The Gospel this week, from St John, echoes last week's Gospel from St Matthew; the baptism of Jesus. It is a reminder that our baptism is not only with water but with the Spirit of God - the Spirit that makes us daughters and sons and, equally significantly, brothers and sisters. As we enter into 'Ordinary Time' we remind ourselves that no time is really ordinary and all time is blessed because God is always with us, in all the experiences of our lives; we remind ourselves of this when, like John, we say 'Behold the Lamb of God' each day at Mass. He is always with us. The Collect for the first week of ordinary time says: 'May we see what must be done and gain strength to do what we have seen'. Perhaps this could be our prayer as we enter into this new year. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially those who died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.
We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them. FIRST COMMUNION AND FIRST RECONCILIATION; Dates for your diary This programme is for children born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015, who are attending Catholic school and attend Mass in Sacred Heart Church. Applications will be on-line only and the link will be provided next week. As there will be an introductory session for parents on Wednesday, 8 February, please complete the application form by Sunday, 5 February. Preparation sessions for the children will begin on Wednesday, 22 February, and continue until May. We look forward to working with you and your children. CONFIRMATION 2023 There will be a Zoom Introductory Meeting for the 2023 Confirmation programme from 7.30-8.30pm on Tuesday 31 January. This meeting is for Parents AND Candidates to find out more about the programme. Registration will take place the following week, Tue 7 February, in the parish hall. Confirmation candidates are usually in Year 9, and need to be at least 14 years old on 31 August 2023. Older candidates, provided they are under 18, are, however, welcome. The Tuesday sessions will start at 7pm on 28 February, preceded by a Mass of Enrolment at 5.30pm on Sun 26 February Bishop John Sherrington will Confirm the candidates on Saturday 24 June To join the zoom introductory session; click here. or use Meeting ID: 897 0441 8440 Passcode: 037363 If you and your child would like to attend the introductory meeting, please email clareshah@hotmail.com to register your interest SVP BINGO AND AFTERNOON TEA This will take place this Monday, 16th, from 2-4 pm BEREAVEMENT LISTENING SERVICE The next session will be in Hartley Hall, from 1.30-3.00 pm, on Friday 24 January. DAY WITH MARY The next Day will take place on Saturday, 28 January, at Holy Apostles, Winchester Street, London SW1. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY There will be a Bingo Night, with licensed bar, in the Parish Hall on Saturday, 18 February. This is to fund a day out to the seaside for older parishioners later in the year. CHURCHES TOGETHER A reminder that the Annual Service for Church Unity will be held in Trinity Church, the Broadway, on 22 January at 10.30 am. PAX CHRISTI; PEACE SUNDAY 14/15 JANUARY Pax Christi is the Catholic Movement for Peace in England and Wales, based on the Gospel and inspired by faith; with a vision of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any of its forms. This weekend's second collection will be in aid of Pax Christi and envelopes are also available in the Narthex. You can also donate on-line at paxchristi.org.uk or use the card machines in the Narthex.
AND FINALLY... For those who might not have seen it; the work with the demolition of the old presbytery has been completed this week. We have followed it on the parish Facebook page. My thanks to all those involved - especially for the care and precision with which the work has been done. With every good wish and blessing.
Rev Eugene Curran CM