Father Sean writes…
Someone asked me this week if we could find a different expression to describe this part of the Church’s year between Christmas and Easter –we call it Ordinary Time but that sounds a bit flat or unimportant. Why is it called Ordinary Time? Here the word ‘ordinary’ doesn’t mean common but refers to the ways in which the weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered. The Latin word ordinalis, which refers to numbers in a series, stems from the Latin word ordo, from which we get the English word order. So, these weeks of ordinary Time represent the ordered life of the Church when we are not feasting as at Christmas and Easter or fasting as at Advent or Lent. We are called to be watchful and prayerful. The liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green—a colour which reflects the new life and growth which comes to us through the Holy Spirit. So, Happy Ordinary Time!
This Sunday, 16th January, is Peace Sunday and this year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘Education, work and dialogue between generations: tools for building lasting peace’. The need for peace in the world is obvious. People are struggling against violence and conflict, growing inequalities, the effects of climate change and the covid pandemic. How can we harness the gifts and energy of all generations in the work of peace making? Which ‘tools for lasting peace’ do you think Pope Francis might be talking about? One area could be the continuing proliferation of nuclear arms. In his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti the Pope points out that military expenditure has increased beyond the levels at the end of the Cold War. He implores Governments to invert the proportion of public funds spent on education and implements of war and destruction.
There is a retiring collection this weekend to support the work of Pax Christi, which does a great deal of good work to promote peace and nonviolence through parishes, schools and social media.
Rite of Welcome: This weekend we welcome Henry Louis Lisi and his parents Jack and Siobhan at the 8:45 am Mass at St Teresa’s. Henry will be baptised next weekend.
Congratulations: To Constance Maynard and her parents Joseph and Sharon as Constance is baptised this afternoon at St Dunstan’s!
Confirmation: This weekend at both St Teresa’s and St Dunstan’s we are enrolling those youngsters who are beginning their preparation for Confirmation. Bishop David will be with us on the 30th of June for the celebration of the Sacrament.
With Sympathy: We extend our sympathies to the families of those whose funerals will be held this week:
A funeral service for Frederick Wise will be held at St Teresa’s on Tuesday 18th January at 11am.
A memorial Mass for Jill Hackett who died last year will be held at St Dunstan’s on Friday the 21st of January at 12 noon. All are welcome to attend. Please note, there will be no 9:30 am Mass that morning!
A requiem Mass for Theresa Casey will be held at St Teresa’s on Thursday 20th January at 10:30 am. Please note that there will be no 9:30 am Mass that morning!
LUX Pilgrimage: It is with great regret that NYMO advise that the weekend residential for young Catholics at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk scheduled for 4-6th February this year has been cancelled.
Parish Lottery in aid of Mongu: Leaflets with details are available in the narthex. Please contact leslie.morant@btinternet.com for further information.
Digital Giving: At the back of the church you will notice our new digital collection plate which now allows you to use your card instead of cash if preferred. The device offers a contactless option including apple pay or you could use chip and pin.
Synodal process: Many thanks to all of those who have already made a contribution to this initiative which Pope Francis has invited us all to take part in! The parish phase of the process is drawing to a close but there is still time to meet with a listener and share your thoughts. It may even be possible to arrange a Zoom meeting if this is convenient.
At St Dunstan’s, Deacon Brent will have a listening session on Sunday 23rd January after the 10:00 am Mass.
Please contact the Parish office between 9-1pm Mondays to Fridays or via email if you wish to arrange a session in person or via Zoom at St Teresa’s.
Covid Restrictions: At the moment we are being advised that we need to monitor our practices in church to ensure that we are being as Covid secure as possible. Do, please, be aware of social distancing, continue to sign in at all Masses and sanitising and face masks are still the norm in both churches. The churches will also be fogged after all Masses. It is also necessary to ensure good ventilation so doors and windows may need to be left open, even in this colder weather.
An Introduction to Luke: A virtual event on Tuesday the 18th of January from 7:30-8:30pm hosted by the diocesan liturgy commission delivered by Liz Clark as part of the year of The God Who Speaks. To book please email admin@nores.org.uk or call 01582 723 312
Rosary Group: You are invited to an evening of litany, readings and rosary with music to praise and worship on Wednesday 26th January at St Augustine’s in High Wycombe at 7:30 pm.
Online Rosary: Thursday evenings from 7:45—9pm via Zoom. Please contact Deacon Brin on 07931 607249 or via email at: brin.dunsire@gmail.com
Annual General meeting of the Parish Council: This is to be held on the 22nd of January (please note the change of date) after the 6pm Mass. This will be an opportunity for the council to report on its work over the last year and receive direction from parishioners about its future activities. Please do make an effort to attend. We are asking that masks should be worn unless you have an exemption.
Money Matters: Last weekend’s collection at St Teresa’s amounted to £615.90 and £461.50 at St Dunstan’s. Thank you for your generosity!
Best wishes,
Fr Seán, Fr Shyju, Deacon Brent and Sister Winifred.