The 'Sunday of the Word of God' was instituted by Pope Francis in 2019, and the readings remind us that the word of Life should be a light for our steps and a lamp for our eyes, lighting the way for those who dwell in darkness. It is not a book of laws, a collection of stories or a theology manual. We are people of The Word, and the Word is a living person; Jesus Christ; and we prove our faith in Him if, as the opening prayer says , 'we abound in good works'. There are very good resources on the God who speaks website. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Andrea Singa Danny Downey Leon Cheeseman
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. COST OF LIVING CRISIS Caritas Westminster lists a range of organisations which can help people struggling with the cost of living. View their website caritaswestminster.org.uk There are also some grants available to people in debt to energy suppliers; fuelpovertyresource.org.uk WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL The Choir School is hosting an open morning on Sunday, 5th February, at 10 am. You can contact the school directly or contact the parish office. Generous scholarships are available. More information on their website choirschool.com FIRST COMMUNION AND FIRST RECONCILIATION; on-line application Use this link; First Communion applications 2023 Details of dates for meetings were in last week's newsletter. CONFIRMATION 2023 To join the zoom introductory session at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 31 January.; click here. or use Meeting ID: 897 0441 8440 Passcode: 037363 If you and your child would like to attend the introductory meeting, please email clareshah@hotmail.com to register your interest WALK WITH ME CAFOD WORLD GIFTS The Walk With Me Catechists and Parents raised £351 for CAFOD this year. The children on the programme chose to use it for: Water for a family Happy Queen Bee Healthy Mum and Baby Weatherproof crops Chirpy Chickens Keep Clean Kit Vegetable Garden Goat that gives Teaching someone to read Trees for Life Marvellous Moo Cow School Starter Pack Wonderful Worms Thanks to everyone involved; it was a really creative and generous way of sharing the gifts of Christmas with sisters and brothers in need around the world. SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR POPE BENEDICT Next Tuesday, 24 January, at 5pm there will a service of Vespers in the Cathedral to honour the life of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict, and to pray for the repose of his soul. It is open to anyone who wishes to attend. REMINDER TO ALL READERS AND MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST There will be a training/reflection afternoon this Saturday, 21st, from 2pm in the Parish Hall. All are invited.
CHURCHES TOGETHER
The week from 18th-25th January (Feast of the Conversion of St Paul - and foundation day of the Vincentians) is the week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Division between Christians is a scandal and counter witness; though we may not always agree on certain matters, we should remember that the Word we live by is a Person, not a manual. We pray 'ut unum sint' - that they may all be one. "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity". A reminder that the Annual Service for Church Unity will be held in Trinity Church, the Broadway, on 22 January at 10.30 am.
AND FINALLY... The death occurred on Tuesday, 17th, of Soeur Andre (Lucile) Randon, a Daughter of Charity and, at the age of 118 (and 340 days!), the world's oldest person. She was a convert and entered the Daughters at the age of 40. She said that she didn't know the secret of a long life but the secret of a happy life was working for others...and chocolate and wine! May she rest in peace and inspire all of us who follow the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. With every good wish and blessing. Rev Eugene Curran CM