If, as St Luke tells us, even Jesus could be tempted, why are we surprised when temptations come our way? In many ways, we have 'personalised' temptation; the temptation to misbehave, overindulge or to think too much of ourselves. But the great temptations are to diminish the rights of others, to use violence to achieve our ends, to forget that this is God's world, not ours. This Lent, as we seek to get the balance right in our own lives, let us also pray, and act, that peace will prevail in our world. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Patricia Geraerts (Funeral, 10 March 11.30 am) Annie Giblin (Funeral in Manchester) Benita Gloria Martin
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.
FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST COMMUNION 2021 - 2022 This programme is for children who were born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014, who are attending a Catholic school and who attend Mass in Sacred Heart church. Applications are online only, please check the parish website - Sacraments - First Holy Communion. As there will be an introductory session for parents and guardians on Wednesday 6th April, please complete the application form by Sunday 3rd April. Preparation sessions for children will begin on Wednesday 27th April and continue until July. We look forward to working with you and your children!
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, 8TH MARCH Aid to the Church in Need is organising an on-line event 'The Forgotten Women; Persecuted Women and Girls from Religious Minorities'. To register, see their website acnuk.org IRISH CHAPLAINCY LENT RETREAT A Zoom retreat from March 7th-11th, with a reflection each day at 9.30 am. Contact eddie.gilmore@irishchaplaincy.org.uk
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022 A reminder of the forthcoming introductory Zoom Meeting for Parents and Candidates on Tuesday, 8th March, from 7.30-8.30 pm. If you have not yet done so, please contact Clare Shah at clareshah@hotmail.com to register your interest and receive the Zoom link. CARDINAL'S LENTEN APPEAL
We remind you of the Lenten Appeal; donation envelopes are available in the Narthex and can be returned at any time either to the presbytery or to the collection basket in the Church. Those who wish to contribute on-line can use the QR code on the poster or use the rcdow.org.uk website.
ST MICHAELS, FINCHELY There is a position available as Canteen Assistant. Information and applications available on the school website. SVP AFTERNOON TEA AND BINGO The Parish St Vincent de Paul Group will be holding afternoon tea and Bingo on Monday 7th March in the Bethany Room, from 2pm. Everyone is welcome.
AND FINALLY... As you may know, we have been visited by Covid at the Presbytery; I managed to get it on 'Freedom Day'! For that reason, the office will be closed for the rest of this week and we hope we will be back to normal next week. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers and, especially, thanks to Frs Chinedu and Ray who covered Masses here and also in Stanmore and Barnet last Sunday.
With every blessing Rev Eugene Curran CM