Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (A)
Jesus started his teaching according to St Matthew’s Gospel with the Beatitudes. They would have been a great consolation for those who first heard them as they do for us now. For instance—Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. But the Beatitudes should move us into action—to be poor in spirit, to be gentle, to hunger and thirst for what is right, to be pure in heart, to be a peacemaker.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is the new name in 2017 for the Apostleship of Prayer. It’s an international apostolic service entrusted by the Holy See to the Jesuits. It has at its heart the devotion to the Heart of Christ, a heart open to all the concerns that face humanity; devotion to the Sacred Heart first inspired the Apostleship of Prayer. Now, there is even more emphasis on being the personal prayer network of the Holy Father. Pope Francis has taken a keen personal interest in the Network/AoP. Praying for the Holy Father’s intentions helps us to look outside of ourselves and open our hearts - in other words, to be apostolic, to become those “Missionary Disciples” that Pope Francis always encourages us to be. Pope Francis’ prayer intention for January relates to Christian Unity: ‘That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity.’
The prayer intention for February relates to Comfort for the Afflicted ‘That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees and marginalised may find welcome and comfort in our communities.’
Each month Pope Francis will also announce an ‘urgent action’ prayer, in January it is for homeless people: ‘During these very cold days, I think of and I invite you to think of all the people who live on the streets, affected by the cold and many times by indifference. Unfortunately some didn’t make it. Let us pray for them and let us ask the Lord to warm our hearts so as to be able to help them.’
Pope Francis reminds us that prayer is not just words but action also. For more information and materials, contact the Apostleship of Prayer in Britain 07432591117 or dstewart@jesuit.org.uk.
Deborah Lodge Mass
The monthly Mass at Deborah Lodge is on Friday at 3pm.
Confirmation Parents
The first session for candidates who have applied to be confirmed is on Wednesday at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
Blessing of Throats
On Friday, the blessing of St Blaise on Throats will take place after the 9am Mass.
Mass for Bereaved Parents
On Saturday 11th March at 2.30pm in Westminster Cathedral, a Mass will be celebrated for all bereaved parents. As parents arrive in the Cathedral that day they will be invited to write the name of their deceased child, which will later be collected and taken to the sanctuary.
Ethel Chaffe Rip
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ethel Chaffe of Appletree Court. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday 1st February at 11am in the Church.
APF Mill Hill Mission Thank You & Appeal
This will take place next weekend at all the Masses when we welcome Fr Donie O’Connor MHM to our parish. Thank you to all parishioners who already support this wonderful Association through the Red Boxes. If you have not yet thought of doing so, perhaps this thank you and appeal might persuade you to think about doing so. Please see the poster at the back for more details.
First Communion Programme
There will be a session for parents of First Communion children on Tuesday at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre. The children have their session next Sunday at 9.15am in the Parish Centre.
Parish A.G.M and Lunch
Our Parish Annual General Meeting takes place on Sunday 19th February at 2pm in the Parish Centre. Everyone is invited to this meeting. It will include reports on the various activities during the past year, discussion of plans for the coming year and election of the new Parish Council. If you would like to nominate somebody (or yourself) for the Parish Council, please give their name to Fr Colin by 12th February.
The meeting will be preceded by a parish shared lunch at 1pm. We invite you to bring a dish. We will provide the drink.
Everyone is invited to either or both of these events.
Candlemas Day
On Thursday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Candlemas Day. The 9am Mass will start in the Parish Centre with the blessing of candles, followed by a procession to the Church.
2017 Weddings
If you are planning to get married this year and have not done so already, please get in touch with Fr Colin at least six months before the date of the wedding.
Mass of Anointing the Sick
On Saturday 11th February at 2pm in Westminster Cathedral, there will be the Annual Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes during which the Sacrament of the Sick will be administered. Everyone is invited but if you are attending in a wheelchair, please let Fr Colin know your name and the name of the person who is accompanying you so that adequate space can be provided.
Cardinal’s Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony
Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 3rd June 2017 at 3pm
The Cardinal will be inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2017. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email).
Are You Over 18 & Planning a Gap Year?
Join us for a year at the Westminster Youth Ministry retreat centre as a volunteer missionary supporting schools and parishes of our diocese, where you can develop skills to help you with your future career, and deepen and grow in your Catholic faith. We provide wonderful accommodation in glorious surroundings, all meals and a monthly allowance. To see how our past volunteer missionaries have used this experience to build their future, and to find out more, visit www.dowym.com/spec/
WATCH THIS SPACE - J.D.S
A motorist was driving along when he saw a police car behind, flashing him to stop. He stepped out of the car and threw up his hands in despair. The office said “Sir , I am afraid your rear lights aren’t working properly” “I don’t believe this” shouted the man “I can’t believe this has happened!” “There’s no need to get so worked up” said the officer “You can easily get the lights fixed at a garage.” “Never mind the lights.” yelled the driver “Where’s my caravan?”