Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,430. Mass attendance 769.
3rd February (Saturday Vigil)	Fifth Sunday 6pm Neil Meehan RIP (Meehan Family) Noah Rothon RIP (Rothon Family)
Sunday 4th February	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People Of The Parish
Monday 5th February	Saint Agatha 9.30am John O’Sullivan (L O’Sullivan)
Tuesday 6th February	Saint Paulo Miki 9.30am Mary Casartelli
Wednesday 7th February	Feria 9.30am Maureen Thompson (F Simon)
	10.45am Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 8th February	Feria
	9.30am Gerald Byrne (G Mulroy)
Friday 9th February	Feria 9.30am Jimmie & Mary O’Connor
10th February (Saturday Vigil)	Sixth Sunday 6pm Anthony Olivelle RIP (M Olivelle)
Sunday 11th February	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Deceased Members Of The Crowley Family (Harrington Family)

Confessions heard Saturday 5.00-5.45pm or by appointment.

Morning Prayer: Takes place Monday – Friday at 9.10am. All are welcome to attend.

Pondering the Word (Lectio Divina)

A quiet reflective look at the following Sunday’s Gospel. Mondays 11am - 12 noon, except for Bank Holidays, here in the church. All welcome.

Sunday Mornings in the Community Centre

Every Sunday coffee and tea is served after the 9.15am and 11am Masses. Please join us for a while and get to know each other over a cuppa!

Second collection

Next week’s second collection is for Poor Parishes, this enables the Archbishop to make grants to some of the smaller parishes in the Diocese.

Fr David writes…

Jacques Maritain, the French Catholic Philosopher who was fundamental in developing and drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a mentor and long-time friend to Pope Paul VI once wrote “it is a lucky man who know why he suffers”. The question of suffering has fascinated and intrigued human beings since the beginning of life as we know it. Suffering and pain are part and parcel of the human condition. One can categorize pain into physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological. Pain and suffering connects us as humans and at the same time suffering can also isolate us. At the hospice, the philosophy around pain is that first you need to manage the physical pain before you can even start addressing the emotional, psychological and spiritual. At the same time, they see the patient holistically and so ultimately one needs to cater for all the dimensions of the human person. I have encountered people who had suffered all their lives and yet have a sense of gratitude, whilst I have encountered others whose threshold for suffering is very low and they experience despair and resentfulness in their own every day sufferings. Human beings are different. Our threshold for suffering differs from one to another. And yet when we are in the midst of pain, the natural cry that comes out of our depth is “Why me?”. Somehow it is connected with a sense of entitlement for a painless existence. Once we have been “lucky” enough to have suffered minimally, because maybe we have been sheltered from pain, we feel almost untrained when pain catches up with us. We feel lost and we find it very difficult to cope. Paradoxically, life needs to give us a share of pain in order to build up our inner resources to cope.

The first reading introduces us to Job. The story of Job is set in a fabulous country of the ancient Middle East. The main character is a servant of God, before rich and happy, then stuck by misfortune, lost his children, property and health. He is afflicted with sore boils from the sole of his foot up to his crown and lying on ashes, seeking relief by rubbing a crock. Even his wife is disgusted and giving free rein to her uncontrollable rage shouts “Do you still hold on to your integrity? Curse God and die”. Today’s reading contains his famous reflection on the condition of people on earth. Life is nothing but pain. Human beings are slaves subjected to enormous sacrifices from which they derive no benefit. They are labourers who toil from dawn to dusk in a field not their own, bear the scorching heat of the sun in the distressing wait for evening to arrive. “My eyes will never see happiness again” Job says. Why did God put such a good man in such a desperate situation? Why did he let him be born if he was going to have pain and misfortunes? Job is not resigned, he does not suffer in silence. He gives vent to his grief before the Lord and asks him to explain the reason for his afflictions and calamities. The prayer of Job is made of cries and tears.

Those who cry and scream their pain, even if they do not realise it, are invoking God, are asking for his light and strength. When addressing the issue of pain and suffering, it is essential to distinguish between moral sufferings and physical suffering. Human beings are most of the time the real culprits of the first. Auschwitz cannot be blamed on God, but those who have contrived to do such abuse. The problem remains open though. Can God intervene or not in human history? If he can, why does he not intervene? However, the real problem is constituted by suffering that does not depend on human beings. Natural disasters, genetic diseases, death. How can God allow these misfortunes especially to good people?

In today’s gospel, Jesus is confronted by suffering too. He does not give theological explanations. He does not wonder why misfortune, illness and pain exist in the world. Faced by tragedies of the world it is useless to blame God or people. The only thing to do is to be at the side of those who suffer and struggle with all our strength to make a difference in their lives. The first report we hear is about the healing of Peter’s mother in law. Jesus approached her, took her by the hand and lifted her back on her feet, and she began to serve them. It is the shortest of the stories of miracles in the gospels but all the details in the story are significant. The disciples are faced with the difficulty in which they do not know how to cope. They speak about it to Jesus. They had to dialogue with him. Once they speak to him about the sick woman, Jesus approaches her. We are also called to be next to people who need our help in their suffering. Then Jesus takes the hand of Peter’s mother in law and raises her up. The sick woman is lying in bed, unable to move, prisoner of the fever. She represents the whole of humanity to which Jesus approaches to introduce her to a new condition. Jesus then gets busy and almost overwhelmed with the needs and demands of those who needed healing. The next day, when it was still dark, he left the house and in the solitude of the mountains, in the quiet of the night he turned to God with personal prayer. Prayer is not an escape from life’s difficulties nor a naïve request for a miracle. Prayer is an encounter with the One who helps us to unload our burdens and sufferings. In this sense, we do not feel on our own. We might never unpack completely the question of suffering. However, like Jesus we are called to be there for those who do.

The Sign of Peace During Mass

As we are in the middle of winter, and flu and cold viruses are currently very active, it will be perfectly ok (and probably much wiser!) for the time being to offer each other 'the Sign of Peace’ at Mass by simply nodding and smiling to those near you but without shaking hands. This will hopefully help our parish community to maintain good health, as far as possible, so thank you for your cooperation.

“Drop-In” Evening Surgeries

The next surgery will be on Wednesday the 21st February 2018. Fr David will be available at 281A Crescent Drive from 5.00-7.00pm and no appointment is necessary.

Liturgy Pillar

Eucharist Adoration

This takes place for an hour each Wednesday shortly after the morning Mass starting at 10.45 am and finishing at 11.45 am. This Devotion to the Eucharist is a time of silent prayer and quiet music. Everyone is welcome for all or part of this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Eucharistic Ministers

On Monday 12th February at 8pm in the church there will be a meeting for all existing Eucharistic Ministers and anyone interested in becoming a Eucharistic minister.

Easter Choir (children)

After the success of the children's choir at Christmas 2017, we are starting to prepare for an even better Easter choir with the children. This time around in addition to singers, we are also looking for children who can play a musical instrument (violin, cello, recorder, guitar and the like) at grade 3 level approximately.

Rehearsals will be held at the church every Sunday afternoon 4.30 - 5.30pm starting from 18th Feb. If your child is aged 6-13 and would enjoy singing and/or playing for the Easter children's Mass on 1st April 2018, please email your interest to jennifer.baracho@gmail.com. Hoping to have a strong turnout and we look forward to enhancing this liturgical service with the talented children in our parish.

Pre-Lenten Preparation

Is the Word of God Alive and Active in us?

How can the Bible help us towards a Joyful and Fulfilling Life?

In a series of 3 stand-alone talks in Beckenham, Petts Wood and Bromley, Fr Fio Mascarenhas SJ, an international speaker, will help us explore this theme between 6^th to 8^th February. St James’ will host on Wednesday 7^th February 8pm in the Community Hall. You are warmly invited to come to this talk and to any of the other evenings. For more details, see poster around the Church or contact Ken Chan on ken.chan@stjamespettswood.org

Healing Mass

Sunday 11th February 6pm

Fr Fio Mascarenhas SJ will be celebrating a Healing Mass at St. James on this special Sunday which is the World Day of the Sick (instituted by Pope St. John Paul II) in commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes. Light refreshments will be served in the Community Hall after the Mass. If you need help with transport to come to this special Mass, please contact the parish office on 01689 827100

Parish One day retreat at Worth Abbey

Saturday 17th March 2018

More information to follow, but please put this date in your diary.

Pastoral Pillar

St James The Great 'Memory Café'

On Tuesday 6th February we will be starting a Dementia Café here at St James’ and it will be taking place on the first two Tuesdays of each month from 2pm to 3.30pm in the Community Centre. This will be a time for guests with dementia and their carers to come for refreshments and a chat in a comfortable and safe environment and if they wish, join in with activities such as quizzes, games and music. If you would like to know more, please contact: pastoral.care@stjamespettswood.org or telephone the Parish Office: 01689 827100. We look forward to welcoming you!

Communication Pillar

We are looking for someone with an interest in graphic design to help the webmaster refresh the look and feel of the Parish website. We also need advice on the best way to use the Facebook page. If you are able to help, please contact the parish office at parish.office@stjamespettswood.org. Thank You.

Youth Pillar

Faith in Action Award 2018: Final chance to register!

Faith in Action is a national award scheme for young people aged between 9-18yrs. There are four levels of the award - Pin, Bronze, Silver and Gold and each one challenges young people to make a difference in the world through service to others. By combining practical activities which positively contribute to the lives of others and regular opportunities for spiritual reflection, Faith in action candidates will also develop their unique gifts and talents, as well as making valuable friendships with others from across the deanery. To register online and find out more about the award, please visit: www.bromleydeanery.org. You can also register on Saturday 24^th February at our first Reflective Session which takes place from 3-6pm at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Plaistow Lane, Bromley. Look out for posters around the Church, ask in your parish office or email: susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to seeing you on 24^th February!

Social Pillar

The Friends of St James'

We’re making some changes to support the Friends of St James' and to help to develop the role and activities of this new parish group. So there will now be a very direct link between the Friends and the leader of the Social Pillar of the PPC, Mary O’Mahony.

There will be a meeting on Thursday 22nd February at 8pm in the Community Centre to explain our plans more fully. So, Fr David would like to invite anyone who’s interested in these changes to attend this meeting, whether you are currently a member of the Friends, or would just like to know more about what’s happening.

Lift up your heads, O Gates!

Monday 12th February, 2pm

Explore the varied and fascinating history of the City of London – the Square Mile, from its ancient origins, as a Catholic capital, and then to the Reformation and beyond. Meet at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, Southwark. SE1 1TA.

Shrove Tuesday 13th February

Sign up on the sheet in the Church porch if you wish to eat hot delicious pancakes on Tuesday 13^th February from 5pm to 7pm. Booking numbers restricted to the first 35 who sign up. Book fast to guarantee a place as this event is not to be missed.

Filipino Fiesta

Join us for food, music, dancing and fun at a fundraising fiesta on Sunday 4th March. The J&P Group has joined forces with our wonderful Filipino community at St James' to stage this family event in the Community Centre from 4.00-7.00pm. We will be at every Mass next weekend to give more details, distribute flyers and take orders for tickets. Adults £10, children £5, family ticket £30. There will be children's activities including the chance to be photographed in a hammock on our pretend beach. This is the main event for our Parish Project in 2018 so we hope many parishioners will come to enjoy themselves and support Fr Joe Cremona's parish in the Philippines. Email us at ff@stjamespettswood.org to pre-order tickets or ask questions.

Lost Property

All lost property is being displayed at the back of the church. Please collect any items that you may have lost. All unclaimed items will be taken to a charity shop next week.

Justice & Peace

Foodbank requests

The requirements have changed slightly from last week. The most pressing needs are for long life milk, long life fruit juice, biscuits, tinned potatoes, rice, jellies and instant whips. Any offers of toiletries and household goods are always welcome too. However, long life milk is the most urgently needed item. Thank you. J&P Group.

Seeing a Chaplain if You Are Admitted to Hospital

· Protecting personal information (data protection) is really important when you become an inpatient in hospital.

· So please specifically ask hospital staff to pass on your details to the hospital’s Roman Catholic chaplain as soon as you are admitted if you would like a Chaplain to visit you.

· Fr David would always be very happy to visit you too, so please ask a relative or friend to let him know about your admission. You, or they, can email Fr David on father.david@stjamespettswood.org, or phone the parish office on 01689 827100.

Weekend Rotas: Thank you for helping.

Saturday 10th February 2018
Cleaning the Church	S Lams, L Monsah, D Generowicz, K Salter

Wednesday Coffee 14th February

S Barradell, M Howell

11th February 2018
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)	Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	T Connolly	C Cook L Thomas	Uniformed Groups
Readers	D Woolston I Stewart	R Lim S Cotta	Parade Mass
Ministers of Holy Communion	J Bajorek H Rothon J Callinan P Crosland P Driscoll	S Cotta B Cotta W David B D’Arcy T Forde	R Mwansa K Chan K Evans A Evans S Ingle
Bar			P Cosgrave R Monaghan
Coffee		D Delf F Curran E Aletta	T Troy J Cosgrave
Altar Servers	J Lench O Rothon O&J McCabe N Cracknell A&D Poulton R&F Norman-Brown Paulina	J MacFadyen P Marshall	Z&E Teare V Marcolina J Monaghan F Ikenye