FR DAVID WRITES
Today on the First Sunday of Lent we hear about Jesus's experience in the wilderness. In this Year of the Word, we are asked to listen more carefully to God who speaks to us. In Lent we are invited to join Jesus in the wilderness in order to really hear what God is saying. This can be an uncomfortable challenge when sometimes we come face to face with our real selves, along with all the attachments and ambitions that seek to rule us. Like Christ, let us rely on the power of the Word of God to overcome every temptation. Please pray for the Rev. Matthew Harbage who will be licensed as the Vicar of St Paul's Church of England Parish this week. We wish him well as he begins his new ministry.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Friday morning after the 10am Mass.
DEFIBRILLATOR
With thanks to everyone who supported this year's January Sale, we have now installed our new defibrillator. This is located near the sacristy in the church porch where it can be easily accessed for use either in the church, porch, sacristy or the area outside. No training is required - the instructions are posted there and the machine gives simple audible instructions when used.
PARISH QUIZ NIGHT
Test your quiz knowledge!! Parish Quiz Night on Friday 27th March. The quiz will be hosted by Tom Nagle and price includes entry, fish and chip supper and drinks. Parishioners are invited to form teams of 8, then register their team and obtain tickets from the parish office asap. Tickets £10 per person (maximum of ten teams).
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
The next talk will be on Tuesday 3rd March at 7.45 pm in the Small Hall. This will be the third in a series on the Mass.
DATES FOR THE 'DOWRY OF MARY’ EVENT
The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham will visit Westminster Cathedral 19th-22nd March. Please see the small flyer on the porch notice board for full details. Please also see www.dowrytour.org.uk
FLOWERS IN CHURCH
Parishioners are asked not to leave flowers or plants in church during the observance of Lent. Thank you.
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
Today we will hear about Fairtrade at the end of our Masses, and the stall will be open in the hall where you can order Fairtrade ‘Real Easter Eggs’.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
The Lent Family Fast Day is this coming Friday 6th March. Next weekend there will be a retiring collection for the work of CAFOD. Please take an Gift Aid envelope if appropriate.
LENTEN COLLECTION FOR THE HOMELESS
Once again, we are collecting tins and toiletries for the homeless in Barnet and Finchley. Please use the box at the back of the church. Thank you.
FOUR SEASONS DRAW
The Spring Draw will take place on Sunday, 29th March after the 9.45 am Mass. Please make sure your subscriptions are paid to the end of the quarter (£3). If you would like to join the Draw please take an application form from the Paper Shop.
CONFIRMATION
Candidates are reminded of their meeting on Saturday, 7th March, at 4.50pm followed by Mass at 6.30pm.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION COURSE
Parents meet on Tuesday at 8 pm, children on Saturday at 10 am. Everyone to attend 11.15 am Mass on Sunday. There will be a sale of Communion dresses after the children’s session on Saturday.
WESTMINSTER DIOCESE LOURDES PILRGIMAGE
25th-31st July. Return travel by air from Stansted. Full board accommodation in Hotel Mediterranee. Please contact the Parish Office for a copy of the booking form.
BAPTISM APPLICATIONS
If you would like to have your child baptised, the March course begins on Monday, 2nd. Please come to the Parish Hall between 7—8 pm to complete an application form.
JANUARY SALE RAFFLE
The First Prize, a large hamper of luxury goodies, including champagne, chocolates and cake, has not yet been claimed so we are going to auction it. If you would like to ‘bid’ for the prize please leave your details and amount bid at the Parish Office by next weekend.
GIFT AID
We will be giving out the new Planned Giving boxes soon. If you have offered Gift Aid on your donation please let us know if you have moved, or have stopped paying income tax.