4th Sunday of Easter (C) - 8th MAY
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, when we reflect on Christ’s role as our shepherd. The dominant point from today’s Gospel is that sheep can recognise the voice of the shepherd and so we as Christ’s sheep should hear the voice of Jesus calling us, guiding us and teaching us. We hear God’s voice in so many ways, in so many situations. We hear God’s voice through our heart. We hear God’s voice when we read the scriptures. We hear God’s voice through the voices of others.
We think particularly today about the calling from God to individuals to become priests or religious, today being the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We certainly need more priests and sisters to bring Christ to others, just as the Apostles were doing in the early Church. The lesson for us today is to listen to God calling us and pray that more may here the call to the priesthood and religious life.
THE CHURCH IS OPEN
We are pleased that the church will remain open throughout the day, enabling you to come before the Blessed Sacrament and pray. We encourage parents to bring their child in for a short visit before or after school. It can really make a difference to our lives.
PRIEST TRAINING FUND
This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday and our second collection will support the Priest Training Fund. This fund pays for the priestly formation of men for the Catholic priesthood. There are currently 58 men studying at Allen Hall seminary, 17 of whom are from our own Diocese, and two men are studying in Rome, also from our Diocese. Last year four men who studied at Allen Hall were ordained to the priesthood to serve as our future priests. The fund also supports the ongoing enrichment and formation of our ordained priests. Your gift ensures we can provide training for these men responding to Christ’s call to dedicate their lives to serve God’s people. Please be as generous as you can. Please also pray for vocations and for all our priests. If you do not have a donation envelope, plenty are still available at the back of the church. You can use the QR code to make your donation online or visit www.rcdow.org.uk/donations. Thank you for your generosity.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Next Sunday (15th May) there will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the church.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
Today Sunday 8th May the children have a session in the Cannon Smyth Parish Centre at 9am Next Sunday they will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30am.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Eucharistic Ministers are asked to please let Fr. Colin know their e-mail address, if they have one. This will enable the rota to be sent directly to you in the future.
The re-commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers for a further year will take place at Masses on the Feast of Corpus Christi (18th/19th June).
The Sacrament of CONFIRMATION
On Thursday we welcome Bishop John Sherrington to the parish when he will confirm 20 of our young people at the special Mass at 7pm. We pray for the candidates as they complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. It will enable them to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the good of all. It is also an occasion for all who have already been confirmed to reflect on how we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
The programme for the candidates this week is as follows
7pm Tuesday 10th May Reconciliation Service
7pm Wednesday 11th May Confirmation Rehearsal
7pm Thursday 12th May Confirmations
JOHN CARR R.I.P
Please pray for the soul of JOHN CARR who died on Easter Sunday. His funeral Mass will be on Wednesday 25th May at 10.30am.
MORE FLOWER ARANGERS REQUIRED
You will notice how beautifully the church is decorated with flowers. We thank those who dedicate their time to preparing them. We need more helpers. If you are willing to assist with flower arranging, please get in touch with one of the priests. Thank you.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 19th May at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Parish Council
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 26th May. As this is Ascension Day, the meeting will start at about 8.10pm, following the 7.30pm Mass.
SUMMER FAYRE
We will be having a Summer Fayre on Saturday 9th July. We are looking for helpers for the stalls and other activities. If you are able to help, please let us know.
MAY PROCESSION
We are pleased to say that we are able to have a May Procession this year. It will take place on Saturday 28th May following the 10am Mass. We will process to Our Lady’s Grotto after Mass and will return to the church for Benediction.
Admissions 2023-24 - St Michael's Catholic Grammar School
Our Year 7 Open Day will be held on Monday 27 June 2022 5-7.30pm. Applications to sit the entrance tests for September 2023 entry can now be made online.www.st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk
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.
The Universe Catholic Weekly
The Universe Catholic Weekly is thrilled to announce that we have launched our new online newspaper with the full support of our first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE trial supply by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk
LORETO COLLEGE (ST ALBANS) CENTENARY GARDEN PARTY
Sunday 10th July 2022 12pm to 6pm(last admission 5pm)
Admission £5.00 per person(FREE entry for children aged 5 and under)
There will be live music by the popular local band Soulfish, BBQ, afternoon tea, bar, traditional games/stalls and much more including our Centenary Raffle. A link to the ticket page and more information can be found at www.loreto.herts.sch.uk
The Christian Heritage Centre
Is delighted to announce that the Christian Leadership Formation programme is running for a second consecutive year and is currently open to applications from students in Lower Sixth. The application deadline is Friday 3rd June 2022, although references will still be accepted after that date for applications that have already been submitted.
The programme is for students who are actively committed to their faith, who are intellectually gifted and who are committed to shaping a Christian society through their careers. It provided a spiritual and philosophical/theological formation in the Catholic tradition around themes relating to the common good, as well as workshops in skills pertaining to public life. Part- to full sponsorships are available to students who are unable to meet the costs, though we students are asked to attempt to fundraise £140 (10% of the course’s costs) as a minimum contribution.
Information and application forms are available here: https://christianheritagecentre.com/clf/