St Anthony of Padua Anerley

The Fifth Sunday (A)

Mass Readings: 133 – 135

Order of Mass: Pages 7- 60

Christianity is about living life with others. The incarnation is the sharing of Christ’s divinity with  humanity. Ipso facto, he descended to live among men. In the scriptural text he said, “I am with you till the end of time”. He remains with us as the light of the nation; and he invited  us to share his life and light with others. St Paul in answer to this invitation shared Christ’s light with the people of Corinth and the gentiles world.

Discipleship is not only about a right relationship with God but also about a right relationship with other people. It is not a personal privilege; it is for the benefit of others and the glory of God the father. Thus, Christianity must be altruistic and pragmatic.

The prophet Isaiah in today’s reading admonished the post –exilic Israelites; that true charity for neighbour will prove their true loyalty to God, and God in his turn will be their light and security. They should therefore consider each other’s welfare.

Christ the light of the nation  promoted  his disciples with these honourable titles, “you are the salt of the earth and the light of the nation”. These two images are very important in our human existence. Salt is for preservation; it adds flavour to food and is available to everybody. Christ gave his life for us as a flavour to be tasted by all men. His concern was to preserve our lives from decay of sins  to righteousness. As Christ’s followers we must become preservers and promoters of the true religion.  Our lives should be preserved with holiness. Let those who encountered us enjoy the savour and the sweetness of God

Christ has enlightened us, we must not hide our light.  Light is a source of energy  for so many things. Light is not a private energy, nobody should monopolize it. Christianity is light, you should not monopolize it.   You are a source to so many who are yearning for Christ. Radiate in good works so that others will follow your light  to know Christ.

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 Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £611.67 + £287.50 In Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £899.17p. The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £67.47p. Thank you for your generosity.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the souls and families of Anthony Byrne and Danny Crowley.

The funeral for Anthony Byrne will be on Thursday 13th February at 11.45am followed by the cremation at West Norwood Crematorium at 1.15pm.

Danny Crowley’s funeral will be on Friday 28th February at 12.30pm.

May their souls rest in peace.

 Holy Communion Classes: The classes continue on Saturdays, the 22nd February, then the 7th, 21st and 28th March at 10.30am in the Parish Centre.

Confirmation Classes: Please note the next classes will be on Thursdays, the 20th February, then the 5th and 12th March at 7pm in the Parish Centre (4 Genoa Road).

Spirituality and Reflection: Films will be shown in the Parish Centre every Tuesday until Holy Week with the view to promoting reflection on our Faith. The first film will be screened on Tuesday 11th February from 7.30pm – 8.30pm and will focus on the Gospel of John – Part 1. Please see the notice board for the full programme. All are welcome.

Invitation to new readers: We are all called to listen to God’s word and practise that message in our lives. As a reader, you announce the message clearly so that the people take it in and respond to it. Are you good at communicating in daily life or at work, making yourself clear, getting your message across – these are the talents you need to be a good reader at Mass.  We will have an introduction meeting for anyone interested in becoming a reader on Tuesday 11th February from 7.45 to 8.45 pm at the Church.  Please come along if you would like to find out more.

The God who Speaks – SDC Bible study meetings:  The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have declared 2020 to be a year of special focus on the Bible.  We are called to explore and celebrate the Word of God through the Scriptures, share the Word with others and respond to the “God who speaks” in the way that we live.  SDC would like to invite parishioners to their monthly meetings which take place at 38 Ryefield Road, Upper Norwood SE19 3QU.  The dates for this term are this Friday 14th February; 13th March and 3th April.  All are welcome.  We start at 7.30 pm. The meeting will include reflections, readings and prayer.  For more information call the SDC House on 02087685159 or text John on 07986533292.

CYM Musical ‘The Crusader’: As part of the CYM programme for 2020, we will be putting on a brand new and original musical called ‘The Crusader’.  Although ideally suited to Years 9,10 and 11, we encourage all young people and members of the deanery community with a passion for music, acting, singing and stage production to get involved in this exciting production which we hope to perform in mid-late Spring.  We will be holding auditions for actors/singers and musicians to be part of the orchestra on Saturday 15^th and Saturday 22^nd February from 12-2pm at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Plaistow lane, Bromley.  For more information, please contact Joseph Gulliford (Seminarian at St. Edmund’s and writer) gullifordjoseph@gmail.com, or Susan Longhurst (Deanery Youth Coordinator) susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org.

Tuesday 11th February: During the 9:30am Mass today we will be celebrating the Sacrament of the Sick.

Repository: Please take a look at the items on sale in the Repository. The Southwark Directories for this year are now available. There are also ‘The Stations of the Cross’ booklets, ‘Lent Extra – Your Journey towards Easter’ booklets and ‘Gospel Power’ which contains daily Readings and Reflections for the whole year in a pocket sized book. Come and have a look at the spiritual reading on offer.

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (9th Feb —16th Feb 2020)  (Year A)