St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Third Sunday of Lent
Mass Readings: Page 154 – 157
Order of Mass: Pages 7– 47
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First Reading: the God-given Decalogue – or the Ten Commandments as we usually call them. In the context of the Exodus, they “point out the conditions of a life freed from the slavery of sin” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). In our context, as Jesus said on many occasions this sacred Law is still valid: the Ten Commandments state what is required in the love of God (the first three) and love of neighbour (the other seven).

The Psalm is a psalm of praise of God’s law, which alone gives eternal life.

Second Reading: strange as it may seem, our faith is centred on the crucifixion of Christ.

Gospel: in His cleansing of the Temple Jesus (rather like an Old Testament prophet) protests against the profanation of God’s house. But only after His resurrection did the disciples come to realise that in speaking of the restoration of the Temple Jesus was making a prophecy of His own Resurrection.

By Fr David Gibbons, Centre for Catholic Formation

Last Sunday’s collections: The 1st collection was £ 880.70p (including Gift Aided £ 319.39p). The 2nd collection for CAFOD/Family Fast Day was £ 88.88p. Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today will be for Parish Funds.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of Shamie Ramessar Morrissey. The service will be on Wednesday 11th March at Beckenham Crematorium at 1.30pm.

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.

Baptism Preparation: The next two classes will be held on Mondays the 9th and 16th of March in the parish centre at 7.30pm. We expect parents to attend all three sessions.

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.

The Call to continuing conversion: Please remember in your prayers those who are to be baptised at Easter Vigil – Catechumens: Jodie Marie Parker, Yemi Ojikutu, Osas Aiyevbekpen, Chidima Chukuka and John Omoregie. Please also remember our candidates who are to be received into the church at Easter Vigil—Steve Hillier and Anca Michela FAzacas.

Magnificat: April and Holy Week issues are now available in the Repository.
Pilgrim: The March edition is now available in the narthex. Please take one.

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.

24 Hours for the Lord: Pope Francis has asked every parish to hold the 24 Hours for the Lord on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March 2015. The theme is: God rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). During these days The Holy Father asks parishes to provide an extraordinary opening of churches, offering the possibility for Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration. Further information is available at www.novaevangelizatio.va. If anyone else would like to volunteer to help out by being in the church during these two days then please do let the clergy know. Thank you.

Dementia and Disability – At the Heart of the Church. A day of study and reflection for parishioners, carers, Ministers of Holy Communion and all interested in this issue. Saturday 14th March, 2:00pm – 5:30pm, at Our Lady of the Crays, 312 High Street, St Mary Cray, Orpington BR5 4AR. There is no charge, but please register at the CCF (020 8672 7684) or office@ccftootingbec.org.uk.

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.

International Holy Week Retreat: The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart are offering young people, aged 18-35 an international shared experience this Holy Week, April 1st –5th in their Convent in Bournemouth. Sleeping bag required Cost £38. For details contact Sr. Sarah Anne srsak78@gamil.com Tel. 020 8650 6313

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.