14th Sunday of Year B
A prophet is despised in his own country. Jesus was rejected by those with whom he had grown up, those who had seen him working with his father as a carpenter. The people could not believe that a local lad was now claiming to be the Son of God, teaching with authority and performing many miracles. So it was that Jesus had to move on to other places. He could only cure a few sick people in his own homeland because of their lack of faith. Sometimes we have difficulty encouraging those close to us to practice their faith. We may have more success with those we don’t know.
Sea Sunday
Today is Sea Sunday when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Without them we would not have most of the items we buy in the shops. Today’s second collection is for the Apostleship of the Sea, the Church’s official maritime welfare agency. It supports seafarers both practically and spiritually. This collection is vital to enable it to continue its work.
O Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea. As we set forth upon the oceans of the world and cross deserts of our time, show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are lost. Pray that we will never fail on life’s journey, that in heart and mind, word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say, ‘Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?” Our Lady of Peace, pray for us! Bright Star of the Sea, guide us!
International Mass
Next Sunday we will be having our annual International Mass at 12 noon. You are invited to come along in your national costume. Children are invited to carry their national flag in the opening procession. Some of the readings, bidding prayers, and hymns will be in different languages.
After the Mass, there will be a reception in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre including a barbecue. We invite you to bring along an international dish to share. We will provide the drink.
Harrow Mencap
Harrow Mencap will be here next weekend to take their annual collection. Some of the group will join us for the reception after our International Mass.
Let It Be
The final session of ‘Let It Be’ will be on Tuesday, starting with refreshments in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 7.30pm. We finish at 9pm. Everyone is welcome, including those who have not come to any of the previous sessions, reflecting on Our Lady through video and discussions.
Growing in Faith
The chart on the notice board at the back of the church indicates that over the five years of Growing in Faith we have raised £137,310. This is a magnificent total and many thanks to all who have been part of this project. The total includes £21,073 which has been Gift Aided.
The grand total includes £27,462 which has been allocated to our Parish Projects, for which we still have some left to claim. A similar amount has been allocated to both Caritas and Priest Training, and £54924 to the Sick and Retired Priest Fund. Thank you very much.
First Communions in 2019
If your child is starting in Year 3 or above in September and would like to receive First Holy Communion next year, please take an application form from the porch and return it to the presbytery by 16th September at the latest. Application forms cannot be accepted after this date.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 16th September at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
Wednesday Mass at 9.15 in School
On Wednesday, Mass will be at 9.15am in the Annunciation Infants School next door. There will be no Holy Hour.
On the same day, the Annunciation Junior School will be having their Leavers’ Mass at 2pm.
Holy Hour will resume in September.
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
St James’ Catholic High Open Evening
Prospective parents and students are invited to view the school on Wednesday 19 September 2018 between 5:30pm – 8pm (final admission at 7:30pm). There will be a talk by the Headteacher in the Hall at 6pm and again at 7pm. Parking on-site will be available. Open mornings will also take place by appointment, during the week commencing Monday 8 October between 9:30am and 10:30am. Parents are welcome to come and view the school at work, to meet students and senior staff. Please contact the school on 020 8358 2800 for further details or email admin@st-james.barnet.sch.uk
Sponsored Walk and Cake Sale – in aid of the Four:12 Lourdes Group
Yesterday, our Four:12 Lourdes Group completed the 19½ mile round-trip to Westminster Cathedral on foot to fundraise for their forthcoming pilgrimage. Today (Sunday) they will be holding a cake sale after all Masses, so please come along and lend your support to our young people who will be giving up a week of their summer holiday to support the sick and elderly of the diocese who are travelling to Lourdes.
The group’s fundraising page is: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/four12lourdes2018.
Petitions for Lourdes
If you would like our Four:12 Lourdes Group to place any petitions at the Grotto for you, please hand them in to Frances O’Neill by Sunday 15th July.
World Youth Day
World Youth Day is an international event with the Pope, and Catholics from across the world. The next WYD will be in Panama, Central America, in January 2019. The Diocese of Westminster Youth Ministry are organising a pilgrimage for young adults to attend this life changing event. Scholarships for 50% are also available to support young adults wishing to go. More information: dowym.com/events/wyd-panama-2019 or email: youth@rcdow.org.uk