Last week, I read the obituary of Rabbi Lord Abraham Levy (who did a great deal of work for the Council of Christians and Jews). He was once asked what made a good Jew and answered 'if a Jew seeks to be a better Jew, then that is a good Jew'...he did not equate 'goodness' with practice and ritual alone. In a sense, this is echoed in the first reading from Isaiah -'share your bread...shelter the homeless...clothe the naked...do not turn away...give bread to the hungry...relief to the oppressed'.
'If a Catholic seeks to be a better Catholic - a better person - then that is a good Catholic' and their integrity goes before them.
Jesus says 'be salt to the earth...be light to the world', not so that others will admire you, but so that people will give praise to God.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Fr Rod Crowley CM Margaret Bright 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. FORTHCOMING FEASTS
Thursday, 2nd February, is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) and we will have the blessing of candles.
Friday, 3rd, is the feast of St Blaise and we will have the blessing of throats. As it is also the First Friday, there will be Stations of the Cross after morning Mass.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) If you, or someone you know, would like to become a Catholic, or would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, we will start RCIA in the first week of Lent; Monday evenings, 7 pm, in the Daughters of Charity house on the Ridgeway, beginning on 27th February. If you are interested please contact the Parish Office. FIRST COMMUNION/RECONCILIATION Please complete your application by Sunday 5th February: First Communion applications 2023. This will enable you to attend the meeting for parents and guardians on Wednesday 8th February and will tell us how many children to expect at the sessions. THANKS RECEIVED
We received an email from PACT to thank you for your support which helped mums and dads in prison to give their child a Christmas gift through their Operation Elf appeal.
Friends of the Holy Land also wrote to thank us for the contribution made through their church collection
ANNUAL MASS FOR MATRIMONY The annual Mass for Matrimony will be celebrated in the Cathedral by the Cardinal on Saturday 13th May at 2.30pm for couples celebrating their 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th (and every year over 60) wedding anniversaries of marriage in 2023. If you would like to attend the Mass, please contact the Parish Office with the following details: your names, wedding date, postal and email addresses and contact number. MASS FOR WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK A reminder that, on 11th February, there will be a Mass in the Cathedral at 2.30pm. All are welcome but you are requested to book seating here. ACCOMMODATION SOUGHT: ST VINCENT'S SCHOOLSt 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 BEREAVEMENT LISTENING SERVICEAll sessions are being held in Hartley Hall. For information, times and dates contact Liz at 07773618712 or 02089591449 or bereavementcareandsupport.co.uk KEEPING WARM IN WINTER Here at Sacred Heart, the SVP group organise Afternoon Tea and Bingo, usually every second Monday. The next will be on 6th February. The Eversfield Centre (Eversfield Gardens, NW7 2AE) offers a Warm Space with tea and biscuits and an opportunity to chat on Tuesdays 12 noon to 3pm. Everyone is welcome at either venue. CHURCHES TOGETHER: New Ministers On Saturday, 18th February, at 4 pm, Rachel Kane will be ordained as Baptist minister at Mill Hill East Church. All are most welcome to attend. The Service of Licensing of Rev Andrew Arnell as Associate Vicar of John Keble Church will take place on Tuesday, 21st February, at 7.30pm SECOND COLLECTION The second collection this weekend is for Survive-MIVA, which supplies vehicles to missionaries. It is a very worthwhile charity and has assisted many missionaries over the years.
Brat Bríd; Brigid's Cloak; Barrie Maguire AND FINALLY... Wednesday 1st, St Brigid's Day, is, traditionally, the first day of Spring. It is now a national holiday in Ireland. In legend, Brigid moved around the countryside on the eve of her feast bringing healing and blessing under her cloak. And, with Spring comes Fr Chinedu, who has returned safely from his home visit. May Brigid and Spring, by God's grace, bring new light, new life and new hope to us all. With every good wish and blessing.
Rev Eugene Curran CM