Newsletters

To download the newsletter for Sunday, March 8th, please click here or read it below.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Having seen the wonders God worked in Egypt, the plagues he visited on their oppressors, the Passover, the pillar of fire, parting of the Red Sea, then feeding them in the desert with quails and manna from heaven, one would expect the people of Israel to have complete faith and trust in God. Yet, their thirst drives them to once again complain against God, to put their God to test once more. Faith is easy when everything is going our way, but when things stop going our way, how often, like the people of Israel, despite all God has done for us, despite the miracles he has worked for us, have we continued to put our God to the test?!

At Mass each Sunday, usually we use the Nicene Creed, which is the most familiar to us, but during Lent, the Church also permits us to say the Apostles Creed, which the Missal describes as “the baptismal symbol of the Roman Church.” It is widely believed that an early version of the Apostles Creed, focusing on the three persons of the Trinity, was used by the early church as part of the rite of baptism, which makes it the oldest of the two creeds. It is referred to as the Apostles Creed because the original twelve articles of the faith were based on the teachings of the Apostles. Both creeds remind us of what we believe in, or rather who we believe in. Not an abstract God, but the creator of heaven and earth. A God who chose to become incarnate through the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin. A God who willingly suffered and died for us. A God who descended to the very depths of hell, who rose from the dead and returned to heaven.

The creed serves as a reminder to us all of what God has done for us but also as a promise of all that God will do for those who believe in him; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Even though we say this communally, it is no accident that both creeds start with the same phrase in the first person, “I believe…” which underscores the reality of faith. If faith is to have any impact in our lives, if like the woman at the well Jesus is to lead us to the living waters of everlasting life, then we must first be willing to believe in him, and in all the wonders he has worked and continues to work for us. So, as we say the creed this Sunday, let us reflect on the words we profess and remember that our faith begins with who we believe in.

https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/apostles-creed

– Fr Dan

News and Events for March 8th

QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE Alpha continues. See what you’re missing – lots of food, vibrant chat or listen quietly. Come on your own or bring a friend. It’s for everyone – young, old, no faith, lots of faith. Alpha is at St John’s, Wednesdays at 7pm. At each session, expect good food, a video, chat. Just drop in for one and see for yourself. All details on the website.

INTERCESSARY ROSARY This will be prayed after the 10am Mass at St John’s on Wednesdays and after the 12.30pm Monday Mass at Blessed Sacrament. The Rosary is a beautiful devotion to Our Mother. Come and join us if you can or pray where you are (!) – whilst walking, ironing, gardening – pray a decade. Lots of online resources on how. It’s a great way to get to know our real mum and what she went through. At St John’s, our intention is for the Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts with fervent prayer, love and peace!

REAL EASTER EGGS Only £6 for an Easter Egg where some of the proceeds go towards charitable projects; the Fairtrade chocolate is good quality (we’ve tried it!); the box includes an Easter story book. Suitable for adults and children. For St John’s parishioners, please email the office. For Blessed Sacrament parishioners, please see Sr Miriam or Maria Bird who will take your order and you can either pay by cash or use the contactless card reader at the back of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Orders close Mon 9^th March

FROM SR MIRIAM On March 16^th, Sister Vivian, who has been with me since September, will be returning to Canada since her visitor’s visa will expire. It has been wonderful to have her with me/with us. Thank you for welcoming her so warmly during these six months. Let us pray for both Sr Miriam and Sr Vivian at this time.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES If you’re donating by envelopes then please collect your new box with your name (and not someone else’s!). At St John’s, they’re in the green room which is the room to the left of the altar. If you’d like to switch to direct debit, please contact the office. It would save us some time and money too!

ROSARY PRAYER WALK Please join us on Saturday 14 March at 6.30 pm. We start at 157 Copenhagen Street. The intention is to pray for the Caledonian Road community after the recent flood where many have lost their possessions.

LENTEN SPIRITUALITY

STATIONS OF THE CROSS On Fridays after Mass at SJE; At Blessed Sacrament, there’s Adoration at 6pm followed by Stations of the Cross at 6.30pm on Fridays.

FASTING CAFOD’S Family Fast Day was on Friday. See our final article.

ALMSGIVING Lent is a time to think of our relationship with money and how generous we are. We can give of our money or even our time to those in need. If you want to give more money the Church can help J As a charity, we are always in need of funds to keep the place functioning and continue our charitable works. Speak to us on how you can support your church!

TIME TO COUNT? Blessed Sacrament would like more helpers to join their counting team, especially the 2^nd Sunday of each month!

BLESSED SACRAMENT WEBSITE UPGRADE It’s nearly ready! All good things come to those who wait…Thanks for your patience.

EASTER SHARING AFTER THE VIGIL MASS At Blessed Sacrament, there’s a bring and share feast! Please bring your food and drink to the hall at 8pm on Saturday April 4^th

NEXT MOVIE NIGHT Saturday April 25^th at 7pm (after the 6pm Vigil Mass). There were over 40 at the premiere last month so do come along and enjoy a film with popcorn.

A DAY WITH MARY is taking place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 14 March 2026 (9.45am to 5.00pm). Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/

TYBURN MARTYRS TALK “What’s so special about Tyburn?” Learn about the “seed blood” of the martyrs and how Tyburn came to be. Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place, W2 2LJ on Wednesday 18^th March at 6pm. RSVP cenacletotheholyspirit@yahoo.com. The talk is free, but donations for the convent welcome.

CATHOLIC NONVIOLENCE INITIATIVE Pax Christi invites you to a talk on Saturday 14th March with Nicholas Pax at the London Jesuit Centre, to explore the potential of nonviolence in bringing about change and the work of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative register https://tinyurl.com/paxnonviolence

CALLED TO LOVE 2 – 3 May A retreat for singles, dating and engaged young adults who want to think more deeply about relationships and the call to marriage. A relaxed weekend with input, prayer, discussion and social, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded others. This year’s retreat will have as its theme masculinity and femininity. https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/

ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at 2:30pm for those celebrating their 5th 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2026. If this is you, then congratulations! Please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife’s names, wedding date, full postal address and email or phone number.

YOUNG ADULTS LENT RETREAT DAY with the Assumption Sisters on Saturday 21 March 2026 10am – 6pm. Venue: Milleret House, 20 Kensington Square, London, W8 5HH (closest tube station: High Street Kensington). Programme includes talks • prayer, adoration and confessions • faith sharing • mass and social time. Register by scanning QR code or email rebecca@assumpta-eu.org

STABAT MATER CONCERT The fantastic Westminster Cathedral Choir will perform their Lenten concert on Wednesday 18 March at 6.45pm on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. Discounted tickets available. Check : https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F00638BCD835BA6?did=50off Password: WCSBDO.

CAFOD FAMILY FAST at Blessed Sacrament. For those that have donated, thank you. If you’d like to find out how your donations are helping to build a better world, please check out the CAFOD website. There are still CAFOD envelopes at the back of the church or donate online. cafod.org.uk/envelope