5th SUNDAY of LENT (C)
Go away, and don’t sin any more. These are not the words we would expect to hear from the priest when the penitent leaves the confessional. However, in effect that is what we hear when the priest gives us absolution from our sins. We are washed clean and make a new start, trying to keep close to Jesus and keep away from the devil. Those words were said by Jesus to the adulterous woman. She had been freed from the burden of her sin by Jesus. The Scribes and Pharisees had brought this woman to Jesus as a test because the law said that she should be put to death by stoning for her misdeed. ‘Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone’. Nobody was without sin and they all left leaving the woman alone with Jesus. This is another lesson for us not to condemn others for the faults we commit ourselves.
THE SEASON OF PASSIONTIDE
We are now entering the most solemn period in the Church's year—the season of Passiontide. We focus even more intently on the love that Jesus showed for us by offering his life and suffering pain, humiliation and rejection. So that we may focus more on Jesus, the statues are covered and there are no votive candles. The candles are not lit again until we celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead at Easter, a time of light and new life.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PALM SUNDAY
Next weekend is Palm Sunday. Masses will start from the Canon Smyth Parish Centre with the blessing of palms. We will then process to the church
Please wave your palm in the procession, recalling the greeting that Jesus received when he made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Once in the church we will have the Passion according to Luke. We invite you to take part by reading the words of the crowd, marked ‘C’ in the booklets.
RE-COMMISIONING of EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
This will take place on the Feast of Corpus Christi (19th June) and not at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross this Friday takes place in St Alphage Church in Montrose Avenue at 7pm.
THE CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL
Funds raised in this year’s appeal will be shared between parishes and Caritas Westminster. 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 ‘Lenten Alms’ which can be found near Our Lady’s altar.
HOLY WEEK ARRANGEMENTS
If you did not do so last week, please take a card giving the times of services for Holy Week and Easter.
Please note that confessions will be heard after Masses on Monday to Wednesday, and between 10.30 and 11am on Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday.
There will be special prayers for peace in Ukraine on Good Friday and this will be particularly evident in the Reflection on the Cross at 7pm on Good Friday, evening.
Please note that there is no 6.30pm Mass on Holy Saturday, 16th April. The Easter Vigil starts at 8.30pm and will include a baptism and confirmations. We will be renewing our baptismal promises at this Mass and on Easter Sunday morning.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Parents who wish to have their baby baptised are asked to come to a preparation session on Sunday 15th May at 4pm in the church.
NEW OFFERTORY ENVELOPES
If you did not collect your box of offertory envelopes last week, please do so after Mass today. If you would prefer to pay by standing order, use one of the leaflets on the table at the back of the church. Similarly, if you are able to Gift Aid your donation, please use this form. Many thanks for your generosity which has helped us through some difficult times.
Gift Aid
We thank all parishioners who are paying by direct debit or envelopes and have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. We ask any parishioner who is a tax payer and donating through the loose plate to please consider donating instead by direct debit or envelope.
Any parishioner who has stopped being a tax payer should inform Susan or Loretta in the office.
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.
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.
Fasting and Feasting in Lent
Fast from discontent—Feast on Gratitude
Fast from complaining—Feast on appreciation
Fast from bitterness—Feast on forgiveness
Fast from self-concern—Feast on compassion for others
Fast from Suspicion—Feast on truth
Fast from idle gossip—Feast on purposeful silence
Fast from unrelenting pressures—Feast on unceasing prayer