3rd Sunday of Lent (Year C)
The parable of the fig tree is a lesson for us that we are given one more chance to repent. Now is the favourable time. Lent provides us with the opportunity to change what needs to be changed in our lives and come closer to the will of God. It is then that our lives will produce fruit in abundance, building up the kingdom of God.
Feast of the Annunciation
Tomorrow we celebrate our Parish Feast, the Annunciation. The Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to become the Mother of God. God is going to become man. Our focus on this day is on Mary who put her trust in God: ‘Let it be done unto me according to your Word’. But we should also marvel at the announcement itself—that God is to become like us, with a human body and to mix with the people here on earth. Masses on this day will be at 9am and 7.30pm. There will be no 7.30am Mass this Monday. There will be a Mass in the Annunciation Infants School at 11am and in the Annunciation Junior School at 2pm
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Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal 2019
This weekend please take a Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal donation leaflet as you leave Mass. The Appeal contributes to three mission areas of the Church: Marriage and Family Life, Youth and Evangelisation, and Service in Society. This year, the Cardinal has launched a new programme focusing on the food poverty affecting people in every part of the Diocese, much of it hidden. Funds will support foodbanks, schools and other initiatives to relieve poverty, helping people back on their feet and able to live independently. The Cardinal is also calling everyone to consider volunteering. Visit CardinalsLentenAppeal.org.uk for details. Thank you for your generosity. Donations and envelopes can be put in the Lenten Alms Box which is near Our Lady’s altar.
Olive Wood Carves from the Holy Land
Next weekend the Good Shepheard Company will be selling wooden religious items after Mass. They have written the following to us.
We are the Good Shepherd Company from the Holy land (Bethlehem) which is based in Nottingham and works alongside with St. Vincent De Paul society for orphans and elderly in the Holy land.
Our goal is to support and help the Christian families in the holy land to stay at work as olive wood carves is one of the most important source of income for them, as 90% of the Christians rely on this sale. So by selling their produce here from the olive wood ( rosaries, crosses, cribs and religious statues) in their behalf, this will prevent the Christians from leaving the country in search of better work opportunities, as a test survey from the bishops of Jerusalem there is only forty one thousands Christians left in the area. Thank you very much again for your help and support. Remember us in your prayers please..
Parish Council
The Parish council meet on Thursday 4th April at 7.45pm in the Presbytery.
Clocks going forward
Clocks should be put forward one hour next Saturday Night. Summertime is coming.
First Communion Programme
The children will be having their final session this morning (Sunday) at 9.15. Next Sunday they will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross on Friday takes place at St Alphage Church, Montrose Avenue at 7pm.
Arrangements for Holy Week
Next weekend a card will be available giving the arrangements for Holy Week and Easter services.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised this afternoon (Sunday) at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
Confirmation Programme
The Confirmation candidates have a session on Wednesday at 7pm. In the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
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.
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.
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.
CAFOD Lent Fast Day Collection
Many thanks for last Sunday’s CAFOD Lent Fast Day Collection which amounted to £698.23. If you would still like to make a donation, there are envelopes on the table at the back of the church.
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.
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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.
Fasting and Feasting in Lent
Fast from discontent—Feast on Gratitude
Fast from complaining—Feast on appreciation
Fast from bitterness—Feast on forgiveness
Fast from self concern—Feast on compassion for others
Fast from Suspicion—Feast on truth
Fast from idle gossip—Feast on purposeful silence
Fast from unrelenting pressures—Feast on unceasing prayer