5th Sunday of Year (C)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes things happen. Simon and the others had been fishing all night but had had no success. When Jesus comes along and asks them to try again, their success is phenomenal. With the help of Jesus, all things are possible. The apostles were amazed at what Jesus could make happen. But Jesus uses this occasion to point out to the apostles that from then on it would not be fish that they would be catching but men. In other words, they would be bringing God’s Kingdom and the Good News to one and all.
Racial Justice Sunday
Next weekend we keep Racial Justice Sunday. We are asked to recognise the problems faced by people due to racism and ethnic discrimination in the workplace. The Gospel demands that we acknowledge the dignity of the human person, the necessity of building peace, prosperity and justice for all. Migrant communities and those suffering from racial abuse are particularly vulnerable to being drawn into unjust working conditions and labour exploitation. There will be a second collection next weekend, from which funds will be used for promoting racial justice in England and Wales.
Prayer for those facing exploitation O God, Gracious God, From your abundance all gifts and skills are bestowed, making us participants in your work of creation. By the word of your Son, confront our greed, challenge us when we treat people as means of profit, or discriminate unjustly against our fellow human beings. Amen.
Happy Birthday, Peter
Peter Maclean. Believed to be our oldest parishioner, celebrates his 100th birthday on 16th February. Many congratulations!
First Communion Programme
The First Communion Children will be taking part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning.
Fr Pius and Fr Barry
Fr Pius Pinto will be celebrating the 6.30pm next Saturday, the 12 Noon Mass next Sunday and the 7.30am Mass on Monday 18th February. He then returns to India. Fr Pius will be known to several parishioners as he comes over from India each year, normally supplying at St Anthony’s in Edgware. He celebrated his Silver Jubilee in this parish in 2011.
Fr Barry Clifford will be staying in the presbytery while Fr. Colin is away on retreat from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd February. Fr. Barry is Prior of the Augustinian
Community in Hoxton.
The Passage
Please support a St David’s Day concert in aid of The Passage at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster on Thursday 1 March 2018 at 7.30. Full details to book are on the website www.passage.org.uk or telephone 020 75921856 or email info@passage.org.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.
Parish Annual General Meeting
This will take place on Sunday 03rd March at 2pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. As in previous years, it will follow a shared lunch which will start at 1pm. For this we invite you to bring along a dish of food and we will provide the drink. Everyone is welcome to either or both of these events.
At the A.G.M., we will review what has happened during the past 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 by 24th February.
This Occasion will be an opportunity to have a little parish celebration before Lent starts on 6th March.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 24th March at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
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.
Four:12 Quiz Night
The Early Spring edition of Four:12's Family Quiz Night will be on Friday 15th of February 2019 in the Parish Hall. The quiz is open to everyone. Doors open at 7pm. £6/adult & £3/child (under 16). Book your places by emailing Four12.oak@gmail.com. Refreshments (fish & chips) will be served.
Confirmation Programme
The Confirmation candidates have their 2nd session on Wednesday at 7pm.
Next Sunday at 12 Noon Mass, they will be officially enrolled into the programme. Their parents are asked please to attend this Mass with them Next Sunday.
St Scholastica’s Retreat Open Day – Saturday, 16th February, 2019
Is this for you OR for someone you know? St Scholastica’s Retreat – Open Day – Saturday, 16th February, 2019 The Retreat offers sheltered housing to practising Catholics aged 60 or over in 36 self-contained flats at £491pcm – more information on the poster and from The Warden: Deacon Seán Duffy – Princes Risborough (01844) 344437. Email: info@stscholasticas.co.uk www.stscholasticas.co.uk
Catholic History Walks—London
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).
St. Rose’s Chapel and Prayer Garden 11th February
Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for The Sick
There will be Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and Rosary at the beginning of every hour starting at 1.00pm and ending at 4.30pm. Please come at any time and pray for our families and all the sick.