Newsletter

FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

3RD FEBRUARY 2008

CALENDAR
Monday - St Agatha
ASH WEDNESDAY

Gospel Reflection
Think Again!

Today we listen to Jesus' most famous sermon; a list of promises to the poor, the meek and the merciful that we now call 'The Beatitudes'. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven," promises Jesus, "Blessed are the meek, blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness." Is Jesus telling us we can only be blessed if we make ourselves poor? Is he telling us to sit back meekly and let others walk all over us? Is Jesus encouraging us to go out and actively invite persecution and insult?

It's difficult to embrace Jesus' values because we have been brought up to value everything that Jesus does not. From an early age we have been taught to work hard at school so that we will get a good job and earn lots of money. We are scolded for not speaking up for ourselves and applauded for pushing ourselves forward. Our culture is all about winning, prestige and material success.

The challenge we find in the Beatitudes is to work contrary to our human instincts in order to find true happiness and fulfilment. Our instincts are to amass wealth, earn fame, and bask in our perceived self-importance. It is often our cowardly instinct to turn a blind eye to injustice or to fail to stand up for what we believe because we are afraid of ridicule. It is the instinct of governments to engage in conflict in the pursuit of material gain and power.

In his sermon, Jesus was not suggesting we live in dire poverty or become human doormats for the sake of it. Rather Jesus is asking us to look again at our values. We are asked to look at the things that we think will bring happiness. Jesus challenges us to think again.

AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

The Season of Lent is an opportunity not to be passed over - a time for establishing priorities and making our peace. My neighbour is another self to be met with love and who introduces us to God's grace. Inquire as to how you may share in the programme commencing and the meetings to be arranged.

Ash Wednesday (Fast & Abstinence+)
6th February

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning to the season of soul searching and repentance. On this day we are reminded to change our ways and get our priorities straight. Lent is a season of hope and good intention.

On Ash Wednesday we are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence and mortality. The marking of our forehead with a cross of ashes reminds us that:-
• Death comes to everyone
• That we should be sorry for our sins and want to change for the better
• That God made the first human being by breathing life into dust, and without God, human beings are nothing more than dust and ashes
• We are reminded of Christ's sacrifice on the cross as atonement for sin.
"God our Father, you created us from the dust of the earth. Grant that these ashes may be for us a sign of our penitence, and a symbol of our mortality."

***The Season of Lent

The 6 weeks of Lent start on Wednesday (6th.Feb.) Masses will be at 9.30am and 7.30pm.

Fridays: 7.30pm - Stations of the Cross.
Before the 9.30am Mass there will be Morning Prayer (9.15am approx.).
The Lenten Family Fast Day this year is on Friday 15thFebruary and envelopes will be distributed next week.

We have been asked by the Cardinal to remember the Diocesan Lenten Charities.

He writes:

'Each year we collect Lenten Alms for those both "at home" and "abroad" who are most in need. Within the Diocese the money collected will be for newly arrived migrants. Most especially the Diocese will be supporting the work of the Brothers of St. John of God in Euston and the work of the Sisters of Mercy in Kings Cross who are working with trafficked women. Outside the Diocese our Lenten Alms will be for the relief of the poor in Zimbabwe and for a particular project in South Africa"
We have been asked by Deacon Duncan Macpherson for help with his work in The Holy Land and so there will be a retiring collection on Laetare Sunday (4th of Lent - 2nd. March - Mother's Day) for that cause.

MOTHER'S DAY RAFFLE

We have lovely gifts suitable for Mother's Day which have been made by parishioners and donated to us to raffle for Church funds. Tickets will be on sale from next weekend onwards and the items concerned will be on show in the Parish Centre if you wish to see them. The draw will take place after the 5pm mass on Sunday 24th February. K Wren

REFLECTIONS ON MARRIAGE

Margaret and John Tolan will speak Friday 8th February (7.30pm) in the Hinsley Room, Westminster Cathedral. This is a special presentation for young Adults considering Marriage or already engaged. For further details visit www.vocationsgroup.org.uk or call 01277 373848

Providence Row Night Refuge
(re.Homelessness Sunday)

A donation of £200.00 was sent to Providence Row last week in response to their appeal for help for their work at: The Dellow Centre' in East London
(82, Wentworth St. E1 7SA)

GERRY COATES - SINGER/SONGWRITER

Gerry Coates who visited last year will come again on Mother's Day to give a short concert in the Parish Centre after the Evening Mass (6.15approx.) in aid of the work of:-

THE LIVING STONES TRUST

A RALLY OF VITAL IMPORTANCE

Anne Widdicombe & leading pro-life speakers address a rally at Central Hall Westminster one Wednesday Evening (Feb.6th 7pm) See Poster.

MIND THE GAP

A Series of Lenten Talks for young Adults (18-30ish)
These talks take place at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden and commence 12th Feb. for 5 consecutive Tuesdays. All young Adults welcome. For details please contact Ausra Karaliute 020 7931 6078

The Cardinal's Lectures - April & May
Faith & Life in Britain

There are leaflets in the Church advertising a programme of talks at the Westminster Cathedral which we have been asked to advertise. The speakers include The Archbishop of Canterbury and Rabbi Julia Neuberger. For further information cf. www.rcdow.org.uk/lectures

THE CHILDREN'S SUNDAY LITURGY

Children (3-7yrs.) are welcome to the Parish Centre at Sunday 10.30am Mass. However, only adults who have St. Theodore's CRB Clearance may, according to the set rota, accompany the children.

Please observe these strict diocesan rulings

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