‘Talitha, cum!’ (‘Little girl, I tell you to get up.’) It’s really significant that St. Mark in today’s gospel quotes the language of Jesus (Aramaic).  Presumably this was because he wanted to underline the significance of the words.  A little girl, who is believed to be dead, is raised to life by Jesus.

This gospel story has deep significance for us. Today (Sunday) we shall be baptising three children, and also presenting our first communion children with their certificates (11am).  They will gather together in the hall after Mass for their communion breakfast.

‘Little girl, I tell you to get up.’ The sacraments of baptism and the eucharist are moments of ‘getting up’ – moments of resurrection- when we identify with Jesus in his death – but also in his resurrection.  We, like the little girl, need to be raised to true life with Christ, the life of the kingdom of God.

So we celebrate today with all our children (and also with our young people recently confirmed) that together, as a Catholic community, we might continue to grow into the life of the resurrection, united to Christ and to the church he founded.

We welcome through Holy Baptism (9.15am) Kayleigh Elizabeth Nantais (11 mths), her parents Heather and Tony and godparents Sarah and Alex. Also (11am) Emily Evans (4 mths), her parents Katie and Peter, and godparents Helen, Mark and Mark; and Brooke Mia Bowes (6 mths), her parents Stephanie and Andrew and godparents April, Anne, John and Eric.

Mass attendances last Sunday were 1030.
Sunday 1/7/12	Thirteenth Sunday (B) 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – Desmond Kelly RIP (MT Kelly) 11am – Elena Lams RIP (Ted Lams)
Monday 2/7/12	Feria 9.30am – Dolores Robinson RIP (Mary Hutchinson)
Tuesday 3/7/12	St Thomas, apostle 9.30am – Elena Lams RIP (The Choir)
Wednesday 4/7/12	Feria 9.00am – Fr. Pat Pearson RIP (Chris & Doreen Hairs).  Mass at St James’ School
Thursday 5/7/12	Feria 9.30am – Rosina May Wells RIP (H & T Forde)
Friday 6/7/12	Feria 9.30am – Ernest Field RIP (H & T Forde)
Sunday 8/7/12	Fourteenth Sunday (B) 6pm – Tony Huntington RIP (Ann Huntington) 9.15am – People of the Parish 11am – Bishop Michael Evans RIP (1^st Anniversary) (Z. Bajorek)

Monday:

Library Team in church (7pm)

Tuesday:

Journey in Faith (those received at Pentecost)- 281A - 8pm.

Meeting of leaders of uniformed groups - meeting room – 8pm.

Wednesday:

Mass in St James’ School at 9am (NO Mass here).  I do hope that all the Wednesday regulars will be at this Mass in school.

Thursday:

Baptism preparation at 8.15pm in the meeting room (for those parents who have been invited.)

Saturday:

Away-Day for the Pastoral and Advisory and Mission and Planning Teams.  Tatsfield 10am-4pm

NEXT SUNDAY

Fun Run – 12.30pm (see flyers )- there is still time to register!!  Followed by picnic in the church garden.  Let’s hope everyone will be involved in some way!

Also: second collection for maintenance and refurbishment fund.  Please give generously and use your Gift Aid envelope.

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sunday July 15^th:

Mass for the Sick (with anointing) – 3pm followed by tea and light entertainment. (This will fulfil the Sunday obligation).

Wednesday July 18^th:

Teddy Bears Picnic – church garden from 3.15pm (flyers in porch).  Supporting CWL charities.

First Communion - 2013.

Parents- if you have a child at present in year 2 please take a registration form as preparation is under way for next year.

Coloma School (Shirley) Fete next Saturday.

Marriage Convalidation:

Thanks to those couples, who have returned forms - please get them to me asap.

Were you at Mass on St Peter and St.Paul? (last Friday)

This was a holy day of obligation when ALL Catholics should have been at Mass.  It has the same status as a Sunday.  It is a matter of concern that so many people did not seem to be at Mass.

Please search your consciences about this.  The next weekday Holy Day is the Assumption of Our Lady –Wednesday August 15^th. Whether you are here or on holiday do make sure you get to Mass.

Every blessing, Fr Bryan.