Newsletter
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
6th April 2008
CALENDAR
Monday: St John Baptist de la Salle
Friday: St Stanislaus
Gospel Reflection:
Meeting Jesus
Two disciples travel along the road to Emmaus talking about recent events in Jerusalem. They are feeling helpless and defeated in the wake of Jesus' crucifixion. Perhaps they were still strongly tied to the Jewish expectation of a Messiah, and had little understanding of Jesus' divinity. They simply saw Jesus' death as a crushing defeat. Perhaps our own stories aren't too different. We often feel defeated and helpless, unable to see what Jesus' death and resurrection could mean for us. Do we spend long periods of depression, unable to appreciated God's presence in our lives? One thing is for sure; it would be nothing short of a tragedy if we got to the end of life's paths without meeting Jesus, so how should we go about it?
Notice in today's gospel that Jesus opens the eyes of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus very gradually. The two travellers don't recognise Jesus straight away, but their hearts warm to him as he helps them to see recent events in the light of scripture. As he interprets what has happened, he gives them hope in the future and a clear vision of new opportunities. Then when the couple invite Jesus to stay, and he breaks bread with them, they come to realise who he really is. What a life changing moment that must have been!
This story is clearly not just for the benefit of the two travellers or even for the first disciples; this story is for the benefit of us all. We might think that we've been going to church long enough to have heard it all before, but there's always something new to learn. Today we are invited to meet Jesus in the Eucharist, and to re-find Jesus in the way we understand and interpret the scriptures. Take up the challenge.
CHOOSE LIFE
Bishop Alan Hopes invites Young Adults (17+) in the west of the diocese to come to Our Lady of Victories, Kensington High Street for 6.30pm
next Sunday (13th April)
At mass he will lead a faith-sharing and afterwards in the hall will join everyone for a social gathering.
Pope Benedict's Prayer Intention for April.
Proclamation of the Resurrection.
Straight after Jesus' death, his closest friends, convinced that he had left them forever, turned back to their old lives in confusion and helplessness. Then strange reports began to emerge. Gradually the conviction that Jesus was alive enthused the early disciples to such an extent that they couldn't wait to spread the important news far and wide. Suddenly the disciples were filled with energy, courage, vision and hope. This is what belief in the resurrection has to mean for us too.
This month we are invited to join Pope Benedict's prayer intention "... That Christians may not tire of proclaiming with their lives that Christ's resurrection is the source of hope and peace."
Mass for Migrant Workers in the Capital
Coming to work in a foreign country can be a very challenging time for the most courageous of people. If you know of anyone who might benefit from attending a Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Monday 5th May at 11.00am please tell them they will be made most welcome and will find an opportunity to make valuable social and Catholic contacts.
World Youth Day - Sponsored Walk
The young people traveling to Sydney in July will be doing their advertised walk on Sunday April 27th - and afterwards trust they can call on their generous sponsorships. Many thanks. S.W.
Church cleaning!!
Don't let the numbers of those who keep the church neat and tidy drop down.
The work is not heavy and presently any team is called on only five times a year. If you are able to fill a team vacancy that has occurred please do contact Mrs Christiane Naylor on 
020 8941 1179
You are invited to our 4th annual
"ALL NATIONS FIESTA"
Westminster Cathedral Hall
Ambrosden Avenue
10am-2pm Sunday 18th May 2008
Free Admission - Win a pack of High Street Vouchers
Carmel - A School of Contemplative Prayer
26th April, House of Prayer, E. Molesley
The Sisters of Christian Retreat, welcome Christians of all denominations to the fourth of a 6-session Course - 'Exploring our Christian roots' 10.00am-4.00pm.
Cost £15.00. Please book in advance Tel/Fax 020 8941 2313. e-mail info@christian-retreat.org
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP COURSE
A course in Pastoral Leadership will take place at Abbotswick House in the Essex countryside from 6th to 10th June and is led by Fr W Jarema. It is aimed at priests, religious, head-teachers, pastoral assistants and anyone who wishes to improve their skills in this important area. Call 01277 373959 or e-mail www.abbotswick.org
'A Mission to Love' - Marriage Seminar - Aylesford Priory, Kent
Marriages require nourishing and celebrating. A non-residential weekend 7th- 8th June will lead couples in experiencing the power of grace in their relationship as God intended it. Phone Cath MacGillivray 020 7931 6064. e-mail cathmacgillivray@rcdow.org.uk
NOTICE TO THE CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES
Don't forget the last period of instruction coming up which is Wednesday April 16th at 5.15 in the Parish Centre. Please be ready to tell of your choice of Confirmation name!
TAX BREAK - SUNDAY APRIL 6TH.
Everyone is rejoicing at the marvelous reduction in income tax (down to 20% in the pound from today!) Do please remember that it will affect charities significantly in the opposite direction. If anyone needs information about filling out a Gift-Aid donation form please take a copy from the church when you leave after mass.
THE WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR
The Cathedral Choir require the services of a Countertenor Lay-Clerk.
If you wish to apply for the post please contact Aoife Daly, Music Administrator at the Cathedral 020 7798 9057.
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