TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 1 3 APRIL 2025

PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY YEAR C

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s liturgical year. Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. As we carry palms and join the procession, we symbolically follow Christ to Calvary, uniting ourselves with his passion in the hope of sharing in his resurrection.

In the Gospel, Jesus declares, “What is written about me is coming to fulfilment.” His entry on a donkey fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king comes to you; victorious and riding on a donkey…” Our king arrives humbly, ready to suffer for our sake. Shockingly, the crowd that welcomed Jesus with hosannas will soon cry, “Crucify him!” This stark contrast reminds us of the weakness of the human heart, capable of both praise and betrayal.

In humility, he accepts suffering for our sake. Thus, St. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians, “He emptied himself and submitted to death on a cross. But “God raised him high.”

As we begin this Holy Week, let us walk with Jesus, carrying our crosses and laying down, for him, our lives, and not mere palm branches.

Lord, may this week deepen our gratitude and renew our faith as we take on the mind of Christ, trusting that suffering borne with him leads to Easter Glory. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Happy Holy Week.     

Fr Chinedu

BAPTISM PREPARATION

There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday  4th May at 4pm in the church

NEW OFFERTORY ENVELOPES

New Offertory envelopes are still available for collection after Masses today.  Please, speak to the stewards or ask at the presbytery lobby for your box of envelopes.   You can start using them now.

Please pick up a Parish Gift Aid Form/Standing Order Form from the back of the church if you would like to pay by standing order or Gift Aid your donation.

HOLY WEEK ARRANGEMENTS

Please take a card giving the times of services for Holy Week and Easter.

Also note that confessions will be heard after Masses on Monday to Wednesday, and between 10.30 and 11.30am on Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday.

There is no 6.30pm Mass on Holy Saturday, 19th April.  The Easter Vigil starts at 8.30pm.

ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL EVEN WORSE THAN BEFORE

Committee Stage of the assisted suicide Bill has ended. It is now weaker and less safe than it was before. 300+ amendments that sought to strengthen safeguards in the Bill and protect vulnerable groups were rejected by Bill supporters, including protection for people with disabilities and domestic abuse victims. Please take action now - collect a red and white postcard, fill out your details and post it to your MP today!

BISHOP JOHN SHERRINGTON

We congratulate Bishop John Sherrington for being appointed the new Archbishop of Liverpool. His installation will take place on Tuesday 27 May 2025.

 CELEBRATING THE CHURCH'S JUBILEE YEAR 2025

Please come and let us join together for a Retreat Afternoon in Adoration, Reflection and Prayer to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025

Venue:  St. Margaret Clitherow Church, Everglade Strand, London. NW9 PX

TIME:  2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

12th APRIL,  10TH MAY,  7TH JUNE.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE BRIXTON

Closing Event. Tuesday 15th April 2025 6.30pm. Come and hear about babies saved from abortion through God’s grace during 40 Days for Life. Hear from Rachel Mackenzie of Rachel’s Vineyard, working to help heal those hurt by abortion. Hear the Testimonies of women who chose life for their babies instead of abortion, at the last moment. St Martin’s Community Centre, Abbots Park, London SW2 3QB, opposite the turning for Gaywood Close. For more details, or for help in a crisis pregnancy or following an abortion call 02077231740 or email: info@goodcounselnetwork.com