The Baptism of the Lord.
10th-16th January 2021.
Today we reflect on Baptism – the baptism of Jesus as well as our own. In Mark’s gospel it is depicted as a kind of epiphany telling us who Jesus is. In the reading from Isaiah there is the invitation to come to the water. This includes the promise of fulfilment (rich food to enjoy) and life (your soul will live). To come to the water is also to listen to God’s word: that word is like the water from heaven (snow and rain) that is fruitful and carries out God’s will. For us baptism offers a share in the life of God, makes us his adopted children and gives us the promise of eternal life.
Weekday Masses:
Tuesday at 3 pm at St Helen’s – Requiem Mass for James May.
Wednesday at 9.30 at St Helen’s.
Thursday at 9.30 at Sacred Heart.
Friday at 9.30 at St John of the Cross.
The Church in England and Wales has invited us to engage with the Bible this year in its initiative The God who Speaks. If you would like to take part in a regular Bible study group on Zoom please contact John Bolger on: bolger@waitrose.com or ring him on 01692 581516.
CAFOD wishes to thank the parish for its support last year: Lent Fast Day donations £1,214.84. Harvest Fast Day donations £635.33
Bishop Alan has asked every parish in the diocese to offer prayers for all those who will be involved in the choice of the new bishop of East Anglia.
Please pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, John Gowing, Derek and Frances Palman, Kevin Fitzmaurice and Mary Carr.
We also pray for two of our parishioners who died recently – Lesley Shenton and James May; and for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Michael Dalton, Jerry Griffin, Constance Keeble, Ben Bianco, Kathleen Holdstock, Romano Pagani, Anne Holmes, Dorothy Henderson, Ursula Springer and Rosemary Semple.
Last week’s plate collection: £264.10. Standing orders: £553.00
Father James
