3rd SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
The word of God is given prominence in our readings today, which is most appropriate as today is the Sunday of the Word of God. There is quite a ritual over opening the Book of the Lord, everyone standing up, the Word being proclaimed and then everyone sitting down to have the Word explained. In the case of Ezra the scribe in the first reading, he stood on a platform so that everyone might see and hear. There was much bowing and prostrating and the people were moved to tears by what they heard. In the Gospel, it is Jesus who reads from the book. Jesus read from the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. When he completed the reading, everyone sat down and listened to Jesus speaking. He said what he proclaimed was now being fulfilled in Him. He was the one who had been given the Spirit to bring the Good News. The people were astounded. We can be astounded when we listen to the Word of God and realise that it applies to us.
Re – commissioning of Readers
On this Sunday of the Word of God, those who read at Mass will be asked to come forward before the first reading to renew their commitment as a Minister of the Word.
PRIEST: Dear friends, you have faithfully performed the work of Reader in this parish for some time. You are now asked to renew your commitment to this work of evangelisation.
PRIEST: Christ comes to us in Word and Sacrament to strengthen us in holiness. Are you resolved to continue to perform the ministry of Reader by proclaiming the Word of God to the people of God in this parish?
Readers: I am.
PRIEST: Are you resolved to strengthen your faith by regular prayer, to prepare diligently when asked to read, and to live out the Word you proclaim in your daily life?
Readers: I am.
PRIEST: May the Lord bless you in this work, as you help us to deepen our love for the word of God. We ask this through Christ the Lord, Amen.
PARISH A.G.M.
The Parish Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday 27th February at 2pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This will be preceded by a shared lunch which will start after the 12 Noon Mass. We will invite you to bring along a dish of food to share. We will provide the drink.
At the A.G.M. we will be looking back at what has happened and not happened over the last 2 years, consider what we might introduce or re-introduce in the coming year and elect a new Parish Council.
If you would like to nominate somebody for the Parish Council, please speak first to them and then submit their name to Fr Colin by 20th February.
VISIT OF BISHOP SHERRINGTON
Bishop John Sherrington will be visiting the parish on Sunday 27th February and Celebrating the 12 Noon Mass. He will then stay on to meet people at the shared lunch and at the Parish A.G.M which follows.
Supplying in Stanmore
The Parish of Stanmore is currently without a priest as the previous parish priest has retired. We are being asked to help out now and again. Next weekend Fr David will by supplying in Stanmore.
First Communion Programme
At the 10.30am Mass today, the children in the First Communion programme will be enrolled. Please pray for them and their families as they prepare to receive Holy Communion for the first time in June.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
There will be a meeting for the parents of those who have applied to receive
Confirmation on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session for the candidates will be on Wednesday 2nd February at 7.00pm, also in the Parish Centre. Bishop John Sherrington will minister the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 12th May at 7.pm.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Parish Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes on Tuesday, the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul.
Tender-hearted God. Your Son Jesus prayed that we may be one.
As we journey together in openness and truth,
may we draw closer to each other.
May our love embrace people of all faiths,
Send your Spirit to empower us to promote dignity
and compassion in societies, nations and world.
God of life, lead us to justice and peace, AMEN.
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.
Retrouvaille
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples, it brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage ….and you don’t need to leave home, it comes to you!
For confidential information about Retrouvaille’, or to register for the next programme, a Virtual weekend commencing 3rd – 6th March 2022 Call or text +44 788 729 6983. Email: retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.org – or visit www.retrouvaille.uk
St Richard Reynolds Catholic College
We are looking for outstanding practitioners to join us from September 2022 to deliver high-quality lessons to ensure great learning. Salary negotiable dependent upon calibre and experience.
Current teaching vacancies:
- Subject Leader of Physics (closing date 6th February)
- Teacher of English (closing date 4th February)
We are also looking for an Assistant Site Manager (closing date Friday 28th January)
Please also get in touch if you would like to talk in more detail about the role. https://www.strichardreynolds.org.uk/our-college/vacancies