Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0HA
Bulletin B34 - 21st July 2024
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THIS WEEK’S SERVICES
Sun 21 16th in Ordinary Time 1000 Solemn Mass People of the Parish
1800 Mass Wladyslaw Jarek (RIP)
Wed 24 feria 1000 Mass Maria
1030 Adoration
Thu 25 St. James 1000 Mass Patrick & Kathleen McMahon (RIP)
Sun 28 17th in Ordinary Time 1000 Solemn Mass Grandparants
1800 Mass People of the Parish
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Caretaker – Epping A vacancy has arisen for a part-time Caretaker at The Immaculate Conception, Epping. The post will be part-time (around four hours per week – with a flexible working agreement to be agreed which includes weekends and being on site on a Tuesday).This is a one-year fixed-term contract that may be extended or made permanent.The start date for the role is October and the salary is negotiable depending on skills and experience. Full job description: Caretaker Epping – 2024. If you have any queries or if you would like to apply please send your CV and cover letter by email to [email protected]
Open House Billericay: Saturday, 12th October 2024 On Saturday, 12th October the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Billericay will be hosting a day focusing on parish renewal with talks and workshops designed to help parishes transition from maintenance to mission. Bishop Alan will also be presiding at the Midday Mass. Get inspired by priests and parishioners as they share stories of transformation. Hear what they are learning and dream about the change that could be possible in your own parish. The day will last from 9.30am to 5pm and the cost is £20 per person. In order to attend you need to register in advance by following this link: https://divinerenovation.org/events/
“Adoremus” Festival at Oscott College, Birmingham on Saturday, 14th September On Saturday, 14th September at Oscott College in Birmingham, the “Adoremus” National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage is taking place with representatives from dioceses across England and Wales.Our diocese has been allocated 43 places. If you would like to attend please contact the Diocesan Co-ordinator, Father Dan Mason at [email protected].There will be a coach leaving for the Congress from Brentwood Cathedral at 8am on the day. There is no charge for the coach or attending the Congress but you will need to bring a packed lunch.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As a Parish Partnership, we are looking to start up an SVP group that covers the Harlow parishes. This is an important way that our ministry of helping the poor in our communities can be lived out. Please think about this and in the Autumn, we will be having a short talk in our parishes over two weekends. Saturday 28th and 29th September and 5th and 6th October. The initial meeting will be on Tuesday 8th October in Our Lady of Fatima.
GOSPEL REFLECTION
The Olympic Games are scheduled to start in a few days’ time. Of course, it would be difficult to miss the constant media coverage of the preparations and of the athletes and supporters heading to Paris. We’ve seen and heard impressive accounts of the huge amount of training which each athlete has willingly undertaken, often until it hurts. Each has taken for granted the early mornings and late nights, reduced time with friends and families, strict diets and rigorous, long hours of daily practice so that, when their event takes place, each can hope to be physically and mentally at their peak performance. Each will hope – however unrealistically – to win at least a bronze medal, whereas some will dream of several gold medals as they participate in more than one event. An Olympic medal is surprisingly heavy for its size but it also carries a weight of responsibility because each athlete can be a role model for children and youngsters who also carry a dream of sporting success. Each athlete represents their country with pride. Very few will have the luxury of time for themselves until the Olympic Games and subsequent celebrations are over, when, perhaps, they can think of curling up in front of the television for some binge-viewing of their favourite programmes. Until then, however, they must keep on working. Not only medals, but also achieving a personal best, depend on unwavering commitment, effort and teamwork. Whoever gains an Olympic medal earns it.
Jesus and the disciples were so busy that they needed a break. The demanding crowds had prevented them from even having time to eat. We can imagine their sighs of relief when Jesus told his disciples that they would all go away for a few days of peace and quiet by themselves. They climbed into the boat and paddled away, planning to spend the next day or so busily doing nothing. However, despite Jesus’ best intentions, when they pulled into shore, people had already guessed where they were going and arrived ahead of them. How the disciples’ hearts must have sunk! Jesus felt sorry for the crowd, abandoned his plans for relaxation, and instead spoke to the crowd and healed those who were sick. He was the Good Shepherd who cared for his sheep.
Some years ago, the famous Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo was due to sing at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Knowing that many people could not afford the cost of the tickets to his concert, he gave a free, impromptu performance in the piazza outside for anybody who cared to listen. His thoughtful gesture touched many hearts and earned huge gratitude. One man’s voice united complete strangers in joy.
Without the shepherd, sheep can get into difficulty, especially in bad weather or during the lambing season. We’re familiar with the idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd but sometimes forget that the pictures of him walking through lush meadows with a lamb artistically draped around his shoulders are probably unrealistic. Such images overlook the weight of the animal, its potentially greasy fleece and any fleas and associated “livestock” which might inhabit the wool and transfer across to the shepherd.
A shepherd’s life is never easy. He must always be willing to go the extra mile on behalf of the sheep. That is why, when Jesus saw the crowds and thought that they resembled a flock of sheep, he had no alternative: he was the shepherd but he was also the pasture.
So it is with the coaches who support Olympic athletes. Their care and attention to detail make the difference between success and failure. The athlete might win the medal, but it is the constant support of the coach which helps to make the possibility a reality. The athlete doesn’t compete in isolation: he or she is part of a team.
Each of us has our own supporting team: those who love and understand us and who are prepared to be with us through thick and thin. We are also probably people on whom others depend. If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, we are called to imitate him and to shepherd the people around us.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wednesday 24th July at 1pm we should like to invite you to a really special Lunchtime Piano Recital to be given by Paul Bateman and Roderick Elms. This is a unique opportunity to hear Rachmaninoff’s Suites for Two Pianos in which our instrumentalists will no doubt be working in perfect harmony to bring us this splendid music!
The Recital will last about one hour after which we should like to invite you back to our Song School for refreshments. Do hope you can join us for this Recital which is the last one before our Summer break.
www.catholicchurchoftheassumption.co.uk
01279 434203