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Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven and we warmly welcome Bishop Pat Lynch, our area bishop, who is here on parish visitation. Last Friday Bishop Pat confirmed 32 of our young people. On Saturday afternoon he visited several of our home communicants, and this afternoon (Sunday) he will meet with members of our parish pastoral teams. On Thursday, Bishop Pat will visit St. James’ School, and will offer Mass for the children and staff. I do hope you will manage to have a word with him after Mass - we hope he enjoys his visit to our parish.
Bishop Pat will bless a new parish banner at the end of 11am Mass. The LiveSimply banner has been made out of recycled material by Shirley Rutter of the Monday Craft Club. It will be brought up by young people confirmed on Friday. The LiveSimply scheme is being planned for launch later in the summer.
Today is also Communications Sunday (2nd collection) - the crucial work of the church in the media. Please support.
What do we actually mean by the ‘Ascension’? As so often, it is poetry which gives us a clue. This is called ‘Perspective’ by the poet Ann Lewin:
Ascension means a God-like view of things, Rising above our usual Limitations. Rise, then, and know of a life Set free from fear.
Next Sunday is Pentecost. At his Ascension Jesus told his disciples to wait and to pray - and the Spirit would come upon them. And so must we. We pray especially for those adults who will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at 11 am next Sunday: Yana Maquiera, Carole and Peter Robinson and Aima and Mark Hermeling.
Some more poetry by the same poet - this time ‘Wait for the Spirit’:
Wait.... Without expectation Which might focus Attention too narrowly, So that we miss the coming.
Wait with expectancy, alert, Hearts, minds, hands, ears Open to receive the gift. |
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Mass attendances last Sunday were 727. |
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Sunday 20/5/12 |
The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ (B) 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – Elwyn Ingrams & Family (Michael Ingrams) 11am – William & Nora Kirwan RIP (Roger & Ellen Wright)
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Monday 21/5/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Forde & Kelly Family RIP (H & T Forde)
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Tuesday 22/5/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Richard Mages RIP (Louise Mages)
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Wednesday 23/5/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Ann & Peter Ruggiro & Family
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Thursday 24/5/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Christine Cattaway RIP
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Friday 25/5/12 |
St Bede the Venerable, priest 9.30am – Mrs Sullivan’s Family
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Sunday 27/5/12 |
Pentecost (B) 6pm – Edmund Rutter RIP (Family) 9.15am – People of the Parish 11am – Mark Newlands RIP (Deasy Family)
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Monday: Post-Confirmation session. Social Centre 7pm (parents please return youth festival slips and money.)
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Tuesday: Petts Wood Churches Together. 8pm - Friends Meeting House.
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Wednesday: Journey in Faith (those received at Easter). 8pm-281A. Those to be received next Sunday - rehearsal in church at 9pm. Initial meeting for Autumn Festival-Social Centre at 8pm. Please come with ideas!!
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Thursday: Bishop Pat in St. James’ School (11am) (Mass as usual here at 9.30am). Project Board (Hall Development). Meeting room at 8.15pm. Baptism preparation (for couples who have been invited) - church- 8.15pm.
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Saturday: First Communion Mass rehearsals in church (between 10am and 12.30pm).
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Sunday (Pentecost) Adults received at 11am Mass. Taize service at 7pm.
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The paintings sale last weekend raised (with Gift Aid and match-funding) £870 for CAFOD!! A wonderful effort - many thanks to all who purchased. |
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ADVANCE NOTICES: |
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Wednesday May 30th: Meeting to plan the newcomers afternoon (June 9th). All Welcomers please, plus any who can help.......meeting room 8pm.
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Sunday July 8th – Fun Run!! Get in training now folks, (only 5 km).......and take a form from the porch, fill it in and pop it into the marked box. A great way to raise that final bit of funding for the roof! Followed by parish picnic in the garden.
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Bereavement Support: We have an experienced group in the parish who are happy to help whenever asked. Please let Fr. Bryan know and he will network you.
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Welcome to visitors to our parish today. Refreshments are served in the adjoining hall after the 9.15 and 11 am Masses - do come in for a short while..….
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A big thank you to everyone who helped with the confirmation Mass on Friday. It was a wonderful occasion. We have every confidence in our young people – may they feel encouraged to take a new part in our community as young adults, sealed with the Spirit for service.
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So now......we wait.......... Fr Bryan |