TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2026

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The Path to Eternal Blessedness

At the core of the Christian faith is the truth that the Lord has loved us first. This love that anticipates our response is the foundation of our Christian response and gives value and merit to our Christian response.  We couldn’t merit our new life in Christ. It was by God’s free choice and grace that helps us to choose him. Thus, St. Paul, in this Sunday’s second reading, reminds us that, when God chose us, many of us were not strong or wise according to worldly standards. But God did this so that no one could boast in his presence. Secondly, that God’s transcendent power might be revealed through us, to confound the wise and the strong of this world.

The grace of this truth should make us, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zephaniah (Zeph 2:3;3:12-13), a people of humble and lowly hearts who depend on God, with whom no one can make us afraid anymore.  With humble and lowly hearts, we patiently bear our sufferings and the crosses that come on account of our faith and, in the end, attain the promised blessedness, as Jesus teaches us in this Sunday’s Gospel. (Matthew 5:1-12a). Lord, help us to cultivate a humble and lowly heart. As we strive to conform ourselves to you, may we even now begin to rejoice and be glad in our unfailing hope in you. Amen

Happy Sunday

Fr. Chinedu

BAPTISM PREPARATION

There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised. Today 1^st February at 4pm in the church. 

MONTHLY CHILDREN'S MASS

The next Children’s Mass will take place on Sunday 22nd February at 10:30am. Children in school years 3 to 10 inclusive who would like to support the liturgy by welcoming the congregation to Mass, singing with the choir, reading, or bringing the gifts to the altar can sign-up by giving their name and their parent/carer’s contact details in at the Repository after Mass. The deadline for registering to take part in the February Children’s Mass is 12 Noon on Sunday 15th    February.

RACIAL JUSTICE DAY

This Sunday is Racial Justice Day, when the Church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour. The theme is: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:21):

NEW ALTAR SERVERS

We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of altar server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.

Those who would like to become altar servers (parents/carers for under 18s) are asked to speak to Frances or Arinze, or email annunciationserversteam@gmail.com for further information. Training will be arranged in due course.

MONDAY 2^ND AND TUESDAY 3^RD FEBRUARY

Monday, 2 February Candlemas at 9.00 the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. There will be the traditional blessing of candles. Tuesday the Blessing of St Blaise on throats.

NO HOLY HOUR SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2025/2026 YEAR 10

WEDNESDAY 4^th FEBRUARY                     7.00pm      FIRST SESSION

WEDNESDAY 11^th FEBRUARY                   7.00pm      SECOND SESSION

SUNDAY 15^th FEBRUARY                         12.00pm      MASS OF ENROLMENT

RECENTLY DECEASED

Please pray for the repose of the soul Christine Smith nee O Flynn.  Her Funeral will be at Hendon Crematorium on Friday 6 February at 10.30am.  May her soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace. 

MARY’S MEALS

Mary’s Meals would like to thank everyone in the Annunciation Parish for their wonderful generosity when we visited in December last year.  Donations of £1047.96 will enable Mary’s Meals to feed 54 children one good meal every school day for a whole year.   Thank you so much for your support and please continue to pray for the work of Mary’s Meals. God bless you all.

GOOD COUNCIL BALL

The Good Counsel Black Tie Ball will take place at 6pm on St Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14th February 2026 in Kensington, London. Live Band. Silent Auction. London’s Catholic Pro-Life Ball raising money to help save lives and change lives. Tickets £135 each. Or a table of ten for £1,300. For bookings and enquiries email GCNBall@gmail.com or telephone 07795205117

LEPRA

Thank you for your kindness, and support for the donation of £278.13 it is greatly respected and valued.

THE NATIONAL NETWORK OF PASTORAL MUSICIANS

Summer Conference 24-26 July Please take a look at the church notice board for more information, or call 01792 775598.