St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Mass Readings: Pages 262 – 265
Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

A message from the Archdiocese of Southwark:

“Be alert, but not alarmed”

… this was the the advice the Police gave to places of worship last year following the dreadful murder in France of Fr Jacques Hamel.

The advice emphasised that while there was no specific intelligence of any planned attacks on places of worship, faith institutions should review their security plans and be vigilant. Specific questions might include, “Are welcomers made aware of the need to be on the look out for suspicious behaviour?”, “Is there a means for raising alarm if the congregation is at risk?”, “Is there a plan to retreat to a secure area as an alternative to evacuating the building if that would not be safe?”

Any suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately through 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. Counter terrorism advice for places of worship can be viewed online at  https://lbfn.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/counter-terrorism-advice-for-places-of-worship-nactso.pdf

Meanwhile, following the terrible incident in Westminster recently, the Inter Faith Network has published useful advice on how faith communities can stand together and look after each other in the light of safety and security threats to places of worship. This can be viewed on https://www.interfaith.org.uk/uploads/Looking_After_One_Another_-_The_safety_and_security_of_our_faith_communities.pdf

These are worrying times but also marked by times of hope, as I experienced standing on Westminster Bridge a week after the recent incident with people of all faiths and none in a #WeStandTogether action. Let’s remember that there are so many peaceful interactions between people of different faiths on a daily basis and not be intimidated by the hateful actions of the tiny minority who engage in acts of violence.

Let’s remember to be alert, but not alarmed.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the Knights of St Columba.

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

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

Last Week’s Collections: The 1st collection was £520.50p + £361.50p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £882.00p. The 2nd collection for the upkeep of St George’s Cathedral was £125.32p. Thank you for your generosity.         Today’s 2nd collection will be for Ecclesiastical Education.

Note for Gift-Aiders: New boxed sets of numbered envelopes for use from June 2017 have arrived. Please collect your box from the table beside the 7th Station at the back of the church. (If you cannot find your box, please give your name to one of the priests and we will sort it out).

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).

Baptism Preparation: The classes for baptism preparation will be on Thursdays, the 11th, 18th and 25th May at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.  It is important to attend all three classes.

Celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th+ wedding anniversary?: If so, there will be a Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage at St George’s Cathedral on Saturday 17th June.  If you would like to attend, please give Father Sunith your names (both), your address, telephone number and which year’s anniversary you are celebrating.

Empowering Parishes for Mission: There is a one day workshop on Saturday 27th May from 10am to 4pm at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral, Southwark.  To book please email actasouthwark@yahoo.com.  A donation of £15 will be welcomed.  Please bring a packed lunch.  Tea and coffee provided.  Please see the notice board for further information.

Advance Notice: Please note that the new lighting system will be installed soon.  This will mean there will be temporary disruptions to some of the mass times.  It is likely that the weekday morning masses will have to be moved to the evenings while the works are going on.  Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Catholic Youth Ministry Mini-Module: If you are called to youth ministry, have ideas and suggestions that you would like to put into practice for the youth in your parish or simply would like to know more about how to get involved, you are invited to attend the ‘Catholic Youth Ministry Mini-Module’ on Sunday 21^st May at 2pm at St Joseph’s Church (Upper Room), Plaistow Lane, Bromley.  Get together with other youth ministers from parishes across Bromley to learn what is on offer for the youth of our deanery, share experiences and best practice and discover the wide range of support available to help shape a dynamic and engaging youth ministry programme in your parish.  For more information: http://www.bromleydeanery.org/catholic-youth-ministry-mini-module-21st-may-2017/ (RSVP:susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org).  We look forward to seeing you!

Vocations Weekend for Young Women (20s and 30s): The weekend (26th to the 28th May) is organised by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).  There will be input from the FCJ Sisters on different aspects of vowed life, and time for prayer, reflection and discussion with other young women who are also considering a vocation to religious life.  It is an opportunity to live community life for a weekend and meet some sisters!  The theme will be Discerning God’s Call in My Life.  Location: Broadstairs, Kent.  For more information please contact Sr Lynne fcJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or visit our website www.fcjsisters.org

8th National Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Walsingham: The Divine Mercy Apostolate run by Marian Fathers is organising a pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 3rd June 2017.  It is the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima – My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead to God.  The celebration will take place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham.  Please take a packed lunch.  Please see the notice board for details of coaches or contact the Divine Mercy Apostolate on 020 8998 0925, info@divinemercy.org.uk

Job Vacancy: St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School in Canterbury is looking to appoint a new Deputy Head Teacher from September 2017.  For further information please contact the school on 01227-462539. Advert available on www.kent-teach.com. Closing date: Monday 8^th May at 4pm.

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.

Please remember to switch off your mobile phone when you enter the Church. Please do not distract others at Mass.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (7th May—14th May 2017) (Year: A)