Easter Sunday
Today we rejoice that Jesus is risen from the dead. Jesus has conquered sin and death and brought about new life. Today, we will renew our baptismal promises and be sprinkled with the new Easter water.
The Easter season is blessed by the accounts of Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after he had risen from the dead. We also have as our first reading during Eastertide accounts from the Acts of the Apostles, describing the work of the Apostles in the early Church as they put into action Jesus’ instructions of spreading the Good News. We wish everyone a happy and holy Easter.
Many Thanks
We would like to thank everyone for the Easter offerings as well as the cards and gifts you have sent us. Very many thanks to all who have worked hard to make our Holy Week services so dignified. Many people work behind the scenes, giving their time to cleaning and decorating the Church. This is much appreciated. This goes on throughout the year but is particularly intense around Holy Week. Many thanks too to all those involved in liturgical ministry in the parish, to all our catechists and to everyone who gives their time to the parish. We thank the Monday Club for preparing the Easter garden, where we can go and reflect on the Easter story. God bless you all.
A Message from Fr Jozef
Dear Parishioners of the Annunciation Church, many thanks for your condolences being very consoling for me, in the aftermath of my father’s peaceful death. Many thanks for the Holy Sacrifice which will be offered on Thursday, 10th May, at 7.30pm. Spiritually, we will be together. May our departed Sisters and Brothers be Our Guardian Angels in Heaven.
TakeHomeNews
This newsletter covers two weeks. The next Takehomenews will be on 15th April.
No Friday Abstinence
There is no need to abstain from meat on Friday 6th April, as Easter week is like a week of Sundays, celebrating the Resurrection.
Lent Fast Day
Many thanks for all those who contributed to the Lent Fast Day, £805.54 was raised for CAFOD.
Tuesday Novena & Wednesday Holy Hour
These will not take place during Easter week. The Tuesday Novena resumes on 10th April at 7pm and the Wednesday Holy Hour not until 18th April at 9.30am.
Lately Dead
Please pray for the repose of the soul of JOHN JOSEPH BURKE from Northampton and formerly of this parish. His body will be brought to the church at 6pm on Tuesday 10th April. His funeral Mass will be on Wednesday 11th April at 11am and will be celebrated by Fr Brendan Seery, nephew of Deacon Ronnie. This will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning but there will be no Holy Hour.
Also please pray for Maria Esteves of Goldbeaters Grove whose cremation will be on Friday 6th April, and for Ann Richards of Woolmead Ave, whose cremation will be on Tuesday 10th April.
First Communion Programme
There will be a meeting for all parents of First Communion candidates on Tuesday 10th April at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This is the final meeting and will include practical arrangements for the First Communion days. The children have their final sessions at 9.15am on Sunday 15th April.
Growing in Faith
Those who made pledges for 5 years are now reaching the completion of their donations, in the next few months. If you pay by direct debit, this should automatically stop; if you pay by standing order, please inform your bank; if you pay by envelope, you will not receive any more. Very many thanks to everyone for this great parish effort which has helped the training of priests, sick and retired priests, counters and our own parish projects.
Data Protection Regulations
The new data protection regulations means that we are not allowed to leave boxes of planned giving envelopes with names and addresses in the church. Please ask Fr Colin or Deacon Ronnie for your box. There may be further restrictions affecting the smooth running of the parish.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 6th May at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
Feast of the Annunciation
Our Parish Feast Day is on Monday 9th April. Masses will be at 7.30am and 7.30pm. The evening Mass will be followed by a reception in the hall to which we invite you to bring along a dish of food. We will provide the drink.
WATCH THIS SPACE– J.D.S
A businessman told his neighbour that his company was looking for a new accountant. “Didn’t your company hire a new accountant a few weeks ago?” “Yes” replied the businessman. “That’s the accountant we’re looking for."
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A pilot and co-pilot were in a light aircraft that was spiralling out of control. Starting to panic, the co-pilot said. “If it carries on like this, do you think we will fall out?” “Of course not,” replied the pilot, “We’ve been mates for years.”