The Second Sunday of Lent, 25th February, 2024, Cycle B
St John the Evangelist
128 Bebington Road, New Ferry, CH62 5BJ
Diocese of Shrewsbury (reg. charity 234025)
Parish Priest: Fr Mario Ashuikeka
Deacon: Revd Michael Daly Phone: 0151 645 3314
Email stjohntheevangelist@gmail.com Websites http://www.stjohntheevangelistnewferry.com
The Second Sunday of Lent, Sunday, 25th February, 2024, Cycle B,
FAITH IN FOCUS: A KNITTING MONKEY?
In the midst of all the economic doom and gloom about the global recession our news programmes try to find the occasional thing to cheer us up. So after yet another High Street name has gone bankrupt we are treated to a story about a monkey that can knit or an octogenarian who has just gone over Niagara Falls in a barrel. It helps us to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. But of course it doesn’t take the recession away.
The disciples had their moments of gloom too. Just before today’s gospel account of the Transfiguration Jesus had been talking to them about taking up their cross and suffering, about losing their lives for the sake of the gospel. That can’t have cheered them up much. But the Transfiguration had the opposite effect on them. They were privileged to see Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, to see his appearance changed before their very eyes and to hear the voice of God coming from the cloud.
It was a boost to their faith, to put it mildly. Such an experience would keep them going strong through all sorts of setbacks that lay in store for them. That’s why Peter wanted to set up three tents, so that he could keep going back and savouring the moment again. If the temptations of Jesus last week represent him as human, then this week’s Transfiguration show his divine side. The three disciples caught a glimpse of his glory, a glory that is normally hidden from view in this life.
What keeps you going in your life of faith? In the ups and downs of daily life there are times when we wonder if it is all worthwhile and yet there are other moments when the presence of God breaks through loud and clear and we feel that we could almost reach out and touch God’s presence.
Lent is a time for taking stock. Perhaps one thing we could take stock of is how we come across God in our daily lives. If you had three tents and could put something in each of them that would speak to you about the close presence of God, about those moments when you can almost smell God, what would you put in each one of them? You can have anything you want, except a monkey that knits!
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ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: Of you my heart has spoken; Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me.
RESPONSE TO THE PSALM: I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Glory and praise to you, O Christ! From the bright cloud the Father’s voice was heard; “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him!” Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
COMMUNION ANTIPHON This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
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In Memoriam- Please pray for Kyle Williams whose Funeral Service will be at St John's this Wednesday at 1.00pm & then Landican Centre Chapel at 2.00pm. Please keep Kyle's family & all those parishioners/friends who have died in your prayers; may they & all the faithful departed rest in the peace of Christ.
Friday 1st March is Women’s World Day of Prayer. There is a service for everyone at 2pm at Lower Bebington Methodist church. All are welcome.
Anointing & Healing Service also this Friday, 1st March 7.00pm. Speaker: Fr Chris Thomas from the Irenaeus Project, Liverpool. Theme: “If you only knew what God is offering....” (John 4:10)”. Leaflets will be on the table at the back of church. See also the poster.
Devotions/Adoration: Saturday Morning Devotions will be prayed in Church (the Rosary, Divine Mercy. & Divine Praises) from 10:30am-11:30am. Fr Mario will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation between 10.30 & 11.00. All are welcome.
Last Weeks’ Offertory Collection amounted to £518.51p. Many thanks for your continued support.
Missio Red Boxes Collection amounted to £435.59p. Many thanks to all contributors.
Mass Intentions If you would like to have a Mass said for your own or someone else’s intentions , fill in one of the Mass offering envelopes at the back of Church, place a donation in it & put it through the Presbytery letterbox. Please give at least three weeks’ notice as we are receiving a large number of requests for particular dates.
Children's Liturgy – takes place during the 9.30am Mass. All are most welcome. From now on, the children will be invited onto the sanctuary, with their catechists & parents, from the offertory until the sign of peace.
Wirral Foodbank Appeal: Please help to support our local Foodbank as much as you can with both food & funds. All items urgently needed are listed on the notice board at the back of church. Thank you.
Wirral Foodbank . We would like to start a new rota to drop off the donations to the warehouse in Birkenhead. The food is all non perishable & can be dropped off at the Wirral warehouse anytime Monday to Thursday between 10am & 1.30pm. My name is Cecily Sabino; I go to 9.30am Mass on Sunday. If you can help please ask Fr Mario or Mike to let me know that you are interested or phone me on 07901105591 so we can have a chat .Thank you
Sunday Morning Teas continue on the first Sunday of each month. Come along for tea/coffee and biscuits whilst enjoying a chat with your fellow parishioners. Next date is Sunday 3 March.
Please continue to pray for St John’s Junior School Candidates who will be receiving their Sacraments of Forgiveness & Holy Communion soon.
CHURCH CAR PARK: continue to be thoughtful when parking and park as closely together as safety allows while not blocking in other cars. Thank you for your cooperation.
Lourdes Overland by Jumbulance (Wirral & Chester Across Groups) taking sick & disabled people to Lourdes. Thursday 30 May to Saturday 9th June & Thursday 15th to 24th August. Contact Tony Murphy 07881 656 974. Please see poster at back of Church..
Mission for Evangelisation, Catechesis, Marriage & Family: the Our Father Resource is now available to download from the Diocesan website. We have created a Year of Prayer page & have uploaded a couple of other resources for both parishes & individuals. This is the link to the page:
https://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/faith-and-life/year-of-prayer-resources/
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024: Brochures & booking forms are now available on the Pilgrimage website : www.shrewsburypilgrimage.co.uk or by ringing 07773 324264, or if you are aged 16 – 22 please email youth@dioceseofshrewsbury.org for an application form to join the youth section of our Pilgrimage. This year our Pilgrimage dates are: by air from Friday 26 July to Thursday 1 August, by coach from Thursday 25/07 to Friday 02/08 & for our young people from Wednesday 24/07 to Friday 02/08. If you are a first-time pilgrim or a returning pilgrim, we look forward to you joining us in Lourdes this year.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORIE WITH FR MARIO. 22nd to 26th June £549 pp sharing or £635 for a single room. Flying from Manchester, 4 star hotel including breakfast and evening meal, local guide and we will be in Medjugorie for the 43rd Anniversary. Telephone Maria on 07576243343 if interested.
Stations of the Cross will be held at 3:00pm each Sunday during Lent & will be led by a different group each week. This Sunday’s leader will be the Men’s Group.
CAFOD Family Fast Day, : CAFOD envelopes are available on the table at the back of church. (If you are a taxpayer, please complete the Gift Aid section). Envelopes can be returned up to & including Palm Sunday, 24th March. There is also a poster on the back of the main Church door with details. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Lenten Day by Day Booklets containing daily readings throughout Lent are on the table at the back of the church. They are £1 but feel free to take a copy & if you are able to, please leave a donation in the Books & Cards Box by the card table/stand".
Lent Talks: Are you thinking of doing something extra during Lent? Why not join us for Being the Beloved, a series of short talks by Henri Nouwen, priest & influential spiritual writer & teacher. Each week we will listen to a short talk, think about what we’ve heard & share ideas in small, informal groups. Parish members David & Dee Stevens will lead the sessions, which will take place at St Anne’s at 6pm on Wednesday 6th , 13th and 20th March. For more details email stevens.dstevens2@gmail.com
Lenten Reconciliation Service: will be held at St Anne's on Tuesday, 12th March at 7.00pm **
CANTORES OEUMENICA are Presenting "Olivet to Calvary" on Palm Sunday 24th March 2024 at 4pm in Holy Angels RC Church, Wicker Lane, Hale Barns WA15 0HF. The Soloists both have a background of Glyndebourne Opera & all are accompanied by the International Organist Jonathan Scott. Entry is FREE with a retiring collection for charity. ALL donations will go to the named charities. For further details, including directions to venue , follow this link http://cantoresoec.org/
CARITAS Stronger Together Groups: Dear friends of Caritas Shrewsbury, I am not sure if you are aware, but Caritas now hosts 3 Stronger Together Community Groups across the Wirral. For more information please see the posters on the notice board at the back of church.
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Saturday 24th 10.30am Devotions – Rosary, Divine Mercy & Divine Praises
5.00pm Philomena Fletcher RIP
Second Sunday of Lent 25th 9.30am Jenny & Norah Inglis B/day Anniv
3.00pm Stations of the Cross
7 .30pm Prayer Meeting
Monday 26th 9.15am In Honour of St Anne- Pray for all Families
Tuesday 27th 9.15am In Honour of St John- Pray for all Parishes, Young People & Good Friendship in Parishes
Wednesday 28th 1.00pm Funeral Service – Kyle Williams
Thursday 29th 7.00pm MASS AT ST JOHN’S ONLY
Graham Sabino RIP
Friday 1st 9.15am Jeanette Morgan & Family
7.00pm Anointing and Healing Service
Saturday 2nd 10.30am Devotions – Rosary, Divine Mercy & Divine Praises
5.00pm Kathleen Connolly RIP
Third Sunday of Lent 3rd 9.30am Colleen Edge RIP
3.00pm Stations of the Cross
7.30pm Prayer Meeting
Weekend Masses - Please note that the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed immediately before each Mass. Please use this as a time for prayer & quiet devotion. Please enter the church quietly & remain so. Thank you.
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ST ANNE’S WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday 24th 6.30pm Pauline Codd 20th Ann RIP
Second Sunday of Lent 25th 11.00am Joanne Jones Anniv
Monday 26th 12 Noon For Families
Tuesday 27th 12 Noon All parishioners of the 3 parishes and young people
Wednesday 28th 12.Noon Josephine Graham RIP
Thursday 29th 7.00pm MASS AT ST JOHN’S ONLY
Friday 1st 12 Noon Michael Jones RIP
Saturday 2nd 6.30pm Ints. Elaine Newell
Third Sunday of Lent 3rd 11.00am Chris Locke RIP
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Pope Francis’ Intentions for February: is that the sick, who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
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