3rd Sunday of Easter (C) - 1st MAY
Today we have another account of a resurrection appearance of Jesus. Perhaps rather surprisingly after the resurrection, the apostles had returned to their former occupation of fishing. They had had an unsuccessful night fishing, but when Jesus appeared and instructed them, they were able to haul in a large amount of fish. It was an indication that later they would become ‘fishers of men’ and with Jesus’ guidance would be able to haul in a large number of people to God’s kingdom. On this occasion, Jesus had breakfast with the apostles, eating bread and fish. It was a further indication of the Eucharist which would be established in the Church as the major means of giving memory to the death and the Resurrection of Jesus. It was not until Pentecost when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit that they would set out to spread the Good News, as reported in the Acts of the Apostles, our first reading throughout Eastertide.
THE CHURCH IS OPEN
We are pleased that the church will remain open throughout the day, enabling you to come before the Blessed Sacrament and pray. We encourage parents to bring their child in for a short visit before or after school. It can really make a difference to our lives.
PRIEST TRAINING FUND
Next Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. It is on this Sunday that we have the annual collection for the Priest Training Fund. The fund pays for the priestly formation of men for the priesthood in the diocese. This is for those who study at our diocesan seminary at Allen Hall in Chelsea and for those studying in Rome. The fund also supports the ongoing enrichment and formation of our priests already ordained. Thank you very much for your generosity to this important collection in previous years. Envelopes will be available at the back of the church. Please take one and return it with your donation next weekend.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Parents who wish to have their baby baptised are asked to come to a preparation session on Sunday 15th May at 4pm in the church.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
The children are taking part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning. There will be a session for the children next Sunday at 9am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
The final session for Confirmation candidates will be on Wednesday in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 7pm and then the following week these candidates will be confirmed.
7pm Tuesday 10th May Reconciliation Service
7pm Wednesday 11th May Confirmation Rehearsal
7pm Thursday 12th May Confirmations
SUMMER FAYRE
We will be having a Summer Fayre on Saturday 9th July. We are looking for helpers for the stalls and other activities. If you are able to help, please let us know.
MAY PROCESSION
We are pleased to say that we are able to have a May Procession this year. It will take place on Saturday 28th May following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
Admissions 2023-24 - St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
Our Year 7 Open Day will be held on Monday 27 June 2022 - 5-7.30pm. Applications to sit the entrance tests for September 2023 entry can now be made online.
www.st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUNITY
Items for the local foodbank can be left in one of the boxes in the porch. Many thanks to those who have donated already. It has been very much appreciated.
The Universe Catholic Weekly
The Universe Catholic Weekly is thrilled to announce that we have launched our new online newspaper with the full support of our first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE trial supply by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk
LORETO COLLEGE (ST ALBANS)
CENTENARY GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 10th July 2022
12pm to 6pm
(last admission 5pm)
Admission £5.00 per person
(FREE entry for children aged 5 and under)
There will be live music by the popular local band Soulfish, BBQ, afternoon tea, bar, traditional games/stalls and much more including our Centenary Raffle. A link to the ticket page and more information can be found at www.loreto.herts.sch.uk
The Christian Heritage Centre
Is delighted to announce that the Christian Leadership Formation programme is running for a second consecutive year and is currently open to applications from students in Lower Sixth. The application deadline is Friday 3rd June 2022, although references will still be accepted after that date for applications that have already been submitted.
The programme is for students who are actively committed to their faith, who are intellectually gifted and who are committed to shaping a Christian society through their careers. It provided a spiritual and philosophical/theological formation in the Catholic tradition around themes relating to the common good, as well as workshops in skills pertaining to public life. Part- to full sponsorships are available to students who are unable to meet the costs, though we students are asked to attempt to fundraise £140 (10% of the course’s costs) as a minimum contribution.
Information and application forms are available here: https://christianheritagecentre.com/clf/