Newsletter
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
27th April 2008
CALENDAR
Monday - St Louis Marie de Montfort
Wednesday - St Catherine of Siena
Thursday - SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER
Gospel Reflection: "If you Love Me".
Jesus' 'farewell discourses' are a bit like a teacher's final lesson before an exam ..... packed with important advice. "If you love me you will keep my commandments." "Love one another as I have loved you." "The Spirit of Truth will abide with you when I am gone."
Love of course is key to all Jesus' last minute advice. There's lots we already know about love from our own relationships. If we love and care about each other we say where we are going and what time will be back home. If we love each other we don't keep secrets of have affairs. If we love each other we put our loved one's needs before our own. It's the same with God; we show God we love him by keeping his commandments. Commandments aren't there to create unnecessary discipline, they are there to keep us in love with God and with each other.
Jesus knew that once he was gone some of his commandments would become less clear. Two thousand years down the line there are many issues that have grey areas, such as euthanasia, and the sciences that govern nuclear energy or fertility. For instances such as these, Jesus left us an 'Advocate' a 'Spirit of Truth'. We are promised that the 'Spirit of Truth' will guide us through all of life's difficult decisions. Jesus left us with hope and help, now it's down to us.
SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER
"May Day" has long been dedicated to labour and to proclaiming the proper dignity of the working man. It is eminently fitting that St. Joseph, a working man who became the foster-father of Christ and patron of the universal Church, should be honoured on this day.
On Thursday of this week we are asked to pray for all who work, that they may earn a just wage and be treated with dignity. We also pray for the good stewardship of the earth's resources so that all may benefit for generations to come.
THE ROSARY FOR MARY'S MONTH
Through the month of May the rosary will be said in the church each weekday evening, beginning Thursday of this week, at 7.00pm.
To the parents of the Confirmation Candidates
Would parents please come to a short meeting on Monday evening (5th May) at 8.00'clock in the Parish Centre. Fr. Bernard
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: 'Make Poverty History'
"The poverty of this world is its estrangement from God and from his grace.
The One who came into the world and who made its poverty history was born in a stable and died on a cross"
The Feast of Christ's Ascension into Heaven
Please note:- The Church in England and Wales has changed the days on which feasts are kept and The Feast of the Ascension is now celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter - which is next Sunday.
42nd WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
This day is celebrated in the Church on the Feast of the Ascension. (Sunday 4 May)
Pope Benedict wants the Church to promote this day as part of its earthly mission:-
"Truly, there is no area of human experience, especially given the vast phenomenon of globalization in which the media have not become a part of interpersonal relations and of social, economic, political and religious development"
Please take an envelope from the Church to gift aid whatever you put into it..
The Funeral Mass for Gabriella Nolan
Friends and parishioners please note that the Funeral Mass will take place in the Church at 9.30am next Friday Morning (2 May)
NEW CLEANING ROTA
Please note the new rota from next week. Copies are available for collection in the porch. Christiane Naylor
The Catholic Priesthood - The Challenge
There will be a weekend for men at Allen Hall Seminary, 3rd-4th May 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
RACE FOR LIFE - Sunday 18th May - Deer Park, Richmond
Cancer Research UK is holding an event similar to last year (when I raised £300.00) and would like to invite your sponsorship again this year.
www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/margaretbeirne
Margaret Beirne ( 0208 941 6438)
THE 200 CLUB
Please look at the form attached to the newsletter and see if you can begin, renew, enlarge your membership. This fund-raising scheme can add significantly to church funds if the new way of organizing can be put into practice.
Many Thanks. R Thompson
H.U.G. PARISH YOUTH GROUP
The Parish Youth Group starts again for the Summer term, next week, Sunday 4th May in the Parish Centre after 5.00pm Mass (6.15-7.30pm) and kicking off with our very own Who wants to be a Millionaire? HUG welcomes everyone between 12-18 yrs.
Vicky Breslin 020 8384 4709
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
Saturday 26th July 2008 led by the Bishop of E. Anglia with the blessing of The Pontifical Council for the Elderly. See advert in the porch.
Mass for Migrant Workers in the Capital
Westminster Cathedral 5th May (Mon) 11.00am Please publicise with your friends and tell them they will be made most welcome and will find an opportunity to make valuable contacts.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
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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