TAKEHOMNEWS SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2026

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Living Freely

Today’s readings remind us that God’s wisdom, hidden in his words and laws, is not to control but to lead us to true freedom and glory. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul…. giving light to the eyes.” “Happy are those who follow God’s law.” (Psalm 19, 119) God’s commandments are therefore not purposeless burdens, but the path to the true life of grace.

This becomes clearer in the Gospel (Matthew 5:17–37), where Jesus declares that he has come not to abolish the Law but to fulfil it. In obeying God’s law/word, we are to move beyond mere external observances to interior life, looking inwards to the way we are allowing his words to change us from within.

That said, true obedience must be freely chosen. Hence, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 15:16–21 reminds us that God has set before us life and death and gave us the freedom and grace to choose. Obedience is therefore a loving response to divine Wisdom, Christ, whom St. Paul calls “the power and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 2:6-10, Colossians 1:27).

Our Christian life of holiness, therefore, is not mere external compliance but allowing Christ, God’s Wisdom, to transform us from within. In obeying his word, we discover true freedom, lasting happiness, and the glory for which we were created. Lord, help us to live by your word and live freely. Amen.

Happy Sunday Fr. Chinedu

ASH WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday 18th February our Mass times are 9.00am and 7.30pm.  Ashes will be distributed after each Mass.

12^th Archbishop of Westminster

This weekend, Rev Richard Moth will be solemnly Installed as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster in Westminster Cathedral. We congratulate him and pray for his ministry.

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. 

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.

Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony

Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 23 May 2026 at 2:30pm.

The Archbishop is inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese, who are         celebrating their 5^th 10^th, 25^th, 30^th, 40^th, 50^th and 60^th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2026. If you are celebrating an       anniversary, please give your parish office the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, your full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email).  Please advise Susan in the office before Thursday 16 April 2026.

TOILETS

We thank the stewards in our parish and all our parishioners for your patience with the use of the toilets. Our policy has changed for easier accessibility.  The door to the Centre will be open during mass and any other celebration in the church.  Please note that all children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

E SCOOTERS

Are not to be parked in any part of the church. They are a trip hazard in an indoor setting and could restrict emergency egress. 

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.

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.

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.