St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Mass Readings: Pages 268 – 270
Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

Jesus in  his discourse at the last supper, which was his last will and testament, promised the church via the Apostles the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will lead the church to the complete truth, that will sustain the church until the end of time.

This sixth Sunday prepares us for the Ascension of Christ to heaven that will eventually lead to the sending of the Holy Spirit [the Pentecost ]. The church in this Sunday anticipates the Ascension-to –the Pentecost.

In today’s first reading, with the martyrdom of Stephen, the words of evangelization have spread beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem. Philip filled with the Holy Spirit and enthusiasm carries the message of t he risen Christ to the frontiers of Samaria and they accepted the message wholeheartedly. They were baptised and the Holy Spirit was given to them by the Apostles. This message to the Samaritans restores their unity with the Jews.  The word of God is a source of unity. We are call to live it and proclaim it to others fearlessly like the Apostles of old.

The second readings invite us to live a worthy life in spite of the persecution of our faith. For those who slander us and persecute us will be proven wrong. Rejoice in suffering for Christ’s sake.  Innocent he was; he who had no sin was made a sin-suffering for us. 2cor5:21

The gospel reading prepares us for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a message of hope. Christ saw the anguish of his disciples when he told them of his ascension to heaven .He promised never to leave them and his church as orphans. He then promises them the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The spirit that will lead the church to the complete truth. As beneficiaries of these gifts we must keep his commandments, by loving him and our neighbours.

As we wait anxiously for Pentecost, let us open up to the truth; live a worthy life of the gospel and pray fervently for its imminent in our lives and in the church. For the church is directed and sustained by the holy spirit who abides within it and leads all to heaven to be with Christ forever.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the French Speaking Prayer Group.

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the St Vincent de Paul Group.

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

Last Week’s Collections: The 1st collection was £597.97p + £540.60p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £1138.57p. The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £59.67p. Thank you for your generosity.                                          Today’s 2nd collection will be for Parish Funds. Next week it will be for World Communications Day.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of Roger Mortimer Gordon Lewis.  The service will be at 11am on Friday 2nd June followed by the burial at Beckenham Cemetery at 12.30pm.  Rest in Peace.

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).

In Your Prayers: Please remember to pray for the Holy Communion Group who  made their First Holy Communion this weekend (the names are on the notice board at the back of the Church).

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

Knights of St Columba Food Bank Collection: The Knights are collecting for the Penge Food Bank.  The next collection will be next weekend 27th/28th March.

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.

Congratulations  to all the children who made their Frist Holy Communion on Saturday. Please remember them and their parents in your prayers.

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.  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!

Sharing the Good News: How can I share my faith with others?  Learn practical approaches to evangelisation from the founder of Mission of the Redeemer Ministries in Canada, Michael Dopp.  His programme, Relit – the heart of Evangelisation! trains evangelisation teams to be active evangelists.   Please join us on 24 May 2017 at the Centre for Catholic Formation, Tooting Bec, SW17 8BS from 5:30pm to 8:45 pm £15 includes light supper. To Register: guildofourladyandstjoseph@gmail.com

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

Job Vacancies: The Centre for Catholic Formation is looking for a new formation adviser (Kent Area). The ideal candidate will be a practising Catholic with previous experience in catechesis and/or adult formation.  This is a full time role which will include some evenings and weekends.  Salary: £30 to £35K depending on skills and experience. For more information see https://www.ccftootingbec.org.uk/jobs to apply please contact sarah.wood@finance-rcdsouthwark.org by the closing date of Friday 2 June 2017.  Candidates are welcome to visit the Centre ahead of application.

Bishop Challoner School are looking for a KS1 Teacher. Please see the website: www.bishopchallonerschool.com or contact Sue Long on 020 8460 3546 or email: admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com. Closing date is 12th June.

Laleham Lea School are looking for a caretaker.  Please contact Carly Edwards for an application form – secretary@lalehamlea.co.uk.  Closing date is 26th May.

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.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (21st May—28th May 2017) (Year: A)