FR TOM WRITES
Many of you will be aware that Pope Francis has spent the last week in hospital suffering with pneumonia in both lungs following a serious case of bronchitis.
It is important that as Catholics we pray for the Pope because he is the successor of St Peter. In an unbroken succession, we can trace back his apostolic authority, back to Peter and to Christ, who commissioned Peter, just as he commissions each pope. Our Holy Father is an important link for us in faith. He represents the Lord for us, and he is a source of our unity. He is, as it were, a global father to the Church – not just a Holy Father, but a global father. He’s the Father of all peoples. In a particular way, he’s the father of every Catholic. Please pray at this time for Pope Francis’ health and for every strength and blessing for him.
ASH WEDNESDAY - 5 MARCH
Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will be on Wednesday 5th March. Please make a note of the date. Masses here will be at 8am, 10am and 7pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
During Lent Catholics are encouraged to pray the Stations of the Cross, either alone or as a community. We will gather each Friday after the 10 am Mass to pray the Stations in church. The first opportunity will be on the Friday immediately after Ash Wednesday, Friday 7th March.
TEA & COFFEE AFTER MASS
We encourage you to join us for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat in the hall after the Sunday morning Masses (except 12.30). Please join us!
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to school or college if you have been on the half-term break.
DERMOT RYAN RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday 25th February at 10am. RIP.
NORA O’DONAGHUE RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 26th February at 10am. RIP.
ALDA D’COSTA RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday 27th February at 10am. RIP.
GIUESEPPA MARIA SAUCHELLA RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Monday 10th March at 10am. RIP
BAPTISM MEETING
The next date to book baptisms will be Monday 3 March at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
JUNIOR CHOIR
Deacon Ian has been helping train the young people, aged 8-14, and we wish to invite more of our young people to join the group. They meet each Saturday at 5.15pm in the small hall to practice.
KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA
The Brothers of the Knights of St Columba, based in St Monica’s, Palmers Green, are looking for more Catholic men to join their Council. Their work in the community, gives witness to our Faith, through many different paths. Please email the Parish Office for more details, or speak to a member of the clergy.
WIFI & LIVESTREAM
As you know, we are getting new fibre broadband installed to restore our internet and streaming. However, the people from Openreach were unable to complete the work on Tuesday and now need to return to fix the work underground. This is an unfortunate delay. Hopefully soon we will be back up and running. Our new phones are also being installed - we are working now to have the voicemail reactivated. Please God, these temporary difficulties will soon be long behind us!!
ANNUAL MASS FOR MATRIMONY
Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for Matrimony at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 17th May 2025 at 2.30pm. The Cardinal invites couples in the Diocese celebrating in 2025 their 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th (and any over 60) anniversary of Catholic marriage. Please give your parish these details: the names of husband and wife, wedding date, number of years married, address, email (or telephone).