St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Second Sunday of Lent

Mass Readings: Pages 155 – 157

Order of Mass: Pages 6-60

Almost 2000 years before Christ was to come, Abram was chosen by God to begin a journey that truly actualised in the supreme revelation of God with the incarnation; the perfect covenant of God with man. This willingly acceptance of Abram paved the way for the transfiguration. An acceptance without hesitation and questioning. It became a journey of faith, believing without doubts the promises of God. Thus, Abram became a friend of God, the father of faith and the father of all nations.

In this period of Lent, which is characterised  with prayers, penance, reconciliation, fasting, almsgiving, abstinence, mortification, and self-denial; we are invited to a journey of faith with Jesus to Mount  Tabor as the case with the Apostles in today’s gospel reading. Initially, the Apostles never knew the aftermath of the journey, but later it became a fruitful journey, a journey that leads to transfiguration and transformation.  A  journey that encouraged their faith in suffering.  A transformation from the law that was given to Moses, to the teaching of the prophets as represented by Elijah and the final fulfilment by Jesus Christ himself; the crown of our being, the beloved son of God whom we must listen to and follow in order to be transfigured at the eschatology. This Lenten journey is life’s task that no one can do for you. Salvation is personal journey and struggle.  We mustn’t be afraid on this journey because Jesus is with you. Discover the path that will lead you to heavenly transfiguration.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the UCM.

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the French Speaking Prayer Group.

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

Last Week’s Collections: The 1st collection was £538.83p + £330.50p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £869.33p.   The 2nd    collection for Easter Altar Flowers was £103.17p. Thank you  for your generosity.    Today’s 2nd collection will be for  CAFOD/Lenten Family Fast Day.

Recently Deceased:  Please pray for the souls and families of Father David Hutton (who passed away last week).

Baptism Preparation Classes: The last (of three) class will be held on Monday 13th March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.  It is important to have attended ALL three baptism classes.

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

Lent Study Course: This year’s programme will continue at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 15th March.  The next sessions will be on the following Wednesdays –  22nd March (To be a Pilgrim, part one), 29th March (To be a Pilgrim, part two) and 5th April (The Life and Message of John Henry Newman).  All are welcome to attend.

Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross will be on Wednesdays after 9.30am Mass,  Fridays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm.

In Your Prayers: Please remember to pray for the Holy Communion Group (the names are on the notice board at the back of the Church).

Minibus: From the 1st April the minibus will only run on the third Sunday of the month.

London Evenings of Faith – March 2017:  All are welcome to the last talk on ‘Reasons for believing’ which will take place at 7:30pm on Tuesday  21^st March. Held in the basement of 24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR (Tube: Piccadilly Circus). Please see www.faith.org.uk/events/evenings-of-faith.

Lenten Masses in the Hospital: There will be Mass in Croydon University Hospital Chapel on every Monday during Lent at 12noon.

Reynolds Secondary School Bands Concert: Based in Victoria, British Columbia, the Reynolds Secondary School Band are holding a free concert in St Michael & All Angels’ Church, 370 Crofton Road, Locksbottom BR6 8NN  on Saturday, 18 March, 7pm-8pm. They consist of a concert band as well as a R&B band, so there is something for everyone. Please come and support this junior band on their UK tour.

Top of the Pew Quiz 2017: St Anthony’s have been drawn away to Christ Church in Chislehurst in the first round of this knockout competition. The contest will held on the 19^th March starting at 8pm. If any parishioner wishes to come along to support and need directions or transport please contact a member of the Parish Council.

Job Vacancies: The Governing Body of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School is looking to appoint a Clerk to the Governors. We are a fast improving school and we want employ a professional clerk to assist the Governing Body in maintaining school improvement.  Full details of the post are contained in the Job description and Person specification which can be obtained by calling the school office on 0208 778 7681.  Apply using the form available from the school or submit your CV.  If you would like any further information, you should contact the school office on 020 8778 7681.St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Coulsdon are seeking a head teacher for September 2017.  For further information and an application pack please email Mrs Jennifer Blackburne at clerk@st-aidans.croydon.sch.uk.  The closing date for applications is 17th March 2017.

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.

Mass Bookings: Please book your masses at least two months in advance.

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 (12th Mar—19th Mar 2017) (Year: A)