Introduction to the Readings This Weekend

6^th Sunday of Ordinary Time. February 16^th 2020

 First Reading: This short reading from one of the wisdom writings of the Old Testament lets us know what an awesome reality human freedom is. We are at liberty to choose fire or water, life or death. God respects our freedom to choose, and he permits us to experience the consequences of our choices.

Second Reading: St Paul’s teaching, the teaching of our faith, is not ‘a philosophy of our age’; it dose not pander to fashion or fad, but places truth before us and invites us to choose in accordance with the truth. It is God’s Holy Spirit who shows us the truth and empowers us to live by it.

Gospel: ‘You have heard …… but I say this to you.‘ This contrast, or antithesis, runs like a refrain through the Sermon on the Mount. Moses gave the law from Mount Sinai; in his Sermon on the Mount, it is Jesus, the new and definitive Moses who explains the law in all its depth.

Development Fund Boxes

The boxes of envelopes for 2020 will be available for householders to collect in the Pastoral Centre from this week, Monday to Friday. The remaining boxes will later be delivered to households in the Parish.

Stained Glass Repair

The modern style of the stained glass windows are a striking feature of our Church. Unfortunately, over the years they have deteriorated. The glass has buckled in many places, partly due to the difference in air pressure inside and outside. Some panels are subject to leaking when there is driving rain. A programme of repair began this week, removing a few panels which will be taken away for repair and restoration. These will be re-fitted in 5–6 weeks time. This process is slow and may continue for 2 years or so, allowing for the restoration while not impacting hugely on Masses and other ceremonies.

50th Anniversary

As part of the celebrations to mark the 50^th anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady & St Brendan’s Church this year, the parish hopes to hold an exhibition and produce a publication relating to the history of the Church over the past 50 years. We would be delighted to receive photographs and memorabilia. All items submitted will be returned to the owner as soon as they are scanned/copied.

Live Streaming

Masses are live-streamed and available on our parish website at weekends and 9.30am Mass during the week. See link on the top right of our homepage or click here.

Family Chapel

is available during weekend Masses for families with young children. Mass can be viewed on TV screen.

Parish Mission

to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Our Lady & St Brendan’s Church. The Pastoral Parish Council has arranged a Mission to take place from October 18^th to October 23^rd 2020. Further details at a later date.