5th Sunday of EASTER (A)
Throughout St John’s Gospel, Jesus comes out with various ‘I AM’ statements. Last week we had ‘I AM THE GATE OF THE SHEEPFOLD’. Today Jesus says ‘I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE’. By saying that Jesus is the Way, it is a further endorsement of being the gate of the sheepfold. We need to follow Jesus, to go his way by following the commandments and keeping away from all that is wrong. By saying that he is the Truth reminds us of JESUS’ encounter with Pontius Pilate who said ‘Truth, what is that’. If we can encompass all that Jesus Taught, we will certainly be going the right way and towards the external LIFE that he has promised all his followers.
These are not the only images that are presented to us in today's readings. In St Peter’s letter, Jesus is described as the keystone, sometimes called the cornerstone. Here we are seeing the Church as a building and Jesus as the keystone in holding the building together. We are living stones in that building. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation who are set apart to sing the praises of God.
So, whatever image we take of Jesus, we find ourselves very much part of Him, close to Him and attempting to become like him.
PRIEST TRAINING FUND
Thank you for your generosity to the Priest Training Fund collection last weekend. It is not too late to make a donation if you wish. Envelopes are available in the back of the church, or by contacting the parish office. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.rcdow.org.uk/donations
A MESSAGE FROM FR. COLIN
In June, I reach the age of 75. It is at this point that a Parish Priest is required to submit his resignation to the Bishop. Earlier this year, I submitted my resignation to Cardinal Vincent Nichols which he has accepted. I feel that this is an appropriate time as my energy levels have been declining.
We have been blessed with having an Assistant Priest over the last three years and I am so grateful for all that Fr David is doing for the parish. It has eased my burdens no end.
I plan to move to a flat in St John’s Wood that my family have and where my mother lived over 30 years ago. The actual timing of my retirement will not be known until my successor is appointed but it will probably be in August or September.
During my 16 years in this parish, I have been blessed with immense kindness and support from parishioners and I know that you have been of great support to all the priests who have come to the Annunciation. Last weekend we were praying for more vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday. Let us continue to pray for more priests as there is a great need, not just in our diocese but beyond.
IRENE JUPP R.I.P.
The funeral Mass for IRENE JUPP will be on Monday 22nd May at 11am, replacing the 12 Noon Mass that day. Her body will be brought to the church at 6pm on Sunday 21st May, May she rest in peace.
MAUREEN WARDEN R.I.P
The funeral Mass for MAUREEN WARDEN will be on Monday 15th May at 10am. May she rest in peace.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday (14th May) at 4pm in the church.
First communion programme
There is a class for First Communion Children today (Sunday) at 9.am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. next Sunday (14th May) the children will be taking part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
There will be a session for Confirmation candidates on Wednesday at 7.pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
MAY PROCESSION
This year’s May Procession will be on Saturday 20th May, following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
Foodbank for the community
Items for the Foodbank can be left in the box in the church porch. Many thanks for your generosity.
VOCATIONS EVENING
On Wednesday, 17th May, there will be an Open Evening at St James, Spanish Place, for any men interested in learning about or discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The regular evening Mass at 6pm will be followed by a gathering in the social centre for a short presentation, informal conversations and refreshments. Do come and join us if you can. The nearest tube stations are Bond Street and Baker Street.
WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
This takes place from 21st to 28th July. Please see the Tangney Tours poster in the church for details and ask one of the priests for an application form if you are interested in going.