St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fourth Sunday of Lent
Mass Readings: Page 162- 164
Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47
+++++++++++
Today’s Readings
By Fr David Gibbons, Centre for Catholic Formation

The first word of the Entrance Antiphon gives this Sunday its name: Laetare Sunday. Isaiah rejoiced because the end of the exile was near. We rejoice because the end of Lent is near.

First Reading: the wrath of God is seen in the exile of the people – punishment for their infidelity to him – to Babylon, under king Nebuchadnezzar. The mercy of God is seen in the return of the people to Jerusalem, under king Cyrus.

Psalm: The psalm famously written during the exile in Babylon. For Christians this present life, this ‘vale of tears’, is an exile from our true home in heaven.

Second Reading: Despite our death, caused by our sins, we are saved through Christ, and this salvation is a free gift. Salvation means being recreated as we were meant to be (before our disobedience brought death).

Gospel: Jesus states that He must be lifted up (ie on the cross) in order for those who believe in Him to have eternal life. Some people will react by allowing their wicked lifestyle to turn them away from belief in Christ. Others live by the truth and so follow the light .

+++++++++++
Sunday Teas:
This Sunday’s teas will be served by the UCM.
Next Sunday’s Mother’s Day teas
will be served by the Knights of St Columba.
Thank you to all those who help out with the Sunday Teas.

Last Sunday’s collections: The 1st collection was £ 933.71p (including Gift Aided £ 357.22p). The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £ 96.95p. Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today will be for Parish Funds.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the souls and families of Martin Wilson and Ann Mary Cheshire. Martin Wilson’s Requiem mass will be on the 24 March at 1.30pm followed by cremation at Beckenham Crematorium. Ann Cheshire’s requiem will be on the 27th March at 10.30am.

Stations of the Cross during Lent will be on Wednesdays after the 9.30am Mass and on Fridays at 7pm and Sunday at 4.15pm.

Wednesday Evenings in Lent and the Easter Season: Father Stuart will be showing the next 8 episodes from Father Robert Barron’s highly acclaimed series entitled Catholicism on Wednesday evenings in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Please pray for Joseph Ibe, James Jacobs, Zia Javil, Harry Malanda, Christian Mulhall-Bittner and Patricia O’Gorman who are all to be confirmed on Saturday 21st March.

If you are celebrating your 1st, 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, or 60th+ wedding anniversary this year and would like to attend this very special Mass at St George’s Cathedral on 21ST JUNE 2014 (Saturday afternoon), where you can renew your vows, please write out your names and address clearly and give to Fr Sunith, so that you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop. LAST DAY TO APPLY IS APRIL 30!!!

Magnificat: April and Holy Week issues are now available in the Repository.
Inspired by St Francis of Assisi? You are invited to the Fraternity monthly meeting of the Secular Franciscan Order on Sunday 22nd March, 2.30pm-5-0Opm,In St Mary’s Small Hall, Wellesley Rd Croydon.
Everybody’s welcome – just come! (Entrance down ramp at side of Church)

Top of the Pew: St Anthony’s will be playing the first round against St Barnabas, Beckenham on Sunday 22nd March at 8pm in the Parish Centre. Please do come along to support St Anthony’s team.

A missionary group from Bethlehem Nativity will visit us on weekend 28th-29th March to briefly talk about the Holy Land and sell religious articles made out of olive wood from the Holy Land to help and support the poor Christian families any help you could give to them it will be highly appreciated. “when you help the poor you help our Lord”.

Church and State: 800 Years later. A Study Day to mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. Friday 27th March, 11:00am – 3:20pm at the Centre for Catholic Formation, 21 Tooting Bec Road, SW17 8BS. Cost £5 (to include Lunch). Early booking is advised for this Day (020 8672 7684) or office@ccftootingbec.org.uk). Please call the CCF office (020 8762 7684) for further information or guidance.

UCM meeting will be on Monday 16 March. Please bring Irish themed food and drinks to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Thank you to those who helped during the Church being open for 24 Hours.

Parish Quiz Night: The Knights of St Columba are holding a quiz night in the Royston Club at 8pm on Friday 17th April. The cost is £2 each or £10 for a team of 6. All are welcome.

Calling Married Couples: Marriage Encounter is a weekend away to explore where you are going and enliven your relationship, bringing you closer and deepening your commitment to your lifetime together. There are spaces available on the weekend at Park Place (Wickham, near Fareham, Hampshire) from 19th – 21st June. For information and online booking visit www.wwme.org or contact Chris and Mary Farrall – 02380 275401.

Message from the Chair of Governors
St Anthony’s School working with other Bromley Catholic schools
St Anthony’s School has always worked closely with the seven other Catholic primary schools in the London Borough of Bromley. All eight schools including St Anthony’s have decided to become academies. The headteacher and governors of each school will be responsible for their own school. The schools will all cooperate to give each other help and support and keep up standards. St Anthony’s will continue to be the same friendly, welcoming school working for high standards and living out Gospel values every day. The school is likely to become an academy in February next year.

Jane O’Shaughnessy’s Last Thoughts
Sing my candle, my gentle soul. The way is calling, the dreams are calling. The magic and the spirit of eternity predestine your life. Shoulder the courage within you, breathe with the essence of life, with the mist of truth. Dance forever onwards in the darkness, into the darkness… my love goes with you….even in that darkness…