Newsletter

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

13th April 2008

CALENDAR

Monday - Friday
EASTER FERIAL WEEK

Gospel Reflection:
Discerning Ears

It is not good to hear ourselves described as sheep. Sheep are silly animals that follow each other blindly and do not act or think for themselves. This however is not the imagery intended when Jesus invites us to be 'his flock', rather his is asking us to think of him as our 'good shepherd'.

The voice of Jesus the good shepherd is the one that offers us spiritual sustenance, guidance, love and protection. Jesus wants us to recognise his voice as the one who addresses what we are and what we stand for. Key to a healthy spiritual life is an overriding commitment to hearing the word of God and applying it to one's own life, but in a world of competing values can we always recognise the voice of Jesus?

The trick is to know that Jesus' voice is everywhere that encourages us to impact our world as Christians. Jesus' voice is the voice at work that encourages us to do our best, not to gossip, not to help ourselves to that extra ream of paper while the boss isn't looking. Jesus is the voice that encourages us to respond to family members and the wider community who are in need. Jesus' voice is the voice that tells us how to vote and how to campaign for those who do not have a voice of their own. The voice of the impostor on the other hand is everywhere that encourages us to act out of self-interest and greed. Being part of Jesus' flock is certainly not for the 'sheep'; it's for those with discerning ears.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

"Vocations at the service of the Church on mission"

"Among those totally dedicated to the service of the Gospel, are priests, called to preach the word of God, administer the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, committed to helping the lowly, the sick, the suffering, the poor, and those who experience hardship in areas of the world where there are, at times, many who still have not had a real encounter with Jesus Christ. Missionaries announce for the first time to these people Christ's redemptive love. Statistics show that the number of baptized persons increases every year thanks to the pastoral work of these priests, who are wholly consecrated to the salvation of their brothers and sisters. In this context, a special word of thanks must be expressed. Let us thank God for all the priests who have suffered even to the sacrifice of their lives in order to serve Christ ... Theirs is a moving witness that can inspire many young people to follow Christ and to expend their lives for others, and thus to discover true life"

Taken from Pope Benedict's Message for the 45th World Day of Prayer for Vocations

FINAL CONFIRMATION CLASS

Would the candidates for Confirmation please come to a final session On Wednesday Evening from 5.15 until 6.15pm.

Please have the date of the Away Day in your diary which is on Sunday 27th April

VOCATIONS SUNDAY
CALLED TO MINISTER TO THE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE

The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare (to call). We believe that Jesus calls each by name, as he did the first disciples, to share in a unique way in the life of his Body, the Church. It is, therefore, necessary for us to explore the very concrete ways through which we may be invited by God to make this journey. These we can describe as 'particular vocations'. When we consider the concrete choices that people make to express their Christian calling, we think of ordained ministry (priesthood and diaconate), marriage and family life, consecrated life (religious life), and committed single life. Each of these 'particular vocations' (life choices) is explored at www.ukvocation.org

Have you signed a gift aid form?

We will soon be putting in a Gift Aid claim asking HM Revenue and Customs to give us tax that you have paid on your donations. If you have stopped paying tax, please would you contact Ross Gibbs Tel. 020 8979 4090 so that we don't ask for tax if you have not paid it.

Church cleaning!!

Don't let the numbers of those who keep the church neat and tidy drop down.
The work is not heavy and presently any team is called on only five times a year. If YOU are able to fill a team vacancy that has occurred please do contact Mrs Christiane Naylor on 020 8941 1179

THE CATHOLIC PRESS

Papers on sale in the porch may be ordered as required. Give your name to Sr. Victoria naming the paper you wish to receive on a weekly basis and make the payment as you take your copy

Catholic Priesthood - The Challenge

There will be a weekend for men at Allen Hall Seminary, 3rd- 4th designed for those who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood.

Details and Booking Forms are available from Fr. Chris Vipers 020 7798 9083 or e-mail chrisvipers@rcdow.org.uk

Mass for Migrant Workers in the Capital

Coming to work in a foreign country can be a very challenging time for the most courageous of people. If you know of anyone who might benefit from attending a Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Monday 5th May at 11.00am please tell them they will be made most welcome and will find an opportunity to make valuable contacts.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Time is getting very short to join the Parish party to Lourdes in June (Final payments are now being requested)

The Diocesan Pilgrimage by air, train or coach for the 150th celebrations is from 19th - 26th July and booking forms are available from the Presbytery with the costs starting at £382.00 pp. Fr. Bernard

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