This week we have the conclusion of the Holy Father’s message for Lent 2023
On hearing the Father’s voice, the disciples “fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone” (Matthew 17:6-8). Here is the second proposal for this Lent: do not take refuge in a religiosity made up of extraordinary events and dramatic experiences, out of fear of facing reality and its daily struggles, its hardships and contradictions. The light that Jesus shows the disciples is an anticipation of Easter glory, and that must be the goal of our own journey, as we follow “Him alone.” Lent leads to Easter: the “retreat” is not an end in itself, but a means of preparing us to experience the Lord’s Passion and Cross with faith, hope and love, and thus to arrive at the resurrection. Also, on the synodal journey, when God gives us the grace of certain powerful experiences of communion, we should not imagine that we have arrived — for there too, the Lord repeats to us: “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Let us go down, then, to the plain, and may the grace we have experienced strengthen us to be “artisans of synodality” in the ordinary life of our communities.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the Holy Spirit inspire and sustain us this Lent in our ascent with Jesus, so that we may experience His divine splendour and thus, confirmed in faith, persevere in our journey together with Him, glory of His people and light of the nations.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024 – Parents who will have a child eligible for First Holy Communion in 2024 should collect a letter from Fr Perry after Mass today.
MASS INTENTIONS – Masses for April are now fully booked. We will begin booking Masses for May from Monday 3rd April. 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.
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTION – of Sunday 12th March which amounted to £1105.81 (Envelopes £403.45, Loose £702.36). Contactless £297.
SUPPORTING YOUR PARISH FINANCIALLY – I would like to encourage parishioners to use the method of Standing Order or donate using the contactless machine rather than the traditional way of loose plate collection.
Bank details are
Bank HSBC Bank plc
Account Name: WRCDT Wood Green
Account Number: 81276514
Sort Code: 40-05-20
GIFT AID – If you are a UK tax payer, we strongly recommend you to Gift Aid your donation, As the government will top up your donation by 25%, meaning that a £20 offering becomes £25. The parish relies heavily on this extra support which comes at no additional cost to you. This facility is also available on the contactless device, and I urge you to use it. If you have any questions on Gift Aid, please contact the Parish Office.
I thank you for your continued financial support of your parish at this present time.
Fr Perry
PENITENTIAL SERVICE – On Friday 31st March from 7pm to 8:30pm. Please come and celebrate the sacrament of God’s mercy and forgiveness. A number of visiting priests will be available in the church from 7pm – 8:30pm. Please come at the time that is best for you. During the service there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
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LENT 2023
WEEKDAY MASSES Monday to Friday 9:30am
Wednesday 29th March Mass also at 6:30am
STATIONS OF THE CROSS After 9:30am Mass on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
No Stations of the Cross on Friday 31st March
SPEND TIME IN ADORATION
Why not choose to spend time with Christ in Eucharistic adoration every Saturday from 11am to 5:15pm. A good way to cultivate a routine of prayer this Lent
FASTING: Every Friday throughout the year is a day of Abstinence.
ALMS GIVING: Over the last few years the parish has benefited from grants for the knife bin and the Warm Space from Caritas Westminster. This year our Lent Project will support Caritas Westminster and CAFOD. Thank you to those who took boxes last weekend. If you wish to Gift Aid your donations use one of the envelopes that are available at the back of the church. We ask you to return the boxes on Easter Sunday.
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HOLY WEEK 2023
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES – Please take one of the cards that gives the time of the Masses & Services for Holy Week and Easter.
WASHING OF THE FEET – Twelve volunteers needed for the Washing of the Feet on Maundy Thursday. Please give your names to Fr Perry.
GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS AT 10AM – FOR THE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN. Any children who would like to carry one of the banners or read, please see Fr Perry.
GOOD FRIDAY – 3PM – During the Good Friday service we are used to coming forward to venerate the cross during the Liturgy. This year those who wish to venerate the cross we use in church can do so after the service.
We would ask you to bring a crucifix from home that you can venerate during the service. If you don’t have a crucifix, there are some for sale in the repository.
EASTER OFFERINGS – The collection on Easter Sunday is for the support of Fr Perry. The Easter Offerings go towards the Stipends (salary) that is given to him each month. If you are in the Planned Giving Scheme, please use the envelope in your box. For those not in Planned Giving or those who donate by Standing Order please use one of the envelopes available in the entrances, or you can use the contactless machine.
EASTER WATER – Many people like to take the Easter water for the blessing of their homes. If you want Easter water, we suggest you bring a filled bottle of water to the Easter Vigil and we will bless them during Mass.
ALTAR SERVERS – Please sign up to serve at Masses and Services during Holy Week and Easter.
Rehearsal Times:
For Maundy Thursday Mass – rehearsal on Wednesday 5th April at 5pm
For Good Friday Service – rehearsal on Maundy Thursday 6th April at 4pm
For Easter Vigil – rehearsal on Holy Saturday 8th April at 4pm
CORONATION – Do you want a parish party on Sunday 7th May to mark the Coronation of King Charles? If you are interested, please let Fr Perry know.
ANNUAL MASS FOR MATRIMONY – The annual Mass for Matrimony will be celebrated in the Cathedral by the Cardinal on Saturday 13th May at 2.30pm for couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries – 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th 50th, 60th and 60+. As usual couples are asked to register their wish to attend with their parish. Please provide your names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email) to Fr Perry or the Parish Office
| PARISH DIARY FOR THE COMING WEEK | |
| Sunday 26th March Refreshments after the 10am Mass Cake Sale for Malawi Tuesday 28th March Refreshments after the 9:30am Mass 10am Church cleaning 7:30pm No Greater Love (Bible Study) | Friday 31st March 10am ASCENT Meeting 7pm to 8:30pm – Penitential Service Saturday 1st April 11am – 5:15pn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Sunday 2nd April No Refreshments after the 10am Mass |
POPES INTENTION FOR APRIL – For a culture of peace and non-violence – We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
NEXT SUNDAY 2ND APRIL IS PALM SUNDAY – 1st Reading Isaiah 50:4-7; 2nd Reading Philippians 2:6-11;
Gospel Matthew 26:14-27:66