In the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord we see the first signs of spring. The unfurling of snowdrops (sometimes called Candlemass bells) shows us that winter is losing its grip and the days are slowly lengthening.
Today’s feast continues the story of the Incarnation. God is coming into the world and is recognised by Simeon and Anna. Old age welcomes the eternal youth of God. God does not come as the fiery judge of today’s first reading. He comes as a gift. The Presentation of Jesus is about giving gifts. Mary and Joseph give their child to God. God gives them back their child. They give the sacrifice of two doves – the offering of poor people. God gives the salvation so long awaited. This mutual exchange of gifts is the first sign of a new spring-time in salvation history.
Fr James
This Sunday Forums will be held in both St John of the Cross & the Sacred Heart churches. (St Helen’s has already held their Forum) This has been requested by Fr Peter in order that, as a parish, we share our individual thoughts and reactions to the very important points raised in the Pastoral Questionnaire and related Discussion Paper. Please give this serious attention and attend your Forum which follows immediately after Mass this morning.
The Friends of St Francis will meet today, Sunday 2nd February, at 2.30pm at St Boniface Church, Brabazon Road, Hellesden, NR6 6SY. All are welcome.
Next Lectio Divina meet on Monday 3rd February at 7pm at St John of the Cross. Contact: mary.wallace79@gmail.com
The feast day of St Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, takes place on 8 February. There are 50 million victims of human trafficking across the world and as many as 130,000 in the UK, hidden in plain sight in your neighbourhood. Pope Francis describes human trafficking as “blood money” and a “crime against humanity”. We are all called to combat this evil trade. To find out more and what you can do, go to santamartagroup.org/resources.
Inviting all young people in Year 9 and above to ‘Flame’ at Wembley Arena. The Diocesan Youth service is excited to be taking a group to ‘Flame’ on 15th March. Flame is the largest Catholic gathering of young people in the UK, coming together to experience the best in international speakers, artists and performers. For details and to book a ticket and place on the coach, please see www.rcdea.org.uk/youth. Bookings to be received by 9th February.
Day of Renewal event – “Don’t Forget the Holy Spirit” at St Laurence’s Church, 91 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XB on Saturday 1st March, from 10am – 4pm. It is free but donations are welcome to help cover costs. Please bring a packed lunch; tea and coffee will be provided. No advance booking is required. More information contact Pam Smith at 07869 652115 or email renewaleastanglia@gmail.com. Parking is available in the Church Car Park (enter car registration details on the screens in the church).
It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of a much loved and exceptionally active, motivated, member of our parish for many years, at the Sacred Heart, Angela Sandell. Two or three years ago she and her husband Alan moved to Sheringham where also she shared her many talents, and became particularly involved with the work of the SVP. She is sadly missed. Her funeral is on Friday 7th March at St Joseph’s, Sheringham.
Also sadly missed, Diana Shaw, from St Helen’s, who died on Monday night.
Again, sadly missed, long-standing, active member of St John of the Cross, Monica Hawley, who died on 21st January.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Inge O’ Toole, Mary Long, Mary Cockburn, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack and Tony & Amy Heywood.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Daisy Jarman, Norman Baguly, Wasil Mychajlyszyn, André Boucher and James Bradley.
May they rest in peace.