12th Sunday Of Year C
Jesus asks his disciples “Who do the crowds say I am?” It is Peter who comes up with the right answer. “The Christ of God.” Having established this, the disciples need to discover what it means. So they immediately set out on the winding journey to Jerusalem. This will culminate in the suffering and death of Jesus and his resurrection on the third day. The journey to this end will allow the disciples to learn more about the cost of discipleship. Following Christ means taking up a Cross as well.
Food Crisis In Ethiopia
There will be a second collection as you leave Mass today to support CAFOD’S work to ease the food crisis in Ethiopia. There are 10 million women, men and children who are facing a severe food shortage and CAFOD have made this their current aid priority.
RCIA Come & See
On Tuesday we are having a Come and See evening at 8pm in the Parish Centre for those who wish to find out about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The sessions start in October but Tuesday’s gathering is an opportunity to find out what it is all about. So, if you know anyone who is thinking of becoming a Catholic, or a baptised Catholic who has not received the other Sacraments, please bring them along on Tuesday evening. You will be most welcome.
Peter’s Pence Collection
The annual collection for Peter’s Pence takes place next weekend.
A Day for Life
This year A Day for Life focuses on the wonder of the gift of human life and the gift of our common home which is God’s creation. It provides an opportunity for people to think about the connections and relationships between people and the earth which we inhabit. Today tragically, men, women and children are sometimes viewed as commodities which can be bought and sold. As Pope Francis has powerfully articulated in Laudato Si’, there is a real need to rediscover a spirit of wonder and awe at the gift of human life so that all life may be properly respected and a new heart created for the home in which we live. Please take a card about this from the back of the church. It includes a prayer to deepen our wonder at the gift of life.
Ministers Rota
Could all those Minsters of the Word that do not receive their rota by email, please collect their new one from the back of the church today. Thank you.
Mercy Mass with Anointing
On Friday at 7.30pm we will be having our monthly Mercy Mass which will include the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is for those who are concerned about their health or who are getting weak with the advance of years. Please pass notice of this Mass to those who would welcome the sacrament, and perhaps you might be able to bring them to the Mass. Otherwise, Fr Colin or Fr David would be happy to anoint people in their homes.
Pilgrimage to Door of Mercy
Some parishioners have already visited the Door of Mercy in Westminster Cathedral. It is well worth a visit as you make a spiritual journey through the side chapels with a short reflection at each, reaching the confessional and the chapel of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy. You may prefer to do this on your own or go together with other parishioners and friends. Alternatively, you could go to the church of St William of York, Du Cros Drive, Stanmore which has a Door of Mercy and is open every Monday or by arrangement. (020 8954 1299).
The Annunciation Junior School will be making a pilgrimage there later this month.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 30th June at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Meeting for Readers
There will be a meeting for Parish Readers on Tuesday 28th June at 7.45pm in the church.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 10th July at 4pm in the Dominic Room in the Parish Centre. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
First Communion 2017
Application forms are available in the porch for parents who wish to apply for their child to join the First Communion Programme. Forms should be returned by 11th September at the latest. The child should be starting in Year 3 or above next September. There will be an introductory meeting for the parents who have applied for their child on Tuesday 27th September at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre. There will then be 7 sessions for parents and 7 sessions for children during the course of the programme, starting on Tuesday 4th October for parents (7.45pm) and Sunday 9th October (9.15am) for children.
More Catechists Required
We need some more catechists to help prepare the children for First Holy Communion. This would be ideal for a parent whose child has already received Holy Communion and is familiar with the programme. If you are interested, please speak to Fr Colin or Vivian Sproule.
Catholic Singles
Catholic Singles is an organisation which helps single adult Catholics of all ages meet, either one to one or through social events. Please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy:
Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope;
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy towards us;
And after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary
Referendum
On Thursday, our Parish Centre is being used as a polling station for voting on the referendum. As on the last polling day, we plan to keep the doors of the church open to encourage people to have a look at the church. It proved very worthwhile last time. If you would be available for an hour during the day to welcome people and hand out leaflets, please put your name on the sheet on the table at the back of the church.
Many thanks.
WATCH THIS SPACE— J.D.S
A man arrived home from work and noticed his father seemed to be avoiding the grandchildren. “What’s the problem?” he asked. “You usually like playing with them.” His father produced a medicine prescription from his pocket and said “Read the label. That’s why!” The son took the bottle and read the label. “Take two pills a day, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.”