Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,403.  Mass attendance 725.
Sunday  7^th May (Saturday Vigil)	Fourth Sunday Of Easter 6pm  Johanna Ashton RIP (Kathleen Griffin)
	9.15am  Terence Quinlan RIP (S Watson) 11am  Patrick & Lilly O’Connor RIP (Scott Family)
Monday 8th May	Feria 9.30am Josephine & Seamus McMorrow
Tuesday 9th May	Feria 10.00am  Funeral Mass for Francesca Margaux Sio (Please note change of Mass time)
Wednesday 10th May	Feria 9.30am  Gene Durbin RIP (G & B Ford)
	10.45am  Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 11^th May	Feria
	9.30am Welfare Of The Children (Fernandes Family)
Friday 12th May	Feria 9.30am  Claire Draper RIP (Simon Family)
Sunday 14^th May (Saturday Vigil)	Fifth Sunday Of Easter 6pm  Bridie O’Neill RIP (M Scott) 9.15am Francesca Margaux Sio RIP (Mr and Mrs John Sio) 11am  Frank Molloy RIP (Leish O’Sullivan)

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.

Offertory collections

This week’s second collection is for Ecclesiastical Education.

Fr David writes…

If we are honest with ourselves, our pursuit for happiness underpins most of the choices and decisions we make in life.  Our deepest desire is to be fully happy.  Our fantasy is that all our dreams will come true.  We embark on a relationship hoping that it will satisfy all our deepest longings.  We celebrate the acquisition of a new house deeply believing that it will provide for us a real sense of home.  We change our job certain that this one will definitely give us job satisfaction and financial stability.  Our desperate desire for happiness is so strong that it pushes us to do drastic and sometimes mad, irrational and out of character choices.  Sometimes all our principles are thrown out of the window for the desired attainment of happiness.  The pursuit of which blinds us sometimes from noticing the pain and the hurt of those who love us.  We become self-centred and selfish.

To top it all we are bombarded by different messages.  Messages that emanate from within and others which demand our attention from outside.  There are the messages that we have acquired in early childhood.  Messages that inform us of our self-worth or lack of it, enhancing our self-confidence or destroying it.  Messages about ourselves that empower us and others which disempower us.  Messages which are classified as positive or negative, that are expressed by parents, siblings or significant others like teachers and carers.  These messages create our internal critique.  Then there are messages that pressure us to conform to what our culture and society decides to be of value, appropriate and acceptable or not.  So when we deliberately refuse, for some reason or another, to conform, the message is one of rejection.  Amidst all of this, we yearn to remain authentic and true to ourselves.  Most of the time, being cluttered with different messages, we tend to loose ourselves.  Trying to appease all the diverse messages, we feel fragmented within and disconnected from our truth.  Who am I in reality?  What really makes me happy?  What do I truly believe in?  Who is the one that really calls me by name?

In today’s gospel, Jesus is speaking to us in figurative language.  He is comparing himself to the good shepherd.  And he is comparing us to a flock of sheep.  The good shepherd is there to protect his sheep from thieves and bandits and also knows his sheep by name.  And the sheep will hear the voice of their master and follow him.  Naming is a powerful way of connecting with another.  By naming we make the other person become visible and also gives us worth and dignity.  When we do not know the name of someone, he or she remains invisible to us.  Psychologically speaking names are imprinted deeply in our psyche giving us our own identity and personality.  By this allegory, Jesus is reassuring us that he desires to have an intimate relationship with each one of us.  He wants to enter our story.  He desires to love us with an unconditional love.  In fact, although there is a gate, it is there for protection not to hinder us.  According to him we can go in and out.  He allows us the freedom that we need.  However, it is very difficult to listen to the voice of God, when we are completely overwhelmed with other voices.  The voice of God is cluttered by other voices.  Our own voice is also silenced and in the process we lose ourselves.  We feel disconnected from our own reality and God.  God desires us to be true to ourselves and feel connected with Him, ourselves and others.  To be able to do so though, we need to spend time in silence, away from the clutter of the everyday hectic pressures.  Socrates’ famous statement “know thyself”, is fundamental to any choice and decision we make.  It grounds us in our reality.  It connects us with our true self.  God knows us at that level of truth.  We cannot try to impress him by pretending to be another.  Once we embark on this very essential journey of self- knowledge and self- acceptance, then we are led to choose a lifestyle or vocation which expresses our being.  Today is also Vocation Sunday.  We are invited to celebrate the gift of our own calling in life whatever it might be.  I would also like to pray for our young people who might be in the process of discerning how God wants them to be happy and make a difference in life.

Holy Baptism

This weekend we welcome, through Holy Baptism: Lucas Gregory and his parents Martin and Susana; and Tadhg Mensah and his parents Denzel and Linda.

“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery

The next Drop-in Surgery will take place on Tuesday 9th May between 5pm – 7pm.  Please call at 281a Crescent Drive.  No appointments are necessary.

Liturgy Pillar

Eucharist Adoration

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.

First Friday of Month - Eucharist Adoration also takes place on the 1^st Friday of each month from 7.30 pm – 9pm and concludes with Benediction.  Everyone is welcome for all or part of this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Mass in celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage

St George’s Cathedral 17^th June 2017.  If you are celebrating your 1^st, 10^th, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th or 60^th+ wedding anniversary this year and would like to attend the Mass then please give in your names as soon as possible.  Forms can be found at the back of church.

A Thank you ….

Volunteers Event Saturday 3^rd June 7.00 to 10.00pm

At the end of a beautiful and moving Easter season, I was once again reminded of the many gifts held by so many in our parish.  With this in mind I am now inviting all volunteers in the parish to an evening on Saturday 3rd June to say thank you for your service.

So if you are a member of any of the groups below please contact the office before May15th so that we can finalise numbers for catering.

Are you a church cleaner, a Welcomer, a Reader, a Eucharistic Minister, a Catechist?

Do you help with the bar, serving coffees, collecting and counting money?

Do you help with any of the uniformed groups or in the parish office?

Are you a member of the finance committee, J&P or the PPC?

Are you a server or involved in providing music at any of the Masses?  (Year 8 and above because there will be a different event for the younger volunteers.)

Do you prepare the flowers for the church?

Do you lead any of the various groups: CWL, Knights, Parent Toddler, Friends of St James’, Liturgy Group, Dad & Me?

If for any reason you are not on these lists please contact the parish office to book your spot at the event.

I hope as many people as possible will attend and allow me on behalf of the parish to say thank you for your service.

Every Blessing

Fr David and the Parish Pastoral Council.

Fr David would like to thank Monica and Chris Cahill

for bringing to the Parish last weekend the London Concert Chorus.  They brought with them a wonderful evening of music and entertainment.  The event raised an amazing £1,800.

The Friends of St James' – Coffee and pastries

You’re invited by the Friends of St James' to come and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea (or squash for little people!) and a pastry after both Masses this Sunday in the Community Centre.  Meet members of our Parish and chat over a cup of coffee or tea and find out more about the Friends, what the group does, and the events it has planned for 2017.  Hot drinks are free to anyone wearing a Friends badge.  We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Summary of the meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council (the PPC) held on 26^th April 2017

The PPC organises its work under the headings of eight ‘pillars’.  These include Pastoral Care, Evangelisation, Communication, Liturgy, Young Church, the Social Life of the Parish, Finance and Maintenance.  Each pillar has nominated leaders, working with other parishioners, to support activities in these areas.

Part One of the meeting when parishioners are welcome to attend or to raise enquiries via email.

· There were no attendances by parishioners at this meeting.  However one enquiry had been raised about whether the parish could provide young peoples’ Mass books.  Fr David would refer this matter to the Liturgy Pillar for consideration.

· An enquiry from a parishioner at the last meeting about the timing of offertory collections was still being considered.

· An enquiry raised in December 2016 about a Hive remote control system for heating in the church and Community Centre was under review.  Alternatives included the possible introduction of a simple thermostat and members would advise the person who raised this enquiry when the outcome was known.

During Part Two of the meeting

the PPC’s discussions included for example:

a) The PPC noted with grateful thanks Fr David’s recent con-celebration of Mass with Pope Francis.  Fr David spoke of the special characteristics of Pope Francis’ warmth.  Fr David said that Pope Francis had sent blessings to St James’ school, and to the parish, and this was very much appreciated by all.

b) The PPC noted the need for a license for screening films or programmes for parishioners in the Community Centre

c) The future development of parish based evangelisation and education programmes was being actively explored.

d) The Pillars would shortly be seeking specific skills and talents amongst parishioners to help support their work for, and the future development of, the parish.

e) The Communications Pillar was considering how to improve and develop the parish website; how to consolidate our Facebook page; and how to improve financial reporting.

f) The Finance Pillar was developing its framework for accounting, property management and fundraising.

g) The Pastoral Care Pillar was developing bereavement support frameworks and teams.  A service for bereaved families would be held on Sunday 25^th June at 3pm and invitations were currently being coordinated.

h) The Parish’s Annual General Meeting would be held on Wednesday 21^st June at 8pm.

i) On July 9^th the parish would be invited to celebrate Fr David’s 25^th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Pat together with (hopefully) a fun-run and a garden party to follow.

j) Mrs Bosher would be retiring as head teacher of St James’ school in July.

k) The parish would be holding a workshop on Pope Francis’ letter ‘Amoris Laetitia’ on 14^th October.

Parishioners are welcome to come and talk to members for half an hour before each meeting and raise suggestions and queries.  To raise an issue for discussion by the full PPC, or to make an enquiry, please email ppc@stjamespettswood.org, or drop a note into the Parish office so that your issue can be considered.

Parish Life……

On Sunday May 7th and 14th the Confirmandi will be washing cars to raise funds for St Helen’s in Peru.  Bring your cars to the top car park before the 9.15 and 11.00 masses ready to be collected at the end of Mass.  The cost is £5.  If any regulars at the 6.00 mass want their cars washed they are very welcome to bring them along on Sunday morning.  Thanking you for your support.

Parish AGM

The Parish’s Annual General Meeting (the AGM)

This year’s AGM is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 21st June at 8pm in the Community Centre.  The meeting will include information about, and from, the PPC and parish groups and activities.  The Parish Groups are invited to prepare a presentation giving us an overview of the year and their aims for the next.  All parishioners are very welcome to attend so please put this date in your diary now.  We will let you know more in the coming weeks.  Thank you.

Thank you from the London Concert Chorus

and conductor George Tormann, for the wonderful reception we had at Sunday’s concert.  Your welcome was enthusiastic and thank you to Fr David for inviting us.

Catholic Youth Ministry Mini-Module – Sunday 21^st May 2017.

If you are called to youth ministry, have ideas and suggestions that you would like to put into practice for the youth in your parish or simply would like to know more about how to get involved, you are invited to attend the ‘Catholic Youth Ministry Mini-Module’ on Sunday 21^st May at 2pm at St Joseph’s Church (Upper Room), Plaistow Lane, Bromley.  Get together with other youth ministers from parishes across Bromley to learn what is on offer for the youth of our deanery, share experiences and best practice and discover the wide range of support available to help shape a dynamic and engaging youth ministry programme in your parish.  For more information: http://www.bromleydeanery.org/catholic-youth-ministry-mini-module-21st-may-2017/ (RSVP: susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org).  We look forward to seeing you!

Justice & Peace Group

There is a talk to be held in the Holy Trinity Convent on Thursday 11th May at 7.30pm on the peace process in Colombia.  We are fortunate to have someone who worked on the negotiations for many years to give his insight into this process.  It is free and refreshments will be available.  Access to the convent is through the car park of St Joseph’s Church, Plaistow Lane Bromley.

Manna Society

With homelessness in London particularly, on the increase, the great work of the Manna Society can't happen without the support and generosity of people!  As a parish we have been generously supporting this worthy cause through 6-monthly collections over a number of years.  The next collection will be on the weekend of 13-14 May 2017.  Take a look at the display at the back of the church for more information and ideas of items that are much needed!

Plant Stall

This is in aid of St Helen’s Parish, Peru 20th & 21st May.  Please consider if you have anything suitable if you are gardening.  Any enthusiastic gardener who would be interested in helping at the sale would be most welcome to join the team.  Enquiries to di.betts@stjamespettswood.org

Teaching Vacancies

Saint Anselm’s Catholic Primary School, Dartford have two job vacancies required from September 2017.  Positions available are Assistant Headteacher and KS2 class teacher.  Please see notices at the back of the church.

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.

14th May
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)		Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	M Gallagher		L & J Samuels	Uniformed Groups
Readers	C Kiely J Bajorek		C D’Souza H Denham	Parade Mass
Ministers of Holy Communion	H Rothon M Cahill C Cahill J Callinan P Crosland		T Forde M Smith M Howell S Cotta A Ward	Z Bajorek T Troy B Bridle A Bunnage P Murray
Coffee			D Delf F Curran	M Harrington S Paris R Scott
Bar		B Fleeman P Troy

Tellers

L Lynch, M Ardron

Saturday 13^th May
Cleaning the Church	S Lams, L Monsah, D Generowicz, K Salter, M Gallagher