St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Second Sunday of Easter (C)

Mass Readings: 262 – 265

Order of Mass: Pages 7 – 60

St. Thomas in today’s Gospel showed his high regard for experience when he refused to believe in the risen Jesus without probing his nail-marks and putting his hand into his side. We may see mirages which don’t exist; we might hear sounds which aren’t there; likewise, all of our other senses can deceive. But when we touch something, we know it is there. That’s why some call touch the sense of certitude.

Jesus accommodated himself to Thomas’s make up. the result was the most profound profession of faith in the New Testament: Thomas’s, My Lord and my God. More than exclamation, these words are a prayer acknowledging Jesus’ divinity.

The experience of the risen Jesus by the Apostles, especially doubting ones like Thomas, is the basis for the whole Christianity. But there are dangers in too high regard for experience. Jesus reminded Thomas of that beatitude, Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

The essence of the Good News, as we recall in the Easter Season, is that Jesus has conquered death. This victory over humankind’s last enemy is conquest for everyone.

We are among those to whom Jesus says Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. We go beyond experience to be no less moved by this Easter season than were John the Theologian and Thomas. The encounter, far being tame, confronts us to the core of our being. We pray for a deeper awareness of the blessings of Christ’s resurrection and of our consequent new birth in God’s Spirit.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday teas will be served by the SVP Group.

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

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

A Big Thank You: Your generous Easter Offerings were much appreciated.

Also, the Good Friday collections for The Holy Places raised £569.24p. Thank you for your generosity. The second collection today will be for the upkeep of St George’s Cathedral. 

Blessed Sacrament: We will continue to have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm until further notice.

Holy Communion Classes: The next dates are Saturdays 4th, 11th, 18th May  from 10.30am  – 11.30am in the Parish Centre and then Wednesday 22nd May at 6.30pm in the Church.

First Tuesday of the Month: There will be Adoration and Gospel discussion from 7.30 – 8.30pm in the Parish Centre on the 7th May. All are welcome.

General Security: For reasons of church security please do not leave anything in the narthex without permission from Fr Sunith. If you see anything that looks suspicious, please tell one of the priests.

CYM Choir: Following wonderful performances at Christmas and the Faith in Action Awards, the CYM choir will be meeting again to begin rehearsals on Wednesday 1^st May at 7pm at St James the Great Church Hall, Petts Wood. All young people and adults who would like to take part in the choir are invited to come along and get involved. Details on the forthcoming summer performance will be given on 1^st May. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information email: susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org

Alpha Course: There will be an Alpha Course held at SS Joseph and Swithun Parish from 1st May to 10th July.  Sessions will be held at St Josephs Parish Hall from 7.30—9.30pm.  Contact Andrew Yacoub at andrewyacoub@icloud.com or Mary Crosby at bromleypa@rcaos.co.uk and visit alpha.org/catholic-context/home.  Please see the poster on the notice board.

Celebrating a Special Wedding Anniversary?: If so, you are invited to St George’s Cathedral at 3pm on Saturday 13th July for a special Mass celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony, with refreshments afterwards. Places are limited so make sure of your personal invitation from Archbishop Peter Smith by emailing mflsw@rcaos.org.uk. We need to know your full names, address, phone number, parish and the special anniversary you are celebrating this year: anyone celebrating their 1^st, 10^th, 25^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th or 60+ qualifies. Close family are welcome  to come with you. The closing date is 10th June.

Gift Aid: If you are a visitor to St Anthony’s, please note that One-Off Gift Aid Envelopes are available at the back of the church in the narthex if you wish to use them.

Fundraiser Quiz Night: On Saturday 18th May there will be a quiz night (supporting Bromley Relief in Need) at Bromley Parish Church, Church Road, Bromley BR2 0EG.  Please email maureenkennedy75@hotmail.com. Please also see the notice board.

Faith in Action Award Reflective Session 3: Saturday 11^th May (3-5.45pm) – St Edmund’s Church Hall. Our Faith in Action candidates in the deanery and school groups will soon come together for their third Reflective Session of the year.  Over 60 young people are registered to take part in this year’s award and they continue to show amazing commitment and enthusiasm to serving those in need in our parishes, schools and communities.  We ask you to remember them in your prayers over the coming months.

 CYM Bromley Deanery: Day of Recollection at Aylesford Priory, Sunday May 12th. For all youth ministers and anyone interested in becoming involved in working with young people in Bromley deanery parishes,  you are warmly invited to attend a ‘Day of Recollection’ led by Deacon Wayne of Holy Innocents’ parish, Orpington. Joining other parishioners and those involved in ministry across the deanery, this event provides a much needed opportunity for spiritual reflection, discussion and collaboration.  Taking place at Aylesford Priory from 9.45 am to 4.30pm, the programme for the day includes a buffet lunch and the celebration of Mass.  There is a suggested non-compulsory donation of £12 towards the cost, to be donated on the day. For queries and to reserve a place email: susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org a.s.a.p.

Events at the House of Prayer in East Molesey: The Wisdom of Love in the Song of Songs: Monday 27 (Bank Holiday) – Friday 31 May; Led by Stefan Gillow Reynolds; Cost: £320.00. The Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon, is the greatest poem in the Bible and many feel the most sublime poem ever written. The retreat will focus on the different levels of meaning in the Song, uncovering the story behind it but also seeing how it can speak to us today. Two aspects of life in particular are illumined by the Song: relations with those we love and contemplation of God. Dr Gillow Reynolds will facilitate an engaged encounter with the poem, with periods of meditation and chances for creative practice, developing our own creativity and enjoyment of the art and literature that the Song has inspired through the ages. Arrive on Monday in time for supper at 6.00 pm and leave on Friday at 4.00 pm. To book, please contact us on: 020 8941 2313 or e-mail: admin@christian-retreat.org

Please note that we no longer accept any ink or printer cartridges for recycling. Thank you.

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: John Whelan, John Barry, Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, and Michael Creech.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (28th April—5th May 2019)  (Year: C)