6th Sunday of Easter (C) - 22ND MAY
We are just two weeks away from the Feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. In our readings today, we see how the Holy Spirit was and is active in the Church. One of the big questions in the early Church was whether the Gentile converts to Christianity would need to be circumcised as were the Jewish Christians. Would the Gentiles be required to follow the many customs that had been established over the years? So a delegation of apostles and elders gathered in Antioch to make a decision. It was obviously a prayerful decision because when it was announced the first words were ‘It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and ourselves…’.
In the Gospel, Jesus in his discourse at the Last Supper, reveals that the Holy Spirit will be sent by the Father in Jesus’ name. Here the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Advocate, the one who protects, guides and puts the case on our behalf.
ASCENSION DAY
Thursday is Ascension Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses in the church will be at 9am and 7.30pm. There will also be a Mass at the Infant School next door at 11am and in the Junior School in the Meads at 2pm.
On this day, we celebrate the fact that Jesus has completed his mission on earth and returns to the Father in Heaven. He has not abandoned us but is our hope for salvation. Jesus has claimed for us a share in his divine life. Where he has gone we hope to follow.
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 Communications Network. We pray for those who work in the media and also for the success of the work carried out on our behalf by the Communications Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
In the message for World Communications Day, Pope Francis has pointed out that we not only listen with our ears but also with our heart. Listening corresponds to the humble style of God. It is the action that allows God to reveal himself as the one who, by speaking , creates us in his image, and by listening recognises us as his partners in dialogue.
The importance of listening has been stressed in our recent preparation for next year’s Synod in Rome. We listen to each other so that we may be formed anew in our Christian duties.
THE SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION
The Sunday Obligation in England and Wales has been reintroduced. At their recent meeting, the Bishops of England and Wales have said that the reasons which have prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no longer apply. However, the statement acknowledges that any Catholic who is impeded for a serious reason, such as ill health, care for the sick or legitimate fear, will not be in breach. They also clarify that the livestream viewing of Mass does not fulfil the obligation but may be a source of spiritual comfort to those whom the obligation does not apply.
Copies of the full text of the letter from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference are available at the back of the church. Please take a copy for yourself and copies for your friends and neighbours who need to know about the re-introduction of the Sunday Mass Obligations.
MAY PROCESSION
On Saturday we have our May Procession following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass for the crowning of the statue, say the Rosary and return to the church for Benediction.
FUNERAL MASS FOR JOHN CARR
The funeral Mass for JOHN CARR will be on Wednesday at 10.30am. This will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. As this is Ascension Day, the meeting will start at about 8.10pm, following the 7.30pm Mass.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
The First Communion children have their final session this morning (Sunday) at 9am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Next Sunday they will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30am
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Eucharistic Ministers are asked to please let Fr. Colin know their e-mail address, if they have one. This will enable the rota to be sent directly to you in the future.
The re-commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers for a further year will take place at Masses on the Feast of Corpus Christi (18th/19th June).
SUMMER FAYRE
We will be having a Summer Fayre on Saturday 9th July. We are looking for helpers for the stalls and other activities. If you are able to help, please let us know.
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.
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