This is a significant weekend in our lives: the ordination to priesthood of our brother, Johh Ashu; the celebrations for the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty, the Queen; and, most importantly in our faith lives, the celebration of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the Church as the community of witnesses. In the Hebrew tradition, the Spirit is seen as 'Ruach', the breath of God who gives life; the Spirit that created and creates. It is also seen as 'Hokmah', the wisdom of God; there at the beginning and with us now, helping us to find our way to God. It is the 'Shekinah', the protecting presence of God, that hovers over all, guiding and leading. The Spirit is 'Menachem'; the comforter who brings peace and healing. And the Spirit is 'Meilitz Yosher'; the advocate, the one who fights in our corner and supports us in our struggles.
RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially:
Christine Jarvis (née Murphy) (Funeral; St Patrick's, Hendon, 7th June, 12.30 pm)
Archimede Cordani Carmen Cauchi (funeral; 10 June, 11am)
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.
ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
John's ordination on Saturday 4th takes place at noon. It is appropriate that it takes place on the Vigil of Pentecost as we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is also just before Monday's feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Thursday's feast of Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. May she who said 'Do whatever He tells you', lead John in his service of her Son and of His people. We pray that he will live out in his life the Vincentian motto; 'Evangelizare Pauperibus Misit Me' (He sent me to bring Good News to those who are poor), inspired by the example of St Vincent, St Louise, Frederic Ozanam and all those who have lived vincentian lives. SOME PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS A reminder that, on Saturday and Sunday, entry to the carpark will be restricted to those with mobility issues. Please remember, if you wish to participate, that the ordination and first Mass will be live-streamed also. John's first Mass will be on Sunday 5th at 11 am. We pray God's blessing on John as he begins his ministry as a priest and we thank, wholeheartedly, all those who have been a part of his journey to priesthood and all those who have contributed, in any way, to making this day special. THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE On Sunday afternoon, churches and communities across Mill Hill will come together for a picnic to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The event will be in the main field on the corner of Daws Lane and Hammers Lane, 12-4pm. The NW7Hub and Mill Hill Residents Association are involved. How can you get involved?
Bring a picnic and a blanket and come and gather with all the community together.
If you would like to bring a stall or table to showcase your local community group or initiative, we’d love the opportunity to display all the different things happening in our neighbourhood.
There will be a small stage for local performances, including some songs from churches as we celebrate Pentecost. If you would like to perform, please get in touch!
SVP JUBILEE PARTYThe Parish St Vincent de Paul Group will be celebrating on Monday, 6th June, from 2pm. All are welcome. EVENING MASSES Due to the Jubilee Bank Holidays and the Ordination, there will be NO EVENING MASSES on Friday, Saturday or Sunday this week and No Morning Mass on Saturday 4th
AND FINALLY...
Gracious God, we give you thanks for your servant Elizabeth our Queen, and for the example of loving and faithful service which she has shown among us. Help us to follow her example of dedication and to commit our lives to you and to one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. On this weekend, as we give thanks for her years of service, we pray God's blessing on John as he begins his service of the people of God as a priest and we pray that we may all be aware of our call to service and ministry.
Fr Eugene CM