Parables were a common device employed in storytelling in the ancient world but the parables of Jesus are unique. They reveal a mind of greater depth and clarity than ever before or ever since known in human history. Men and women of learning the world over, whether believers or not, recognise in the parables of Jesus the hand, work and mind of human genius. Believers recognise the hand, work and mind of God. When we contemplate the parables especially the parable of the sower we leave behind the world of human understanding and enter the mystery of God.

May God grant us by His grace the ability to produce fruit in our lives, by cultivating hearts which are open to receiving the gift of revelation and insight and so enter ever more deeply into the profound mystery of faith.

Bible Alive

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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.

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Last Week’s collections: The 1st collection was £913.22p including Gift Aid £452.10p. The 2nd collection for Parish Fundswas £103.33p. Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today is for The Apostleship of the Sea.

Recently Deceased: Please remember Johnny Lobo and his family in your prayers. Johnny’s funeral will be held at   St Edmunds in Beckenham             on Monday 14th July at 12 noon.

Family Mass: The Family Mass readers are organised by the parish. We need three children who would be able to do the readings.

Baptism Preparation Classes: The last (of three) classes will be held on 14th July in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm.     All three classes need to be         attended.

Parish Garden Party: The Parish Garden Party will be on Sunday 20th July. Please put this date in your diary. Any volunteers of help on that day would be greatly appreciated.

First Holy Communion 2015: Applications are now open for 2015. If your child is in year 3 or aged 8 or over please fill in a form (available in the narthex) and give it to the clergy. The closing date is 31st August 2014.

Confirmation 2015: Applications are now open for 2015. If your child is in year 8 or is aged 12 or over then please fill in one of the red application forms (available in the narthex). The closing date is 31st August 2014.

RCIA: If you are an adult who would like to become a Catholic or are a baptised Catholic who has not received First Holy Communion or Confirmation or if you are baptised in another church and would like to become a Catholic then please fill in an RCIA application form (available in the narthex).

Magnificat Books for July and August are now available in the Repository.

If you want to see a priest then please phone and make an appointment.

Advanced Notice – Sunday Teas: There will be no Sunday teas during the month of August as the Parish Centre is going to be refurbished. Thank you.

Special Thanks and Farewell: Thank you to Sarah Hinchcliff for the service she has given to St Anthony’s especially with looking after the Eucharistic Ministers welfare. We will miss you and your family and wish you all well for the future.
Thank you to Stephanie Henriques for taking over Sarah’s role.

Introduction for New Readers: We would like to welcome new readers at all masses at St Anthony’s especially the 6pm on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday. All ages are welcome from confirmation upwards.
What you need to be a reader at mass:
+ + Love of God’s word in the scriptures
+ + Ability to proclaim the word to the congregation
+ + Willingness to serve the Church
If you are interested, please come to the church from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Monday 21st July.

Day of Prayer for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: On Saturday 26th July (led by Sister Judith Russi SSMN) and Saturday 6th September (led by Fr Aidan Rossiter CJ) at the Emmaus Centre, Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent. The days begin with 10am coffee and end with tea at 4pm. Coffee, lunch and tea: £28 or if you bring your own packed lunch: £19. To book one of the days or if you would like to come to Emmaus for some quiet time or spiritual reflection then please contact the Emmaus Centre on 020 8777 2000.

Altar Servers Summer Break – Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th August, Woldingham, Surrey: This is an excellent few days for boy and girl servers aged 10 to 15 years old. Meeting in a holiday atmosphere activities include talks, discussions, prayer, daily Mass, as well as sport, Chessington World of Adventures, Swimming. The cost is £135. For more details download a form from www.stanselmsdartfor.wordpress.com or contact Fr Stephen Boyle on 01322 220075 or email: sboyle@clara.net.

Christ the King: St Mary’s Sixth Form College: Calling all former Christ the King Sixth Form College students – are you an ex student? The college has recently launched it’s new Alumni Association and would love to hear from you. Log in to your profile today for free lifetime membership: www.alumni.ctksfc.ac.uk

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