Second Sunday of Easter 27.04.2025

POPE FRANCIS 1938 - 2025

A message from Cardinal Vincent Nichols:

“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.

'Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the "kingdom of God".

'This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in "missionary discipleship", a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community. 'Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.

'May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

Sun 27th Apr​​

8.30am​ People of the Parish

​10am​​​ Requiem Mass for Pope Francis, RIP

12noon​ Edward McQuilkin and Sr. Mary Magdalene, anniversary​

Mon 28th Apr   St George, Martyr, Patron of England

10am         ​Melise, intentions

Tues 29th Apr​ St Catherine of Siena, Virgin, Doctor of the Church and Patron of Europe

10am​ NO MASS

​Weds 30th Apr​​ Easter Feria

​​​​NO MASS

Thurs 1st May​ Easter Feria

10am​ Mary Durkan, RIP​

Fri 2nd May​ Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

10am​ Martin Brennan, RIP

Sat 3rd May​ Third Sunday of Easter

5pm​ Phil McGovern, anniversary

4.30pm – 5pm: Confessions and Exposition

YOUR PRAYERS:

Let us keep in our prayers: Julius Lipner, David Ryan, Margaret Ryan, Michael O’Boy, Christina Cahill, Eric Nicholas Darwent, Therese Kemp, Jose Luis Pérez, Karina McKiernan, Jonathan Heller and Izabela Lissowska – all unwell at this time. We also pray for: Pope Francis, Ray Bates, Canon Bernard Scholes, Sveta Valeri, James Corr, Maud Holloway, Una Murphy, Mary Drumm, Kitty Heenan, Fr Sean Carroll, Fr David Barnes, Gerry Stenson, Luis Goncalves, Arcangela Moretto, Patrick Jean Noel Louis-Auguste, Jose Barreto, Gianpiero Gallian, Mary Teresa Foran, Martin Flanagan, Noeleen Hare, Noreen McGlynn, James McCormack and Gino Tomeiwhose anniversaries occur at this time or have died recently. May they Rest in Peace.

ST MARY’S “JUBILEE” EASTER FAMILY & FRIENDS QUIZ NIGHT

Join us for an evening of fun and friendly competition at our Parish Quiz Night!

📅 Date: Saturday, 10th May (new date)

⏰ Time: Starting at 6 PM

Bring your family and friends along for a night of trivia, laughter, and camaraderie. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect and enjoy time together as a parish community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CONFIRMATION PARENTS MEETING

There will be a mandatory meeting for parents of Confirmation candidates on Tuesday 29th April at 7:30pm in the small hall.

ROME TRIP MEETING:

A meeting to discuss the Rome Trip on Tuesday 13th May will take place on Monday 28th April at 7:30pm in the small hall.

GOOD FRIDAY SECOND COLLECTION – HOLY PLACES

The collection on Good Friday for Holy Places came to £973.94.  Many thanks for your generosity.  

OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS AT THE EASTER VIGIL & EASTER DAY:

The offertory collection at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Day go towards the salary of the Parish Priest – this amounted to £3,092.89.  Contactless amounted to £508.33. Amazing! Enormous Thanks.

MESSAGE FROM FR PETER:

Due to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis, I will delay my Easter Thankyou until after the conclave. In the meantime, we pray for the Church, our loss and the eventual election of a new pontiff.

ST MARY’S LENT COURSE – 2025

“WHEN YOU PRAY”

CONTIUES AFTER EASTER!

……for 2 more sessions….

Monday 19th May and Monday 26th May.

Each session is an hour, beginning at 7:30pm and occurs in the small hall

In the mean-time, for those who attended the Lent course try ACTS, Ignatian Meditation or Lectio Davina, until we meet again!

"Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts,

and it is a grace that we must always cultivate."

Pope Francis, 2013

THE ANNUAL DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

As previously announced the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be led by Cardinal Nichols and take place from 25th July to 1st August using the Sanctuary’s theme for the Jubilee Year ‘With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope’. Registration is now open with options to travel by plane or train. Volunteer nurses are needed urgently as are youth volunteers aged 16 to 18, and there are many volunteering opportunities for those wishing to serve. Parish and school groups to Lourdes are very much encouraged to join to make the event truly diocesan. Contact Elizabeth Uwalaka in the Pilgrimage Office at elizabethuwalaka@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7798 9173. Please note that all applications to join this year’s pilgrimage need to be submitted by Wednesday 30th April at the latest.

NEW TO ST MARY’S?

Are you new here? We're delighted to have you join our vibrant community. You’ll find a registration card at the back of the church—please fill it in to help us get to know you better.

Our parish is home to two wonderful schools: Bishop Douglass High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary. We also have two church halls available for hire, perfect for events and gatherings. Above all, we pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming community with a social conscience.

Oh, and keep an eye out for Otto the barky dog, our friendly yet formidable "head of security." He’ll charm you in no time—but we’ll let you discover that for yourself.

We’re so glad you’re here! Let us know how we can support you.

A PANEL DISCUSSION EXPLORING THE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES OF THE AI ERA FOLLOWED BY AN OPPORTUNITY FOR Q&A.

Sunday 18 May 2025, 3-5pm Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street, W1K 3AH

You are welcome to come to this unique event to hear from experts discussing Faith and Ethics in a time of technological transformation. The experts are: Fr. Michael Baggot, Invited Professor of Theology at Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome; Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard, Creator of Magisterium AI; Jen Copestake, Correspondent CGTN Europe; Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest Farm Street Church. Free to attend but please register your place by emailing farmstreetoffice@rcdow.org.ukLivestreaming available by visiting

https://www.farmstreet.org.uk/livestream'

"In the bonds of friendship, we find the reflection of God's love,

bringing us closer to one another and to Him."

Pope Francis 2013