In a very beautiful way, St Paul described the characters of true love in the second reading this Sunday. Love is always kind, patient, never rude or selfish, does not take offence and is not resentful. It does not take pleasure in other people's faults but delights in truth, is ready to trust, excuse, hope and to endure whatever comes. Though it is very challenging, we pray that God will give us all the graces we need to love one another sincerely. Amen. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Margaret (Rita) O'Brien (Funeral; 23 February, 12 pm) James Rowley Norlita Santos (Funeral; 11 February 11.30) Jozefa Mojotova Kevin Cullen Cecilia Appiah (Funeral; 9 February, 1pm TBC)
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. CORONAVIRUS; GUIDANCE FOR CHURCHES A recent letter from the Conference of Bishops outlines some changes, which we will begin implementing in the coming week. It should be stressed that people displaying any symptoms should stay away from Church until they are clear. As we know, the virus is transmitted by aerosol, so those attending Church may continue to wear masks if they choose (and we encourage that) but everyone should ensure that they sanitise their hands on coming to church.
We will bless Holy Water this Sunday and it will be available at the back of the Church.
We will restore hymn books (it is best if we continue to wear masks while singing).
We will return to the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. In this regard, if you wish to have anyone prayed for at a Sunday Mass, please notify the parish office during the preceding week.
The Sign of Peace should be offered in the manner with which the person to whom you are offering it is most comfortable; realistically, this means a bow or nod to people you don't know well. In closer groups, a handshake or even hug may be appropriate.
For the time being, Holy Communion will still only be offered under one kind.
Readers do not need to use hand sanitiser before exercising their ministry but Ministers of the Eucharist do.
We can also now return to social gatherings. If you wish to book the hall or Bethany Room, please contact the parish office.
There may be other changes as time goes on.
A full copy of the text will be made available on the noticeboard in the Narthex.
CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES Please keep in your prayers those who are preparing for the Rite of Election and Affirmation at Westminster Cathedral on Sunday 6th March, especially our candidates from Mill Hill; Candacy, Abbi, Pavlina and Dilman. MINISTRY OF THE EUCHARIST
With the loosening of restrictions, we can return to full exercise of ministry. Could I ask anyone who wishes to continue as a minister of the Eucharist, and anyone who would like to train in this ministry, to contact the parish office as soon as possible?
CAKE SALE FUND-RAISER There will be a cake sale in the Bethany Room after both morning Masses on Sunday 30th, to aid Cancer Research UK. RESEARCH PROJECT Letitia Coco-Bassey, a parishioner who is a Research Nurse with the NHS, is conducting a study on blood-pressure, heart-rate and oxygen saturation. Each participant will need to allow10 minutes. This will take place in the Hall on Sunday, 13th February. LANGDALE SCHOOL Manager: Louise Winchester (BA PGCE). Limited Availability for September 2022 Langdale Pre-School is situated in the grounds of St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary School on The Ridgeway in Mill Hill. We offer high quality education and care for 3 – 4 year olds. See our new website; www.langdalepreschool.org or call 0208 959 7427 ST VINCENT'S SCHOOL, THE RIDGEWAY Parents who would like to view the school can arrange a tour by phoning 020 8959 3417 . Website; stvincents.school ST MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC GRAMMAR The school is seeking a Data Administrator as soon as possible. Support staff application form can be downloaded from the school website FINCHLEY CATHOLIC The College is seeking to employ an Office Manager, starting on March. Further information on the College website finchleycatholic.org.uk ON-LINE COURSE; BUILDING AND NURTURING MISSIONARY PARISHES The New Springtime Community, under Fr Pat Collins CM, is conducting an on-line course which runs each Wednesday until 30th March. The Parish is willing to pay half the fee for anyone interested. For further information, contact info.newspringtime@gmail.com. A DAY WITH MARY The next 'Day with Mary' will be held at Holy Apostles, Winchester St, SW1V on Saturday, 19 February, from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
AND FINALLY... As restrictions are lifting, we will also be able to return to some devotional practices. Next Tuesday, 1st February is the Feast of St Brigid; you might like to bring to church any Brigid's Crosses you would like to have blessed. In the Celtic calendar, it marks Iombolc, the beginning of Spring. Wednesday, 2nd, is Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; please bring any candles you would like to have blessed. Thursday, 3rd February, is the Feast of St Blaise and we will have the blessing of throats after 10 am Mass...you will have to bring your own throat! With every blessing Fr Ako Rev Ako Anyanwu CM
Ordinary Time; Week 4 of the Year Sunday Readings; Year C Weekday Readings; Year 2 Psalter; Week 4