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Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,258. Mass
attendance 698. |
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17th February (Saturday Vigil) |
First Sunday Of Lent 6pm People of The
Parish |
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Sunday 18th February |
9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Tom Evans RIP (B Evans) |
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Monday 19th February |
Feria 9.30am Betty & Tom
Cotter |
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Tuesday 20th February |
Feria 9.30am Gaspar Viegas RIP (L Da Cunha) |
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Wednesday 21st February (Whole School Mass) |
Feria 9.30am Luise
Furnell |
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10.45am Eucharistic Adoration |
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Thursday 22nd February |
The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle |
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9.30am Patrick Kirwan RIP (Wright Family) |
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Friday 23rd February |
Feria 9.30am David Hawkins RIP (The Hawkins Family) |
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24th February (Saturday Vigil) |
Second Sunday of Lent 6pm Margaret Thompson
RIP (Her Friends) |
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Sunday 25th February |
9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People of The Parish |
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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
This Week’s second
collection is for the Maintenance Fund. Next
week’s second collection is for CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day.
Fr David writes…
I believe that we all
have an Achilles heel. This is a unique
character weakness or vulnerability that at its worst has the potential to
bring us down but at a lesser degree, it can sap our happiness, energy, success
or fulfilment. We do not need an outside
enemy to sabotage our happiness or prevent our success. Frequently we do that by ourselves. We become our own internal nemesis. The Achilles heel is formed in childhood and
is the product of our early year experiences.
It is of course negative. We may
have many negative beliefs about ourselves, others and the world and hopefully
have some positive ones but our Achilles heel is recognizable for its strength
and pervasiveness. It feels fundamental
for us.
Some common Achilles
heels are thinking, feeling and believing that for example you are not good enough, you
are defective or bad, you are not lovable, you must be perfect, something
bad is going to happen etc.
If for example your Achilles heel is I am not good enough, you
will live on the edge waiting to be found out.
Feeling like an imposter. Trying
to be better. Judging yourself harshly. Afraid that when people really get to know
you they will realise what you already know.
It may hold you back from success, stop you going for promotions, stop
you attracting the right partner. It
will most certainly stop you shining in the way you could. That is where you are attacked by your demons. If you could change this core negative belief,
and completely believe you are good enough, a lot of tension, stress and self-doubt
would immediately be dropped. You’d be
more authentic, braver and resilient in your life.
Unfortunately, there is
no magic wand to change your Achilles heel.
Changing a negative core belief takes time, patience and work but it can
be done. We are tempted where we are
most vulnerable too. A person who does
not have a very good impression of oneself might also compensate by putting on
a mask of self -sufficiency and is attracted to corruption and abuse to feel
powerful or else end up being tempted by an addiction to fill the void he or
she within themselves. In a special way, when we feel out of our comfort zone, without
having our normal crutches at hand, when we are in our wilderness, we find ourselves
finding solace in our primal wound. It
could be our love for money, fame, sex, food, drink or gambling. That’s when we meet our demons head on. It is less probable that we are tempted when
we feel strong within ourselves, content with our life and having meaningful
relationships.
Paradoxically though,
it is when we are most vulnerable, we come in touch with our true self and God. The same Spirit that drove Jesus into the
wilderness, drives us into our own wilderness to rediscover God. Lent does call us to our interior wilderness,
to that place within us where we can turn off the noise and shut out the fears
and tensions of our lives to realise God’s grace. However, it is not an easy place to be. It is there that we are called to face our
mortality, to realise that our lives are all too brief and fragile. As Jesus was led to the wilderness to
confront himself and his mission before him, we are called to the wilderness of
our hearts and spirits to confront what we are making of this time we have been
given, what we want our lives to stand for, what we want to leave to those we
love. Lent calls us into the wilderness
of our hearts to turn away from the attitudes and behaviours that stain our
lives in selfishness, unhappiness and disappointments and turn towards the
values of God we seek to embrace.
During his forty days,
Jesus met wild animals, but also many angels on his way. Angels who took care of him were certainly
his parents, women who assisted him during his public life, those who shared
the values proposed by him and the choices he made, who stayed at his side,
served him and collaborated in his work of salvation. There are many even today, angels who in His
providence, the Lord makes appear especially in our darkest hours, besides us. One who can restore peace in the life of a
couple who are experiencing difficulties, who comforts the downcast and sick,
who points out the ways of God, who communicates joy and infuses hope is an
angel. In announcing the nearness of the
kingdom of God, Jesus has awakened in many ancient dormant hopes, in others
distrust, open hostility to those in power.
He envisioned a new society based on principles opposed to those which
had characterised the relations between people.
It is no longer domination, but service, not selfish hoarding of goods,
the pursuit of self-interest and the race to the top, but the choice to share
everything so that no one would be poor, not revenge but forgiveness and
unconditional love for the enemy.
At the start of Lent, the Church invites us to enter
our wilderness, to experience our frailty and vulnerability not to put us down,
but to help us to take a good look at ourselves and the choices that we are
making and see whether we are becoming better people by them or else feel
enslaved by them. Do I believe in the
possibility of change within me? Make a
list of 2-3 things in your life that you would like to change around in this
Lent. Pray for the gift of healing
especially of your Achilles heel to live a more authentic existence.
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.
Holy Baptism
This weekend we welcome, through Holy Baptism, Elsie
Grace Scutts and her parents Oliver and Danielle.
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.
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.
Evangelisation Pillar
Last Sunday Fr Fio
promoted his book INFINITE POWER! (Bible Gems for Daily Life).
The Repository has a
stock of these books for sale at £5 each.
Some are also available from the table opposite the main doors (please
give money to the Repository or into the “Papers” box at the back of the church).
Please also note that the Repository is at the back of
the church, is open after each Sunday Mass, and has a good
selection of religious items, crucifixes, plaques, cards, books for
adults and children, First Communion and Confirmation gifts, etc. Do come in and have a look around.
Women’s World Day of Prayer
The Women’s
World Day of Prayer 2018 worship service will be held on Friday 2 March at
2.00pm at the Southborough Baptist Church, Southborough Lane.
The
worship service this year has been written by the women of Surinam a country which
lies in the north eastern part of South America and the theme they have chosen
is “All God’s creation is very good”. Women
from our local churches will be taking part in the service and the sermon will
be delivered by the Revd Ben Marlowe, the minister of the Southborough Baptist
Church. We look forward to seeing you on
Friday 2 March.
Lenten Programme
Stations
of the Cross
Every Sunday in Lent at 4.00pm,
except on 4th March when it will be at
3.00pm. This is to allow Fr David
and yourselves to attend the Filipino Fiesta.
Evening
Talk on HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Wednesday
7th March 8.00pm
This will take place in the Community Hall, when Margaret Connell, one of our parishioners, will
explore this wonderful piece of music with us as part of our Lenten Preparation. She will talk about its composition and share
its messages of life and death, providence, sacrifice, resurrection and
redemption.
“…..Handel’s Messiah has been heard in all parts of the
kingdom with reverence and delight; it has fed the hungry, clothed the naked
and fostered the orphan…..” [Burney]
Lenten Reconciliation Service
Monday 12th March at
7.30pm.
Parish one day retreat at Worth Abbey
Saturday 17th March 2018
9:30am to 5:15pm at Worth
Abbey, near Turners Hill Village, West Sussex.
Theme: “Encountering the Lord in the Desert".
Cost: £10 per person.
Programme includes:
·
Celebrate Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Abbey Church
Participants are asked to
bring lunch which will be shared (to be organised). Transport will be provided via shared cars
(to be organised.). Fr David will be
coming with us. There are only 32
spaces, thus places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you wish to come, please
apply to the parish office ASAP by phone 01689 827100 or by email parish.office@stjamespettswood.org with
your name and contact details.
If you have any queries,
please email Ken Chan at ken.chan@stjamespettswood.org
St Patrick’s Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Monday 18
June from Gatwick, flying to Toulouse with coach transfer to Lourdes, four
nights full board at the Hotel Stella, and returning on Friday 22 June. Anyone interested please email evansrf@btinternet.com.
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 24th
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 24th
February!
St
James’ Youth Group
The next Junior Youth Group will be held on Saturday
24th February in the Community centre from Noon to 2pm. £1.50 per session - which includes lunch.
Social Pillar
Shrove Tuesday
The SVP would like to
thank everybody who attended the pancake event last Tuesday and for all who
helped and gave so generously. Special
thanks to Mary and Eve Ardron, Mark and Daniella
Edwards, Kate Benson and Peter Delf.
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.
CWL Quiz Night
On
Saturday 3rd March.
The
Catholic Women’s League will be holding their annual Quiz night on Saturday 3rd
March in the Community Centre. 7.45pm
for 8pm start
Entrance
is £6 and includes a light supper.
To
book places please phone 0208 467 3697.
Sunday 4th March -
Filipino Fiesta!
This event was completely sold out by Monday afternoon
and we are sorry if you were disappointed not to get tickets. Those whose orders were confirmed can collect
and pay for their tickets after Mass today at the main exit of the church. Thank you, J&P Group.
200 Club winners!
£100 Mr D Smyth No
151
£50 Mrs G Whitley No 102
£25 Mrs N Cleave No 67
£25 Mrs H Wright No 20
Congratulations to our winners. There are still places available for any new
parishioners or late comers. Please
contact Ken Evans for
details.
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.
CAFOD Family Fast Day
Friday 23 February
Family Fast Day is an opportunity to support our brothers and sisters
who don’t have enough to eat. On Friday
23 February can you give up a meal, or eat a simple meal, in solidarity? With malnutrition still killing almost three
million children a year, your fasting, prayers and donations will ensure more
of God’s children have enough decent food to eat.
And this Lent, your donation will make double the difference. For every pound you donate to CAFOD, the UK
Government will also donate a pound, meaning twice the number of lives can be
transformed. Twice the number of
children can have the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.
Please collect your Fast Day envelope as you leave Mass today and give
generously. Alternatively, you can use a
spare St James’ gift aid envelope but please write your reference number on it.
In light
of recent news reports you
may wish to know CAFOD has a statement about safeguarding vulnerable
communities and a you will find a copy on the notice board. There is also a link to the statement on our
website home page.
Job
Vacancies
St James'
RC Primary have vacancies for staff to work in Breakfast Club, After School
Club or as Mid-Day Supervisors. If you
cannot commit to five days you can choose to work part
time or ask us to keep you in reserve if we need cover. We can be flexible with days. Please contact the school office on 020 8467
8167 for more information and ask for an application form if you or anyone you
know is interested. St James' RC Primary
School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Polite Reminder
The Parish
disabled parking spaces are for Blue Badge holders only.
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.
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Saturday 24th February 2018 |
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Cleaning the Church |
CWL & Eucharistic Ministers |
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Wednesday Coffee 28th February |
T Forde, E Cushman |
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25th February 2018 |
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Mass |
Saturday 6pm (Vigil) |
Sunday 9.15am |
Sunday 11am |
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Welcomers |
A
Huntington |
L
& J Samuels |
S
Kavanagh P
Benson |
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Readers |
C
Kiely J
Bajorek |
Children’s
Mass |
N
D’Silva R
Morrison |
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Ministers of Holy Communion |
T
Babb B
Babb R
Wright A
Guyton P
Cantopher |
B
Cotta W
David B
D’Arcy T
Forde M
Smith |
P
Murray V
Terry N
Longhurst T
Willard K
Chan |
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Bar |
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P
Benson M
Wright |
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Coffee |
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L
Lynch S
Barradell |
P
Flockhart A
Huntington S
Ingle |
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Altar Servers |
O&J
McCabe A&D
Poulton Paulina P
Marshall J
Macfadyen |
J
Lench A
Lynch |
Z&E
Teare F
Ikenye J
Monaghan |
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Tellers |
L
Delamain, M Edwards |