Newsletter
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
9TH March 2008
CALENDAR
Monday - St John Ogilvy
Friday - St Joseph
Saturday - St Patrick (Ireland only)
Gospel Reflection
Miraculous Life
Sisters Martha and Mary send word to Jesus to tell him that his beloved friend Lazarus is seriously ill. When Jesus hears this news, he remains another two days where he is before setting off to Judea. The story is puzzling to say the least! That Jesus delays rushing off to be with his good friends in their hour of need surely smacks of total indifference. In truth, Jesus' delay is essential to the story.
Jesus is about to deepen the faith of his good friends Martha, Mary and Lazarus and all those who know them. It is because he loves his friends and not because he is indifferent to them that he allows Lazarus to die before returning. It is through Lazarus' death that Jesus is about to display indisputable proof of God. Jesus is about to work the ultimate miracle. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
It is not just that Lazarus got his life back that makes this miracle so exciting, it's that everybody who witnessed it or heard about it had their lives changed as a result. The raising of Lazarus reminds us not only that we are to inherit eternal life, but also that our lives can be miraculously enriched by our faith in Jesus.
Day of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available through the day at St. Francis de Sales, Hampton Hill, on Wednesday of Holy Week - after Morning Mass until 8.00pm
Penitents and Wanderers
The twin themes of Lent are baptism and penance. Lent is a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. Many parishes offer opportunities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance in the Lenten season. In recent years some parishes have explored using the Lenten period as a time to assist those returning to the Church after a period of not being active in the life of the Church.
Use this period as an opportunity to encourage someone back to church who hasn't been in a while. Perhaps there is someone in your family or a friend who would like to start attending Mass again, but just needs that little bit of encouragement or someone to go with.
LENTEN ALMS
In the last two weeks of the Lenten Season please remember the charities for which the diocese is appealing (The Brothers of St. John of God, Euston, The Sisters of Mercy in Kings Cross and projects in Zimbabwe and Sth. Africa) and place a gift in the box on the table at the back of the Church
Echoes of the Day...
"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery." H. G. Wells.
SPONSORED BRIDGE WALK - OUR APOLOGIES
Thank you to everyone who has so generously agreed to sponsor us in the London Bridges Walk. This has unfortunately been postponed until April due to unforeseen circumstances. We will publish a new date as soon as we receive it. Siobhan Wren
THE WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
The next meeting will be held next Thursday (13th March), commencing with Stations of the Cross in the Church at 8pm, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
All women parishioners welcome. - Many thanks, Betty O'Leary - Tel. 
020 8979 7993
HOLY WEEK & EASTER - ROTAS
Could all Readers and Eucharistic Ministers please fill in the rota in the porch indicating which services they will be attending over the Easter period. B. Hannigan
HAMPTON COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The next Quarterly Forum meeting which anyone may attend will be next Tuesday (11th March) at St. Mary's, Church Hall at 8.00pm at which there will be a presentation on 'Fairtrade'
L'VIV + UKRAINE
Join former L'Viv resident, Fr. Dwayne Bednar in this City of 4 Cathedrals.
4th to 10th May 2008.
See Noticeboard for all details
TESCO & SAINSBURY'S VOUCHERS
I am again collecting vouchers for Knightsfield School for deaf children. Please place any vouchers you collect in the box under the repository cabinet.
CAKE SALE
Thank you to everyone who baked and bought cakes from us last weekend. We raised £121 towards our pilgrimage to Australia in July. Siobhan Wren.
GOOD FRIDAY ECUMENICAL SERVICE
This year's ecumenical service at 11am outside Sainsbury's will take the form of Children's Stations of the Cross led by Deacon Duncan with children and young people from the parish.
SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CEILI
You are invited to a Ceili to mark the Feast on Saturday 15th March, in St Francis de Sales Church Hall. 7.30pm. Tickets on the door.
Prices £6.00pm Adults. Children/Concessions £3.00. Ticket includes variety of snacks. A Bar will be available.
All enquiries to Marie on 020 8977 5049
POLISH MASS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT
Mass is offered in Polish at the St. George's Chapel, near to Terminal 2, at 10.30am every Sunday.
Fr. Jaroslav Jubiak is the regular celebrant
JUMBLE SALE 3RD HAMPTON SCOUTS
Percy Road Headquarters - Saturday 15th March
10am - 12noon - Admission 50p.
We will be pleased to collect. Call 020 8941 8355
The Sons of Divine Providence:
Founded by St Luigi Orione - have vacancies in their residential care home for the elderly in Hampton Wick.
Further information from the Manager Lydia Davis 020 8977 0754.
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