ST JOSEPH

Weekly News Letter - 14th to 21st March

SICK PARISHIONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, , Lyn Dunbar, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O'Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: LIVING AS ONE : The Diocesan Faith Sharing Programme for Lent now enters its fourth week. The booklets are available after Sunday Masses this weekend- Price Ł1-00.

Small group meetings will be held as follows:

Morning Sessions: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10.00am in the Pastoral centre.

Evening Sessions: Wednesdays at 8.00pm in the Pastoral Centre

Thursdays at 8.00pm in the Presbytery

Please join one of the groups as part of your Lenten preparation for Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS : Every Friday during Lent at 11.30am.

OUR MASS OF ANOINTING : Will be held on Friday, March 26 at 12noon.

THURSDAY 25th MARCH: THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD ONE HOUR ADORATION BETWEEN 6.30pm- and 7.30pm (Followed by Mass at 7.30pm) This hour will be dedicated to prayer for our priest in, and from, Wembley.

THE LEGION OF MARY : ACIES : Will be held in St Sebastian and St Pancras Church, Hay Lane, Kingsbury on Thursday 25th March at 7.00pm, followed by Mass and refreshments.

All active and auxiliary members of the Legion of Mary are invited to attend.

LADIES CIRCLE MEETING : MONDAY 15TH MARCH : After the 7.30pm Mass in the church, the Ladies Circle will meet at St. Joseph's Social Club.

NOEL JOHNS, R.I.P. : Noel's family would like to thank everyone for their support at the time of Noel's death. Thanks to everyone who attended the Requiem Mass, and sent Mass Cards. Your sympathy was very much appreciated. A Mass will be offered for your intentions. (Saturday 12th June: 6.30pm)

THE PARISH RETREAT : preached by the Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March - Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th: 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday March 20th: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

(including Lenten Penitential Service)

Sunday March 21st: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

Please make every effort to attend this RETREAT.

The Retreat Timetable is available in the church porch.

Please note the following changes to Services next week :

Friday 19th : Evening Mass : 6.30pm : Eucharistic Adoration : 7.45pm

Saturday 20th: Evening Mass : 6.15pm: Eucharistic Adoration : 7.15pm

Sunday 21st: Evening Mass : 6.00pm : Eucharistic Adoration : 7.15pm

CAR PARKING DURING THE RETREAT SERVICES : Please leave the Church Car Park for the use of the Disabled, visiting Priests and Organisers ONLY. Your co-operation in this matter will be much appreciated.

Alternative parking is available, from the following times, at:-

BRENT HOUSE CAR PARK

Friday : from 5.30pm

Saturday : from 1.00pm

Sunday : All Day

SOCIAL CLUB CAR PARK (Empire Way)

Friday : from 5.00pm

Saturday: from 1.00pm

Sunday : from 1.00pm

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Scriptural Reflection:

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Joshua 5: 9-12 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The theme that pervades these Scripture passages is that Jesus Christ makes every thing new. God tells us that everything old has passed away and will pass away and we have the new creation. This is our initiation into the life of Christ. Once we are baptised in Christ we become his new creation, the members of God’s own family. As we enter the Fourth Sunday of Lent we are called upon to renew ourselves and experience the loving invitation of our Lord to be renewed in him.

The First Reading tells us that Israel had reached the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. They encamp on the plains of Jericho and they discover that with God’s help no earthly obstacles can stand in their way. The Israelites now can live freely in their own country. The reading tells us that they happily ate the produce of the land. The manna which was their food for forty years ceased to come from heaven and they had the new produce of the land for themselves.

In the Second Reading St Paul tells that if any one is in Christ, there is already new creation. Paul tells them that everything is from God, who reconciled them to himself through Christ, and have given them the ministry of reconciliation

He asks them to become the righteousness of God in Christ. He invites them to remember that, for our sake , God made Christ into sin and that in Him we might all become the goodness of God. In other words, our sins are forgiven and we share the very holiness of God.The Gospel account is the family story of the Prodigal Son. The context of today’s parable is very important. The Scribes and Pharisees, who considered themselves as followers of the law and self righteous, grumble that Jesus is the friend of sinners and eats with them. So Jesus tells the story about a father who has two sons, both of whom are lost. The central focus of the Parable, however, remains on the Father from the beginning to the end. The sons are different. At the beginning of the story we see that the younger son is the bad boy, favourite of the tax collectors and sinners who are listening to him. The elder son, the good boy, matches up well with the Scribes and the Pharisees who are also in his audience. What unites the story and makes it powerful is the abundance of love the father shows towards both his sons.

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Weekly News Letter - 7th March to 13th March

SICK PARISHONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, Lyn Dunbar, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O’Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: LIVING AS ONE : The Diocesan Faith Sharing Programme for Lent has started. Each week we recite the Creed adopted at the First Council of Nicaea (AD 325). Three weeks of Living As One, our Lenten Faith Sharing Season, looks closer at what the Creed says about the Church that Christ left to continue his ministry and pass on His message. This week we explore the oneness of the Church, which stems not from the holiness of its people or our efforts for unity, but from Christ Himself. ‘I am the vine’, said Jesus, ‘You are the branches’. (John 15:5)

Morning Sessions : Mondays and Tuesdays at 10.00am in the Pastoral Centre

Evening Sessions : Wednesdays at 8.00pm in the Pastoral Centre

Thursdays at 8.00pm in the Presbytery

Please join one of the groups as part of your Lenten preparation for Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS : Every Friday during Lent at 11.30am.

OUR MASS OF ANOINTING : Will be held on Friday, March 26 at 12noon.

PRAY FOR OUR WEMBLEY PRIESTS : During LENT we are holding 40 hours adoration, one hour each day in this Year for Priests to thank God for their service and to pray for them to honour their vocation.On Thursday 25 March the One Hour Adoration between 6.30 and 7.30pm will be dedicated to prayer for our priests in Wembley, Frs John, Mathew, Denis, Danny, Francis and Tony. The whole parish is asked to come to this special occasion to pray for our priests and thank God for their service. PLEASE DO YOUR VERY BEST TO ATTEND FOR AT LEAST PART OF THE HOUR.

The hour of adoration will be followed by Holy Mass as usual.

PARISH BAZAAR: THIS SUNDAY, 7th MARCH : AT 1.00PM in the Pastoral Centre.Please come to give your support. We would be very grateful for donations of home made cakes. Please hand them in on Saturday night or before the 12noon Mass on Sunday morning. Lunch will available at a very reasonable cost. Thank You.

THE NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH will begin on 10th March.

CAFOD FAST DAY : The collection amounted to Ł 545.17. Thank You.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES : The boxes of envelopes will be available in the porch NEXT SUNDAY 14th March. Please collect yours at the Mass you attend ON THAT SUNDAY. They will not be available during the Retreat weekend, and will be in the porch again from 28th March onwards. YOU NEED TO PICK THE BOXES UP BEFORE EASTER.

PARISH FINANCES : In these difficult economic times it will be clear that parish income from the weekly collection is falling. In fact, in the last few months, the amount collected at the weekend has dropped by as much as 20%.

If you contribute to the collection by envelope and are a taxpayer, the parish can recover, under the Government Gift Aid Scheme, at no cost to you, the tax you have already paid. By filling in a Gift Aid from available in the Church Porch for the next few weeks and returning to us, we can claim the tax back. This would be a good way of reducing the shortfall in the parish weekly income. Please help if you can.

If do not currently pay by envelope and would like to do so and to Gift Aid your contribution, please contact Fr John, Pat McLoughlin or Vic Gabriel.

THE PARISH RETREAT : Preached by Rev. Dr Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March – Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th : 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Friday March 20th : 2.00pm – 8.00pm (including Lenten Penitential service)

Sunday March 21st : 2.00pm – 8.00pm

The detailed programme is to follow. Please make every effort to attend this Retreat.

WAY OF THE CROSS IN KONKANI : On Palm Sunday at 5.45pm at St Joseph’s Church Wembley. All are welcome

THE LEGION OF MARY: ACIES : will be held in St Pancras and St Sebastian’s Church, Hay Lane, Kingsbury on 25th March 2010 at 7.00pm followed by Mass and refreshments.

LENT REFLECTION : www.faithfriends.in is a website, where reflections on questions raised by young people are uploaded everyday during this Lenten season. The intention is to make the voice of young people heard and their thoughts to be acknowledged.

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Scriptural Reflection:

Third Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9

On this third Sunday of Lent, the church invites us to reflect on the urgency of repentance in an attempt to enhance our Christian lives. During this time of Lent there is great emphasis on examining our lives and changing for the better through repentance. Repentance demands that we become honest to ourselves and recognise our unfruitfulness.

In the First Reading taken from the Book of Exodus, we hear of the concern of God towards his people in Egypt. He observes their misery and takes initiative to liberate them from the Egyptian masters. At the same time the passage narrates the wonderful experience of Moses at the Burning Bush. When Moses encountered God in the burning bush he was just an ordinary shepherd caring for his father in law’s sheep. He never hesitated to respond to his call. God revealed to Moses in the burning bush as he reveals to us even today. Fire is the image of God and expresses his divine presence. Our “burning bushes” could be the poor needing our help, the sick and prisoners needing our visitation. This is how God makes use of his instruments to prepare them for their mission.

In the First Letter to the Corinthians Paul provides us with more information about God’s people; we learn that God did free His people from slavery. We should not complain about the righteousness of God. Those who had complained in the days of Moses were destroyed. It happened to serve as a lesson and they were written down to instruct us. So Paul says that, if we think we are standing, we better watch out that we do not fall.

In the Gospel, some people approach Jesus and tell him of how some Galileans had been killed by Roman soldiers in the Temple sanctuary. Jesus seems to be aware of the tragedy. Jesus asks his questioners whether it is their sin that brought the innocent people to death. He indeed wants us to think of the many accidents that take place daily. He wants to clear the common belief that such events are acts of punishment by God. Jesus bids us to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; or again he bids us repent, for otherwise we shall perish. Tragedies occur, whether intentionally by oppressive governors such as Pilate or accidentally by imperfections in the kind of world we live in. In neither case must one conclude that tragedies are necessarily an indication of divine judgment against sinners.

The Gospel Reading mentions the parable of Jesus about the fig tree. This parable immediately follows after Jesus explained that sin is offensive to God, that it deserves severe punishment. Sin is understood as missing the mark and a negation of his presence. The fig tree reminds us of two kinds of human persons, those who give and those who take. Those who give symbolise the sacrifice they make and fulfil the purpose of their existence. They give what they have without holding back anything for themselves and this is in generosity. Those who only take have to justify their existence. They have to fulfil their purpose of existence.

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Weekly News Letter - 28th February to 7th March

SICK PARISHIONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, , Lyn Dunbar, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O'Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, Noel Johns, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: LIVING AS ONE : The Diocesan Faith Sharing Programme for Lent has started. The second week takes us further on our journey together in looking at the nature of the Church. Last week the question was 'Who are we asked to love?' Week 2 asks us 'How are we asked to love?' The answer is surely to follow Christ's example, loving as he loved, forgiving as he forgave, and letting His peace rule in our hearts - as we are called to life in the one body. (Colossians 3 :15)

The booklets are available after Sunday Masses this weekend- Price Ł1-00.

Small group meetings will be held as follows:

Morning Sessions: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10.00am in the Pastoral centre.

Evening Sessions: Wednesdays at 8.00pm in the Pastoral Centre

Thursdays at 8.00pm in the Presbytery

Please join one of the groups as part of your Lenten preparation for Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS : Every Friday during Lent at 11.30am.

OUR MASS OF ANOINTING : Will be held on Friday, March 26 at 12noon.

ST GEORGE'S, SUDBURY. DINNER DANCE TO CELBRATE - ST. PATRICK'S DAY : To be held on Saturday 20th March at 7.30pm. Tickets Ł20-00. Call into the Parish Centre, or the Log Cabin, at St. George's, for tickets.

PARISH BAZAAR: NEXT SUNDAY AT 1.00pm in the Pastoral Centre. Please come to give your support. The Parish will be holding a Bazaar in the Pastoral Centre next Sunday 7th MARCH. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH BAZAAR BY DONATING: - tinned provisions, bottles, toys books/CD's, DVD's, Videos, jewellery, candles, incense, scented oils, chinaware, bric-a-brac, clothing/shoes/hats (in good condition), unwanted Christmas gifts, chocolates etc. etc Please bring these items to the Presbytery.

We would be very grateful for donations of home made cakes. Please hand them in on Saturday night, or before the 12noon Mass on Sunday morning. Thank You.

THE PARISH RETREAT : preached by the Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March - Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th: 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday March 20th: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

(including Lenten Penitential Service)

Sunday March 21st: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

Detailed programme is to follow. Please make every effort to attend this RETREAT.

MEDJUGORJE PRAYER GROUP : The Medjugorje Prayer Group members will join the Adoration and evening Mass.

CAFOD FAST DAY : There will be a retiring collection after all Masses this weekend.

ASSOCIATION OF SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS (ASDC): Monday 1st March, The ASDC will hold its informal Get Together at St Bernard’s Church Hall 17 Mandeville Rd Northolt (down from Station), 8pm - 10pm. Do join us, bring a friend if you wish. (Wills (0208 797 2847 or Email willsbuckley@blueyonder.co.uk)

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Scriptural Reflection:

Second Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Genesis: 15:5-12, 17-18 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28-36

The First Reading marks a significant stage in Abraham’s journey of faith. He had been asked to leave his homeland and to go and live in a strange place. If he did so, he was promised a great future for his family and descendants. Without any further guarantees, Abraham sets out. At this time Abraham had no children and he expresses this to the Lord. God had assured him of a great dynasty where his followers would be as numerous as the stars of heaven. Now God tells him to make an offering of some animals and to cut the animals in half, putting one half on each side. At sunset, as Abraham fell into a deep sleep and as the sun set and darkness came on, a blazing furnace and a firebrand indicating God’s presence came between the divided offerings. From this experience Abraham knew his trust in God was justified.

St. Paul, in his Letter to the Philippians, tells us that the goal and destination of our life is to be one with God. We do not belong to this world because Christ died for us so that we may be made righteous through Him. Through His death on the Cross as the sacrificial Lamb, we qualify to inherit the salvation that awaits all those who persevere in their living faith. We are indebted to Christ for what awaits us after the last trumpet. At that moment, in the twinkle of an eye, we will all be changed in the image of Christ. Eventually Jesus will come to save us and will transform our lowly bodies like his own glorious body.

Luke gives the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus went up the mountain to pray with three His most intimate disciples. Mountains in Scripture are holy places, places where God is especially felt to be present. On the mountain, Peter and the other two disciples witnessed the glory of the Lord Jesus. The light of God shines through him. Peter – impetuous as ever – blurted out: “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here! So let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Tent in the Old Testament is identified with the presence of God.

Then there was the cloud around them. The cloud in the Biblical sense symbolizes the presence of God. They heard God speak from the cloud: “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.” To be his disciples they had to listen to him intently. God speaks to us continuously and we have to be open to listen to him. He speaks to us through his Word, through persons, through situations, our work, our joys and sufferings. Listening is an art. Often our conversations can turn into monologues if we are not attentive to the other. Jesus calls us to be attentive and listen to him, the words of eternal Life.

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Weekly News Letter - 21st to 28th February

SICK PARISHIONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, , Lyn Dunbar, Grace Arulvelnathan, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O'Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, Noel Johns, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: LIVING AS ONE : The Diocesan Faith Sharing Programme starts during the first week of Lent. The booklets are available after Sunday Masses this weekend- Price Ł1-00.Small group meetings will be held as follows:

Morning Sessions: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10.00am in the Pastoral centre.

Evening Sessions: Wednesdays at 8.00pm in the Pastoral centre

Thursdays at 8.00pm in the Presbytery

Please join one of the groups as part of your Lenten preparation for Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS : Every Friday during Lent at 11.30am.

THE PARISH RETREAT preached by the Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March - Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th: 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday March 20th: 2.00pm - 8.00pm (including Lenten Penitential Service)

Sunday March 21st: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

Detailed programme is to follow. Please make every effort to attend this RETREAT.

MASS OF ANOINTING : Will be held on Friday, March 26 at 12noon.

PADRE PIO MASS : The Padre Pio Prayer Group members will join the Adoration and evening Mass.

CAFOD FAST DAY : Next Friday 26 February is a fast day in aid of CAFOD. There will be a retiring collection after all the Masses next weekend. CAFOD envelopes are available in the Church porch.

As part of the Fast Day soup and rolls will be available in the Pastoral Centre after the 12noon Mass.

PARISH BAZAAR: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE : The Parish will be holding a Bazaar in the Pastoral Centre on Sunday 7th MARCH. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH BAZAAR BY DONATING: - tinned provisions, bottles, toys books/CD's, DVD's, Videos, jewellery, candles, incense, scented oils, chinaware, bric-a-brac, clothing/shoes/hats (in good condition), unwanted Christmas gifts, cakes, chocolates etc. etc Please bring these items to the Presbytery. Thank You.

ARCHBISHOP'S MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY - WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL, SATURDAY 22nd MAY 2010 at 3.00pm. : The Archbishop will be inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, and 60th+wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2010. If you qualify, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife's names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or phone number, if no email) - by 21st February - at the latest.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE : 24-28 MAY 2010 : This is a five day pilgrimage to Lourdes, by air, with full board in a three star hotel. The cost is Ł400. For a booking form please contact Fr David Williamson or Mrs Liz Wilson on 020 8204 2834 (KINGSBURY GREEN PARISH)

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Scriptural Reflection:

First Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13

In the First Reading Moses prepares the Israelites for their new life in the Promised Land. He reminds them that in the Promised Land they have to rely on God as much as they did when they were in the desert. The forty years of wandering would now come to an end. They would not eat Manna; rather they will have the abundance of food, the produce of the land flowing with milk and honey. It would be an opportunity for them to express their gratitude to God. Their ancestors wandered through the desert because of their lack of faith. But God was with them and built them into a strong nation and has led them to a land of blessing. If they only remain grateful to God, they would be secure in the Promised Land.

In the Second Reading St Paul tells that those who believe in him will have no cause for shame, for the person in faith it makes no difference whether he is a Jew or a Greek. All belong to the same Lord and He is concerned about each one of us. Paul also tells us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It is a scandal and a crime that people make differences on the basis of caste and creed. Faith in Jesus and calling on his name in prayer leads all to salvation.

The Gospel of Luke speaks to us of the triumph of Jesus in the desert. Led by the Spirit in the wilderness, Jesus resisted the three temptations that were placed before Him. His temptations make it clear that Jesus was fully human as well as divine. The episode also tells us that we too can be tempted at any time. Through Jesus and with Him, we are reminded that we too can be triumphant in our battle against evil.

The temptations serve to reaffirm the true identity and the mission of Jesus. It will tell us what kind of leader He is going to be. He will not be someone who offers instant gratification, one who looks for all encompassing political power, or who dazzles his followers through his miraculous or dazzling powers. Instead Jesus will be model of compassion, gentleness and humility. He will be a servant leader who will not hesitate to wash the feet of his disciples. He will be a leader, a king on the cross.

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Weekly News Letter - 14th to 20th February 2010

SICK PARISHIONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, , Lyn Dunbar, Grace Arulvelnathan, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O'Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, Noel Johns, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

ASH WEDNESDAY : Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It is a day of fasting and abstinence. The Masses in this Parish are at 9.30am 12.30pm and 7.30pm.

IF YOU HAVE BROUGHT ANY PALMS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS Please put them in the box provided in the church porch. Thank You.

FAITH SHARING PROGRAMME: LIVING AS ONE : The Diocesan Faith Sharing Programme starts during the first week of Lent. The booklets are available after Sunday Masses this weekend- Price Ł1-00. Small group meetings will be held as follows:

Morning Sessions: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10.00am in the Pastoral centre.

Evening Sessions: Thursdays at 8.00pm in the Presbytery

Fridays at 8.00pm in the Pastoral centre

Please join one of the groups as part of your Lenten preparation for Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS : Every Friday during Lent at 11.30am.

THE PARISH RETREAT : Preached by the Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March - Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th: 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday March 20th: 2.00pm - 8.00pm (including Lenten Penitential Service)

Sunday March 21st: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

Detailed programme is to follow. Please make every effort to attend this RETREAT.

FOCUS LENT ISSUE : The new Lenten issue of Focus is available. Please take a copy. It is a FREE issue but a number of people have asked the cost of the magazine. If you wish to contribute to the cost of production please use the PAPERS box in the Church porch.

40 HOUR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND EVENING MASS : There will be Eucharistic Adoration every day during Lent. As we are celebrating the YEAR FOR PRIESTS we will have FORTY HOUR ADORATION - ONE HOUR EVERY DAY OF LENT.

Sunday-Friday: 6.30pm to 7.30pm followed by Mass

Saturday: 10.00am to 11.00am after the Mass

MASS OF ANOINTING : Will be held on Friday, March 26 at 12noon.

PARISH BAZAAR: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE : The Parish will be holding a Bazaar in the Pastoral Centre on Sunday 7th MARCH. We have had to change the date because of the poor response to requests for donations so far. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH BAZAAR BY DONATING: - tinned provisions, bottles, toys books/CD's, DVD's, Videos, jewellery, candles, incense, scented oils, chinaware, bric-a-brac, clothing/shoes/hats (in good condition),

unwanted Christmas gifts, cakes, chocolates etc. etc Please bring these items to the Presbytery. Thank You.

ARCHBISHOP'S MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY. - WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL, SATURDAY 22nd MAY 2010 at 3.00pm. The Archbishop will be inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, and 60th+wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2010. If you qualify, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife's names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or phone number, if no email) - by 21st February - at the latest.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE : 24-28 MAY 2010 : This is a five day pilgrimage to Lourdes, by air, with full board in a three star hotel. The cost is Ł400. For a booking form please contact Fr David Williamson or Mrs Liz Wilson on 020 8204 2834 (KINGSBURY GREEN PARISH)

LADY CIRCLE MEETING : on Monday 15th February at 8.00pm in St Joseph's Club.

TO LET: Double room at Sudbury town area. Contact: Mrs. Thomas 020 8802 1299

ACCOMMODATION: Couple looking for one bedroom apartment. Contact: 07584081050

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Scriptural Reflection:

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Jeremiah 17:5-8 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20 Luke 6:17, 20-26

Contraries abound in today’s readings. We have the images of abundance and sterility, blessings and woe, time and eternity, and all these make us reflect our ultimate destiny. The readings, especially the Gospel, are going to cause difficulties to some people, if not to most of us. It is easy just to read or hear the words and we may even agree with them but they are not really easy to put them into practice. The teaching of Jesus is addressed not just to his chosen disciples but also to “a great crowd of people” from both Jewish and non-Jewish areas. This is to say that the teaching is for everybody and not just for a chosen few. Again his teachings show a way of life for all.

In the first reading we encounter Prophet Jeremiah in his difficult times. Jeremiah contrasts the blighted state of those who trust in human devices with the blessed state of those who trust in the Lord. For the Israelites the images of running water, lush greenery and abundance of fruits express the blessings from God as they experienced it in the desert.

In the second reading of today Paul stresses on the faith in Resurrection of our Lord. Apparently some people seemed to have thought that life on earth in spiritual union with Jesus was all that resurrection implied and that bodily resurrection from death was impossible. Paul tells them that the resurrection of Jesus is real and this makes certain our own resurrection.

The Beatitudes as given in the Gospel of Luke seem to be scandalous because they go against all common understanding at the time regarding who is blessed by God and the concrete signs manifesting that blessing. They tell us that those who are poor, hungry, weeping and those of you who are hated, driven out, abused, denounced are happy persons. Jesus says that these people are blessed and fortunate because, in spite of their condition, God loves them deeply. It is generally said, God loves the poor because they are poor and they trust in Him. Poverty means having less than you need for a life of human dignity when there are those around you living in plenty. Humanly speaking, the poor may be despised, resented or pitied. God, however, loves them deeply in their poverty, their sadness, their hunger and deprived status. It is a message they need to hear and also one we need to hear. This is the basis for serious concern for the poor and the alienated, the so-called “option for the poor” that we are called to have.

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Weekly News Letter - 7th to 13th February 2010

WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS of Joan Hedge, a former parishioner, who died on Monday. Joan's Requiem Mass will be on Friday 12th February at 12.00noon followed by committal at Breakspear Crematorium. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.

SICK PARISHIONERS : This week we pray for Mary Comerford, , Lyn Dunbar, Grace Arulvelnathan, Pauline Ryan, Rose Caroyal, Vijayadas, Flora Persaud, William Ng, Kathleen Kelly, Shauna O'Connor, Mary Hackett, Cheryl Davis, Noel Johns, John Williams, Margaret O’Connor, Florence Robey, Anne Gormally, Mary Gormally, Nell Kearns, Edward McLaughlin, Eileen Taddei and Anne Jordan. Please remember these and all our loved ones who are sick. May the Lord lay His healing hands on them and bring them his peace.

THE PARISH RETREAT given by the Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC will be held from Friday 19th March - Sunday 21st March 2010.

Friday March 19th: 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday March 20th: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

Sunday March 21st: 2.00pm - 8.00pm

PARISH BAZAAR: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE : The Parish will be holding a Bazaar in the Pastoral Centre on Sunday 7th MARCH. We have had to change the date because of the poor response to requests for donations so far. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH BAZAAR BY DONATING: - tinned provisions, bottles, toys books/CD's, DVD's, Videos, jewellery, candles, incense, scented oils, chinaware, bric-a-brac, clothing/shoes/hats (in good condition), unwanted Christmas gifts, cakes, chocolates etc. etc Please bring these items to the Presbytery. Thank You.

FOCUS LENT ISSUE : The new Lenten issue of Focus is now available after all the Masses this weekend. Please take a copy. It is a FREE issue but a number of people have asked the cost of the magazine. If you wish to contribute to the cost of production please use the PAPERS box in the Church porch.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - FAMILY OF ELIZABETH BARTON : The family of the late Betty (Elizabeth) Barton thank those who supported them by their prayers, mass offerings and attendance at the funeral.

ARCHBISHOP'S MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY. WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL, SATURDAY 22nd MAY 2010 at 3.00pm.

The Archbishop will be inviting to this Mass all couples in the Diocese who are celebrating their 10th, 25th, 40th, 50th, and 60th+wedding anniversary of Catholic marriage in 2010. If you qualify, please give your parish clergy the following details: husband and wife's names, wedding date, full postal address and email (or phone number, if no email) - by 21st February - at the latest.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE : 24-28 MAY 2010 : This is a five day pilgrimage to Lourdes, by air, with full board in a three star hotel. The cost is Ł400. For a booking form please contact Fr David Williamson or Mrs Liz Wilson on 020 8204 2834 (KINGSBURY GREEN PARISH)

CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE : Thank you for your contributions. The amount collected was Ł 292-63.

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Scriptural Reflection:

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8 1Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11

Today’s scripture passages speak of the experience of the divine presence and the human response of the individuals. We have here three important persons mentioned in the Bible: Isaiah, Paul and Peter. All the three persons were most grateful to God for having chosen them and they made a great effort to answer the calling to the best of their capabilities.

Prophet Isaiah wished at times that God would have chosen someone else because the people would not listen to him. He viewed himself as a great sinner among sinners, not worthy of being in the presence of Yahweh. St. Paul started on the wrong track by persecuting the Christians. He having persecuted the Holy Catholic Church instituted by Jesus viewed himself as being unfit to be called an apostle. Peter, the first Pope, begged Jesus to get away from him because he was a sinful man. He ran away from his master and denied him during the last twenty- four hours of His life. All of them were weak. All of them made mistakes. But what was most important, all of them had sincere hearts and overcame their weaknesses by placing their complete trust in the Lord.

The readings of today tell us of the calling or the vocation of the person. In the biblical sense the word “to call,” is explicitly associated with an invitation from God. The calling of God always proceeds from God’s grace and is an invitation to participate in the blessings of God’s creation through that same grace. The call is always connected to the mission where the individual concerned is called upon to do a particular task. The people of Israel, as God’s chosen people, are supposed to reflect the holiness of God. But they have been disloyal and do not manifest that holiness. In the Gospel Simon Peter immediately recognizes Jesus as the Lord. Like the prophets of the past he proclaims his unworthiness in the presence of his Lord. James, John and Andrew share Peter’s awareness and they too leave everything and follow Jesus. Paul encounters the Lord in a vision and a special call is given to him to be his disciple. Paul responds to him immediately and totally and fulfils the mission and vocation given by the Lord.

All these three readings invite us to consider three interlocking elements of our Christian living namely, faith, experience and discipleship or mission. Today’s Gospel marks a turning point in the relationship between Jesus and Peter. Jesus gives Simon a new job, telling him that he will become a different kind of fisherman. No longer will he catch fish; instead he will catch people. In these words, we hear the beginning of the leadership role that Peter will have within the community of disciples. Peter was chosen for this role. His task will be to bring others to Jesus. Jesus today invites us to play the same role of leadership to bring many to Jesus.

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Parking Facility

Please remember that parishioners attending services on Saturdays and Sundays, can park their cars in Brent House Car Park. Brent House is at the other side of the BP Garage next to the Church. Simply drive up to the barrier, press the button on the intercom and, when it is answered, say that you are going to the Joseph’s Church – and the barrier will be lifted.

There is no charge.

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