Dear friends,
(St Leonard’s Avenue remains closed to vehicular access from the Kenton Road, due to rolling roadworks (nor are the bus stops closest to the church currently in service.))
(Please note likewise that, on account of the church being used as a polling station in today’s local elections, there will be no public Evening Prayer – and the 6pm Mass will be said in the sacristy.)
In last Sunday’s homily, I spoke about the importance for Christians of a rule of life – and outlined the following elements which we might incorporate into our regular prayer and practice: (i) confidently and effectively to witness to Christ in our daily lives – setting an example to those around us, which speaks of our faith in our Saviour; (ii) to develop a regular pattern of private prayer; (iii) to attend carefully to the voice of God speaking through the Scriptures; (iv) to prioritise the Mass each weekend (Saturday evening, or Sunday morning) – and to make up for any lost Masses by attending on an additional weekday instead; (v) to prepare carefully for Holy Communion, and to make proper thanksgiving afterwards – resorting to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) where we discern the need to unburden our consciences; (vi) to be of practical service to our church family and our local community, and (vii) to give generously to the work of the Church – locally in this parish and diocese, and in respect of her home and overseas missions.
This Saturday, 9 May is our church Open Day for the local community: please speak to Johnette to offer to help (including setting up the Hall tomorrow, from 6pm); please support this event, and please spread the word.
After Mass on Sunday we will hold our parish Annual Meetings: please complete a nomination paper to serve as a member of the PCC, or representative to Harrow Deanery Synod; as our parish’s Safeguarding Officer or Electoral Roll Officer; as a churchwarden, PCC Secretary or PCC Treasurer. These meetings will be conducted at pace (including a short, additional meeting for PCC members), and your attendance and attention – as regular members of the congregation – are kindly requested. (The Minutes of last year’s meetings are also attached herewith.)
Next week on Thursday we shall celebrate Ascension Day – and the 6pm Mass will be followed by refreshments.
A week on Sunday, 17 May, we will be going on a parish outing, to St Paul’s Cathedral – leaving St Mary’s after coffee, and travelling via Harrow-on-the-Hill Station: we will aim to arrive in time to have lunch in the Crypt Café, before attending Choral Evensong. Please sign up in church.
Then, on Saturday 23 May we will celebrate our May Devotion, organised jointly with All Saints Church – from where the procession of Our Lady (accompanied by bishop, brass and drums) will set off at 2.30pm, to make its way to St Mary’s. Those who do not feel able to make the walk from All Saints are welcome to gather in church here from 3pm on the day, to await the arrival of the image. Please kindly confirm to Pat your contribution to the world foods afternoon tea party after the concluding prayers; and please note that there will be a special collection for the work of Mary’s Meals. Please likewise speak to me to sponsor one of the musicians.
Please note that the intercessions list is being revised: please (re-)add the names of those for whom prayer is requested, before Pentecost Day (24 May).
And please also find attached an invitation to the Patronal festivities at Holy Trinity, Hoxton.
say to God, ‘How tremendous your deeds’,
Fr Richard