FR DAVID WRITES
Many thanks to everyone who came to celebrate our parish feast day last Tuesday - it was a truly memorable evening. I would also like to thank everyone who supported it and contributed towards our celebration in any way. It was also lovely to award the Benemerenti medal, on behalf of Pope Francis, to Dorothy Landi in recognition of her seventy years of service to the parish and particularly our choir. As I mentioned in my homily, we are looking towards the centenary of the parish in 2023 and there will be much to think and pray about as we approach that important anniversary.
PASTORAL LETTER ON THE 'DOWRY OF MARY’
Today there is a pastoral letter from the Cardinal about the rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary. This is certainly a very old title, maybe even from the time of St Edward. Certainly in 1381, King Richard II dedicated England to Mary at Westminster Abbey. Since then, England has been entrusted to Our Lady. The Bishops of England and Wales are asking every Catholic and every parish to renew this consecration on Sunday 29 March. Copies of the pastoral letter are available at the back of church.
CHURCH DOORS
Apologies for the inconvenience with the church door which is not working correctly. The fitters have been but we need a special part which fits into the ground. However, this cannot be delivered until February 28th. Please continue to use the central doors and take care with the church porch door.
ADVANCE NOTICE: ASH WEDNESDAY
Please note that Ash Wednesday will be on 26th February. There will be Masses with distribution of ashes here at 8am, 10am and 7.30pm. There will also be a liturgy for children and staff of Our Lady of Lourdes in the primary school at 9.05am.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
The next talk will be on Tuesday, 18th February at 7.45 pm in the Small Hall. This will be the first in a series on the Mass.
PARISH OFFICE
Please note the Parish Office will be closed on Wednesday this coming week.
KENNETH BROWN RIP
The Requiem Mass will take place on Wednesday 19th February at 10am. May he rest in peace.
DIOCESAN LOURDES PILRGIMAGE
The Westminster Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by the Cardinal Nichols, will be 25th-31st July. This marks the 30th anniversary since the first Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Cardinal Hume. 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 is 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.
JANUARY SALE 2020—THANKS FOR YOUR HELP & GENEROSITY!
There are still a few prizes to be claimed including the 1st Prize. A list of prizes winners is on the notice board. Many thanks to you all - Janet Butterworth.
ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Westminster Cathedral, Saturday 30th May at 3 pm. The Cardinal will be inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 50th & 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2020. If you are celebrating an anniversary, please give the Parish Office the following details: names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or telephone number, if no email).
ST ANNE’S GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT
Friday 13th March, 7.30 pm at the Upper Site School, 6, Oakthorpe Road.
We invite all families and friends to listen and enjoy the sounds of an outstanding choir. Tickets are £10 for Adults, £5 for Students & Children (Under 5s free) and £22 for a Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children). Tickets can be purchased online via our E-Shop: https://goo.gl/KdNVwy or by calling the school on 020 8886 2165.
80’S DISCO NIGHT—OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL
Join us on the 29th February from 7pm for a disco night to raise money for new IT equipment. Fancy dress optional. Tickets £20 which includes a three course meal. Tickets available from Kamilla 07701 076590 or Steph 07737 275783.
SUNDAY MORNING REFRESHMENT ROTAS
New rotas available from the Paper shop today—thank you.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
If you have been bereaved and would like to speak to one of our volunteers please complete a form (from the Church Porch) and post through the blue door.