FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - now also known as the Sunday of the Word of God. If you remembered to bring a bible from home or school, these will be blessed during every Sunday Mass as we mark this new feast celebrated during the Year of the Word. Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, known as 'Candlemas'. This feast marks the day when Mary and Joseph presented the baby Jesus in the Temple - it is a celebration of the light entering our darkness. The solemn Mass will be at 9.45am when we will bless the candles to be used in the coming year.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
We will celebrate our patronal feast on Tuesday 11th February. We are holding a special Mass in the church at 7.30pm, followed by a parish party in the hall afterwards. I do hope as many of you as possible can be there to celebrate our parish feast. (There will be no 10am Mass because we are holding our deanery conference in the morning).
DIOCESAN LOURDES PILRGIMAGE
The Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by the Cardinal, will be 25th-31st July. Fr David and Fr Andrew will be taking part and invite parishioners to join them. It is not a 'parish pilgrimage' as such but our parish group joining in the wider diocesan pilgrimage, which has a full programme of daily events. Return travel is by air from Stansted to Lourdes-Tarbes. Full board accommodation in Hotel Mediterranee and full pilgrimage programme: £863 (single room supplement extra). Please contact the Parish Office to register and collect a copy of the booking form.
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 Liturgy.
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 as soon as possible.
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.
EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS VACANCIES
Finchley Catholic High School is looking to appoint additional examination invigilators. Details can be found on their website: www.finchleycatholic.org.uk under menu/staff/vacancies Closing date for applications is Thursday 6th February 2020.
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.
CONVENT MASS
2 Brookdale N11 on Thursday 30th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.
JANUARY SALE 2020
Our Big January Sale will take place in the Parish Hall this weekend after the 6.30pm Mass on Saturday and all morning Masses on Sunday. Proceeds will go towards ongoing Parish Projects. Do pop into the hall for a bargain, or a coffee and a chat with friends. Thank you all very much. Janet Butterworth.
AFTERNOON TEA GROUP DATES
Please note there is a change of dates for the next three months for the afternoon tea group, which will move to the third Sunday of the month, rather than the second. The next Afternoon Tea will be on Sunday 17th February at 3 pm in the Small Hall.
MARGARET GUNN RIP
Miss Gunn was head teacher of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School here from 1982-1995. 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.