FIFTH SUNDAY OF YEAR A:
4th/5th February 2017


Dear Parishioners,

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (Year A)

The Gospel reading is taken from Matthew 5: 13 - 16. Christian discipleship is not simply a private matter: being a disciple of Christ, which we all are through our Baptism, means making a difference in the love we show to our family, among friends and in the world. There is a long history of people taking on great projects under the motivation of their Christian beliefs, but a living faith will always have its roots in the stuff of everyday life. The light must first shine in the house, before it will light up the world.

Let your light shine

The most important thing about each of us is our capacity for goodness. We can be a source of light. We have hands that can care, eyes that can see, ears that can hear, tongues that can speak, feet that can walk, and above all hearts that can love. Unfortunately, through laziness, selfishness, and cowardice, our light can be dimmed, so that we become shadows of the people we could be. Lord, help us to believe in our own goodness, and to let the light of that goodness shine. On seeing this light, others find their way, and you will be glorified.

Saturday 11th February is a world day of prayer for the sick. Our Holy Father Pope Francis reminds us the theme this year is "Amazement at what God has accomplished": 'The Almighty has done great things for me…' Luke 1: 49. It was instituted by Saint John Paul II in 1992, and first celebrated at Lourdes on 11 February 1993. This Day is an opportunity to reflect in particular on the needs of the sick and, more generally, of all those who suffer. We give thanks to all who assist the sick, beginning with family members, parishioners, health workers, Eucharistic Ministers and volunteers. If you know of anyone who needs a visit please let Deacon Kevin know. We shall be having a Holy Hour from 9.30 to 10.30 am.

I encourage you to attend the Parish Meeting on Wednesday 8th February at 8.00 pm when Stephen Webb, our Steward of the Gospel, will be speaking.

Last Sunday evening the glass doors into the main hall from the chapel end were severely broken. My first reaction was of extreme anger. The question arises what causes people to do these things? Whenever you are around the Church please observe to see if any damage has been done and report it immediately.

I offer my support and prayers to you all.

God bless,

Deacon Kevin


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Gerard King, Heather Wiseman, Patricia Grainger, Kay Knight (sister of Fr Leslie Knight)

Years Mind:
Sunday: Jean Francois Kerforne
Monday: Fr Francis Richardson
Wednesday: Fr Alan Wilcox
Thursday: Fr Bernard Manning
Friday: Pope Pius XI
Saturday: Fr Donald Mills


Next Sunday - Sixth Sunday of Year A

First Reading Ecclesiastes 15:15-20
He never commanded anyone to be godless.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
God predestined wisdom to be for our glory before the ages began.

Gospel Matthew 5:17-37
You have learnt how it was said to your ancestors; but I say this to you.