Fifth SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Year B
Our God heals the broken-hearted.
Today’s responsorial psalm sings, “Praise the Lord who heals the broken-hearted.” I pray that all, who, like Job in today’s first reading, are suffering and wondering when the darkness of the night of the problems of life will pass by, may be encouraged, and healed by God.
Often, in the face of serious life problems, we realise that we cannot save ourselves. However, we must remember that God is always ready to heal and raise us, but in his own way and time.
In today’s Gospel, Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted and could not save herself. She needed a saviour who heals and raises the wounded. Jesus, Our Mighty Healer, stepped in and raised her from the bed of sickness.
We pray for the grace to await God’s help, and that we may be able to respond to God’s healing and deliverance with loving service to him just like Simon’s mother-in-law did and waited upon the Lord after her healing. O Lord, may you take us by our hands, heal and raise us from the depth of our sufferings.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised today Sunday 4th February at 4pm in the church.
LENT 2024
Ash Wednesday is Wednesday 14 February, there will be Masses at 9am and 7.30pm.
LENTEN REFLECTION COURSE BOOKS
We Dare to Say Lenten Course. The books are now available at the back the church cost £4.00 each.
The Divine Mercy Apostolate
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Divine Mercy Afternoon of Reflection on Saturday 10 February 2024 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm at St Georges R.C. Cathedral, Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7HY
The Reflection will include teachings on the Message of Mercy, Holy Mass, Way of the Cross, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All Welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information
Vigil of the Feast Our Lady of Lourdes
On Saturday 10th February, the Vigil of the Feast Our Lady of Lourdes, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com
Christian climate action
https://christianclimateaction.org/2023/12/08/join-us-for-the-no-faith-in-fossil-fuels-lent-vigil-for-climate-justice-14-24-february-2024/ On Ash Wednesday 2024 we will begin a 24/7, ten day vigil of mostly silent prayer outside Parliament and Downing Street. The vigil will be open to all regardless of religious practice, but will be preceded by a distinctively Christian inter-denominational service at St John Waterloo at 12.30 p.m. on Ash Wednesday and conclude with a service outside Downing Street on the Saturday ten days later.
Evangelising post-Christian Britain
Monsignor James Shea Tuesday, 20th February 2024, 7 PM St James' Church, Spanish Place, Marylebone Tickets £5 Monsignor James Shea, President of the University of Mary (Bismark, North Dakota) co-authored the extraordinary book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. In a lively lecture and Q&A, he will draw bridges between the different visions that the Church and the world have for our society, and suggest effective strategies to engage our own time and culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A and then refreshments will be available. Book your tickets at guild-ransom.co.uk/events
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.
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.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from 19th to 26th July. Join the pilgrimage as a pilgrim. Serve the pilgrimage by coming as a praying assisted pilgrim. Support assisted pilgrims by sponsoring the sick to join the pilgrimage and praying for them. For more information please go to https://rcdow.org.uk/pilgrimages/lourdes/ or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173
MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL - OCT 2024:
7 Nights Apartment B&B from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request. Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you.
Tel. 020 3239 8662 or website www.med-irishcentre.com
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.
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