St Mary Mother of God

3rd Sunday of Lent

From Fr. John

Although last Monday was a fine day, it was of very little use to me. There was so much rain over the weekend that my golf course was closed. Later in the afternoon, I went to the driving range in Whalebone Lane where I hit 60 balls. It isn't about getting rid of some of my frustrations on the golf ball, although at times that can be therapeutic; it is more a matter of keeping the swing going. After hitting all those balls, one thing was obvious: I can't hit the ball very far any more. I blamed these new clubs but the truth is age has caught up with me. I might in normal circumstances feel a bit despondent about it but on Wednesday I took notice of the photograph of my club's senior team in 1972 of which I was a member and I realised that of the ten man team only three of us are still alive! But that doesn't mean I should be thrown on the scrapheap. Since my handicap has gone up from 4 to 15, I feel I could take on Rory McIlroy, if I had a good day!

So where does life begin and end? These are two basic questions and the society in which we live is not coping with them very well. This country has the highest number of abortions of any country in Europe and the highest number of pregnancies to single mothers. It looks as though sex education and contraception in schools is a disaster. And what about the elderly? Just because I'm not hitting the ball as far these days, does that mean I must be written off? The elderly in this country are getting very nervous about having to go into hospital. Not only is care getting more basic but the impression given is they have outlived their usefulness. When respect for life has disappeared at one end of the scale, they are right to think that respect for life is not guaranteed at the other end. My mother, who lived into her nineties, said there is no such thing as growing old gracefully. Even so I think the laws in this country should show greater respect and care for the elderly. I can now say that with some feeling!

He was pleased at the wonderful parish we have at St. Mary's. I would like to endorse that. He enjoyed the visit to the school, meeting both children and staff. I told him we had a wonderful staff in the school. The Confirmation liturgy was carried out beautifully. Thanks to Jane, Theresa and their team and the CWL for refreshments afterwards. The bishop was very sensitive and caring to the three candidates who had lost close relatives in recent years. At our team meeting he made one or two good suggestions. He would like evening prayer to be reinstated on Tuesday and Thursday evenings before Mass. He thought a Bereavement Group would be valuable. Also we discussed parish visitation by the clergy. That is being discussed now. Also he was delighted with our involvement with Piet Retief and Sao Paolo. We will keep you informed about other points from time to time.

There has been much discussion about the front page of my Newsletter for the First Sunday of Lent. Why talk among yourselves? Why not talk to me because what might seem to be a big problem to you may disappear in minutes if you talk to me. I'm very approachable and sympathetic. Try me!

I hope you will try to get to Mass either morning or evening during Lent.

On Fridays at 7.00pm. This is a very traditional Catholic way of preparing for Easter. It is a wonderful meditation on the last days in the life of Jesus.

An excellent little book for a Lenten journey of prayer, on sale in the porch for just £1.00.

Our March course is now in progress.

We welcome the Sunshines to their session. Parents, sorry you have double chapters to work through with the children this week. Thank you for your cooperation. Jane & Theresa.

Congratulations to all our young people who made their Confirmation last week. Our Going Forth celebration takes place on Saturday, 13th March from 4.00 - 6.00pm in the Church.

The itinerary for Rome is now finalised and is on the noticeboard in the church porch.

Meets on Tuesday at 8.00pm in the Van Meenen Room.

Will meet at 18 Mendip Road on Thursday, 11th March. Host: Ena Cadden. Time: 7.30 - 9.00pm.

Our annual pilgrimage is from 4th - 11th June. If interested (no commitment) see poster in porch. For full details contact Tom or Bernard (Ushers at 11.30am Mass). You will never regret or forget this wonderful experience.

We meet every Thursday from 2.00 - 3.30pm. Why not come and join us.

Would like to thank you all for your prayers and support over the last 3 years whilst their son James has been receiving chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia. The treatment cycle ended on 19th
February and the prognosis from Great Ormond Street Hospital for the future for James is very positive.

March 8th. Pax Christi cards to send to women's groups working for peace in various parts of the world with messages of support are available in the porch.

Campion School Parents' Association present a Pamper Evening on Friday, 12th March from
7.00 - 11.00pm. Ladies £3. Girls £1.50. Contact Marcia on 0208 500 9212.

Written and performed by Kevin Walsh. The Easter story told in the voices of the people who were there. On Wednesday, 24th and Friday, 26th March at 8.00pm in the North Street Halls, Hornchurch. Tickets £6 available at your church (see poster) or ring 01708 226117/449857 to make reservations. Presented by The Churches Together in Hornchurch, profits go to support The Hornchurch Passion 2011.

At SION Community, Brentwood. Saturday, 27th March, 10.00am - 4.30pm. Theme 'I Thirst', Speaker - Fr Angelus. Everyone welcome. Please bring a packed lunch.

A parishioner, is running the London marathon for the Spinal Injuries Association and would be grateful for any donations. These can be made at www.justgiving.com/JOHN-DELANDER.

Members Club, family atmosphere, close to the church. Apply at Club for membership. Private functions can be held, alongside existing programme. Telephone Andy on 07946 650606.

Of the Marillac will be holding an Auction on Saturday, 13th March at the Marillac Hall, Warley. Viewing 9.00 - 10.00am. Bidding 10.00am.

01708 754059. £350 ono. 1989. MOT 12 months, tax 3 months. 1 Ltr, 3 door hatchback.

At home and in hospital, especially Fiona Allen, Baby Stella, Ashley Baptiste, Niamh Bowdler, Kathleen Bruxby, Rose Burling, Ann Carroll, Mary Claire Carroll, Alfred DeSouza, Caitlin Donovan, Leo Duffy, Carmen Fisher, Jackie Fisher, Kevin Hartie, Evelyn Hughes, Mary Hughes, Fr Gerard Hughes, Josie Humphreys, Yvonne Ingham, Dave Kelly, Patrick Killeen, James Lanigan, Carmen Magro, Doris Magro, Myra Munden, Grady O'Neill, Mary Orford, Fr. David Papworth, Theresa Parr, Paul Ridley, Hazel Roberts, Len Smith, Jane Stevenson, Jim Tatam, Muriel Tompkins, Marie Tuck, Ken Warren, David Wells, John Wilson, and for all our family and friends who are ill. Please inform us if there is someone seriously ill.