The Baptism of the Lord
Today we leap 30 years from last Sunday, moving from the Feast of the Epiphany to Christ’s 2nd Epiphany when he manifested himself at the riverside as he was baptised. It was then that the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved, my favour rests on you.’ This occasion marked the start of Jesus’ public ministry and his baptism was an appropriate way to start with the Father and the Holy Spirit also present. By being baptised himself, Jesus set the example to us that we should do the same. Having been baptised, we have the duty to minister to one other and bring the Good News of Jesus wherever we go.
White Flower Appeal
The White Flower Appeal from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) takes place today. During 2018, our donations helped to build pro-life support among politicians and to finance outreach projects to schools and universities. This included a very successful pro-life youth conference in Staffordshire which was attended by 200 young people. SPUC also helped those struggling after abortion through ARCH (Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline) and spread the pro-life message across popular media platforms. During 2019, the key objectives are to stop home abortion with dangers they pose to women, to take the pro-life message direct to young people at schools, colleges and universities, to provide practical pro-life support and to block moves to decriminalise abortion. In connection with this, we are invited today to complete a card to pass on to the Prime Minister asking her not to give parliamentary time to decriminalise abortion. Our financial support will help SPUC to fight the key objectives mentioned above.
Christian Unity Week
On Friday we start the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. It concludes with the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul on Friday 25th January. You may like to 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.
Our Lady of Lourdes Mass
The annual Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will take place in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 9th February at 2pm. The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered during Mass. All are welcome to attend. A special invitation is extended to all who are sick or infirm., all hospital chaplains, doctors, nurses healthcare assistants and all who work in healthcare. If you or someone you know plan to attend in a wheelchair, please let (Fr Colin) know by Sunday 27th January.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session next Sunday at 4pm in the Dominic Room for parents who wish to have their baby baptised. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
First Communion Programme
The children have a session this morning (Sunday) at 9.15. Next Sunday they take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
Fr Colin will be visiting all the First Communion Families over the next few months.
Confirmation Programme
Applications for the 2019 Confirmation Programme have now closed. There are 30 Candidates. There will be a session for their parents on Wednesday 30th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of seven sessions for candidates will be on Wednesday 6th February at 7.00pm. The Confirmations will take place on Friday 07th June at 7.00pm.
Good Neighbour Schemes
The Annual General Meeting of the Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak takes place tomorrow (Monday) at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Everybody is welcome.
Carers Available
Two of our parishioners are available to help in a home as paid carers. If you or anybody you know needs someone, please let Fr Colin know.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 24th January at 7.30pm, in the Dominic Room.
Crib Appeal
This year our Crib Offerings will be donated to the Catholic Children's Society to support their work with disadvantaged children and families. This will provide mental health services, family support and emergency grants for vulnerable children in our diocese.
Lately Dead
Please pray for the repose of the soul of NORA KENNY whose Funeral Mass will be on Thursday at 10.00am, replacing the 9.00am Mass that morning, the Funeral Mass for ANN NOLAN will be on Friday 25th January at 10.00am, replacing the 9.00am Mass that morning. Also please pray for NORA GRIFFIN of Littlefield Road who has died recently.
Fr Bob Barry RIP
Fr Bob Barry will be received into St Sebastian and St Pancras Church, Kingsbury Green at 6pm this evening, (Sunday), Funeral Mass on Monday 14th at 12 Noon.
Fr Eamon Raftery C.M. RIP
One of the priests at the Sacred Heart Parish, Mill Hill, died last Sunday. Fr Eamon was with us only recently. He helped with the First Confessions and the Advent Reconciliation Service last month. May he rest in peace.
Please keep them and their families in your prayers.
Empowering Vulnerable Children
Ted and Judi Fawcett have written to thank us for our support in last Sunday’s appeal. A total of £800.04 was raised to help the vulnerable children in Uganda.
Who is Pro Pop?
You will notice that one Mass each Sunday has the intention ‘Pro Pop.’ This is short for ‘For the People of the Parish’. This means that each week a Mass is offered for your intentions. So please do not ask to substitute a Mass of yours. Your intention would be included under ‘Pro Pop,’ though not specifically mentioned.
St. Rose’s Chapel and Prayer Garden,
160, Anson Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6BH
Exposition and Holy Hour will resume on Thursday,17th January from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
Please come and let us celebrate the New Year with Adoration, Reflection and prayer.
The Crib in The Chapel and the beautiful outdoor Crib will remain erected until 2nd February, The Feast of The Presentation of Our Lord. Let us visit and pray for our families and all our intentions.
Prospective Teacher Open Day Tuesday 29th January
Finchley Catholic High School are hosting an open day for anyone interested in entering the teaching profession. For those finishing university or others considering a career change and looking for their first teaching post, we would love you to join us.
The day gives you a chance to :
¨ Find out the different pathways into the profession.
¨ Experience a typical day in the life of a teacher
¨ Meet recent and current trainees
¨ Meet students and understand their needs
¨ Meet the departments and possible future colleagues
If you wish to attend the day, please email minzani@finchleycatholic.org.uk by Friday 18th January stating your current professional circumstances.
Places are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.