FR DAVID WRITES
Today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, is also known as the Sunday of the Word of God. This year, the lectionary gives us Gospel readings from St Mark. Have you ever read Mark’s Gospel? Can I suggest a challenge? Why not make time to read Mark in one go? Choose a modern translation. His Gospel is short (only 16 short chapters); he writes in a direct and snappy way. We only hear sections (pericopae) at Mass - you will be amazed at how different it is to read it all in one go! The word of God is alive and active - why not let the Gospel speak to you now and see how it goes!
BAPTISM SIGN-UP
The next Baptism sign-up will take place on Monday 5th February at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Well done to those children and families who successfully began the course of preparation recently. There have been three events so far. It is not possible to begin now, as the course is well under way. Please keep the children, families and catechists in your prayers.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
The new envelopes will be distributed in April. If you do not require your planned giving envelopes anymore or have a change in circumstances, e.g. you have moved house, or are no longer paying tax, please let the Parish Office know. If you would like to join the planned giving scheme please collect an application form from the church porch. You can use these forms to set up a Standing Order or join the Gift Aid scheme. Standing Order is the best way to give to the parish as it reduces cash handling on the premises. Thank you to everyone for your continuing generosity.
RCIA (JOURNEY IN FAITH)
The next session will take place on Monday 22nd January at 7.30pm.
WILLIAM (JIM) JACKSON RIP
The Funeral will take place on Wednesday 24th January at 10am. May he rest in peace.
MARGARET CRONIN RIP
The Funeral will take place on Friday 26th January at 10am. May she rest in peace.
JOSEPH CALDEIRA RIP
The Funeral will take place on Tuesday 30th January at 10am. May he rest in peace.
VINCENT SMITH RIP
The funeral will take place on Thursday 1st February at 10am. May he rest in peace.
MICHAEL HOSFORD RIP
The Funeral will take place on Monday 5th February at 12pm. May he rest in peace.
FAIR TRADE
The Fair Trade stall is open this weekend after all masses on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st celebrating the "3rd Sunday in Ordinary time".
REFLECTION
Why does God choose one person and not another? Saint Paul wants to ensure all who believe in Christ are saved and he writes to the Corinthians begging them to put Jesus before all earthly thoughts. In the coming weeks we will read some difficult advice from Paul, but he speaks in this way because he wants everyone to live lives worthy of God and be saved. In the psalm we call upon God to teach us His ways. These ways are difficult, he calls us to serve him alone and this can cause difficulties in our personal life, but God never asks us to do something beyond our capabilities. Fishermen are a hardy breed, they are independently minded and used to working through the calms and storms of life. Mark tells us that when Jesus calls Andrew and Simon Peter, James and John, they show no reluctance and drop everything to follow Him. Perhaps the words of today’s psalm speak to them clearly “He guides the humble in the right path, he teaches his way to the poor”. (David Frank)