Third Sunday of Easter
The resurrection lies at the centre of our faith. Jesus had told his disciples that he would rise from the dead but they were still surprised when he appeared to them after he had died on the Cross. Today’s Gospel is another occasion when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. It took time for them to realise that it was Jesus. He even ate some grilled fish with them. By then, everything was beginning to click together. The scriptures were being fulfilled: The Law, the Prophets and the Psalms. It was the resurrection that gave all that had gone on before its true meaning.
Priest Training Fund
Next weekend is Good Shepherd Sunday, the day we pray for priests and for vocations to the priesthood. The annual collection for the Priest Training Fund will also take place next weekend. This fund pays for the priestly formation of men for the Catholic priesthood. There are currently 45 men studying at Allen Hall seminary, 28 of whom are for our own Diocese, and last year eight men ordained to the priesthood to serve as our future priests. This fund also supports the ongoing enrichment and formation of our ordained priests. Your generous donation helps ensure we can support these men who are called to be like Christ the Good Shepherd. Donation leaflets are available in the pews. Please take one home, read the information, and bring it back next weekend with your donation. Please continue to pray for vocations and for our priests. You can donate online anytime at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations
Let it Be
‘Let it be done unto me according to your word.’ These are the words of Mary at the time of the Annunciation. CAFÉ have produced an inspiring new film on the life of Mary past and present. On Monday 14th May between 7.30 and 9pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, there will be an opportunity to explore this new resource, with the possibility of discovering more in the following weeks. To register and for more information, please email Warren Brown at catadmin@rcdow.org.uk. Telephone contact is 0207798 9152.
First Communion Programme
There will be a session for the First Communion children today (Sunday) at 9.15am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. They will take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 next Sunday.
Forthcoming Dates
¨ First Communions at 10.30 Mass on Sundays 6th, 13th, and 20th May.
¨ May Procession following 10 Mass on Saturday 12th May.
¨ Confirmations at 7pm on Friday 25th May.
¨ Day of Exposition on Friday 1st June 9.30am to 9.30pm.
Finance Committee
The next meeting of the Finance Committee will be on Thursday 26th April at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Confirmation Programme
The next session for Confirmation candidates will be on Wednesday 25th April at 7pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Data Protection Regulations
The new data protection regulations means that we are not allowed to leave boxes of planned giving envelopes with names and addresses in the church. Please ask Fr Colin or Deacon Ronnie for your box. There may be further restrictions affecting the smooth running of the parish.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 6th May at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
Lately Dead
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Francis Finnerty of Silkstream Road whose funeral service will be on Wednesday at 11am. This will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning but these will be no Holy Hour.
Also please pray for Anastasia Welsh from Hemel Hempstead and formerly of this parish whose burial takes place on Friday.
Priests’ Selection Conference
Fr Colin has been put on the panel for the Priests’ Selection Conference from 27th to 29th April at Allen Hall. This means that he will be absent from Burnt Oak that weekend and Mgr Harry Turner will celebrate the Masses. On Saturday 28th April, there will be a Communion Service at 10am but there will be no morning confessions.
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, 14th May 2018. £599 per person sharing. Price includes flights with 10kg hand luggage, all taxes, luxury transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with full Irish Breakfast each morning and 4 Course Dinner each evening. All entertainment, excursions and guided tours included. Wheelchair accessible rooms in the hotel. Limited single rooms at supplement of £100. Groups and Individual bookings welcome. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.
CAFOD Share the Journey Campaign
Thanks to your support, CAFOD’s campaigning tackles the causes of poverty and injustice, not just the symptoms. When the Catholic community speaks out together, we have a powerful voice. Could you become a Campaign volunteer and help enable and inspire others to take action as part in CAFOD’s campaigns? Find out more at our new volunteer day in Central London on Saturday 28th April? Contact Tony email westminster@cafod.org.uk or phone 0208 449 6970.
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, 14th May 2018. £599 per person sharing. Price includes flights with 10kg hand luggage, all taxes, luxury transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with full Irish Breakfast each morning and 4 Course Dinner each evening. All entertainment, excursions and guided tours included. Wheelchair accessible rooms in the hotel. Limited single rooms at supplement of £100. Groups and Individual bookings welcome. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.
CAFOD Share the Journey Campaign
Thanks to your support, CAFOD’s campaigning tackles the causes of poverty and injustice, not just the symptoms. When the Catholic community speaks out together, we have a powerful voice. Could you become a Campaign volunteer and help enable and inspire others to take action as part in CAFOD’s campaigns? Find out more at our new volunteer day in Central London on Saturday 28th April? Contact Tony email westminster@cafod.org.uk or phone 0208 449 6970.
WATCH THIS SPACE - J.D.S
A brown paper bag went to the doctor complaining of feeling unwell. The doctor took a blood sample and told him to come back the next week. When the bag arrived for his appointment the doctor said “I’m afraid I have some bad news. The results of your blood test show that you have haemophilia “How can I possibly have haemophilia? I’m a brown paper bag!” “Yes,” replied the doctor but your mother was a carrier.”