Peace Sunday

This Sunday is Peace Sunday for the Catholic Church in England and Wales and this year the Message from Pope Francis is entitled: ‘No one can be saved alone. Combatting Covid-19 together, embarking together on paths of peace’. He asks us: ‘What did we learn from the pandemic? What new paths should we follow to cast off the shackles of our old habits, to be better prepared, to dare new things? What signs of life and hope can we see, to help us move forward and try to make our world a better place?’ A vaccine has been found for Covid-19, says the Holy Father, but we still need to tackle the virus of war and of inequality, and this can only be done together. In this country we have an active Catholic peace movement in Pax Christi, which aims at working together to promote peace through parishes, schools and social media. Their website suggests ways we can all become better peacemakers. There are activities for families to do at home, including a peace liturgy for young children. https://paxchristi.org.uk/peace-sunday-2023.

Pax Christi needs our support to keep going. If you’d like to make a donation, small or large, here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/yxfcw67x. Or send a cheque made payable to ‘Pax Christi’ to: Pax Christi, St Joseph’s, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25 January

On 22 April 1993 a teenager was murdered on the streets of London while waiting for a bus. Stephen Lawrence was a promising young man looking forward to fulfilling his dream of becoming an architect. He was murdered simply because he was black. This year we mark the 30th Anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder and this will be a major focus for many who work for a society that is free from racism. As long as racism exists, we live in a divided society and a divided world, so during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we reflect upon how these divisions impact our shared life as we pray together for the unity for which Christ prayed. But we also acknowledge how much churches have contributed to division and prejudice within our institutions and also society. As long as there is racism there will be no Christian unity!

This year’s daily prayer resources– “Be-Longing: Praying for Unity amidst Injustice” – are inspired by the experience of our Christian sisters and brothers in another part of the world who are wrestling with this very issue. For the Churches of the US State of Minnesota, the murder of George Floyd and the institutional racism it embodied provide the focus for their prayer for unity and justice. They place before us the prophet Isaiah’s challenge to do good and seek justice (Isaiah 1:17).

Praying together during this week allows us to reflect on what unites us and enables us to commit ourselves to confront all instances of oppression and injustice. Undertaking this commitment requires churches to acknowledge their own complicity in racial injustice. We must confess how our silence has allowed other voices to sound out without challenge. As Christians we must be willing to disrupt systems of oppression and advocate for justice. Our commitment to each other requires us to engage in restorative justice. We must speak out, dismantle unjust structures and create a society in which people can live with freedom and dignity. Together we must engage in the struggle for justice in society – because we all belong to Christ.

Flame 2023 – Special Invitation to our Young People

Anyone 14-21 years of age is invited to join our parish trip to Flame at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday 4 March 2023. Flame is the largest Catholic gathering in England and Wales. Transport is from Cullompton on a coach so almost door to door!  If parents want to know a bit more, please talk to Elaine Kelly, Siobhan Gilroy or Eduarda Santos as they have all been before.  It’s such a great day out that the parish would like to treat our youngsters to this experience, so there is no cost to the individual.  To get on the coach we need to book tickets now with the diocesan coordinator as there is a limited number on the group transport, so please give your name to the Parish Office as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Siobhan Gilroy will be leading our parish group.

LOUDfence in the Diocese of Plymouth – Advance Notice

The Diocese will be holding a LOUDfence at Christ the King Church in Plymouth from Wednesday 15 February to Friday 17 February.  A LOUDfence is a visible display of support and solidarity with those who have been affected by abuse.  Attendees are encouraged to tie ribbons around a fence which could also include a message of support.  We want survivors to know that we hear you, we believe you and that we are here to support you. We hope you can join us. More details to follow soon.

Unwanted Gifts Stall

In the hall after Mass at St James this Sunday, there will be a stall selling “unwanted gifts” that have been received at Christmas.

Annual Collection for the Society of St Vincent de Paul

Next weekend we will hold our annual retiring collection to support the work of our parish Conference of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) in its mission of supporting the sick, elderly and marginalised in our local community. If you would like to know more about the work of the SVP and consider becoming a member, please have a word with Simon Coombs.

Burns Night Celebration

On Friday 27 January, starting at 7.00pm, we will be holding our first ever Burns Night Celebration in the Hall at St James! Come and enjoy Cullen Skink, a Piper to greet guests and to pipe in the Haggis for the main course of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, followed by Cranachan, with the odd whiskey to taste. Due to limited numbers, this will be a ticketed event and for adults only. Tickets cost £10 and are fast running out! Please advise of any special dietary needs at the time of purchase of ticket.