4th Sunday of Lent (A)
Today is Laetare Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday, when rose coloured vestments are worn and a theme of rejoicing is evident in the liturgy. We have the story of the healing of the man born blind as our Gospel. Not only is the man healed of his blindness but he is able to profess his belief in Jesus Christ. He receives both physical sight and spiritual sight. This episode, however, was not straight forward. There were many objections over the healing of this man, particularly from the Pharisees. He was almost put on trial by the Pharisees. As a blind beggar, he was considered to be a sinner. Once Jesus hears of this, he returns to the man. Jesus indicates that the blind can now see, but the Pharisees are the ones who are blind, spiritually blind.
On this day we also celebrate Mothering Sunday. We thank all mothers for their generous and dedicated role as inspired by Our Lady herself.
PARISH FEAST DAY
On Saturday we celebrate our Parish Feast Day, the Annunciation of the Lord, Mass will be at 10am but we start our celebrations the night before, Friday 24th March. There will be Mass at 7.30pm and this will be followed by a get-together in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. For this we invite you to bring along a dish of food to share, dishes can include meat, because Friday abstinence finishes once we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. We will provide the drink. We do not need to abstain from meat on the evening of Friday 24th March.
HOLY WEEK ARRANGEMENTS
Please take a card giving the times of services for Holy Week and Easter.
NEW OFFERTORY ENVELOPES
New Offertory envelopes are available after Mass, today. Please ask at the presbytery lobby for your box of envelopes but please do not start using them until 9th April. If you would like to start using envelopes, please indicate in section 4 on the Gift Aid / Standing Order leaflet. If you would like to start paying by standing order, please complete section 5 & 6 and if you are able to Gift Aid your donations, please complete section 2. Thank you for your continuing support.
CLOCKS GOING FORWARD
You might not believe it, but summer time starts next weekend. Clocks should be put forward one hour next Saturday night.
FIRST Communion programme
Please pray for the children who make their First Confession at 2pm on Saturday. Today they will be taking part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
EMPOWERING VULNERABLE CHILDREN in UGANDA
The organisers of this appeal held last month have written to thank us for our kindness and generosity. A total of £603-64 was raised for this charity.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross takes place at St Alphage Church, Montrose Avenue on Friday at 7pm.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 30th March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.
Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal
There is a box near Our Lady’s altar for contributions to this appeal as well as envelopes on which you can Gift Aid your contribution. Funds raised this year will be shared between Marriage and Family Life, Youth and Evangelisation, The Education Service and Caritas Westminster. If you prefer you can use the QR code to make your donation on line. Thank you for your generosity.
ST JOSEPH’S DAY
St Joseph’s Day will be celebrated tomorrow (Monday) with Masses at 7.30 and 12 Noon.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday, 26th March, at 4pm in the church.
School Chaplain, St James' Catholic High School
If you would like a copy of the job description and information relating to this role, please email the PA to the Headteacher, Ms Rock, on brock@st-james.barnet.sch.uk who will be happy to assist you.
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
CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES
Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 13th May 2023 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 2023. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email).
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.
Lenten Taizé Prayers
In Notre Dame de France (French Church, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX) at 19:30 25th March 2023. A time of prayer with Taizé chants, scripture and silence in the heart of London. All are welcome!