3rd Sunday of Year (C)
Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue and at the end, he makes a startling revelation to those gathered. He tells them that he is the one who is to fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy. In other words, he is the Messiah whom the Spirit has anointed. In saying this, he is setting out his own agenda for the public ministry he is just starting. That means he is the one who has been sent to bring the Good News to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour. And this is what Jesus set out to do as the Messiah, the Son of God, but he would meet with opposition.
Candlemas Day
On Saturday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas Day. We reflect on the occasion when Mary and Joseph brought their child Jesus, 40 days after his birth, to the Temple where he was presented to the Lord. This was following the Jewish custom whereby every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord and also offer sacrifice. On this occasion the Holy Family met two holy people in the Temple, Simeon and Anna. Simeon had been waiting for the day when he would set eyes on the Messiah. He took Jesus into his arms and blessed God, saying these words known as the Nunc Dimittis which are said at the Night Prayer of the Church: `Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.` So it is that on this day we process to our Temple, the church, carrying candles representing the light of the nations. At the 10am Mass, please gather in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre for the blessing of candles and we will then process to the church for Mass.
2019 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.
A Celebration Concert
Of Irish music, theatre, poetry and dancing in the week of St Brigid hosted by the Irish Chaplaincy at St James’ Church Piccadilly. January 30th 2019 at 7pm
Tickets available via www.thecraic.co.uk
Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland
06th May 2019. £649.00 per person sharing. Price includes flight 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.
Funerals this Week
On Tuesday at 1.30pm we have the funeral of PETER DOYLE OF Montrose Avenue. On Friday, we have the funeral of NORA GRIFFIN of Littlefield Road at 10.30am. These will be in addition to the 9am Mass.
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.
Parish Council
The Parish Council meet on Thursday at 7.45pm in the Presbytery.
First Communion Programme
There will be a meeting for the parents of the First Communion Children at 7.45pm on Tuesday. The children have a session next Sunday at 9.15am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Confirmation Programme
There will be a meeting for the parents of candidates who have already applied to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, The first of seven sessions for the candidates will be at 7pm on Wednesday 6th February.
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
Monday Club Help Wanted
Drivers needed we have two adults who need to be taken home from the Annunciation church hall at 9.pm one to Cricklewood, and one to Kilburn.
Volunteers
Looking ahead, we are also looking for additional volunteers to assist with running the club. This is with a view to eventually handing the reigns over to a volunteer or group of volunteers so that the Monday Club can continue.
The club has been running for over 40 years and has 23 members, most of whom come every week. If you can help in anyway please contact Sue Masterson on 07855038072.
The struggle for social and environmental justice in the Brazilian Amazon – talk and Q&A
Wednesday 6th February 2.30pm at CAFOD’s Volunteer Centre at Catholic Church of Christ the King, 1st Floor, 29 Bramley Road, Oakwood, London N14 4HE.
The Amazon rainforest produces one third of all rainfall on our planet and a fifth of our oxygen. Indigenous communities are at the heart of the struggle to protect this precious resource for us all, but they are facing unprecedented threats to their lives, homes and livelihoods. This volunteer meeting from 2.30-4pm will include an opportunity to hear a first-hand account of our work to defend indigenous rights and the Amazon in Brazil. Please contact Tony Sheen tsheen@cafod.org.uk for further details or to book a place.
Symbols of Faith Workshop
Preparing to the Sacraments and Participation in the Liturgy for people with learning disabilities. A workshop that trains individuals in the preparation of the children and adults with special needs for the sacraments, using symbolic catechesis. The workshop will be held at Our Lady of Dolours Church Hall, 4 Egerton Gardens, Hendon, NW4 4BA on Saturday, 2 February 2019, 10am—2pm. Details from Sue Day at sueday@rcdow.org.uk / 020 8202 3999
Catholic History Walks—London
A Royal Walk
Sunday 27th January, 3pm. A walk exploring the history of the Royal Family and Catholicism, through St James' Park and on to Buckingham Palace. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. Nearest Tube: Victoria.
Westminster
Wednesday 13th February, 6.30pm. A walk through the historic city of Westminster, from the mother Church of English Catholics, through St James's Park, and on to Whitehall. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. Nearest Tube: Victoria.
The City of London
Friday 15th February, 2pm. The City of London has an ancient and varied history, from its Saxon origins, through to the turbulence of the Reformation and Great Fire, and has many of London's most beautiful and interesting Churches. Meet at St Mary Moorfields, EC2M 7LS. Nearest Station: Moorgate.
Cardinal’s Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony, Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 8 June 2019 at 3pm
The Cardinal will be inviting to this Mass 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 2019. 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).