Whetstone lies between Finchley and Chipping Barnet on the Great North Road (A1000).  St Mary Magdalen's is just off the main thoroughfare, just a short distance from local Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, and some 10-20 mins from several centres of adult formation and spirituality.  The Parish of Whetstone was founded in 1926. The church was built in 1958 and consecrated in 1979.

St Mary Magdalen's is one of fifteen Catholic churches which constitute the Barnet Deanery. Our parish priest, Father Philip, is currently serving as Dean.  

It is also a member of the Friern Barnet & New Southgate Churches Together along with Our Lady of Lourdes in New Southgate and nine other neighbouring churches from different Christian traditions.  Together we follow the liturgical calendar, sharing some services, social and cultural events, and common outreach activities. Paddy Lyons (8368 5238) is our ecumenical representative.

PARISH COMMUNITIES

LITURGY

Guild of St Stephen

The Guild is open to boys and girls from about the age of nine who will attend a course of instruction before serving at the altar.  It aims to encourage a high standard of serving at church ceremonies and to ensure that they gain a deeper understanding of their part in the liturgy.  After about six to twelve months instruction the server will be enrolled as a member of the Guild. Any young person interested in serving should contact Francis Ayers, the Master of Ceremonies, on 8445 8949.

Readers

Readers play their part in the liturgy by reading the prescribed passages from the Old Testament and the Epistles and other prayers, including the Bidding Prayers, at the Masses on Sundays and during the week.  Readers must have a clear speaking voice and seek to deliver the  liturgy of the word with the dignity it requires.  Usually recruited by the Parish Priest they have to attend a day of recollection once a year during Lent and are commissioned for the following year during the mass of Holy Thursday.

Special Ministers of the Eucharist

These parishioners, recruited by the Parish Priest, administer the Blessed Sacrament during Mass or in the homes of the sick, the aged and infirm.  They receive initial training and are required to conduct themselves with the greatest reverence in their ministry.  They are commissioned for the following year during the Mass of Holy Thursday and have to attend a day of recollection once a year.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Music at Mass

6.30pm Mass (Saturday)  The congregational parts of the liturgy (Kyrie, Gloria etc) and hymns are led by the organist.

10am Mass  This is the family mass with the liturgy and the music selected for the children of the parish. The robust singing of hymns and liturgy is led by guitars.

7pm Mass  A group of  musicians (keyboard, guitar, flute, clarinet) and singers meet once a fortnight to rehearse.  There is no age or ability limit and no auditions; the aim is to lead and assist the congregational singing, and a leaflet with hymn numbers and responses is produced each Sunday with this in mind. The group also performs the Christmas and Easter liturgies.    The group under the leadership of Vicky Dearing welcomes new musicians so, if you wish to praise the Lord in song,  please contact Vicky on 8449 3891.

Prayer Meeting

This is held on Wednesday afternoons, 2pm, at the Sacred Heart Convent, 4 Oakleigh Park South and all are welcome.  If you cannot attend but wish intentions to be prayed for, please ring Rosemary Woollen on 8445 8788.

Rosary Prayer Group

A group of parishioners stay behind after weekday Mass and recite the Rosary together. Membership is simply by kneeling and praying with them. A book is kept permanently on a lectern near the sanctuary in which parishioners can write down prayer intentions.

Prayer Link

An intercessory phone link-up between local Catholics who pass on prayer intentions for individuals in urgent need.  Contact Rosemary Woollen on 8445 8788.

FORMATION

Faith Sharing

As a result of the Cardinal’s ‘At Your Word, Lord’ programme of pastoral renewal in the diocese several small communities were formed in the parish.  They have been meeting during Lent and before Advent, following a course of reflection on the Sunday’s Gospel reading and sharing on the issues arising from it.  The parish encourages a continuing supply of new members, especially young people, to derive the spiritual benefit such fellowship accords its members.  To find out more please contact Paddy Lyons on 8368 5238.

Catachetics   See under Parish Details

MISSION (OUTREACH)

St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre for people with learning difficulties.

In our effort to make families and individuals feel welcomed, valued and supported in our parish community, we endeavour to get to know people who may need the assistance available at St. Joseph’s, Hendon (www.stjoseph.org.uk).  This ranges from advice in practical matters and advocacy when seeking educational and social rights to a variety of courses and events.  Popular with families and carers is our Saturday afternoon Social Club which runs in our Parish Hall and other parish venues on a rotating basis.  This relies totally on the enthusiasm and energy of volunteers giving generously of their time.  Happily, we have never been short of people coming to provide a warm welcome and to share an enjoyable afternoon with our guests.   Parish representative: Rita Ayers (Tel: 8445 8949)

 Legion of Mary

A worldwide organisation with  small communities in most parishes.  Its twofold purpose is to foster a devotion to Our Lady by prayer and witness, and to carry out whatever tasks are assigned to them by the parish priest.  In our parish they mostly visit some residential homes for the elderly and family homes as directed.  They currently meet every Thursday evening at the church. For further details ring Patricia Kuti their President (8446 6338) or Spiritual Director, Sister Eileen, on 8445 4655.

Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP)

This is an time-honoured organisation founded by the French saint who championed the Church’s compassion for the poor.  It has national structures and most parishes have a unit or conference. Our conference is currently quite a small one and is occupied mostly in visiting residential homes in the parish.  It helps poor families and individuals who become known to them and referrals should be made through the parish priest.

Winter Shelter

During the winter months a group of parishioners look after homeless people referred to them by Homeless Action in Barnet’s day centre near Tally Ho Corner. Local churches combine to provide this service by rota and our day is Monday 8pm until Tuesday 8am. We have a team providing a hot meal in the evening, a team staying overnight, and a third which cleans up in the morning - about 15 in all.  Most do once a fortnight. Contact Paddy Lyons (8368 5238).

Churches Together

This is the local affiliation of Christian churches to which our parish belongs. A forum of church representatives meets quarterly to which any church member is invited, and inclusive events (worship, formation, social) are planned and listed.  Parish representative: Paddy Lyons (8368 5238)

SUPPORT and SOCIAL

The Youth Club

The club is open to children in school years 7,8 and 9 and runs on two Fridays in the month at the parish centre from 7.30 to 9pm. There is music, a tuck shop and games galore, and during the summer evenings is open to the paddock outside.  It’s great fun and in a completely safe environment.  There is always a need for parents, especially dads, to volunteer the occasional evening to help supervise.  Contact Tina (8440 3770) or Clare (8445 0601) for all the details.

Senior Citizens Club

This is a parish club for the young in heart who meet on the third Sunday of every month in the parish centre from 2.45-4.45pm to chat, have a cuppa together and play some bingo. Several times a year they have a coach trip (9.30-6.30)  to the coast or places of interest, and at Christmas they all enjoy a Buffet & Bingo. It’s great fun and great company, so contact Elsie Hunter (8343 7664) if you’d like to join, or just come.

Union of Catholic Mothers

The UCM exists to support mothers and family life in the parish, and its meetings  are held on alternate Mondays.  It raises funds for local and national causes and is always to be found working behind the scenes at parish events.  Contact Margaret McHugh on 8445 6482.

Parents and Toddlers

This group is long established in the parish and is a highly praised resource for parents and grandparents within the local community.  It offers an extremely well equipped and safe environment for under-5s on Friday mornings during term-time from 10am to 12noon. Contact Nadia Ponzini on 07764 228466.

Sunday Evening Bingo

Spend an enjoyable evening after the 7pm Mass on Sunday in the parish centre. Lots and fun and prizes, everyone welcome. Run with great humour and friendliness by Sean and Kitty Carey.

AC Finchley

A football club with a difference, AC Finchley was formed by Italian families in the parish for boys and girls with an Italian connection or interest.  It has expanded rapidly and runs some 13 teams ranging from tots to teens. Contact  Tina on 8440 3770.

Church Cleaners

The unsung heroes of the parish, maintaining the spotless condition of our church, the linen and the vessels.  Usually cleaning on Wednesday morning and volunteers should be prepared to commit one hour (not necessarily weekly).