8th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C)
It is what is in the heart that matters, is our heart full of love, kind thoughts, planning good deeds or is it full of hatred or retaliation or unkindness? Today Jesus tells his disciples that what is in our heart can be discerned by its fruits. What we produce is a measure of the love or lack of it in our heart. Jesus points out that so often we note the small transgressions of other people and ignore our own larger transgressions. As we approach the season of Lent it is appropriate that we look into our lives more deeply, examine our consciences and see what we need to change. Our actions during Lent will help in this whole process.
WELCOME TO BISHOP SHERRINGTON
We welcome to the parish today Bishop John Sherrington who will celebrate the 12 Noon Mass and then stay for our shared lunch and Annual General Meeting which follows.
SHARED LUNCH AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Everyone is invited to our shared lunch in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at about 1.15pm. Many thanks to all who have contributed food for this. It will be followed by the Parish Annual General Meeting at about 2.pm, looking back at what has happened and not happened in the parish over the last two years, electing a new parish council and using your suggestions in the Synodal Process to make plans for the coming year.
ASH WEDNESDAY
The Season of Lent starts on Wednesday. Ashes will be distributed at the 9.am and 7.30pm Masses. It is a day of Fasting and Abstinence
Also there will be a service in the Infants School at 11am and a Mass in the Junior School at 2pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
As in previous years, we will be having Stations of the Cross on Fridays in Lent at 7pm. It starts this Friday with Stations here in the Annunciation. We will alternate between here and St Alphage in Montrose Avenue over the six weeks.
Walk with me and Children’s Calendars
Copies of the daily ‘Walk with Me’ meditation booklets are available in the porch, price £1, which can be put in the Papers box. Also available for children is a daily calendar for Lent. These are free.
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 ‘Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal’ which will be placed
Near Our Lady’s Altar from the beginning of Lent.
First Communion Programme
The children are having a session today (27th February) at 9am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre and next Sunday (6th March) they will take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30.
RITE OF SIGNING
Next Sunday at the 12 Noon Mass those in the RCIA will be taking part in the Rite of Signing before proceeding to the Rite of Election in Westminster Cathedral at 3pm. Please pray for those who are preparing to receive the Sacraments at Easter.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please pray for the repose of the soul of CHRISTINA ZURAWICZ whose funeral Mass will be here on Monday 7th March a 10am, replacing the 12 Noon Mass that day. Also please pray for PETER MACCULLOCH, JOHNNY BERRY and MARGARET DANIEL who have died recently, may they rest in peace.
ENCOUNTERING THE SPIRIT
The Agency for Evangelisation have produced a faith-sharing resource entitled ‘Encountering the Spirit’. They provide meditations on the five Sunday Gospels of Lent (Year C). Copies of these will be available at the back of the church.
JOURNEYING TOGETHER DURING LENT
AT ST. ROSES, 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.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday20th March at 4.pm in the church.
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.
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).
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.
LENT
Pray + Fast + Give