5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues to bring God’s rule among us by giving healing to the many sick people who seek him out. We can pray to God for healing in many ways. God works through the skills of the doctors and nurses in modern hospitals. But the Lord works as well in our communities through his presence among us, especially through the sacraments of healing. In baptism we are washed clean; in confirmation we are strengthened in the Spirit and in the sacrament of the sick Christ heals us through the laying on of hands. When we come to Mass, we are fed with the bread of life in Holy Communion. We are also healed, like Peter’s mother-in-law was, by care in our home through the loving concern of our fellow Christians.
Shared Lunch & Parish A.G.M.
Lent starts on 14th February so next Sunday is the final Sunday before Lent. We are having a shared lunch in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre starting at 1.15pm. You are invited to bring along a dish of food. We will provide the drink. The lunch will be followed by the Annual General Meeting. At this meeting we will review what has happened in the parish during the last year, plan ahead for this year and elect a new Parish Council. If you would like to nominate somebody for the Parish Council, please give their name to Fr Colin today (Sunday). Everyone is invited to either or both of these events.
Confirmation Programme
The Confirmation candidates will be officially enrolled into the Confirmation Programme during the 12 Noon Mass next Sunday. They have their second class on Wednesday at 7pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
First Communion Programme
Today (Sunday) the First Communion children have a session at 9.15am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre and next Sunday take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30am.
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.
Lent is Approaching
Ash Wednesday is on 14th February. Masses will be at 9am and 7.30pm. It is a Day of Fasting and Abstinence.
As in past years, we will be having Stations of the Cross at 7pm on Fridays alternating between here and St Alphage Church. We start on 16th February when it takes place here at the Annunciation.
The prayer and discussion booklet for Lent should be available soon—it might have arrived by the time you read this. This time it is entitled ‘We Adore You O Christ and We Praise You’ and in six sessions explores The Gifts of the Holy Eucharist. This should be a good preparation for the Eucharistic Congress which takes place in September in Liverpool.
Cardinal’s Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony
The Cardinal will be inviting to Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 19th May at 3pm, all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 5th 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2018. 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). Closing date is Sunday 18th March.
Quiz Night
The Spring edition of Four:12's Family Quiz Night will be on Friday 16th of February 2018 in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm. £6/adult & £3/child (under 16).
Book your places after weekend masses or email Four12.oak@gmail.com. Fish and chips will be served.
Thank You From Four:12
Many thanks for everyone’s support for the Four:12 sleepout last November. Over £1000 has been raised for the New Youth Horizon Centre charity.
Target £800:
Total raised so far £1193.90:
149% of target
TakeHomeNews
Next week’s newsletter will cover two weeks.
Finance Committee
The Parish Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Double Buggy For Sale
Joie Double Stroller for sale, price £50. Suitable from birth to 3/4 years old or 15kg. For more details etc please contact Elaine telephone 0208952 7015.
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.
SPEC Volunteers
SPEC are looking for young people enthusiastic about their faith and willing to share it with others, to spend a year living in community with other people their age; in return they receive formation in the faith, training in youth work, experience living in community. For information: email spec@rcdow.org.uk or call 0203 757 2503.
Good Neighbour Scheme Lunch
Each Thursday during term-time the Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak hold a lunch in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. We are looking for more volunteers to help serve the lunch. If you can help, perhaps every second week, please speak to Fr Colin.
WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S
A Geordie was so devoted to his pet dog that when it died he wanted it commemorated in the form of a gold statue. So he went to a local jeweller’s shop and asked “Can ya make me a gold statue of ma dog?” “Certainly sir,” said the jeweller. “Would you like it eighteen carat?” “No daft lad, I want it chewing a bone.”