2nd Sunday OF LENT (A)
The story of Christ’s transfiguration might seem other worldly, nothing to do with our own experience of faith. Yet even if we do not go up a mountain and see Christ transformed, we can still undergo remarkable experiences of our faith. That the disciples saw this vision indicates their openness to do so and readiness to follow Jesus. If we receive a sign, would we be open to it, or would we dismiss such a thing as peculiar or irrational? The disciples, of course are only human themselves and when they see this extraordinary vision of Jesus– this sight that indicates that he is divine—they are fearful. Jesus responds to their fear with human tenderness, reassuring them both by touching them and by simple words– ‘do not be afraid’. When we are faced with something overwhelming—perhaps illness or loss of a job or taking on a new challenge—we too can be reassured by the Lord’s words—’do not be afraid’. Life, with all its difficulties, and the Christian vocation with its hardships, can be overwhelming if we try to tackle them alone. But if we place our trust in the Lord, we need not be afraid, God is with us.
CAFOD LENT FAST DAY
Last Friday we kept CAFOD Lent Fast Day and today we are having a second collection to support CAFOD’S work. This Lent, CAFOD is supporting families with the skills and tools they have asked for to fight the climate crisis in Bangladesh. 14 year old Dristy and her mother Rupali are building seed beds and planting palm trees to protect their crops from flooding and cyclones. Our contribution will help families grow in strength to adapt to the climate crisis. Envelopes are available at the back of the church with which you can Gift Aid your donation . Thank you.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross takes place this Friday at St Alphage’s Church in Montrose Avenue at 7pm.
FIRST Communion programme
The First Communion children take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30am, this morning and next Sunday, 12th March, they have a session at 9am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY
Thank you for your generous support to the Catholic Children's Society (Crib Appeal) which raised £711.91.
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
Our Parish Feast Day, the Annunciation of the Lord, falls on Saturday 25th March. Mass will be at 10am on that day but we will celebrate the Feast on the Vigil, Friday 24th March, with, with a Mass at 7.30 pm. There will be a get-together in the Parish Centre after Mass to which we invite you to bring along a dish of food, we will provide the drink. As it is a Solemnity, your dishes can include meat. We do not need to abstain from meat on the evening of Friday 24th March.
Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal
During Lent, there will be a box near Our Lady’s altar for contributions to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal. Funds raised this year will be shared between Marriage and Family Life, Youth and Evangelisation, The Education Service and Caritas Westminster. The effects of the pandemic, followed by the cost of living crisis, are still making daily life harder for all. Price rises last year meant many families faced an impossible choice: HEAT or EAT. And this crisis if far from over. The church continues to respond, with thousands of people putting their faith into action by serving those in need. Cardinal Nichols has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supports the Appeal, with whatever they can afford. And for those who can’t give financially, your time is a priceless commodity - please see the posters on how you can volunteer in the diocese and help those in need. Donation envelopes also give more information. You can use the QR code to make your donation on line. Thank you for your generosity.
ROSARY AND DIVINE MERCY
We are re-introducing the recitation of the Rosary after the 9am Mass on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
On Friday there will also be Divine Mercy devotions at 3pm in the church.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 26th March at 4pm in the church.
CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARIES
Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 13th May 2023 at 2:30pm.
The Cardinal is inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese, who are celebrating their 5th 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2023. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email). Your details need to be with us by Monday 27th March 2023.
Foodbank for the community
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. Thank you.
Lenten Taizé Prayers
In Notre Dame de France (French Church, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX) at 19:30 25th March 2023. A time of prayer with Taizé chants, scripture and silence in the heart of London. All are welcome!
E Scooters
Are not to be parked in the church. They are a trip hazard in an indoor setting and could restrict emergency egress.
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.