Dear Parishioners,
“The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions”.
Today’s readings challenge us to choose freely and wisely to observe the laws given by a loving and caring God. He revealed His laws to His Chosen People through Moses and the prophets in the Old Testament, and through His own Son, Jesus, in the New Testament. For the Israelites, the Torah was not a set of laws, but the instruction or teaching intended to promote the holiness and wholeness of each believer. It was the revealed will of a caring God, for the people with whom He had made His covenant.
We need to obey God’s Law, appreciating its basic principles: in obeying God’s law and Church law, let us remember the two basic principles on which these laws are based, namely, the principle of reverence and the principle of respect.
Fr Peter
Next Sunday is Day of Prayer for the Unemployed.
The Sacred Heart car park will be closed for essential repairs between 8pm on Wednesday 15th February until 11am on Saturday 18th February. We apologise for any inconvenience: please could you make alternative arrangements during this period.
Fr Peter would be grateful if parishioners who have Foundation Masses, arranged annually in our parish, could please contact the parish office (email or by phone) or inform him directly of the details.
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 4th 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 must be received by 12 February.
Rite of Election in the Cathedral takes place at 3.30pm on Sunday 26th February, 1st Sunday of Lent. Please pray for our Catechumens.
A meeting of the PPC (Parish Pastoral Council) will be held on Tuesday 28th February at St John of the Cross, to start at 7.30pm. Any points that parishioners would like raised please speak to one of your representatives – names on notice boards in each church.
Looking ahead, CAFOD has a special Lent Family Fast Day on 3rd March, which co-incides with World Day of Prayer. Gift Aid envelopes will be available in our church porches.
Fundraising event towards World Day Youth. On Saturday 25th February, Kerry and Lauren are inviting all the ladies of the parish to take a little time for themselves and join them for a pamper afternoon from 2pm till 4pm. £5 entry fee on the door will get you a little gift, a hot drink voucher as well as a free facial or massage. All proceeds will go to World Youth Day. Bodycare products, raffle tickets and cakes will be available to purchase too.
RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meetings are taking place, for those adults seeking to become members of the Catholic Church or wishing to know more about the faith. Please contact the parish office or speak with Fr. Peter for information.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Gerry Francis, Robert Buhagiar and Alf and Margaret Larkins.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: June Trafford, Audrey Greensword, Louise Woodroff, Roy Wassell, Marion Yapp, Beatrice Devitt, Edward Brown and Marjory Lawrence.
May they rest in peace.
