Fourth Sunday of Lent Year B
Mothers’ Love
On this Laetare Sunday, we rejoice because we are closer to Easter, a celebration of God’s ultimate love as highlighted in today’s readings. In the first reading, God’s people had rejected God and “added infidelity to infidelity”. Consequently, they were taken into exile. But then, they cried to the Lord with the words of today’s psalm (137), “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept, remembering Zion.” When God’s people had lost all hope, God’s mercy, exceeded their expectations and anointed a pagan king, Cyrus to allow them to return.
Message:
God’s mercy reaches all depths. When the time is right, mercy shall cause even enemies to be instrumental to your salvation. With a repentant heart, God’s love will certainly prevail. And this is to show how infinitely rich God is in grace (Ephesians 2:4-10).” Hence, today’s Gospel (John 3:14-21) reminds us that God loves us so much that he was willing to give up everything in his Son for us. Let us, therefore, think about this maternal-like love of God for us, especially on this day that we celebrate all mothers (mother figures) whose love for their children often foreshadows the divine love made manifest in Jesus’ saving passion and death.
Happy Mothering Sunday
Fr Chinedu
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be today Sunday 5th May 2024 at 4pm in the church.
THE GOOD COUNSEL NETWORK
“On Saturday 23rd March, the Vigil of Palm Sunday, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this Country. Through God’s grace we have seen thousands of Mothers in our counselling centre continue their pregnancies in very difficult circumstances. Please help us to help save lives with your prayers, fasting and support. www.GoodCounselNetwork.com”
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross takes place here at the Annunciation every Friday at 7pm.
Flower Arranging
Emilia is looking for extra help for Easter preparations please leave your name and telephone with Emilia or the parish office.
Young Adults LENT RETREAT DAY
The Assumption Sisters & Fathers on Saturday 16th March 2024 11am – 7pm. Venue. The Assumption Priory, Victoria Park Square, London E2 9PB (closest tube station: Bethnal Green). Programme: including talks • prayer, adoration and confessions • Stations of the Cross • faith sharing • mass and social time. Donations only. Register by emailing to: tramy@assumptionreligious.org
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London
Is holding a Divine Mercy Lenten Retreat on Saturday 16 March 2024 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm at St Scholastica 17 Kenninghall Road Clapton London E5 8BS
The Retreat will include teachings on the Message of Mercy, Stations of the Cross, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All Welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony
Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 25th May 2024 at 2:30pm.
The Cardinal is inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese, who are celebrating their 5th 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2024. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish office the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email). Please advise the office before Tuesday 9th April 2024.
ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Temporary Part-time Teacher of Spanish & French – Maternity Cover Salary scale Main or Upper 0.4 Contract – Monday & Tuesday Email: office@ st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk Please see our notice board for more details.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers Elizabeth Wall. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Her Funeral Mass will take place here at 12.30pm on Thursday 14 th March.
Foodbank for the community
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. Thank you.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from 19th to 26th July. Join the pilgrimage as a pilgrim. Serve the pilgrimage by coming as a praying assisted pilgrim. Support assisted pilgrims by sponsoring the sick to join the pilgrimage and praying for them. For more information please go to https://rcdow.org.uk/pilgrimages/Lourdes/ or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173
MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL - OCT 2024
7 Nights Apartment B&B from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request. Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you.
Tel. 020 3239 8662 or website www.med-irishcentre.com