Thomas, the apostle, is an ordinary person, knotted up in his own fears and doubts. Perhaps we all carry something of his DNA? Here we are shown the transforming impact that his personal encounter with Jesus has on him. Pope Francis says: ‘I invite all Christians to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them. I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.’
In the gospel of this Sunday, we are shown twice how Jesus breaks into the lives of his friends. Can he break in on me? Where am I in these scenes? Am I hesitant like Thomas? Am I looking for some sign before committing myself to the fact that I am living in a new world, the world of the resurrection?
I let Jesus whisper to me, ‘You will be blessed if you decide to believe!’ To believe in him is to give my heart to him, not just my head. It is not too demanding to do this, because he has already given his heart to me.
Today is also ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’. How can anyone argue against this?
Divine Mercy is hope wrapped up in a loving God, ever ready to embrace us and forgive even our gravest sins. Believing in God, but not in Divine Mercy, would be a depressing and burdensome faith to bear.
As we meditate in gratitude for God’s gracious mercy shown to us, we should look honestly at the mercy that we show to others. Our God is a God of mercy. Are we a Church of mercy?
The risen Lord never ceases to recreate us and to renew us in his love.
Easter is the season to celebrate the good news.
Today, on this Divine Mercy Sunday, that means in particular: believe in his mercy, believe that no sinner is ever excluded from seeking God’s mercy.
Recognize the grace of Christ’s forgiveness, submit to it, receive it humbly, and practice it.
READINGS
1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16. High morale and healing influence of the early Christians
Responsorial Pslam (117): Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting
2nd Reading: Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19. John sees risen Jesus, in the form of the glorious Son of Man
Gospel: John 20:19-31. The presence of the risen Jesus dispels fear and brings peace to his friends
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Anyone who’s child attends Children’s Liturgy at 9:30am Sunday Mass. Please 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.
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.
MASS INTENTIONS There is a long and venerable tradition in the Catholic Church that the faithful ask their priests to celebrate Holy Mass for particular, specified intentions. An individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday, good health, peace in family life), or as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died or on their anniversary. This custom, which was well-understood in generations past, is increasingly being forgotten. Since the practice is of immense spiritual benefit to both the living and the dead, and because it also helps to support your clergy and parish, we would encourage you to request that Masses be offered for your intentions. Please contact Sarah in the Parish Office, if you wish to have a Mass celebrated for your intentions.
Pope Paul VI said, “The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer!” It has immense power and countless miracles and conversions have occurred throughout the centuries by offering Masses for a specific intention or person. Mass intentions are a great treasure of the Church and have a spiritual weight that is incalculable.
ST GEORGE’S DAY 23rd April is believed to be the day that George died. It was the year 303 and Christians were tortured and executed for their faith by the order of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian. George was a soldier who refused to worship the Roman gods. As a martyr for the faith, he is venerated in many places and is patron saint of soldiers and the patron of many nations, including Lebanon; England and Georgia. He is also the patron of Palestinian Christians and of Boy Scouts.
In many pieces of art, Saint George is depicted wearing armour and holding a lance or fighting a dragon, which represents Christ's enemies.
For all our parishioners who come from Palestine, Lebanon, England, and Georgia we wish you a very happy and blessed feast day.
PRAYER OF ST GEORGE
Heavenly Father, give us the bravery of St George to stand up for the truth and the glory of God that we have seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Give us the strength to overcome in our lives and in the world, all that is contrary to your rule of justice and love.
Help us to be good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind;
let the oppressed go free, and proclaim the good news of God's favour and Jubilee.
Amen
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 It is encouraged, from a moral and respectful point of view, to continue wearing face masks during Public Worship. This 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.
Thank you: Fr. Liam and Father Ephraim write:
‘We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation and thanks for the kindness you have shown to us during this special time of Easter. Your cards, notes, letters and gifts have been so kind and generous, yet let us assure you that, your prayers are most highly valued and needed. You are a truly remarkable community. You have taught us so much about what it means to be a vibrant and generous church community.
It was wonderful to see our churches in the parishes filled with parishioners and visitors over the Easter Triduum and Easter Sunday morning. For quite a number, this was the time to return to the regular worship, gathered in community each week. You are welcome back. While many of us are physically back at church, we realise some have chosen to stay away for a while longer. Please know that we certainly understand the desire to stay safe, and the live streaming services will continue to be offered.
We wish you plenty of Resurrection Greetings!
God bless you all,
Father Liam and Father Ephraim.
LENTEN APPEAL for W.O.R.K. and THAMES VALLEY HOSPICE Now that this project is drawing to a close please will parishioners return the jamjars with their donations. These can be in the form of
Any queries please contact John Lynn on 07931 292934. Many thanks.
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 Session 8 takes place at St. Edmund Campion parish at 4:45pm, followed by Mass at 6:15pm. A Penitential Service, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, will take place for all Confirmation candidates and their families on Saturday 30th at 4:30pm in St. Edmund Campion Church.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 4:45pm, 30th April at St. Edmund Campion school. 9:45am 1st May at St. Joseph’s Parish Centre.
SUNDAY LUNCH On 8th May between 12:30pm and 3pm, a special Sunday meal (of delicious Curry) is being held in the Parish Centre. This lunch is being hosted in memory of our dear ones who have died in recent years. All proceeds will go to our Lenten project, of helping W.O.R.K. and Thames Hospice. This is the last opportunity to contribute to this. Tickets are £10 each and a lovely afternoon is guaranteed.
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.
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.
POLLING DAY On Thursday 5th May the Parish Centre will be in use all day as a polling station.
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 28th April). 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 Classes every Tuesday in the parish centre at noon. 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 Restarts after Easter on Friday 29th April 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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