justice - be fair, honest and generous in our dealings with
others – not just those close to us, but all God’s children.  Today’s gospel challenges us
about our priorities in life and the extent to which we treat others as
outsiders.  Are those priorities
all centred on self, on making our own lives
comfortable and easy?  Or are other
people at the heart of our lives? Do we have time for others, or do our
priorities mean we ignore their needs?
The woman in the Gospel was a foreigner who wanted a share in the
benefits of the chosen people.  As
a Canaanite, this woman symbolised all those who
were regarded as unclean by the Jews.
Why did Jesus seem so unwilling to let her in?  There is no doubt that Jesus was very
conscious that his mission initially was to his own people but here he seems
to be making a powerful point for his disciples.  He pushes her to the limit and in so
doing reminds the disciples how easy it is to reject and dismiss others out
of sheer prejudice.  She displays
extraordinary courage and dignity, and as Jesus cures her, he draws attention
to her great faith, thereby demonstrating that he had come for all men and
women.  As so often happens in
these type of encounters we see that Jesus is
profoundly moved by the experience.
Part of the force of the message about the dogs eating scraps was for
the benefit of the disciples and it will take a long time for them to learn
this lesson.  This is perfectly
illustrated in today’s second Reading where St Paul is hoping that his work for those
not of his own race will prompt his own people to come to their senses.

Keep the Lord’s
covenant - acknowledge the Lord in our life.
If we act with justice towards others and make room for God in our
lives, he promises he will give us deep joy, hear our prayers and accept not
just our sacrifices but our very selves.                                                                                 God
bless

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Wednesday
20th  7pm     SVP Meeting
Presbytery

N.B.  NO EVENING PRAYER FOR
WEEKS BEGINNING 25TH AUGUST AND 1ST SEPTEMBER

CONGRATULATIONS
TO:  Crystal and Karl married here yesterday.

BAPTISM:
Joshua Stenning,  God bless this child and congratulations to his
family.

VODAPHONE:  It has come to our attention from Mrs Harris, Headteacher at St
Thomas More School, that Vodaphone are proposing
to erect telecommunications equipment at St Botolph’s
Church.  If you would like to
comment or obtain further details then contact Mark Jeppe,
Ref.No. NET/A00275 AT 10 Stratton St, London,
W1J 8JR or email  gvagrimley.co.uk

SURVIVE
– MIVA APPEAL:   This weekend there will be an Appeal on
behalf of “Survive-Miva”.  Founded in 1974, SURVIVE-MIVA
[Missionary Vehicle Association] is a Catholic lay
Association and Registered Charity under the patronage of the Archbishop of Liverpool.  They exist to provide one vital
element for successful pastoral, health, development and educational work in
developing countries – mobility.  They do not export vehicles
but transfer funds to Diocesan accounts overseas for purchase in-country.  “It is the people ‘on the
ground’ who know best their requirements”.

HELP
URGENTLY NEEDED FOR SATURDAY SOUP RUN: Two more sandwich makers and two more
drivers are needed as soon as possible to enable the existing helpers more
time between their shifts!  Please
contact Claire on 765926 if you can spare some time.

MONKWICK
COFFEE MORNING:  Takes place on Friday 29th
August from 10am at No. 52 Fingringhoe Road.  All most welcome.

HOPE ON THE
STREETS:  Saturday 30th
August.  The Churches in Central Colchester are organizing a day of joint
activities which will take place around the town centre and are looking for
volunteers to help with various activities, including Prayer Room, BBQ, Family Events. See poster in the porch or contact Myra
Dolamore.

CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR/EVENT:  Would you be interested
in forming a committee to organize a fundraising event for Christmas?  A meeting has been arranged for September 7th in the
Priests’ House after the 10.30 Mass.  People with – or without –
experience and of all ages most welcome.
The Cardinal Bourne Hall is already booked for Saturday, November 22nd
all day.

MALTA DAY UK 2008:  Once again, the Malta High
Commission is organizing a reunion for the Maltese community in the UK on Saturday 13th September with
a traditional Fair; Mass at Westminster Cathedral, and a Gala Dinner at the
Churchill Hotel, Mayfair.  Full details are on the poster in the
porch.

YOUTH NEWS
– 2 REMINDERS: [1] BCYS Training and Resource Day at Wanstead Parish Centre: Saturday 20th
September from 10am to 4pm.  For
more information or to book: www.bcys.net/youcan  01277 265286 or [email-masked] .[2] Youth Gather on Mersea Island:
Saturday/Sunday 11th/12th
October.  Open to everyone in
school year 9-13.  To book: 01277
265286 or [email-masked]
[email-masked] -from end August

BRENTWOOD CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S
SOCIETY would like to invite you to
support the following events which are being organised
to raise vital funds needed to help thousands of children and families throughout
Essex and East London: Saturday 13th September – James Bond Charity Fun
Casino Night

Beat
the post holiday blues and have a great night out with friends/family at our
James Bond Fun Casino Night!   On Saturday 13th September 2008 at The Halfway House
Marquee, Herongate, (from 7.30pm) be greeted by the
paparazzi and red carpet, enjoy a drinks reception, lovely canapés and
enjoy spending your casino chips on the blackjack, roulette or stud poker
tables with the chance of winning one of many great prizes at the end of the
evening.   Finish off the evening dancing to our great DJ.  Tickets are only £25 pp and can
be ordered from Childcare  BCCS on 01268
784544, debit/credit card can be taken over the phone. Saturday 27th September – Children’s
Charity Bike Challenge. Enjoy the fun of cycling past all the farm animals
and help raise money for local children and families at the same time. Ages
5-8 years 2 circuits plus fancy dress competition. Ages 9-12 years 4 circuits.
Entry fee in advance is £10 per child which includes entry to the
challenge, entry into Old MacDonalds Farm for the
afternoon, plus entry for 1 accompanying adult.

Prizes
for the Most Original Fancy Dress, Best Dressed Bike and certificates and
goodies for all those who successfully complete the challenge, plus the
chance to win great raffle prizes.For an entry form
and sponsor sheet contact Childcare BCCS on 01268 784544 To sponsor one of
these events or donate raffle or auction prizes please contact Tracy Jordan
by email  [email-masked] or tel 07912 308000.

DAY OF
RECONCILATION AND PRAYER: At Clare Priory, Nr Long Melford
on Saturday 27th September. Organised by
the Knights of St Columba, Colchester.  Cost £12, which includes Soup,
Coffee/Teas.  There will be Mass
and Benediction. You could also bring a packed lunch.  Start 10am.  Own
transport.  To book, contact Bill
de Smith on 01206 767597.

SVP HEALING
MASS AND TEA PARTY:  This event is not going to
be re-arranged and will take place on the 27th September.  Mass will be celebrated at 2pm followed by a Senior Citizens
Tea Party.  To book, please phone
Anna on 242170 or Ann on 844914.

HOLY LAND
PILGRIMAGE: For 7 nights – Wednesday 5th November to Wednesday 12th
November 2008.  Cost: £599
half-board including flights and some excursions.  Excludes Insurance and single room
supplement.  For further details,
contact Carmen on 07754 163007; 01277 821886 [landline] or see Fr
Joseph.

SICK LIST:  Now is the time to review all on the
“Sick List”.  Names
which are included in this list should be people who are seriously ill or who
have markedly declined recently in their health.  If you know of anyone who you feel
qualifies, then please submit their name in writing to me and I will consider
their inclusion on the list.
FR JOSEPH

DAILY:                              Rosary 8:35am; Divine
Mercy 9am [Wednesdays 11:30am]

EVENING
PRAYER:        [N.B. Events List] Monday to
Friday 5:45pm in the Church

PRAYER
GROUP:
Mondays at 8pm in the Crypt

MEDITATION
GROUP:   Tuesdays at 8pm at No.48 Priory Street

EXPOSITION:
Saturdays 10am –
11am

FINANCES
FOR JULY:  IN AWC [incl. STOs] £2147; Sea Sunday Colln
£725; CAFOD £921; Repository £72.  OUT
£859 electricity [ex Hall]; £1400 next stage of window
replacements; £2500 Diocese.

LITURGY FOR THE TWENTIETH
SUNDAY OF THE YEAR [A]

August 17th 2008 A.D.

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

Saturday  August 16th

Sunday
August 17th

6:15
pm

8:00
am

10:30 am

4:00
pm

6:30
pm

Jack and Sheelagh O’Dwyer RIP

Parishioners

Deirdre Kehoe RIP [JH]

POLISH MASS

Evelyn Fraser RIP

West Mersea

8:30
am

Intentions of Ita
Hennessy

Mile
End

9:15
am

Lowell Clarin
RIP

Monkwick

10:15 am

Deirdre Kehoe RIP [GMcC]

Monday 18th

ST HELENA, Widow – Patroness of Borough of Colchester

Church      9:15
am   Stephen Hilton RIP

Margaret Sutcliffe RIP

Tuesday 19th

Feria

Church       9:15 am   Breda Whitworth RIP

Wednesday 20th

St Bernard, Ab. D.

Church          12:15 pm   Doris and Tony Murphy RIP

Helen Lydon RIP

Thursday 21st

N.B.

St Pius X, P.

Church
8:30 am    Kevin Doyle RIP [A]

Friday  22nd

The Queenship
of the Virgin Mary

Church      9:15 am    Poor Souls RIP

Dr
E P Solomon RIP

Saturday 23rd      Feria

Church      9:15 am
Intentions of Maureen & Geoff Went

LITURGY FOR THE
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR [A]

24th August 2008 A.D.

Saturday August 23rd

Sunday   August 24th

6:15 pm

8:00 am

10:30
am

6:30 pm

Samuel, Imelda & Ainsley
Jackson RIP

Ints of Madeleine Oberding

Juan Valdemoro RIP

Peter Wypych RIP

West Mersea

8:30
am

Esmé Montaldi
RIP

Mile End

9:15
am

Sean O’Connor RIP

Monkwick

10:15
am

Parishioners

SACRAMENT
OF RECONCILIATION         Saturday
10:00-11:00 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