FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Second Sunday of Lent, when we hear about the Lord’s Transfiguration. This is a sign of the Passion and Resurrection to come. This mystery focuses our attention on the coming celebration of Holy Week and Easter. We look forward to seeing many parishioners take part once again in these great mysteries in all their fulness this year. Thank you to everyone who gave generously last week to Aid to the Church in Need and who supported our Fair Trade stall. On Friday we kept CAFOD Lent Fast Day. This weekend, there is the opportunity to give to CAFOD and help towards their work with the humanitarian crisis which is arising as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. Please continue to pray for peace and for an end to the war. Next weekend, I will be out at the seminary to help with work with candidates for priestly formation—please keep us in your prayers.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Our Finance Committee met this week and reviewed our current situation. Next weekend, you will be able to see our summary of our accounts for 2021 on the notice board. Thank you to the committee for their ongoing work and for those who helped to prepare all the accounts for the recent Annual Financial Return.
FR JOHNSON
Fr Johnson is presently in India. 8am Masses here will continue, but there will be no adoration. Please note the church will open in the mornings at 7.30am.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022
The next meeting for parents will be on Tuesday 22nd March at 8pm. Children’s session Saturday 26th March 10am –12.30pm (Including Reconciliation) and 11.15am Mass Sunday 27th March.
CONFIRMATION
The first meeting for Candidates will be on Saturday 19th March at 4.50pm followed by rite of enrolment Mass at 6pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Friday morning after the 10am Mass.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
This Family Fast Day, we remember that there are many people who need our love and support all around the world. Children experiencing malnutrition like Amie’s daughter Lombeh did in Sierra Leone or as we are seeing now in Ukraine, families affected by conflict. Donations to CAFOD this Lent will reach families around the world, enabling local experts to provide support to families in times of need or conflict. There will be a collection after all Masses this weekend. You can donate in church using a CAFOD envelope or by visiting the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/lent
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Aid to the Church in Need is despatching €1m in emergency help for Church communities responding to the desperate crisis unfolding in Ukraine. To support the ACN Ukraine emergency appeal, visit www.acnuk.org (Alternatively, you can give through Caritas by visiting https://rg.gy/dcqgcc )
BAPTISM COURSES
The next session for parents wanting to sign up for baptism for their baby will be this Wednesday, 16th March at 5 pm in the Parish Centre. Please see the poster in the porch for further dates.
ST PATRICK’S DAY
Masses for St Patrick’s Day on Thursday 17th March will be at 8am and 10am.
THE PASSAGE
A Catholic charity working with homeless people is raising funds through the Big Give a matched giving scheme from 12.00 noon on Monday 14 March. Every £1 donated online between 12.00 noon on Monday 14 March and 12.00 noon on Monday 28 March makes £2 and £2.25 if you are a taxpayer through Gift Aid. Please visit: https://bit.ly/BigGiveMarch22 to support the campaign. The campaign ‘It takes more than a house to make a home’ focuses on the services we provide to people who have been homeless in their journey to being happily settled in a new home. The Passage would be very grateful for your support. For questions about the campaign or assistance making a donation please ring 020 7592 1856.’
FOOD BANK NEWS
We are running low on the following items: pasta, rice and tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, toilet rolls, toiletries. breakfast cereals, coffee, sugar and tea. You are reminded that we cannot accept fresh food here at Our Lady of Lourdes, e.g. vegetables, meat/fish or dairy products as we are unable to store them correctly.
PAPER SHOP
The shop can now be found to the right as you enter the Parish Hall. There are a lot of items, including cards for various religious events. St Patrick and Easter cards now in stock.
DONATA CICORIA RIP
The Requiem takes place at 10 am on Tuesday 15th March. May she rest in peace.