FR DAVID WRITES
On Thursday we celebrated the solemnity of the Ascension, and now we look in prayer towards the celebration of Pentecost Sunday next weekend. These day that lie between Ascension and Pentecost are marked by prayer to the Holy Spirit. Today at the 11.15am Mass we will celebrate our ‘Going Forth Mass’ in thanksgiving to God for the recent First Holy Communions. Congratulations once again to the children and their families. This week on Tuesday we are hosting the meeting of the deans of the north London area with Bishop Sherrington. Please keep us in your prayers. Finally, some of you may have heard that my cousin sadly died recently. Later this week, I will need to go home for the funeral celebration. Please keep him and my family in your prayers. I should be back by next Saturday evening.
CARDINAL’S CENTENARY VISIT
His Eminence the Cardinal will celebrate a special centenary Mass here on Friday 16 June, 7pm, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This will be a very special occasion for us and a great celebration to mark the centenary. Please make a note of the date and time, and be sure to join us!
MAUREEN LAVERACK RIP
The funeral will take place on Tuesday 30th May at 12.30pm. May she rest in peace.
WORKS IN THE CHURCH
The big work this week was the renovation of the parquet floor. It now looks as good as new! At a later date, the concrete parts of the floor will be repainted. Hopefully, perhaps in the coming days, we may be able to return to the church for weekday Masses. Thank you for your patience in the meantime!
BUILDING FUND: GRATEFUL THANKS
On behalf of the whole parish, a huge thank you to those who have very generously given to the building fund. Further donations have come in this week - thank you!
VISIT FROM THE MOTHER OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
Antonia Salzano, the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, is making a visit to London. On Wednesday 31 May from 7.30 to 9pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, Farm Street, Mayfair, there will be Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction presided over by Bishop Hudson, especially for young people of the diocese. During this, Antonia will talk about her son’s trust and focus on the Lord in the Eucharist. On Thursday 1 June at 6.30pm in the Church of Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, there will be a Sung Mass after which Antonia will also talk about her son, his life and his relationship with the Lord. There will also be the opportunity to venerate a relic of Bl Carlo. All are welcome to both these events.
CELEBRATING CORPUS CHRISTI IN CENTRAL LONDON
The Diocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Corpus Christi, Covent Garden, will be hosting a Eucharistic Octave from 3-11 June. This has been organised by several London parishes to celebrate our Eucharistic Lord in the lead up to the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Full details can be found at catholiclondon.org The Octave will conclude with the Annual Corpus Christi Procession through central London. The processions departs from Warwick Street at 3pm on Sunday 11 June.
NEWS FROM THE FOODBANK
With your amazing support, we have run a community foodbank for over two years. It is humbling to think how a simple idea from the Headteacher at St Paul’s Primary School during COVID could grow with Our Lady of Lourdes and our other partners joining together to support local families week after week. As you will know, demand has risen substantially over the last few months, as now over 40 families each week make use of the service. We are dependent on grant funding, as other donations, although much appreciated, are not enough to cover our costs. The funding is due to run out over the summer, so we would ask if anyone is able to help us apply for further grants, please get in touch ASAP. We are grateful to OLOL and St Paul’s Primary schools, and GRAIL for their help so far. Finally, we thank all our volunteers who attend on Wednesdays, and pick up and deliver. Our foodbank has brought together some amazing elements in our community. Thank you to all our supporters.
CAFOD
Called to action by our faith. You are invited to CAFOD’s International Office on Saturday 10 June for a short time exploring our faith, why we campaign and how you can help. The morning will include guest speakers and a chance for discussion in workshops to explore activities such as Live Simply, our unfair food system and Liturgy resources. 10.30-1pm at CAFOD’s Office in Lambeth North SE1. For further information contact Tony This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or booking please see https://cafod.org.uk/news/events .