St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fifth Sunday

Mass Readings: Pages 133-135

Order of Mass: Pages 6-60

Christianity is about living life with others. The incarnation is the sharing of Christ’s divinity with  humanity. Ipso facto, he descended  to live among men. In the scriptural text he said, “I am with you till the end of time”. He remains with us as the light of the nation; and he invited  us to share his life and light with others. St Paul in answer to this invitation shared Christ’s light  with  the people of Corinth and the gentiles world.

Discipleship is not only about a right relationship with God but also about a right relationship with other people. It is not a personal privilege; it is for the benefit of others and the glory of God the father. Thus, Christianity must be altruistic and pragmatic.

The prophet Isaiah in today’s reading admonished the post –exilic Israelites; that true charity for neighbour will prove their true loyalty to God, and God in his turn will be their light and security. They should therefore consider each other’s welfare.

Christ the light of the nation  promoted  his disciples with these honourable titles, “you are the salt of the earth and the light of the nation”. These two images are very important in our human existence. Salt is for preservation; it adds flavour to food and is available to everybody. Christ gave his life for us as a flavour to be tasted by all men. His concern was to preserve  our lives from decay of sins  to righteousness. As Christ’s followers we must become preservers and promoters of the true religion.  Our lives should be preserved with holiness. Let those who encountered us enjoy the savour and the sweetness of God

Christ has enlightened us, we must not hide our light.  Light is a source of energy  for so many things. Light is not a private energy, nobody should monopolize it. Christianity is light, you should not monopolize it.   You are a source to so many who are yearning for Christ. Radiate in good works so that others will follow your light  to know Christ.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the UCM (HCPT cake sale).

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the Flower Arrangers.

Thank you to all those who help out with the Sunday Teas.

Last Week’s Collections: The 1st collection was £531.47p + £313.48p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £ 844.95p. The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £66.38p. Thank you for your generosity.  Today’s 2nd collection will be for the Xaverian Missions following an  appeal.

Recently Deceased:  Please pray for the soul and family of Margaret Slaney (Marie Harris’ sister).  Her funeral will be on Tuesday 14th February at 11am followed by committal at Beckenham cemetery at 12.30pm.

St Vincent de Paul Group: The next meeting of the SVP will take place on Monday 13th February at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. Those interested in finding out more about the work of the SVP are very welcome to attend.

Invitation to service: As St Paul says, there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord. We are blessed in this parish with people who serve in many ways. If you are looking for a way to serve, how about becoming a reader at Mass. We will have an introduction meeting for anyone interested on Tuesday 14th February from 7.45pm to 8.45pm at the church.

Notification of Marriage: Please note that at least six months notice of a marriage is normally required.  If you are member of this parish the paper work must be completed  by this parish no matter where the marriage is solemnised.

Hospital Admissions: If you are due to be admitted to hospital or if you know of a parishioner who has been admitted to hospital then please let one of the clergy know.  Thank you.

HCPT Cake Sale: The UCM will be holding a cake sale after the 9.30am Mass this weekend (Sunday 5th February).  The proceeds will be going to support one of the young people of the Parish, Grace O’Gorman, to travel to Lourdes as a volunteer with HCPT at Easter.  Please come along to support this worthy cause.

London Evenings of Faith – February and March 2017:  All are welcome to a series of talks on ‘Reasons for believing’ which will take place at 7:30pm on alternate Tuesdays from 7^th February 2017 (subsequent talks are on Tuesday 21^st February, 7^th March & 21^st March). Talks are held in the basement of 24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR (Tube: Piccadilly Circus). Full dates and details are available at www.faith.org.uk/events/evenings-of-faith.

Divine Mercy Retreat:  Saturday 11th February 2017 from 11am to 4pm at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HR (Please see the noticeboard for more details).

Minibus Service: Due to reduced numbers it has been decided to suspend the minibus service, which has been bringing parishioners with mobility needs to the 11:15 Sunday mass.  This service has existed for many years, but it is no longer viable with the current numbers.  The service will operate once a month until more participants request this service.

Mount Street Jesuit Centre: Please visit www.pathwaystogod.org which lists all the courses and events at the Mount Street Jesuit Centre.

Crying Babies and Young Children: If your baby or young child is crying during the Mass please do use the confessional box instead of leaving the Church. We have now installed a monitor inside the confessional box which means parents and carers are able to watch the Mass from inside the confessional box.

Cold Weather: Please do remember to close both sets of doors behind you when you are entering or leaving the church so we can conserve the heat inside the Church. Thank you.

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: Bridget McLaughlin, Ellen Garvey, John Barry, Margaret Southwell,  Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, Kieran Quinn, Marie Harris and Michael Creech and Fr. David Hutton, Bridget D’Sousa

Please remember to switch off your mobile phone when you enter the Church. Please don’t distract others at Mass.

Notices for the newsletter need to be emailed/posted to the presbytery by 6pm on Thursdays.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (5th Feb—12th Feb 2017) (Year: A)