6th SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
The fact that we are approaching Pentecost can be seen in today’s Gospel when Jesus mentions the Holy Spirit in terms of the Advocate and the Spirit of Truth. In his Final Discourse with his disciples, Jesus had prepared them for his leaving them but reassured them that they would not be left as orphans. The Father would send the Holy Spirit who would remain with them for ever. We need to remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is active in our lives too—consoling us, guiding us, giving us strength and is at our side as Advocate. We see how in the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles how the Holy Spirit was active in the building up of the church. We pray that we may be instruments in building up the Church of today through the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
On Thursday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, marking the entry of the risen Jesus into glory, which means into the direct presence of God the Father. It marks the conclusion of Jesus’ physical life on earth, having made several appearances after the Resurrection. After the Ascension, the disciples spent time in prayer, preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Masses on Thursday will be at 9am and 7.30pm in the church, there will be a Mass at the Annunciation Junior School at 2pm. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that we should attend Mass on that day.
NOVENA OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles together with Mary gathered in the Upper Room to pray as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. We too await for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost on 5th June. In the 9 days leading to the Pentecost, starting on Friday, we could say this prayer of the Holy Spirit:
Holy Spirit come into our lives.
Open our ears: To hear what you are saying to us
In the things that happen to us
In the people we meet
Open our eyes: To see the needs of the people round us.
Open our hands: To do our work well, to help when help is needed.
Open our lips: To tell others the Good News of Jesus
To bring comfort, happiness and laughter to other people.
Open our minds: To discover new truth about You and the world
Open our hearts: To love you and our fellow men and women
As you have loved us in Jesus.
To you with our Father and the Son, one God, all honour and praise shall be given now and forever. Amen.
World COMMUNICATIONS DAY
Next Sunday is World Communications Day and there will be a second collection for the Catholic Communication Network. The theme this year is ‘Speaking with the Heart’. It is the heart that spurred us to go, to see and to listen, and it is the heart that moves us towards an open and welcoming way of communicating. Pope Francis has said ‘The call to speak with the heart, radically challenges the times in which we are living, which are so inclined towards indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation which falsifies and exploits the truth’.
RECEIVING FROM THE CHALICE
It has been decided for the time being that we will continue to receive Holy Communion under one kind only and not receive from the chalice. Would Eucharistic Ministers please note that on the latest rota, 3 names have been listed for each Mass. So, just the first name on the list should approach the altar to help in the distribution of the hosts. The Recommissioning of Eucharistic Ministers will take place on the weekend of Corpus Christi.(10th / 11th June).
MAY PROCESSION
Our May Procession takes place on Saturday after the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
MAUREEN WARDEN R.I.P
The funeral Mass for MAUREEN WARDEN will be tomorrow (Monday) 15th May at 10am. This is in addition to the 7.30am and 12 Noon Masses that day. May she rest in peace.
IRENE JUPP R.I.P.
The funeral Mass for IRENE JUPP will be on Monday 22nd May at 11am, replacing the 12 Noon Mass that day. Her body will be brought to the church at 6pm on Sunday 21st May, May she rest in peace.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised this afternoon (Sunday) at 4pm in the church.
First COMMUNION PROGRAMME
The children take part in a Celebration Mass today (Sunday) at 10.30. There will be a meeting for parents tomorrow (Monday) at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The final session for children will be next Sunday (21st May) at 9am in the Parish Centre.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
On Wednesday at 7.pm in the church, there will be a Reconciliation Service for Confirmation candidates.
CAFOD
Did you know that Church teaching says that we should not only support those in poverty but also tackle the root causes of poverty? Pope Benedict XVI said that “Love — caritas — is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace.” For decades CAFOD has spoken out against injustice. To find out more and get involved in tackling the root causes of poverty, please go to cafod.org.uk/latestcampaigns
VOCATIONS EVENING
On Wednesday, 17th May, there will be an Open Evening at St James, Spanish Place, for any men interested in learning about or discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The regular evening Mass at 6pm will be followed by a gathering in the social centre for a short presentation, informal conversations and refreshments. Do come and join us if you can. The nearest tube stations are Bond Street and Baker Street.
WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
This takes place from 21st to 28th July. Please see the Tangney Tours poster in the church for details and ask one of the priests for an application form if you are interested in going.
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUMITY
Items for the Foodbank can be left in the box in the church porch. Many thanks for your generosity.