FR DAVID WRITES
Congratulations and well done to the children who celebrated First Confession here in church yesterday. Next Saturday is First Holy Communion day in the parish. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers on this special occasion.
CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS WRITES
‘This Easter there is a particular occasion for joy in our land, as we shall see King Charles III crowned. Much will be written about the Coronation in the days to come. As Catholic Christians, we do well to bear in mind that the Coronation is a profoundly religious event. There are few, if any, other countries in the world in which the accession of the head of state is marked with such religious symbolism and prayer. The service is rooted deep in tradition and history. Key elements of the coronation liturgy trace their origins as far back as the twelfth century, the anointing among them. Though there is space only for a few to be present in the abbey, this is an important moment for us all to unite in prayer. On Friday 5th May, the day before the Coronation, Mass will be celebrated in most of our churches for the intentions of the King. I invite you to join this prayer, and to attend Mass on the Friday if you can, at this time of significance and joy for us all.’
MARKING THE CORONATION HERE
On Friday 5 May, the 10am Mass will be celebrated for the King, in view of the next day’s festivities. Then, on Sunday 7 May at 1.15pm, please join us in the church hall for a shared table to celebrate the coronation of the new King and Queen. Please bring a cold dish/buffet food/cake or snacks to share with those present. All are welcome—please bring a friend or neighbour if you would like to! Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to ask any questions or for more information.
Please sign the list in the porch just so we have an idea of numbers - thank you!
NO CONFESSIONS NEXT SATURDAY
Please note that there are no Confessions next Saturday due to First Communions.
VOCATIONS - PRIEST TRAINING FUND (PTF/WEEF)
Next weekend is Good Shepherd Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. There will be a retiring collection here at all Masses for the Priest Training Fund. Envelopes are available at the back of church. On Wednesday 17 May there will be an open evening at St James’s, Spanish Place, for any men interested in learning about or discerning a vocation to priesthood. Mass will be at 6pm, followed by a presentation, conversations and refreshments.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Envelopes for 2023/24 are now available at the back of the church. They are in numerical order and your number will be the same as last year. Please take yours as soon as you can. If you can’t find your box, please email the Parish Office.
CONTACTLESS CARD READER
We now have a contactless card machine, which takes cards and smart phones, and you can add Gift Aid if you follow the instructions on the reader. Once you have used a card with Gift Aid, it recognizes it for any subsequent donation.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023
Rehearsals for First Holy Communion will take place on Thursday 27th April at 5.20pm & 6.20pm. First Holy Communions take place on Saturday 29th April at 11am & 2pm.
CONFIRMATIONS 2023: IMPORTANT CHANGE
Fr David has written to parents. Please note that due to the work in the church, the Confirmation Mass will now take place at St Mary Magdalen’s, Athenaeum Road, Whetstone, on the same date and time as advertised: Friday 12 May at 7pm. All candidates should be present by 6.30pm in order to be seated.
BAPTISMS
If you would like your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism please come to the next meeting on Wednesday 17th May at 5pm in the Parish Centre.
VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS
If you would like to volunteer for next year’s Confirmation programme please see Teresa or ask the office for further details.
BERNADETTE CLUB—CANTERBURY
There are a few spare seats on the coach to Canterbury on Tuesday 16th May leaving church at 10am, £20 each. If you would like to join us please call Jackie 07956 809152.