Sixth Sunday of Easter
We have reached the stage of Eastertide when the Gospels are looking forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit. In today’s Gospel, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, the Spirit of truth. An advocate is one who supports us, pleads our cause, looks after our interests, is by our side. We can feel the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding us and helping us through difficult moments. As we move towards Pentecost in the next two weeks, we can reflect on the Holy Spirit and how it is there for us at all times. We can use the prayer found below.
Prayer of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit come into our lives.
Open our ears: To hear what you are saying to us
In the things that happen to us
In the people we meet
Open our eyes: To see the needs of the people round us.
Open our hands: To do our work well, to help when help is needed.
Open our lips: To tell others the Good News of Jesus
To bring comfort, happiness and laughter to other people.
Open our minds: To discover new truth about You and the world.
Open our hearts: To love you and our fellow men and women
As you have loved us in Jesus.
To you with our Father and the Son, one God, all honour and praise shall be given now and forever. Amen.
Confirmation
We welcome Bishop John Sherrington to the Annunciation on Friday when he will confirm 30 of our young people at the 7pm Mass. There will be a rehearsal for the candidates on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the church. Candidates need to attend both rehearsals. Please pray for the candidates and their families.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 9th July at 4pm in the Dominic Room in the Parish Centre. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
The International Mass
The International Mass takes place at 6.30pm Saturday 3rd June, the Vigil of Pentecost. On that evening, we invite you to come in your national costume and children to carry their national flag in the opening procession. The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Parish Centre to which we invite you to bring along a dish of food. We will provide the drink.
No Novena this Tuesday
As there is a Confirmation Rehearsal this week, there will be no Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help this Tuesday.
World Communications
Next Sunday, Ascension Day, is also World Communications Day. There will be a second collection for Catholic Communications.
ST. ROSE’S CHAPEL & PRAYER GARDEN, 160, ANSON RD, NW2
On Sunday, 28th May from 3.00pm to 4.00pm there will be exposition of The Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and a May Procession in Honour of Our Lady. All welcome.
First Communion
Today the third group of children will receive First Holy Communion at the 10.30am Mass. Next Sunday there will be a Celebration Mass for all the candidates at 3pm, at which they will be presented with their certificate. This will be followed by a party in the Parish Centre. There will be no rehearsal for the Mass as the Confirmation takes place on Friday evening.
Ordination Gift
If you would like to contribute to an ordination gift to Deacon Carlos, please use a ’Parish Gift’ envelope at the table at the back of the church and put it in the collection. Deacon Carlos will be ordained at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 24th June at 10.30am. His first Mass will be here at the Annunciation on Sunday 25th June at 12 noon.
Cake Sale
There will be a Charity Bake Sale after the 10.30am Mass in the Parish Hall today. (Sunday) All proceeds will go to the children’s charity Childreach International.
TakeHomeNews
Next week’s newsletter will cover two weeks.
General Election Day
As there will be many people coming to vote on Thursday 8th June in the Parish Centre, we plan to open the doors of the church, encouraging people to come in for a moment. We would like parishioners to be available in the church to welcome people and hand out leaflets. If you are able to do so, please put your name and phone number on the sheet at the table at the back of the church.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children have sent us some leaflets for us to decide how we might vote on Election Day, considering the candidate’s views on life issues. Please take one from the table at the back of the church.
24 Hour Adoration At Sacred Heart, Mill Hill
All are welcome to attend the 24 hour adoration at Sacred Heart, which begins at 10.30am on Friday 26th May and finishes at 11.30am on Saturday 27th May.
‘To have a week of prayer for Christian mission is just a wonderful thing. Please do join in before Pentecost, this drive to pray together for the gift of God’s spirit for our mission. We know how rich Pentecost is in the life of the church from its very beginning. That richness can be ours too - if we ask God for it.’
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
WATCH THIS SPACE - J.D.S
After a night drinking in various bars around town, a young man ended the evening in a Chinese restaurant. He was just about to eat a plate of food when he suddenly shrieked “I can see a pair of eyes staring at me from the plate!” The waiter came over to see what was causing the commotion. “Waiter” he said “I know I have had a few drinks, but I definitely saw two eyes peering at me from beneath the noodles.” “Not to worry sir” said the waiter, “It’s only the Peeking Duck.”