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Thank you for your offerings last week of £1622.
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Sunday 26th March |
Fourth Sunday Of Lent |
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6pm (Saturday Vigil) Christopher Walsh RIP (Benson Family) |
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9.15am – People Of The Parish |
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11am – Tom Benson RIP (Benson Family)
4pm - Stations of the Cross
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Monday 27th March |
Feria |
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9.30am Deceased members of Petts Wood section of CWL (CWL)
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Tuesday 28th March |
Feria |
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9.30am – Carmela Battista RIP (Rosary Group)
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Wednesday 29th March |
Feria |
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9.30am Ivy Nelligan RIP (Nelligan Family) 10.45am - Eucharistic Adoration
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Thursday 30th March |
Feria |
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9.30am HE & ME Winn RIP (Simon Family)
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Friday 31st March |
Feria |
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9.30am – Thanksgiving- Bob & Rose Moore (G Lyons)
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Sunday 2nd April |
Fifth Sunday Of Lent |
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6pm (Saturday Vigil)- Thanksgiving (Hairs Family) |
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9.15am People Of The Parish |
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11am – Mrs Olive Cann (Scott Family) 4pm -Stations of the Cross |
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.
Second Collection
The second collection this week will be for the Maintenance Fund.
Fr David writes…
Like it or not, we are all a product of a particular collective memory. Our perception of life, our world view is determined by the culture, the traditions and the history of where we come from. We are also imbued by our culture’s prejudices and irrational hatred towards some others. In order to conform within a specific culture, we can easily feel the need to collude with the attitudes of our clan. We disempower ourselves by buying into the narrative of our collective identity. And in this way decline to even question it. We accept it as gospel. This dynamic is inter-generational. One generation consciously or unconsciously hands down its own prejudices and stereotypical attitudes of others to the next generation. If you dig deep enough, you will always find that the source of this particular mentality stems from a narrative back in history. This dynamic continues to flourish until you or me awaken and start questioning the validity and the authenticity of the same narrative. This demands courage. From being blinded by conformity we are awakened to the truth. This is when trouble commences too. The clan or the community usually cannot cope with the opening of one’s eyes. Usually a clan thrives in conformity. Someone who is awakened to see things differently are considered rebels within the community. They become a threat to the community. It is easier to be controlled when you inherit a long accepted narrative and behave accordingly. To think outside the box is usually not encouraged. It is considered to be dangerous. This is the case of any institution civil or even religious. However being conditioned by the group mentality disempowers us. You would pay a price for conformity and for your pursuit for inclusion within the group.
In the first reading of today, Samuel is sent to Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a new King chosen by God. He asks Jesse to invite his seven children to come forward. Samuel looks at their appearance and judges the brothers through very human eyes. He looks at physical strength and yet God sees from outside the box. When God rejects all the seven brothers, Samuel asks whether he has another son. Jesse confesses that he has the youngest son shepherding. Samuel encourages him to bring and to see his youngest son and God chooses David because “God does not see as humans see, they look at appearances, but Yahweh looks at the heart”.
In the gospel today, we find the narrative of the man born blind. His community encloses him in a very small box. His blindness was interpreted as having its origins in sin. They tried to explain blindness as a curse from God for his parent’s sinfulness. This assumption conditioned his existential role within the community. He was ostracised. However when he encountered Jesus, Jesus, without even asking him, spat on the ground and put paste on his eyes and was asked to go to the pool of Siloam to wash himself. At that moment, he could see. He was fully aware that something extraordinary had happened to him. His eyes were opened. At this point, trouble commenced. His community were totally taken by surprise. They could not understand how a man could be sinful all his life and so a product of sin and then be given the grace to see. This was considered outrageous. The religious leaders at the time seem to have been more concerned about the sinfulness of performing a miracle on the Sabbath than celebrating the grace of sight of one of their brothers. The collective narratives were being thrown into chaos. They felt that they had lost control over the narrative. And so they started to threaten his parents first and then him. However the blind man’s response could only remain consistent. His story contradicted their theology about the connection of sin and blindness and so they ejected him from their community. Jesus shares with him his own identity – “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” and the man asks him –“Sir….tell me who he is so that I can believe in him”. Jesus said “you have seen him, he is speaking to you. The man said “Lord I believe” and worshipped him. The man accepted in faith the identity of Jesus. He had been awakened and saw beyond what his community had been indoctrinating him to believe and see.
During this time of Lent, I believe we are also encouraged to re-examine our own prejudices of others, culturally, politically, ethnically, religiously and open our eyes to see beyond our collective indoctrination to start thinking wisely on life and people in general. Are we still enslaved by our collective memory? Or are we ready to be awakened to the Truth which liberates us. Lenten Blessings to all. I wish all mothers a very happy Mothers Day and remember all those who are no longer with us.
“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery
The next Drop-in Surgery will take place on Tuesday 4th April between 5pm – 7pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments are necessary.
Evangelisation Pillar
Lenten Evening Talks (8 to 9:30pm)
Wednesday 5th April Fr Geoff Wheaton on Christ's Passion and Crucifixion through Art and Scripture.
Please put thisdate in your diary. The talk will be excellent preparation for us during Lent.
Lenten Evening Talk at Christ Lutheran Church, Poverest Road, Petts Wood 8pm.
Thursday 30th March Dr Cynthia Lumley on ‘How the Reformation Changed Art’.
Liturgy Pillar
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 1st 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.
Confirmation Reconciliation Service
To take place on Sunday 2nd April from 2pm to 3.30 pm.
Lenten Reconciliation Service
“Lent is a favourable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living His word in our sacraments and in our neighbour” Pope Francis. You are all welcome to attend the Reconciliation Service on Monday 3rd April at 8pm here at St James’.
Easter Choir
We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in joining our Easter Choir this year. The Easter Choir will be singing in the special services during Lent and Holy Week, and in particular the Easter Triduum services. You don't need to commit to all the services but for whichever services you are able to join us in, you must be willing to do your utmost to attend the rehearsal which is relevant. Everyone is welcome and we will try to give as much support as possible, so don't be shy!
The services will be as follows:
Monday 3rd April, 8.00pm - Reconciliation Service
Thursday 13th April, 8.00pm - Maundy Thursday Service
Friday 14th April, 3.00pm - Good Friday Service
Friday 14th April, 8.00pm - Prayers around the Cross (PWCT)
Saturday 15th April, 8.00pm - Easter Vigil
Rehearsals will take place in the Church as follows, covering music for the services specified:
Thursday 30th March, 8.00-9.15pm - Reconciliation Service, Prayers around the Cross, Good Friday
Thursday 6th April, 8.00-9.15pm - Good Friday
Wednesday 12th April, 7.00-8.00pm - Maundy Thursday & Easter Vigil
Wednesday 12th April, 8.00-9.15pm - Good Friday
These rehearsals are subject to change, so if you are interested in joining in please sign up at the forms at the back of the church after Mass or email the Parish Office with your details so that we can keep you informed. We look forward to singing with you!
Re-Enactment of the Stations of the Cross
A Re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross for the whole family is being produced on Sunday the 9th April at 4.00pm – Palm Sunday.
We are looking for Actors and Readers. All the family may take part in this Devotion.
There will be three rehearsals:
Saturday the 1st April at 11.00am – 12.30pm
Saturday 8th April at 11.00am -12.30pm
Sunday the 9th April at 2.00pm.
Come and experience the passion and death of Christ by being part of the Greatest Story ever told.
Easter Saturday, 15th April, 11.30am – Święconka
This is the Polish traditional blessing of Easter Baskets. Please join us in celebrating this colourful and engaging tradition by bringing your own “Święconka” to St James’ for a short (15-20 min) blessing service. Blessing will be done in Polish and English. All very welcome.
Children’s Liturgy 9.15 Mass
To help with safeguarding, we would just like to remind you that parents should not accompany children into Liturgy sessions. If your child is not comfortable being left please keep them with you and try again in a couple of weeks. If you would like to be a leader or helper then please contact: childrens.liturgy@stjamespettswood.org.
All leaders are subject to DBS checks. Many thanks.
Youth Pillar
Born For This – 8th April
For the past four years we have invited young people from across the diocese to join together in CJM's beautiful Lent reflection. Combining powerful spoken word and beautiful songs, this moving depiction of Stations of the Cross will take place on Saturday 8th April at 6pm in the Relic Chapel, Aylesford Priory. All are welcome!
Lourdes 17th -26th Aug
The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage with the Catholic
Association takes place on the 17th-26th August 2017. We are encouraging
groups to join SCYS in service, accompaniment and prayer. Age: 17-25.
The full fare inclusive of all travel, full board accommodation (shared room)
and travel insurance is £525. For more information please contact: young_helpers@catholicassociation.co.uk
Social Pillar
A concert at St James’ on Sunday April 30th at 7.30pm given by The London Concert Chorus to include Songs from the Musicals. It is in aid of Parish funds & tickets are on sale soon.
Children's Easter Egg Hunt and cake sale - Easter Sunday, 16th April
The Friends of St James’ invite the children of the Parish to an Easter egg hunt taking place after the 9.15am Mass on Easter Sunday. Children will be provided with a basket to collect the eggs and the cost will be £3 per child payable on the day. Let's hope the April showers stay away. If they do, the hunt will take place in the Parish garden. If not, it will be in the Community Centre. We'll also be hosting a cake sale in the Community Centre at the same time and donations of delicious homemade cakes are most welcome. Please let the Parish Office know if you can help.
Seniors’ Lunch - Sunday, 23rd April 2017
The Friends of St James’ would like to invite all of our seniors to a celebratory St George's themed Fish & Chips lunch in the Community Centre after the 11am Mass on Sunday, 23rd April. The cost will be £5 per person. If you would like to come along, please leave your name and £5 payment in the Parish Office before the Easter weekend. We hope you can come along to enjoy the afternoon!
Finance Pillar
200 Club
The inaugural draw for the 200 Club will take place on 9th April (1st prize £100, 2nd £50 and others). Numbers are increasing daily so don’t be late if you wish to join (it’s only £5 per month) please send in your application to the Parish Office as soon as possible before the draw date.
Gift Aid
A very big thanks to all who have gift-aided their 1st and 2nd collection offerings and their donations to the Maintenance/Refurbishment Fund during the 2016/17 tax year.
Boxes of new Gift Aid envelopes (with your name on) for the coming 2017/18 tax year are now ready for collection in the church porch.
If you cannot find your box, please speak to Geoff Ford (the Gift Aid Administrator or email him at gift.aid@stjamespettswood.org or he can usually be found in the "counting room" after 11am Mass on Sundays.
The amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax you pay or will pay during a tax year must be at least equal* to the total amount of tax that all Charities (i.e. not just St James’) will reclaim on your gift-aided donations to them for that tax year. Other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.
You must have paid at least 25 pence in Income/Capital Gains Tax for every £1 of gift-aided donation you make to all Charities (i.e. £25 tax for every £100 given). If you pay less Income/ Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year, it is your responsibility to pay any difference to HMRC.
Please also speak to Geoff if you:
a) are unsure that you will have paid adequate tax
b) wish to know the total recorded amount of your offerings
c) move or marry and change your name. (It is important that our record of your name and address is recognisable to the tax man.)
d) wish to transfer your gift aid donations into your spouse’s name (perhaps because you have stopped working and no longer pay tax)
e) would like to Gift Aid your contributions to St James’ but have not yet completed a declaration form
As every charity will tell you, by gift-aiding your donations your contributions are substantially increased at absolutely no cost whatsoever to you. If you are not already in our Gift Aid scheme, all you have to do is sign a declaration form permitting St James' Church to recover the tax you will have already paid before making your donation.
Standing Orders
If you make your weekly offering to St James’ by standing order, please still take your box of envelopes. Your box will include special envelopes for Diocesan second collections and for Easter/Christmas offerings which are not included in standing orders.
Justice and Peace
Traidcraft Stall
This weekend there will be all the usual favourites and orders will be taken for the Real Easter Eggs! Out of 80 million chocolate Easter eggs sold each year this is the only Fairtrade one with the Easter story in the box.
Bromley Borough Foodbank
There will be a short talk after each Mass this weekend to tell parishioners about how our local food bank operates. Next weekend there will be a second collection for the Foodbank. Members of the gift aid scheme are asked to use one of their spare envelopes for that. Alternatively they can pick up an envelope on entering church next weekend. Those wishing to donate food and household goods, next week or at any other time, should see the notice board for the things needed. Small Easter eggs would be very much appreciated but are needed by next weekend. Traidcraft eggs can be ordered this weekend for donating direct to the Foodbank.
The Annual Plant Sale
in aid of our overseas project, St Helen’s Parish, Peru, will be held on 20th & 21st May.
Gardeners of St James’ please remember to add a few extra for the sale if you are dividing, propagating or seed sowing. Anyone with a healthy but unwanted plant please do not discard but find it a new home at the sale.
Lost Ring
A ring has been found. For more information please contact St James’ School on 020 8467 8167.
Reminder for Parents
Food & Drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass. Thank you for your co-operation.
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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2nd April |
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Mass |
Saturday 6pm (Vigil) |
Sunday 9.15am |
Sunday 11am |
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Welcomers |
L Ruber |
J Samuels L Foster |
G Whitley M Ingledew
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Readers |
K Lams L Rusmini |
J Gidson S Cotta |
R Morrison L Benson
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Ministers of Holy Communion |
P Crosland J Bajorek H Rothon M Cahill C Cahill |
M Smith M Howell S Cotta K Chan D Hairs |
K Chan S Ingle R Del Guercio Z Bajorek T Troy
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Coffee |
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L Lynch S Barradell |
C D’Arcy T Lowe
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Bar |
B Fleeman P Troy |
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Tellers |
F Simon J Cosgrave |
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Saturday 1st April |
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Cleaning the Church |
S Ingle, I Hutchins, P Driscoll, J Rogers, M Mitrovic (Tuesday team – cleaning on 4th April)
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