This weekend we celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jersualem, the church enters into the mystery of the death, burial and resurrection our our Lord Jesus Christ. We are at the peak of the Lenten season in the Holy Week when Jesus made the highest sacrifice for us on the cross of Calvary and resurrected on the third day. May we all be renewed by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially
Fr Jim McCormack CM Sr Gladys Munks DC
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.
SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK Monday - Wednesday; Masses as normal Holy Thursday; Mass of the Lord's Supper 7.30 pm The Watching will take place after Mass Good Friday; Walk of Witness 10.15 am Children's Stations of the Cross 12 noon Liturgy of the Lord's Passion 3.00 pm Stations of the Cross 7.30 pm Holy Saturday; There is NO morning Mass on Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 9.00 pm Easter Sunday; Mass at 9am and 11 am only. There will be NO evening Mass on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday
THE CARDINAL'S LENTEN APPEAL There is still time to contribute to this appeal which supports the diocese's charitable and social outreach. 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 Tichborne at roger@tichborne.org for further information. CARITAS WESTMINSTER Poverty Challenge: See, Judge, Act. Following the pandemic, many households face new financial hardship. Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) has released a free new booklet to increase awareness of Catholic Social Teaching on poverty. It is available at www.csan.org.uk. It is certainly worth reading. SYMBOLS OF FAITH WORKSHOP This will be hosted in the parish of St Mary and St Michael, Commercial Road, on Saturday, 30th April, 10am - 2pm. It is particularly focused on formation and sacramental preparation of people with learning disabilities. For information or to book a place contact gailwilliams@rcdow.org.uk or phone 020 8202 3999 COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY PLACES, HOLY LAND This collection, encouraged by Pope Francis, takes place on Good Friday. The Holy Land is the physical birthplace of our faith, its shrines are important witnesses to that faith and its people are our sisters and brothers. WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL Every September, the choir school (week-day boarding) welcomes up to six choristers into Year 4. If there are any families with 'musical youth', you might like to explore this option. There will be an open day on Sunday, 8th May. Contact Lucy Auger at lauger@choirschool.com or visit the website choirschool.com DEPAUL INTERNATIONAL IN UKRAINE From Mark McGreevy, President of Depaul Group, a request: Our Ukraine response is growing at a phenomenal pace as we strive to help as many people as possible. But the need is immense and there is so much more we could do. If you know of an individual, trust or business who might be able to provide financial support, we would be so very grateful if you would connect us. As one of the few international charities with local staff and community networks already working in the country, we are getting food, medicines and much-needed support to those who need it most. You can find out more on the depaulcharity.org website. PARISH SYNODAL PROCESS I encourage you reply to the parish questionnaire on surveymonkey.co.uk. Feel free to pass it on to anyone you know who has something to say to us; consoling, complimentary, challenging or confrontative! We need to hear as many voices as possible. OUR MEMORIAL BOARD A number of people have commented on our memorial board and appreciate that their loved ones are remembered in our church. If you would like to have someone there, simply email or post their photo and their date of death to us and the wonderful Ryan Fernandes will do the rest. AND FINALLY... As we recall Christ's entry into Jerusalem, it's good to recall those who went with him. The Donkey - GK Chesterton When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry And ears like errant wings, The devil's walking parody On all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still. Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet.
With every blessing
Rev Akobundu Anywanwu CM