1st Sunday of Lent (Year C)
The devil is ever at work, tempting people away from God, away from what is right. The devil has infiltrated the Church, causing great distress to many all around the world. We too face temptations every day. But today we are presented with the occasion when Jesus himself was tempted. He overcame these temptations. We can use this as an example to help us as we journey through Lent when we will face temptations of our own.
CAFOD Lent Fast Day
This coming Friday is CAFOD Family Fast Day. It is an opportunity to support our brothers and sisters around the world. Drought, floods and storms are having a devastating impact on our global family. One example Manihur in Bangladesh makes a living from fishing but a drought last year killed all the fish and she’s struggling to support her disabled husband and son. On Friday, we can eat a simple meal in solidarity and give what we save to help the people like Manihur. Through CAFOD’s global Church network – one of the largest aid networks in the world—our support can reach to the ends of the earth. Please take a Fast Day envelope and return it with your contribution next weekend.
Taste and see
We bless you, Lord, and praise you. Your wonders are ever on our lips. For we: Taste and see that the Lord is good. We share this meal, Lord, and thank you, for this food and all your gifts to us. As we: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Open our hearts, Lord, to others especially those who hunger and hurt. Together let us: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Inspire us, Lord, and move us to reach out in love to those in need so all people may: Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal
A Lenten Alms box has been placed near Our Lady’s altar for contributions to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal. It funds initiatives in parishes, schools and charities in the three mission areas of Marriage and Family Life, Youth and Evangelisation and the Church’s Service in Society. Envelopes will be available and these can be put in the Lenten Alms box together with any other donations you would like to make. Thank you.
Feast of the Annunciation
Our Parish Feast Day is on Monday 25th March. Masses will be at 9am and 7,30pm. There will also be Masses in the Annunciation Infants School at 11am and in the Annunciation Junior School at 2.pm. There will be a get-together in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre after the 7.30pm Mass to which we invite you to bring a long a dish of food and we will provide the drink. Please note that there will be no early morning Mass at 7.30am that Monday.
First Communion Programme
The First Communion children take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning.
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.
90th Anniversary Booklet
The 90th anniversary booklet is now available in the Repository. Donations are welcome and money will be used to purchase two new chalices for the parish. We are very grateful to Alice O’Neill who compiled the booklet, to all those who contributed in any way and to Putnam’s for arranging the printing.
The Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak Film Afternoon
“When Harry Met Sally” Wednesday 27th March 2019, doors open 2pm, film commences 2.15pm Trinity Church, Mill Hill Broadway. Donations welcome.
Confirmation Programme
There will be a session for Confirmation candidates on Wednesday at 7pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross this Friday takes place at St Alphage Church in Montrose Avenue at 7pm.
Finance Committee
The next meeting of the Finance Committee will be on Thursday week, 21st March, at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Lately Dead
The funeral Mass for NORAH (PHYLLIS) HOGAN formerly of Hanshaw Drive will be at 10.am on Friday. This replaces the 9am Mass that morning. Her body will be brought to the church at 6.pm on Thursday.
New Planned Giving Envelopes
The New boxes of planned giving envelopes will be available next weekend. Unfortunately, due to Data Protection regulations, we are not allowed to leave them in the church. Please ask me or one of the helpers for your box after Mass. If you would like to start receiving envelopes, please put your name and address on a sheet of paper on the table at the back of the church, put it in an envelope and hand it to Fr. Colin or put it through the presbytery letterbox.
A Day with the Lord
We will be having a day of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday 5th April from 9.30am, concluding at 6.30pm. Please sign up for a half-hour watching slot on the sheet on the table at the back of the church, Benediction will be followed at 7pm. By Stations of the Cross.
Caritas has a service to support and develop volunteering in the diocese
The aim is to make volunteering as easy as possible for everyone.
Please visit the website www.caritaswestminster.org.uk/volunteer where you can find a role for you.
Alternatively contact us directly by emailing caritasvol@rcdow.org.uk or by telephone 0207 798 9063 or 077 3818 3833.
The New Parish Council
At The Parish General Meeting last Sunday, the following were elected to serve on the Parish Council:
GERALDINE BOURKE, MARCELLA DALY, ALOYSIUS ONUEGBU, ANDY REID, LORIE SALAZAR and MARY ANN TORRES, They will be joining the following who are continuing their term of office: ERIC ATAINDUM, KENNETH BLAKE, LINDA LYNCH, BENEDICT METUH, TERESA O’NEILL AND RHODERICK PANGANIBAN. The next Parish Council meeting is on Thursday 4th April at 7.45pm in the presbytery.
St. Roses Chapel and Prayer Garden, 160, Anson Road, Cricklewood,
Saturday 16th March
A Lent Day of Retreat: “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His path straight.” Led by
Sister Columba op, Sister Marie Henry op, Sister Avril op, Sister Raymunda op
Please come and enjoy some time of prayer, reflection and silence. In order to facilitate people who wish to come for all or part of the day, we have divided the day into three sessions.
Arrivals between 10.00 and 10.30
Session 1: 10.30-12.00
Lunch: 12.00-13.00
Session 2: 13.00-14.00
Session 3: 14.00-15.00 and conclusion.