February begins with Candlemas- (Wednesday 2^nd). It is a lovely winter festival of birth and light. It is also a story of living, ageing and loving. Mary and Joseph present their baby Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem and meet the elderly Anna and Simeon.

The wisdom of age, the years of struggling and hurting and loving, the presenting of themselves regularly in the communal round of worship, the prayers of a lifetime- these are the experiences that enable Anna and Simeon to recognise God in Jesus and to have confidence in the safety and vulnerability of God’s love. May their experience be ours too.

Read the story (St. Luke chapter 2, verses 22-40.) and if possible come to Mass on Wednesday (9.30am) when we shall light candles.

We give thanks to God for all ‘senior citizens’- and especially those in our congregation and families. And we commend to the Lord those we love but see no longer. May we all shine as bright lights for Christ, in life and in death, for we are all one in the communion of saints.

Mass attendances last Sunday were 628.
Sunday 30/1/11	4^th Sunday in Ordinary time (A) 6pm – Relatives & Friends of Marie Porter (Found) 9.15am- Gwyn & Mary Owen (the Owen family) 11am –People of the Parish  2nd collection for the Seminary Fund First Communion Preparation – Year 3 children at non- Catholic schools starts today 10am (children leave Mass at Communion) to 10.45am  (Miriam Travers on 01689 820 972.)
Monday 31/1/11	St John Bosco 9.30am – CWL – Olive Cosgrave RIP 1-30-3.30 pm - craft/card games/tea and chat in the hall. Everyone very welcome! CWL party, 8pm – All ladies of the parish warmly invited – no need to book just come along.
Tuesday 1/2/11	Feria 9.30am-Olive Cosgrave RIP (the Stanley family)  Benediction and confessions after morning Mass. 7.15pm- Mary Fitzgerald RIP (Geraldine Carter)  8pm Evangelium –(281A Crescent Drive)
Wednesday 2/2/11	The Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas) 9.30am –Betty Nally RIP & William Nally (M.  O’Leary)
Thursday 3/2/11	Feria  9.30am – Olive Cosgrave RIP (S & A Barradell)
Friday 4/2/11	Feria 9.30am – Harry Matthews RIP (Lesley Matthews)
Sunday 6/2/11	5^th Sunday in Ordinary time (A) 6pm – People of the Parish  9.15am- Gregory Panek RIP (Kate Kaminski)  11am – Pat O’ Donnell (Leish O’Sullivan)
Monday 7/2/11	Mission and Planning team (MaP)-meeting room 7.45pm

Line Dancing –Sat. 5th Feb. 7.30 for 8pm- Social Centre.  Tickets £6 adults, £3 children, or £15 family ticket; includes light supper.  Tickets after Mass or contact Sue David.  Raising money for the Scouting groups at St James.

Married couples wanted! – could you help with Marriage Preparation in the diocese (involving 2 or 3 Saturdays a year)? Lisette on 020 8690 9310 or (mob) 07505 305 297 or mailto:marrigese@tiscali.co.uk. (Flyers in porch)

St James’ Primary School  - Reception teacher needed;   the school will consider  experienced teachers or NQTs – contact 020 8467 8167.

Please remember the sick in your prayers: Bill Morley, Gerald Colman, Gloria Calnan, Joshua Canning (11 yrs.), Florence Angel, Christopher Drew, Ernest Field and Bishop Michael Evans (East Anglia).

Ministry to the sick – please let me know as soon as possible if you are ill (and especially if you are in hospital) so that a visit can be arranged.  I am always pleased to visit but I must know!

Starmaker God, lightener of the world

Bless us and warm us into light and loving.

Bring us to the light of Jesus

All the length and breadth of our nights and days.

You have found me. I have seen you.

Daily I know you cherishing me.

Kindle and draw me into the light of your loving

Every night and day of my journey home.

As the candle, so my life;

Flickering, burning, changing,

Alight and warm

With the light that is you.

..........................................A poem by Ruth Burgess

Please take this copy of Briefly home! And don’t forget to look at our website for all aspects of our parish life.  Thanks to those who came to the Taizé service last Sunday. The church was aglow with candlelight....       

Every blessing...... Fr Bryan