I often think that this most solemn moment must have been a little farcical: Lazarus, as in this icon, bound from head to foot, trying, first, to get upright and then move forward, hopping; his eyes covered and blinded, bumping into the walls of the tomb. In the icon above, we see two men covering their mouths to stop themselves from vomiting since, as his sister says, 'it is the fourth day and he will smell'. It reminds us that God comes into the messiness and muck of our human lives to work His grace; not when everything is neat and tidy and organised and we have little need for Him. Can I invite Him into my life, in all its farce and frenetic rush? David Kosoff, in his Book of Witnesses, reminds us that, though raised, Lazarus would, eventually, have to die again. It is the one reality that none of us can avoid but Jesus has made it the gateway to everlasting life.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Caterina (Lina) Cimelli (Funeral; Hendon, 12 noon, 28th March)
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. PARISH OFFICE; MELANIE GIBBONS A reminder that on Thursday 3oth March, we will have a little gathering after Mass to mark Melanie's retirement and there will be a larger occasion later. SERVICES OF RECONCILIATION The Lenten Service of Reconciliation takes place of Wednesday, 22nd, beginning at 7 pm. Priests will be available in the Church until 9 pm. A reminder that First Reconciliation takes place at noon, this Saturday, 25th March. LENTEN PRACTICES
This coming week, Sr Avril's reflections will take place after Mass on Monday, 27th.
The Stations of the Cross take place every weekday at 6 pm.
Adoration with the Daughters of Charity continues at 4pm each Sunday of Lent until Palm Sunday. The prayer will be followed by tea.
LENT TAIZE PRAYER This will take place in Notre Dame de France, Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX, at 7.30 pm on 25th March. LOVE THE STRANGER; A CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES This document from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales can be read, on-line, at cbcew.org.uk HOLY LAND, WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE, 19-27 NOVEMBER. This pilgrimage will be led by Bishop John Sherrington and Fr John Farrell OP. Cost is £2265 pps. Places can be booked at Tangney-tours.com or phone 0207-798 9173. WESTMINSTER MASS FOR MIGRANTS This will be held in St Anthony of Padua, Forest Gate, E7 9QB, at noon on 1st May. More information at caritasbrentwood.org PARISH CARITAS REPRESENTATIVE We are currently looking for someone who would be willing to be our link with all that Caritas Westminster is doing. If you are interested in Justice and Peace initiatives, this could be for you. Please contact the Parish Office for further information. THE PASSAGE From 13-27 March, the Passage hosts its Spring 'Big Give' campaign, From Street to Home, which operates with matched funding. There has been a 46% increase in people seeking help. To support the work of the Passage, click donate.thebiggive.org.uk VACANCY; BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES Ascension Catholic Academy Trust (incorporating six diocesan schools) is currently seeking an architect, surveyor or civil engineer to join its board. If you are interested, contact Mike Metcalf at m.metcalf@ascensioncat.org TRANSPORT TO CHURCH We are currently looking for someone who would be willing occasionally to transport a parishioner to Church from Milespit Hill. If you would be willing, please contact the Parish Office. AND FINALLY... This Saturday, 25th, is the Feast of the Annunciation and, for the Daughters of Charity, the day on which they renew their annual vows. We are blessed to have the Sisters in our parish - along with our Franciscan and Dominican Sisters - and will keep them in prayer on this special day. You can visit their website here
As we continue our Lenten journey, may we allow Jesus to meet us in the reality of our daily lives.
Rev Eugene Curran CM