St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Mass Readings: Pages 265 – 268
Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

In today’s Gospel Jesus has just told them that he is going away. Despite all his assurances, and his words of comfort to them, they were worried. When they’d committed themselves to Jesus, they imagined that he would remain with them in person, guiding their footsteps, helping them to make their way through life with him. But now here he is talking about leaving them, going on ahead of them. How will they ever manage to follow? Thomas sums up what they are all silently thinking: :”Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” This is most definitely not where they want to be starting from.

In response to the question, Jesus doesn’t draw them a map. He doesn’t give them a set of direction. “I am the Way,” but also the Truth and the Life”. It must have been hard for the disciples to comprehend those words at first, to understand the full depth of their meaning. Yet it would not be long before those same disciples were known as “followers of the Way”.

The months and years they had spent with Jesus has been for a purpose. As they’d spent time with him, hearing his words, watching the things he did, sharing the life he lived, they had changed. Sometimes they’d been slow to understand. Sometimes they’d got things wrong, and they still would. But they’d learned, not only from Jesus’ teaching but also from his example. They’d seen the way he related to people. They’d seen the way that he put loving the will of God his Father first. They’d seen the way he lived his life. And slowly but surely, though not always smoothly, they’d begun to know that way, and even to live it out themselves. They’d come to see it as the way of truth; they’d come to know it as they way to life. And so they became followers of the Way.

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 £522.64p + £291.50p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £814.14p.   The 2nd collection for  Ecclesiastical Education was £71.73p. Thank you for your generosity.                                 Today’s 2nd collection will be for Parish Funds.

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 who are making their First Holy Communion next Saturday (the names are on the notice board at the back of the Church).

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

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!

Visit to Aylesford: The UCM will be going to Aylesford on Tuesday 30th May.  There are a few places left on the coach.  Cost of £15.  Please contact Kate Boyle on 020 8778 8086/07906 207584 if you would like to join us.

House of Prayer, East Molesey: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st May (Day Participants welcome on Saturday 20 May – £20 bring a packed lunch) Centring Prayer, The Law of Three and The Alexander Technique.  Led by Jill & Antonio Benet and Jacqueline Evans.  A residential weekend and retreat day offering an opportunity to discover how to involve our whole selves – body, mind and spirit – in the evolution of our consciousness.  We will be offering practices that will open us to finding fulfilment in our lives.  Arrive on Friday in time for supper at 7.00pm and leave on Sunday at 4.00pm.  Cost £150. Advance booking essential. Ring Sister. Anne 020 8941 2313 to book!

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.

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

Penge Festival Poetry Competition 2017: Write poetry? Why not enter the Penge Festival Poetry Competition?  Entry fee only £3.00 for up to three poems. Prizes: £75, £50 and £25 with a Young Poet’s Prize of £50. In addition, all winners receive books of Walter de la Mare’s poetry. Closing date is 31st May. Entry Guideline flyers are on a table at the back of the church. Copies may also be picked up from Penge Library or download from the Facebook Penge Poets page:  https://www.facebook.com/pengepoets/   Good luck and inspired writing!

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

Celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th+ wedding anniversary?: 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.

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 (14th May—21st May 2017) (Year: A)