4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Our Gospel readings for the next four Sundays as we lead up to Lent are taken form the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ teaching to his disciples as presented by St Matthew. The best known passage is the Beatitudes which we have as our reading today. The translation we use has the word ‘happy’ rather than ‘blessed’. It gives the impression that it is an emotion we feel. That emotion will come once we realise what a blessing it is to follow God’s will, to use the gifts that he has given us. We can be gentle only if God has given us the ability to be gentle, for instance. Life involves tapping into the gifts that God has given us and putting them into action. If we do, the rewards will be great. But it needs a constant effort on our part to be able to fulfil what the Beatitudes are calling on us to do: - to be poor in spirit, to be gentle, to strive after righteousness, to be merciful, to be pure in heart and to be a peacemaker.
NEXT SUNDAY IS RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
Next weekend is the day the church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour. The theme this year is ‘All are included in the mission of Christ and his Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together’. It reflects the role each of us must play in promoting the mission of Christ and his Church. This was inspired by conversations around last year’s Racial Justice Sunday and Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in July 2022 when he spoke about looking towards a future of ‘Justice, Healing and Reconciliation’.
Prayer for Racial Justice
God of our past, present and future,
You created each one of us in your image and likeness.
Help us to recognise you in each person
as we pray for an end to suffering caused by racism.
Lead us this day
to walk with one another,
pray with one another,
and work together
so that we will create a future based on justice and healing
and fulfil the hope you have for all peoples.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
First Communion Programme
There is a class for the First Communion children at 9am this morning (Sunday) in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. There will be a meeting for the parents of the 1st Communion children tomorrow (Monday) at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre. Next Sunday the children will take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 in the church.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2023
The Confirmation candidates have their first session on Wednesday at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 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.
CANDLEMAS DAY
On Thursday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas Day. Candles will be blessed at the beginning of the 9am Mass.
BLESSING OF THROATS
On Friday we commemorate St. Blaise and the blessing of throats will take place at the end of Mass.
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
The World Day of the Sick will be on Saturday 11th February, the Memoria of Our Lady of Lourdes. There will be a Mass for the sick at Westminster Cathedral at 2.0pm, celebrated by the Cardinal during which the Sacrament of the sick will be offered.
If you would like to attend please let us know giving your contact details and telling us into which of the following categories you fall:
1. Wheelchair users who require anointing
2. Walking sick who require anointing.
3. Those assisting the sick who do not require anointing.
Please let us know by next Sunday, 5th February
Pope Francis has written a message for the World Day of the Sick, taking the theme ‘Take care of him’. Copies of the message are available on the table at the back of the church.
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.
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
Thank you for your support on their recent appeal, the amount collected was £255.44.
Volunteers needed – Find out more Wednesday 1st February.
CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to join us as volunteers here in the Westminster diocese. Could you help us raise awareness about our work across the developing world tackling poverty and injustice. Find out by joining our meeting this Wednesday 1st February from 2.30-430pm in Oakwood, North London, N14 4HE. Please contact Tony at CAFOD for further details. westminster@cafod.org.uk or 0208 449 6970
Weddings in 2023
Couples who wish to be married in this church this 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.
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.
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