TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2026

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Salt of the Earth and Light of the Nations

At the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Simeon called Jesus, “A Light that enlightens the nations”.  But this Sunday’s readings invite us to see our Christian vocation in the light of Jesus’ identity, which draws from the ancient Israelites’ vocation as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. God’s covenant with the Kingdom of David was a covenant of salt, a covenant of purity and permanence. (Leviticus 2:12-14,2 Chronicles 13:5, Ezekiel 43:24).

In keeping this covenant, God’s people, like salt, were to preserve other nations from corruption by being the light to them. Hence, Isaiah (2:2; 60:1-3) says, “In the latter days, Jerusalem shall be…..raised above the hills, and all nations shall come to her light”.  Unfortunately, God’s people lost the vision and became exclusionary towards other nations.

Jesus came to restore in us this vision of our vocation. He now invites us to fulfil that vocation of being the salt and the light to the nations.  Therefore, our faith cannot simply be a private affair. Through our faith and good works, we allow the light of God shine forth into the darkness of our world.

By loving others, sharing our bread with them, doing away with bad words and the yoke of sin, we become the light and salt of the earth, and authentically proclaim Jesus Christ crucified.  Lord, help us by your grace. Amen

Happy Sunday

Fr. Chinedu

CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS AND RT REV RICHARD MOTH

We thank Cardinal Vincent for his ministry and wish him health and rest.  We welcome the Most Rev Richard Moth, Archbishop-elect of Westminster. May his ministry among us be blessed with an abundance of graces.

BAPTISM PREPARATION

There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby     baptised Sunday, 1^st March at 4pm in the church. 

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2025/2026 YEAR 10

WEDNESDAY 11^th FEBRUARY                   7.00pm      SECOND SESSION

SUNDAY 15^th FEBRUARY                         12.00pm      MASS OF ENROLMENT

NEW ALTAR SERVERS

We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of altar server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.

Those who would like to become altar servers (parents/carers for under 18s) are asked to speak to Frances or Arinze, or email annunciationserversteam@gmail.com for further information. Training will be arranged in due course.

WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 17th – 24th July 2026. Registration is now open at https://pilgrimages.rcdow.org.uk/registration-form/ or via the Pilgrimage Office on 0207 798 9173. If you would like to sponsor or fundraise for an Assisted Pilgrim, member of the medical team or volunteer then please also contact the Pilgrimage Office for further details.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2025/2026 YEAR 10

WEDNESDAY 11^th FEBRUARY                   7.00pm      SECOND SESSION

SUNDAY 15^th FEBRUARY                         12.00pm      MASS OF ENROLMENT

MONTHLY CHILDREN'S MASS

The next Children’s Mass will take place on Sunday 22nd February at 10:30am. Children in school years 3 to 10 inclusive who would like to support the liturgy by welcoming the congregation to Mass, singing with the choir, reading, or bringing the gifts to the altar can sign-up by giving their name and their parent/carer’s contact details in at the Repository after Mass. The deadline for registering to take part in the February Children’s Mass is 12 Noon on Sunday 15th February

NEW ALTAR SERVERS

We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of altar server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.

Those who would like to become altar servers (parents/carers for under 18s) are asked to speak to Frances or Arinze, or email annunciationserversteam@gmail.com for further information. Training will be arranged in due course.

LENTEN AND EASTER CELEBRATIONS

In the light of this year’s Lenten & Easter celebrations in the Parish, Joey will be the general coordinator of all the hymns during this time.  He will collaborate with the representatives of all the choirs in the parish.

BISHOP DOUGLAS SCHOOL

Tickets are now available for the Future Pathways Evening taking place next Thursday 12^th February, from 4.30-6.30pm, hosted at Bishop Douglass School and in Partnership with BELS. This is a careers and university event, giving students aged 14 to 18 a valuable opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of employers, universities, apprenticeship providers and professionals. For more information and to get your tickets view the poster on the church notice board. 

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.  Many thanks for your contributions to help families in need.