Dear friends,
Today is Ascension Day, and Mass will be celebrated at 6pm: all are welcome (and, indeed, encouraged to attend!) – as also afterwards to share drinks and light refreshments together, on this special feast: as Pope Francis wrote, ‘The Ascension completes Jesus’ mission among us. Indeed, if it is for us that Jesus descended from heaven, it is also for us that he ascends there. After having descended into our humanity and redeemed it, he now ascends into heaven, taking our flesh with him… in this mystery we each contemplate our own future destination.’
St Leonard’s Avenue is now open once again to vehicular access, as is the ‘bus stop opposite St Leonard’s (for ‘buses into Harrow): however, at the time of writing, the ‘bus stop closest to the church (for ‘buses to Kingsbury) remains out of service, on account of the rolling roadworks along the Kenton Road.
After Mass this Sunday, there will be a parish outing to St Paul’s Cathedral – leaving immediately after coffee. We will travel by ‘bus to Harrow-on-the-Hill Station, and thence – on the Metropolitan Line – to St Paul’s (a 15-minute walk from Barbican Station, although there is also the option of another ‘bus): please sign up in church. We will arrive in time for a bite to eat in the Crypt Café, before Choral Evensong at 3pm: the programme includes music by Howells, Gowers and Radcliffe, sung by the world-famous cathedral choir.
Please let Pat know what you can contribute to the world foods afternoon tea party after the May Devotion a week on Saturday, 23 May: this is a signature event in the parish calendar, for which we invite your support! The Devotion will begin at All Saints Church (531, Kenton Road HA3 0UL) at 2.30pm – and involve a procession along the Kenton Road to St Mary’s, accompanied by a brass band, dhol drummers and Jonathan, our bishop! (Those who do not feel able to make the walk from All Saints are welcome to gather in church herefrom 3pm; the Hall will be open for food to be dropped off, 1-2pm.) Please speak to me to sponsor one of the musicians (£50); and please note that there will be a special collection for this month’s chosen charity, Mary’s Meals.
Help is also requested on Friday next week, 22 May – in preparation for the May Devotion: (i) after the 9.30am Mass, we require volunteers to arrange the flowers around the image of Our Lady; and (ii) from 6pm, assistance would be appreciated setting up the Hall.
Fr Bernard invites those who wish to to attend the burial of the ashes of the late Jenny Dagnall, on Wednesday, 27 May at 1.30pm at St Alphage, Burnt Oak: may she rest in peace.
Please note that there will be a short planning meeting for the parish barbecue (on Saturday, 18 July) after Mass on Sunday, 7 June.
And please note likewise that the intercessions list is being revised: please (re-)add the names of those for whom prayer is requested, before Pentecost (Sunday, 24 May).
May almighty God bless you, for on this very day his Only Begotten Son pierced the heights of heaven and unlocked for you the way to glory,
Fr Richard