Welcome to our weekly newsletter.  We hope you enjoy your time at St James’ and we look forward to seeing you again next week.

Thank you for your offerings on 8^th January of £1,892 and on 15^th January of £1606.  Mass attendances were 902 and 833 respectively

Sunday 22^nd January	Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
6pm (Saturday Vigil)	Terence Quinlan RIP
9.15am	People of the Parish
11am	Margaret Walsh RIP (Benson Family)
Monday 23^rdJanuary	Feria
9.30am	Margaret Jackson RIP (Monday Club)
Tuesday 24^th January	St Francis de Sales, Bishop
9.30am	Jessie DeClozets RIP (Jeanne Craen)
Wednesday 25^th January	The Conversion of St Paul, Apostle
9.30am	Mary Reid RIP (K.  Mooney)
Thursday 26^th January	Ss Timothy and Titus, Bishops
9.30am	Charles Faria RIP (Jeanne Craen)
Friday 27^th January	Feria
9.30am	Desmond Fortes RIP (Emil & Genny Rebello)
Sunday 29^thJanuary	Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
6pm (Saturday Vigil)	People of the Parish
9.15am	Relatives and Friends of Marie Porter (Foundation Mass)
11am	Paul Southby – Recovery (Bartlett & Bridle Families)

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.

Fr David writes

It is such a pleasure to meet people who have a passion for what they do.  They get excited talking about their job.  Their eyes light up as they describe to you their dreams and their goals.  Their voices seem to get louder as they narrate to you the ways they are planning to develop their task.  There is a sense of pride in their voice.  Deep down I know, when I am in the presence of such a person, that the firm or organisation they are working for is lucky to have them.  The job stops being just a money making machine but transforms itself into a project of love.  You also know that they feel privileged to be working in that sphere.  It is a joy for them and for the people around them.  This is particularly true about those people who are working in the human resources profession.  But not exclusively.  Not everyone is able to work within the human resources professions such as the medical staff, the educational staff, the mental health personnel or even those who work within a church context.  We describe these professions as vocational.  In these particular areas of profession, there needs to be a complementing of personality traits and skills.

At the time as a Chaplain in a hospital, I have been privileged to meet a lot of dedicated medical staff.  They did inspire me by their bedside manner.  Their genuine desire to connect with the patient as a person.  Their desire to listen to the patient’s anxieties and fears.  On the other hand, unfortunately, I also did meet people who according to me should have never been employed to be a doctor, consultant, health care assistant or nurse.  It was very apparent to me that they were not called to be in that profession at all.  They could have been good in their skills but in regards to social interaction, they lacked the sensitivity to encounter patients as human beings.  They saw the patient as a number.  As human beings we yearn for someone to acknowledge us as unique individuals.  Instead some lacked this awareness.  And so the Medical Training Schools, the Seminaries, the Educational Training universities should screen out people who they think would not be suitable for the job.  This is a matter of justice towards the candidates themselves but also towards the people whom they would be serving in the future.  People, who are not working in areas of their calling, can never be content in their job and many a time, they would inflict this dissatisfaction on the people they are working with.  They might be excellent in other areas of expertise.  So a genuine process of discernment needs to happen by the candidates themselves but also by those who are training them.

When Matthew writes of the call of the first disciples, there is no suggestion of any hesitation on the part of the four fishermen.  His story is simple.  Jesus calls them and they follow him.  They are being called.  There is no hint about where they are going; there is no detailing of what discipleship will involve.  Nothing is promised.  Nothing is signed.  Obviously things did not happen as abruptly as that.  The disciples did not leave the security of their homes and jobs on the spur of the moment to follow a stranger they had never seen before.  In their accounts both Luke and John allow time for the disciples to find out about Jesus before they are called.  Matthew keeps the focus on Jesus and shows the authority of his word and the power of his healing.  Discipleship is centred on Jesus.  Because of who he is, others will change.  Jesus alone is the source of discipleship.  He saw through them and calls them.  They must have had the attributes that their calling must have entailed.

I see Pope Francis as a man who has owned his calling in the Role of Pope and he is also injecting in the role his own stance on it.  He looks and feels like he is a Natural.  His inner freedom imbued by Christ’s Spirit, is imbuing his actions and words.  The Spirit of the Gospel oozes out of him.  In a few weeks’ time, the Justice and Peace group in our parish are organising for us an Event which will enlighten us more on “this spirit” which I am talking about.  One of his Encyclicals which took not only the Catholic world but also the International Political arena by storm is called Laudato Si’.  Pope Francis writes on his concerns over the wellbeing of our Planet, and how that is affecting us in a particular way the lives of the poor in the world.  He speaks of the conversion of the greedy in order not to see only their own financial benefits through the abuse of the natural resources, but to see the benefit of the whole planet.  He helps us to question our own priorities, vis-à-vis our own way of taking care of our common home.  He is basically encouraging us to be less egoistic and more conscious of the impact of our own choices on the Global Community.  In order to help us explore this important encyclical we are inviting a Speaker from CAFOD to share with us an overview of the Encyclical and to help us see how Pope Francis’ theological reflection impacts us as individuals and as a community of faith today in 2017.  I truly encourage you to attend.  Please register to come.

“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery

The next Drop-in Surgery will take place on Tuesday 24th January 5pm – 7pm.  Please call at 281a Crescent Drive.  No appointments necessary.

Liturgy Pillar

Taizé

There will be Taizé Service today at 4pm in church.  Please come along if you can.

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.

Eucharistic Ministers and Readers

We are looking for some additional people to become Readers and Eucharistic Ministers at the Sunday morning 9.15 Mass.  Training will be provided.

Children’s Liturgy

If your child is 3 years old or above, they are welcome to join us for Liturgy sessions at the 9.15am Sunday Mass each week.

Calling Children to Read and Sing at Mass

We are inviting children who have made their First Holy Communion and those who are older to become readers/singers at the 9.15am Mass on Sunday mornings.  We are hoping to start a Children’s Mass once a month at 9.15 am when the children do the Readings but also the singing and serving.  Will any parents who are interested please contact Mary Ardron on mary.ardron@stjamespettswood.org.

The Parish Pastoral Council

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 25^th January at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.  Parishioners are very welcome to come along for the first half hour of the meeting.  Alternatively, you may raise any relevant issue using the PPC mailbox which is ppc@stjamespettswood.org

The CWL’s New Year Party!

The CWL are holding their New Year Party on Monday 30^th January at 8pm in the Community Centre.  We do hope that ladies of the parish will join us when you will be most welcome.

Traidcraft

There will be a stall next weekend (28-29^th January) – including sale items!

Pastoral Care Pillar

There will be a meeting of the Pastoral Care Team on Thursday 16^th February at 8.15pm.

Evangelisation Pillar

Confirmation

A meeting for Confirmation candidates will be held on Monday 23^rd January at 7.30pm in the Community Centre.

Baptism Preparation

A meeting is scheduled on Monday 23^rd January at 8.15pm in the meeting room (281a Crescent Drive) for those parents who have been invited.

Journey in Faith (RCIA)

A meeting will take place on Tuesday 24^th January at 8pm in the Community Centre.  Please come along if you would like to find out more about the Catholic faith.

First Holy Communion

There will be a meeting on Saturday 28^th January at 4.00pm in the Community Centre.

‘Care for Our Common Home’ Event

This weekend we will be thinking about Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ at all Masses.  There will be special bidding prayers and after Holy Communion we will say the prayer printed on the back page of this Briefly.  On Saturday 11th February we will have the opportunity to find out more about the encyclical.  Susy Brouard of the CAFOD Theology team is coming to give us an overview of what the Holy Father tells the world about caring for our planet.  This invitation is to parishioners of all ages.  The event will start at 2pm and finish in good time for 6pm Mass.

So shake off thoughts of a dreary February Saturday afternoon and hear the Catholic Church's teaching about preserving the planet for future generations – and making contemporary life less stressed!  Please see the posters at the back of church and sign up to this free event by filling in a registration form.  You can also register by emailing laudato.si@stjamespettswood.org

Young Church Pillar

‘Faith in Action’

All young people in Bromley Deanery aged 9-18 years are invited to take part in the Faith in Action Award Scheme, which will be launched on 28^th January 2016 at 11am at St Joseph’s Church, Plaistow Lane, Bromley.  ‘Faith in Action’ is a new, national, catholic award scheme from CYMFED which challenges young people of faith to make a difference in the world.  There are four levels of the award - Pin, Bronze, Silver, Gold and each one recognises the good work young people already do in the Church, whilst encouraging them to become involved in a wide range of activities and projects which positively contribute to their parish, school or community.  The Faith in Action award scheme will run each year, from January to November, finishing with an awards ceremony to celebrate the work of those who complete each stage.  There will be frequent opportunities for young people to spiritually reflect on their chosen activity in the light of the Gospel message, to seek meaningful ways to develop their own unique gifts and talents and to embrace the challenge to become disciples of the modern world.  So, if you are a young person who already reads at Mass, sings or plays an instrument in the choir, altar serves, helps or volunteers in your school or community in any way, then come along to register – you may already qualify for one of the awards!

Alternatively, you may want to become involved but are not sure how to begin – come along to meet the team and learn more about the range of exciting opportunities open to you.  For more information please see our website:

http://www.bromleydeanery.org/faith-in-action-award-scheme-2017/ or email susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org.

Communications Pillar

Parish Facebook Page

We have a Facebook page for the Parish and are posting a mixture of spiritual and informative items.  If you would like to receive these updates from the Parish on Facebook you can find the page by searching Facebook for ‘St James’ the Great RC Church Petts Wood’ and click on ‘Like’.

The Parish diary is online

The online diary for parish events in 2017 can be found at www.stjamespettswood.org/diary.html

or go to the parish website and use the main menu item "Parish diary".   Bookings will continue to be made through the parish office but hopefully the diary will help you to identify free dates for your events.

Deanery News

St Joseph's e dintorni

Calling all Italians, their families and friends from St Joseph's, Bromley and all surrounding Catholic parishes.  Our first Italian Sunday Mass will be presided by Fr Saju on the 26th February 2017 at St Joseph's RC Church, 1 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 2PR, at 12.30pm followed by a bring-and-share lunch at the Holy Trinity Convent hall, behind the church, where we'll celebrate the Carnevale season together.  After Mass, all children are invited to dress up as their favourite character or mascherina! If you'd like to join us, please show your interest by texting your name and email address to Carmela G on 07833 648265.  Further details will be sent.  Do bring a friend - the more the merrier!

Parish life….

The Monday Club meets from 1.30-4.30pm in the Community Centre.  Please come and join us – it’s fun!

Firm Believers is our inter-church Fun-Fitness class to music.  It takes place every Tuesday (in term-time), 7.00 - 7.45 pm, in our Community Centre here at St James’.  Stay for tea or coffee and chat afterwards if you wish.  So come and give it a try, with a group of friendly ladies of all abilities - cost £5.   You're welcome to just turn up, or contact us (contact:  07904 329788 or frubird@ntlworld.com).  Maybe bring a friend.  Wear trainers, any comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel and get fit and trim for Spring.

Parent & Toddler Group meet every Friday during term time in the Community Centre from 1.30 – 3pm.  Parents with babies from 0 up to age 5 are welcome to attend.  Do come along and enjoy the companionship and the fun.  Refreshments provided.

Appeal from Knights of St  Columba - Please continue to bring in your used postage stamps.  If they are on postcards, it is fine to donate the postcard as well.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Thank you so much! - Many thanks to all of the parishioners who gave Christmas toys and gifts for the Women’s refuge in Croydon this year.   This was so kind of everyone and was very much appreciated.

Lost Property - If you have left anything behind in recent weeks please will you check the lost property box in case your property has been handed in.  Thank you.

Parking – would all parishioners attending Mass please ensure the disabled parking spaces are left available for those with blue badges or those who have mobility difficulties.  Many thanks.

Rotas – thank you for helping.

29^th January
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)	Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	A.  Delamain Liz Delamain	M.  Howell Alice Neal	L.  McDonald Sarah May
Readers	M.O'Mahony K.  Salter	R.  Lim J.  Gibson	David Ducat M.  Ingledew
Ministers of Holy Communion	Jim Callinan P.  Driscoll Tony Babb Bea Babb R.  Wright	D.  Hairs Bruno Cotta Will David Brigid D'Arcy T.  Forde	N.Longhurst R.  Mwansa Ken Chan Ken Evans A.  Evans
Coffee		G.  Brookes D.  Brookes	P Flockhart A.Huntington Sue Ingle
Bar	F.  Simon P.  Dabrowski
Tellers	Liz Delamain and Mark Edwards
Saturday 28th January
Cleaning the Church	Helen Rothon, Martin Gallagher

Reminder for Parents – Food & Drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass.  Thank you for your co-operation

The following prayer will be said after Holy Communion at all Masses this weekend so please pick up a Briefly as you go into church.

Praised Be

A prayer inspired by the papal encyclical ‘Laudato Si’

Living God,

have mercy on us,

for the times we forget

that we belong to each other.

You call us to be still,

to hear the whisper of our Sister Wind,

to feel the radiance of our Brother Sun,

and to be nourished by our Mother Earth.

Renew us in your healing love.

Inspire us to water the earth,

and nurture one another,

so all may flourish.

Together, as one family,

may we always sing your praise.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

(Rachel McCarthy/CAFOD)