Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,619. Mass attendance 740.
24th February (Saturday Vigil)	Second Sunday Of Lent 6pm Margaret Thompson RIP (Her Friends)
Sunday 25th February	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People of The Parish
Monday 26th February	Feria 9.30am Organ Donors & Recipients (CWL)
Tuesday 27th February	Feria 9.30am Josephine & Seamus McMorrow
Wednesday 28th February	Feria 9.30am Carmen Novaes Suzzara RIP (D Delf)
	10.45am Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 1st March	Saint David
	9.30am Pam Da Gama RIP (E&G Rebello)
Friday 2nd March	Feria 9.30am Dolores & John Ash 7.30pm Eucharistic Adoration
3rd March (Saturday Vigil)	Third Sunday of Lent 6pm People of The Parish
4th March February	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am In Thanksgiving on 40th Wedding Anniversary (M&P Davey)

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 CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day.

Fr David writes…

It took me months after my father’s death, dreaming of him as he was taking his last breath. This image seemed to have been crystallised in my psyche never to depart. It felt like a nightmare that had the potential to haunt me forever. My life seemed to have taken a nose dive at the time. Nothing could give me peace or a lift. All colours seemed to have had merged into one. Instead greyness reigned. After about eight months, a Christian Brother friend of mine invited me to spend some days at their beautiful holiday home on the stunning Great Ocean Road in Victoria with some of the brothers. I agreed. I remember very vividly one morning, waking up earlier than usual and deciding to take a walk on the beach below. The sun was shining, the beach which spread for miles along the coast was empty. At one particular moment, out of the blue, I felt lighter. I started noticing the warm breeze that caressed my face and body. Something more powerful than me took over at that moment. After months of interior painful silence, I felt like singing. And I did. My spirit merged as one with the sea and the sun and the sand beneath my feet. Everything seemed to be transformed into brightness. Everything seemed to make sense. My life had meaning, and I felt like blending magnificently into the beauty around me. I felt at peace after so long in turmoil and I remember feeling emotional. I cannot describe it better than saying that everything was transformed into Light. It overwhelmed me.

When every second Sunday of Lent we are reminded of the narrative of the Transfiguration, I somehow go back to 1997 when I was swept away by Beauty – my name for God. On that day something shifted in me. Grief somehow never completely leaves us but from that moment I was reminded that I was loved. I of course had to go back to my normal life after that. But whatever I had to go through, that moment never left me. I will always remember it as gift. Mountains have always been a place for human beings to seek the transcendent. Mountains were considered to be the realm of the gods from antiquity. We recall the ancient Greeks and Mount Olympus, the home of Zeus. In the Old Testament we know of Mount Sinai and Moses’ encounter with God there.

In today’s gospel we hear of another encounter with the divine on another mountain, the place of the transcendent. This encounter does not take place in front of the crowds, the disciples or even the twelve. This encounter is special; it is unique. Jesus takes with him Peter and the sons of Zebedee – James and John. They will be witnesses of his agony in the garden of Gethsemane afterwards. Mark stresses that they were alone. Jesus acts as the rabbis who, when they wanted to reveal a secret or convey a very important teaching, used to retreat with the disciples in an isolated place, away from prying ears to avoid being heard by those where were not able to understand or might misunderstand. The fact that Jesus reserved His revelation to some disciples and that he eventually told them not to disclose it, indicates they were given a share of a very significant experience but still too high to be implemented by all. The language of this encounter is steeped with symbolism, beginning with the mountain itself but including also the white garments, the cloud, the voice from heaven and the figures alongside Jesus. Jesus leaves the plains where people often follow principles that are contrary to those of God and leads a few disciples to the top. He wants to move them away from the thoughts and beliefs of human beings to introduce them in the innermost thoughts of God. The white garments symbolising purity which outwardly manifests the divine identity of Jesus. Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus represents the Law and the Prophets. Jesus fulfils both. His ministry is in continuity with Moses and Elijah. He is not doing anything contrary to either.

Rather than rest in the moment and simply take in the wonderment of it all, Peter breaks into the scene with an idea to make three tents, which would be places of worship commemorating this event. He truly believed that the Kingdom of God had arrived. To be participants it is not necessary to pass through death. The three privileged disciples had enjoyed an enlightenment that made them understand the true identity of the Master and the goal of his journey. Peter’s response is so familiar to our response. He wants to preserve the occasion, mark it in some way. I also wanted to preserve the moment in light. However it never happened again till now. On the other hand the memory of that day is a resource for me in times of pain. No sooner had Peter voiced this proposal than God himself, the voice from heaven, speaks in a way reminiscent of Jesus’ baptism. “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased”. The three disciples are left alone with Jesus to come down from the mountain, struggling to understand what this experience and Jesus’ own admonition not to tell anyone of their experience, meant. The next mountain on which Jesus will climb next would be the Mount of Calvary. The transfiguration was an extraordinary spiritual experience in which Jesus tried to reassure his three disciples that only those who give their lives for the sake of love fully realise it. On this second Sunday of Lent, we are invited to remember with gratitude, our moments of grace when we encountered God without any of our doing. Have we been blessed to have felt God’s love in our hearts? – “You are my beloved daughter/son. With you I am well pleased.”

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 28th February 2018. Fr David will be available at 281A Crescent Drive from 5.00-7.00pm and no appointment is necessary.

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)

We are still looking for singers and musicians (violin, cello, recorder, guitar) for the children's Easter choir on 1st April at the 9.15am Mass. There will be 3 rehearsals on Sundays (Feb 25, March 11, 25) from 5-6pm in the main church. If your child is aged 6-13 and would enjoy being part of this choir, please email your interest to jennifer.baracho@gmail.com. We look forward to enhancing this liturgical service with the talented children in our parish."

Evangelisation Pillar

During his recent visit to St James', 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 4^th 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.

Re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross – Palm Sunday

A Re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross for the whole family is being produced on Sunday the 25th March at 4.00pm – Palm Sunday. We are looking for Actors and Readers. All the family may take part in this Devotion. There will be two rehearsals:

· Saturday the 24th March at 3pm – 4pm

· Sunday the 25t^h March at 2pm – 3pm.

Come and experience the passion and death of Christ by being part of the Greatest Story ever told.

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:

• A talk by one of the Benedictine Monks about Benedictine Spirituality;
• Join the monks in Midday prayer in the Abbey Church;
• Silent time for prayer, reflection or exploring the abbey grounds;

· 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

Social Pillar

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 email the Parish Office.

Petts Wood Catholic Women's League (CWL)

The next monthly meeting will be held on Monday 26th February at 8pm. Jan Bajorek will be giving a talk entitled “Perspectives of Namibia”. Any members of the parish wishing to learn more about this are very welcome to join us for the talk at 8.30pm.

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.

Justice & Peace

The Justice and Peace group will meet on Wednesday 28th February at 7.45pm in the Parish Office meeting room (281A Crescent Drive). All parishioners are assured of a warm welcome.

Foodbank requests

We have not heard from the organisers this week, so will assume that the requirements are unchanged: 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 for your continued support. J&P Group.

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.

Saturday 3rd March 2018
Cleaning the Church	P Driscoll, J Rogerson, M Mitrovic (Tuesday Team – 6th March)

Wednesday Coffee 7th March

E Cushman, M Howell

4th March 2018
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)	Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	J Callinan	F Mace M Howell	S Barradell L McDonald
Readers	M O’Mahony K Salter	C Hairs H Denham	P Lowe R Rowan
Ministers of Holy Communion	J Gribben P Crosland H Rothon M Cahill C Cahill	M Howell S Cotta A Ward D Hairs K Chan	R Mwansa K Evans A Evans P May S Ingle
Bar			A Barradell M Horner
Coffee		D Delf F Curran E Aletta	C D’Arcy T Lowe
Altar Servers	J Lench O Rothon O McCabe J McCabe A&D Poulton R&F Norman Brown	L Delamain N Cracknell	F Ikenye J Monaghan V Marcolina Z&E Teare

Tellers

F Simon, J Cosgrave