This is a powerful story of justice and mercy. Jesus is on the side of the woman who has been accused of sin and crime. It was an unjust accusation, and the people who brought her had little good in mind.
Jesus offers more than forgiveness - he brings mercy. Mercy forgives with compassion and doesn't need lectures. It restores dignity to the victims of injustice like the lady in this story. It is the same in Jesus, for those who do not receive their dignity because of something they are, or something they did and are unjustly treated.
Jesus did not condemn; he turns the tables a bit. He simply says: Anyone here without sin - take the stone and throw it. Nobody does. In this atmosphere of darkness we need to hear something of the love and the mercy of God. Would light of mercy come into their darkness of condemnation?
Would they leave their darkness into a personal space where they might have a change of heart?
This is also about the challenge to live honestly and without sin; and to be able to takes steps like this woman's life, to move on. All hear this word from Jesus - I do not condemn you. This comes to our society and to ourselves. We need to hear this word for ourselves as often we throw stones at ourselves more than at others. What we condemn in others is what sometimes we do not like in ourselves.
Lord may we enter this world of mercy wherever we need to.
May we hear these words always, ‘I do not condemn you’.
1st Isaiah 43:16-21. The prophet promises the exiles a new Exodus
Psalm (from Psalm 33). Response: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy
2nd Philippians 3:8-14. Holiness is a gift, a sharing in Christ, in utter trust
Gospel John 8:1-11. Instead of judging, the accusers must examine themselves
BAPTISMS
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Anyone who’s child attends Children’s Liturgy at 9:30am Sunday Mass. From this Sunday you need to put your child’s name on the register as you go into the church. It’s so we have an accurate list of first and surnames for safeguarding of those attending.
EASTER CELEBRATION Would any parishioners be willing to help Natalia with hospitality before and
after the Vigil mass on Saturday 16th April? Her contact number is 07904753882.
MASS VIA YOUTUBE Mass is streamed live on Wednesday (9.30am) and Sunday (11.15am). To join, just click on the YouTube icon on the parish website shortly before Mass starts. Due to demand, this service will continue for the foreseeable future.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS Each Friday from 11th of March, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed in our parish via Zoom. The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually, those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.
Please join us on the Zoom link each Friday at 6pm. Each week the Stations will be prayed from a different perspective. Please note the updated Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87402848519?pwd=Y3BnNEFOWS9sblhrMmhKVkg4d05mQT09.
LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE PASTORAL AREA As part of our spiritual preparation for Easter it is customary for all of us to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Lenten Season is a Journey, leading us through the Sacred Scriptures to understand who Jesus is and why he came into our world. As we enter into the most sacred week of the church liturgical year in a few weeks' time (Holy Week), we have the opportunity to walk side by side with the Lord and receive this beautiful sacrament of God's desire to be always united to us; he recognises our human frailty and weakness, and like the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he sees us “while we are a long way off”; he comes out to meet us and embraces us in his loving forgiveness!
The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated at the following days and times in our Pastoral Area:
Wonderful opportunity to avail of this healing sacrament.
HOLY WEEK (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday: 10th - 17th April 2022). Holy Week is a string of seven days that allow us an opportunity to reflect upon the shift in humanity Jesus' sacrifice on the cross launched. It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us through the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection, and the beginning of the Easter Season. This is the basis of Christianity, His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to peek into the heart of our Saviour at intently close proximity. His love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross, every breath up to the last, and His resurrection.
Please try and come to some of the powerful ceremonies/services that will be prayed throughout this week. You can pick up a time table for all the ceremonies at the Church during this most holy of weeks. Also, are some web links to help explain more about this amazing week.
FIRST FRIDAY Each First Friday will see a ‘Healing Mass’ being celebrated alternately at St. Joseph’s Church and St. Edmund Campion Church for 2022. We bring together all our needs and especially asking God’s healing spirit upon people and situations in our parish. You are very welcome.
The First Friday of the month is also traditionally a time when a priest visits a home to anoint anyone who is house bound, with holy oil, and to administer the sacrament of Holy Communion. The parish has several people on this list. If you, or someone you know would like a visit from a priest, then please contact Fr. Liam or Fr. Ephraim.
FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING Please, It is encouraged, from a moral and respectful point of view, to continue wearing face masks during Public Worship. This indeed, is not a legal requirement, and several of our parishioners have an exemption from wearing masks.
If you wish to continue adhering to social distancing in the Church, then please arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass, and a section in the church will be reserved for you. Please, please respect the distancing in this area so that people can worship in peace and comfort. If you do not arrive before the Mass starts it will not be possible to guarantee a place in this area.
“SHIELDING” for those in our community who continue to join at the Eucharist via YouTube on a regular basis, but for one reason or another, cannot physically come to the Church, and would like to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please let Fr. Liam or the parish office know. Fr. Liam will bring the Holy Sacrament to you whilst adhering to social distancing and a safe environment.
SVP In common with many other organisations, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society have a way for supporters to donate to SVP efforts in relation to the crisis in Ukraine. The link below is to the SVP International Disaster Fund, should any individuals wish to donate through this channel. www.svp.org.uk/news/ukraine-crisis-–-how-help.
LENTEN APPEAL for W.O.R.K. and THAMES VALLEY HOSPICE Parishioners will be given a jam jar to collect money in, and supplementary details of the WORK project during Lent. Jam jars can be the returned to the Parish Office, or John Lynn after each of the weekday / weekend masses. Any queries please contact John Lynn on 07931 292934 who is a member of the Knights of St Columba (KSC) who are coordinating the appeal.
THE PASSAGE a Catholic charity working with homeless people is raising funds through the Big Give a matched giving scheme. Every £1 donated online by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 19 April makes £2 and £2.25 if you are a tax-payer through Gift Aid. Please visit: https://bit.Iy/BigGiveMarch22 to support the campaign. The campaign ‘It takes more than a house to make a home’ focuses on the services we provide to people who have been homeless in their journey to being happily settled in a new home. The Passage would be very grateful for your support. For questions about the campaign or assistance making a donation please ring 020 7592 1856.
2020/2021 10% OF COLLECTIONS are donated to Charities nominated by our Parishioners. A huge thank you to everyone in the Parish for your generosity, making this possible. The Charities and Amounts agreed by the PPC are as follows:
SIF FORMS FOR SCHOOL APPLICATION Fr Liam is available by appointment to sign SIF Forms, please remember to bring your stamp cards showing Mass attendance.
CONFIRMATION CLASS Saturday 2nd April at 4:45pm at St. Joseph's Parish Centre. Saturday 9th April at 4:45pm at St. Edmund Campion Church.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS Saturday 2nd April at 4:45pm followed by Mass at St. Edmund Campion Parish Centre.
RCIA Thursday, 7th April at 7:15pm.
THE LIVES OF ST. ZELIE AND LOUIS MARTIN A Free Lecture Talk. Please join Mothers for Mercy at St Finian's Catholic Primary School on Wednesday evening, 6th April at 7pm. Author, lay Carmelite, retired doctor and paediatric psychiatrist, Annette Goulden, will be giving a talk on these recently canonised saints. She is an expert on their lives and has written a book called “Rooted In Love”. She will be talking about this ordinary mother and father who experienced so much in common with parents today including the challenges they faced and will give us inspiration and support on our own parenting journey. This talk is for individuals as well as parents, all are welcome and it will inspire you to see how the challenges of being a working parent, running a business or raising a difficult child can be sacramental. St. Finian's Catholic Primary School, The Ridge, Cold Ash, RG18 9HU. Please call Kieran on 07969 890870 for more information
WHAT IS EASTER? A short reflection on the Highpoint of the Church's year; The celebration of the Paschal Mystery and the Sundays of Easter till Pentecost. Led by: Dr Judith Thomas. Duration: 60 minutes. Following Mass on Monday 11th April, 10am at St Edmund Campion and Tuesday 12th April, 10:30am at St Josephs.
STUDYING, REFLECTING and PRAYING WITH THE NICENE CREED Every Sunday we proclaim our faith at the Eucharist. This short course is to help us understand what we believe. We will be studying, reflecting and praying with the Nicene Creed. The sessions will be on Wednesdays at 7pm, starting on 16th March for four weeks. Please see the poster. (Duration: 60 minutes).
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATIONS FROM JANUARY TILL SEPTEMBER St Edmund Campion Church Ruby Jubilee Celebrations are taking place in September 2022. In order to prepare for this, we are hosting a novena of 9 first fridays to pray, to meditate, to fast and to give joy for everything to all that our church community has offered us over 40 years of service and the faith and support it has given to our families. If you can come for an hour or 2 hours or even whole evening starting on the first Friday of January (7th) from 7pm until 8am Saturday morning. We would love to start a rota, where a number of people could do this on the first Friday of each month from January through to September in preparation for prayer and our celebration. During this time the church will be open through the night and everyone is welcomed to come and stay with the Lord. Please contact or text Agnieszka on 07871 258181 or email gnieszka@gmail.com.
PILGRIMAGES A pilgrimage is a journey that has religious or spiritual significance. The journey is usually taken to an important religious place. There are many sites of Christian pilgrimage and our parishes are offering a number of opportunities for you to go pilgrimage and a great spiritual journey.
The Hospitalité is very spacious and can accommodate all pilgrims, especially those who are sick, disabled or elderly. It also includes a full catering and medical staff.
Fr. Liam (St. Edmund Campion Parish) will be the Spiritual Director for this pilgrimage and has been going to Banneux since 1996. If you are interested and you would like more information or to reserve a place before June 30th, please contact the pilgrimage director Lisa Pirie on 07500 288384 (banneuxndgb@gmail.com) or Father Liam, on 07776 580596 (lcummins@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk). Also, Google 'Our Lady's Shrine, Banneux', for history and more detail.
PARISH COLLECTION Please continue to support your parish, its activities and outreach programmes by contributing to the weekly collection via the 'baskets' and/or Contactless. It is very positive that a lot of our parishioners, over the course of the pandemic, switched their contribution from cash to Bank Transfer.
NB: If you want to set up a direct debit or standing order (or even make a one-off donation) the account details are:
Account name: St. Edmund Campion Maidenhead
Sort code: 30-93-04
Account number: 00882551
JOHN PAUL II AWARD This is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.
The Award enables participants to take an active part both in the life of their Church and in the life of their community and society. For further details, contact Jonathan on manorcott@outlook.com or 01628 626527.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE CLUB All past bridge players and parishioners who would like to learn the game are invited. Please contact John Lynn for more information.
THURSDAY CLUB Meets every other Thursday (next is 20th March). Open to everyone, of all ages. A chance to meet up, have a coffee and a chat. We also organise occasional speakers and days out. Please contact Angela for more information.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor, the migrant, the refugee, the lonely and the vulnerable.
This wonderful organisation of prayer, empowerment and solidarity is revamping itself in the Maidenhead area and will be known as ‘SVP Maidenhead’. Meetings will be held between St. Edmund Campion, St. Joseph's & St. Elizabeth's.
Ruth Dean has been a very vital light in guiding this organisation over many years and the ‘baton’ has now been handed over to Jean-Marc Hall. It's first meeting under his stewardship will be held on Monday 4th April at 7:30pm at St. Edmund Campion Centre. Each monthly meeting will alternate with St. Joseph's Centre.
All are welcome and, yes we can make a difference!.
YOGA CLASSES Rachel is having a wee break and the classes have stopped for the moment. Classes restart Tuesday 26th April in the parish centre at noon. Looking forward to seeing you then!
YOGA FOR MEN Saturday 2nd April at 9am in the parish centre. There is no charge for the class and yoga mats are available. Come and try yoga!
Contact Rachel wellhappyyoga@gmail.com, and look on Facebook or Instagram.
COX GREEN LUNCHEON CLUB For more information contact Ruby Doughty on 01628630703 or rubydoughty@yahoo.co.uk.
TODDLERS GROUP Every Friday from 8:45 to 10:45am in the Parish Centre. Contact Jenny on jennyoliver51@hotmail.com for more information.
PARISH HALL The Parish Hall is available to hire, for parties, celebrations, meetings, training, classes and anything else you can think of. It’s a great community space, and is available for £25 per hour.
To celebrate National Bird Box week we heard from Órlagh and Vincent about the work they are doing to care for God’s creation and in particular how they are making the land around the church more wildlife friendly. You were invited to do the same at home and many of you placed an order for your own homes for bees, birds, hedgehogs and bats. You can still do so by going to www.BNBG.org.uk.
This is part of the Eco-Church scheme we have signed up to which asks us to look at five areas: our church buildings, the land around it, how we include looking after our planet in our worship, supporting other communities impacted by climate change, and making changes in our own lives.
We have other activities planned for later this year and would be happy to hear from you if you would like to get involved or have an idea of your own. Please contact Sarah Bowden (bowden.sarah@googlemail.com).
LIBRARY We have a parish library located in the foyer of the Parish Centre. One bookcase is dedicated to Theology/Religious books, another bookcase to Fiction/Non-Fiction and a third smaller bookcase to children's Bibles/Bible stories etc. Please feel free to borrow/swap.
If you would like to donate, we can only accept books that are in excellent and clean condition. Thank you and enjoy.
FOODSHARE We are a collection point for Foodshare. Our collection area is just inside the porch doors, but if you leave food outside, out of hours (in a bag or other covering) the building is regularly checked. Foodshare are currently really in need of tinned vegetables and tinned meat, amongst all the regular donations.
APPOINTMENTS If you wish to speak to Fr Liam or Fr Ephraim in confidence on any matter, please contact either one for an appointment. They are happy to visit your home if so desired, adhering to social distancing guidelines.
HOUSEBOUND If you know of anyone who is sick and/or housebound, please let Sarah (Parish Office), Fr Liam or Fr Ephraim know so that a visit can be arranged.
FOR PRACTICAL PURPOSES, FOR THE COMING MONTHS
Father Ephraim will be the ‘link person’ for pastoral matters concerning the parish of St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s. He will also be chaplain to St. Mary’s school.
Father Liam will be the ‘link person’ for the parish of St. Edmund Campion and will be chaplain to St. Edmund Campion school.
Fr. Ephraim and Fr. Liam are on call each day and will serve our community as best they can. You can call either of them on their mobile numbers, contact them via email or visit them at St. Joseph’s Presbytery. As we enter a new liturgical year, the four or five weekends of a month will see the same priest celebrating Mass in that particular parish. So, for January, Fr. Liam will preside at weekend Masses at St Joseph’s & St. Elizabeth’s and Fr. Ephraim at St. Edmund Campion. The following month they will swap around.
THE WELCOMING MINISTRY (Mass Rep) is dedicated to helping all parishioners and visitors enhance their worship experience at Mass by making them feel welcome and included in our Eucharistic celebration, helping them connect with our parish, and participating in the numerous ministry opportunities offered at St. Edmund Campion. The Mass Rep is the ‘overseer’ in ensuring that the various ministries during Mass are fulfilled. Further, they are there to help you with any queries.
We thank our mass reps:
6:15pm Saturday: Reena K. 9:30am Sunday: Elvira E-M & Shirley F. 11:15am Sunday: Julie C.
ADMISSION INTO ST EDMUND CAMPION SCHOOL AND NURSERY is based on Mass attendance for some categories. In our parish, we have an attendance card available from the table in the church lobby. Every time you come to Sunday Mass please get your card stamped. For information on the current Admissions Policy see the school's website, www.st-edmund.org.uk.
FOUNDATION GOVERNORS REQUEST St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Maidenhead part of the Frassati Catholic Academy Trust, is looking for 3 new Foundation Governors. The positions are open to any practicing Catholics who will form part of the Local Governing Body which holds strategic responsibility for the school. You will be expected to attend approximately 12 regular meetings per year. No experience of education or governance is required as training will be provided. All applications are welcome, however applicants with legal, finance or HR backgrounds would be extremely helpful, though this is not an essential requirement. Please contact the Chair of Governors, Marius Hopley at: gov.mariushopley@stmarys-maidenhead.org.uk.
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