3rd Sunday of EASTER (A)
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were probably not the only disciples who were returning home from Jerusalem in a state of shock, upset and confusion over the death of Jesus and reports that he had been seen alive. Despite Jesus speaking frequently about the resurrection, the disciples had not really believed it or grasped what it meant. For the disciples returning to Emmaus that upset and confusion was turned to elation and understanding when Jesus broke bread with them in their home. Jesus was alive. He had risen from the dead. May we get that same thrill as Jesus appears to us on the altar at Mass. Just as those disciples hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others what had happened, may we be swift in passing on this Good News to others.
ST GEORGE’S DAY
The Feast of St George has been transferred to Monday 24th April this year. Masses will be at 7.30am and 12 Noon.
FUNERALS THIS WEEK
The Funeral Mass for NINA KEVINS will be on Tuesday at 11am. This is in addition to the 9am Mass that morning
The funeral Mass for MARIE-HELENE GRECH will be on Wednesday at 10.30am this will be in addition to the 9am Mass that morning but there will be no Holy Hour.
First communion programme
The children meet today (Sunday) for a session in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 9am, then next Sunday take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30. There will be a session for parents tomorrow evening (Monday) at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
There will be a session for parents of Confirmation candidates at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd May at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 14th May at 4pm in the church.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
There will be a meeting for Eucharistic Ministers on Thursday 4th May at 7.30pm in the church.
THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III
The Coronation takes place on Saturday 6th May. Catholic Communities are being encouraged to pray for the King as he assumes the fulness of his responsibility. There will be a Triduum of Prayer from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th May. Prayer Cards will be distributed to us in due course. On Friday 5th May, the eve of the Coronation, there will be an extra Mass at 7.30pm for the intentions of the King. The forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III is a moment of great importance and joy for the nation.
MAY PROCESSION
This years May Procession will be on Saturday 20th May, following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone for making our Holy Week and Easter services so beautiful, to the altar servers, readers and musicians, stewards and many who worked behind the scenes, decorating with flowers and helping moving furniture etc.
We would also like to thank those who gave us gifts and cards. Some gave perishable food which was much appreciated but in future please check with us because we may have too much food to be consumed in the recommended time. Thank you.
PRIESTS TRAINING FUND
Next Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. It is on this day that we have the annual collection for the Priest Training Fund. The Fund pays for the priestly formation of men for the priesthood in the diocese. This is for those who study at Allen Hall in Chelsea and for those studying in Rome and Valladolid. The fund also supports the ongoing enrichment and formation of our priests already ordained. Thank you very much for your generosity to this important collection in previous years. Envelopes are available at the back of the church. Please take one and return it with your donation next weekend.
Foodbank for the community
Items for the Foodbank can be left in the box in the church porch. Many thanks for your generosity.
MISSIO
In 2022, our parish raised £1,111.09 through our Red Boxes and donations to MISSIO and Mill Hill Missionaries, Thank you. Our Missionary Community here at Burnt Oak is part of a worldwide network of people supporting Missionaries through prayer and financial assistance. Your support of projects such as the Fundlong Mission Station in Cameroon has enabled Fr Leon, a Mill Hill Missionary, to help children learn in a safe environment and instil values that empower them to turn away from conflict towards faith in God. Visit misssio.org.uk to find our more about how your support changes lives for the better.
VOCATIONS EVENING
On Wednesday, 17th May, there will be an Open Evening at St James, Spanish Place, for any men interested in learning about or discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The regular evening Mass at 6pm will be followed by a gathering in the social centre for a short presentation, informal conversations and refreshments. Do come and join us if you can. The nearest tube stations are Bond Street and Baker Street.
WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
This takes place from 21st to 28th July. Please see the Tangney Tours poster in the church for details and ask one of the priests for an application form if you are interested in going.