3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
This Sunday has been put aside as the Sunday of the Word of God, an opportunity to reflect on the power of the scriptures presented to us. Each home should have a bible and it should be used as a guide for our lives and provide us with a spiritual reflection in our prayer times. At Masses today, we will be commissioning those who read at Mass. This is a privileged ministry for those who proclaim God’s word. Each time we come to Mass we should go home with at least one fresh thought that the scriptures have provoked.
Today’s Gospel centres around the early public ministry of Jesus. Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, James and John from their fishing to become his first disciples. Jesus then proceeds to teach in the synagogues and cures the sick. Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. He was bringing the people who were in darkness, those who had been unaware of the power of God, into a state of great light. May the word of God enlighten our minds and hearts.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Today (Sunday) there will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the church.
First Communion Programme
Today during the 10.30 Mass, those children in the First Communion Programme will be enrolled into the programme. Parents will be pledging their support as well. Please pray for these families of the parish as they progress towards the child receiving First Holy Communion in June.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2023
On Wednesday there will be a meeting for parents of those who have applied to receive their Confirmation this year at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session for the candidates will be on Wednesday 1st February from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Parish Centre.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity continues until Wednesday when we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
Tender– hearted God, Your Son Jesus prayed that we may be one.
As we journey together in openness and truth,
may we draw closer to each other.
May our love embrace people of all faiths,
Send your Spirit to empower us to promote dignity
and compassion in societies, nations and world.
God of life, lead us to justice and peace.
AMEN.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 2nd February at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre.
PARISH AGM
The Parish Annual General Meeting takes place on Sunday 19th February at 2pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This will be preceded by a shared lunch which will start after the 12 Noon Mass. We will invite you to bring along a dish of food to share. We will provide the drink.
At the AGM we will be looking back at what has happened in the last year and make plans for the coming year and elect a new Parish Council.
If you would like to nominate somebody for the Parish Council, please speak first to them and submit their name to Fr Colin by 12th February.
Weddings in 2023
Couples who wish to be married in this church next year or require us to prepare them for marriage elsewhere, please get in touch with Fr Colin or Fr David.
Maintenance Co-ordinator
We are looking for someone who could co-ordinate the maintenance work required on the church premises. It would mean keeping an eye on the structure and efficiency of the various parts of the church, parish centre and presbytery. It would suit someone who is available during the day who could contact the various builders etc. and be around when they come. If you think you could help, please speak to one of the priests.
USED STAMPS
If you have any used stamps please can you put them in the box in the porch. Just leave a border around them. They will go to the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
Foodbank for the community
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. Thank you.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
MINISTRY OF READER
On this Sunday of the Word of God, those who read at Mass will be asked to come forward before the first reading to be commissioned or re-commissioned as a Minister of the Word.
PRIEST Dear friends, as a reader at Masses in this parish, we ask you now to commit yourself to the work of evangelisation.
PRIEST Christ come to us in Word and Sacrament to strengthen us in holiness. Are you resolved to continue to perform the ministry of Reader by proclaiming the Word of God to the people of God in this parish?
Readers: I am.
PRIEST: Are you resolved to strengthen your faith by regular prayer, to prepare diligently when asked to read, and to live out the Word you proclaim in your daily life?
Readers: I am.
PRIEST: May the Lord bless you in this work, as you help us to deepen our love for the word of God. We ask this through Christ the Lord, Amen.
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