Six Baptisms!
Eastertide is a season of rejoicing! There is much to give thanks to God for this season. We had six people baptised this Easter Vigil. Congrats to Daniella Anne Young, Robert Faustina Holliday, Rodrigo Dominic Kohn, Tzoulio Topalli, Kanty Monica Widjaja and Godswill Anthony Enyi on their journey towards the waters of baptism by which they were reborn this Easter (their new Christian names in the middle). Congrats also to Stephanie Catherine Charnley, Caoimhe Anna Griffin and Marco Francis Patti received the Sacrament of Confirmation along with the new catechumens on Easter night. This is in addition to Ange Bledoun and Linda Omaonyeka who were baptised at Blessed Sacrament (and Joaquin to be baptised delayed this coming Sunday) and Pauline Williams received into the Church from the Anglican Communion. Baptism is always a miracle. God makes us, creatures and unworthy as we are, into his sons and daughters. It is a miracle when it happens to a baby but in an adult we can see clearly the wonderful hand of God’s Providence as he has led those he has called, through and in spite of any and all circumstances in which they might find themselves. Some of our baptised grew up familiar with Christianity, others indifferent and yet others, atheists. Their questions, doubts, assurances were all different. They are not people who would naturally choose each other as friends, yet they were brought together in our two Churches, and they journeyed together the last nine months. They were ably assisted in this journey by David Lester our RCIA catechist to whom we owe many thanks! In this journey these candidates were not too different from the disciples Jesus called, who wouldn’t have chosen each other by themselves but were bonded by the love and Spirit of Christ. This week they came together to reflect on their experience of the Triduum and particularly the Easter Vigil. They remarked how moving and powerful it had been, the sadness and love at Maundy Thursday, the condescension of Christ in washing his disciples feet, the power of the Cross on Good Friday and the glory of Christ revealed through the Readings, the aspects of light and darkness, the music and all the rich symbols during the Easter Vigil. They remarked on how welcome they felt in the Church and the love shown by all in welcoming them as her newest members! We hope to continue on a post-baptismal journey as a small group to deepen their faith. Others will be welcome to join in this! For now, and for the next few weeks, I will be publishing short testimonies of our catechumens and candidates so you can share in their journey for yourself!
Here it is from Linda Omaonyeka:
“I embraced the Catholic faith to deepen my relationship with God and raise my son within the Catholic community. I have always been inspired by the warm welcome extended to new members and the support offered in nurturing one’s faith in Christ. Embarking on the RCIA journey last year has been a decision I cherish, as it has equipped me with a solid foundation in Catholic beliefs and practices. Through this journey, I have experienced the love of God and gained a profound understanding of the joy, grace, and peace that come from following His teachings. Being mentored by fellow members of the Catholic faith has been empowering for me. I am grateful to be part of this community, and I look forward to introducing my son to the beauty of our faith.”
News & Events
Corpus Christi Procession : Easter inaugurates 50 days of Rejoicing which culminate in Pentecost on 19th May. In between, the next Sunday will be Good Shepherd Sunday, 21st April, when we pray for vocations to the priesthood; the Solemnity of the Ascension, Thursday 9th May. Two weeks after Pentecost, 2nd June is Corpus Christi when we hope to have a Eucharistic Procession following the 11 AM Mass to Blessed Sacrament. We are seeking permission from the Council at the moment, more details to follow!
Baptism Preparation: Those wanting their children to be baptised need to attend a session for preparation for baptism. Our next preparation session is this Monday, 15th April at 6 PM in the Presbytery.
Islington Church Concerts: Did you know that we host regular world-class organ concerts in our own church? London is home to some of best cultural experiences in the world. Maybe you don’t have the time to attend a performance of the Royal Philharmonic, but you can step into the Church and attend one at your doorstep. The next one is on 25th May 2024, by Dr Damin Spritzer, Professor of Organ at the University of Oklahoma. Check https://islingtonchurchconcerts.org for concert listings at St John’s and churches nearby. Come – it could be your new thing!
Fancy some fish and chips? Then head to Blessed Sacrament Church, 157 Copenhagen Street on Saturday 20th April. Book in advance. Please see details here.
Priests Training Fund: Next Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday, the day we pray for priests and for vocations to the priesthood. The annual collection for the Priest Training Fund will take place next weekend. This fund pays for the priestly formation of men for the Catholic priesthood. There are currently 49 men studying at Allen Hall seminary plus five elsewhere. Thirteen of these are from our own Diocese. The Priest Training Fund also supports the ongoing enrichment and formation of our ordained priests. Your generous donation helps ensure we can support these men who are called to be like Christ the Good Shepherd. Donation envelopes are available in the back of the church. Please take one home, read the information, and bring it back next weekend with your donation. Please continue to pray for vocations and for our priests. You can use the QR code to make your donation online or visit www.rcdow.org.uk/donations. Thank you for your generosity.
Piano in the Crypt: Thanks to Mary Robertson who donated her Piano to the Church which is now happily in the Crypt. The Crypt can be hired for different events, such as birthday parties, celebrations, classes and so on. The Piano means it can also be hired for music lessons should anyone so wish!
From the Presbytery: We are still in the process of clearing out a lot of junk accumulated over decades. We managed one big batch and have discovered clearing out rubbish is not cheap! But we almost have gotten ready another room now that could be used for meetings and catechesis. It requires lots more TLC but thanks to Adam Tew, our parishioner and previous catechumen himself, who helped restore light and heat to the room!
Wednesday’s Mass is cancelled: There is, however, a 12.30pm Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 157 Copenhagen Street, N1 0SR. All are very welcome.
You can print out the newsletter here .
Raise money by shopping! Use easyfundraising.org
This is a website where charities can register their cause and raise money just from your shopping at no additional cost to you! Your everyday online shopping, whether it’s Sainsburys and Waitrose, or a bigger John Lewis buy can raise a significant amount of money for the Church. Please do take a look at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/st-john-islington-church/ . It’s very simple to use – if you need help, please email us at islington@rcdow.org.uk The page can be accessed via the QR code too. If you’re able to gift aid your donations, it would make a big difference. Do speak to us if you need help!
Crumbling presbytery
Oh dear! The above pics show what happens when essential repair work has been postponed for many years – collapsing roofs, disintegrating ceilings and lots of rain water coming inside. Emergency repair work has taken place over the last 5 months but this has only patched up the literal big holes. There’s still lots to do (restore electricity to all rooms, replace rotting window frames, stop wobbly steps from wobbling, eliminate damp etc). Any nice honest builders, handymen, DIY enthusiasts and money will be of enormous help.
Are you interested in helping the parish become more vibrant?
Ushers / Coffee / Children’s liturgy / Catechesis / Fundraising / Socials or anything else which might interest you? Would you like to participate in the life of the parish more? Brilliant ideas were raised in the parish meeting – socials such as BBQs, an international food event and fundraising ideas could be a sponsored walk and a sponsored ‘Father Jakub shaving off his beard event’. There’s a lot of talent and gifts in the congregation but in order to bring these ideas to life, we need PEOPLE and TEAM WORK! So make that move and get in touch at…islington@rcdow.org.uk
Church opening time
The church is open from 9am for private prayer till around 6pm most days and on Saturdays, it will close after the 6pm Vigil Mass.
Parish office opening times
The parish office is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Please contact us via email islington@rcdow.org.uk or by telephone 020 7226 3277.
Contactless Donations
We now have two contactless card readers at the back of the church for those who might wish to donate to the parish in this way. If you would like to Gift Aid your donation then please follow the instructions on the card reader.