LISTEN TO HIS VOICE!!
As we live through these dark winter days, we may be comforted by the words of the psalmist, who encourages us to listen to the Lord’s voice and not to grumble as the Israelites did at Massah and Meribah in the desert.
In the First Reading, Moses announces a true prophet speaking God’s words and commandments.
In the Gospel,we meet this true prophet in the person of Jesus, who teaches the people with authority, making a deep impression on his audience. Even unclean spirits obey him.
In the Second Reading, Paul, believing that the end of the world is near, encourages the Corinthians in an attempt to free them from all worry. Whatever their marital status, he urges them to focus their undivided attention on the Lord, showing their devotion to him. This week I may want to pray for all those who find it difficult to listen to God’s voice, especially if God chooses to speak through the people we meet. Perhaps I can also focus on keeping my full attention on the Lord, trusting that he will help me to avoid distractions from the one thing that matters: listening to him.
(From Prego)
PARISH FEAST DAY – We will celebrate our Feast Day with an International Mass this Sunday 28th January at 12 noon, followed by a celebration in the hall afterwards.
CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK
Wednesday 31st January St John Bosco
Friday 2nd February The Presentation of the Lord
Saturday 3rd February Ss Laurence, Dunstan & Theodore
MASS INTENTIONS – From Thursday 1st February, we start booking Masses for March. Please note that if you asked for an intention on a specific date and a funeral is subsequently arranged on that day, the intention will be moved to the next available date.
BAPTISMS – Please ring the Parish Office on 0208 888 2390 to arrange a time to come and meet with Fr Perry.
WEDDINGS – If you are planning to get married either in St Paul’s church or elsewhere, the Diocese requires the minimum of 6 months in order for preparation and paperwork to be completed. We will be running our pre-marriage course in the new year. Please register with Fr Perry as soon as possible.
ON FRIDAY 2ND FEBRUARY – the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas Day. Mass will begin at 9.30am with the blessing and procession of candles. Founded by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997 it is also the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. He attached it to “Candlemas Day” because the consecrated men and women are to be the light in the world, imitating Jesus, the Light of the World. We remember the religious sisters here in our parish and thank God for their faithfulness and witness.
BLESSING OF THROATS – The blessing of throats will take place after the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday 3rd February.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK – We will celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes on Saturday 10th February with Mass and Anointing of the sick at 11am.
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTION OF – Sunday 21st January – Total £1212.39 (Loose £779.89; Envelopes £432.50). Contactless £360.
BENNY FEELY RIP – Please pray for Benny, a parishioner for many years, who died on Christmas Day. We remember his family and friends at this time. His Requiem Mass is on Tuesday 30th January at 4pm. May he rest in peace.
CATHERINE GERALDINE WILLIAMS RIP – We pray for Catherine Williams who died recently. We remember her family at this time. Her Requiem Mass is on Monday 5th February at 10am. May she rest in peace.
ABOUT BEING A CATHOLIC (ABC) – This course is for adults who have not been baptised, for Christians and other denominations who would like to be received into the Roman Catholic Church and for adults who would like to be prepared for Confirmation. Please call the Parish Office to arrange a time to come and see Fr Perry. The sessions will start the beginning of February.
LENT 2024
Ash Wednesday 14th February. Masses at 6:30am, 10am & 7:30pm
Friday Evenings 7pm Mass followed by
7:30pm Stations of the Cross
Saturdays 6:30am Early Mass followed by
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 5:15pm
More details in the Lent Leaflet that will be available next weekend.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE – If you were unable to attend the meeting last Thursday, please see Fr Perry after for an update on the pilgrimage.
FOOD BANK – Thank you to those who donate to the food bank. Please do not leave perishable foods in the trolley.
SCHOOL STREET – From Tuesday 9th January 2024, Bradley Road is now a School Street. This will operate during Term Time only, Monday to Friday from 8:15am – 9am and 2:45pm to 3:30pm. Motor vehicles (cars, vans, motorcycles etc) will not be allowed to enter the School Street during the above times except if they have been issued an exemption.
St PAUL’S AND ST MARTIN OF PORRES FEDERATION – Governors Needed!!
Foundation Governors are appointed by the Archbishop to serve as his representatives on the governing body of diocesan schools to ensure the Church’s mission is upheld. Governors have oversight of the curriculum and the appointment of staff and are accountable for the performance of the school. They have a strategic role to play as well as acting as a critical friend to the headteacher. The governing body needs people with a mixture of skills and experience. Training is provided to help governors fulfil their very important role. If you would like to know more, contact Fr Perry or visit the diocesan website which can be found at www.rcdow.org.uk/education/governors/serving-as-a-governor
LENT COURSE – The Mass is nothing short of amazing. Through it, we encounter God in the most intimate way possible as we hear him speak to us in the Liturgy of the Word and as we receive him Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. In his video-based study A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Dr. Edward Sri explores the roots of the words and gestures we experience at Mass and explains their profound significance. This fascinating tour of the Mass will renew your faith and deepen your love for and devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Join us for A Biblical Walk Through the Mass for 6 weeksbeginning Tuesday 6th February 2024 @ 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. If you wish to join the course you need to purchase a copy of the book A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr Edward Sri from St Paul’s bookshop by Westminster Cathedral or look online for other sellers. If you wish to join the course, please register with the Parish Office by 28th January 2024.
POPE’S INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY – For the terminally ill – February’s prayer intention is that the sick, “who are in the final stages of life, and their families receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.”
| PARISH DIARY Sunday 28th Jan No Refreshments after 10am Mass Tuesday 30th Jan Refreshments after 9:30am Mass Church Cleaning after Mass 7:30pm Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday 31st Jan 12 noon to 3pm Welcome Space Friday 2nd Feb ASCENT Sunday 4th Feb Refreshments after 10am Mass | NEXT SUNDAY 4TH FEBRUARY – 5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1st Reading Job 7:1-4, 6-7 2nd Reading 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 Gospel Mark 1:29-39 |