The Collect for this Sunday reminds us that God teaches us that He abides in hearts that are just and true. The Gospel of Sunday is the great Beatitudes; 'blessed/happy are you...'. We go forth from the Mass glorifying the Lord by how we live our lives. None of this has to do with our place of birth, colour of skin, social status or income. On this Racial Justice Sunday may we be aware of the great beauty of every human life and the enormous blessing it is to be part of a vibrant, living, varied community of believers. And we pray for conversion of heart for those times when we fail to appreciate this and for those, whoever and wherever they are, who focus on what separates us rather than what binds us together. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Margaret (Rita) O'Brien (Funeral; 23 February, 12 pm) Ricardo Deguia (Funeral; 12 February, 1 pm) Amelia Napenas (Funeral; 12 February, 11am)
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.
VOLUNTEERING IN THE PARISH
As we begin to emerge 'blinking into the sunlight' after the years of upheaval, could I encourage you to consider how you can share your gifts and talents with the parish community? There are so many roles and ministries - don't let shyness or false modesty hold you back. If you would like to meet with me to chat about opportunities, please do.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE For those considering marriage; there will be a course in St Monica's, Palmers Green on Friday & Saturday, 25/26 March. Further information from palmersgreen@rcdow.org.uk ST MICHAEL'S, FINCHLEY; TWO TEACHING POSTS
The school seeks to appoint a Teacher of Mathematics and a Teacher of Science. Applications available on the school website. SURVIVE-MIVA
Many thanks to all for your generosity to this cause; we collected £1,000, which has been forwarded to the charity.
RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY This Sunday, 13th, is Racial Justice Sunday. Full information on the Bishops Website, which has some beautiful posters and recordings of the 'Our Father' and 'Hail Mary' in various languages. The retiring collections this weekend will be for the Diocesan Racial Justice initiatives. BLOOD PRESSURE RESEARCH PROJECT A reminder that free blood pressure checks are available in the Parish Hall this Sunday from 8.30 am to 1pm. Participation will help the research project - and your health. QUEEN ELIZABETH'S PLATINUM JUBILEE Although there will be greater festivities later in the year, I suggest that we each take a time of prayer to ask the Lord's blessing on the Queen at this time. Perhaps you might like to take some time in praying for her before the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday morning after Mass. HOPE IS A VERB The 44th Annual Conference of the National Justice and Peace Network will take place 22-24 July. Further information at justice-and-peace.org.uk WALK AGAINST HUNGER; CAFOD Help combat hunger; get sponsored to walk 5km per day during Lent. To find out more visit cafod.org.uk. COMINGS AND GOINGS I will be paying a flying visit to my family next weekend and we will be visited by Gerry McLean from Scotland.
AND FINALLY...
For Racial Justice Sunday, it is suggested that we use this prayer of Pope Francis
Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth
so that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessar
different faces of the one humanity that God loves so much. With every blessing