We have been gifted with a lovely picture based on Isaiah 43 and a scene from the programme, 'The Chosen'. It echoes both today's first reading from Isaiah 43 (no need to recall the past) and the Gospel (has no one condemned you?...neither do I, go and sin no more) and even the second reading (not that I have become perfect yet; I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured us). Lent is not a time to focus on our faults, failings, fallibility or foibles (or anyone else's!) but to focus on the love that God has for us; a love that is intimate, personal, powerful and healing. A favourite poem of mine, by James Thomson: Once in a saintly passion I cried with desperate grief, "O Lord, my heart is black with guile, Of sinners I am chief." Then stooped my guardian angel And whispered from behind, "Vanity, my little man, You're nothing of the kind." As we come to towards the final weeks of Lent, we acknowledge, humbly, our need for God's healing love. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially
Fr Jim McCormack CM Sr Gladys Munks DC (Funeral; 7 April, 11.30) Mary Keane (Little Sisters of the Poor, Vauxhall)
We remember them and all 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. UKRAINE SPONSORSHIP SCHEME
Barnet Citizens is working with Citizens UK to build a coordinated community response; to support prospective hosts to think through the practicalities, navigate the process of matching and making the application, planning for arrival and beyond and providing ongoing support. They will provide safeguarding processes, training, resources, support structures, planning for what happens after the first six months and large-scale matching through partner organisations in Ukraine, Poland and Moldova. They will build a wider volunteer support network to engage the expertise and resources of volunteers unable to host but willing to help. If you would like to be a part of the efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Barnet please sign up here: For more information contact Tamara Joseph, chair@fps.org. ST MICHAEL'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, FINCHLEY; DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Applications packs are available at st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk. Closing date, Monday 25 April. HCPT PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES; 5-12 AUGUST HCPT Group 560 is especially keen to recruit young adult helpers and also young people who require assistance who would like to make this pilgrimage. Please contact Deputy Group Leader, Roger Ticheborne at roger@tichborne.org for further information. A DAY WITH MARY The next Day takes place at Our Lady & St Michael, Garston, Watford on Saturday 9 April, beginning at 10 am. GOOD SHEPHERD COMPANY Please remember that, this weekend in the Narthex, this group will be selling their products (olive wood carvings, cards etc) in aid of Christians in the Holy Land. KNIT AND CROCHET SALE This Sunday, 3rd April, there will be a knit and crochet sale in aid of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital, Barnet. Thank you to all those who supported the last sale, which raised £300. STEWARDSHIP AT SACRED HEART Just a reminder that this Saturday, 2nd April, from 6-8pm, we will be having an open evening (with wine) on for all those who have offered their services as volunteers. Even if you are only exploring the possibility of volunteering, please come along. PARISH SYNODAL PROCESS There is now a parish questionnaire on surveymonkey.co.uk. You can respond on your phone by using this QR code and paper copies will also be available in the Church. Please take a little time to give your thoughts; they will be invaluable to us. COMINGS AND GOINGS I have to return to Ireland this coming week both on CM business and to pay a late Mothering Sunday/early Easter visit to 'The Mammy'. AND FINALLY... Yet again, enormous thanks to all who contributed to the recent Mission Appeal on behalf of the Spiritans in Uganda; a cheque for £1,500 has been sent to them. Even in challenging times, we remember that we can make a difference to the lives of our sisters and brothers around the world.
With every blessing Rev Eugene Curran CM