Newsletter

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

10TH FEBRUARY 2008

CALENDAR
Monday - Our Lady of Lourdes
Thursday - Ss. Cyril & Methodius

Gospel Reflection
The Trouble With Temptation

The trouble with the devil is that we don't always recognise him. If temptation reared its ugly head dressed in horns and a scaly tail we would easily turn our backs, but the biggest problem with temptation is that it finds us at our most vulnerable and presents us with seemingly attractive choices. It sounds obvious that we should make good choices over sinful ones, yet we are extraordinarily good at justifying poor decisions. "Having a fling with the person in the next offices is okay," a cheating partner might remark, "as long as no one gets hurt." "Working on the side and claiming benefits is okay," reasons the benefit fraud, "I'm not exactly raking it in, and in any case, everyone else seems to be doing it." We are good at making the wrong decision in the face of temptation and finding ways to justify our choices. At the root of most temptation is an option for us to take the easy way out. To make the right choices often involves discomfort, hard work, sacrifice and will power. Often making the right decision seems beyond us.

Lent is a time for us to grapple with the temptations in our own lives. Lent is a time for us to get to know ourselves better. A helpful exercise is to use our imaginations to picture the sort of people we would like to become. Few of us would picture ourselves as weak or incapable of making good decisions. Picturing ourselves making good decision is a healthy start... all we need now is the will power to put our lives on the right track. That's where Jesus steps in. In today's gospel, Jesus models how to behave in the face of temptation. Jesus shows us that compromise can play no part in our purpose. During Lent we pray to Jesus for help in overcoming temptation and becoming the people we want to be.

CAFOD Lenten Family Fast Day

The First of the days for Lenten Almsgiving in the Church in this country is Friday of this week.(15th Feb) Please use the envelope attached and don't forget the advantage that comes to any charity when the donation is "Gift Aided" to take advantage of the tax concession to the benefiting charity.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - Monday / PARISH JUBILEE VISIT

We are all invited in this 150th anniversary year to get involved in the Jubilee Year of the shrine. I have been asked to sort out a week when a Group from St. Theo's can travel to the Lourdes.

I have discussed dates and contacted Tangney Tour Operators who have given details for a visit in the 2nd week of June. The proposed visit will depart by Air (Stansted 11.00pm) Mon 9th and return Friday 13th June. The cost will be £416.00 per person.

Consider this opportunity to visit with a parish group during this very special year to the revered shrine in Sth. West France. I will be very pleased to lead the party. I have been promised Booking Forms and all details for next week. For all other information go to website www.lourdes-france.com

Lenten Distraction

"Opportunity may knock only once but temptation leans on the doorbell!!"

And who is my Neighbour?

Faith-Sharing groups have commenced and will be meeting through the season of Lent. If you wish to join a group please contact either Mrs Chris Cross ( 0208 979 6159) or myself at the Presbytery. The booklets provided for the course are available in the Church. Fr. Bernard

LENT '08: VISIT TO AYLESFORD PRIORY

Morning Mass - 5th Sunday of Lent (9th March) at 'The Friars' - Maidstone. You are invited to join the Confirmation Party to this noted place of local pilgrimage founded in the 12th Century.

This Sunday excursion leaving 9.30am and returning 5.00pm will afford a timely space for recreation and reflection as the Lenten season draws to a close. (£12.50p per coach passenger) Please enter name & telephone number on the booking sheet in the porch.

WORLD YOUTH DAY UPDATE.

Please take this chance to support the fundraising of the young people from Saint Theodore's going on the World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Sydney, Australia. We will be doing a sponsored walk of the London Bridges on Sunday 9th March and would be grateful for any support. See us outside all masses next week.

THE DIOCESAN LENTEN CHARITIES '08

Brothers of St. John of God - Euston
Sisters of Mercy - Kings Cross
The Relief of Poverty - Zimbabwe
A specific project in South Africa

A box is provided for donations at the back of the church.

The Womens Fellowship

The next meeting will be held at the earlier time of 7.30pm. on Thursday 14th February in the Parish Centre.

Do not put the Lord your God to the test

MOTHER'S DAY RAFFLE

Some very desirable gifts have been donated and
tickets are on sale from this weekend onwards. The items concerned are on show in the Parish Centre if you wish to see them. The draw will take place after the 5pm mass on Sunday 24th

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

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

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