Newsletter
LOW SUNDAY
30th MARCH 2008
CALENDAR
Monday: The Annuncition
Friday: St Isodore of Seville
Gospel Reflection - Moving Mountains
We live in an age where everything has to be 'seen to be believed'. If we haven't heard in on the news, or read it on the front page of 'The Independent', then it can't be true. For a scientist to act in faith rather than on proven fact, or for a detective to make an arrest without hard evidence would be deemed negligent. Faith is the domain of the non-scientific. Faith is reserved for when we follow our hearts and our instincts. The solely scientific see no validation for faith, and yet we are told that faith has the power to move mountains.
The story of 'Doubting Thomas' is interesting in that it addresses doubt in the first place. If Jesus wasn't expecting us to suffer doubts, why address the subject in the first place? We are brought up to think of faith as good and doubt as bad, but would God really want us to bury our doubts and fake our religious experience? For all of us who do not have the benefit of Thomas's first hand experience, the good news is that doubt and faith are opposite sides of the same coin. Honest doubt can ultimately lead to a stronger faith. Doubt leads to questions, and whereas questions don't always lead to answers, they almost always lead to spiritual growth.
Today we are encouraged to believe without seeing. No, we're not being asked to silence our doubts or to leave our brains at the church door! The reality of our faith boils down not to what we are able or not able to believe, but who we believe in. Can trusting Jesus give us faith enough to move mountains?
The Annunciation
Saying Yes to Jesus - 31st March
At the Annunciation, Mary's consent was one of the most important moments in the history of salvation and in the unfolding of the Eucharistic mystery. We call that moment her 'fiat', the first word in a Latin phrase that means "Be it done unto me according to your word." When we say yes to God, we allow his grace to be fruitful. When we say no, his plan is thwarted. What would have happened had Mary said no to God's invitation? Would we still be awaiting a Messiah?
Recommended Reading for the season:
Easter Faith - Believing In The Risen Jesus by Gerald O'Collins
In Easter Faith one of the most distinguished Catholic biblical scholars and theologians draws on a lifetime's study and research to review the evidence for the credibility of the resurrection. The result is a lucid and elegant work that brings together biblical scholarship, theology, and lived experience into a unique and compelling portrait of the Easter faith of the Christian community.
Redemptorist Publications
ISBN: 9780232525090
CHOOSE LIFE
Bishop Alan Hopes invites young adults from the west of the diocese to mass (6.30pm) at Our Lady of Victories Church, 235a Kensington High Street, Sunday 13th April. Please see the notice board for details.
PARISH COUNCIL AGM
It has been proposed that an amendment to the Parish Council's Constitution be made regarding setting the date of the quarterly meeting. Notice of such a proposition must be given six weeks in advance of the AGM.
Please note this will be an item on the Agenda at the coming AGM on Thursday May 15th.
Nominations are also invited for the offices of Chair and Vice Chair
WORLD YOUTH DAY SPONSORED WALK
The young people intending traveling to Sydney in July will be doing their advertised walk on Sunday April 27th and afterwards trust they can call on their generous sponsorships.
Very many thanks. Siobhan Wren
The Cardinal's Lectures:
FAITH& LIFE IN BRITAIN
Westminster Cathedral Thursdays of April and first 2 weeks of May
Next Thursday at 7pm:
Former PM - TONY BLAIR
You are invited to OUR 4th ANNUAL ALL NATIONS FIESTA
Westminster Cathedral Hall,
Ambrosden Avenue
10am-2pm Sunday 18th May 2008
Free Admission
Win a pack of High Street Vouchers.
Pope Benedict's Mission Intention for April 2008
Please join with the Holy Father in his prayers that future priests in young churches may be fully prepared to proclaim the gospel in their own countries and to the whole world.
APF 29 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1NU
PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
The Pilgrimage from 9-13 June is still booking. If you wish to come please write your name and contact details on the sheet in the porch.
The Mulberry - Allen Hall Seminary Journal
Copies of the 16th Issue of the Mulberry are available in the Church. Please take one to inform yourself of the busy lives those who are preparing for the priesthood are living and the issues that touch on their priestly formation.
The Beginning Experience
The London Team is holding a weekend for those who find themselves alone again through divorce, separation or bereavement. This will take place from April 4th - 6th at the Emmaus Centre, For details please phone Eileen on 
020 8992 0822
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