Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Today’s Gospel records the occasion when four disciples were called by Jesus to follow him. Each of the four - Simon and Andrew, James and John - were fishermen. In last week’s Gospel we heard how Andrew had spent a day with Jesus finding out about his mission. So it was no surprise that Andrew abandoned his livelihood to become a ‘fisher of men’. Each of us as a Christian are called to be fishers of men. Our example, our encouragement and our prayer help to bring others closer to Jesus.
Parish Annual General Meeting
Everyone is invited to the Parish Annual General Meeting on Sunday 11th February at 2pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. We will review what has happened during the last year, plan ahead for 2018 and elect a new Parish Council. If you would like to nominate somebody for the Parish Council, please give their name to Fr Colin by 4th February.
The A.G.M will be preceded by a shared lunch at 1pm to which you are invited to bring along a dish of food. We will provide the drink.
Everyone is invited to either or both of these events which take place on the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent.
Aid To The Church In Need
Many thanks for your support for the Aid to the Church in Need the weekend before last. A total of £597.21 was raised.
Racial Justice Sunday
Next weekend there will be a second collection for Racial Justice.
Baptism Preparation
Next Sunday there will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
Confirmation Programme
The parents of those who have applied to be confirmed this year are asked to come to a meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first
session for the candidates will be on Wednesday 31st October at 7pm in the Parish Centre. There will be seven sessions for the candidates over the four months, the dates will be handed out at the first meeting. There will also be another meeting for parents nearer the confirmation.
Christian Unity Week
On Thursday we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. This marks the end of Christian Unity week during which we can use this prayer:
Tender-hearted God. Your Son Jesus prayed that we may be one. As we journey together in openness and truth, may we draw closer to each other. May our love embrace people of all faiths. Send your Spirit to empower us to promote dignity and compassion in societies, nations and world. God of life, lead us to justice and peace. AMEN.
Answerphone
When leaving messages on the parish answerphone, please leave your phone number clearly as we have no means of tracing the number.
First Communion Programme
The children who are receiving First Communion are taking part in a Celebration Mass today (Sunday) at 10.30am.
Saturday 10am Communion Service
As Fr Colin is on the Selection Panel for the Permanent Diaconate Selection Conference on Saturday, there will be no 10am that day. Instead, Deacon Ronnie will lead a Communion Service. Also, there will be no morning confession. Fr Colin will return for the evening confessions and evening Mass.
2018 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.
Catholic History Walks
For King & Country!
Sunday, 4th February, 3pm. Catholics and Politics: St Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, Pugin, Parliament and the Abbey. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. Nearest Tube: Victoria.
Our Lady of Lourdes Mass
The annual Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will take place in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 10th February at 2pm. The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered during the Mass by bishops and priests. If you are attending in a wheelchair, please let Fr Colin know so that a place can be reserved in the Cathedral.
Four: 12
Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
Sat 21st - Fri 27th July ‘18, £625 per Volunteer.
Four:12 is exploring the possibility of taking a group of teenagers and young adults to Lourdes to participate in the Diocese’s annual pilgrimage as volunteers. 2018 will mark the 160th Anniv of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette at the Grotto, as well as the 30th Anniv of the Diocesan Pilgrimage, making it a particularly special year. This opportunity will be open to all those who are currently in Year 10 or above. If anyone would like to find out more and/or obtain an information pack, please speak to a member of the Four:12 Committee or email four12.oak.lourdes@gmail.com.
WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S
Bill who is due to retire from the building trade in a few months, is often the butt of his colleagues jokes and is getting fed up with them always taunting him about his age and failing strength. He turns to Paul, the youngest of the builders, who was always showing off his muscles and says “See that wheelbarrow there? I bet I can push it over to that wall carrying a load that you won’t be able to push back.” A doddle thinks the younger man, “No way is there a load that you push that I can’t. Your on.” “All right then” say Bill, and indicating the wheelbarrow, adds “Hop in lad.”