Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,556. Mass attendance 723.
27^th January (Saturday Vigil)	Fourth Sunday 6pm People of The Parish
Sunday 28th January	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Richard Nelligan RIP (Ardron Family)
Monday 29th January	Feria 9.30am Relatives & Friends of Marie Porter
Tuesday 30thJanuary	Feria 9.30am Barbara Bridle (CWL)
Wednesday 31st January	Saint John Bosco 9.30am Thanks to The Holy Spirit
	10.45am Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 1st February	Feria
	9.30am Stewart Lowe RIP (Lowe Family)
Friday 2nd February	The Presentation of The Lord 9.30am Catherine McKie RIP (S&A Barradell) 7.30pm Eucharistic Adoration
3rd February (Saturday Vigil)	Fifth Sunday 6pm Neil Meehan RIP (Meehan Family) Noah Rothan RIP (Rothan Family)
Sunday 4th February	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People of The Parish

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

The second collection this week is for Racial Justice.

Fr David writes…

Some people get very much intrigued with me when I confess that one of my secret pleasures is to watch forensic thrillers like Silent Witness and dark documentaries like Born to Kill. Somehow, they seem to think that, because I am a priest, I must only be interested in the light. I must confess, I get fascinated by the dark side of human behaviour and really intrigued about the psychological reasons why some people who on the outside live “normal” lives while they harbour such hidden twisted existences. I think one of my favourite series which tried to explore this dimension was called The Fall, especially in the first series, for those who have watched it. The Fall is about an apparently nice family man who dotes on his wife and daughter, whose profession is a social worker and who however has a very perverted double life. The series tries to explore the reasons why he is like that. It is only in the last episode that we come to know about his feelings of inadequacy stemming from his relationship with his mother in his childhood.

Over and over again, in this genre of TV, it becomes obvious that the one who acts inappropriately, and abuses others sexually, mentally and physically was not entirely interested in sexual gratification but was much more interested in having power over his or her victims. The yearning for power comes from a place of disempowerment. Thus, it is very dangerous to hand over power to a person who has no real self-esteem or a very weak ego. Most likely as children, these power hungry individuals had been left feeling inadequate, small and lacking. Being given the opportunity to gain power, they would find it as an opportunity to bully others in order to feel stronger and more powerful themselves. They would use the power to serve them. Thus power without authority always looks dangerous. For many people, particularly those who have suffered under military regimes, power is associated with force and compulsion and violence. The power that identifies itself only with force makes victims of all its subjects. However a person who has a healthy self- image, someone who is comfortable in his or her own skin, a person who is connected with their own reality, once he or she is given power, they immediately translate it into authority. Authority with power liberates and transforms. This is the power allied to love, a force that is exerted on behalf of others.

When the evangelist Mark begins telling his story of the ministry of Jesus, he shows us how Jesus is invested with the power of the Spirit at his baptism and thus acts with authority. The power that moves Jesus has its source in God and his own true identity – The Beloved of God. The authority that Jesus displays both in action and words is the authority of God himself. When Jesus begins teaching, the people are deeply impressed. They can see for themselves the difference between how Jesus teaches and how the other religious leaders teach. Their religious leaders teach them from a place of power – which mainly regards the importance of living their lives by following the letter of the law. Instead of feeling freed up, they felt more enslaved. This becomes an abuse of power. This kind of spirituality attracts men and women who are frightened to think for themselves. So they give power to the institution to think for them. This kind of power infantilises us. When Jesus teaches, he shares not only his wisdom but his power. Jesus’ actions are his principal teachings. That is his unique authority. He uses his power to liberate people from the evil forces that dominate their lives. And when others see what he is doing with his teaching, they begin to wonder who this Jesus really is. Their reaction is one of amazement.

Mark places the story of the exorcism between these two reactions of amazement. The man with the unclean spirit cries out in response to Jesus’ teaching and in recognition of his presence. He calls Jesus by name. In the Jewish culture of the time, when one person called another by name the one doing the calling was seen to have authority over the one called. The unclean spirit not only calls Jesus by his public name – Jesus of Nazareth – but also by his true identity – The Holy One of God. So in terms of the cultural understanding of the time, the unclean spirit should have defeated Jesus. Yet this does not happen because ultimately God’s power working through Jesus is victorious. It can easily silence the spirit and drive it out of the man. As always with Mark, Jesus’ power has immediate effect. The agonised response of the spirit is seen in the convulsions of the man. As the spirit departs, it gives a loud cry of defeat and protest as its power over the man now is ended. For Mark this miracle proclaims that a new era has begun with Jesus and that enslavement to evil will be ended. The response of the people is simply one of questioning amazement. The important point is that Jesus stays committed to using his power for good. He continues to exercise his authority to liberate those who are bound up and to confront those who lay burdens on the weak. Let us reflect upon our own power and authority. Does it enslave others because it is coming from our needy ego or does it liberates because it is coming from a true self?

The Sign of Peace During Mass

As we are in the middle of winter, and flu and colds virus’ 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 31st January 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.

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.

Easter Choir

After the success of the music at Christmas, we are asking for parishioners to come a join the choir to sing at the Easter services this year. Any parishioners are welcome to join us for these special services. We will be rehearsing every Thursday until Easter, starting on February 1st at 7:30pm in the church. We are also asking any musicians who may like to play to come along to enhance the music and accompany the choir. If you have any questions, or would like to join, please email: music@stjamespettswood.org. We are really looking forward to seeing you there.

Evangelisation Pillar

Eucharistic Ministers

On Monday 12th February at 8pm in the church there will be a meeting for all existing Eucharistic Ministers and anyone interested in becoming a Eucharistic minister.

Pre-Lenten Preparation

Is the Word of God Alive and Active in us?

How can the Bible help us towards a Joyful and Fulfilling Life?

In a series of 3 stand-alone talks in Beckenham, Petts Wood and Bromley, Fr Fio Mascarenhas SJ, an international speaker, will help us explore this theme between 6^th to 8^th February. St James’ will host on Wednesday 7^th February 8pm in the Community Hall. You are warmly invited to come to this talk and to any of the other evenings. For more details, see poster around the Church or contact Ken Chan on ken.chan@stjamespettswood.org

Healing Mass

Sunday 11th February 6pm

Fr Fio Mascarenhas SJ will be celebrating a Healing Mass at St. James on this special Sunday which is the World Day of the Sick (instituted by Pope St. John Paul II) in commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes. Light refreshments will be served in the Community Hall after the Mass. If you need help with transport to come to this special Mass, please contact the parish office on 01689 827100

Parish One day retreat at Worth Abbey

Saturday 17th March 2018

More information to follow, but please put this date in your diary.

Pastoral Pillar

St James The Great 'Memory Café'

On Tuesday 6th February we will be starting a Dementia Café here at St James’ and it will be taking place on the first two Tuesdays of each month from 2pm to 3.30pm in the Community Centre. This will be a time for guests with dementia and their carers to come for refreshments and a chat in a comfortable and safe environment and if they wish, join in with activities such as quizzes, games and music. If you would like to know more, please contact: pastoral.care@stjamespettswood.org or telephone the Parish Office: 01689 827100. We look forward to welcoming you!

Communication Pillar

We are looking for someone with an interest in graphic design to help the webmaster refresh the look and feel of the Parish website. We also need advice on the best way to use the Facebook page. If you are able to help, please contact the parish office at parish.office@stjamespettswood.org. Thank You.

Social Pillar

Catholic Women's League

This month's Petts Wood Catholic Women's League meeting is the annual New Year Party. Ladies of the parish are invited to join us at 8pm on Monday 29th January in the Community Centre for an evening of food, entertainment and friendship. We will be joined by ladies from the other Petts Wood Churches and also other CWL groups within Bromley. The proceeds from our raffle will go directly to the St James’ Dementia Café.

The Power of Colour

London City Scape, February 10^th ,10am to 1pm in the Community Centre.

Unleash your creativity with a palette knife workshop with Zsuzsanna Pataki

Following a step-by-step demo by Zsuzsanna, you will develop your own seascape in acrylics, with sponges and palette knives. Great fun and a new technique if your default tool is a brush. Professional colours, canvas and tools provided. Beginners are very welcome.

Invite friends and sign up together by calling the parish office on 01689 827100.

Recommended age 14-144 years, special discount for the parish £25 per person.

St Edmund’s Walking Group

At noon on Saturday 3rd February, St Blaise’s feast, St Edmund’s Walking Group and others from the Parish will gather at the Well of St Blaise for a short time of prayer and reflection. Others from the Deanery are welcome to join them. The Well is near to the St Blaise Building in Bromley Civic Centre.

During the Middle Ages, there was great devotion to St Blaise in Kent. This seems to have had less to do with throat ailments, than a belief that a holy man who was put to death with an iron carding comb, was just the chap to watch over a county dependent on the wool trade. The Well at Bromley was a minor place of pilgrimage until the Reformation and thereafter fell into obscurity and disrepair.

Catholic History Walks

For King and Country!

Sunday 4th February, 3pm.

Catholics and politics: St Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, Pugin, Parliament and the Abbey. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral.

Lift up your heads, O Gates!

Monday 12th February, 2pm

Explore the varied and fascinating history of the City of London – the Square Mile, from its ancient origins, as a Catholic capital, and then to the Reformation and beyond. Meet at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, Southwark. SE1 1TA.

Bollywood Dancing

Bollywood is a fusion of dance styles from classical Indian dance including both Kathak and Bharatanatyam, Indian folk (Bhangra), jazz influences, western popular and more recently, hip hop style in the film industry. Bollywood dance provides a fantastic workout from beautiful hand gestures, hip movements to dynamic legwork and energetic bounces. It's a great way to stay fit and enjoy dance at the same time. All are welcome to our community centre on Friday's from 2.00 to 2.45pm (Term time only).

Shrove Tuesday 13th February

Sign up on the sheet in the Church porch if you wish to eat hot delicious pancakes on Tuesday 13^th February from 5pm to 7pm. Booking numbers restricted to the first 35 who sign up. Book fast to guarantee a place as this event is not to be missed.

The Parish Pastoral Council

The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Wednesday 31st January at 7.30pm in the Small hall 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

Justice & Peace

Foodbank requests

The current requirements are the same this week as last: long life milk, biscuits, tinned potatoes, rice, jellies, instant whips, and household cleaning products. Thanks to all our generous donors.

Parish Project

We heard from Fr Joe in the Philippines this week that he has received the first donation from St James’ (nearly £1,000) and it is already being put to good use. He said that a loan has been made to a group of ladies who studied dress making at their Parish Centre and they will work as a cooperative, helping them raise their funds, material and capital. They are to pay the loan in one year without interest. It is such good news to know that our collection is making a difference to women’s lives in the Philippines.

So, we are asking the parish to support a fundraising event on Sunday 4^th March in aid of St Catherine’s parish. There will be food, music, dancing, a quiz and other attractions, all with the theme of the Philippines. It will be timed for late afternoon, and suitable for families. What better way to entertain and feed the family on a winter’s Sunday afternoon, and support our Parish Project. Please put this in your diary now!

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 February 2018
Cleaning the Church	P Driscoll, J Rogerson, M Mitrovic (Tuesday team – 6th February)

Wednesday Coffee 7th February

T Forde, E Cushman

4th February 2018
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)	Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	A Neal	B Guyton A Guyton	G Whitley M Ingledew
Readers	L Rusmini A Prifti	H Denham A Coughlan	Z Bajorek R Del Guercio
Ministers of Holy Communion	C Wakefield R Wright P Driscoll P Cantopher J Gribben	K Chan A Guyton T Forde M Smith M Howell	A Bunnage P Murray V Terry N Longhurst T Willard
Bar			F Simon B Fleeman P Troy
Coffee		L Lynch S Barradell	C D’Arcy T Lowe
Altar Servers	Oscar O&J McCabe A&D Poulton R&F Norman-Brown J Monaghan Paulina P Marshall	L Delamain J Macfadyen	F Ikenye V Marcolina Z&E Teare

Tellers

C Delf, M Troy