Bletchley Parish

Some excellent resources for celebrating Holy Week and Easter at home can be found by clicking the following link: https://mailchi.mp/6b8082807dd0/holy-week-and-easter-at-home?e=d47f346adb

Live Stream Mass: St Thomas Aquinas Church
We will be live streaming the Liturgy from St Thomas Aquinas Church each day throughout Holy Week and Easter. If you are unable to connect for the live broadcast it will remain recorded for 24 hours and so can be viewed later on. We will post a link around 10 to 15 minutes before each broadcast which will appear below.

MAUNDY THURSDAY
8:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Click the link below which will be posted at 8:15pm

Holy week and Easter Times of Liturgies
(Live Stream Only. No Public Attendance)

Holy Week:
Palm Sunday 10:00am Mass
Holy Monday 10:00am Mass
Holy Tuesday 10:00am Mass
Holy Wednesday 10:00am Mass

Easter Triduum:
Maundy Thursday 8:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday 3pm Solemn Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord
Holy Saturday (Vigil of Easter) 8:30pm Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection
Easter Sunday 10:00am Mass of the Day

PARISH OFFERTORY GIVING
The suspension of pubilc Masses has had a huge effect on our Parish income and we still have bills to pay. As a means of mitigating against this loss we would like to encourage those parishioners who do not currently give by Standing Order to donate online. This can be done at: 
https://northamptondiocese.org/donate/
Please ensure that you type the parish name and area i.e. “St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints, Bletchley” in the NOTES SECTION of the donate page. 

Or.., by Standing Order via your own bank:
You can also set up a standing order for donations to the parish using either your on line bank account or in branch. The information required to make the donation is as follows.
Bank: NatWest
Sort Code: 60-06-11
Account Name; 46898093
Account Name: Northampton Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust
Payment Ref: St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints Parish, Bletchley

Alternatively CHEQUES made payable to “St Thomas Aquinas Church” can be posted to:
The Presbytery, 1 Sycamore Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2JE.

EASTER DONATION FOR YOUR PRIESTS
ONLINE DONATION on the Diocesan Website:
https://northamptondiocese.org/donate/
Follow the instructions on the Catholic Diocese of Northampton Virgin money giving page. Please ensure that you type the parish name, area and priest’s name i.e St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints, Bletchley, Fr Christopher Perry and Fr Emmanuel Okami in the notes section of the donate page.

Many thanks for your kindness and generosity once again towards Fr Christopher and Fr Emmanuel in the form of the Easter Offering. They divide the money, which you kindly give, 50:50 which provides them with a modest income until Christmas and pays to keep their cars on the road!

What is the Rededication? This Rededication on March 29th is a both a personal promise of the people of our country, and a renewal of the entrustment vows made by King Richard II in 1381.

The Dedication in 1381. The first dedication was made by King Richard II in Westminster Abbey as he sought the protection of Our Lady in the face of great political turmoil. At this point, England received the title ‘Mary’s Dowry’; meaning that England was ‘set aside’ as a gift, a dowry, for Our Lady under her guidance and protection.

The Rededication in 2020. As King Richard II once gave England as a gift to Our Lady, so we are invited to give ourselves, as the people of this country, to Mary. We respond to this invitation on the day of Rededication in two ways; by making a personal promise and a communal entrustment.

A Personal Promise. Our personal promise brings us closer to Mary, the first disciple of Christ. In this we unite in her joy by following her openness to God’s call. The Angelus Promise is the prayer of this personal promise. In it we proclaim our own “Yes” in union with Mary through the words of the Annunciation.

A Communal Entrustment. The Act of Entrustment of England to The Virgin Mary is a prayer of a profoundly historic and spiritual nature, bringing together the prayers of surrender and dedication that have echoed through our history.

Monday 30th March 2020: Novena in thanksgiving for the Rededication. On the Monday following the Rededication, you are invited to join us at the Shrine in praying the Novena in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham in thanksgiving for the Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary and for the Lord’s protection for all affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Novena will be prayed at the end of each Shrine Mass on livestream. We will continue this novena “until the storm passes”.

Prayer

Let us intensify our prayer in these days for England and all nations during this time of great crisis.

Pastoral Letter from Bishop David

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These words of the Apostle Paul root us firmly where we belong, in the grace and peace of God. Things are not turning out as we may have imagined, even a few weeks ago now, and this is not the letter I had hoped to send you as my first communication with you! It is unfortunate that the episcopal ordination took place as it were, behind closed doors. That very image speaks to us of the Easter Gospels, and the disciples gathered together in fear and anxiety within a locked room. But the coronavirus is certainly affecting every aspect of our society. We have heard so much about what it can do, how it attacks the respiratory system and can cause damage, even fatalities. Those who have political responsibility are obliged to offer sound advice to us in this state of crisis, and we must be prudent in our response to this advice. However, we should not allow this virus to rob us of the breath of the Spirit. The Holy Father encourages us to deal with this viral threat in these encouraging words, ‘with the strength of faith, the certitude of hope and the fervour of charity’ (Pope Francis, March 8, 2020).
Unfortunately, the coronavirus means the need to make some drastic changes to the way we live and celebrate the mysteries of faith. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have said that the most responsible thing for us to do, is to suspend public worship from the evening of Friday 20th March. This is an action which needs to be taken in the face of a potentially deadly virus. As you may have heard, this decision has already been made and enacted in other parts of Europe and the rest of the world. Many of our priests and faithful parishioners are over 70 and others have underlying health conditions. We have a duty of care towards them. It is an act of charity to seek their protection from this deadly thing. Of course, nothing attacks the priestly heart more than being told he is unable to serve his people and to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with them. Nothing is more painful for our faithful people, than not being able to receive the sacraments. This is a sacrifice we must reluctantly take during these weeks of a deadly epidemic. Our priests will continue to offer Mass every day, but without a public congregation. Some are able to stream their celebration of Mass, especially on Sundays. Masses and other services and devotions will be streamed from the Cathedral. I will celebrate the 11.00am Sunday Mass at the Cathedral and it will be offered for every community and individual in our Diocese.
We had hoped to be able to keep our churches open. Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament would have given much solace to thirsting souls. Since the Prime Minister’s announcements on the evening of Monday, 23rd March, this is unfortunately no longer possible.

The situation is changing daily as we all seek to heed the advice of the medical and public health professionals. Again, it has to be said, we must be prudent in our response to their advice. Those responsible for advising us about liturgical matters, and especially as Holy Week and Easter approaches, will soon be able to share some guidelines with us to guide our response to this pandemic.
During these days of the Season of Lent, we have sought to join with our Saviour in His fast in the wilderness. Let’s remind ourselves of the Gospel of the temptations we heard on the First Sunday of Lent. Jesus put His trust in His Father and the Word of God in the Scriptures. In Jesus’ fasting from food, our Saviour learnt how to trust in God’s mercy and compassionate presence. Our Lord’s time in the desert echoes the earlier time that Israel spent in the Exodus journey to the Promised Land. We know how they struggled in these forty years, turning away from the Lord on occasions, entering into repentance and experiencing God’s powerful forgiveness. In all of this, I love the image of God walking with His people, a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. May we know that the Lord is walking with us, His pilgrim people. Let us pray that the Lord will strengthen us all in faith and hope, and help us to see how we can live our faith and hope with fresh charity towards others.

Yours devotedly in Christ.
✠ David J Oakley Bishop of Northampton

Following the Prime Minister’s Statement to the Nation at 8:30pm on Monday 23rd March 2020 The Church of St Thomas Aquinas, Fenny Stratford and the Church of All Saints, West Bletchley will remain CLOSED until further notice.

Sadly the churches cannot be open for private prayer at this time. Mass will be offered privately each day by both Fr Christopher and Fr Emmnuel for your intentions and we invite you to join your prayers with ours at home by making a Spiritual Communion. Some suggested prayers are available below.

We pray that through our collective and the sacrifices we can make in following the Government’s directives lives can be saved and the spread of infection greatly reduced. It is the heartfelt desire to keep the two greatest commandments as taught by our Blessed Lord, love of God and love of our neighbour, that compels us to do all we can at this time to protect and support each other.
May God be with us all in this noble endeavour.

Parish Offertory Giving
The suspension of pubilc Masses will have a huge effect on our Parish income and we still have bills to pay. As a means of mitigating against this loss we would like to encourage those parishioners who do not currently give by Standing Order to donate online. This can be done at:

https://northamptondiocese.org/donate/

Please ensure that you type the parish name and area i.e. “St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints, Bletchley” in the NOTES SECTION of the donate page.

Or.., by Standing Order via your own bank:
You can also set up a standing order for donations to the parish using either your on line bank account or in branch. The information required to make the donation is as follows.

Bank; NatWest
Sort Code; 60-06-11
Account Name; 46898093
Account Name; Northampton Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust
Payment Ref; St Thomas Aquinas and All Saints Parish, Bletchley

Participating in Mass online
You can participate in Mass online from our Cathedral in Northampton at: http://northamptoncathedral.org/live/

…or from the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at:
http://www.walsingham.org.uk/live-stream

…or from the Eternal Word Television Network at:
https://www.ewtn.com/tv/shows/sunday-mass-live

Important Message from the SVP
SVP HELP & SUPPORT
If you are isolated [self imposed or otherwise] during these stressful times of Virus etc. PLEASE call our SVP HELPLINE. 07788796378: simply leave your number and one of the Members will get back to you to discuss how they can help you.
God Bless John Scott & Team SVP

Prayer Resources for use during the Coronavirus pandemic
The Act Spiritual Communion
The heartfelt desire to receive Our Lord even when we are unable to do so at Mass. This desire to receive him through Spiritual Communion is an act of love which prolongs our thanksgiving even when we are not in the Eucharistic presence of Our Lord. The desire is to live constantly in His presence: ‘The effects of a sacrament can be received by desire’ (St Thomas Aquinas). There are many formulae from the saints for making a Spiritual Communion including St Alphonsus Liguori:
My Jesus, I believe that You are truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as being already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary during the coronavirus pandemic
O Mary, you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of all People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Extract from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer. Amen.

A Prayer for Healthcare Workers during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19
Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.
God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families. Amen.

Prayer for those Affected
Merciful God,
come to the help of your people.
Be our shelter in this time of peril
and strengthen the bonds of our community.
Bring healing to all who suffer
the ravages of disease
and assist those whose skill and art
can put an end to this affliction.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

O God,
our refuge and our shield,
even when we walk in the shadow of death
you are there at our side.
Be with your people in this time of danger:
bring strength to the afflicted
and protection to those untouched by disease.
Give us love and courage,
that we may trust in your power to save
and reach out to all who need our care.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for our Priests as they exercise their ministry during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19
Eternal God,
Be with our priests this day as they seek
to minister to your people.
May you be a guiding and protective presence with them
as they bring the consolation and hope of Your word
and the grace and nourishment of Eucharist
to those entrusted into their care.
Grant them the strength of mind and body,
keep them safe to do your will,
And give them the courage and peace
to face each day with trust and confidence in You.
Into your hands O God, we commend them;
fill them with your grace and healing. Amen.

A letter from the President and Vice-President
on behalf of all the Bishops of the Conference

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of our lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly express our faith. It is very clear that, following official advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS, at this time we must not gather for public acts of worship in our churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice. Our churches will remain open. They are not closing. They will be a focal point of prayer, where you will find solace and strength. In visiting our churches at this time, we will observe with great care the practices of hygiene and the guidance on social distancing. However, the celebration of Mass, Sunday by Sunday and day by day, will take place without a public congregation.

Knowing that the Mass is being celebrated; joining in spiritually in that celebration; watching the live-streaming of the Mass; following its prayers at home; making an act of spiritual communion: this is how we share in the Sacrifice of Christ in these days. These are the ways in which we will sanctify Sunday, and indeed every day.

We want everyone to understand that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. This is, without doubt, the teaching of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181). This pandemic is the ‘serious reason’ why this obligation does not apply at this time.

You will find more details about the pathway of prayer and sacramental life we are now to take in the accompanying document and on the Bishops’ Conference website (www.cbcew.org.uk). Your own bishop and parish priest will provide further support, encouragement and information about our way of prayer together in the coming weeks.

The second vital aspect of these challenging times is our care for each other. There are so many ways in which we are to do this: being attentive to the needs of our neighbour, especially the elderly and vulnerable; contributing to our local food banks; volunteering for charitable initiatives and organisations; simply keeping in touch by all the means open to us.

During these disturbing and threatening times, the rhythm of the prayer of the Church will continue. Please play your part in it. The effort of daily kindness and mutual support for all will continue and increase. Please play your part in this too. For your commitment to this, we thank you.

‘The Lord is my shepherd, There is nothing I shall want.’

May God bless us all.

Vincent Cardinal Nichols
President

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP
Vice-President

18th March 2020

This Week’s Liturgies

Sunday Third Sunday of Lent
6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followehd by Adoration
11:30 (AS) Funeral Service of Maria Hardy

Tuesday Feast: St Patrick
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Lent Feria
9:30am Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Stations of the Cross
12:00pm (AS) Funeral Mass of Brian Roberts

Thursday Solemnity: St Joseph
NO 10:00am MASS Today
Please pray for Canon David Oakley as he is Ordained Bishop today at our Cathedral for the Northampton Diocese
11:00am (STA) Funeral Mass of Maria Falco

Friday Lent Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
2:00pm (STA) Funeral Service for Monica Cahill
2:00pm (AS) Stations of the Cross
led by the Knights of St Columba
7:00pm (AS) Word of Life: teaching and prayer ministry.
Mass, Adoration and sacred teaching

Saturday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Episcopal Ordination
Canon David Oakley is to be ordained the thirteenth Bishop of Northampton on Thursday 19th March 2020 in the Cathedral. As you can imagine it is going to be impossible to accommodate all the people who wish to attend and so the entry will be by ticket only. Two Parishioners from Bletchley have been invited to represent the Parish. It will be possible however to watch the event live on the cathedral website http://www.northamptoncathedral.org

There will also be Evening Prayer at 7pm on Wednesday 18th March at the Cathedral when the Bishop Elect will make his profession of faith and there will be a blessing of his new mitre, crozier and episcopal ring, everyone is welcome to attend this event.

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for March
Catholics in China
We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Requiescant in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Maria Lillian Hardy, whose Funeral service will be at 11:30am on Monday 16th March at All Saints Church.
Brian Roberts, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12noon on Wednesday 18th March at All Saints Church.
Maria Falco, whose Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Thursday 19th March at St Thomas Aquinas Church.
Monica Cahill, whose Funeral Service will be at 2pm on Friday 20th March at St Thomas Aquinas Church.
Philip Zscherpel Funeral details to follow.

Health Concerns: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Stage 2 of the “Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes” has been implemented by Bishop Peter for Northampton Diocese. As a precaution and to help mitigate the risk of spreading the virus the use of Holy Water stoups, the sharing of The Peace, Communion from the Chalice, the use of Hymn Books by the Congregation, Parish Diary Stamping for School Admissions and First Holy Communion Preparation, the Offertory Procession and the Collection by means of the passing of a basket from person to person, ARE SUSPENDED until further notice. Collections will be taken at the door after Mass. Please take Newsletters home with you after Mass and do not leave them in the Church after they have been used. Vulnerable parishioners (such as the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those with long term conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease) are dispensed from the Obligation to attend Sunday Mass if they believe it could compromise their health. Please practice good personal hygiene. Hand sanitiser is available at the back of church. Please ensure that tissues are not discarded anywhere other than in a bin.
Please pray for all those affected by the virus and those supporting them.
A copy of the “Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes” is available on the noticeboard or online at:
http://www.cbcew.org.uk/guidance-to-catholics-on-coronavirus

Stations of the Cross in Lent
St Thomas Aquinas Church:
Wednesdays after 10:00am Mass
All Saints Church: Fridays 2:00pm

Second Collection This Weekend:
CAFOD (Catholic Action for Oversees Development). Please place your donation / envelope in the baskets at the front of Church.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

Legion of Mary Auxiliary Members
Auxiliary members of the Legion of Mary are invited to attend The Acies (our yearly consecration to Our Lady and renewal of Legionary Promise). It will be held at St Mary’s Church, Stony Stratford at 9:15am on Saturday 21st March. Please bring a plate of food to share. If you need a lift, please contact the Parish Office during office hours.

PARISH LENT DEVOTION
40 HOURS FOR THE LORD (QUARANTORE)
Theme – 40 Hours for Life: Praying for the protection of human life from conception to natural death.
Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April 2020
St Thomas Aquinas Church
Each Day will consist of 10 hours of Exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament
The programme for each day will be:
10:00am HOLY MASS
followed by Exposition and Morning Prayer
11:00am Holy Rosary
(Priest available to hear Confessions)
12 noon Midday Prayer with Talk
3:00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
(Tuesday 31st March: 3:00pm Mass)
4:30pm Evening Prayer
7:00pm Holy Rosary
(Priest available to hear Confessions)
7:40pm Compline and Benediction
8:00pm HOLY MASS
Please note that there will be NO Masses celebrated at All Saints during these days of Devotion.

Advance Notice
“PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY AND MEET YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM”
Your opinions matter so make them count
Calling all residents of central Bletchley, Fenny Stratford & Lakes Estate you are invited to join your local policing team to set your local priorities. Get involved or just come along and see what it is all about. The meeting will be held on Monday 27th April 2020, 7pm To 9pm, Sycamore Hall, Drayton Road, Bletchley, MK2 3RR.

The Word of Life Team…
You are cordially invited to our Word of Life teaching and prayer ministry on Friday 20th March 2020 and every 3rd Friday of the month, at All Saints Church.
*Featuring: Mass and Teaching; Adoration;
Worship/Praises and Prayers
*Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
*Venue: All Saints Church, Shenley Road,
Bletchley, (Milton Keynes) MK3 6HG.
Come and enjoy the glory, beauty and power of His presence. Everything you need is with Jesus. Come with your family and invite your friends.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

This Week’s Liturgies

Sunday Second Sunday of Lent
6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Lent Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Lent Feria
9:30am Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Stations of the Cross

Thursday Lent Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Lent Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
2:00pm (AS) Stations of the Cross
led by the Knights of St Columba

Saturday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for March
Catholics in China
We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Requiescant in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Calogero Scarito, whose Funeral Mass will be at 9.45am on Wednesday 11th March at All Saints Church.
Fr Joseph Pham, Assistant priest of Bletchley from 2001-2003, whose Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Saturday 14th March at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bedgrove, Aylesbury, HP21 7UE.
Maria Lillian Hardy, whose Funeral service will be at 11:30am on Monday 16th March at All Saints Church.
Brian Roberts, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12noon on Wednesday 18th March at All Saints Church.
Maria Falco, whose Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Thursday 19th March at st Thomas Aquinas Church.
Monica Cahill, whose Funeral Service will be at 2pm on Friday 20th March at st Thomas Aquinas Church.
Philip Zscherpel who died last week, Funeral details to follow.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Stage 2 of the “Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes” has been implemented by Bishop Peter for Northampton Diocese. Consequently the use of Holy Water stoups, the sharing of The Peace, Communion from the Chalice, the use of Hymn Books by the Congregation, Parish Diary Stamping for School Admissions and First Holy Communion Preparation, the Offertory Procession and the Collection by means of the passing of a basket from person to person, ARE SUSPENDED until further notice. Collections will be taken at the door after Mass. Please take Newsletters home with you after Mass and do not leave them in the Church after they have been used. Vulnerable parishioners (such as the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those with long term conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease) are dispensed from the Obligation to attend Sunday Mass if they believe it could compromise their health. Please practice good personal hygiene. Hand sanitiser is available at the back of church. Please ensure that tissues are not discarded anywhere other than in a bin.
A copy of the “Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes” is available on the noticeboard or online at:
http://www.cbcew.org.uk/guidance-to-catholics-on-coronavirus

Stations of the Cross in Lent
St Thomas Aquinas Church:
Wednesdays after 10:00am Mass
All Saints Church: Fridays 2:00pm

Second Collection Next Weekend:
CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day was on Friday 6 March and was the 60th anniversary of the first Family Fast Day led by our founding mothers (one from our very own diocese!) and, as it has been for sixty years, is an opportunity to reach out and support highly-skilled local experts around the world who help the poorest members of our global family. Please collect your Family Fast Day envelope this week and give whatever you can to help experts like Sister Consilia – a nun and trained pharmacist who treats people in rural Zimbabwe – continue their vital work. There will be a second collection in the Parish on the weekend of 14 / 15th March.

Bereavement Support Group
Do you miss someone? Would you like to talk about it? Our Parish Bereavement Group gives you the safe space to share your grief following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who are gone and reflect on our faith to guide us through. Monday 9th March 3.30-5:00 pm
Now at a change of venue:
St Thomas Aquinas Church Meeting Room (MK2 2JE)

Bedford SVP Lenten Retreat
Due to be held on Saturday 14th March has sadly been cancelled.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

Legion of Mary Auxiliary Members
Auxiliary members of the Legion of Mary are invited to attend The Acies (our yearly consecration to Our Lady and renewal of Legionary Promise). It will be held at St Mary’s Church, Stony Stratford at 9:15am on Saturday 21st March. Please bring a plate of food to share. If you need a lift, please contact the Parish Office during office hours.

PARISH LENT DEVOTION
40 HOURS FOR THE LORD (QUARANTORE)
Theme – 40 Hours for Life: Praying for the protection of human life from conception to natural death.
Monday 30th March – Thursday 2nd April 2020
St Thomas Aquinas Church
Each Day will consist of 10 hours of Exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament
The programme for each day will be:
10:00am HOLY MASS
followed by Exposition and Morning Prayer
11:00am Holy Rosary
(Priest available to hear Confessions)
12 noon Midday Prayer with Talk
3:00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
(Tuesday 31st March: 3:00pm Mass)
4:30pm Evening Prayer
7:00pm Holy Rosary
(Priest available to hear Confessions)
7:40pm Compline and Benediction
8:00pm HOLY MASS
Please note that there will be NO Masses celebrated at All Saints during these days of Devotion.

Advance Notice
“PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY AND MEET YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM”
Your opinions matter so make them count
Calling all residents of central Bletchley, Fenny Stratford & Lakes Estate you are invited to join your local policing team to set your local priorities. Get involved or just come along and see what it is all about. The meeting will be held on Monday 27th April 2020, 7pm To 9pm, Sycamore Hall, Drayton Road, Bletchley, MK2 3RR.

Easter Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
8th April 2020. £699.00 per person. Single supp £100.00. Flight with 10kg bag, 5 nights’ Knock House Hotel with breakfast and dinner. All excursions included. Lunches on days out. Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. Knock Pilgrimages ATOL T7613.
**Disclaimer – This is not organised by the Parish, the Parish therefore takes no responsibility for it.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

This Week’s Liturgies
Sunday First Sunday of Lent
6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Lent Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Lent Feria
9:30am Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Stations of the Cross

Thursday Lent Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Lent Feria – CAFOD Family Fast Day
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
CAFOD Breakfast & refreshments after Mass in STA Meeting Room – All Welcome
2:00pm (AS) Stations of the Cross
led by the knights of St Columba

Saturday Memoria: SS Perpetua & Felicity
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for March
Catholics in China
We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Requiescant in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Calogero Scarito, whose Funeral Mass will be at 9.45am on Wednesday 11th March at All Saints Church.
Maria Lillian Hardy, whose Funeral service will be at 11:30am on Monday 16th February at All Saints Church.

Coronovirus (Corvid-19)
A copy of the “Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes” is available on the noticeboard or online at:
http://www.cbcew.org.uk/guidance-to-catholics-on-coronavirus.
Everyone is invited to practice universal good hygiene at Mass.
• All Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are asked to use the hand sanitising gel (available at the back of church).
• Those with cold-like symptoms are asked to refrain from receiving the Precious Blood and to refrain from receiving the Sacred Host directly on the tongue. NB: The fullness of Holy Communion (Jesus’ actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) can be received under one kind, i.e. the sacred Host.
• Whilst it is always optional at Mass the Sign of Peace has not at this time been suspended but those with cold or flu like symptoms should refrain from sharing the peace by shaking hands. In such cases a bow of the head is advisable.
If anyone suspects they may have the virus they should self isolate and call the NHS on 111 for advice. Anyone who is ill is automatically dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday and Holyday Mass.

Second Collection this Weekend – Sepo
“Sepo” which means hope is our own Parish charity which provides financial assistance to St Agatha’s Catholic Parish in Mongu, Zambia, as well the work of the “Dream Project” run by the Comboni sisters. Pictures of some of the projects in Zambia which Sepo has supported are on the noticeboard in the parish Meeting Room.

Divine Mercy Devotions
Today: Sunday 1st March
3pm at All Saints Church, everyone very welcome!

Stations of the Cross in Lent
St Thomas Aquinas Church:
Wednesdays after 10:00am Mass
All Saints Church: Fridays 2:00pm

CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day on Friday 6 March is the 60th anniversary of the first Family Fast Day led by our founding mothers (one from our very own diocese!) and, as it has been for sixty years, is an opportunity to reach out and support highly-skilled local experts around the world who help the poorest members of our global family. Please collect your Family Fast Day envelope this week and give whatever you can to help experts like Sister Consilia – a nun and trained pharmacist who treats people in rural Zimbabwe – continue their vital work. There will be a second collection in the Parish on the weekend of 14 / 15th March.

CAFOD Family Fast Day Breakfast
Please join us for a continental breakfast after 10am Mass on Friday 6th March in St Thomas Aquinas church Meeting Room.

Bletchley Pro Life Group
‘You are cordially invited to the inaugural meeting of our newly created parish pro-life group under the patronage of St Philomena. The group is being launched locally with the mission of promoting and defending the life and dignity of every innocent human being from conception to natural death.
The first meeting will take place on Monday 2 March 2020 at 7pm at the St Thomas Aquinas meeting room. We will discuss the aims and objectives of the group and the various roles and activities each one of us can contribute.’
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5

Bereavement Support Group
Do you miss someone? Would you like to talk about it? Our Parish Bereavement Group gives you the safe space to share your grief following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who are gone and reflect on our faith to guide us through. Monday 9th March 3.30-5:00 pm
Now at a change of venue:
St Thomas Aquinas Church Meeting Room (MK2 2JE)

Celebration 2020
Celebration provides religious formation to young people from year 6 up to 6th form. It is a residential weekend being held at Thornton School from 28th -30th August. Application forms are available from Fr Christopher.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

The Year of the Word
There will be a great DIOCESAN SCRIPTURE FEST on June 6 in Thornton College. It is hoped that as many as possible will go, especially all Parish readers. See http://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search WORDFEST2020 for the booking details.

Youth Conference
NYMO will be hosting a Youth Ministry Conference on the 7th March, for all who love young people in our Church, and want to work to lead them to a closer encounter with Christ. The event is being held at the RE Centre in Luton. More details at https://nymo.org/conference/ or call Fiona on 01582 720627

Unwanted Christmas Gifts
suitable for CAFOD £stall or raffle, please leave in Food Bank Box at the front of church.

Coach Trips
*Thursday 16th July to Cromer leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm. Cost £15 per person.
*Thursday 17th September to Portsmouth leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm Cost £15 per person.
To book your seat phone Michael/Vivienne Smith on 01908 507184.
**Disclaimer – This trip is not organised by the Parish, the Parish therefore takes no responsibility for it.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

This Week’s Liturgies
Ordinary Time Year A

Sunday Seventh Sunday of the Year
6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration
3:00pm (STA) Mass (especially for those with Dementia and their careers) All welcome

ASH WEDNESDAY The Beginning of Lent
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Stations of the Cross
11:00am (AS) Mass
7:00pm (AS) Mass

Thursday Lent Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Lent Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Saturday Lent Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for February
Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered

CORONOVIRUS (Corvid-19)
Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes
Everyone is invited to practice universal good hygiene at Mass.
• All Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are asked to use the hand sanitising gel (available at the back of church).
• Those with cold-like symptoms are asked to refrain from receiving the Precious Blood and to refrain from receiving the Sacred Host directly on the tongue. NB: The fullness of Holy Communion (Jesus’ actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) can be received under one kind, i.e. the sacred Host.
• Whilst it is always optional at Mass the Sign of Peace has not at this time been suspended.
• Copies of the Document from which the above is drawn can be found on the noticeboard.

Phoenix Youth Group
Tuesday 25th February, 7:30pm – 9pm
St Thomas Aquinas Church Meeting room (MK2 2JE)
For young people in the Parish in school years 7-11 Come along for Pizza, games and an opportunity to share and reflect on our Catholic faith.

2020 Northampton Diocesan Directories
The latest Directory is now available at the back of each Church for the bargain price of just £3! It is full of useful information concerning each of the Parishes within the Diocese, including Mass times, clergy, prayer groups and statistics. There are also articles on ordinations to both the Priesthood and Diaconate and Obituaries for the Clergy who have died in the last year. Snap up a copy while they last!

Palm Crosses
Traditionally we burn the old palms from last year to make the Ash that we receive on Ash Wednesday. Could all parishioners please bring in last year’s palms, so that the ash can be produced for this year’s services on 26th February.

“Walk with Me” Lent Booklets
Available form the back of church for £1

Bletchley Pro Life Group
‘You are cordially invited to the inaugural meeting of our newly created parish pro-life group under the patronage of St Philomena. The group is being launched locally with the mission of promoting and defending the life and dignity of every innocent human being from conception to natural death. The first meeting will take place on Monday 2 March 2020 at 7pm at the St Thomas Aquinas meeting room. We will discuss the aims and objectives of the group and the various roles and activities each one of us can contribute.’
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5

Celebration 2020
Celebration provides religious formation to young people from year 6 up to 6th form. It is a residential weekend being held at Thornton School from 28th -30th August. Application forms are available from Fr Christopher.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

The Year of the Word
There will be a great DIOCESAN SCRIPTURE FEST on June 6 in Thornton College. It is hoped that as many as possible will go, especially all Parish readers. See http://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search WORDFEST2020 for the booking details.

Youth Conference
NYMO will be hosting a Youth Ministry Conference on the 7th March, for all who love young people in our Church, and want to work to lead them to a closer encounter with Christ. The event is being held at the RE Centre in Luton. More details at https://nymo.org/conference/ or call Fiona on 01582 720627

CAFOD Family Fast Day
Please join us for a continental breakfast after 10am Mass on Friday 6th March in St Thomas Aquinas church Meeting Room.

Unwanted Christmas Gifts
suitable for CAFOD £stall or raffle, please leave in Food Bank Box at the front of church.

Vocations Weekend for Young Women
Theme: Discernment and Vocation
Dates: 28th Feb – 1 March 2020
Location: Liverpool
The weekend is organised by the sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). There is nothing quite like religious life – it’s an extraordinary adventure into a deep relationship with God.
If you are wondering if God is calling you to religious life and would like to find out more why not come along? You are welcome to stay for the weekend or just come along on Saturday for the day. There will be opportunity for prayer, reflection and input, chance to ask questions and to meet others who are also wondering where God is calling them.
For more information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or visit our website http://www.fcjsisters.org

Coach Trips
*Thursday 16th July to Cromer leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm. Cost £15 per person.
*Thursday 17th September to Portsmouth leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm Cost £15 per person.
To book your seat phone Michael/Vivienne Smith on
01908 507184.
**Disclaimer – This trip is not organised by the Parish, the Parish therefore takes no responsibility for it.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

This Week’s Liturgies
Ordinary Time Year A

Sunday Sixth Sunday of the Year

6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration
1:30pm (AS) Nuptial Mass Kieren Malone & Melissa Rowley

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
7:00pm (AS) Word of Life: Mass, teaching and Adoration

Saturday Feast: Chair of St Peter
11:00am Bishop Peter’s Leaving Mass at Northampton Cathedral
NB No Mass or Confessions today at St Thomas Aquinas Church

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

CORONOVIRUS
Catholic Bishops of England and Wales Guidelines for Catholic Parishes
Everyone is invited to practice universal good hygiene at Mass.
• All Extra-Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are asked to use the hand sanitising gel (available at the back of church).
• Those with cold-like symptoms are asked to refrain from receiving the Precious Blood and to refrain from receiving the Sacred Host directly on the tongue. NB: We receive the fullness of Holy Communion (Jesus’ actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity) when we receive Holy Communion under one kind only.
• Whilst it is always optional at Mass the Sign of Peace has not at this time been suspended.
• Copies of the Document from which the above is drawn can be found on the noticeboard.

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for February
Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered

Bishop Peter’s Farewell Mass
A “Farewell Mass” for Bishop Peter will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 11:00am on Saturday, 22nd February. All are very welcome to attend but please note that there is limited seating and parking at the Cathedral. It is advised to get there in plenty of time. We pray for God’s blessing for Bishop Peter as he continues his ministry, and for our bishop-elect, Canon David Oakley:

O Lord, who for the feeding of your flock
have chosen your servant David as our bishop elect,
grant him, we pray,
a spirit of counsel and fortitude,
a spirit of knowledge and piety,
so that, by faithfully governing the people entrusted to him,
he may build up in the world the sacrament of the Church
Through Christ our Lord, AMEN

Change of Schedule
There will be no Confessions or Mass on Saturday 22nd February at St Thomas Aquinas Church due to the Bishop’s Leaving Mass at the Cathedral.

Requiescat in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Phyllis Harrison, whose Funeral service will be at 3:30pm on Monday 17th February at Crownhill Crematorium.
Stephen Hunt, Jo Hunt would like to express her sincere thanks to everyone for the gifts of Mass cards and expressions of sympathy of the loss her son Stephen whose Funeral Service took place on 5th February.

SVP Retiring Collection This Weekend

The Word of Life Team…
You are cordially invited to our Word of Life teaching and prayer ministry on Friday 21st February 2020 and every 3rd Friday of the month, at All Saints Church.
*Featuring: Mass and Teaching; Adoration;
Worship/Praises and Prayers
*Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
*Venue: All Saints Church, Shenley Road,
Bletchley, (Milton Keynes) MK3 6HG.
Come and enjoy the glory, beauty and power of His presence. Everything you need is with Jesus. Come with your family and invite your friends.

2020 Northampton Diocesan Directories
The latest Directory is now available at the back of each Church for the bargain price of just £3! It is full of useful information concerning each of the Parishes within the Diocese, including Mass times, clergy, prayer groups and statistics. There are also articles on ordinations to both the Priesthood and Diaconate and Obituaries for the Clergy who have died in the last year. Snap up a copy while they last!

Palm Crosses
Traditionally we burn the old palms from last year to make the Ash that we receive on Ash Wednesday. Could all parishioners please bring in last year’s palms, for the next two weekends, so that the ash can be produced for this year’s services on 26th February

Ash Wednesday – 26th February
Mass Times
10:00am Mass St Thomas Aquinas Church
11:00am Mass All Saints Church
7:00pm Mass All Saints Church
“Walk with Me” Lent Booklets
Available form the back of church for £1

Celebration 2020
Celebration provides religious formation to young people from year 6 up to 6th form. It is a residential weekend being held at Thornton School from 28th -30th August. Application forms are available from Fr Christopher.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

The Year of the Word
There will be a great DIOCESAN SCRIPTURE FEST on June 6 in Thornton College. It is hoped that as many as possible will go, especially all Parish readers. See http://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search WORDFEST2020 for the booking details.

Youth Conference
NYMO will be hosting a Youth Ministry Conference on the 7th March, for all who love young people in our Church, and want to work to lead them to a closer encounter with Christ. The event is being held at the RE Centre in Luton. More details at https://nymo.org/conference/ or call Fiona on 01582 720627

CAFOD Family Fast Day
Please join us for a continental breakfast after 10am Mass on Friday 6th March in St Thomas Aquinas church Meeting Room.

Unwanted Christmas Gifts
suitable for CAFOD £stall or raffle, please leave in Food Bank Box at the front of church.

CAFOD Supporters’ event – All welcome
Come and hear from CAFOD’s Director, Christine Allen, about her experience visiting our partners and giving input at global events, be inspired by other supporters and have an energising session. Sat 22 Feb – St Augustine Church, 1 Langcliffe Drive, Heelands, Milton Keynes MK13 7PL 10:30am – 1.30pm (coffee/tea from 10am with shared lunch from 1:30pm).
Please let us know you are coming – 01494 863 777 or northampton@cafod.org.uk.

Coach Trips
*Thursday 16th July to Cromer leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm. Cost £15 per person.
*Thursday 17th September to Portsmouth leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm Cost £15 per person.
To book your seat phone Michael/Vivienne Smith on
01908 507184.
**Disclaimer – This trip is not organised by the Parish, the Parish therefore takes no responsibility for it.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

This Week’s Liturgies
Ordinary Time Year A

Sunday Fifth Sunday of the Year
6:00pm (STA) (Saturday) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

Monday Memoria: St Scholastica
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration
1:45pm (AS) Funeral Service for Robert Christopher Jones

Tuesday Memoria: Our Lady of Lourdes
8:00am (BPS) Mass at Bishop Parker School
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feast: Ss Cyril & Methodias
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Saturday Memoria: Our Lady on Saturday
9:30am (STA)
Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for February
Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered

Bishop Peter’s Farewell Mass
A “Farewell Mass” for Bishop Peter will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 11:00am on Saturday, 22nd February. All are very welcome to attend but please note that there is limited seating and parking at the Cathedral. It is advised to get there in plenty of time.
We pray for God’s blessing for Bishop Peter as he continues his ministry, and for our bishop-elect, Canon David Oakley:

O Lord, who for the feeding of your flock
have chosen your servant David as our bishop elect,
grant him, we pray,
a spirit of counsel and fortitude,
a spirit of knowledge and piety,
so that, by faithfully governing the people entrusted to him,
he may build up in the world the sacrament of the Church
Through Christ our Lord, AMEN

Bishop Peter’s retirement gift from the Parish. Last week’s Second Collection raised £1,200 which we now send to Bishop Peter for his retirement.

Requiescat in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of

Robert Christopher Jones, whose Funeral service will be at 1:45pm on Monday 10th February at All Saints Church.

Bereavement Support Group
Do you miss someone? Would you like to talk about it? Our Parish Bereavement Group gives you the safe space to share your grief following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who are gone and reflect on our faith to guide us through. Monday 10th February, 3.30-5:00 pm
Now at a change of venue:
St Thomas Aquinas Church Meeting Room (MK2 2JE

Coffee after the 11am Mass today
The ladies of the Society of St Theresa and the Child Jesus will be serving refreshments after the 11am Mass at All Saints in the Meeting Room. Everyone welcome!

Celebration 2020
Celebration provides religious formation to young people from year 6 up to 6th form. It is a residential weekend being held at Thornton School from 28th -30th August. Application forms are available from Fr Christopher.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
You are invited to a Rosary gathering / procession to honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to pray for the sick. Tuesday 11th February 2020 at 6pm. Meeting outside Christ the Cornerstone 300 Saxon Gate west, Central Milton Keynes MK9 2ES. For more information please phone Monica
on 07401 366330.

Thinking Theology Lecture
‘Camino to Santiago – A Pilgrim’s Story’ The spiritual Significance of Pilgrimage in the 21st Century.
Monday 23rd March 2020 at 7.00pm, The Chapel, St Pauls Catholic School. Guest Speaker Fr Brendan Seery.
Admission Free

The Year of the Word
There will be a great DIOCESAN SCRIPTURE FEST on June 6 in Thornton College. It is hoped that as many as possible will go, especially all Parish readers. See http://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search WORDFEST2020 for the booking details.

Youth Conference
NYMO will be hosting a Youth Ministry Conference on the 7th March, for all who love young people in our Church, and want to work to lead them to a closer encounter with Christ. The event is being held at the RE Centre in Luton. More details at https://nymo.org/conference/ or call Fiona on 01582 720627

CAFOD Family Fast Day
Please join us for a continental breakfast after 10am Mass on Friday 6th March in St Thomas Aquinas church Meeting Room.

Unwanted Christmas Gifts
suitable for CAFOD £stall or raffle, please leave in Food Bank Box at the front of church.

CAFOD Supporters’ event – All welcome
Come and hear from CAFOD’s Director, Christine Allen, about her experience visiting our partners and giving input at global events, be inspired by other supporters and have an energising session. Sat 22 Feb – St Augustine Church, 1 Langcliffe Drive, Heelands, Milton Keynes MK13 7PL 10:30am – 1.30pm (coffee/tea from 10am with shared lunch from 1:30pm).
Please let us know you are coming – 01494 863 777 or northampton@cafod.org.uk.

Coach Trips
*Thursday 16th July to Cromer leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm. Cost £15 per person.
*Thursday 17th September to Portsmouth leaving All Saints Church 8am Returning 4pm Cost £15 per person.
To book your seat phone Michael/Vivienne Smith on
01908 507184.
**Disclaimer – This trip is not organised by the Parish, the Parish therefore takes no responsibility for it.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel