The Hebrew word for 'the humble' is anawim; the poor, the afflicted. The English word is derived from the latin 'humus'; the earth. A French equivalent is 'les misérables' (those deserving of pity, not 'The Glums'!). To be humble is not to be mealy-mouthed or fearful; it means to stand before God 'with both feet on the ground'; God's beloved creatures who are also dependent on Him, neither over- or under-valuing ourselves. Humility has little to do with status, position or wealth; rich and powerful people can be truly humble and there are those who, with little enough reason, can be very proud. May we all be truly humble; seeking integrity, seeking humility and seeking refuge in the name of the Lord. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Margaret Bright Andrea Singa Danny Downey Leon Cheeseman
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; on-line application Use this link; First Communion applications 2023. CONFIRMATION 2023 To join the zoom introductory session at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 31 January.; 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 ST MICHAEL'S FINCHLEY The school has a position available for a teacher of chemistry. Applications on the school website. MASS FOR WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK On 11th February, there will be a Mass in the Cathedral at 2.30pm. All are welcome but you are requested to book seating here. CATHOLIC CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES This course, arranged by the diocese, runs online on Saturday mornings. If you are interested contact ccrs@rcdow.org.uk MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER The next residential weekends are 3-5 March and 13-14 May. Further information at wwme.org.ukPRE-MARRIAGE COURSE The Christian Heritage Centre is running a residential course from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th March. Married couples are also welcome to join this weekend as an opportunity for enrichment. For further details and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/ CAFOD CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people to join as volunteers here in Westminster diocese. Find out more by joining a meeting this Wednesday 1st February from 2.30-430pm in Oakwood, North London, N14 4HE. Contact Tony at CAFOD for further details: westminster@cafod.org.uk or 0208 449 6970 CHURCHES TOGETHER
On Sunday 22nd, in Trinity Church, the various Mill Hill church communities had a united service to mark the week of prayer for Christian Unity. It was very good for us to come together. We are always looking for people who would like to be part of the Churches Together group, if you have an interest in ecumenical matters. A concrete expression of our coming together is the Good Neighbour Scheme: they are always looking for new volunteers, particularly to help with the lunch groups. If you are interested, please contact the parish office.
SECOND COLLECTION
This weekend is Racial Justice Sunday and the retiring collection will be in aid of the diocesan work for Racial Justice.
The theme this year is: All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together.
Friday, 27th January, is also Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a good day to pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters who suffered and died in the 'Shoah' and also to remember all those who were, and are, victims of genocide - killed simply because others hated the group or race to which they belonged.
It is good to remind ourselves too that each week, the parish hosts the Jasmine group, for refugee women and I know how much they appreciate having a venue in which to meet together. May we continue to reach out to all our sisters and brothers.
AND FINALLY... Work goes on apace with the building of the new presbytery; you can see the site well from the atrium and the Bethany room. Feel free to drop in at any time if you would like to check on progress. With every good wish and blessing.
Rev Eugene Curran CM