St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Matthew’s Gospel continues with further parables for our pondering is the right word for the exercise as the complies of the Lectionary remind us by giving us the first reading from the first book of the  Kings. It is Solomon’s famous prayer and wisdom. The young king acknowledges his inexperience and lack of understanding of the great matters of state, and so he asks God for ability to discern and not for long life or power as might have been expected. The wisdom Solomon shows becomes the hallmark of the biblical reign of the king. The fact that so much of Jesus’ teaching is given in parables and very little in terms of rules and regulations indicates how much wisdom should continue to be the hallmark of his disciples; and wisdom is not something learnt by rote as the impression might sometimes be given but something pondered as Solomon knew in prayer. The image of householder bringing out things both old and new, is a fascinating one and an encouraging one. So often people resist change as simply being the imposition of something new in a situation that might have appeared to be working perfectly well. When looking at the documents of the Second Vatican Council, which initiated such recent change, it is important to remember just how much work has gone into rediscovering the ancient practices of the Church, the writings of the Church Fathers and the riches of the Tradition that had lain unexplored in the storeroom for many hundreds of years. In the sense that the Church is a community of believers, the insights and understanding of all believers are always part of the heritage of the whole community and are available to foster the life of the community at all times.

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Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the volunteers.

There will be no Sunday teas for the month of August due to the

refurbishment of the Parish Centre.

The next Sunday teas will be on 7th September and will be served

by the Knights of St Columba.

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

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Last Week’s collections: The 1st collection was £766.92p including Gift Aid £370.08p.   The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £79.41p.   Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today is in aid of Day-for-Life.

Blessed Sacrament: The Blessed Sacrament will not be exposed during the month of August.

Knights of St Columba Food Bank Collection: The Knights are collecting for the Penge Food Bank this weekend.

Scripture Group: There will be no Tuesday Scripture Group during the month of August.

Parish Garden Party: Thanks to all who came and helped out at the Parish Garden Party. It was lovely to see so many parishioners there.

Knights of St Columba Barn Dance: The Knights of St Columba are having a Barn Dance at 8pm on Friday 10th October. Please put the date in your diaries. More details will follow in the September newsletters.

Message from the Head Teacher at St Anthony’s School

As a school in the parish of St Anthony’s we are very pleased to share with you the very successful achievement of our Year 6 children. We are very proud to celebrate the best SATs results the school has ever had. The progress made by the children, during their time at St Anthony’s is outstanding in reading, writing and in mathematics- they have made significantly more progress than would be expected nationally. This success has been the result of dedication and commitment from their teachers, support from their parents and faith that in Jesus all things are possible.

We will be having an Open Morning on Friday 3^rd October; please do come and see the school at work. The children love welcoming visitors to the school and you would be most welcome.

Lorna White, Head Teacher: St Anthony’s RC Primary School

Newsletters: There will be no newsletters during the holiday month of August.

Inspired by St Francis of Assisi? You are invited to the Fraternity monthly meeting of the Secular Franciscan Order on Sunday 27th July, 2.30pm to 4.30pm in St Mary’s Small Hall, Wellesley Road, Croydon. Everybody’s welcome – just come!

The Passage: David Dimbleby will be appealing on Radio 4 on behalf of The Passage – the homelessness charity based in Victoria. Do listen to hear more about the work of this Catholic Charity. The broadcasts are on Sunday 27th July at 7.55 & 21.26 and Thursday 31st July at 15.27.

Anglo-Indian Day: The Anglo-Indian community is celebrating Anglo-Indian Day on Sunday 3rd August 2014 at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Sunday mass will be at 12noon celebrated by Bishop Pat Lynch followed with the opening ceremony and various other activities.

First Holy Communion 2015: Applications are now open for 2015. If your child is in year 3 or aged 8 or over please fill in a form (available in the narthex) and give it to the clergy. The closing date is 31st August 2014.

Confirmation 2015: Applications are now open for 2015. If your child is in year 8 or is aged 12 or over then please fill in one of the red application forms (available in the narthex). The closing date is 31st August 2014.

RCIA: If you are an adult who would like to become a Catholic or are a baptised Catholic who has not received First Holy Communion or Confirmation or if you are baptised in another church and would like to become a Catholic then please fill in an RCIA application form (available in the narthex).

Day of Prayer for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: On Saturday 6th September (led by Fr Aidan Rossiter CJ) at the Emmaus Centre, Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent. The days begin with 10am coffee and end with tea at 4pm. Coffee, lunch and tea: £28 or if you bring your own packed lunch: £19. To book one of the days or if you would like to come to Emmaus for some quiet time or spiritual reflection then please contact the Emmaus Centre on 020 8777 2000.

Note for Gift Aiders: We are now finalising our 2014 claim for the return of Gift Aid Tax from HMRC. This refund is only allowed if you have paid sufficient tax on your income. If the income tax you have paid or will pay for the year ended 05/04/2014 does not cover the rebate being claimed by us on your donations (25p per pound donated), please let Fr Sunith know as soon as possible, so that we can amend our records. Meanwhile, thank you for your continuing support for this worthy cause.

If you want to see a priest then please phone and make an appointment.