Ss Alban & Stephen Catholic Church

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Ss Alban & Stephen
Catholic Church
Beaconsfield Rd
St Albans AL1 3RB

Ss Alban and Stephen

5th Sunday of The Year 5th February 2012
5.00 pm 6.00 pm	Saturday Vigil	in the Church at Maryland	Sr. Maria Mulroy RIP Eve O’Connor Anniv.
9.00 am 9.30 am 11.30 am 4.00 pm 7.00 pm	Sunday	Marshalswick Church Church Kosciel Church	Stan Phillips Anniv. People of the Parish Frank Allwood RIP Polish Mass Derek Coughlan Anniv.
Feast Days during the week	Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Next Sunday	SS Paul Miki & Companions Feria Feria Feria St Scholastica Our Lady of Lourdes 6th Sunday of the Year

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Ss Alban and Stephen

Readings for this Sunday...	.. and Monday to Saturday
First Reading (Job 7:1-4, 6-7) The book of Job is a long dramatic poem in which worldly wisdom struggles with the wisdom of God on the battlefield of suffering and deprivation. In this passage, Job reflects on his condition - and the entire human condition as well - in sad and hopeless terms. Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23) Every treasure exacts its price. The cost of true discipleship of	Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat	I Kg 8: 1-7. 9-13; Mk 6: 53-56 I Kg 8: 22-23. 27-30; Mk 7: 1-13 I Kg 10: 1-10; Mk 7: 14-23 I Kg 11: 4-13; Mk 7: 24-30 I Kg 11: 29-32. 12: 19; Mk 7: 31-37 I Kg 12: 26-32. 13: 33-34; Mk 8: 1-10

Christ is to proclaim the Gospel in word and in life in spite of the difficult and terrifying obstacles one encounters. An awareness of being freely gifted by God's word cannot fail to lead to a compulsion to share this great gift with others (v 16). To refuse or neglect the ministry of the Gospel means to lose it, for that involves a denial of what we are. Yet proclaiming the Gospel does not depend on human words or our own abilities. It demands only that we be fully what we are in Christ, and live accordingly wherever we are and whatever we do. Gospel: (Mark 1:29-39) The expulsion of the demon in last week's Gospel reading demonstrates the power of Jesus' word: his teaching drives out the demon of unbelief. On the other hand, the cure of Simon's mother-in-law (vv 29-31) focuses on the compassion of Jesus. It was a Sabbath (v 21), and so people would not be able to journey very far until after sunset (see Acts 1:12 - about 3000 feet). The whole town heard about Jesus, and gathered in front of Simon's home. Imagine yourself a part of the crowd, and it is very easy to see why Jesus commanded the demons to silence (v 34, see also vv 44-45): his mission was to go about announcing the establishment of God's kingdom, but you would prefer that he stay in your town and become the village doctor! Full Readings... Click here to check any bible readings online (opens in a new window)

Education Sunday
Letter from Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon OP, Bishop with special responsibility for Education.

‘This Sunday, along with other Christian churches in England and Wales, we mark Education Sunday. As the Bishop with special responsibility for Education I am grateful for this opportunity to write to you. In the Gospel appointed this Sunday we hear that all the people of the city are searching for Jesus. This is a truth which many in our society have forgotten. Jesus Christ is ‘the way, the truth and the life’ and to accept this is to know true freedom and fullness of life. Our schools and colleges play an important role in the life of the Church, sharing in the mission to make Christ known to all peoples.

The Gospel shows Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons, reminding us that our Christian faith moves us to love our neighbours and to seek the common good. Our schools are a very significant way in which the Catholic community in England and Wales places itself at the service of society. We are mindful that our educational institutions, many of which are among the very best in the country, depend on us for their success and their faithfulness to the evangelical commission to make disciples of all people. They depend first of all upon the support and cooperation of the Catholic parents, who are the first teachers of their children. They depend on local parishes in whose mission and witness they share, and they depend on a great number of committed staff who reflect in their own lives the joy that knowing Christ brings. Our Catholic schools and colleges are a great treasure. This treasure has been given to us and we must ensure that we hand it on to future generations. Education is in a time of great change. For some schools, this may mean working in new ways and in new relationships. Whatever the challenges that we face, now or in the future, let us remain focussed upon Christ in all that we do.’

People

Welcome We welcome into the Christian community Elizabeth Flegg who wase baptised recently. We also offer our congratulations to her parents

Congratulations to Daniel McSweeney & Sophia Mageean who were married at our Church last weekend.

Please pray for all who are ill at this time including John Manners, Mary Minogue, Pat Ryan, Wang Hui, Jenny Field, Tony McHugh, Colin Adams, Callum Gathard, Norma Flood, Jake Korving, Jessie Harris, Maria Stevens, Maureen Lerwill (Senior), Mary Rodgers, Maureen Rowland, Patricia Still, Monica Lomas, Neville Yarwood, Marion Lindsell, Peggy McMullin & babies Faye Cahill & Lea Mohally; may the Lord comfort them in their illness.

Pray for the repose of the souls of all those who have died recently including Peter Francis, Peter Lomas, Jimmy Wilson & Marion Smith and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time including Jean Reilly

Jimmy Wilson RIP Requiem Mass will be held at St John Fisher Church, Peppard Close, Redbourn on Tuesday, 7th February, 6pm. Funeral to be held in Ireland.

Finances and Offerings

Weekly Offering Last weekend’s offertory amounted to to £2.126. Many thanks for your generosity.

CES This weekend there will be a second collection for Catholic Education Service.

Tshwaranang Reuben, the manager of the hospice in South Africa, has sent this message on receiving £2,500 raised in the Parish: ‘Hope the New Year is full of blessings for all your parishioners. We are looking forward to receiving Fr. Charles in our midst. Once more our heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtfulness and efforts in ensuring that there are forever funds that get donated to Tshwaranang.’

February 2012

Tuesday, 7th February CWL: Meeting after 10am Mass in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, 7th February. Jeanne Johnson of St Saviour’s parish, Abbots Langley, will be giving a talk on the history of the Red Cross. Members, guests and visitors are all welcome.

Friday, 10th February Knights of St Columba Bingo: , 8pm in the Parish Hall. Funds in aid of Barnardo’s Children Charity.

Sunday, 5th February, Msza św. po polsku Msza św. po polsku w niedzielę 5-ego lutego o godz. 16-ej. Polish Mass 4pm in the Church.

Tuesday, 7th February. CWL Meeting after 10am Mass in the Parish Hall. Jeanne Johnson of St Saviour’s parish, Abbots Langley, will be giving a talk on the history of the Red Cross. Members, guests and visitors are all welcome.

Friday, 10th February KSC Bingo The next bingo will be on Friday, 10th February, 8pm in the Parish Hall. Funds in aid of Barnardo’s Children Charity.

Saturday, 11th February,Sparks of Light: Parish launch of the diocesan Lenten resource, Sparks of Light: 20th century saints and what we might learn from their lives. Saturday, 11th February, 10am-1pm in the Parish Hall. All parishioners in a small group or anyone interested in joining a small group is invited. Mass at 10am, tea/coffee, talk from Fr. Tom and discussion at 11am and pizza and wine/soft drink at 12noon. £5 on the day. More details or to arrange a lift contact Stan (765549), e-mail: grabecki@hotmail.com

Saturday, 11th February, Familiaris Consortio 30th Anniversary An afternoon of celebration and workshops for anyone interested in supporting and encouraging marriage and family life will take place on Saturday, 11th February, at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral, Lambeth Road, SE1 7HY, from 1.30pm-5pm. Admission free, including refreshments and a choice of 2 workshops from a list of 6 – for details see Upcoming Events on the homepage of www.rcdow.org.uk or contact marriagese@tiscali.co.uk or call 020 8690 9310. The day will conclude with Vigil Mass at 6pm in the Cathedral

Tuesday, 21st February, Churches Together in St Albans 8pm at St Columba’s College. An interactive discussion with our Bishop John Sherrington and the Rt. Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans. All welcome

Saturday, 25th February, Altar Servers Training
- Have you made your First Holy Communion?
- Have you always wanted to be an Altar Server?
- Are you already a Server in our Parish?

We’re calling all Servers, old and new, to come and learn more about what, how and why you do what you do as an Altar Server. We will be having a morning of training on Saturday, 25th February, time tbc. Training will be followed by a social for all our Parish servers in the hall. All current (and new) servers are asked to attend.

starting Sunday, 26th February Churches Together in Marshalswick A series of five weekly Sunday evening reflections for the Lenten period – ‘The Meaning in the Miracles’ will take place at Marshalswick Free Baptist Church starting on Sunday, 26th February, 7pm with an address by the Dean of St Albans Abbey

Monday, 27th February Confirmations - Parents’ meeting on Monday, 27th February, 8pm in the Parish Hall.

March 2012 & Beyond

Wednesday, 14th March, Baptism Course The next pre-baptism session will be held on Wednesday, 14th March, 7.45pm in the Parish Hall. Parents who wish to baptise their FIRST child need to attend. To book a place on this course please call the presbytery on 853585. If you would like to baptise your FIRST child you will be unable to secure a baptism date before attending this session. Baptisms are held on Sundays at 1pm. If you live outside our Parish it is necessary to have a letter from your Parish Priest giving permission to baptise here.

Saturday, 24th March Flame Congress at Wembley Arena. Our Youth Co-ordinator Joanna French is organising a group to go from our Parish for this day of faith, music, prayer, presentations and entertainment, with various speakers and guests. The Congress is being hosted by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation.
A coach will leave our Church at 9.30am and be back for about 7pm.Cost per person is £15 which includes ticket and travel. Places are limited and a deposit of £10 needs to be made by Thursday, 9th February with full payment by Tuesday, 28th February. If you are interested please contact Joanna, e-mail: joanna.french@sasyouth.com

Parish Youth Clubs
Youth Club for Years 3&4 will be on Tuesday, 7th February and for Years 5&6 on Wednesday, 8th February in the Parish Hall from 3.30pm-5pm. Games, crafts, music and Wii are all on offer, plus the cheapest tuck shop in St Albans! Admission is free but parents please come up to the hall with your child to sign them in. Please also ensure an adult comes into the hall to collect them. Youth Clubs for Years 7&8 on Tuesday, 21st February, and Years 9&10 on Wednesday, 22nd February. All children and young people within the Parish are welcome

Regular & Ongoing Events

Rosary at Maryland The Rosary is said at Maryland every Saturday at 4.20pm (before 5pm Mass) for the beatification of Catherine McCauley. All welcome

Catholic Mass is celebrated at the Abbey every Friday at 12 noon

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament In the Prayer Room on the first Friday of each month.

The Rosary is said every morning after Mass, and every Friday 8pm to 9pm in the prayer room. Everybody welcome.

Ignite For all young people in Year 11 and above who have been confirmed. Meet in the Parish Hall after 7pm Mass every Sunday.

Schools & Education

Bishop Visits Nicholas Breakspear School The school would like to thank the parish for its support in joining with Bishop John Sherrington’s celebration of Mass at the school on Wednesday. A moving occasion for all.

Loreto College The college has made a formal application to become an academy in the spring. The Secretary of State for Education invited Loreto to become an academy in June 2010, as soon as the new education policy was announced, because it is a high performing, outstanding school. Westminster Diocese asked Catholic schools to defer their applications until the Education Act had enshrined the existing rights of Catholic schools. The Trustees and Governors respected this position and so delayed making a final decision. Loreto is confident that Academy Status will enhance the outstanding education (Ofsted 2006, 2009) that it already provides within the framework of its ethos.

Other Parish News

Ashes We will be making our own ashes for Ash Wednesday, (22nd February). If you still have last year’s palms, you may like to return them to the Church for burning. Please place palm crosses or branches in the basket in the porch.

More Than Gold Our Church IS on Track (www.morethangold.org.uk) If you are a sportsman or woman or have an interest in the Olympics or Paralympics and would like to be involved in the Church’s call to support the 2012 Games, please call or text Tim (07875848138) or e-mail: tim.stevens6@btinternet.com .