BENEDICT XVI
Today, Sunday 19th April, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. On Thursday, Benedict also celebrated his 93rd birthday in lockdown inside the Vatican City. Today, incidentally, is also the twelfth anniversary of Fr David's ordination as a deacon.
OCTAVE OF EASTER
Today is the Octave Day of Easter. Today we celebrate the eighth day when the Risen Jesus appeared again to his disciples in the Upper Room. In the ancient Church, the newly baptised would participate again on this day in their white baptismal garments. These garments, and the witness of the neophytes, remind us that we are all like new born children coming from the baptismal fountain of Easter.
THANK YOU
Many thanks for all the kind Easter wishes and cards we have received. We would also like to mention all those who were preparing to perform their ministries this Easter - servers, singers, musicians, readers, Eucharistic ministers, welcomers, flower arrangers, cleaners, and of course our office and formation staff. Thank you for the preparation you had already put in. We look forward to seeing you resume your ministries in the not-to-distant future!
PLEASE STAY AT HOME
We continue to miss all our parishioners and all the activities that normally take place here. On Thursday the Government extended the current safety restrictions for at least a further three weeks. Please stay at home and join us in prayer. Please do not come to the church area - the church, hall, and office all remain closed. Please note that in the event that restrictions are eventually eased, we will follow advice from the diocese and the Bishops' Conference to formulate a plan for re-opening. Hall users and group leaders should please wait to hear from the parish before coming to the premises. Thank you.
ST GEORGE, PATRON OF ENGLAND
This Thursday, 23rd April, is the solemnity of St George, Martyr, and Patron of England.
ADORATION AND DEVOTIONS
We are trying to provide a time of adoration from Monday to Friday at 5pm on the live-stream in church. However, due to the large number of funerals and other work we have, some days it may not be possible. Please listen to the announcements at the morning Mass.
GIFT AID UPDATE
Many thanks to all of you who Gift Aid your donation to the parish. If you no longer pay tax, or you have moved house recently, please let the Parish Office know (by email) so that we can keep our records up to date. Thank you.
PRIESTS OF THE DIOCESE RIP
Please pray for the repose of the souls of these priests who have died recently: Monsignor Frederick Miles, Canon Edward Matthews, Fr Bryan Jones, Fr John O'Halloran, Fr John Helm, and Fr John Seabrook.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please pray for Joanne Miller, Irene Allen, Larry Andrews, Thomas McGovern, Nora Goode, Maria Thurai Rajah, Eddie Johnston, and Salvo Vincini, and Pat Brady, and also for their families and friends at this difficult time.