There is a story told of a woman who, during the Nazi era, sheltered a family of Jews in her home. Some of her neighbours heard of this and were fearful for her safety...and theirs. 'Why do you do it?' they asked. Her reply; 'I do it because the time is now and I am here'. Another story; of the American soldier who noticed a nun tending the wounds of a leper. 'Gee, Sister, I wouldn't do that for all the money in the world!' 'Neither would I', she replied. We are not always the best of people or the most suitable or gifted. We are not always the most faithful or the most holy. But we are the ones who are here and we are here now. Wherever we find ourselves, we can respond to the call of the Lord and the needs of our sisters and brothers. As a certain company has it: 'every little helps' or, put another way 'it is better to light a penny candle than to curse the dark!' RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Margaret (Rita) O'Brien (Funeral; 23 February, 12 pm) James Rowley Ricardo Deguia (Funeral; 12 February, 1 pm) Amelia Mapenas (Funeral; 12 February, 11am) Norlita Santos (Funeral; 11 February 11.30) Kevin Cullen (Funeral, 11 February) Cecilia Appiah (Funeral; 9 February, 1pm)
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. RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION As restrictions are lifting, we will be making some changes about reception of the Eucharist.
at all Masses, from Sunday 6th, please approach the altar to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
If, for any reason, you find this difficult, please indicate to one of the Stewards and a minister will bring Holy Communion to you.
Please follow the instructions and guidance of the Stewards at all times.
If you receive in the hand, please consume the host at the altar steps, before you begin to return to your seat.
If you receive on the tongue, please wait until the end of the distribution before coming forward.
TEA & COFFEE MORNINGS Thanks to the generous offers of service by a number of parishioners, we are able to invite people to join us for tea/coffee in the Bethany Room after Mass every Friday, beginning on 4th February and after the 11 am Mass on Sundays, beginning on 6th February. If anyone would like to offer service after other Masses, especially on the weekends, we would be happy to facilitate you. The tea & coffee are free but if you can make a small donation it will be gratefully received.
SUPPORTING OUR ELDERS The Mill Hill and Burnt Oak Good Neighbour Scheme hosts a lunch at Sacred Heart every Tuesday and, each Thursday, at Annunciation Church Hall. The cost is £6 per meal or £11 for a meal and travel to and from the venue by bus. If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, please call 020-8906-3340. SURVIVE-MIVA
This weekend an appeal will be made at all Masses by Survive-Miva, the Missionary Vehicle Association, which provides funding for essential transport in isolated areas on the Missions.
CHARITY CONCERT There will be a charity concert in aid of the British Heart Foundation and the Michael Sobell Hospice in Salvatorian College, Harrow HA3 5DY on 26 February. For further information contact oconnell.patrick03@gmail.com RESEARCH PROJECT Just a reminder of the study on blood-pressure, heart-rate and oxygen saturation that will take place in the Hall on Sunday, 13th February. FINCHLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL; PA TO THE HEADTEACHER The school is looking for a Personal Assistant to the Head. Closing date is 25 February. Further information and application forms on the school website; www.finchleycatholic.org.uk WORLD DAY OF THE SICK The annual Mass for World Day of the Sick will be held at the Cathedral at 2 pm on Saturday, 12th February, marking the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (though the Sacrament of the Sick will not be administered this year). If you would like to view the live-stream you can do so at westminstercathedral.org.uk or on their YouTube channel. As we will have two funerals on 11th February, I propose that we use our time of Adoration on Wednesday 9th as a time of prayer for the Sick, especially those in our parish. A VERY GENEROUS GIFT An anonymous donor has made a gift of a splendid new monstrance for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and we give thanks for such generosity. We will inaugurate the new Monstrance at Adoration on Wednesday, 9th February. The old monstrance does need some repair and attention and, to be honest, this will be more expensive than anticipated. One person has already made a significant donation towards the cost but if you would like to contribute, please place you donation (of any amount) in an envelope marked 'MONSTRANCE' and drop them into the collection basket or at the Presbytery. COMINGS AND GOINGS We are delighted that Fr Chinedu has returned safely from his home visit. Fr Ako will begin his home visit on February 14th and return on 15th March.
AND FINALLY...
The coming week holds the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Daughter of Charity. A victim and survivor herself, she is patron of survivors of human trafficking and of Sudan and South Sudan. The Westminster Caritas hostel for victims/survivors of trafficking is named in her honour. Friday is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and is World Day of Prayer for the Sick. If you have anyone that you wish to have added to the list of those we pray for at Mass, please contact the Parish Office. With every blessing
Rev Eugene Curran CM