This Sunday, 5th February, is Education Sunday and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the work of the Catholic Education Service for England and Wales (CESEW). Our schools are a very significant way in which the Catholic community in England and Wales places itself at the service of society.
“We are mindful that our educational institutions, many of which are among the very best in the country, depend on us for their success and their faithfulness to the evangelical commission to make disciples of all people. They depend first of all upon the support and cooperation of Catholic parents, who are the first teachers of their children. They depend on local parishes in whose mission and witness they share, and they depend on a great number of committed staff who reflect in their own lives the joy that knowing Christ brings.
“Our Catholic schools and colleges are a great treasure. This treasure has been given to us and we must ensure that we hand it on to future generations. Education is in a time of great change. For some schools, this may mean working in new ways and in new relationships. Whatever the challenges that we face, now or in the future, let us remain focussed upon Christ in all that we do.”
From Bishop McMahon’s letter for Education Sunday
Prayer of the Week
Come Holy Spirit bathe us in your light.
Help us to be the yeast in your dough; the clay in your hands.
Give us the strength to keep our lamps burning so that the lost ones can find their way home.
Keep us humble, Lord, knowing that without you we would also be lost.
Keep our eyes fixed on you and show us the way; guide us when the road is dark; give us faith that you are there and bring us safely through all the trials and pitfalls of this life.
Amen.
(With grateful thanks to Kate Shann)
Lent – A Time for Spiritual Renewal & Reflection
During Lent the Parish will be holding a series of three recorded talks by Fr. Doroteo Bravi of the Community of the Sons & Daughters of God on “The Mystery of Original Sin”. In a world that places much emphasis upon the freedom and choice of the individual and in personal achievement there is widespread denial and misunderstanding of Original Sin which has deprived humankind of its original holiness and justice. As a consequence of Original Sin we are all susceptible to erroneous choices that are contrary to the Will of God.
Come along to listen to these talks which will be held in St Paul’s Hall at 3:00 pm on the first three Sundays of Lent. There will be the opportunity for short contemplation and discussion on each talk whilst enjoying light refreshment.
For anyone who wishes to come along yet requires transport to and from St Paul’s Hall please write your name and telephone number on the form at the back of the church and transportation arrangements will be made.
Lent – A Time for Spiritual Renewal & Reflection.
Children's Liturgy at St. Paul's
Our 'thought for the week' last Sunday was read on behalf of the children by Graham Hill:
God speaks to us through the words of the readings. He calls us to follow him and by listening carefully and understanding what we hear, he can work in our lives.
Our ‘prayer for the week' last Sunday was read to the whole Church by Sam Tait:
Jesus, help us to listen carefully to your words and to keep them forever in our hearts.
Amen
Archdiocesan Year Book 2012
The 2012 Directory and Year Book is now available for purchase from the back of the church priced £2.60.
St. Mary's Eucharistic Ministers and Readers Schedule
A big thank you to those Eucharistic ministers and readers who gave notice of their known absences in the period covered by the new schedule. It really does make a difference. The new schedule covering the period Saturday, 28th January to Sunday, 22nd April 2012 is now pinned to the notice board in the church entrance lobby. Individual copies can be collected from the back of the church and the schedule can be downloaded from the parish website by clicking here.
St. Mary’s Cleaning Schedule
The 2012 cleaning schedule for St. Mary's is now pinned to the notice board in the entrance lobby. Individual copies can be collected from the back of the church and it can also be viewed and/ or downloaded. Click here.
OUR PARISH NEWSLETTER
Every week we publish a parish newsletter which can be collected on the weekend from the back of either church. You can also download a copy of the last four editions by clicking on the link below:
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time 'B' 15th January 2012
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time 'B' 22nd January 2012
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time 'B' 29th January 2012
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 'B' 5th February 2012
Click here to return to home page