The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 27/28 January 2018
Fr Frank writes:
My dear Friends,
At the very outset of his public ministry Jesus proves his authority by demonstrating his power over evil spirits. We should neither be frightened nor fascinated by this power, which he continues to exercise today through those ordained and appointed to mediate it, but rather allow his authority to inspire us to worship him who is not only the destroyer of evil but the source of all holiness.
God has spoken once and for all time in his Son Jesus Christ and there is nothing new which can be added to what he has revealed in and through him. What is still to come is the witness to his love which our lives have yet to show. By listening to his voice in the Scriptures, by confirming my life to his ever more closely, by living according to his teachings, and by drawing upon his life in the holy sacraments, my life will become a testimony to his love.
The clergy of the Colchester Deanery will be holding their Deanery Conference in St Cedds Hall, Frinton-on-Sea on Wednesday this week. Among other things, the Diocesan Plan will be discussed. Our next parishes meeting will be with parishioners from Clacton. The date for this tripartite meeting will be fixed once I have had chance to consult with the other deanery priests.
Confirmation: the bishop will be visiting both parishes in September. If you will be aged at least 14 by September and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, could you please let me know before the end of February.
May the God of all mercy bless you now and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Words of Wisdom:
- I was just looking at my ceiling. Not sure if it’s the best ceiling in the world, but it’s definitely up there.
- Farmer: Can you help me to round up these 27 sheep? Me: Yes, 30.
- Why have you got a lion and a witch in your wardrobe? Narnia business.
The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 20/21 January 2018
Fr Frank writes:
My dear Friends,
We are in the midst of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. There are special united services today at All Saints, Walton and at Upper Dovercourt Methodist Church. If you are free, please do come along and join our sisters and brothers from neighbouring churches.
As part of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, we welcome Rev Chris Preece as our preacher at the 8.30am Mass in Frinton. Chris is the Methodist Minister for a large part of the Tendring Peninsula, including the Methodist Church in Frinton and Emmanuel Church in Walton. I have been invited to preach at the 10.30am service at All Saints, Walton.
Thanks to those attending meetings at both Frinton and Dovercourt to discuss the Diocesan Draft Proposal for Renewal and Restructuring. Our responses will help the diocese to formulate the final plan.
There have, sadly, been cases recently where parishioners have been ill without making this known. If you, or anyone you know is ill, please let me know – I am always willing to visit those who are seriously ill and we have Eucharistic Ministers and Care Group members in both parishes who are also willing to visit. On a similar note, if you or someone you know is admitted to hospital you need to make it clear to hospital staff that they are Catholic and that they wish to see a Chaplain.
May our good and gracious God richly bless you.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Now that I’m older I find that I only need about 4 or 5 hours sleep. The only problem is that I need it about 3 times a day.
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 13/14 January 2018
Fr Frank writes:
My dear Friends,
Having celebrated The Baptism of the Lord last Monday, we now find ourselves back in Ordinary Time (and green vestments!). Ordinary Time continues until the beginning of Lent – Ash Wednesday falling on 14th February.
Today’s Gospel reading links with The Baptism of the Lord, featuring, as it does, St John the Baptist; the one who willingly relinquished his role as proclaimer and leader and pointed his disciples to the one they should now follow, “The Lamb of God”. St John the Baptist teaches us the importance of humility and faithfulness to the one Lord.
After a brief absence, Adoration has been restored after one of the weekday Masses in each parish. This was originally introduced to enable us to pray corporately for the future of our parishes and our diocese. Please come along and take part in the important act of praying for the future of our church. My thanks to the Frinton & Walton parishioners who came along to our meetings to discuss the Diocesan Draft Plan last week. I look forward to similar meetings in Dovercourt this week.
Next Sunday I have been invited to preach at the 10.30am Eucharist at All Saints Anglican Church in Walton as part of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. My thanks to Fr Bill who will celebrate the 10.45am Mass at Our Lady Queen of Heaven.
As part of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity there are special services on Sunday 21st January at All Saints Walton at 4.00pm and the Upper Dovercourt Methodist Church, Main Road, Dovercourt at 4pm to which we are all invited.
May our good and gracious God richly bless you.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Heard outside church:
“Daddy, does Lego have a silent ‘T’, like merlot?”
If it is a really old book, can I get it on my ipad?
I try to get the Northern line whenever I can because I’m Northern.
I’ve always wanted my own dungeon.
The Epiphany of the Lord 7 January 2018
Fr Frank writes:
My dear Friends,
The message of Epiphany is that Christ’s birth is for everyone! Not just poor shepherds, but for the wise and wealthy too.
The Magi followed the star, but this light was only reliable to a point (it led them to Jerusalem): it was misleading until supplemented by the light of Holy Scripture which pointed the way to Bethlehem. Let us make it our resolution during this New Year to be guided by the light of Christ’s Gospel in all that we say and do.
On a personal note, Anne and I would like to thank you for your Christmas greetings, for your gifts and for the generous Christmas Offertory. You are very generous people and we feel privileged to be called to live among you.
Looking ahead. The Bishop will be visiting both parishes this year: Frinton on 12th September and Harwich/Dovercourt on 19th September. As well as visiting our schools the Bishop will be celebrating Mass and Confirmation in each parish. So far, two people have indicated that they wish to be Confirmed this year. If you will be aged 14 or over by September, and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation could you please write to me as soon as possible.
May the New Year bring you peace and happiness.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Those wonderful Christmas Crackers:
Why did Santa’s helper see the doctor? Because he had low Elf esteem.
What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow.
What do vampires sing on New Year’s Eve? Auld Fang Syne.
Third Sunday of Advent (Year B) to the Epiphany. 17 December to 7 January 2018
Fr Frank writes:
My dear Friends,
This is a busy time of the year, so just a repeat of a few dates/times for your diary this week:
CHRISTMAS IN THE TWO PARISHES:
Harwich & Dovercourt:
Christmas Eve: Christmas Family Mass 6.00pm
This Mass is for everyone. All children are invited, should they wish, to come dressed in Christmas costume: shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, Kings, donkey, sheep etc. Please invite your family, friends and neighbours to come and join us on this joyful occasion.
Christmas Day: Mass of the Day 10.45am
Frinton & Walton:
Christmas Eve: Night Mass, begins with carols at 8.00pm. Mass begins as soon as I get back from Harwich/Dovercourt. Please come early to ensure a seat.
Christmas Day: Mass of the Day 8.30am
Anne and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
May Christ who became a little baby for love of you bless you today and always,
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Overheard outside a church in Winchester:
“I suppose we could have a coffee. Susan will be still doing the ironing and there’s nothing worse than being in your own house when the cleaner is there.”
Second Sunday of Advent Year B 10 December 2017
Fr Frank writes:
My Dear Friends,
Advent is a season of hope as we raise our eyes to the God who will return to redeem his people. In today’s Gospel reading we hear once again the voice of John the Baptist proclaiming the coming of The Messiah, The Christ of God. We too look forward. We look forward to celebrating once again the birth of the Christ-Child and we look forward to Christ’s Second Coming, that time when all will be made new.
Diocesan Plan. First Formal Proposal: following the issue of the Proposal from the Diocese, I urge everyone to read and reread it either via the internet (http://dioceseofbrentwood.net/departments/development/), the booklets from the Diocese or the photocopies at the back of the Church. Two meetings have been arranged in each parish, so please be ready to attend and have your say, so that we can make a constructive response to the Diocese. Sheila (imagine.solutions@btconnect.com) and John are happy to receive your comments in advance if you are unable to make any of the meetings.
Meetings at Frinton: Wednesday 10th January at 2.30pm or Thursday 11th January at 7.00pm (both in church)
Meetings at Dovercourt: Wednesday 17th January either at 2.00pm or 7.30pm (both in the church hall)
A meeting with the people at Clacton-on-Sea will be arranged after we have had our individual parish meetings.
Christmas Masses: Harwich and Dovercourt: Christmas Eve 6.00pm, Christmas Day 10.45am.
Frinton and Walton: Christmas Eve 8.00pm, Christmas Day 8.30am.
May the God for whom we wait bless you now and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Words of wisdom:
What do you call a Judge with no fingers? Justice Thumbs
What does an onion farmer say at the end of his shift? That’s shallot
Two cows in a field, one says “Moo”, the other says, “I was going to say that!”
One snowman says to the other, “Can you smell carrots?”