Fourth Sunday of Easter
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, when we pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The model for this is Jesus Christ himself who guides us, his sheep, who knows our various characteristics, who protects us from danger, who nourishes us with his Word, who sustains us in the Eucharist and who leads us in the way of eternal life.
Priest Training Fund Collection
Today’s second collection is for the annual Priest Training Fund of the Diocese of Westminster. The fund helps cover the cost of vocations promotion, forming seminarians, the education of priests for special ministries, and ongoing enrichment to strengthen priests. You can put the special envelope in this second collection, or if you prefer, take an envelope from the back of the church and return your donation next weekend. Also, prayer cards for vocations are available on the table at the back of the church. Many thanks.
Mercy Mass
On Friday we have our monthly Mercy Mass at 7.30pm. This month the theme is the Corporal Works of Mercy. We encourage you to bring along somebody to this Mass, particularly one who has not been to church for some time. The priests will be available for confession after the Mass.
Next month the Mercy Mass will be on Friday 27th when the theme will be the Spiritual Works of Mercy. In June, the Mercy Mass will be on Friday 24th, the Feast of the Birthday of St John the Baptist, when the Sacrament of the Sick will be administered.
Evangelisation
There will be a meeting for the Evangelisation Team on Thursday 28th April at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
We thank them and everyone involved in the International Mass on the Feast of the Annunciation.
On Thursday 5th May, our Parish Centre will be used as a Polling Station. We would like to encourage pollsters to come and see our church while they are here. If you were available to spend an hour in the church to answer any questions and hand out leaflets, please put your name and telephone number on the sheet at the back of the church.
Another initiative that we are encouraging as a response to ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ is to hold House Masses around the parish. If you would like to host a house Mass for your family and for those in your immediate neighbourhood, please speak to Fr Colin or Fr David.
First Communion Programme
The First Communion children will have their final session today at 9.15 in the Parish Centre. Next Sunday they will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
The First Communions take place on Sundays 1st, 8th and 15th May at the 10.30 Mass. These Masses will be particularly crowded, so you may prefer to attend other Masses on those weekend.
Confirmation Programme
The Confirmation candidates have their next session this Wednesday at 7pm in the Parish Centre. There will be a meeting for parents of Confirmation candidates on Wednesday 27th April at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.
Collection for the Ukraine
Pope Francis has launched a humanitarian initiative in favour of the peoples of the Ukraine. He has asked that a special collection be taken in all of the Catholic churches in Europe on the weekend of 24th April.
Photos From International Mass
We would like to put photographs from the International Mass on 4th April on our website. If any family has any objection to their child’s photo going on the website, please let one of the priests know by the end of the month. If there are no objections we will go ahead.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 8th May at 4pm in the Dominic Room in the Parish Centre. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
Easter Garden and Path of Mercy & Hope
The Dominican Sisters at St Rose’s, 160 Anson Road, welcome everyone to come and pray in the Easter Garden and walk the Path of Mercy and Hope. The garden is open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm. There will be Adoration with prayer and reflection every Thursday from 7.00pm to 8pm in St. Rose’s Chapel.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Eucharistic Ministers Rota
The new Eucharistic Ministers rota has been re-issued. Please disregard the earlier one. We thank Basil & Remi Ogunnaike for preparing them. The rotas can be collected from the porch.
Altogether Better Burnt Oak
Altogether Better Burnt Oak (ABBO) arranges the annual parade and festival which this year takes place on Saturday 17th September. If you would like to be involved in the planning of this, you are welcome to attend meetings at Edgware Community Hospital on Thursdays at 4.30pm.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD
God our Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit
Draw from the disciples in this Diocese,
The men you wish to be with Christ to serve your Church as priests,
To proclaim the Gospel, to teach the Faith, to celebrate the Sacraments
And minister to your people with mercy.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Blessed Lady Immaculate, Patroness of our Diocese, pray for us.
St John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us.
St Thomas of Canterbury, Patron Saint of English Clergy, pray for us.
St John Southworth, Martyr of our Diocese, pray for us.
Annual Migrants Mass
Cardinal Vincent invites you to join him at the annual Mass for Migrants in honour of St Joseph the Worker on Bank Holiday Monday 2 May at Westminster Cathedral. The banner procession will begin at 10am. All are welcome!
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME FOR MILL HILL & BURNT OAK
FILM AFTERNOON
Wednesday 27th April 2016. Doors open 2pm, film commences 2.15pm
Trinity Church Mill Hill Broadway Donations welcome
The Cruel Sea
A classic war film about life on a warship during World War 2 starring Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Denholm Elliot and Virginia Mckenna.. Future dates for film afternoons are as follows: May 25th, June 22nd.
It is hoped to show “Forest Gump” on May 25th.
WATCH THIS SPACE
A young bride and groom to-be had just selected the wedding rings. As the girl admired her ring, the boy was looking at his and was suddenly concerned. “Tell me” he asked the elderly salesman “Is there anything special I’ll have to do to take care of this ring?” With a fatherly smile the salesman said “one of the best ways to protect your wedding ring is to dip it in dishwater three times a day.” J.D.S.