How is your Lent going?

I hope you are finding the environment sheets helpful (today’s is on the use of energy.) It ties in with today’s first reading – the story of Moses’ encounter with God at the Burning Bush.  Moses realizes he is in the divine presence (“numinous”) and God tells him to take off his shoes because he is on holy ground.

Today, more than ever, we are coming to see the whole of creation as “holy ground” and this is why, as Catholics, we ought to be concerned about the right use of God’s world.  In fact, in doing so, we are loving God and are carrying out God’s command to us humans to steward the world, and to tend it according to his plan. Next week we shall think about reducing waste and pollution.

In his great letter to the Romans, Chapter 8, St Paul tell us that the whole created universe is waiting with eager expectation for its redemption.  We can play our small part in making this happen – do take a sheet as you leave Mass today.   

Our community here at St James is growing fast! A very warm welcome to newcomers and we hope you will soon feel at home in our parish.  Please remember to register and take a copy of our parish handbook (from porch).  Also do come in to the adjoining hall for coffee after Mass (Sundays).   

Notices and Items of interest
Today  7/3/10	Choir for Holy Week and Easter – 3.15pm – 4.45pm Stations of the Cross – 5pm (lasts 30 minutes) School applicants – please do not forget to register after Mass!
Monday 8/3/10	Confirmation preparation 7pm (retreat forms to Fr. Bryan by today please) Evangelium – 8.30pm: The Church (it’s divine foundation, etc)
Tuesday 9/3/10	Mass at 7.15pm Justice and Peace Group- 8pm “The Lord does deeds of justice, gives judgement for all who are oppressed.” (Today’s responsorial psalm.) Do come and get involved. Petts Wood Festival Chorus - 8pm
Thursday 11/3/10	Mission and Planning Team (MaP)- 7.45pm in the meeting room
Sunday 14/3/10	Fourth in Lent and Mothering Sunday. We shall honour all mothers in the usual way 12.45pm - Baptism of Naina Maria Ganapathy (18mths) Holy Week choir practice - 3.15pm Stations of the Cross -5pm Taize meeting ( not service) - 7pm social centre – for all who have been to Taize.
Thursday 18/3/10	7pm Lenten Penitential Service I do encourage everyone to come and make their confession before Easter (we hope to have about 6 priests) and we have timed the service so that families with young children can attend.  Parents (especially with  children in Year 4 and upwards) please encourage your children to receive God’s grace in this wonderful way – you are their first and best of teachers!
Saturday  20/3/10	KSC Family race night.  St James Social Centre first race 7pm. Tickets from Peter Benson or Frank Simon. Full details on  parish website
Monday 22/3/10	Passover Supper Celebration - 7.30 pm -9pm in the social centre.  Symbolic food (not a main meal). All are welcome as we discover more of the meaning of the Jewish Passover and its intimate connection with the Christian Eucharist. A collection will be taken to cover expenses. Space is limited, so please reserve your places on the sign-up sheet (available in the church porch). Also, can you offer help in setting up the Hall on the day (Monday 22nd March), from 2.30 - 4.30 pm? Let Chris or Doreen know -. Many Thanks.
Saturday 27/3/10	Church clean up for Easter (9am -12noon). Can you please spare an hour or two to prepare the church for Holy Week and Easter – please sign list in porch. These mornings are always great fun and there will be plenty of refreshments! – Many thanks.
Mass in celebration of the sacrament of marriage. If you are celebrating your 10^th, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th, or 60^th+ wedding anniversary you are most welcome to renew your vows at a special Mass in the cathedral on Saturday June 12^th (afternoon). (List in porch).

Many thanks to those who helped with the Taize service last Sunday which many found very prayerful. Next service: Sunday March 28^th at 7pm.  These services are for everyone, Catholic or not.

Every blessing.  Fr. Bryan

Mass attendances last week were 737.

Mass Intentions for Sunday  7^th March 2010 Third Sunday of Lent
Sunday	6pm	Breda Mary Fitzgerald (Monica Kelly)
	10am	The O’Connor family RIP (Ned)
	11.30am	People of the Parish
Monday    Feria	9.30am	Kenneth Jackson Rip
Tuesday Feria	9.30am	Deceased Members of the Fenner family (Found)
	7.15pm	Michael O’Neill RIP (the McCarthy family)
Wednesday Feria	9.30am	Mrs Mary Warrior RIP (Denis Nelligan)
Thursday Feria	9.30am	Bill Gudge RIP (Denis Nelligan)
Friday Feria	9.30am	Edith Mary George RIP (the George family)
Mass Intentions for Sunday  14^th March 2010;  Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)
Sunday	6pm	People of the Parish
	10am	Deceased Members of the Kelly family (Margaret Kelly)
	11.30am	John and Lily Colonnesse RIP (Ned)

Morning Prayer:- Monday - Friday at 9.10am

Weekday Masses:- Monday- Friday at 9.30am and Tuesday 7.15pm  

Confessions are heard:- Saturday at 5.30-6pm and Monday at 10-10.30am

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:- Mondays at 10-10.30am

Don’t forget to visit our parish website:  www. stjamespettswood.org