In Sunday's first reading, David says of Saul; 'I would not raise my hands against the Lord's anointed', because Saul was an anointed king. Yet, the sacrament of baptism reminds us that we are all anointed, as Christ was, 'priest, prophet and king'. Do I recognise this dignity in myself and in others? Does it stop me belittling others? The Queen considered the moment of her coronation anointing so sacred that it was not shown on TV; even in the Abbey, it was shielded from view. Perhaps, this week, take a moment to reflect on your own anointing, later confirmed in your confirmation. You share in the dignity of Christ; you are an anointed child of God. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Kathleen Phelan Marc Anthony Lee Margaret (Rita) O'Brien (Funeral; 23 February, 12 pm)
and all those who have died during this time of pandemic. We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them.
THE GOD WHO SPEAKS
thegodwhospeaks.uk offers some excellent resources for Lent, including reflections on art and scripture. There are some very thoughtful reflections on women in scripture.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022 On Tuesday, 8th March, from 7.30-8.30 pm, there will be an introductory Zoom Meeting for Parents and Candidates to find out more about the programme. Registration will take place on Tuesday, 15th March, in the Parish Hall. Confirmation candidates must be at least 14 years old on 31st August 2022. It is hope that all sessions will be held, face-to-face, starting after Easter on Tuesday, 19th April. Bishop John Sherrington will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation of Saturday, 10th September 2022. If you and your child would like to attend the introductory meeting, please email Clare Shah at clareshah@hotmail.com to register your interest and receive the Zoom link. LONDON JESUIT CENTRE; JOB OPPORTUNITIES
There are posts available for a Full-Time administrator and also a Housekeeping Assistant (35 hours). For further information contact; londonjesuitcentre.org ST SCHOLASTICA'S RETREAT
This almshouse charity in Princes Risborough is seeking a Warden & Clerk. Information at stscholasticas.co.uk ST DAVID'S DAY CONCERT The Passage is holding a St David's Day Concert on Thursday, 3rd March, at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square. All tickets are £20. Tickets at 020-759-21856 or passage.org.uk DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER The new DC services newsletter is available at dcsvpservices.org MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE If you are celebrating your 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th (or any year over 60). You are invited to a Mass in the Cathedral on Saturday, 14th May at 3pm. Simply give leave your details at the Presbytery; your names, postal address and email and/or telephone number. MARY'S MEALS; SOUTH SUDAN APPEAL The situation in South Sudan is becoming critical and support is urgently needed. To find out more and to contribute, visit marysmeals.org.uk. SEA SUNDAY 2021 We received thanks from the Stella Maris chaplaincy for the collection from the Parish. As I am very aware, like many collections now, this does not include the contributions parishioners made on-line. Many thanks to all of you for your support of so many charities.
AND FINALLY... Thank you to all who participated in the Blood Pressure Research project; the organisers were very pleased with the response and, I think, most of us had a pleasant chat and a coffee while waiting. Just a reminder that tea and coffee are available after the 11 am Mass on most Sundays; do come and join us.
With every blessing Rev Eugene Curran CM