2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
The Mission of John the Baptist was to point out Jesus as he walked around. Without him, some people would not have followed listened or accepted Jesus in their lives. Today Jesus is still present among us, often unrecognised by us. We can reflect on how and when we can be like John the Baptist and point out Jesus to others. At the same time, we could give thanksgiving for those who have pointed out Jesus to us.
Peace Sunday
The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to keep this Sunday as a day of prayer for world peace. The day has particular flavour this year because we pass so many significant anniversaries in the coming months: the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, marked by Holocaust Memorial day on 27th January; the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe– marked by a special Bank Holiday on Friday 8th May; then again in August, 75th Anniversary of Japan’s surrender. These events show both the human capacity for inflicting evil and the human capacity to resist evil. These events invite us all to examine the roots of violence today, especially in our own hearts. We are called to conversion, to a rejection of the logic of violence and a commitment to rebuild what has been broken in ways which lead to peace.
Loving God of peace, strengthen my determination to work for a world of peace and justice; My conviction that, whatever our nationality or race, we are all global citizens, one in Christ; My courage to challenge the powerful with the values of the gospel; My commitment to find nonviolent ways of resolving conflict-personal, local, national and international; My efforts to forgive injuries and to love those I find it hard to love. AMEN.
The Sunday of the Word of God
Next Sunday we celebrate ‘The Sunday of the Word of God’. This is the first time this has been celebrated as such and will take place each year on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. On this occasion we will be commissioning our parish readers at whichever Mass they attend, including the Saturday 6.30PM Mass. There will be a meeting for all parish readers on Thursday at 8PM in the Church.
There will be a Westminster Scripture Road Show in Westminster Cathedral from Thursday 30th January to Saturday 1st February. Six Tents of Meeting will explore ways of celebrating,, Living and Sharing the word of God with a range of activities for all ages.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity continues until Saturday with the feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
Tender-hearted God. Your Son Jesus prayed that we may be one. As we journey together in openness and truth, may we draw closer to each other. May our love embrace people of all faiths, Send your Spirit to empower us to promote dignity and compassion in societies, nations and world. God of life, lead us to justice and peace, AMEN.
Gift Aid Have you signed a gift aid Declaration for the Annunciation Church, if you are a UK taxpayer and wish to do so you will find the forms on the table at the back of the Church.
If you have signed a form previously and you no longer pay tax, please inform the office on 0208 959 1971, so that we don’t ask for the tax if you haven’t paid it.
Year of the Word Scripture Quote
Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28.
Finance Committee
The Next Meeting of the Parish Finance committee will be on Thursday 30th January at 7.30PM in the Dominic Room..
First Communion Programme
The First Communion Children will be taking part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning.
You Can Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone?
Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. There is no group therapy or group work.
For confidential information about Retrouvaille’, or to register for the next programme commencing with a residential weekend on …28th.29th Feb & 1st March 2020
Call or text 0788 7296983 or 0797 3380443 or Email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com – or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk.
Caritas Westminster
Caritas Westminster is recruiting at least one Representative for Social Outreach from each parish to help communication between the Parish and Caritas to support and grow charitable activities. They will help to display posters, flyers, speak in Masses, learn about new tools and models for social action and share best practice between parishes. If you would like to become a Caritas Representative, please first obtain consent from your Parish Priest, then contact us on
020 7931 6077 or email caritasreps@rcdow.org.uk
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised this Sunday afternoon at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
Upcoming Events - Niland Conference Centre at Rosary Priory
Celebrating Christian Unity - Saturday 25 January (2-5pm) with prayer, talk and discussion on Unusual Kindness: local community outreach, and Afternoon Tea. Home baking is welcomed. Please register for planning purposes. Donations welcome.
Morning Reflection with Sr Regina McGarry OP & Monika Cleaver - Thursday 30 January (10.30-12.30) on Prayer of Silence. Suggested donation £6.
Scripture from Scratch - The Year of the Word: St Matthew with Sr Anne Walsh OP. Alternate Thursdays from 30 January (7.30-9pm). Suggested donation £5/session
Information: events@nilandconferencecentre.co.uk or 07746 707 247 : 93 Elstree Road Bushey Heath WD23 4EE
Couples For Christ (CFC), and its Family Ministries,
Couples For Christ (CFC), and its Family Ministries, is now established in the Parish of the Church of the Annunciation in Burnt Oak from the 1st of December 2019 with ten (10) Parishioners completing the first-ever Christian Life Program (CLP).
The Vision of CFC is :
“Moved by the Holy Spirit, one with the Catholic Church, blessed to witness to Christ’s love and service, Couples for Christ is a united global community of family evangelisers that sets the world on fire with the fullness of God’s transforming love.”
The Mission of CFC is :
“We are Couples for Christ. We are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelising people through a life of love and service; we shall work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and, we shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor.”
To know more about Couples For Christ (CFC) and its Family Ministries, please feel free to contact CFC members - Joey & Judy Flores (07766 057528) or speak to one of our Parish Council members who are also CFC members – Mary Ann Torres (07766 721775) / Rhoderick Panganiban (07766 771566).
GNS Trustee
The Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak require a trustee to represent our church, Each church in Mill Hill and Burnt Oak has a representative and our current rep wishes to hand over the role after doing it for several years. The GNS provide services such as gardening, driving to the shops visiting the elderly, lonely and needy. They also provide a weekly lunch in Mill Hill and here in our hall. The trustee would not be required to do all these things but attend a meeting about four times a year to assess and plan, and report back any details to the parish.
Confirmation Programme
Applications are now closed for those joining the confirmation programme. We have a healthy number of 44 candidates. There will be a session for parents of candidates on Wednesday 29th January at 7.30PM in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. There will be 7 sessions for the candidates, starting on Wednesday 5th February at 7PM.