Bulletin Archive 2024 – 2025

3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
26th January 2025

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

POPE FRANCIS has made this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (today!) an opportunity to deepen our devotion to the celebration, study and spread of the Word of God.
“Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the Word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.”  Pope Francis

THE SACRED SCRIPTURES (the Bible) are the inspired Word of God. God speaks to us in a particular way when we read them with faith and love. Like Our Lady we need to ponder them and treasure them in our heart.
St Paul writes: “All Scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for:
1. Teaching
2. Refuting error
3. Guiding people’s lives
4. Teaching them to be holy
This is how the person who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work”
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

READ THE SCRIPTURES therefore every day, even if only a few verses. We should feast on them more than food and drink!

RESOLUTION: decide today to be committed to reading the Sacred Scriptures every day.
1. Give the Bible a special place of prominence in your house. Hold it with reverence. The priest kisses the Gospel after proclaiming it at Mass: we do well also to kiss the Bible as we use it.
2. If we are beginning again, why not start with St Mark’s Gospel, a clear and simple presentation of what Jesus said and did?
Or, the First Letter of John, a beautiful presentation of how to come back to God with all our heart.

WHATEVER WE DECIDE, DO SOMETHING!

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FR DAVID BARNES – RIP

Fr David passed away peacefully in the early hours of Christmas Eve, at St John’s Hospice in St John’s Wood.

Eternal rest grant unto him Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace. Amen.

2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  Mass Sheet
19th January 2025

LIFE IS CHANGED NOT ENDED’

‘Life is changed not ended’ is how Fr David would often finish the conversations we had during his illness. This belief is central to our faith and it was this faith that sustained him as he faced death, and his example can be a comfort for us when our loved ones must face their death, and strengthen each one of us for when our time comes.

The love and affection that people had for Fr David was very evident before he died, and was on display again in the large numbers who attended the various stages of his funeral rite, reception, vigil, and funeral mass. In addition to those present the masses were watched by online streaming by over 400 people from nearly twenty countries. If you were not able to attended the masses they were recorded and can be viewed on https://www.churchservices.tv/lincolnsinnfields

The way the parish came together to ensure that Fr David had a fitting send-off was wonderful, and many of the priests who came for the mass said to me how impressed they were by what they saw. I know you all did what you did out of love for Fr David and did not need any prompting to come forward to help, nonetheless it made me very proud of you all, and I wish to thank you all from the bottom of heart for your all you did to make Fr David’s funeral a faith filled and joyous occasion.

I also know it meant a great deal to Fr David’s sister, Jennifer, his nieces, Angela and Joy, and all his family.
Fr David’s memory will live with us, and in the church we will see much to remind us of him. We will pay him a fitting and lasting tribute if each of us in our own way help sustain and build up the parish that Fr David dedicated his life to, and loved and cared for so much.
Thank you all once again, and God bless, Fr John

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD 
Sunday 12th JAN 2025

FR DAVID’S FUNERAL DETAILS
Reception into the Church at 4pm. Funeral Vigil Mass, Wednesday 15th January at 6:00pm
Order of Service – Fr David Barnes Vigil Mass
Funeral Mass Thursday 16th January at 11:00am 
Fr David Barnes Funeral Mass booklet
Both to be held here at St Anselm & St Cecilia’s. Followed by a private burial at Islington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Fr David wanted any donations to go to the following charities:
St John’s Hospice, Mary’s Meals and Stella Maris.

You can do this using the following 4 options:
1. By using the contactless machines in the church on either of the 2 funeral masses.
2. By bank transfer to the Parish Account (Please add Fr David’s Funeral as the reference)
HSBC, WRCDT Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Sort Code 40-05-20, Account Number: 41094742
3. via our parish donation page:
https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/lincolnsinnfields/donate/ (Please add Fr David’s Funeral as a message)
4. In cash, when you attend the masses, please hand to a volunteer, Mandy (Parish Administrator) or Fr John.
Should anyone wish to live stream the masses, please use the link below: https://www.churchservices.tv/lincolnsinnfields

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
TODAY
(Sunday) we celebrate Our Lord’s baptism by his cousin John the Baptist. Our Lord is revealed as divine, the Son of God. Our Lord commissions the apostles to go out into the whole world and baptise people everywhere in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
To be baptised means to be immersed into the life of the Blessed Trinity, so as to share God’s life. In baptism God places us in His Son and we become a son or daughter of God: when God looks on us He sees us as His son or daughter because we are in His Son. This is all pure gift, a grace of God. We could not do this ourselves: God does it for us.
Baptism of infants began from the earliest times where the parents were Christians. Please remember – our new born should be baptised as soon as possible after birth, within the first weeks. This is the teaching of the Church, for it is vital that this new life should not be deprived of the gifts God wants to give. The baptism should never be delayed for social reasons (e.g. waiting months to coincide with a visit from relations abroad, needing time to save money for a big reception etc.) These are not good reasons for delaying baptism. The newborn should receive the gifts God wants to give as soon as possible.
God wants to share His Life with us, and for us to share ours with Him. Baptism initiates this relationship. Today, thank God for the Sacrament of Baptism, and pray we shall all live our friendship with God more devotedly.
Fr David Barnes,
Rector

GRACIOUS THANKS: Fr John and the Parish office would like to thank everyone for their beautiful cards and gifts and messages of condolences over the Christmas period. We are completely overwhelmed with such generosity and love for Fr David and we ask you all to keep Fr David and his family in your prayers at this time.

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It is with sadness that we announce the death of our parish priest, Fr David Barnes.
He died in the early hours of 24th December, a day after his 80th birthday and after nearly 20 years of devoted service to the people and parish of Saints Anselm and Caecilia. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ Matthew 25:23

Eternal rest grant unto him Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace. Amen.

 

Fr David’s Funeral Details:

FUNERAL VIGIL MASS

Wednesday 15th January at 6:00pm

FUNERAL MASS

Thursday 16th January at 11:00am

Both to be held here at St Anselm & St Cecilia’s.

Followed by a private burial at Islington Cemetery.

 

Please bear with us on response times.

If anything is urgent please email the office. The Parish Office will be closed from Wednesday 25th Dec, reopening on Wednesday 8th Jan. Emails will be monitored during this time. Any updates regarding Fr David will be posted on our website.

Thank you Mandy & Mgr. John Conneely

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4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT  Mass Sheet Advent 4
22nd December 2024

CHRISTMAS is almost here………!

THIS FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENTis our final day of preparing the way for the Lord to celebrate the Nativity of Our Saviour. It is a time to renew our hope and expectation: God is always faithful to His promises. The fourth CANDLE on our Advent wreath is seen as the MARY candle because the Nativity is the consequence of Mary’s YES to God — her FIAT (let it be done……).

This week we should, together with Mary, ponder the wonderful thing God has done for us in the Incarnation.

How does it touch us, move us?

How do we want to respond to it?

How do I see my “YES”to God? Is it whole hearted? As we ponder this we shall be moved to confess our sins —- all of which express our NO to God: every sin is a “no-no” to God.

A good confession is the best way to find a truly Happy Christmas, when we prepare the way for Our Lord to be born again in our heart , where we can treasure Him, adore Him, and love Him, like the shepherds.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the God-given means of making the way for Him to enter us—so do go to confession.

“Mary Immaculate, my Mother, keep me close to you, at one with you, so that I may imitate

your wholehearted Yes to God.”

Fr David Barnes, Rector

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Fr David was admitted on Monday to Ss John and Elizabeth hospice. Although he is feeling tired and lacking energy, he is in good spirits, cheerful and at peace. He sends his love and prayers to you all, as you are never from his thoughts and always wants know what is happening in the parish.It is Fr David’s 80th birthday on Monday 23rd December, please keep him in your prayers as you are always in his.

Mgr John Conneely

This will be the last bulletin of the year – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
15
th December 2024

GAUDETE SUNDAY

“REJOICE” SUNDAY (from Latin “Gaudete”) is the name given to this Third Sunday of Advent. We rejoice because of the coming celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord, born in the manger in Bethlehem.

We rejoice not only because He is “Emmanuel” (God with us), but because His coming (or advent) is the proof of God’s love for us: he has come to share His life completely with us. This is re-confirmed every time we receive Holy Communion.

 Like Mary His Mother we have the privilege of holding Him and treasuring Him in our heart. Go to Mary, asking Her how we can hold and treasure Him better, more devotedly, more tenderly.

 Pope Francis teaches us that the Church should be a “House of Joy”. Our parish and families will be “a House of Joy” in so far as we recognise that the infant in the crib is truly God fully among us. To help us ponder this please ensure that the CRIB has a central place in your home. Let us gather around the crib to pray as a family.

Our joy is the fruit of our faith, God’s gift for our “Yes” to God. REJOICE!

Fr David Barnes, Rector

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CAROLS ON THE STEPS: We will be singing Carols on the steps of the Church on Wednesday 18th December, following 6pm Mass, followed by refreshments in the Parish room. If you would like to join us please do. All proceeds to be given the Westminster Children’s Society. All welcome.

CHOIR CHILDREN, FOR CHRISTMAS EVE MASS: calling all children of the parish to come and sing with the choir during the Family Mass on Christmas Eve. There will be a rehearsal after 10am Mass on Sunday 22nd December. All Welcome!

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8th DECEMBER 2024

BIBLE SUNDAY 

THIS SUNDAY (ADVENT 2) is sometimes called BIBLE SUNDAY: We pray for a deeper love of the Sacred Scriptures.

St Jerome lived during the 4th century of the Church. A man of brilliant mind, he lived as a hermit for years, in order to deal with his many sins. However, God needed his intellect and gift of language; thus St. Jerome is credited with translating the Scriptures into Latin,  known as the Vulgate.

St. Jerome famously said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” That thought alone should send us all scurrying for our Bibles! So, why should Catholics make regular Scripture reading and study part of their daily lives?

1) It is the living Word of God. There are many ancient texts in the history of the world. Many of us, in high school and college, read The Iliad, I Ching, and the Tao de Ching. They are all worthy of study, but what sets the Bible apart? It is the living Word of God. It has no equal, and it is as relevant today as it was when Jerome labored over its translation. Further, the Word of God is Christ: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. (Jn. 1:1 ) Thus, every encounter with Scripture is an encounter with Christ.

2) Sunday isn’t enough. Indeed, the Mass is full of Scripture. We hear the Word proclaimed from the Old and New Testaments, the Psalms, and the Gospel. We hear the Word sung in our hymns. The prayers at Mass are full of Scriptural quotes and references. And yet … it’s not enough. It’s easy to miss parts of the Word as it’s proclaimed as Mass: we get distracted, the Word is not proclaimed well, we don’t quite hear it. In order to prepare well for Mass, we should “read ahead:” find the readings for Mass and read them prior to Mass. How are they connected? What is God’s message for His people today?

3) God’s Word keeps us grounded. It is very easy, in the midst of our sloppy, busy, stress-filled days, to lose touch with who we are: God’s children. Taking time to read Scripture every day keeps us grounded, reminds us of who we are. Reading Scripture helps us to recall, every day, that Christ is with us – even in the sloppiness, the busy-ness, the stress.

 4) Scripture reminds us of God’s covenant. God made a promise to our forefathers in faith, the Jews. He told them, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” Even though the Jews (like us!) did many things that should have destroyed that covenant, God’s promise is eternal. A covenant is unbreakable, because it is God’s truth. Then, with the coming of Christ, we received a new covenant: “This is My Body and this is My Blood. Whoever eats and drinks of it shall have eternal life.” The Bible, from start to finish, is the story of God’s unbreakable promise to us. That’s pretty important.

 5) Reading Scripture helps us to pray better. Every one of us needs to pray better. Prayer is our lifeline to God. Scripture can help us to pray better. We see ourselves reflected in the sorrow, pain and faithfulness of Job. We understand Jonah’s reluctance to do the job God has set before him. We rejoice, laugh, cry and challenge God with the psalmist. We understand the shame of the woman about to be stoned. We tremble with fear, abandoning Christ, just as most of the Apostles did when He most needed them. To enter into God’s word helps us to see, hear, feel and understand basic human responses … and then do better. We rise above our fears, our sorrows, our shame, because we know God is with us. Always. He never abandons us. Scripture is the story of God’s eternal love and faithfulness.

 St. Jerome knew all this. He spent his life carefully and faithfully translating God’s word. He did it not because it was yet another text that smart people wanted to read in their own language. No, he understood that Scripture is the living word of God, as relevant to us as it was to the Jews in their many triumphs and struggles, as it was to the earliest Christians during St. Jerome’s life, and now, in a world where we have so much information at our fingertips it would make St. Jerome’s head spin. But there is no website, no book, no podcast, no Facebook post that equals God’s word. Do not be ignorant of this word, lest you be ignorant of Christ.

 THE ADVENT WREATH: The Advent wreath helps us reflect on how God has come to us. The circle of the wreath is a symbol of both the eternity of God and our being called to eternal life. The evergreen foliage symbolises on-going life, while the holly and the red berries symbolise that the child in the manger is also the one who will suffer and die for us on the Cross. The five candles too have meanings. The outer candles are purple and one pink – the four weeks of Advent: purple is a sign that Advent is “little Lent”, a time for prayer, fasting, repentance and conversion. The pink candle is for “Gaudete Sunday”, the third Sunday in Advent, reminding us to rejoice in the coming of the Saviour. The white candle symbolises Christ, the Light of the World. The coming of the Light (Christ) into the darkness of the world is a constant theme in Advent, and the gradual lighting of the Advent candles reminds us of this. Various meanings are given to each specific candle -here is one set of meaning:

1st CANDLE- (purple) THE PROPHECY CANDLE or CANDLE OF HOPE-We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)
2nd CANDLE- (purple) THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION– God kept his promise of a Saviour who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation means to “get ready”. Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD! (Luke 3:4-6)
3rd CANDLE- (pink) THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY – The angles sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)
4th CANDLE- (purple) THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE – The angels announced the good news of a Saviour. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)
5th CANDLE- (white) “CHRIST CANDLE” -The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29)

Fr David Barnes, Rector

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
1st DECEMBER 2024

ADVENT 

TODAY, Sunday, the great season of Advent begins. The word comes from the Latin verb “advenire” meaning “to come to:” so Advent calls us to ponder Our Lord’s THREE “comings to us”.

• the Incarnation when “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” ie. Our Lord’s Nativity in Bethlehem.

• Our Lord’s daily coming to us in the Holy Mass.

• the Second Coming, when “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead”.

 ADVENT is sometimes called “Little Lent” because it is properly a time of prayer, fasting and good works, a time of repentance. This is why purple is the colour of Advent. Do your best to keep Advent in this way, even though secular society  is making merry around us, the celebration of Christmas begins with the Vigil of Christmas, and is celebrated for the 12 days that lead up to the Epiphany on 6th January.

THE ADVENT WREATH, with the build-up of lighting the candles, reminds us of the coming of Our Lord into this world in His Nativity– He is “the Light of the World” who dispels the darkness of the world.

ADVENT is a time of HOPE as we come understand better that God is always faithful to His promises.

OUR LADY “believed that the promises made her by the Lord would be fulfilled:” We pray that we may have faith like hers, and invoke her powerful intercession.     

Fr David Barnes, Rector

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+OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
24th NOVEMBER 2024

TODAY is the Grand Finale of the Church’s year. On this final Sunday, our celebration focuses on Our Lord through whom the Kingdom of God comes. Our Lord taught constantly about the Kingdom of God: the Kingdom comes through the Church, founded by Christ and with which He is totally identified in every way apart from our sin. The Church is the sign and seed of the Kingdom, and through the Church we are called to let Christ reign in every area of our life. The more we co-operate with Him, the more the Kingdom comes.

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33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
17th NOVEMBER 2024

SICK & RETIRED PRIEST’S FUND
Our retiring collection today will be in support of the SICK & RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND.

Most priests offer their resignation as a parish priest at the age of 75, but many continue to serve their communities, working in our parishes, schools, hospitals and chaplaincies. We must ensure no priest is worried about meeting essential costs during their senior years and, as such, Cardinal Nichols and the Diocese of Westminster are committed to ensuring that no retired or sick priest is left without support. Last year, the Diocese provided care to 72 retired priests, at a cost of £976,000.

By giving a gift to the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund today, you can help us to ensure all of our sick and retired priests are cared for at their time of need. The fund is used to meet essential costs, like making a flat accessible to a disabled priest, or that a priest has regular visits from a carer after undergoing surgery.

If you took a donation envelope last weekend, please place it in the collection bag today. If you do not have an envelope, there are some available at the back of the church. The envelopes and posters feature a ‘QR Code’ that you can scan with a phone camera to give online. If you are able, please consider filling out section 4 on the envelope form, meaning you become a Patron and make a regular gift to support our sick and retired priests. By becoming a Patron, and assuring income to the fund, the Diocese can plan its continued care for our retired and sick priests.

Thank you for your generosity and please remember to pray for our clergy, in active ministry, retired or ill.

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32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
EMMAUS MASS SHEET
10th November 2024

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY marks Remembrance Sunday which marks the end of the First World War. On this day we remember all those who gave their lives for their country, all who suffered and died through acts of war and those who were left behind to grieve and mourn.

PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE
O God, merciful and strong,
who crush wars and cast down the proud,

be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst and to wipe away all tears,
so that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.

Amen

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31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
3rd November 2024

NOVEMBER — MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS

Pope Francis on praying for the souls in purgatory: “Even now we experience a communion between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven through our union with those who have died. The souls in heaven assist us with their prayers, while we assist the souls in purgatory through our good works, prayer and participation in the Eucharist. As members of the Church then, the distinction is not between who has died and who is living, but rather who is in Christ and who is not …

There is a deep and indissoluble bond between those who are still pilgrims in this world — us — and those who have crossed the threshold of death and entered eternity. All baptized persons here on earth, the souls in Purgatory and all the blessed who are already in Paradise make one great Family. This communion between earth and heaven is realized especially in intercessory prayer”.

1.Pray the Novena to the Holy Souls by St. Alphonsus Liguori.
2.Offer up your Holy Communions for the souls in purgatory.
3.Have Masses said for your departed loved ones, especially on the anniversary of his or her death.
4.Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the intention of the Holy Souls.
5.Eucharistic Adoration: visit the Blessed Sacrament to make acts of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on behalf of those in purgatory.
6.Sacrifices: practice small acts of self-denial throughout your day & offer these penances up for the poor souls.
7.Give alms: The giving of material assistance to the poor has always been considered a penance that can be offered for the Holy Souls. “For almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin” (Tobit 12:9).
8.Ask for the intercession of saints who were known to be great friends of the Holy Souls during their lifetime to join you in prayer for the faithful departed: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, St. Gertrude the Great, St. Catherine of Genoa, St. Padre Pio, St. Philip Neri, St. John Macías, St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Joseph, Our Lady, and others.
10.When passing by a cemetery: Pray the short Eternal Rest prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
11.Pray to earn indulgences for the holy souls:  On all the days from November 1 to November 8, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed (standard requirements for indulgences apply*). Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”

ETERNAL REST
Lord, this month we pray especially for the departed loved ones.
We ask you to give them the gift of a dwelling place in your eternal home.
We pray too for those who have no one to pray for them.
Through your infinite mercy may they share in the company of the saints to offer you eternal praise and glory. Amen

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30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
27th OCTOBER 2024

FROM THE PARISH PRIEST:
My dear brothers and sisters,
Our Lord came among us to bring us back to God, both by His teaching and through His Paschal Mystery. Then, St Paul teaches that our true homeland is in heaven – where we really belong is to be with God for all eternity. It is keeping this supernatural perspective in our life that should mark our interpretation of everything in this world.
Recent events in my own life indicate that God is now calling me home, to be with Him – in the eyes of this world, death looks like a disaster, but through the eyes of faith it is the gateway to a much greater life – to be with God for all eternity.
Thank you for your great outpouring of loving support and prayers: they strengthen me, are keeping me buoyant and full of hope. The palliative care team is now caring for me.
I am greatly consoled by the presence of our dear Lord, of our Blessed Mother and of St Joseph: I know they are right with me all the way in this final part of my journey, and that they will lead me safely home.
Meanwhile, let us continue to pray for one another.
Every Blessing, Fr David

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29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  
20th OCTOBER 2024

TODAY IS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Today, parishes worldwide celebrate WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, we stand united as God’s global family, in prayer, solidarity, and action. We are called to ‘go and invite everyone to the banquet’ for the joy of Christ’s Resurrection is a gift meant to be shared with the entire world. Please pray for missionaries and give what you can to this vital collection, bringing God’s compassion, peace, and justice to those in need. To donate, use the Missio envelope, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit www.missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit, and Gift Aid your donation if possible.

MISSION PRAYER
Loving God, inspire us to ‘go and invite
Everyone to the banquet.’
Nourished from gathering around your table,
May our communities reflect your unconditional love,
So that all are welcomed with open arms, and the most vulnerable find Refuge, care, and compassion.
May our prayers and generosity bring strength to missionaries,
Enabling them to share the joy that faith brings,
So that everyone, everywhere, may experience your hope and love,
Renewing and healing our world.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION – OCTOBER 2024: ‘For a shared mission’
‘Sharing in mission brings clergy and laypersons closer together; it builds a unity of purpose, demonstrates the complementarity of the different charisms, and thus awakens in all the desire to move forward together.’ – Pope Francis
https://missio.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MESSAGE-OF-HIS-HOLINESS-POPE-FRANCIS-2024.pdf

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28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME   
13th OCTOBER 2024

FROM THE PARISH PRIEST:
My dear brothers and sisters,
For several months I have been feeling increasingly unwell – a sense of exhaustion, breathlessness, no appetite.
UCH have now given me the reason. I have cancer of the oesophagus, which has spread into the stomach and liver. It is too far gone to operate. So it is not good news.
At present (Friday afternoon – 11th) I am not sure of the next move but will keep you informed.
Meantime, please pray for me, as I shall for you.
Every Blessing, Fr David

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PASTORAL LETTER ON ASSISTED SUICIDE – 12/13 OCTOBER 2024
CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS writes:
My brothers and sisters,
This Wednesday, 16 October 2024, a bill will be introduced to Parliament proposing a change in the law to permit assisted suicide. The debate will continue for a number of months, in society and in Parliament, before a definitive vote is held there. This puts in the spotlight crucial questions about the dignity of human life and the care and protection afforded by our society to every human being.
As this debate unfolds there are three points I would like to put before you. I hope that you will take part in the debate, whenever and wherever you can, and that you will write to your Member of Parliament.
The first point is this: Be careful what you wish for.
No doubt the bill put before Parliament will be carefully framed, providing clear and very limited circumstances in which it would become lawful to assist, directly and deliberately, in the ending of a person’s life. But please remember, the evidence from every single country in which such a law has been passed is clear: that the circumstances in which the taking of a life is permitted are widened and widened, making assisted suicide and medical killing, or euthanasia, more and more available and accepted. In this country, assurances will be given that the proposed safeguards are firm and reliable. Rarely has this been the case. This proposed change in the law may be a source of relief to some. But it will bring great fear and trepidation to many, especially those who have vulnerabilities and those living with disabilities. What is now proposed will not be the end of the story. It is a story better not begun.
The second point is this: a right to die can become a duty to die.
A law which prohibits an action is a clear deterrent. A law which permits an action changes attitudes: that which is permitted is often and easily encouraged. Once assisted suicide is approved by the law, a key protection of human life falls away. Pressure mounts on those who are nearing death, from others or even from themselves, to end their life in order to take away a perceived burden of care from their family, for the avoidance of pain, or for the sake of an inheritance.
I know that, for many people, there is profound fear at the prospect of prolonged suffering and loss of dignity. Yet such suffering itself can be eased. Part of this debate, then, must be the need and duty to enhance palliative care and hospice provision, so that there can genuinely be, for all of us, the prospect of living our last days in the company of loved ones and caring medical professionals. This is truly dying with dignity. Indeed, the radical change in the law now being proposed risks bringing about for all medical professionals a slow change from a duty to care to a duty to kill.
The third point is this: being forgetful of God belittles our humanity.
The questions raised by this bill go to the very heart of how we understand ourselves, our lives, our humanity. For people of faith in God – the vast majority of the population of the world – the first truth is that life, ultimately, is a gift of the Creator. Our life flows from God and will find its fulfilment in
We know, only too well, that suffering can bring people to a most dreadful state of mind, even driving them to take their own lives, in circumstances most often when they lack true freedom of mind and will, and so bear no culpability. But this proposed legislation is quite different. It seeks to give a person of sound will and mind the right to act in a way that is clearly contrary to a fundamental truth: our life is not our own possession, to dispose of as we feel fit. This is not a freedom of choice we can take for ourselves without undermining the foundations of trust and shared dignity on which a stable society rests.
As this debate unfolds, then, I ask you to play your part in it. Write to your MP. Have discussions with family, friends and colleagues. And pray. Please remember: be careful what you wish for; the right to die can become a duty to die; being forgetful of God belittles our humanity.
May God bless us all at this critical time. 
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
6th October 2024

CAFOD – FAMILY FAST DAY

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY APPEAL – HARVEST COLLECTION TODAY after every Mass: There will be a retiring collecting for CAFOD Family Fast day. Daniel, a young man in Democratic Republic of the Congo, is carving a better future for his family with carpentry skills he learned in a CAFOD-funded training center. Give to CAFOD today and you’ll fund training, tools, equipment and safe spaces so more people like Daniel can learn new skills and fulfil their God-given potential. Use the envelope in church or give online at www.cafod.org.uk/envelope

HARVEST PRAYER
Generous God, we thank you for the gifts you have given for all people to share.
Sometimes things go wrong.
Floods wash away homes and crops.
Living God, move us to help one another in times of need,
to care for the earth and love one another sharing your harvest with all. 
Amen.

CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS – CALLS FOR URGENT PRAYERS

Following further deterioration in the situation in the Middle East last week, Cardinal Nichols has called for urgent prayers ‘to touch and change all hearts that are intent on warfare, and to strengthen those who work for ceasefires and the progress of peaceful cooperation.’
In a message to all priests and parishes in the diocese calling for prayers, the Cardinal wrote:
‘You do not need me to tell you of the seriousness of the present situation in the Middle East and, in particular, the violence presently taking place in Lebanon and Israel. We see clearly that the potential for an escalating conflict, and all that this implies, is now immediate.
‘I ask you to include in the intentions for prayer this weekend an urgent cry to our Heavenly Father to touch and change all hearts that are intent on warfare, and to strengthen those who work for ceasefires and the progress of peaceful cooperation.
‘As this conflict spreads, more division will appear. As well as the threats and dread that fill the hearts of Jewish people, this conflict will now touch more deeply all Islamic communities, especially the Shia community in Lebanon, as well as the Christian communities there. Please pray that relationships here between these three great faiths can endure, not only in the countless interfaith local projects in service of those in need, which are such a feature of our society today, but also in many personal friendships. This is the witness we must continue to give.’
Cardinal Vincent Nichols

26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
29th September 2024

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES: The 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is TODAY Sunday 29th September. Pope Francis has chosen as this year’s theme, ‘God walks with his people’, and the full text of the Pope’s message and resources to support the day can be found at: https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/news/2024/giornata-mondiale-migrante-e-rifugiato-2024-tema-messaggio-papa.html

OCTOBER: Month of the HOLY ROSARY

 THIS OCTOBER I am asking all of you to renew and deepen your love of the ROSARY this October. When we pray the Rosary we are pondering and walking through the wonderful things that God has done for us, together with Mary our Mother. Do please always have a Rosary with you, in your pocket. At different times of the day hold it with faith and love, so uniting ourselves to Jesus and Mary. These quotes from recent Popes will encourage us:
“The Rosary is a prayer that always accompanies me; it is also the prayer of the ordinary people and the saints… it is a prayer from my heart.” Pope Francis
“The Rosary is the most beautiful and the most rich in graces of all prayers; it is the prayer that touches most the Heart of the Mother of God…and if you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family Rosary.” Pope Saint Pius X
“How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening!” St. John Paul II
“The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and a theologically rich in Biblical content. I beg you to pray it.”St. John Paul II“The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying.” Pope Leo XIII
Mary, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Pray for us.
Fr David Barnes, Rector

25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  
22nd September 2024

The Vatican has granted permission for Our Lady of Walsingham to be celebrated as a new Feast in the dioceses of England, starting this year on 24th September.
You can follow Mass on the Feast Day live streamed from the Walsingham Shrine.
Visit www.walsingham.org.uk/live-stream  and follow the link.

TODAY is also our SECOND PROCESSION of OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM around Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Following 10am Mass.
Our Procession proclaims:

  1.  GOD was made flesh and dwelt among us: Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Mary, and He is “Emmanuel” (God with us).

Mary said “YES” (Fiat) to God’s invitation to be become the Mother of the Lord. God had faith in Her, honoured Her and trusted Her, and therefore so do we.

  1.  Mary believed that the promises made to Her by the Lord would be fulfilled. We ask for that same faith.
  2.  Mary was the first and greatest disciple of Jesus. We pray that we may imitate Her fidelity, and witness to Her as the greatest model of faithfulness.
  3.  On the Cross Our Lord Jesus gave Her to us as our Mother: in this Procession we proudly proclaim and honour Her as our Mother who teaches us to do whatever Our Lord Jesus tells us.
  4.  In the procession we should reflect, carefully, and prayerfully, on what we are doing. We should desist from personal conversations, and rather pray for those in the park and those who pass by.

Remember Pope Francis tells us to remember always that we are “missionary disciples”. So let us be joyful and prayerful throughout the procession.
The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, in North Norfolk, was established in 1061 when, according to the text of the Pynson Ballad (c 1485), Richeldis de Faverches prayed that she might undertake some special work in honour of Our Lady. In answer to her prayer, the Virgin Mary led her in spirit to Nazareth, showed her the house where the Annunciation occurred, and asked her to build a replica in Walsingham to serve as a perpetual memorial of the Annunciation.

This Holy House was built and a religious community took charge of the foundation. Although we have very little historical material from this period, we know that with papal approval the Augustinian Canons built a Priory (c 1150). Walsingham became one of the greatest Shrines in Medieval Christendom.

In 1538, the Reformation caused the Priory property to be handed over to the King’s Commissioners and it is said the famous statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was taken to London and burnt. Nothing remains today of the original shrine, but its site is marked on the lawn in “The Abbey Grounds” in the village. After the destruction of the Shrine, Walsingham ceased to be a place of pilgrimage. Devotion was necessarily in secret until after Catholic Emancipation (1829) when public expressions of faith were allowed.

In 1896 Charlotte Pearson Boyd purchased the 14th century Slipper Chapel, the last of the wayside chapels en-route to Walsingham, and restored it for Catholic use. In 1897 by rescript of Pope Leo XIII, the sanctuary of Our Lady of Walsingham was restored with the building of a Holy House as the

Lady Chapel of the Catholic Church of the Annunciation, King’s Lynn. The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom brought the first public pilgrimage to Walsingham on 20th August 1897. Visits to the Slipper Chapel became more frequent, and as the years passed devotion and the number of pilgrimages increased.

SLIPPER CHAPEL: In the Middle Ages Walsingham was one of the four great shrines of Christendom with pilgrims coming from all parts of the known world. There were wayside chapels along the pilgrim route and the Slipper Chapel was the last and most important of these. Pilgrims stopped here to go to Mass and to confess their sins before walking the last mile to the Holy House in Walsingham. The name of the chapel may come from the fact that pilgrims removed their shoes to walk the last mile or it may come from the word “slype” meaning a way through or “something in between”, the slype or slip chapel standing as it did between the Holy land of Walsingham and the rest of England.
In 1538 the Shrine and Priory were destroyed and the Slipper Chapel, although not damaged, passed into disuse. It was used successively as a poor house, a forge a barn and even a cow byre. Stories of older residents suggest that even during this time of neglect occasional pilgrims would still come and pray there. In 1896 it was brought by Charlotte Boyd and restoration started the following year. For thirty years the Slipper Chapel remained restored but little used, as devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham was centred on Kings Lynn. On August 19th 1934, Bishop Youens of Northampton celebrated the first public Mass in the Slipper Chapel for four hundred years, and two days later Cardinal Bourne led a national pilgrimage of more than 10,000 people to the Shrine. At this pilgrimage, the Slipper Chapel was declared to be the National Shrine of Our Lady for Roman Catholics in England.

24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
15th September 2024

EVANGELII GAUDIUM SUNDAY (HOME MISSION SUNDAY)

TODAY is Evangelii Gaudium Sunday  and calls us to be joyous in proclaiming our faith. “Evangelii Gaudium” is Latin for “Joy of the Gospel”. The day supports the work carried out by the Mission Directorate on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference.

A key focus of work for the next few years is responding to Pope Francis’ calling of a Jubilee Year in 2025 with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. The Holy Father has invited the whole Church to prepare for the Jubilee in the two years prior through:

  • • Reflecting on the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council in 2023.
  • • Deepening our prayer life, with a special focus on the Lord’s Prayer, in 2024.

To support the Church in England and Wales in this important initiative the Mission Directorate has produced a series of videos on the four Constitutions which reflect on the Liturgy, the Word of God, the Church and on its role in the modern world.

Watch the videos here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/evangelii-gaudium-sunday

Please support the Mission Directorate through prayer and giving to the retiring collection TODAY. However much you give, big or small, it will go directly to support this important work to bring the joy of the Gospel to all. Thank you.

SEASON OF CREATION 2024 – 1st September – 4th October

POPE FRANCIS. Begins the season with a message on September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters! “Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on 1 September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.

Do read the letter in full, please visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/cura-creato/documents/20240627-messaggio-giornata-curacreato.html

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
8
th September 2024

TODAY we bless the Memorials to the Lincoln’s Fields Martyrs, Blessed Robert Morton and Blessed Hugh Moor.

THE MARTYRS OF LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS
Blessed Robert Morton
(c.1548-1588) Originally from Yorkshire, his uncle, Dr Nicholas Morton, was a prominent Catholic exile in Rome who had been involved in the Northern Rising (1569) and the excommunication of Elizabeth I (1570). Robert was educated at Rome and Rheims, and ordained priest on 14 June 1587. Returning to England, he was quickly captured and hanged, drawn and quartered at Lincoln’s Inn Fields on 28 August 1588, shortly after the Spanish Armada. His crime was simply being a Catholic priest.

Blessed Hugh Moor or More (c.1563-1588) Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, he was the son of a wealthy landowner and MP. He studied at Oxford and Gray’s Inn and, after being reconciled to the Catholic Church, went to the English College at Rheims. On returning to England he was apprehended. Refusing to go the established Church, he was sentenced to being hanged, drawn and quartered at Lincoln’s Inn Fields on 28 August 1588. Both men were refused permission to speak and ‘suffered with admirable constancy and patience.’ They were beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.

Let us always invoke their prayers for prayers for our Parish.
Fr David Barnes, Rector

EDUCATION SUNDAY: TODAY, marks the 176th celebration of Education Sunday for the Church in England and Wales. The theme for 2024 is “He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak” taken from St Mark’s Gospel (7:31-37). As we commence the beginning of a new academic year, let us entrust to Almighty God all who are involved in the provision of Catholic education in our schools, colleges and universities. We pray that Christ the Teacher will strengthen their faith and fill their hearts with courage and hope. Please remember all those involved in Education and remember them in your prayers, especially as they embark on a new school year.

SEASON OF CREATION 2024: POPE FRANCIS. Begins the season with a message on September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Dear Brothers and Sisters! “Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on 1 September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.
Do read the letter in full, please visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/cura-creato/documents/20240627-messaggio-giornata-curacreato.html

15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 14
th July 2024

STELLA MARIS – SEA SUNDAY 2024

TODAY is SEA SUNDAY. There will be a talk and retiring collection after each Mass so please give generously. Thank you. 

Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. In the last year, more crews have been abandoned by their employers than ever before. Many are still being denied the right to leave their ships for even a short break away from the relentless noise and pressure on-board. Many are reporting more stress and poorer mental health. It is when the church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate  , or by texting ‘sea’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work.

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14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 
Sunday 7th July 2024

JULY – MONTH OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD:
Devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is a powerful means to help us be devoted to the totally sacrificial love of Our Lord, as also loving Him totally present in the Blessed Sacrament. Our Cathedral here in Westminster is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood.

OUR PARISH: On 6th July 1909, Archbishop Bourne opened our present church, celebrating Mass at 11am. Do please pray that we take good care of our parish church, and pray that we can all proclaim the Kingdom of God

PRAYER FOR THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS
Almighty, and everlasting God,
who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world,
and hast been pleased to be reconciled unto us by His Blood,
grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate with solemn worship the price of our salvation,
that the power thereof may here on earth keep us from all things hurtful,
and the fruit of the same may gladden us for ever hereafter in heaven.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Daily Roman Missal

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+SS PETER AND PAUL
Sunday 30
th June 2024

SS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

TODAY is the Solemnity of SAINTS PETER AND PAUL. The Church founded by Christ has Ss Peter and Paul as its principle pillars. Peter was chosen by Christ to be His first Vicar on earth, endowed with powers of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 16:13-19) and charged with the role of Shepherd of Christ’s flock (Jn 21:15-17).
In Peter and his successors, the visible sign of unity and communion in faith and charity has been given.
Divine grace led Peter to profess Christ’s divinity. St Peter suffered martyrdom under Nero, in A.D. 66 or 67.
He was buried at the hill of the Vatican, where recent excavations have revealed his tomb on the very site of the Basilica of St Peter’s.
Paul was chosen to form part of the apostolic college by Christ himself on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-16). An instrument selected to bring Christ’s name to all peoples (Acts 9:15), he is the greatest missionary of all time, the advocate of pagans, the Apostle of the Gentiles.
St Paul was beheaded in the Tre Fontane along the Via Ostiense and buried nearby, on the spot where the basilica bearing his name now stands.
Daily Roman Missal- SCEPTER PRESS

PETER’S PENCE
TODAY, SUNDAY
, we have the annual collection for “Peter’s Pence”. This collection started here in England at the end of the 8th century, when the Anglo-Saxons were converted to Christianity. They wanted to help the Bishop of Rome, as successor of St Peter, in his universal ministry. The money collected is for the Pope to give to those suffering from natural disasters, such as famine or flooding, or those in great need, such as those suffering the consequences of war. The Pope gives money in the name of the whole Church. This annual collection expresses well our love for the Successor of Peter in his universal ministry. Please do give generously, and do pray for Pope Francis.
May the love and prayers of Ss Peter and Paul sustain the Church, increase our love for the Church as the “Mystical Body of Christ” as also our love for the Pope, and our love for the mission of the Church. For more information visit: https://www.obolodisanpietro.va/en.html
POPE FRANCIS SAYS: “We cannot proclaim good things but without service it is not proclamation. It may seem to be, but it is not, because the Spirit not only carries you forward to proclaim the truths of the Lord and the life of the Lord, but He also brings you to the service of the brothers and sisters, even in small things”.
“All of us have been saved gratuitously by Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must give gratuitously. Those who carry out the pastoral work of evangelization must learn this. Their life must be gratuitous, given in service, proclamation, borne by the Spirit. Their personal poverty forces them to open themselves up to the Spirit”.

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12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME            
Sunday 23
rd June 2024

THE GENERAL ELECTION – Thursday 4th July 2024

CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS writes:

As we know the Prime Minister has called a general election for Thursday 4 July and I am keen that we encourage voters to be active rather than passive and to engage with politicians to ascertain their views on the key issues. Every Catholic, particularly young adults, should be willing to get involved and vote. New voters must be registered by next Tuesday, 18 June. The opportunity to vote in a general election is a privilege. You should want to know what your candidate will think and say on your behalf when that candidate gets into Parliament. But I would like to put forward a theme for us all to think about. How do we seek to construct a society in which families can flourish? That’s the bedrock – many positive things flow from that.

There are many good resources that offer guidance on seven key topics of interest to Catholics. The information and guidance can be found on the Bishop’s Conference website at

www.cbcew.org.uk/election24/  covering the following areas:

Criminal Justice
Domestic poverty, family life and taxation
Education
Environment
International relations, human rights and peacebuilding
Life Issues
Migration

Please look at these resources, explore them and become a bit more familiar with them so that when it comes the election you’ve got in your mind what you want to see the next government strive to achieve. My view is that our next government should strive to create the circumstances in which families can flourish.

So please get ready to vote on 4 July. Cardinal Vincent Nichols

CHILDREN’S LITURGY: children’s Liturgy is back today, during 10am Mass as usual.

ST THOMAS MORE (1478-1535) & ST JOHN FISHER: (c. 19 October 1469 – 22 June 1535)

(Feast Saturday 22nd June): John Fisher and Thomas More were the first canonised of the English martyrs who perished under King Henry VIII. A lawyer and devoted father, More quickly rose to the highest political post, Chancellor of England. Fisher was a preacher and scholar who, as bishop, gave himself unstintingly to his flock. Henry had both men publicly executed in the summer of 1535. Before the axe fell, Thomas More declared himself “the king’s hood servant, but God’s first”. In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared More the universal patron of statesmen and politicians, a witness to the truth that “man cannot be sundered from God, nor politics from morality”.

ST. JOHN SOUTHWORTH (Feast this Thursday 27th Jun): St John Southworth’s significance for our diocese lies in the discovery of his body at Douai in 1927 and his subsequent translation to Westminster Cathedral in 1930. He acts as a representative figure for the many priests who courageously worked in London in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries at the risk of imprisonment and execution. Southworth was trained at Douai and worked in Lancashire and London. Together with the Jesuit St. Henry Morse (1595-1645), Southworth cared for the victims of the 1636 plague at great personal risk. Spending many years in prison he was finally hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on 28th June 1654, together with two counterfeiters

The Diocese of Westminster has traditionally kept his feast on 27th June (the day of his martyrdom) because 28th June is already occupied by St Irenaeus and the vigil of Sts Peter and Paul.

11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
16th June 2024

DAY FOR LIFE MESSAGE 2024: BISHOPS MESSAGE
‘The Lord is my shepherd – compassion and hope at the end of life’

TODAY is DAY FOR LIFE. There will be a retiring collection after each Mass. Please give generously

There has been much discussion in the media recently about ‘assisted suicide’, whereby people who feel they are overburdened by suffering will be facilitated in bringing their lives to a premature end by a change in legislation. The Catholic Church opposes this.

As Catholics, along with many people of other faiths and none, we share a different vision about what it is to be fully human, especially when we are suffering and approaching death in the hope of eternal life. People who are coming towards the end of their lives can feel vulnerable, and recent research shows that many consider themselves a burden on their loved ones and wider society. Jesus shows us that life always has dignity and that there is no such thing as a useless life. We are called to defend this gift of life to its natural end and to protect vulnerable citizens from a culture that could pressure them into assisted suicide. We support people with the companionship of a listening ear, appropriate treatment, and the best of care, so that their last days can be times of grace, intimacy and love.

Jesus did not send the sick away. Our Lady remained at the foot of the Cross to the very end as Her Son, Jesus, died. Mary is the model of compassionate presence and prayer whom we are called to imitate. People close to death and their loved ones, often go through similar darkness and pain but can come to a more complete acceptance and find peace in those treasured last moments accompanied by spiritual care.
Bishops: John Sherrington (England & Wales), Kevin Doran (Ireland), & John Keenan (Scotland).

PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH – DEFENDER OF LIFE
Dearest Saint Joseph,
At the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home.
As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem,
Welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child.
We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you.
May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life.
Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defence of human life –especially where it is vulnerable or threatened, Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. Amen.

JUNE: MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: THE HEART is a symbol of love in very many cultures. Devotion to the Heart of Jesus is quite simply devotion to Him who is the Love of God perfectly revealed to us. The devotion goes back to earliest times, based on Our Lord’s description of Himself, “Come to me….for I am meek and humble of heart …..”. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Our own co-patron St Anselm promoted this devotion, though it really became widespread through St Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation sister in France (Paray-le-Monial) in the 17th century.

The most beautiful statue of the Sacred Heart I know is in our church.
Fr David Barnes, Rector

TWELVE PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will comfort them in their trials.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and, above all, in death.
5. I will shed abundant blessings on all their undertakings
6. Sinners will find in My Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls will become fervent.
8. Fervent souls will rapidly grow in holiness and perfection.
9. I will bless every place where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. The names of those who promote this devotion will be written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
12. I promise thee, in the excessive mercy of My Heart, that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

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10th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
8th June 2024

DAY FOR LIFE

‘THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD – COMPASSION AND HOPE AT THE END OF LIFE

NEXT SUNDAY 16 June 2024 we celebrate the DAY FOR LIFE. This year we focus on the theme of compassion and hope at the end of life as well as the reasons why the Church opposes the proposal to introduce assisted suicide or euthanasia. The day provides an opportunity for catechesis on the precious gift of life which opens out into the hope of eternal life at our earthly death.

A debate on end-of-life issues has been in the headlines in recent months with calls for assisted suicide being expressed, especially by celebrities, a view that opposes the Catholic view that life is a gift and that we are called to care for others at the end of their lives.

PRAYER OF ST JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen,
and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done. Then, Lord, in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

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CORPUS CHRISTI
SUNDAY 2nd June 2024

CORPUS CHRISTI

TODAY we celebrate the wondrous love of Our Lord for us — how He gives Himself completely to us in Holy Communion, and how He is with us always in the Sacred Host in all the tabernacles throughout the world.

MASS is the means to bring us this presence. The priest takes bread and wine, and through the Holy Spirit our gifts are transformed to become really, truly and substantially the Body and Blood of Christ, so that Our Lord is present as perfect God and Perfect Man, body, soul and divinity. This transformation we call transubstantiation.

ADORATION is therefore the appropriate response to this gift, so on this weekend’s celebration we should resolve again to

  • Make a good preparation for receiving Holy Communion followed by thanksgiving.
  • Visit Our Lord regularly in the tabernacle (“making a visit” is an important part of Catholic spirituality, and builds up our bond with Our Lord).

Show ever greater respect when we come into church, “the House of the Lord”, by genuflecting to the tabernacle and kneeling to adore and pray. Keeping silence in church is not only a way to respect Our Lord, but also one another.

TODAY is our ANNUAL CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION around Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

Our procession is:

1. Professing our faith in Jesus Christ, and that we are his disciples: we have accepted his invitation – “Follow me”.

2. We profess our faith that Jesus Christ is fully present among us in the Blessed Sacrament. He is present as perfect God and perfect Man, body, soul and divinity.

3. We rejoice to proclaim Him everywhere and to everyone that He is truly God among us.

4. In the procession we should reflect, carefully, and prayerfully, on what we are doing. We should desist from personal conversations, and rather pray for those in the park and those who pass by.

5. Remember Pope Francis tells us to remember always that we are “missionary disciples”. So let us be joyful and prayerful throughout the procession. 

Fr. David Barnes, Rector

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THE MOST HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY
26th May 2024

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

GOD has been revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit — three persons, but one God. We could never know this by use of reason: we know it because Our Lord Jesus has revealed it.

GOD’s love is made known to us as a dynamic interaction of loving between the Three Persons of the Trinity. God is loving — the active relationship of loving between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

GOD’s love for us is made known in the Incarnation — the enfleshment of God — when “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” That love is revealed above all through the Mystery of the Cross. God’s love for us is confirmed in every Mass through receiving Holy Communion. As Pope Francis tells us: “Christ has shown us the face of God, one in substance and triune of Persons. God is all and only Love, in a subsisting relationship that creates, redeems and sanctifies all: Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

God’s love for us is made known in the fact that God wants to be known by us —  to live in relationship with us. We can do so with confidence because in our baptism God made us adopted sons and daughters with the great privilege of relating to God as a most beloved son or daughter. We always have access to God on this personal level. So relate to God every day, ever faithful, through that daily conversation which is prayer.

TODAY there is Pastoral Letter from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, if you would like a copy of the letter, there are some copies at the back of the church.

Fr. David Barnes, Rector

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION: Sunday 2nd June, at 10:45am. At the end of the 10am Mass we process with the Blessed Sacrament round Lincoln’s Inn Fields, visiting the statue of St Thomas More, then the site of the former Sardinian Chapel (the predecessor of our present church).

This annual outdoor procession is a great act of witness, proclaiming Our Lord’s reign over our parish, and, by publicly following Him in procession, witnessing to our faith in Him.

DO PARTICIPATE IN OUR CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION

The children who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday 18th May will lead the procession, dressed as for their First Holy Communion.

PROCESS and JOYFULLY CELEBRATE!

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PENTECOST SUNDAY
19th May 2024

“COME HOLY SPIRIT…………….”THE HOLY SPIRIT transformed the apostles from being inward- looking, timid and afraid, to being outward-looking and bold in proclaiming the Risen and Ascended Lord. The Spirit set them on fire: for this reason we sometimes call the Feast of Pentecost theBIRTHDAY of the Church.

The Holy Spirit can do the same for us—if we are open and really want to be transformed.

Pope Francis said “The Spirit is the wind pushing us forward, keeping us going, that makes us feel like pilgrims and foreigners and doesn’t allow us to get comfortable and become sedentary…………

HOPE collects the wind of the Spirit and transforms it into energy”.

This Pentecost, pray that we shall all be filled with the Holy Spirit and be full of hope.

How well do we know the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge Piety Fear of the Lord.

The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control and Chastity.

COME, HOLY SPIRIT, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love……….
Fr David Barnes, Rector

Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.

V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray: O, God, who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Holy Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever enjoy rejoice in his consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. R.Amen.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS: Congratulations to all the Children who received their 1st Holy Communion yesterday. Please pray for them, their families and Mr Brian Stalker who instructed them. Charlotte, Shea, Maliki, Senai, Sebastian and Thea.

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+ 7th SUNDAY OF EASTER 
12th May 2024

Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day 2024

“AI CAN NEVER REPLACE WISDOM OF HUMAN HEART”

In his message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications, Pope Francis urges humanity to cultivate wisdom of the heart in the age of artificial intelligence.
THE THEME for this years: Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a Fully Human Communication.
Celebrated on 12 May, this year’s theme is closely linked to the Pope’s message for the World Day of Peace, which was devoted to the development of systems of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is “radically affecting the world of information and communication, and through it, certain foundations of life in society,” says the Pope in his Communications Day message, adding that “these changes affect everyone.”
So, the Pope asks, “How can we remain fully human and guide this cultural transformation to serve a good purpose?”
Starting with the heart. In answering this question, the Holy Father notes that “at this time in history, which risks becoming rich in technology and poor in humanity, our reflections must begin with the human heart.”
He recalls that, in the Bible, the heart is seen as the place of freedom and decision-making, “symbolising integrity and unity, while also engaging our emotions, desires, and dreams.”
But, he continues, the heart is, above all, “the inward place of our encounter with God.
“Wisdom of the heart, then, is the virtue that enables us to integrate the whole and its parts, our decisions and their consequences, our nobility and our vulnerability, our past and our future, our individuality and our membership within a larger community,” says the Pope.
Opportunity and danger The Holy Father goes on to stress that such wisdom cannot be sought from machines.
Growth in humanity. Pope Francis then invites everyone to grow together, “in humanity and as humanity,” recalling that we are all challenged to make a qualitative leap in order to become
“A complex, multiethnic, pluralistic, multireligious, and multicultural society.”
Speaking of information, the Holy Father warns that “information cannot be separated from living relationships.”
He explains that relationships involve the body and an immersion into the real world, but that they also involve human experiences, “compassion, and sharing.”
With this in mind, Pope Francis refers to the many reporters who have been injured or killed in the line of duty as they attempted to show the world what they themselves had seen.
“For only by such direct contact with the suffering of children, women, and men can we come to appreciate the absurdity of war,” says the Pope. To read the message in full visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/20240124-messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html

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+ 6th SUNDAY OF EASTER
5th May 2024

The Ascension of the Lord – THURSDAY 9TH May
“…HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN…” (Creed)

THURSDAY’s celebration of Our Lord’s Ascension gives us much to ponder and treasure in our heart. Our Lord has completed everything the Father had given Him to do, crowned by the Paschal Mystery, and now He is returning to the Father. His joy is complete, and He invites us to share His joy.
Our true joy is to share His joy!

He goes to prepare a place for us. Heaven is where we truly belong, to be with God for all eternity. Our Lord has prepared a place for us. He is calling us “so that where I am, you may be too”.
Do I live with heaven as my goal and true homeland?

We are never alone: in his Ascension He promises that He will be with us always, “Yes, to the end of time”.
He is always present to us: are we always wanting to make ourselves present to Him?

My Mission and purpose in this world is to share in the Mission Jesus gave the infant Church at His Ascension: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News…”
Our Lord shares His life fully with us through the Church: do we seek to bring others to share His life through the Church?

“Gladden us with holy joys, Almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son in our exaltation, and where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope”. (Thursday’s Collect)

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+ 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER
28th April 2024

MARY’S MONTH OF MAY

MAY starts this coming week and is dedicated to Our Lady. It is a time to get to know and love Our Lady more. At the 10am Mass Sunday 5th May we have the Crowning of Our Lady as Queen of the May. This helps us express and understand how the reign of Mary is the reign of “YES- TO-GOD” in our daily life. May we let the spirit of Mary, the spirit of “YES-TO-GOD”,flourish in our day-to-day living.

Our Marian devotions should not be limited to church. Please ensure you honour Our Lady in your home. Do crown a statue or picture of Our Lady at home. Gather around the statue or picture of Our Lady: recite the Rosary and the Angelus. Let us teach our children (and remind ourselves!) that the reign of Mary, the reign of “YES -TO-GOD”is the best way to true self-fulfilment and happiness.

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+ 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER
21st April 2024

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

PRIEST TRAINING FUND

TODAY 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 49 men studying at Allen Hall seminary, 13 of whom are from our own Diocese.
We also have one seminarian in Valladolid and one at the Beda, presently on pastoral placement in Ruislip. There are also two on a propaedeutic year at Redemptoris Mater. Last year 3 deacons were ordained for Westminster Diocese. The Priest Training 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.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Lord Jesus Christ, Guide and Shepherd of your people,
touch the hearts of our young people, that they may, for the love of you
give their lives in the service of the Church.
Renew the hearts of priests, that they may model their lives on the mystery of the Cross
and imitate the Sacred Mysteries they celebrate at the altar.
Strengthen our families, that they may generously support those of their sons
whom you call to serve you as priests. Amen

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+ THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
14th April 2024

PRIEST TRAINING FUND

Next weekend is Good Shepherd Sunday, the day we pray for priests and for vocations to the priesthood.
The motto of Allen Hall, where the men training for the ordained priesthood live and study, is Vivamus in spe – May we live in hope.

Now, more than ever, as the nation faces an unprecedented challenge and there are so many people in desperate situations across our Diocese, that hope is needed. Our seminarians work in parishes, schools, hospitals and hospices, as well as prisons, with refugees, and anywhere where a Catholic presence can make a contribution.

In all they do, they strive to be formed in the image of Him who came not to be served, but to serve. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, countries, and religious congregations. However, despite their differences, their desire to be formed in the image of Christ unites them, and creates an even stronger bond to their faith.

This year, we have 49 men studying at Allen Hall, of whom 13 are from our own Diocese. We also have one seminarian in Valladolid and one at the Beda, presently on pastoral placement in Ruislip. There are also two on a propaedeutic year at Redemptoris Mater. Last year, 3 Deacons were ordained for Westminster 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.

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+ THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
7th April 2024

The Divine Mercy Devotion

From the diary of a young Polish nun, a special devotion began spreading throughout the world in the 1930s. The message is nothing new, but is a reminder of what the Church has always taught through scripture and tradition: that God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness. But in the Divine Mercy devotion, the message takes on a powerful new focus, calling people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone — especially the greatest sinners.

The message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God’s mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.

The message of mercy is that God loves us — all of us — no matter how great our sins. He wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy. It is a message we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC.

A — Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.

B — Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.

C — Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

+ EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION
31st March 2024

THE LORD IS RISEN, Alleluia
HE IS RISEN INDEED Alleluia

This ancient Christian greeting, said on meeting one another during Eastertide, should surely be recovered and used again – encouraging us to deepen our faith in the Risen Lord.

THE RESURRECTION is a supernatural event, a clear break with the natural order, Jesus is raised from the dead through the power of God, and in sharing this victory we are “saved”. To reduce our understanding of life to the natural order alone is to miss out on the full reality of human existence: life is so much more wonderful, beautiful and exciting when we can see everything in the light of the Risen Lord!

WE ARE WITNESSES to our Risen Lord because we choose to believe and trust the witnesses who saw Him, believing the accounts of the Risen Lord in the Sacred Scriptures, and also believing the Church who has faithfully handed on the message to us.

TRUST and FAITH is at the heart of our believing.

Wishing you all a Blessed and joy-filled Easter.

Fr David Barnes, Rector

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS DURING LENT: WEDNESDAY 6:30pm and FRIDAY 6:30pm

+HOLY WEEK
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD 

Sunday 25h MARCH 2024

Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week is the most important week in the Christian year. Pope Francis says “Holy Week” is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with Him is shown in times of difficulty”. The best way to draw near to Our Lord is to participate as much as possible the liturgies of the Church.

PALM SUNDAY — the commemoration of Our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem when he was greeted with praise and thanksgiving, the waving and strewing of palms. We too carry palms, then take them home to put with our household crucifix.

THE SACRED TRIDUUM —the 3 Holy Days of the Paschal Mystery

HOLY THURSDAY The MASS of THE LORD’S SUPPER at 6:00pm commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the total gift of Himself to us as the Bread of Life. Afterwards, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. After this mass the consecrated hosts are taken to the “altar of repose”. All are invited to spend some time with Him, learning to be with Him in His suffering. The church is stripped of its candles and linens, all holy water is removed and the sacraments are not celebrated until Easter. It is a time of mourning, but always lived in light of the Resurrection.

GOOD FRIDAY — A day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting applies to those 18-60: no meat (abstinence) and only one simple meal and two small ones, and no food in between. Do all you can to be at THE LITURGY OF THE LORD’S PASSION AND DEATH at 3:00pm, the hour at which Christ died on the Cross.

HOLY SATURDAY — the Church waits in the Lord’s tomb, reflecting on his Passion and Death, waiting with faith, prayer and fasting the glorious Resurrection. Mary is waiting with us. We gather at 8:00pm to celebrate the Vigil Mass of the Resurrection, to celebrate in readings and song how God prepared His People for the Resurrection and conclude with the First Mass of Easter

EASTER CARDS: Please do take an Easter card home with you as you leave today, all the Easter Liturgies are inside the card. Fr David Barnes, Rector

HOLY PLACES: There will be a collection after the Liturgy of The Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. Please continue to pray for the suffering Church in the Middle East. Thank you.

+                +                 + 

+FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT 
Sunday 17th MARCH 2024

CARDINAL’S LENTEN APPEAL 2024
There will be a retiring collection TODAY after all masses.
If you can, please show your support for the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal. All funds raised go towards projects across our Diocese. Each year, the Diocese uses donations made to support the work of our services, such as Marriage & Family Life; Youth Ministry, and Education. Funds are also used to support the work of Caritas Westminster, which works for and with some of the most vulnerable people in our Diocese. Cardinal Nichols, has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supports the Appeal, with whatever they can afford. So, please take a donation envelope today, for more information. You can use the QR code to make your donation online. Thank you for your generosity.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH: will take place from 10th – 18th March 2024 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead. Details at: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena. You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Email novenamhm@gmail.com
THE NOVENA WILL BE RECITED AFTER MASS IN OUR PARISH FROM 10th – 18th MARCH. NOVENA LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE.

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+ FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Sunday 10th March 2024

“LAETARE” (“Rejoice”) SUNDAY

TODAY we are invited to REJOICE, because the coming celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection (the Paschal Mystery) is fast approaching. May our rejoicing energise us to use this second half of Lent as well as we can to prepare for Easter.

MOTHERING SUNDAY: today we pray for all mothers in their mothering. To be a mother is one of the greatest of lives – to conceive and bear a child, and mothering the child to maturity. What an awesome responsibility. Our Lady Mother of Jesus, is the model: Let us invoke her help for all mothers.

THE NATIONAL NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH: will take place from 10th – 18th March 2024 at St Joseph’s Church in Maidenhead. Details at: www.millhillmissionaries.com/novena. You are welcome to send in your petitions and/or to request a Novena prayer booklet. Email novenamhm@gmail.com

THE NOVENA WILL BE RECITED AFTER MASS IN OUR PARISH FROM 10th – 18th MARCH.  NOVENA LEAFLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE.

THE FEAST OF JOSEPH: Monday 19th March

SAINTS & MARTYRS: A series of DVD presentations Monday evenings at 6.45pm, in the Parish Room. This Monday 11th March, we explore the life of St Thomas More.

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+ THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Sunday 3rd March 2024

THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE

TODAY’S GOSPEL tells of Our Lord driving out the money changers and those who sold birds and animals for sacrifice.
We are to learn that:
• the Temple sacrifices have come to an end because Jesus Himself is now God fully present among us, and His one perfect sacrifice on Calvary effects our reconciliation with God and one another
• after the Resurrection the Church is His Mystical Body on earth —  belonging to Jesus and His Church are two sides of the same coin.
• our churches are to be places of prayer. Authentic worship and prayer are means to let God transform us and enable us live better each day.
• Jesus wants to cleanse us of our sin but this cannot happen until we enthrone Him, so that He reigns fully in our life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is our most powerful weapon to effect this.
• The Ten Commandments teach us ten ways of loving, so they are an excellent way to help us examine our life and prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We should know the Ten Commandments by heart! Do we?

OUR ARCHBISHOP, CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS, has asked us to keep this Friday 8th March as a special focus of prayer for the Holy Land. So our time of Adoration (5-5:50pm), our public Rosary (5:30pm), our Mass and then Stations of the Cross will all be offered for that intention. Please do come and participate in whatever is possible for you.

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+ SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Sunday 25th February 2024

Inspirational Quotes for The Lenten Season

1. “Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” — Pope Francis

2. “Are you capable of risking your life for someone? Do it for Christ.” — Pope St John Paul II

3. “As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.” — St Teresa of Calcutta

4.  “Prayer is where the action is.” — John Wesley

5. “The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” — Pope St. Gregory the Great

6. “Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and in this way to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life…” – Pope Benedict XVI

7. “Renounce yourself in order to follow Christ; discipline your body; do not pamper yourself, but love fasting.” — Saint Benedict

8. “Lent is like a long ‘retreat’ during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a period of spiritual ‘combat’ which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism.” — Pope Benedict XVI

THE SECOND SYNOD on SYNODALITY: towards October 2024.
Our Archbishop, Cardinal Vincent Nichols is inviting us to assemble as a parish to consider the following four questions.
Q.1: How do we witness as a Parish and proclaim our faith to:
those who have never heard of Christ;
those who have ceased walking with Christ;
those with whom we worship Christ (those who go to church)?
Q.2: How should we organise ourselves as a Parish to do this more effectively?
Q.3: What concrete steps/formation opportunities would help us begin to witness and proclaim our faith more effectively?
Q.4: What structures may need to change? How might we need to develop the way we are organised currently?

We shall do this on Monday evening at 6.45pm, as part of our Lenten celebration of Saints. If you cannot be present, do please let me know your views or email your responses to the Parish office. Fr David Barnes, Rector

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY APPEAL TODAY: This Lent, your donations to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal will help hardworking people like James the fisherman in Liberia with resources, tools and training to feed their families. Give today using the envelope or online at www.cafod.org.uk To watch James’ inspiring story please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFWxJpczass

SAINTS & MARTYRS: A series of DVD presentations Monday evenings at 6.45pm, in the Parish Room.
26th February St John Henry Newman
4th March St Ann Line and the Martyrs of Lincoln’s Inn Fields
11th March St Thomas More

+ FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Sunday 18th February 2024
In these 40 days of Lent we seek to identify with Our Lord’s experience in the desert and so come to understand and love Him better.
It was the Holy Spirit who led Him into the desert, and we shall only keep a good Lent in so far as we keep asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Our Lord was tempted by the Devil, and, if we are intent on following Our Lord, so shall we be tempted — to give up, to make the things of this world (food, drink, possessions, status and money) the treasures of our heart. This is why we must emphasise the disciplines of Lent:  PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING.
Practising these liberates us from our self-centredness and self-indulgence. We need always to ask the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the help of the angels, just as Our Lord experienced this in the desert. There is the wonderful prayer to St Michael the Archangel to keep us from the influence of the Devil and bad spirits.

THE SECOND SYNOD on SYNODALITY: towards October 2024.
Our Archbishop, Cardinal Vincent Nichols is inviting us to assemble as a parish to consider the following four questions.
Q.1: How do we witness as a Parish and proclaim our faith to:
those who have never heard of Christ;
those who have ceased walking with Christ;
those with whom we worship Christ (those who go to church)?
Q.2: How should we organise ourselves as a Parish to do this more effectively?
Q.3: What concrete steps/formation opportunities would help us begin to witness and proclaim our faith more effectively?
Q.4: What structures may need to change? How might we need to develop the way we are organised currently?

We shall do this over the next two Monday evenings at 6.45pm, as part of our Lenten celebration of Saints. If you cannot be present, do please let me know your views or (best!) email your responses to the Parish office.
Fr David Barnes, Rector

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6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 11th February 2024

POPE FRANCIS MESSAGE for XXXII WORLD DAY OF THE SICK

“It is not good that man should be alone”.

Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships.

TODAY is the 32nd WORLD DAY OF THE SICK. Pope Francis writes:
Brothers and sisters, the first form of care needed in any illness is compassionate and loving closeness. To care for the sick thus means above all to care for their relationships, all of them: with God, with others – family members, friends, healthcare workers – , with creation and with themselves. Can this be done? Yes, it can be done and all of us are called to ensure that it happens. Let us look to the icon of the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk 10:25-37), to his ability to slow down and draw near to another person, to the tender love with which he cares for the wounds of a suffering brother.
Let us remember this central truth in life: we came into the world because someone welcomed us; we were made for love; and we are called to communion and fraternity. This aspect of our lives is what sustains us, above all at times of illness and vulnerability. It is also the first therapy that we must all adopt in order to heal the diseases of the society in which we live.
To those of you who experience illness, whether temporary or chronic, I would say this: Do not be ashamed of your longing for closeness and tenderness! Do not conceal it, and never think that you are a burden on others. The condition of the sick urges all of us to step back from the hectic pace of our lives in order to rediscover ourselves.
The sick, the vulnerable and the poor are at the heart of the Church; they must also be at the heart of our human concern and pastoral attention. May we never forget this! And let us commend ourselves to Mary Most Holy, Health of the Sick, that she may intercede for us and help us to be artisans of closeness and fraternal relationships.

Rome, Saint John Lateran, 10 January 2024 FRANCIS

To read the full message please visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20240110-giornata-malato.html

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5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 4th February 2024

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

OUR CHILDREN are among our greatest treasures, and as a parish family we must therefore ask ourselves “How is this lived in our parish?”

THE MASS is the heart of parish life: it is our means of union with God through communion with Christ. The Mass is God—with— us. That is why Mass, at least on Sundays, is such an essential. To rob ourselves or our children of Sunday Mass is to rob ourselves of our greatest good .

THE CHILDREN’S LITURGY is a good way of making the Word of God more accessible to our children. We have an excellent history of Children’s Liturgy in this parish. This Sunday and every Sunday we shall have a Children’s Liturgy at the 10:00am Mass, led by Marthe and Antoine Danzin.

WE ALL have a responsibility to treasure and support our children —first by our prayers, by supporting our altar servers and children’s choir, and the children’s day trips and theatre visits. I am especially grateful to our school, St Joseph’s Macklin Street, for all they do in forming our children in the Catholic Faith. Frequent prayers for our school too please. My sincere thanks also to Mr Brian Stalker who is preparing our children for First Holy Communion.  

Do please let me know of other ways we can develop our love and care of our children.

Fr David Barnes, Rector

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4th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 28th January 2024

TODAY is RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY.

Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, message for Racial Justice Sunday:

Hello. My name is Bishop Paul McAleenan. The theme of Racial Justice Sunday in England and Wales in 2024 is ‘Seeing one another in the life of the Church’. There are different ways that the theme could be approached. I would like to suggest one particular way.

In the history of the Church, there have been those who looked at the society in which they lived, and responded to what they saw. They looked, made a decision based on what they saw, and acted. Alert and sensitive as they were to the commandments of Christ, when they saw justice being denied to someone because of their racial origin or colour, they were prompted to act. Their actions of opposing racism, promoting equality and justice, became their life’s work. Following this path, sometimes they encountered hostility, rejection, and attempts to overturn what they were doing.

However, they persevered and became instruments of change, agents of progress, and some are acknowledged as saints of the Church. There are many, many saints in the Church. Each is different. Each chose to follow a particular aspect of the person of Jesus.

Some saw Jesus as a teacher and devoted their lives to teaching. Some followed Jesus as one who loved the sick, and opened hospices and hospitals. Others saw Jesus as the friend of the poor and gave witness to that. Among the saints are those who remembered the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right. They shall be satisfied.” And then they spent their lives working that everyone would be treated justly, with fairness and without discrimination.

For Racial Justice Sunday this year, can I suggest that you explore the lives of those great men and women – those who devoted their lives to the pursuit of racial justice, those who emulated God’s passion for justice, which we read about in the scriptures.

They will inspire us, teach us, and make us sensitive to the importance of racial justice and why we work for it. May we too, like them, see one another in the life of the Church.         Bishop Paul McAleenan

A PRAYER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY
Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,
reflected in all the peoples of the earth,
so that we may discover anew
that all are important and all are necessary,
different faces of the one humanity
that God so loves.
Amen.

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3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 21st January 2024

SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

POPE FRANCIS has made this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (today!) an opportunity to deepen our devotion to the celebration, study and spread of the Word of God.

“Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the Word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.” Pope Francis

THE SACRED SCRIPTURES (the Bible) are the inspired Word of God. God speaks to us in a particular way when we read them with faith and love. Like Our Lady we need to ponder them and treasure them in our heart.

St Paul writes: “All Scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for:
1. Teaching
2. Refuting error
3. Guiding people’s lives
4. Teaching them to be holy

This is how the person who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

READ THE SCRIPTURES therefore every day, even if only a few verses. We should feast on them more than food and drink!

RESOLUTION: decide today to be committed to reading the Sacred Scriptures every day.
1. Give the Bible a special place of prominence in your house. Hold it with reverence. The priest kisses the Gospel after proclaiming it at Mass: we do well also to kiss the Bible as we use it.
2. If we are beginning again, why not start with St Mark’s Gospel, a clear and simple presentation of what Jesus said and did?

Or, the First Letter of John, a beautiful presentation of how to come back to God with all our heart.

WHATEVER WE DECIDE, DO SOMETHING!
Every Blessing,
Fr David Barnes, Rector

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2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sunday 14th January 2024

POPE FRANCIS’s – MESSAGE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND PEACE.
There are the fundamental concerns that Pope Francis raised when he announced his theme for the World Day of Peace: the need to be vigilant that a “logic of violence and discrimination” doesn’t take root in the development of AI at the expense of the most fragile and excluded; that the advancement of AI does not fuel injustice and inequality and therefore conflict, and, of course, that AI is developed so that it serves humanity and the protection of our common home. It is a theme we will need to keep returning to. To read the message in full, visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html

PRAYER FOR PEACE
God our creator and sustainer,
We thank you for the gifts of creativity you have given us, for the ability to explore science and understand your creation.
We ask your forgiveness for the times we have used science for evil and not for good, for war and not for peace.
Make us vigilant as we develop technology, that violence and discrimination may not take root,
that injustice and inequality will not be fuelled, that the poor and vulnerable will not pay the cost.
May all that we create contribute to peace and justice. Amen

PAX CHRISTI (PEACE SUNDAY): TODAY 14th Jan 2024. “The work of Pax Christi is based on the Gospel & inspired by faith. Their vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in all its forms. Please use the following link: https://paxchristi.org.uk/about-us/support-us/donation/

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
18th – 25th January. We pray each day for the reunion of all Christians.  The theme this year is “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself” (Lk 10:27).

PRAYER
Lord, give us the grace to know you deeply, in order to love you entirely.
May the gift of your Holy Spirit enable our eyes, ears and minds to receive the unconditional love with which you love us.
Purify our hearts that we may always be ready to love our neighbour, however different, as ourselves.
Through the self-giving life of Christ our Lord. Amen.

QUESTIONS
Personal: How do you see yourself? How do you think God sees you?
Local: Does God’s view of you change your view of those around you?
Global: How does God’s view of you change how you respond to the news?

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THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Sunday 7th January 2024

THE EPIPHANY 

TODAY we celebrate the Epiphany. In the coming of the Kings/the Magi, we see that all real power and wisdom are found in the person of Jesus —  He is the Power and the Wisdom of God personified.
The Kings/Magi fall on their knees and worship Him: we too must imitate them, falling on our knees and worshipping Him — only then are we better disposed to recognse who He really is.
The Feast of the Epiphany was the day I was ordained priest — now 48 years ago! On my ordination prayer card I put a prayer written by a saint who has influenced me greatly throughout my adult life: St Ignatius Loyola (1491— 1556)
I put the prayer here again, and encourage you to say it regularly. Pray for me too, please, as I do for you.

Dearest Jesus,
teach me to be generous; teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward
save that of knowing I am doing Your Will.

TOMORROW (Monday) we celebrate Our Lord’s baptism by his cousin John the Baptist….

Our Lord is revealed as divine, the Son of God. Our Lord commissions the apostles to go out into the whole world and baptise people everywhere in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

To be baptised means we are immersed into the life of the Blessed Trinity, so we can share God’s life. In baptism God places us in His Son and we become a son or daughter of God: when God looks on us He sees us as a son or daughter because we are in God’s Son. This is all pure gift, a grace of God. We could not do this ourselves: God does it for us.

God wants to share His Life with us, and for us to share our life with Him. Baptism initiates this relationship. Today, thank God for the Sacrament of Baptism, and pray we shall all live our friendship with God more devotedly. 

POPE FRANCIS ONCE ASKED: “If I were to ask you today, “which of you knows the exact date of your baptism?” I do not think there would be too many hands raised…. Yet, it is the day on which we were saved, it is the day on which we became children of God. Now, those who do not know it should ask their godparents, their dad, their mom, an uncle, an aunt: “When was I baptised”? And that day should be remembered each year: it is the day on which we became children of God”.
Fr David Barnes, Parish Priest

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