SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Year B
Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.
Today’s readings invite us to listen to and follow Jesus to the place where he dwells, where we are alone with God. The scriptures call this place, the spiritual house of worship and the temple of the Holy Spirit, our bodies. St. Paul in today’s second reading tells us to take care of that temple since it is a sanctuary where God dwells and speaks with us. Like Samuel and the two disciples in today’s gospel, we are to always give the Lord our attention and wait in prayer, even in our difficult moments.
Yes, sometimes, it may appear as if things are getting worse. But as we learn to give God more attention, listening closely to his heart, we and our circumstances are transformed in the process. As we offer to the Lord ourselves by choosing him every moment, our minds are renewed, and our visions made clearer. Like Samuel in this Sunday’s first reading, may we listen to and recognise God’s voice in our lives, so that his loving plan may be fulfilled in our lives.
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
WORLD DAY OF PEACE
This is Peace Sunday. For his theme for the World Day of Peace in 2024, Pope Francis has chosen ‘Artificial Intelligence and Peace’. Whilst this might seem a strangely technical theme, we know that we do need to think about the consequences of the advances in AI for peace and justice.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
May we see the sorrow of war in the eyes of those who suffer and have known only violence in their lives.
Give us a voice for those who have no voice and are not heard; those who know that there is no tomorrow in war, and the violence of weapons destroys both the beauty of creation and the joy of life.
That way, with your help, we will become true instruments of your peace. Amen.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2024 Parents Meeting
First parents meeting will be on Monday 15th January at 7pm in the Canon Smyth parish centre.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2024 PARENTS MEETING
Confirmation Parents meeting will be on Wednesday 25th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently: CRISTINA GIZZI. Her funeral Mass will be at 11.am on 23rd January, also Rebecca Martey, her Funeral Mass will take place here at 1.30pm on Friday 2nd February. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday 4th February 2024 at 4pm in the church.
Vocations Weekend for Women (20s & 30s)
Theme: Discerning God's Call in your life. Dates: 16-18 February 2024
Location: Liverpool
The weekend is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).
Jesus invites each of us to 'Come and See' - this weekend will give the opportunity to explore the vocation to religious life and to reflect on God's call to you.
For more information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.com or visit our website www.fcjsisters.org
St Vincent's Catholic Primary School - Vacancy
St Vincent's Primary School in Mill Hill is looking for a part time, temporary teacher for the Spring and Summer Terms 2024, for 2 days a week (Monday and one other day). Key Stage 2 experience required. If interested, please ring the school office for more details 020 8959 3417.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
Retrouvaille: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
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 is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work. For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 8 - 11 February 2024 or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14-16 June 2024, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com - or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults usually starts in October, if you know anyone who may want to become a Catholic, invite the person to speak with any of the priests.
Who is RCIA for?
1. Unbaptised adults asking for baptism, confirmation, and communion.
2. Adults baptised in another Christian tradition or candidates asking for reception into full communion in the Church.
3. Baptised Catholics asking for Confirmation and Eucharist
MISSIO RED BOXES
Thank you to everyone who brought in their red box. You have raised £653.29.Please pick up your red box from under the table at the back of the church. If your box has your name and address on it, please pick it up from the sacristy. Thank you. The Missio team.
USED STAMPS
If you have any used stamps please can you put them in the box in the porch. Just leave a border around them. They will go to the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
Gift Aid
We thank all parishioners who are paying by direct debit or envelopes and have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. We ask any parishioner who is a tax payer and donating through the loose plate to please consider donating instead by direct debit or envelope.
Any parishioner who has stopped being a tax payer should inform Susan or Loretta in the office.