The first readings for the past number of weeks have indicated to us what it takes to be a person who follows God's ways: act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly; be a person of integrity; care for the vulnerable. Ecclesiasticus reminds us that this is, always, a choice; 'if you wish, you can keep the commandments'. Each of us, every day, is called to make that choice - to be a person 'with no shadow', a person who chooses life over death, who reaches out to those in need. In this way, we keep to the law of God - not in outward ritual or observances but with a heart and soul that seek to be in integrity with our God, with our sisters and brothers and with our truest selves. That is when ritual and observance take on their fullest meaning and why 'not a jot or tittle' of the true law will pass away. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Margaret Bright (Funeral; Friday, 17th Feb, 2.30 pm)
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. Your prayers are especially requested for:David Smith RECENT EARTHQUAKE Besides the British Red Cross, I am aware of two Catholic organisations responding to the crisis in Turkey/Syria. * CAFOD is responding with provision of food, water, shelter, medical assistance and winter kits for survivors. You can donate at https://cafod.org.uk/give. * Mary’s Meals has been serving meals in schools in Syria since 2017. Their work is focussed in Aleppo and the surrounding areas. Click here to donate. WESTMINSTER INTERFAITH GROUP The Westminster cathedral interfaith group will study chapter 2 of Fratelli Tutti (the encyclical by Pope Francis on Human fraternity) on Wednesday February 15th from 2 to 3.30 p.m. in the Hinsley room, Morpeth Terrace. The document is available online and from St Paul’s bookshop. All welcome and no charge to attend. FRIENDS OF THE HOLY LAND: CONCERT This concert features the London Welsh Male Voice Choir supported by 'The Priests' to raise much-needed funds for those most in need in the Holy Land. It takes place on Thursday 16th February at Westminster Cathedral, commencing at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/3i0ath2 or www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/westminster-concert2023 A DAY WITH MARY The next day is at St Joseph's Church, Bromley, on 11th February from 10 am. FINCHLEY CATHOLIC HIGH; EXAM INVIGILATORS The school is looking to appoint additional examination invigilators. Details on www.finchleycatholic.org.uk ANNUAL MASS FOR MATRIMONY A reminder about the annual Mass on Saturday 13th May at 2.30pm for couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries in 2023. If you would like to attend the Mass, please contact the Parish Office. ACCOMMODATION SOUGHT: ST VINCENT'S SCHOOLA reminder that St Vincent's School will be hosting a student teacher from Belgium from 1-12 May and is looking for accommodation for her for those dates. Anyone with availability should contact Cathy O'Shea at 0208-959-3417 or office@stvincents.barnet.sch.uk CHURCHES TOGETHER We are particularly looking for participants and stewards for the Annual Walk of Witness which will take place on Good Friday, 7th April. If you are interested, please contact the parish office. SECOND COLLECTION This week Roger Tichborne will make an appeal on behalf of the HCPT, the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust, which arranges pilgrimages to Lourdes. The parish has supported this for many years and our former Parish Priest, Perry Gildea, remains a chaplain to the Trust. There is an urgent requirement for a group nurse and funds to facilitate their travel. Any parishioners interested in joining the group can also speak to Roger.
AND FINALLY... Next Tuesday is Valentine's Day; amidst all the romance and flowers, it is worth remembering that love is always a choice, one we make every day. Let's choose to love with open hearts. With every good wish and blessing,
Rev Eugene Curran CM