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Mass Attendance at Mass last week was 669.
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Saturday 20/7/13 |
Feria 9.30am – People of the Parish
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Sunday 21/7/13 |
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm (Sat) – Mrs Elizabeth Coutts, RIP (H & T Forde) 9.15am – David Bridle, RIP (Barbara Bridle) 11am – Welfare of Sr. Eileen Kearns (M. Thompson) |
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Monday 22/7/13 |
No Monday Mass |
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Tuesday 23/7/13 |
St Bridget, religious, patron of Europe 9.30am – Elizabeth Coutts, RIP 7.15pm – NO EVENING Mass
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Wednesday 24/7/13 |
Feria 10am – Private Intention (David & Mary Kelly) St James’ Leavers’ Mass.
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Thursday 25/7/13 |
St James, apostle 9.30am – Welfare of Teresa Adams (F & S Simons)
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Friday 26/7/13 |
Ss Joachim and Ann, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9.30am – Jimmie & Mary O’Connor
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Saturday 27/7/13 |
Feria 9.30am – Holy Souls
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Sunday 28/7/13 |
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm (Sat) – People of the Parish 9.15am – Olive & Christopher Cosgrave, RIP (Howell Family) 11am – Delphine Otomosho, RIP (Otomosho Family) |
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Both today’s Old Testament and Gospel readings are abut hospitality. Abraham entertains three angels (unawares) - see icon in porch. And Mary and Martha entertain Jesus to a meal (not without sisterly squabbling!). One of the great things about entertaining people (I am frequently reminded) is that we listen to them and not go on about ourselves and our problems (mea culpa.) This seems to be at the heart of the Mary/Martha tension in today’s story. Martha is preparing the meal but Mary is listening to Jesus- and she, Jesus says has ‘chosen the better part.’ And so must we. Martha is doing great work- but nothing- absolutely nothing- should deflect us from ‘listening to Jesus.’ This ‘listening’ is crucial for us, for unless we deeply listen and internalise what Jesus has to say to us we shall be incapable of serving others properly. We shall also not really understand the gospel that Jesus teaches us (the good news from God). It is interesting that the opening word of the Rule of St. Benedict (did any of you dip into it last week ?) is ‘listen!’ And the Jewish schema starts with ‘Hear, O Israel.’ The Holy Koran starts with the word ‘read.’ Summer time is a great time to devour some good literature- on the beach, campsite or just in the garden (don’t forget to find something in our library.) What a wonderful story about young Malala Yousafzai. Here is a young girl who has really listened to God, who has suffered greatly, and who has the grace of forgiveness, life and hope. To my mind she embodies both Mary and Martha. Her speech at the UN was stunning- down-load it and have a listen. A genuine touch of holiness, I think. It’s all about girls today! Our own Zosia Bajorek is now in Rio for World Youth Day with Pope Francis having travelled out with a group from the diocese of East Anglia. Please remember her, and the thousands of young people who will be gathering to greet the Pope. Summer break is great but also a time when we can let spiritual things ‘slip’ and when other things (or people) can tempt us away from the practice of our faith. If you are going away plan where you will go to Sunday Mass and don’t forget the Assumption of Our Lady on Thursday August 15th – of obligation for us all (Masses here on the 14th at 8pm and 15th at 9.30am). Thursday will be our patronal saint- James the Great-Mass as usual at 9.30am. Do come if you are able. We hope next year (75th anniversary of the parish) to really celebrate his memory when the Archbishop will be with us (July 2014). Summer gives us all a chance to really listen to Jesus in many different ways and also to ‘listen’ to and appreciate the natural order. Why not sponsor a tree to commemorate a baptism, anniversary etc. or perhaps in memory of a loved one? As you will see the leaves on our porch ‘tree’ are increasing!! Application forms in carousel in porch. Stay cool! |
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Today (Sunday) Most of you know that the Fun Run (and barbecue) has been postponed (because of the heat) until Sept.8th. Many thanks to Chris Delf and his excellent team. Team members available after Mass today if you wish to chat. Roll on September!
Thank you for Orpington Foodbank food today- greatly appreciated.
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Work on the hall toilet refurbishment starts tomorrow (Monday) and will last for 9-10 weeks. Please take your flyer! However the hall is still available for most activities and the present ladies toilets will not be demolished until the new block is complete. Remember that facilities are also available in the church porch and in the corridor between hall and church.
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Please also take a flyer re: Autumn Festival (Oct. 5th) and ‘Leave the Car at Home Weekend’ (14/15 Sept.)
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Monday: Blackwater start work on toilets. CWL Meeting at 8pm
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Tuesday: Project Board (8pm, meeting room).
Firm Believers Walk and Picnic in Jubilee Park- part of our LiveSimply project- appreciating the beauty of our surroundings. All welcome: meet at the hall at 6.50pm carrying a simple picnic to share.
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Wednesday: Mass here at 10 am – with St. James’ School (leavers’ Mass.) 8.15pm-baptism rehearsal (church).
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In September..........
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Quiet Day- reminder- Saturday 7 Sept.at Christ Church, Willett Way, 9.30am-1.30pm, including shared lunch. ALL ARE WELCOME to come and pray quietly. Led by Sister Sheila Barrett. A follow-up to the highly successful Week of Accompanied Prayer held here last Lent- but not limited to those who participated then. This will be a relaxed and fruitful experience- I hope many of you will take part and enrich your experience of prayer. Please put this in your diary! |
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Mother and Toddler Group will start up again on Fridays 1.30pm-3.0.pm on 6 September. Kate Clubbs will lead this (parent.toddler@stjamespettswood.org) I know this will have a good take-up. |
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Planning Meeting for our 75th anniversary- summer 2014. Thursday 12th September at 8pm- an open meeting for anyone who has ideas and who would like to contribute in some way- especially parishioners who have been in the parish for a long time! Photos and other memorabilia will be welcome... |
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A poem for summer time by Hilary Allen reminding us perhaps of today’s gospel. The Lake The lake was still, tranquil in the morning light. I, too, was still, watching and listening. What would God say to me today?
A dragonfly danced and darted, Then rested beside me, Amber-iridescent in the sun. Being not doing.
God said I could be like that, Being not doing, Receiving his love. |