Newsletter
January 21, 2024

Weekly Newsletter - 21st January 2024

Dear parishioners,

I hope you had a nice start to the year. This Sunday is the Sunday of the Word of God. Do you have a Scripture that speaks to you in a particular way about the year ahead? For me, Jesus meeting the disciples at the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection stood out as a passage where God speaks to me about my year. We read in John 21:4, “Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” The disciples were fishing, but they caught nothing.  

“Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.” (John 21:5-6)

As Jesus stood at the beginning of their day, at daybreak, He stands with us at the beginning of our year. He will walk with us over the next 12 months, and His presence will make a difference.  

I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a Scripture passage that God wants to give you for this year. Was there a reading at Mass over the last few weeks that touched you in a special way? Allow God to surprise you. When you find a passage that speaks to you, pray with it. Keep it close to your heart over the coming months. God’s Word is alive, and it will speak to each of us uniquely.

Iva Beranek, Parish Manager

CHILDREN’S SPACE IN OUR LADY’S CHAPEL

We have created a little space for our youngest parishioners in Our Lady’s Chapel. In a small chest you will find books for the children to read while they are in the Church. You will also find the colouring pages and magazines, which you can take home. Have a look, and let your children explore it.

SINGERS NEEDED

Do you like singing? We could do with a few more singers, especially female voices, for our Sunday 11 am Choir. The Choir meets in John Sullivan Room at 10am for music practice. Join us!

NEW BOOK IN THE PARISH SHOP

“Brothers in Arms” by Brendan McManus SJ and James Fullam about their Camino journey is now available in the parish shop. Have a look!

OUR RECENTLY DECEASED

We remember in prayer those who have died recently:

                    Rita Cullen
                    Mary Hanlon
                    Pat Shorthall
                    May Fennelly

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

INTRODUCTION TO SERVANT LEADERSHIP COURSE

The Office of Mission & Ministry is running the Introduction to Servant Leadership course again during the coming year. It is aimed at members of PPCs and those with a parish ministry – but all are welcome. The course requires participants to attend three sessions on Zoom (consecutive Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm) AND ALSO a Saturday session in person (from 10.00am to 2pm). For more information, please contact [email protected]. To registration visit the Adult Faith section of www.missionministry.

FRIDAY NIGHT CANDLELIGHT

Friday Night Candlelight on Friday 19th January will be dedicated to praying for Christian unity.
Mass is at 6pm, guided Holy Hour 6.30-7.30pm. Confessions available during the Holy Hour.
Come and join us!

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY BY FR. PAUL COUTURIER

Lord Jesus, who on the eve of your death,

prayed that all your disciples might be one,

as you in the Father and the Father in you,

make us feel intense sorrow over the infidelity of our disunity.

Give us the honesty to recognize, and the courage to reject,

whatever indifference towards one another,

or mutual distrust, or even enmity, lie hidden within us.

Enable us to meet one another in you.

And let your prayer for the unity of Christians,

be ever in our hearts and on our lips,

unity such as you desire and by the means that you will.

Make us find the way that leads to unity in you,

who are perfect charity,

through being obedient to the Spirit of love and truth.

Amen.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place every year from 18th to 25th January.