5th Sunday of Easter (C) - 8th MAY
St John’s Gospel is very deep so it is better to concentrate on just small sections of it at a time. Today’s Gospel passage is very short and it focuses on the glorification of God and the commandment to love. It comes from Jesus’ Final Disclosure to the Apostles at the Last Supper, the night before he died. It refers to the glorification of God through the action of Jesus Christ. Jesus brings glory to the Father by offering up himself as a sacrifice for the people. Jesus was pointing to his imminent death and resurrection. During Eastertide, this is the constant theme in our minds. Jesus tells the apostles that he would not be with them much longer. So, Jesus leaves them with a new commandment—to love one another as he has loved us. If everyone followed this commandment, what a better world we would be living in. Jesus was asking his followers, not just to treat people as they themselves would like to be treated but to treat people kindly at whatever cost to themselves. Jesus would demonstrate this at the cost of his own life.
PRIEST TRAINING FUND
Thank you for your generosity to the Priest Training Fund collection last weekend. It is not too late to make a donation if you wish. Envelopes are available in the back of the church, or by contacting the parish office. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.rcdow.org.uk/donations
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session this afternoon (Sunday) for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the church.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
The First Communion children take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30am this Sunday morning. Next Sunday (22nd May) they have their final session in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Eucharistic Ministers are asked to please let Fr. Colin know their e-mail address, if they have one. This will enable the rota to be sent directly to you in the future.
The re-commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers for a further year will take place at Masses on the Feast of Corpus Christi (18th/19th June).
THE CHURCH IS OPEN
We are pleased that the church will remain open throughout the day, enabling you to come before the Blessed Sacrament and pray. We encourage parents to bring their child in for a short visit before or after school. It can really make a difference to our lives.
JOHN CARR R.I.P
Please pray for the soul of JOHN CARR who died on Easter Sunday. His funeral Mass will be on Wednesday 25th May at 10.30am.
Parish Council
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 26th May. As this is Ascension Day, the meeting will start at about 8.10pm, following the 7.30pm Mass.
MORE FLOWER ARANGERS REQUIRED
You will notice how beautifully the church is decorated with flowers. We thank those who dedicate their time to preparing them. We need more helpers. If you are willing to assist with flower arranging, please get in touch with one of the priests. Thank you.
SUMMER FAYRE
We will be having a Summer Fayre on Saturday 9th July. We are looking for helpers for the stalls and other activities. If you are able to help, please let us know.
MAY PROCESSION
We are pleased to say that we are able to have a May Procession this year. It will take place on Saturday 28th May following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
MISSIO RED BOXES
We have received a letter of thanks from MISSIO for our contributions to the Red Box Appeal. In 2021, the Annunciation Church raised £737-25 and a further £308-90 was sent this April. The founder of the missionary network, Pauline Jaricot, will be beatified on 22nd May. This remarkable lay woman’s life was marked by intense suffering and great trust in God. Thank you for being part of Pauline's Legacy. On the weekend of 30th/31st July, Fr Paul Mooney will come to the parish to make an appeal for more Red Box collectors. Breda and Vincent Randall have been our parish organisers for many years. They are looking for someone to replace them. Any volunteers?
Admissions 2023-24 - St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
Our Year 7 Open Day will be held on Monday 27 June 2022 5-7.30pm. Applications to sit the entrance tests for September 2023 entry can now be made online.www.st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUNITY
Items for the local foodbank can be left in one of the boxes in the porch. Many thanks to those who have donated already. It has been very much appreciated.
The Universe Catholic Weekly
The Universe Catholic Weekly is thrilled to announce that we have launched our new online newspaper with the full support of our first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE trial supply by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk
LORETO COLLEGE (ST ALBANS) CENTENARY GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 10th July 2022 12pm to 6pm(last admission 5pm)
Admission £5.00 per person(FREE entry for children aged 5 and under)
There will be live music by the popular local band Soulfish, BBQ, afternoon tea, bar, traditional games/stalls and much more including our Centenary Raffle. A link to the ticket page and more information can be found at www.loreto.herts.sch.uk
The Christian Heritage Centre
Is delighted to announce that the Christian Leadership Formation programme is running for a second consecutive year and is currently open to applications from students in Lower Sixth. The application deadline is Friday 3rd June 2022, although references will still be accepted after that date for applications that have already been submitted.
The programme is for students who are actively committed to their faith, who are intellectually gifted and who are committed to shaping a Christian society through their careers. It provided a spiritual and philosophical/theological formation in the Catholic tradition around themes relating to the common good, as well as workshops in skills pertaining to public life. Part- to full sponsorships are available to students who are unable to meet the costs, though we students are asked to attempt to fundraise £140 (10% of the course’s costs) as a minimum contribution.
Information and application forms are available here: https://christianheritagecentre.com/clf/
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