TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2026
- RCDOW Burnt Oak
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Grace of the Lenten Season
On Ash Wednesday, as we responded ‘Amen’ to God’s invitation to repent and believe the Gospel, I prayed that the Holy Spirit may help us recognise our need for repentance. Thus, this Sunday’s readings remind us of our fallenness, but at the same time, they give us hope and invite us to trust and anchor ourselves in God’s all-sufficient grace.
The first reading (Genesis 2:7-9) reminds us that from the dust of the earth the Lord made us in his image and destined us to a life of grace. Lured into sin and lost our way, the Word through whom we were made came that we may find Our Way back. Through Christ, we access the Divine Grace which abounds all the more even when our weaknesses increase (Romans 5:12-19).
However, to confront our weaknesses, we must embrace the opportunities and graces the Lord offers us, especially during this Lent, a season of prayer and penance in preparation for Easter. In this privileged Season of Lent, like Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel (Mathew 4:1-11), we are invited to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into the desert areas of our lives, our areas of struggles or weaknesses. The journey might be challenging, but armed with the spiritual weapon of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and God’s word, we shall endure until the end and receive the consolation of the Lord.
Happy Lenten Season.
Fr. Chinedu
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
During this Lenten season on Friday’s, there will be Stations of the Cross after morning Mass and again at 7pm.
CAFOD LENT FAST DAY
Family Fast Day Friday 27 February, envelopes are available at the back of the church.
CONFESSIONS DURING LENT
Saturdays: After morning Mass. (During Holy Hour) 10:45am to 11:15 am
Before Saturday Vigil Mass. 5: 45 PM to 6:15 PM
Parish Reconciliation (Penitential) Service: Friday, 27th March. 7pm followed by Stations of the Cross.
Holy Week: Monday to Wednesday after morning mass: 9:40 am to 10:40 am
LENTEN APPEAL
“Because we are formed in faith, we are sent in love.” Our annual Lenten Appeal across the Diocese supports one shared mission: helping people encounter Christ and live that faith in love and service. Through Education, Youth & Evangelisation, and Marriage & Family Life, the diocese forms hearts, nurtures faith, and strengthens families within our parishes. Through Social Action, that formed faith reaches outward, ensuring that no one in our communities faces life’s hardest moments alone. Your generous support this Lent will enable the Church to continue walking with people at every stage of life and be a visible sign of Christ’s love, both within our parishes and among our neighbours. To donate today please visit www.rcdow.org.uk/LentenAppeal. Alternatively, envelopes areavailable in church. Thank you for your support and for helping our diocesan family to continue this vital work.
Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony
Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 23 May 2026 at 2:30pm.
The Archbishop 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 2026. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish office the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, your full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email). Please advise Susan in the office before Thursday 16 April 2026.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday, 1st March at 4pm in the church.
LENTEN AND EASTER CELEBRATIONS
In the light of this year’s Lenten & Easter celebrations in the Parish, Joey will be the general coordinator of all the hymns during this time. He will collaborate with the representatives of all the choirs in the parish.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Registration for this year’s Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (17 – 24 July 2026) is now open. Secure your spot by visiting the booking platform here: https://pilgrimages.rcdow.org.uk/
SEEDS OF HOPE
Evangelisation Day 3 11:00am - 4:00pm Saturday 21st March 2026, Our Lady and St Vincent's Parish Hall, Potters Bar Do you ever feel a desire to share your faith but aren’t quite sure how? Seeds of Hope is a welcoming day of prayer, inspiration and practical encouragement, helping you grow in confidence to share the hope of Christ with the people God has placed in your life.
SVP and CAFOD Work Experience
The St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD are working together to offer a week of free residential work experience for 20 young adults in England and Wales. The experience will run from 21st – 26th June in London. Candidates must be aged 18-25 years old, but priority will be given to those in their first or second year at university. Applications close on the 6th April. For any queries, please contact KeziaH@svp.org.uk. To apply visit here: https://svp1.formstack.com/forms/work_experience_application_form_2026
TOILETS
We thank the stewards in our parish and all our parishioners for your patience with the use of the toilets.
Our policy has changed for easier accessibility. The door to the Centre will be open during mass and any other celebration in the church. Please note that children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
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. Many thanks for your contributions to help families in need.
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