St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Mass Readings: Pages 162 – 165
Order of Mass: Pages 7 – 47

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 (i.e. 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 a special ‘Mother’s Day’ teas served by the Knights of St Columba.

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

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

Last Sunday’s Collections:  The 1st collection was £511.93p + £331.50p in  Gift Aid Envelopes giving us a parish total of £ 843.43p.    The 2nd collection for CAFOD/Family Fast Day was £98.26p.  Thank you for your generosity.  Today’s retiring collection is for Parish Funds.

Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross will be on Wednesdays after 9.30am mass, Fridays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm.  

Father Stuart’s Lent Series on the ‘Pivotal Players’: The Pivotal Players is a multi-part film that illumines a handful of saints, artists, mystics and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church, but changed the course of civilization.  All held in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm on the following Wednesdays – 14th March, Michelangelo; 21st March BI, John Henry Newman; 28th March, G.K. Chesterton.  All are welcome.

Baptism Preparation Classes: The classes will be on Thursday 15th and 22nd March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre (no. 4 Genoa Road).  It is important to attend both classes.

Reconciliation Service: There will be a Reconciliation service at 11am on Saturday 17th March.

Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage: If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th+ wedding anniversary this year, please give your names as soon as possible. Please use the form provided (at the back of the church) and write very clearly so you can receive an invitation from the Archbishop. The Mass will be on Saturday 16th June at St George’s Cathedral.

Quiet Area: Please note that the Narthex will be sound proofed very shortly so it can be used as a quiet area for parents and babies.

Advance Notice: The church will be re-painted very soon. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

National Catenian Public Speaking Competition: On Thursday 15th March at 5.30pm at St Gregory’s Catholic School, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9XL. Students from the 6th forms of St Thomas Apostle, Peckham, Bishop Thomas Grant, Streatham and Sacred Heart, Camberwell will be among those taking part. Why not come along and support them? Details from John Woodhouse johnwoodhousecat@gmail.com or text 07908888586.

St Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance: There will be a St Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance on Saturday 17th March at Melvin Hall. Doors open from 7pm. Tickets cost £20 and include a traditional Irish Dinner, harpist, live band and Irish dancers. To purchase tickets call Maureen on 07983 796089 or email pengefestival@outlook.com.

Spring Walk: Join the Friends of Cator and Alexandra on Sunday 18th March for a leisurely walk around Cator Park and Alexandra Recreation Ground via the River Pool embankment. Thousands of spring bulbs should be in bloom. Meet at 2.00pm by the Friends notice board in Cator Park. A free walk lasting about 1.5 hours although donations gratefully received. The walk ends at Alexandra Nurseries.

School Admissions – St Mary’s Catholic High School, Croydon: The school reports a significant increase in the number of successful Year 7 applications from Catholic families this year.  If parents are disappointed that they have not been allocated a Catholic school for their child, there are now just a few places available at St Mary’s for September. Please contact the school for further information regarding admission to the school (Tel: 0208 6863837), or visit the school’s website.

Volunteer required: The Apostleship of the Sea provides the Catholic Church’s outreach to seafarers and is looking for a volunteer to support the Finance Department with administrative tasks. The role is based in their office in Victoria for 1 or 2 days a week on a voluntary basis. If you are interested in this role, please send your CV to  info@apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

For more information visit  www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/work-us

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: John Barry, Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, Kieran Quinn, and Michael Creech.

Please Note: We do not collect printer cartridges anymore.

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (11th —18th March 2018) (Year: B)