FR DAVID WRITES
Now we return to the Season of Ordinary Time, although the mysteries of the Nativity and Epiphany continue to shine until the Feast of the Lord's Presentation (Candlemas) on 2nd February. Next weekend sees a brand new feast in the Church's calendar: the Sunday of the Word of God. Last year, in his Apostolic Constitution 'Aperuit illis,' Pope Francis established the new celebration. This is particularly appropriate for us in England given that we are celebrating our 'Year of the Word'. Next weekend, everyone is invited to bring your Bibles from home to be blessed at Mass—please don’t forget!
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES—11TH FEBRUARY
There will be a special celebration here on Tuesday 11th February at 7.30pm to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Patroness of our Parish. This year the Mass is at 7.30pm so that parishioners are able to participate and celebrate the life of our parish. After the Mass, there will be a reception held in the parish centre. Everyone is invited - please do join us to celebrate our own feast day!
MARGARET GUNN RIP
Miss Gunn was head teacher of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School here from 1982-1995. In this role, she worked with many parishioners and helped shaped the lives of many young parishioners. Her Requiem Mass is on Tuesday 28th January at 11am at St Anthony’s Church, Radlett. As mentioned last week, we will also hold a special Mass here in her memory. Details to be announced.
FRANCES KANTOROWICZ RIP
Frances’s Requiem Mass will take place here on Friday 31st January at 10am. May she rest in peace. As a Brownie leader and with the Scout Group, Frances made a big contribution to the life of the parish and was involved with many other activities that benefited our young people and children here, and in the wider community. Please keep her family in your prayers at this time.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
The Tuesday evening talks continue at 7.45 pm in the Small Hall. This week Fr. Andrew will talk about The Trinity.
CONFIRMATION COURSE 2020
Our Confirmation course will begin on Tuesday 28th January when all candidates and parents are asked to attend at the Parish Hall at 7.30 pm sharp to complete the application form. If you were not baptized here (please check) you will need to bring your Baptism Certificate—this should have a postal address on it as your Confirmation will be recorded at the place of Baptism. Please also bring your course fee of £50. Please note that the date of the first session has been moved from the 15th to the 8th February.
PRAYERS FOR THOSE AROUND THE WORD
Please continue to keep the people of Australia in your prayers as the wild fires continue, and also the people of the Philippines in the continuing situation of the volcano. Several parishioners here at Our Lady of Lourdes have loved ones and friends affected by these terrible events.
OCTAVE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
This special week of prayer for unity among Christ’s people runs from 18th-25th January.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS ROTA, COUNTING ROTA & PAPERSHOP ROTA
Please note that these are now available in the Paper Shop for those who have not been sent their copy by email.
22ND SOUTHGATE SCOUT NEWS: SPACES IN THE BEAVER COLONY!
Our Beaver Colony will have more spaces available from early in the New Year. It meets on Tuesdays at 5.15pm. Beaver Scouts are aged 5 ¾ - 8 years (and then move into Cub Scouting). If you know of any who would like to become Beaver Scouts, their parents can email Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text BEAVERS to 07803 161292.
JANUARY SALE 2020
Our Big January Sale will take place in the Parish Hall on 25th January, after the 6.30pm Mass, and 26th January after all Morning Masses. Offers of raffle prizes will be most welcome—also a big request for cakes over the weekend. Items for sale may be left in the Parish Office during opening times or in the Paper Shop during weekend Mass times. Proceeds will go towards ongoing Parish Projects. Do come along for a bargain, or a coffee and a chat with friends. Thank you all very much. Janet Butterworth.
ST ANNE’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
are hosting a Tea Party for those elderly in our community on Sunday 9th February 2020, from 3.00 – 5.00pm, held at the Upper Site School on Oakthorpe Road, Palmers Green, N13 5TY. RSVP via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone: 0208 886 2165. Confirmation needed for catering purposes. RSVP by Friday 31st January 2020.
LOURDES MASS FOR THE SICK AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
The Annual Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes takes place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 8th February at 2pm. If you, or someone you know, plans to attend in a wheelchair, please let the Parish Office know by Sunday 26th January.