St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Mass Readings: Pages 83 – 86
Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

Corpus Christi comes as one of a series of major celebrations following the resurrection. First we have the Ascension which leads on to Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. Then comes Corpus Christi and Saints Peter and Paul.

Corpus Christi was not a very early feast and was really established to re-emphasise the reality of the presence of Jesus in his body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine. This is, after all, a mystery. Neither the priest nor any member of the congregation can see any change or difference in the bread and the wine after the words of consecration. Each time the priest says the words, he says them in faith. Each time he calls on the people to proclaim the mystery—it is the mystery OF FAITH. So you and I are asked to be humbly present and to call on our personal faith and the faith of the Church to acknowledge what we can only believe by faith.

The Corpus Christi celebration itself has led on to different ways of honouring and devoting ourselves to the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. There has been the much joyous institution of procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament inside and outside the Churches. Adoration of Blessed Sacrament through exposition on the Altar, sometimes day and night in particular Churches, has had large popularity.

Given such a tremendous gift, we should value it and treasure it in our prayer and devotion.

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 £570.45p + £537.20p in Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £1107.65p.   The 2nd collection for the Catholic Trust for England & Wales was £131.53p.  Thank you for your generosity.  Today’s 2nd collection will be for Day-for-Life.

St Anthony’s church 90^th anniversary:  Many thanks to all those who helped out and/or came along to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Church and St Anthony’s Day.  Thanks also to Father Brian Coyle, Rector of the Seminary who celebrated and preached at the mass.  It was a wonderful service.  Don’t forget to have a look at the display of memories and photographs of the history of the parish.  If you do have any photographs to add/include then please do add them to the display.

Next Weekend: The Sisterhood of St Elisabeth Convent from Belarus will be at the Church selling their crafts to raise funds for their work (24-25th June).  Please see the poster on the notice board or visit their website www.obitel-minsk.by for further information.

National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life:  On Wednesday 21st June, on the vigil of Sts John Fisher and Thomas More, please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this country.  Thousands of babies are saved from abortion each year by Catholic, Pro-Life work, backed up with your Prayer and Fasting.  Www.goodcounselnetwork.com

Cheese and Wine Event for all Youth Ministers: On Tuesday 27th June at 8pm at St James the Great Church in Petts Wood, there will be a cheese and wine event for all those involved or interested in youth ministry.  Please do take this opportunity to get to know other youth ministers in Bromley parishes.  To reserve your place please rsvp to  susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org by 20th June 2017.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Days of Prayer for Eucharistic Ministers: The Emmaus Centre will be holding 4 days of Prayer for Eucharistic Ministers.  The dates are Saturdays 24th June; 8th July; 2nd September and Wednesday 12th July.  If you would like to attend one of the days then please contact the Emmaus Centre on 020 8777 2000.

Brightlights Festival is an annual event for Catholic young adults (ages 16-30) taking place June 23rd – 26th in the beautiful grounds of Alton Castle in Staffordshire. Come and join us for a weekend of live music from artists including One Hope Project and Guvna B. To journey together in Faith through liturgy and worship. And to hear simulating input the possibilities of living life: UNLIMITED. To find out more information or book tickets, visit our website: brightlights.org.uk, call 0300 075 0115 or find us on social media: T/FB/IG: BLFestival.  Please see the poster on the notice board.

 St John Bosco Children’s Summer Holiday Camp: Bookings for the Boys and Girls camps are now being taken.  The boys camp is for children aged 8 to 13 and the girls camp is for children aged 9 to 12.  This is a camping holiday with an enormous range of activities for the children to enjoy.  All activities are well supervised.  The helpers have all been carefully vetted.  The camp provides children with an active holiday in a caring Christian atmosphere.  If you require further information please contact Paul Hayes on 07534065347 (6 – 9pm—Boys enquiries only) or Gemma O’Flaherty on 07491811167 (6 – 9pm—Girls enquiries only).  Visit www.svpboscocamp.org.uk.  Closing dates: 30th June (Boys); 31st July (Girls).  Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Garden Party: The Claver Convent are holding a fundraising garden party on the 8th July from 12 – 4pm.  Address: 89 Shortlands Road, Bromley.  Entrance is £1 for adults, children are free.  Please see the notice board.

CAFOD Talk: Father Peter Hughes is a missionary based in Peru.  He will be holding a talk – Response of the Church in Latin America to Pope Francis’ Call.  The talk will be at the Church of St Edmund of Canterbury Parish Hall (opposite the church), 20 Village Way, Beckenham, Kent on Thursday 13th July from 7 – 9pm.  Please see the notice board for further details.

Centre for Catholic Formation Courses: Please see the notice board for courses in Liturgy, Canon Law and the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.  Please also see their website www.ccftootingbec.org.uk or contact them directly on 020 8672 7684 for further information.

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.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (18th —25th June 2017) (Year: A)