3rd Sunday of Lent (c)
A major theme that embraces the whole of Lent is repentance. Right from the Start of Lent when we are told to Repent as ashes are put on our forehead until Good Friday when Jesus dies on the cross so that we might repent and have our sins forgiven, repentance is the key word. METANOIA is the Greek word which we often translate into English as ’repent’ means something more than that. It implies a spiritual change of heart and transformation. That is why we need 6 weeks to work on this. We can’t change overnight. The parable of the fig tree which does not produce any fruit is presented to us in the Gospel today. ‘Give it one more chance’ said the gardener. THIS Lent is our ‘one more chance’ to change in our lives to re-direct us towards the Lord who is constantly loving and urging us towards him. Lent means spring and implies growth. It is a time for spiritual gardening.
UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL
If you would like to contribute to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, we will be having a second collection today. Our donations will be sent to CAFOD. At least 2 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine – leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones, they need shelter, food and water. Life for people of Ukraine has completely changed. Homes, schools and hospitals have been destroyed.
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world
That in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice
Become a reality for the peace of Ukraine
And for all the world. AMEN.
OUR PARISH FEAST DAY
On Friday we celebrate Our Parish Feast Day, the Feast of the Annunciation, we can have a short break from our Lenten routine to celebrate the time when Mary was greeted by the Archangel Gabriel, announcing that she was to be the mother of the Lord.
Masses will be at 9am and 7.30pm. The evening Mass will be followed by a get-together in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, for which we invite you to bring along a dish of food and we will provide the drink. As it is a Solemnity, there is no abstinence that Friday, so you can bring along a meat dish if you wish.
RECENTLY DECEASED
The funeral Mass for THERESA HARVEY will be on Tuesday at 10.30am. This will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning.
The funeral Mass for DANIEL Mc AULIFFE will be on Monday 28th March at 12 Noon. May they rest in peace.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
There will be Stations of the Cross at St Alphage Church, Montrose Avenue, on Friday at 7pm.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Parents who wish to have their baby baptised are asked to come to a preparation session this afternoon, (Sunday) at 4.pm in the church.
First Communion Programme
The children will be taking part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning. Please pray for the children as they prepare for their First Confession on 2nd April.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
The Confirmation candidates have a session this Wednesday (23rd March) at 7pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 31st March at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
HOLY WEEK ARRANGEMENTS
Next week there will be a card available, giving the arrangements for Holy Week Services. Palm Sunday will be on 10th April.
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 10th 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 sections 5 and 6 and if you are able to Gift Aid your donations, please complete Section 2. Thank you for your continuing generosity.
CLOCKS GOING FORWARD
Summer time starts next weekend. Clocks should be put forward one-hour next Saturday Night.
RECENTLY DECEASED
The funeral Mass for THERESA HARVEY will be on Tuesday at 10.30am. This will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning.
The funeral Mass for DANIEL Mc AULIFFE will be on Monday 28th March at 12 Noon. May they rest in peace.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
There will be Stations of the Cross at St Alphage Church, Montrose Avenue, on Friday at 7pm.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Parents who wish to have their baby baptised are asked to come to a preparation session this afternoon, (Sunday) at 4.pm in the church.
First Communion Programme
The children will be taking part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 this morning. Please pray for the children as they prepare for their First Confession on 2nd April.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
The Confirmation candidates have a session this Wednesday (23rd March) at 7pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 31st March at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
HOLY WEEK ARRANGEMENTS
Next week there will be a card available, giving the arrangements for Holy Week Services. Palm Sunday will be on 10th April.
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 10th 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 sections 5 and 6 and if you are able to Gift Aid your donations, please complete Section 2. Thank you for your continuing generosity.
CLOCKS GOING FORWARD
Summer time starts next weekend. Clocks should be put forward one-hour next Saturday Night.
THE CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL
This year, we celebrate 10 years of Caritas Westminster, the social action agency of the Diocese, working with parishes to restore hope, and enable people to lead a life of dignity and worth. Funds raised in this year’s Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal will be shared between parishes and Caritas Westminster. Cardinal Nichols has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supports the Appeal, with whatever they can afford. Just as a mosaic is made up of many different coloured pieces, each one unique, each person’s contribution to this mosaic of hope, will bring light into the lives of people across our Diocese. The effects of the pandemic are making daily life harder for many people. The Church is responding, with thousands of people putting their faith into action by serving those in need, those who feel like they’re pushed to the margins of society. Please take a donation envelope. You can use the QR code to make your donation online, Thank you for your generosity. Your donations including envelopes can be placed in the wooden box marked ‘Lenten Alms’ which can be found near Our Lady’s altar.
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.
GNS Supporting our seniors
The Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill & Burnt Oak have vacancies at their lunch clubs for seniors. The Mill Hill lunch club meets on Tuesdays in the parish centre of the Sacred Heart Church. The Burnt Oak lunch club meets on Thursdays here in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. If you are interested, please call 020 8906 3340.
THANKSGIVING FOR MATRIMONY at Westminster Cathedral Saturday 14th May 2022 at 3:00pm
The Cardinal is inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese, who are celebrating a significant anniversary their 5th 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2022. If you would like to join in this Mass, please give your details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address, email address and telephone number, by 1st April 2022. to Fr Colin, Fr David or email to Susan in the office. (burntoak@rcdow.org.uk).
JOURNEYING TOGETHER DURING LENT
AT ST. ROSE’S, CRICKLEWOOD
Every Thursday through Lent from the 3rd March to 7thApril inclusive, at 7pm to 8pm, there will be Adoration, Prayer and Reflection on our Lenten Journey. Please do come.