God has no favourites
In this Sunday’s first reading, we heard that “God has no favourites. But anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.” And Jesus had said, “Anyone who does the will of my Father, is my brother, sister and mother.” (Mtt 12:50)
God’s offer of salvation isn’t based on any pre-existing privileges. It is a function of God’s unconditional love for us and not of our love for him (2nd Reading). God’s love precedes ours. That’s why God has no favourites. All deserve redemption because his love for each of us is indeed perfect.
However, all must make a deliberate choice to yield to God in obedience to remain in and experience the Father’s love and fullness of joy (John 15:9). Cornelius, in today’s first reading, was considered a pagan. But because he was a devout and faithful person, God disregarded the human religious parameters and gave him the Holy Spirit of salvation.
Through obedience, we receive the Father’s love and share in his life through the Holy Spirit regardless of our background and people’s opinion of us. God loves every one of us equally.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
Ascension of the Lord
Thursday 9th May is the Solemnity of the Ascension. We will be joined by the children from Our Infant School
Baptism preparation
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 5th May 2024 at 4pm in the church.
Office Absence
Susan will be out of the office due to knee surgery. She hopes, all going well, to be back in July.
World Communication Day
There will be a second collection for the Catholic Communication Network.
New Offertory Envelopes
New Offertory envelopes are still available for collection after Masses today. Please, speak to the stewards or ask at the presbytery lobby for your box of envelopes you can start using them this week.
Please pick up a Parish Gift Aid Form/Standing Order Form from the back of the church if you would like to start using envelopes, please indicate in section 4 on the Gift Aid / Standing Order Form. If you would like to start paying by standing order, please complete section 5 & 6 and if you are able to Gift Aid your donations, please complete section 2. Thank you for your continuing support.
Missio Box Counting
If you have a red Missio box please can you bring it and give it to one of the Priests before 12th May. Thank you.
Annual Mass For Matrimony
The annual Mass for Matrimony will be celebrated in the Cathedral by the Cardinal on Saturday 25th May at 2.30pm for couples celebrating significant anniversaries such as 5th , 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 60+. Information has now been sent to parishes by the Diocesan Co-ordinator for Marriage and Family Life, Deacon Roger Carr-Jones, about arrangements for this day and the invitation process
Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
We are planning to start a Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) here in our parish. So, if you have been a member of SVP in the past, and would like to be part of its formation in our parish; or if you would like to join the society for the first time and are happy to be part of it, please, speak with and give your names and contact number to the priests or stewards after the masses. Thank you.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from 19th to 26th July. Join the pilgrimage as a pilgrim. Serve the pilgrimage by coming as a praying assisted pilgrim. Support assisted pilgrims by sponsoring the sick to join the pilgrimage and praying for them. For more information please go to https://rcdow.org.uk/pilgrimages/Lourdes/ or contact the Pilgrimage Office on 020 7798 9173
Medjugorje Irish Centre Pilgrimages April - October 2024
7 Nights Apartment B&B from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request. Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you. Tel. 020 3239 8662 or website www.med-irishcentre.com