Saturday PMB Page 132
5.45: Sacrament of Reconciliation
6.30 pm: Thomas McNamee RIp
Sunday 4th Sunday of the Year PMB
8.30am: Laura Brighton Rec Dec
10am: Carmen Ruiz Garcia RIP
11.30am: David Jeffreys Rec Dec
Monday No Mass
Tuesday No Mass
Wednesday Presentation of the Lord PMB 303
10am: Charles Barker RIP
Thursday St Laurence of Canterbury
10am: Priest Int
12.30pm; Requiem Mass : David Jeffries
Friday St Henry Morse
10am: David Scanlon RIP
Saturday PMB Page 135
5.45: Sacrament of Reconciliation
6.30pm : Thomas Owen McArdle RIP
Sunday
8.30am: Parish
10am: Laura Brighton RIP
11.30am: Mary Barrett RIP
Collection for Afghanistan children this weekend via CAFOD. Whatever is given will, if possible, be matched by the parish out of the candle money collected. I am assured on good sources that the money will get to those most in need.
In November 2020, more than fifty people of different faiths in Birmingham, England, shared in an online webinar their experiences of Covid-19 restrictions and interfaith collaboration. A Sikh spoke of his community's concern for vulnerable people and felt the pandemic spotlighted inequalities and he need for collective social action. Hindus believe giving of surplus is rewarding and benefits the community, and food boxes were regularly delivered to people isolating at home. "Covid has shown how interdependent we are," a representative said. A Muslim teacher said she was one of many who cooked extra food and brought it to the mosque, where people in need could collect it. Her mosque helped our a nearby church that phoned when their food bank ran low. Humanity really came through she said.
A Catholic priest from the Commission for international Religious Dialogue said faith communities were at the forefront of response to the pandemic crisis. "They don't
share faith but they share a common humanity" he said. A representative of the Columban Missionary Society shared its charism of crossing boundaries to engage with people of other faiths. The gathering concluded that the dialogue around daily life and common action is a foundation for promoting peace and the common good. The meeting ended with the Hindu greeting "Namaste" which means "the Divinity in me recognises the Divinity in you". - Redemptorists.
Like so many, Jesus was rejected by his own people. We too sometimes reject the messengers God sends us. Jesus is God's messenger of love, truth and mercy. Let us dispose ourselves through humility and faith to receive the gift he longs to give to us. Jesus came to heal the broken hearted, the disappointed and the angry, those who have never known happiness.
First Reading We are called from the moment of our creation in the womb for one purpose: life with God. The opportunity is there for us to make a difference in the world.
The Second Reading The greatest spiritual gift is love. Love is not just a feeling; it is a way of life that includes commitment to others.
The Gospel Jesus is rejected by the people of Nazareth. It's difficult for us to understand why - that is, until, we look a little more deeply at ourselves and our spiritual life, our prayer life, and our commitment to other people.
Reflection Sadly religion can get distorted, and give rise to conflict and division. Nevertheless, religion has the capacity to break down barriers, and to make people more tolerant and more loving. Of all things that draw people together, worship alone has the power to turn them into a loving family, Lord kindle in our hearts the fire of your love. May we express that love in our dealings with others and then the world will know that we are your disciples.
The Synod (Rome 2023) Please think seriously about making 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.
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 and please pray for Afghanistan.
Ukraine Collection - 5th February 2022. Phil Edmond on behalf of Humanitarian Ukraine Charity, will be collecting clothes, bedding, toys and kitchen items, in his van outside St
Gertrude's Church Hall. (9am - 12noon) J&P Group.
First Holy Communion Parents with children in year four are invited to apply. This is for children who come to Mass each Sunday and have been attending regularly ie. 3 out of 4
Sundays since at least September. Families who have not been able to come to Mass are encouraged to do so. There will be a further course of preparation to which you are invited. Above all, remember that you are all most welcome.
Purley Food Hub Thank you ali 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.
Confirmation Any interest? I am looking forward to welcoming those who would, in normal circumstances, would have been confirmed two years ago. Those now in 2nd year at
secondary school may apply by way of a short letter explaining why they think they are ready for this important stage in their spiritual and life journey. It will mean making choices about mass attendance and indeed what a Christian life asks of us. Decision time.
Catholic Association for Racial Justice collection next weekend: to promote racial justice in our schools, parishes, and in wider society.