2nd SUNDAY of ORDINARY TIME
The happenings at the Marriage Feast of Cana were significant in that according to St John., Jesus turning water into wine was the first miracle that Jesus performed. St John calls these miracles ‘a sign’. Most of Jesus’ recorded miracles were healing ones, but here at the encouragement of Mary, Jesus’ sign was in the context of love, a marriage scene, responding to a particular need. This was the first time that Mary had interceded and Mary continues to intercede on our behalf to answer our prayers. Most significantly, this event was another Epiphany, a showing to others of the power of Jesus and how he would continue in his role as the Son of God.
WHITE FLOWER APPEAL
Today we have our annual White Flower Appeal from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
SPUC is currently campaigning to protect Pro-Life speech. Pro-Life witness is being restricted now more than ever; we must be able to speak freely to protect unborn babies.
Please be as generous as you can to help SPUC defend unborn babies and their mothers from the new attack.
PEACE SUNDAY
The Bishops of England and Wales invite us to make today a day of prayer for peace and to reflect on the theme that Pope Francis has chosen for the annual World Day of Peace: ‘Education, Work and Dialogue between Generations: Tools for Building Lasting Peace’.
GOD OF LOVE
Show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.
O LORD, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. PRAISE BE TO YOU! AMEN.
PARISH A.G.M.
The Parish Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 27th February at 2pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This will be preceded by a shared lunch which will start after the 12 Noon Mass. We will invite you to bring along a dish of food to share. We will provide the drink.
At the A.G.M. we will be looking back at what has happened and not happened over the last 2 years, consider what we might introduce or re-introduce in the coming year and elect a new Parish Council.
If you would like to nominate somebody for the Parish Council, please speak first to them and then submit their name to Fr Colin by 20th February.
BAPTISIM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised today (Sunday) at 4.pm in the Church
VISIT OF BISHOP SHERRINGTON
Bishop John Sherrington will be visiting the parish on Sunday 27th February and Celebrating the 12 Noon Mass. He will then stay on to meet people at the shared lunch and at the Parish A.G.M which follows.
THIS WEEK’S FUNERALS On Tuesday we have the funeral Mass of JOYCE MACLEAN at 11.00 am. Her body will be brought to the church at 5pm. on Monday. The Funeral of JOSEPHINE HETHCOTT will be on Friday at 12.30pm. May they rest in peace.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
The Children have the first of their seven sessions this morning (Sunday) at 9am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Please pray for the children and their families as they start out on this important preparation for the Sacraments. Next Sunday, 23rd January, the children will be enrolled into the programme at the 10.30 Celebration Mass
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022
Applications are now complete for the Confirmation Programme. There will be a meeting for the parents of the candidates on Wednesday 26th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session for the candidates will be on Wednesday 2nd February at 7.00pm, also in the Parish Centre. Bishop John Sherrington will minister the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 12th May at 7pm.
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.
SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD
Next weekend is the Sunday of the Word of God when we focus on the need to be open to the World of God in our lives. On this weekend, we will be commissioning and re-commissioning those who read at Masses in our parish. We invite them to come forward towards the altar after the homily for this short ceremony.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity Starts on Tuesday and concludes on the following Tuesday with the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
Tender-hearted God. Your Son Jesus prayed that we may be one. As we journey together in openness and truth, may we draw closer to each other.
May our love embrace people of all faiths, send your Spirit to empower us to promote dignity and compassion in societies, nations and world.
God of life, lead us to justice and peace, AMEN.
Retrouvaille
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples, it brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage ….and you don’t need to leave home, it comes to you!For confidential information about Retrouvaille’, or to register for the next programme, a Virtual weekend commencing 3rd – 6th March 2022 Call or text +44 788 729 6983. Email: retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.org – or visit www.retrouvaille.uk