Easter Sunday A (9th April)
The discovery of the empty tomb where Jesus had been laid was the starting point of a drama involving both body and mind of so many people. Disciples came running to the tomb, others ran to tell more disciples. Then they stopped to consider what it meant. Jesus had spoken often about the resurrection but the disciples had not considered what it meant. Jesus had conquered death. God had power over death and sin. As the disciples were trying to grasp the truth and significance of the amazing event, Jesus himself appeared in his risen form. And over the next week we will be treated with accounts of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. As the disciples were uplifted in their faith by these appearances, so can we as we listen and reflect on them. Our whole faith centres around the resurrection. It gives meaning to all we do and say in our Christian faith. And just as the disciples ran to tell the others, so should we spread this Good News by our words and our actions.
2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER A (16thApril)
On this Octave Day of Easter, we have another resurrection appearance of Jesus. It appears to be simply for the benefit of Thomas who was not there when Jesus appeared to the other Apostles on Easter Evening. Thomas had expressed his doubt on Jesus’ appearance. He would not believe unless he could see for himself. So when Jesus did appear to him, Thomas expressed his belief by saying ‘My Lord and my God’. These are words that we are encouraged to repeat in our mind when Jesus appears to us at the consecration
of the Mass. We should always savour that moment in the Mass, feeling Christ amongst us and removing any doubts we may have in our faith.
MISSION APPEAL
On the weekend of 15th/16th April we will be having an appeal on behalf of the Missionary Sisters of England and Wales by the Daughters of Divine Love. This is an international congregation founded in Africa in 1969 and have had experience of working overseas. Proceeds from the appeal will go towards the various projects undertaken by the many missionary congregations that they represent.
TAKEHOMENEWS
This newsletter covers 2 weeks. The next Takehomenews will be on 23rd April.
NINA KEVINS R.I.P
The funeral Mass for NINA KEVINS will be on Tuesday 25th April at 11am.
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.
First communion programme
There will be a session for parents of 1st Communion children on Monday 17th April at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The next Session for the children will be on Sunday 23rd April at 9am in the Parish Centre.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
The next session for Confirmation candidates will be on Wednesday 19th April at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III
The Coronation takes place on Saturday 6th May. Catholic Communities are being encouraged to pray for the King as he assumes the fulness of his responsibility. There will be a Triduum of Prayer from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th May. Prayer Cards will be distributed to us in due course. On Friday 5th May, the eve of the Coronation, there will be an extra Mass at 7.30pm for the intentions of the King. The forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III is a moment of great importance and joy for the nation.
NO FRIDAY ABSTINENCE
There is no need to abstain form meat on Friday 14th April as we are within the Easter Octave.
Four:12 Quiz Night
It’s back! We invite you to an evening of fun brain teasers on Friday 21st April 2023 in the Canon Smyth Parish Hall.
Doors open at 7pm. £9/adult & £6/child (under 16). Teams can be from 1-6 people. Bookings can be for groups larger than 6, but you will have to split into different teams.
Book your places after weekend masses at the repository shop/entrance porch, or by visiting www.four12.co.uk/quiz or email four12.oak@gmail.com
Admission price includes food (e.g. fish and chips). A licensed bar will also be available.
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.
HOMES FOR UKRAINE MATCHING SERVICE
Caritas Social Action Network, in partnership with St John of God Hospitaller Services, an international Catholic charity with many services for the vulnerable in the UK and Ireland, are matching Ukrainian people displaced by the brutal war in their country with people in the Catholic community willing to host them in their homes for six months. If you have room in your home and in your heart to consider welcoming a stranger displaced by war, then we’d love to hear from you. Please visit https://sjog-homesforukraine.uk/ for more information.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 14th May at 4pm in the church.