Saturday PMB Page 127
5.45pm: Sacrament of Reconciliation
6.30pm: William and Gertrude Brixton RIp
Sunday 2nd Sunday of the Year PMB 127
8.30am: Parish
10am: UCM
11.30am: J and F McEvoy RIP
Monday
No Mass
Tuesday
10am: Dec'd Parishioners (Ellis)
Wednesday
10am: Doris Head RIP
Thursday
10am: Derek Devine Welfare
Friday St Agnes
10am: Bernard Robinson
Saturday PMB 129
6.30pm: Priest Int Pl thanks
Sunday
8.30am: Parish
10am: Spec Int JD
11.30am: Kay Power welfare
They Have No Wine Jesus brought joy to the young couple and their guests, he changed water into wine - a symbol of joy but also of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and of the
sacraments which are gifts to us for our nourishment. Is there anything in our lives that needs to be changed in order that we might be better disciples of Jesus and bring more joy into the world which is so obviously lacking in any deep joy? How would our lives be if they were a bit better, a bit more Christ-like? a bit more joyful? Do we allow Jesus into our lives in
order to change the water of doubt into the wine of faith? What (or who) can change the water of despair into the wine of hope? Is it possible for the water of selfishness to be
changed into the wine of love?
The Wedding Feast symbolises the Wedding Feast which is eternal life. We are invited to the Feast. We are invited to be instruments of love and compassion, and of justice and peace. We are invited to help people in need in our midst, to give generously, reflecting the huge generosity of Jesus who gave 180 gallons of wine. We are invited to consider those who have never known love in their lives, who are struggling with broken relationships, that the true wine of the kingdom may console and strengthen them in their moments of darkness.
First Reading A message of hope for God's people at the lowest time in their history. Jerusalem in ruins has not been forgotten by her husband. There will be a new wedding feast despite all.
The Second Reading Gifts are for service. We all have gifts. They are to be used for building up the church.
The Gospel The beginning of Jesus' ministry. The first of many signs of what Jesus was about. We see the intercessory role of Mary the mother of God. He calls her "woman". He
does the same on Calvary. She is the second Eve, cooperating with God in undoing the work of the first Eve.
David Jeffreys died last Sunday. Our condolences to Joelle and family and the assurance of our prayerful support. Requiem Mass February 3. Time TBA
The Synod (Rome 2023) Please think seriously if you think you can make a contribution. The questions are on Communion, Participation and Mission and fresh copies are now available at the back of church. The real purpose of the Synod is to spread the message of Jesus Christ to the people of the world. We all know what a state the world is in, and we know, furthermore, that only God can ultimately lead us to our true home. May our efforts help in this task. Through our baptism we are commissioned to go out and bear fruit.
CAFOD We have seen on TV the plight of Children in Afghanistan. 8 million people are on the brink of famine because of drought, collapsing economy, food shortages, conflict and COVID. CAFOD is supporting sister Caritas agencies to reach communities most in need with food, clean water, and fuel. You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/Afghanistan Appeal and please pray for Afghanistan.
Ukraine Collection - 5th February 2022. Phil Edmonds on behalf of Humanitarian Ukraine Society, will be collecting clothes, bedding, toys and kitchen items, in his van outside St Gertrude's Church Hall. (9am - 12noon) Looking forward to seeing you then. (Note change of date) St Gertrude's J&P Group. Transportation collection next Sunday svp.
Books Galore You have surely noticed that a couple of months ago a large number of books appeared in the narthex - nearly fifty years' worth. Please take whatever you want from our parish library and return when you've finished.
Your Wonderful Support Very many thanks for your kindness, your blessing and support at Christmas and over a very difficult year for us all, your wonderful words and your prayers. May God bless you at all times.
Purley Food Hub Thank you all for your continued support for PFH. We will continue to take food items to URC in Purley that have been left in the donation box in the Narthex. After a very busy Christmas period for PFH, it's now back to basics for January - Longlife whole milk, small bags of sugar, peanut butter, tinned meat meals (not spicy), packet soup,
small bottles of squash, small washing up liquid, washing tablets/ capsules. Your J&P Group
A Kind Invitation From the J&P Group form *Our Lady of the Annunciation' in Addicombe to join them for a Zoom. Meeting on Tuesday 25' January at 8pm for a talk about 'Pax
Christi' given by Joan Sharples. If you are interested please contact Mary Piper - 0208 668 0644 or Denise Miller 0208 651 4113 for details.
What happened at Cana? The changing of water into wine is a symbol of what Jesus was about. He changed beyond recognition the lives of those who came into contact with him. Lord, touch our hearts with your love, and strengthen our wills with your grace, so that we may persevere in goodness, and in your great mercy, bring us to the wedding feast of your
Kingdom of Heaven.