2nd Sunday of Lent (Year C)
On the 2nd Sunday of Lent each year, we have one of the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration. It was a turning moment for the 3 Apostles (Peter, James and John) in their understanding of Christ’s mission. For us it is a time to reflect on what lies ahead in our journey through Lent—Christ’s Death and glorious Resurrection. Peter remarked on how it was wonderful for us to be here, a moment he wanted to capture and preserve. We too can experience uplifting spiritual moments when we feel everything falling into place and a deeper understand of the mission of Christ. Then Peter heard a voice from heaven which endorsed his faith in Jesus: ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him’.
CAFOD Lent Fast Day
There will be a second collection after Mass today for CAFOD Lent Fast Day, which was last Friday. The money will go to help projects like that in Bangladesh where drought, floods and storms are having a devastating impact on families.
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 11.am 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.
New Planned Giving Envelopes
The New boxes of planned giving envelopes will be available today. 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.
Also available on the table at the back of the church are standing order forms and Gift Aid forms. Many parishioners are now donating by standing order, meaning that they don’t need to put anything in the collection as it is passed around. For taxpayers, you can Gift Aid you donation enabling us to receive 25% extra to what you contribute. Many thanks for your continuing generosity. Copies of the Parish Annual Accounts for 2018 and comparisons with 2017, presented at the recent Parish AGM, are available in the porch.
First Communion Programme
There will be a meeting for all First Communion parents on Tuesday at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This is the final meeting for parents and it is important that all families are represented. The Children have a session next Sunday at 9.15am.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross this week takes place here at the Annunciation at 7.pm on Friday.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday at 4.pm in the Dominic Room, Application forms can be collected from the Sacristy.
Lately Dead
Please pray for the parents of baby twins NELLY and ALAYAH BELL-JENKINS whose burial takes place on Friday.
Proclaim Spring Gathering 2019
with Bishop John Sherrington on Saturday 30th March at The Niland Conference Centre, Elstree Road, Bushey Heath WD23 4EE will help all who are interested in sharing their Faith to respond to Pope Francis’ call to grow ‘Missionary Parishes’ and form ‘Missionary Disciples’. You are invited to hear talks and presentations, and join in discussion with participants from other parishes, looking at practical ways to enrich and grow our parishes, and to reach out to others through local evangelisation. The events which are free to attend run from 9.30am to 3.00pm and are open to all. Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. To register for Proclaim Spring Gathering e-mail Warren Brown at catadmin@rcdow.org.uk Telephone contact is 0207 798 9152
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. with Benediction. 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 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.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
90th Anniversary Booklet
Copies of the parish 90th anniversary booklet are available in the Repository. Any donations will be used to purchase two new chalices for the parish.
Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal 2019
The Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal funds initiatives in parishes, schools and charities in the three mission areas of: Marriage and Family Life, enriching and supporting marriages, the essential building block of society and the Church; Youth and Evangelisation, supporting young people, the future of the Church, as they grow in their relationship with God and deepen their Catholic faith; and the Church’s Service in Society, putting our faith into action by serving the poor, the lonely and the marginalised. This year, the Cardinal is asking us to think about the last of these in particular, and he has launched a new programme focusing on the food poverty that affects so many across the Diocese. Much of this poverty remains hidden. Many use foodbanks even though there is a wage earner in the family. Please take a donation leaflet as you leave Mass today. In addition, to find out about volunteering opportunities, visit CardinalsLentenAppeal.org.uk. In the words of Cardinal Nichols: “I hope this Appeal offers you and your family one way in which to observe Lent and to grow in the richness of our response to God's blessings of life and faith.” Donations and envelopes can be put in the Lenten Alms Box which is near Our Lady’s altar. Thank you.
Post-Synod Reflections for Young Adults
The next meeting of young adults at Archbishop's House will take place on Tuesday 2nd April, 6.30pm. These meetings are an opportunity for young adults to come together following the Synod of Bishops meeting on youth last October, pray, have input from one of our diocesan bishops, reflect and discuss the place of faith in the life of young people. Bishop John Sherrington will be leading our reflections this time. All young adults are invited to attend. Please let us know by emailing youth@rcdow.org.uk. For more details, go to www.dowym.com/events.