1st Sunday of Lent (C)
On the first Sunday of Lent each year, we have a Gospel account of Jesus’ temptations:
- To turn a stone into a loaf to satisfy Jesus’ hunger.
- To have power over all the earthly kingdoms.
- To jump from the Temple parapet to demonstrate he was a superman.
Jesus resisted these temptations and this shaped his ministry which he was about to begin. He would not use his divine power for personal glorification. He would allow people to use their own free will. It was a defining moment and we can be strengthened by overcoming our own temptations. In our journey we need to draw strength from the Spirit to act like Jesus and fight against the Tempter.
CAFOD LENT FAST DAY
Every child should grow big and strong. Next Friday is Family Fast Day, a day when we eat simply and give generously to support mothers around the world, like Amie in Sierra Leone, with expert training in growing and making healthy food. Our small acts of love this Lent will make a big difference to many communities affected by extreme hunger and children suffering from malnutrition.
Please take a CAFOD envelope after Mass and return it with your donation next weekend. The envelope also contains a QR scan or you can also donate by visiting the CAFOD website (cafod.org.uk/lent).
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 ‘Lenten Alms’ which can be found near Our Lady’s altar.
RECENTLY DECEASED
The funeral Mass for CHRISTINA ZURAWICZ takes place tomorrow (Monday) at 10am, It replaces the 12 Noon Mass that day.
The funeral Mass for PETER Mac CULLOCH will be on Friday 18th March at 10am. It replaces the 9am Mass that day.
The funeral Mass for TERESA HARVEY will be on Tuesday 22nd March at 10.30am.
The funeral Mass for DANIEL Mc AULIFFE will be on Monday 28th March at 12 Noon. May they rest in peace.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross this Friday will be at St Alphage Church in Montrose Avenue at 7pm.
First Communion Programme
The First Communion children take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30 am today (Sunday). On Tuesday there will be a meeting for parents in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 7.45pm. There will be a session for the children next Sunday in the Parish Centre at 9am.
RITE OF SIGNING
At the 12 Noon Mass today (Sunday), those in the RCIA programme 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.
NEW PARISH COUNCIL
At the Annual General Meeting last Sunday, ANNIE BLAKE, KENNETH BLAKE, MARCELLA DALY, NANCY JOSEPH, LORIE SALAZAR, ADELAIDA SARMIENTO AND MARY ANN TORRES were elected to join BENEDICT METUH, MELVIN MATHEW, ERIC MOORE, TERESA O’NEILL AND JOSIE SANTANGELO on the Parish Council. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Thursday 31st March at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
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
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.
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.
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).
A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
Heavenly Father, Your will for your people is peace not war, unity not division. We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders. Pour out on our world, especially in Eastern Europe at this time, your Spirit of forgiveness and fraternity. We pray for all those who are afraid; that they may know your hand in theirs in these days of great fear, panic and despair. Bring hope and help to the widow, the orphan, the refugee and to all those whose lives are being torn apart. We pray for all those who hold the lives of others in their hands; that they will choose the path of light not darkness. We pray for those who choose war; that they will turn away from the madness and misery of conflict.
We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they may be inspired by the courage and compassion of Christ. Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to the peacemakers who seek the path of reconciliation and healing. Lord, we fall to our knees and pray for peace for Ukraine. Bring an end to this terrible suffering. Make silent once more the weapons of war. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Lord have mercy. Amen
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.