St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Mass Readings: Page 168 – 172

Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

First Reading:  having returned to the Promised Land after the Exodus, the Israelites celebrate their first Passover in the land, and the manna from heaven – which they needed for sustenance on their pilgrimage through the wilderness – ceases.  When we go to heaven we will enjoy the eternal banquet there and no longer need Holy Communion for our journey nourishment.

Psalm:  the refrain, ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’, has long been used during the Liturgy as a reference to Holy Communion.

Second Reading: God reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and we are called to hand on that reconciliation to others.

Gospel:  the parable of mercy par excellence.  Although it is commonly called the parable of the prodigal son, perhaps a better name would be the parable of the merciful father, because the father’s mercy – astonishing and unlimited – is the central point of the parable.

 Fr David Gibbons,

Centre for Catholic Formation

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s (Mothering Sunday) 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 Sunday’s collections: The 1st collection was £860.95p (including Gift Aided  £325.35p). The 2nd collection for Easter Flowers was £94.11p.  Thank you for your generosity.  Today’s 2nd  collection is again for Easter Flowers.

Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross will be said after 9.30am mass on Wednesdays and on Fridays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 4.15pm.

Lent Study Course: Following last year’s popular ‘Catholicism’ Course (based on Bishop Robert Barron’s Series) this year’s course entitled Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues will be held in the Parish Centre on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.  If you would like more information then please see Father Stuart.

Year of Mercy at St Anthony’s: Father Saju (from St Josephs Parish, Bromley) has been delivering a series of presentations for the Year of Mercy.  The date of the next and final talk will be on Thursday 10th March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome to attend.

Parish Reconciliation Service: The Reconciliation Service will be on Saturday 19th March at 11am.  There will be 3 priests from outside the parish who will be available to hear reconciliation confessions.

Can you help?: We need at least 8 people who can work together to help raise money for the Clergy Support Fund.  The purpose of this fund is to help sick and retired clergy.  All the training and support will be given by the diocese.  Please let Father Sunith or Father Stuart know if you are interested in helping out this worthy cause.

Eucharistic Ministers will meet on Monday 7th March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.

Year of Mercy at St Josephs: Father Saju has been presenting 3 talks in the Upper Room at St Josephs Church, Bromley.  The date of the last session is 7th March from 8 until 9.30pm.

London Evenings of Faith:  All are welcome to a series of talks on ‘Jesus Christ the key to life’ which will take place on alternate Tuesdays at 7:30pm.  The next and last date is on the 8th March. Talks are held in the basement of 24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR (Tube: Piccadilly Circus). Full dates and details are available at www.faith.org.uk/events/evenings-of-faith.

Lenten Reflection: Teresa Keogh has prepared a Lenten Reflection on a stewardship theme for each day of Lent and Holy Week, which people can receive by email each day.  People can sign up following this link http://eepurl.com/bF0b6P and will then receive emails automatically.

Deanery Memorial Service for Bereaved Parents: This will take place on Sunday 17th April at 3pm in St James the Great Community Centre, Petts Wood followed by refreshments.  This service is for all parishioners within the Deanery.

Parish Quiz: There will be a Parish Quiz on Friday 22nd April from 8pm until 10pm at the Royston Club, Royston Road, Penge SE20 7QW.  Please put this date in your diary.  All are welcome.

If you celebrating a significant Wedding Anniversary this year 1, 25, 40,50,60+. If you please give  you name, address , telephone number and the anniversary. Archbishop Peter Smith will invite you to special celebration in St. George’s Cathedral on Saturday 18^th June at 3pm. Please give the details  to one of the priests.

The Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies (CCRS): The CCRS is designed for people who are engaged in the communication of their Catholic Faith, whether directly or indirectly.  It is open to catechists, people involved in liturgical word and other interested adults. The CCRS can provide general theological knowledge and offer a better understanding of the Catholic faith.  It will help participants to increase their practical application of the faith in their ministry in the Church.  It provides the means to accurately and effectively communicate the principles of Catholic teaching.  More details about start dates, fees and your nearest centre please visit the CCRS website www.brs-ccrs.org.uk or call us on 020 7901 190.

Notices for the newsletter need to be emailed/posted to the presbytery by 6pm on Thursdays.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (06—13 Mar 2016) (Year: