The great feast of Pentecost marks the end of the season which really began with Ash Wednesday, as we started the preparation for Easter. In fact, most of the first readings since Easter really refer to the time after that first Pentecost when the church, fearful and hiding, looking both inward and backward, was impelled to go out and bear the Good News of Christ to all people. Pentecost (it simply means 'fiftieth', as it is now 50 days since Easter) echoes the Jewish feast of Shavuot (Weeks) which commemorates the giving of the Law, 'Torah'. This is a new law, a new commandment, 'to love one another', 'to make disciples of all nations', without fear, urged on by the Spirit of God.
RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially for 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. CLOSURE OF THE CHURCH ON FRIDAY 26TH MAY Please note that the Church will be shut during the day this Friday, to facilitate work on the new office. It will, however, be open for the evening Mass and the celebration of God's Healing Presence. PARISH ADMINISTRATOR VACANCY Closing date for applications is 30th May at noon, see jobs.rcdow.org.uk/. Please note that the jobs.rcdow website also lists similar posts in other parishes. SUNDAY EVENING PRAYER AND BENEDICTION Continues this week, beginning at 7.30pm. BEREAVEMENT LISTENING SERVICE Afternoon Meetings (1.30-3.00) Friday 30 June and Friday 28 July and every last Friday. Evening Meetings (6.30-8.00) Monday 12 June and Monday, 10 July and every second Monday. All Meetings take place in Hartley Hall. ST MICHAEL'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL Open evening for Secondary Transfer Admission will be on Monday, 26th June, with tours between 5-7 pm. Applications on the school website st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk PRAYERS FOR A PILGRIM CHURCH 'Sinners Called to Holiness', reflections on the Constitutions of Vatican II; a reflection led by David McLoughlin. These will take place on 15 June 2023 (114 Mount St, W1K 3AH) and on 21 June (Margaret Clitherow Centre, Liverpool L17 1AA). Bookings on eventbrite.co.uk ART EXHIBITIONS Besides the St Francis Exhibition at the National Gallery, there is an exhibition on Donatello at the V&A (ends June 11), on the Rosettis at the Tate. MARIAN PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD The Holy Father has asked that, on 31st May, Feast of the Visitation, there be a moment of prayer for the Synod. I suggest that our recitation of the Rosary on that day, whether in Church or at home, be dedicated to that purpose. THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC PAPER In response to many requests, the Universe will again appear in print form. I will order 5 copies per week for 3 months, to see if there is any interest. If you take a copy, please put the money in the appropriate box. If you then decide that you would like to receive it weekly, please contact the parish office. PAX CHRISTI, ENGLAND AND WALES The AGM will take place on Saturday, 17th June at235 Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H. Registration at admin@paxchristi.org.uk. CAFOD There will be a morning on 'called to action by our faith' at the charity's offices. Information from tsheen@cafod.org.uk or cafod.org.uk. MILL HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival takes place 17-24 June at various locations around Mill Hill. For full details and to book tickets, check millhillmusicfest.co.uk COFFEE MORNING/CAKE SALE Heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Confirmation group who raised £380 for the parish at their cake sale last Sunday; well done all! And thanks to all who dug into their pockets and supported them. SECOND COLLECTION We welcome Fr Jaroslav Jasso CM, who will speak at all Masses this weekend on behalf of the Vincentian Missions in Madagascar.
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth AND FINALLY...
This coming week, after the long passage through Lent and Eastertide, we return to 'Ordinary' Time, so called, not because it is dull and daily but because the weeks follow in order. There are some very beautiful and relatively new feasts this week; Monday is the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church and Thursday is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest. Wednesday is the much older Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin to Elizabeth, with its declaration of the 'Magnificat'. In all things, may our souls glorify the Lord.
With every blessing and good wish,
Rev Eugene Curran CM