SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
Our God is Compassion and Love
At the heart of this Sunday’s readings is a call to remember and express God’s mercy to those we meet. The entrance antiphon of this Sunday’s Mass reminds us of this and says, “O Lord, I trust in your merciful love….” (Psalm 12:6). The responsorial psalm also declares God Compassionate and gracious. While God’s love is transforming it calls us to live by it.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel (Luke 6:27-38), challenges us to love, bless, and pray for our enemies. This is very difficult, but love without mercy is incomplete. We see this in Our God who loves and blesses both the Just and the Unjust (Matthew 5:45). “Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).” When we forgive, we reflect the very heart of God who has been compassionate and loving to us. Loving our enemies is not a weakness but a form of freedom which transforms and brings us closer to God’s heart
David, in the first reading (1 Samuel 26), chose mercy over revenge on Saul. True strength lies in love, not retaliation. Like David, we are invited to rise above hatred and become vessels of God’s grace and love. O Lord, teach us your compassion and love. Amen.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
EL-SHADDAI
The El-Shaddai Prayer Group will meet in the Church after the Saturday vigil Mass on Saturday 1st March Time 7:30.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 2nd March at 4pm in the church.
MASS FOR BEREAVED PARENTS
Will be celebrated at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 5th April, at 2:00 PM.
HOLY YEAR EVENTS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden has been designated our local 'Jubilee Church' for the Holy Year. On the following dates at 7.30 pm, Solemn Mass, followed by Candlelit Rosary, with an opportunity for Confessions will take place;25th March; Solemnity of the Annunciation29th March; Feast of St Catherine of Siena11th May; 3pm - May Procession with prayer for Vocations24th June; Feast of St John the Baptist5th July; 11.15 am Celebration with the Cardinal, with Mass at Noon.15th August; Solemnity of the Assumption8th September; Feast of the Nativity of Mary12th October; Torchlit procession and Rosary21st November; Feast of the Presentation of Mary8th December; Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
WALK THE WESTMINSTER WAY
Another great theme of the Year is that of Pilgrimage and Walking Pilgrimages in particular. Here in the Diocese the Westminster Way has been devised, a gentle walk of about 5 miles from Tower Hill to the Cathedral, passing through Moorfields, Charterhouse, Ely Place, Maiden Lane and Westminster. There are good resources to use to accompany those who undertake this, including a Leader’s guide and Passport, all available on the Diocesan Website at https://rcdow.org.uk/jubilee-2025/ If you are planning to take a large group (Confirmandi, for example) it would be a kindness if you would make the various churches on the route aware of your impending visit. It will also ensure that their buildings are open and ready to receive pilgrims. Thanks are due to the clergy and staff in these places for their assistance and cooperation.
RETROUVAILLE
Retrouvaille is a ministry for couples experiencing crisis in their marriage. Further information at: retrouvaille.org.uk.
A DAY WITH A Day With Mary
Is taking place at Holy Apostles, Winchester Street, Pimlico on Saturday 22 February 9.30am and Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 1 March (9.45am to 5.00pm). Further information is available at
ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 17th May 2025 at 2:30pm.
The Cardinal is 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 2025. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish office the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, your full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email). Please advise Susan in the office before Thursday 3rd April 2024.
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. -No soup- Thank you.
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